Multichannel PCM Over HDMI

[kingofgrills]

Hi! I searched the forum for my question, but I wasn't able to find an answer. Hopefully, you can help me eliminate my confusion on the subject. I have seen conflicting information on this, and I don't know what's what anymore.

When it comes to playing multichannel PCM over HDMI, what should I look for in the receiver for it to work properly? Specifically, the PS3 will decode and send Dolby TrueHD and uncompressed 7.1 PCM via HDMI 1.3 to a surround receiver. Can a receiver fitted with HDMI 1.1 or 1.2 transmit the audio signal correctly in a 7.1 channel format, or do I need a receiver with HDMI v1.3 or higher?

I'm looking to upgrade to an HDMI equipped Yamaha receiver, so I can enjoy uncompressed multichannel BD tracks and multichannel SACD playback from my PS3. I don't think I need to upgrade to the RX-V 1800 to achieve what I need, especially since the PS3 won't pass the bitstream for the receiver to decode anyway.

Will any HDMI equipped Yamaha work, or do I need to shoot for HDMI 1.2a or higher? What will work for uncompressed multichannel PCM? Specifically, I'm looking at the Yamaha HTR-6080, 6060, RX-V861, or RX-V661.

I thought I had everything down, but things have gotten cloudy lately. Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated.

[nhaase]

AFAIK, any rcvr which accepts audio through HDMI should accept the LPCM.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Specifically, I'm looking at the Yamaha HTR-6080, 6060, RX-V861, or RX-V661.

im not very familiar with the 6060,6080 (these canadian versions?)....but I know the RXV-661 and 881 will both do 7.1PCM.

as far as which receiver can do multichannel Linear PCM? any hdmi 1.1 or higher that can process hdmi audio. (my own rule of thumb is if it costs less than $300 most likely it does not process hdmi audio)

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

im not very familiar with the 6060,6080 (these canadian versions?)....but I know the RXV-661 and 881 will both do 7.1PCM.

as far as which receiver can do multichannel Linear PCM? any hdmi 1.1 or higher that can process hdmi audio. (my own rule of thumb is if it costs less than $300 most likely it does not process hdmi audio)

Thanks, Crackinhedz! I was hoping you'd come bail me out. The HTR-6060 and HTR-6080 are actually the RX-V661 and RX-V881 with gold face lettering instead of white. Yamaha maintains two product series, RX-V and HTR to support two distribution channels. Audio specialty retail stores receive the RX-V line, while discount stores and most authorized online dealers get the HTR line.

So HDMI 1.1 and I'm good, right? All HDMI equipped Yamaha receivers can play multi-channel SACD via HDMI, so I think I'm all set. Thanks for the confirmation!

[Robmx]

I have been checking out the RX V661 as well. I love the Pure Direct Mode.... Sounds Awesome !

Also thinking about HK 247 as well as Futureshop.ca has it on for $200 off and only $499....

New models coming soon though so I might wait.... good deals are tempting though !

[MouseRider]

Originally Posted by nhaase

AFAIK, any rcvr which accepts audio through HDMI should accept the LPCM.

While that is true the number of LPCM channels it can accept may vary.