How to determine if a receiver can matrix a 5.1 audio track into 7.1?

[krizzz]

Originally Posted by nismo604

LPCM= uncompressed audio
TrueHD/DTS-MA= LPCM that is compressed but once decoded is LPCM.

LPCM=TrueHD=DTS-MA

Bitstreaming is what you do if you want to let your AVR do the decoding. The PS3 can bitstream lossy codec ie. regular Dolby Digital and DTS but due to hardware limitations the PS3 can't bitstream TrueHD and DTS-MA. What the PS3 can do is decode TrueHD/DTS-MA and pass it on as LPCM via HDMI only. Since you're hooked up via optical your best option is to bitstream regular DD/DTS as LPCM output is only restricted to 2 channel on optical. Unfortunately you will not be able to take advantage of lossless sound without a new AVR or get a standalone that can decode and has analog outs to send it to your AVR, that is provided that your AVR has 5.1/7.1 analog inputs.

You definitely seem to know you're stuff, so I'm going to ask the $50,000 question...assuming I get the right AVR (Onkyo 706, Pioneer 1018, or other) that will decode all of the formats over HDMI and do 5.1 to 7.1 matrix sound, how do I want to set up my gear? PS3 on Bitstream? PS3 on LPCM? Decode on the receiver? (Note: I read about 5 pages of the sticky and couldn't makes heads or tails of what was the best approach). Thanks for all the good info!

[nismo604]

Originally Posted by krizzz

You definitely seem to know you're stuff, so I'm going to ask the $50,000 question...assuming I get the right AVR (Onkyo 706, Pioneer 1018, or other) that will decode all of the formats over HDMI and do 5.1 to 7.1 matrix sound, how do I want to set up my gear? PS3 on Bitstream? PS3 on LPCM? Decode on the receiver? (Note: I read about 5 pages of the sticky and couldn't makes heads or tails of what was the best approach). Thanks for all the good info!

Honestly if you're going to continue using the PS3 as your player you don't need an AVR that can decode TrueHD and DTS-MA only a receiver that accepts LPCM over HDMI.