Sony S550 Release Date

[kevinokev]

Also, where was it said that they will release a firmware update to activate DTS-MA decoding internally. I've seen a few posts here, but haven't seen the offical word from Sony...this was supposed to decode every format internally. Not cool as this was part of the large price increase from the 350... Not cool indeed.

[garak]

Originally Posted by kevinokev

Also, where was it said that they will release a firmware update to activate DTS-MA decoding internally. I've seen a few posts here, but haven't seen the offical word from Sony...this was supposed to decode every format internally. Not cool as this was part of the large price increase from the 350... Not cool indeed.

Sony removed that clause from their web page.

That really makes me worried that they've decided to drop support of dts-HD decoding.

I was all set to buy this player, but now since internal decoding of dts-HD appears to have been dropped, I'm not sure. I may reconsider the panny BD-50, wait for the panny BD-55, or ---gulp--- spring for the Denon 3800 or Sony 5000ES.

[kevinokev]

Yikes...I am planning on getting a new receiver in the coming months (Onkyo SR705) which I would then use as my decoder. I've just got this bug in my head to get the 550 since I've waiting so long for it.

Sigh...Grab your gun, I'll bring the bullets.

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by kevinokev

Also, where was it said that they will release a firmware update to activate DTS-MA decoding internally. I've seen a few posts here, but haven't seen the offical word from Sony...this was supposed to decode every format internally. Not cool as this was part of the large price increase from the 350... Not cool indeed.

The language on the Sony Style product description now says the player has "Dolby TrueHD internal decoding and bitstream via HDMI for Dolby TrueHD and dts-MA". That section used to say dts-MA decoding would require a firmware update. But, the firmware language is now gone. It would appear that dts-MA decoding may not be available on this player. But, I guess we'll know for sure soon enough.

[sarge1976]

+1 kevinokev

[garak]

As was mentioned in another thread, you can preorder this player for $351 from abt.com. So at that price I figured what the hell and preordered it.

If it doesn't support dts-HD (or MA) internal decoding, at that price I won't feel too bad. And I'll probably get a pre/pro that decodes dts-HD soon enough anyway.

[johnnyd1]

Originally Posted by BIslander

The language on the Sony Style product description now says the player has "Dolby TrueHD internal decoding and bitstream via HDMI for Dolby TrueHD and dts-MA". That section used to say dts-MA decoding would require a firmware update. But, the firmware language is now gone. It would appear that dts-MA decoding may not be available on this player. But, I guess we'll know for sure soon enough.

Go to ABT and read the spec sheet !

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by johnnyd1

Go to ABT and read the spec sheet !

I generally prefer to get my information from the source rather than a third party. Crutchfield also lists dts-MA decoding as a feature of the S550. That may very well be the case. Or, perhaps not. It is not clear from the Sony literature.

[johnnyd1]

Originally Posted by BIslander

I generally prefer to get my information from the source rather than a third party. Crutchfield also lists dts-MA decoding as a feature of the S550. That may very well be the case. Or, perhaps not. It is not clear from the Sony literature.

I believe ABT has the actual SONY spec sheet from the machine ...

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by johnnyd1

I believe ABT has the actual SONY spec sheet from the machine ...

It sure looks like a release from Sony, although you never know whether retailers are allowed to add anything on their own. The bullet points at the top, the part where it says there's dts-HD internal decoding, are not on the version posted at the Sony Style site. The description of how it handles high res audio and the audio specs listed later on the sheet at ABT do match what's posted at sonystyle.com, including all of the confusing language.

It sure would be nice if Sony would just say whether dts-MA decoding will be included at release, included later with a firmware update, or not at all.

[johnnyd1]

Originally Posted by BIslander

It sure looks like a release from Sony, although you never know whether retailers are allowed to add anything on their own. The bullet points at the top, the part where it says there's dts-HD internal decoding, are not on the version posted at the Sony Style site. The description of how it handles high res audio and the audio specs listed later on the sheet at ABT do match what's posted at sonystyle.com, including all of the confusing language.

It sure would be nice if Sony would just say whether dts-MA decoding will be included at release, included later with a firmware update, or not at all.

I'll let you know when I get it !