Problem when using HDMI as the audio output

[JBlacklow]

Originally Posted by w241072

Does it mean that the sound quality is same as DD/DTS if I choose PCM in the PS3, as the PS3 will do all the audio codec change

If you choose PCM in the PS3, it will decode whatever codecs it can and send it as PCM to your receiver. Right now, the PS3 can decode Dolby Digital(-EX) and DTS(-ES), as well as Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD. If you've got a receiver capable of handling multichannel PCM through HDMI (and it sounds like you do), then you want to set the PS3 to PCM. This ensures that you're not only getting the older codecs (DD and DTS), but the newer codecs (DD+. TrueHD, and hopefully in the future DTS-HD:Master) and uncompressed 5.1/7.1 PCM tracks as well. Despite the hype, you don't really need a HDMI 1.3 receiver if your player can decode the signal internally.

Originally Posted by Blu-ray San

So with all this audio talk, what is the best settings for the PS3 when hooked up to a surround sound system using the optical cable?

If you're using optical, then setting the PS3 to Bitstream is your best option. Unfortunately, either copy protection or bandwidth limits means that optical will only carry DD or DTS, not the newer codecs or uncompressed PCM. That being said, if you have a receiver that can handle PCM over HDMI, use it.

Also, my only issue with the audio settings is that you have to keep switching from HDMI to Optical o the Audio settings to change between the surround sound and TV. Doesn't just switch the sound to your stereo once you turn on your receiver and have your TV on mute.

Could you clarify this? I'm reading it as HDMI audio means HDMI video, and vice versa. However, you can set video to HDMI and audio to optical on the PS3, since they're separate settings, but if you're passing HDMI through the receiver, it needs to be on and set to the proper HDMI input before you turn on the PS3 to ensure proper "handshaking".