HDMI 1.3 necessary for my new system? Tried searching, still confused

[Higgs1]

Hello, I ended up ordering the Onkyo 7200 HTIB and it supports DTS Master Audio but i'm not sure if I need to upgrade my HDMI cables.

I will be using my PS3 & Motorola HD DVR Cable box via HDMI & my 360 via Optical cable and have older HDMI cables for both the ps3 & cable box.

I have been looking for some time now on the HDMI cables and how 1.3

New HD lossless audio formats: In addition to HDMI’s current ability to support high-bandwidth uncompressed digital audio and all currently-available compressed formats (such as Dolby® Digital and DTS®), HDMI 1.3 adds additional support for new lossless compressed digital audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™.

So does that mean I will require the new 1.3 cables for my surround sound to work with the HD Audio?

I just want to make sure so I can order new cables before my system gets here on Wed. so I don't have to wait to have it all set up.

I'm sorry if i've asked something thats been gone through alot I'm just kinda confused & spent alot of money on my new system & want it to work to the best of its abilities.

Thanks

[crackinhedz]

you probably do not need new hdmi cables...but yoou will need one to go from the receiver to the TV. (if you dont already have an extra cable)

If you get clean picture and your receiver lights up "Dts-HD MA" or "Dolby TrueHD" then you will know your cables are ok.

[Higgs1]

well the system comes in on Wed & yes ur right I will need at least 1 new cable to go from the Rec. to the TV, that's why I'm asking now so i can order the additional 2 (that I may need) all together so they're here on the same day so I can hook it all up.

Thanks for the fast response BTW, much appreciated

[crackinhedz]

Do you have a PS3 slim?

if not, you just have a regular PS3 fat, then your receiver will never light up "Dts-HD MA" or "Dolby TrueHD" from the PS3.

[Higgs1]

yup still rocking my launch PS3 with BC lol.....its not going to light up but it's still going to support all the codecs right?

[crackinhedz]

its not going to light up but it's still going to support all the codecs right?

Yes, the receiver is still capable of decoding all codecs for future use with another device that can Bitstream lossless audio.

Also, the PS3 is capable of decoding all codecs, so you're set either way.

[RBBrittain]

You only need one additional HDMI cable, from PS3 to AVR; you can use your existing cables from cable box to AVR and from AVR to TV. Since you clarified that you have a launch B/C ("fat") model, it does *NOT* have to be HDMI 1.3.

"Fat" PS3's won't bitstream TrueHD & DTS-HD MA (that's what the text you quoted is referring to), but they will decode TrueHD & DTS-HD MA and send them over an HDMI 1.1 connection as LPCM, which your Onkyo will accept. (That's also an option for "slim" PS3's, which can bitstream.)

[Higgs1]

yes i have the og fat ps3 lol and will order just 1 new HDMI cable, thanks for the advice guys, you really set my mind at easy lol i'm very anxious to get this all set up & have been a little weary about making sure I have the right cables.

next up is making sure my ps3 is set to the proper audio settings once I install the HT i'll wait for wednesday to look for those answers :-)

[Steve]

Here's a quote Big Daddy posted in another thread that may be helpful to you:

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

HDMI 1.2 and 1.3 apply to HDMI output port (chip) on the player and the input port (chip) on the receiver. It has nothing to do with cables. HDMI 1.2 is required for SACD and DSD bitsreaming and HDMI 1.3 becomes important when you are bitstreaming your audio from the BD player to the receiver for HD audio such as DTS-HD MA or Dolby TrueHD. If you set the player to output audio in LPCM, any version of HDMI is adequate.

HDMI cables are certified according to Category 1 and Category 2 specifications. If a cable is not certified, it does not mean that it will not meet the Category 2 specifications. Chances are that even the cheapest HDMI cable will meet all your requirements.

Another specification for cables is CL2. That is for in-wall installations and meeting the fire and insurance regulations.

For additional information, read A Guide to Home Theater Audio Codecs and the FAQ page of HDMI.org.