Linear PCM vs Bitstream

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by Luis_A51

False.

Firstly you dont "decode" pcm into anything, its already decoded. There is also no such thing as "better" decoding. So just because your receiver can decode it doesnt mean it has to. As long as your receiver can handle 5.1 PCM (or 7.1 PCM) then you should set it to PCM. THis way you dont have to go back and change the settings for TrueHD

With the PS3 there is no reason to own a receiver that does TrueHD or DTS MA through bitstream. The 1st reason is that the PS3 cannot send these as bitstream, the second being that having the receiver decode it does not provide any benefits. It is pure marketing. What you should REALLY look for when buying a receiver is 7.1 PCM support.

Actually, a high-quality receiver can decode and output codecs better than some players can, especially DTS-ES, like the post before yours stated. The better the DAC in a receiver, the more dynamic range the soundfield will have. When the PS3 decodes it, it only applies what the software in the cell processor tells it to apply. When a better quality BD player decodes the codec, like a Pioneer Elite, it applies more dynamic range to the sound then the standard that the PS3 applies.
It is a big difference in what you get out of the player. There are reasons the players are more money than others. They DO have better video and audio processing. A DTS track is not decoded the same in every player. The bitstreaming of audio is key to a receivers worth.
You are correct, a PCM track is the same whether it comes from the receiver or player. As for the new HD codecs, when the new players come out and can bitstream those codecs, you will hear a different sound from those than you will the PS3 decoding. You are correct, the PS3 will never bitstream those codecs, as the HDMI 1.3 was not really a true 1.3 plug. I do not know why the DTS-HDMA firmware has not hit yet. I am a little worried as to the complexity of the decoding in relation to the PS3's ability to truly decode it. Again, the better the player, the easier it can do things.
Do not get me wrong, I own a PS3 and think it is the best player on the market. But if the format is moving forward, the audio needs to also. That is why all these new players are coming out. The PS3's cell can only do so much. Remeber, it is there for many other things, besides playing BD movies. Be careful with your cynicism with the 'marketing' comment. Any audiophile will tell you that the better the player/receiver, the more you will get out of it.