What can i get with optical? so confussed.

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by Pondosinatra

Ok, so no latest audio over Optical or I'm guessing Digital Coax....

The same applies to Coaxial connection too. Yes.

However, if I still want to experience HD Audio goodness without using HDMI I can still get it by using composite cables to each speaker (RCA jacks) correct?

Aye, I need confirmation from someone else on this one.
Are you referring to BD players' internal decoders?
I believe this very much depends on the DAC used in the players itself.

I've tried listening Pirates of the Caribbean on my PS3. And the difference between PCM 5.1 (24-bit/48kHz) and Dolby Digital 640kbps were zero using composite output. But it is *much* improved when I bitstream out using Optical TOSLINK.

My point is, even though I may be playing PCM 5.1 on my PS3, the poor DAC on the console meant that the output quality has offered little to no significant improvement over the Dolby Digital option.

Of course, this is my personal experience with my PS3. I can't comment on the other standalone BD players.

Also, anybody may feel free to correct me if this post is errorneous.