Please help me understand audio codecs...

[Blu Lightsaber]

Hi. I'm using an older receiver that has your typical Pro Logic, 5.1 Dolby Digital and 5.1 DTS audio codecs and plan to upgrade to a new receiver that will allow me add an additional two rear speakers for 7.1 surround sound. Am I correct in thinking that if my Blu-ray or standard upconverting DVD player will decode the newest audio formats (there are too many to list) and both are connected to the receiver via HDMI, then my receiver doesn't need to have the latest and greatest built in decoders to support the latest audio formats? Or will I need a receiver that has the ability to internally decode the latest audio codecs as well?

[Clark Kent]

The new advanced audio codecs(Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA) can be decoded either in the player or the receiver, you don't need both to do it. Be aware though that very few Blu-ray players currently decode all advanced codecs and most people enjoying them in their full lossless glory are bitstreaming them over HDMI 1.3 to a receiver capable of decoding them like the Onkyo 605. There are players that will decode all soundtracks like the coming Denon players and the Panasonic BD-50 which means you could use an older receiver that doesn't decode the new audio codecs.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Blu Lightsaber

Hi. I'm using an older receiver that has your typical Pro Logic, 5.1 Dolby Digital and 5.1 DTS audio codecs and plan to upgrade to a new receiver that will allow me add an additional two rear speakers for 7.1 surround sound. Am I correct in thinking that if my Blu-ray or standard upconverting DVD player will decode the newest audio formats (there are too many to list) and both are connected to the receiver via HDMI, then my receiver doesn't need to have the latest and greatest built in decoders to support the latest audio formats? Or will I need a receiver that has the ability to internally decode the latest audio codecs as well?

You have to make sure that your new receiver has 7.1 (7 speakers and one subwoffer) outputs for the speakers. Read the following article.

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/el...rs/review.html

[Blu Lightsaber]

Thank you both so much for your help. I really appreciate it.