Audio and the PS3

[Slec]

Being that many use the PS3 as their blu-ray player this thread is meant to aid in the setup of your PS3 for optimum performance in the home theater. This thread discusses what the PS3's CURRENT abilities are, not what it has the capability of doing, or may do in the future.

For basics on HD audio, check out the HD Audio and How to get it thread and check out the HD Codecs explained thread.

If you have a 'fat' or older PS3, and you WANT HD AUDIO, YOU WILL NEED TO SET THE PS3 TO LINEAR PCM OVER HDMI TO A COMPATIBLE RECEIVER you cannot bitstream HD audio due to a hardware limitation. The PS3 Slim, however CAN bitstream information. How to achieve this is covered in post #2 below

The full specs of the PS3 can be found on this site for the 60 & 80 gig as well as the 40 gig.
Here's a good read on SACD support for the older PS3 models from blu-ray.com and another from a dedicated PS3 SACD site. <discovery credit to The Seventh Taylor>

Many new receivers have multiple assignable inputs for video and audio. It is important to make sure you go through your receiver's menu system, assign the connections to a corresponding field (CBL/Sat, DVD, Gaming etc...) in order to take advantage of HD codecs.

Setting up for HD audio (7.1 PCM, 5.1 PCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTSHD-MA, DTS, Dolby Digital, 2.0 PCM)

In order to use the PS3 and take advantage of the HD audio codecs you will need a receiver that accepts HDMI 1.1 and also ensure the audio can be transmitted to the receiver (a small segment of receivers only ultilize video switching over HDMI). These receivers start around $350 and go up from there based on options and features. You will of course also need an HDMI cable.

One of the main benefits of an HDMI connection is that it requires one single cable to transmit audio and video. The PS3 has HDMI 1.3a capabilities which means that although it can transmit the benefits of deep color, it is unable to bitstream HD audio codecs. This is a hardware issue an could only be fixed with future models, not firmware. However, the PS3 can decode DTSHD-MA and Dolby TrueHD internally and send out to the receiver as PCM. In order to fully realize HD audio (PCM, DTSHD-MA, & Dolby TrueHD) you should set your PS3 to Linear PCM through HDMI.

As the PS3 has internal decoding, it will be displayed as "PCM" or "Multichannel" on the Receiver.


Make sure to mark your settings
Settings > BD/DVD Settings > BD/DVD Audio Output Format (HDMI) > Linear PCM
Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings > HDMI > Automatic

If your having trouble with your audio, click Manual under the Sound settings as in the above. This will take you to the output format screen where you can check and uncheck sound formats based on the capabilities of your receiver. You can find this information in the receiver's manual.



*You can also bitstream audio out over HDMI but this will only allow for traditional "lossy" core tracks from Dolby Digital and DTS. In order to take advantage of TrueHD or DTSHD-MA, it MUST be set to 'Linear PCM' (the PS3 will handle internal decoding).

What if I have an HDTV without HDMI?

If you have an older tv that is 480i/480p/1080i and does not accept HDMI, you can still take advantage of HD audio with a compatible receiver. Simply use the Sony provided (or similar) Component out for video and connect the HDMI cable to your compatible receiver and follow the setup stated above. You will most likely have to assign the HDMI input for audio through your receiver. This can be found in your receivers setup menu.


What if I don't have HDMI?

If you don't have and HDMI compatible receiver you can still get surround sound. This can be accomplished in two ways, TOSlink (optical) or Analog (red/white RCA's).

Make sure you set your audio settings to reflect that you are using Optical.
Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings > Digital Out (Optical)
Settings > BD/DVD Settings > BD/DVD Audio Output Format (Optical Digital) > 'bitstream'

With this selected you will only be able to achieve the traditional "lossy" core tracks from Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 or 2.0 PCM (stereo). If your disc does not list Dolby Digital or DTS alone, have no fear, these tracks are embedded in their lossless counterparts. Choose TrueHD or DTSHD-MA and you will get the core track as long as the settings are as described above.

If you choose to use analog outs (red/white RCA's) you will not get true surround sound. Your receiver will take the audio information from stereo and matrix it out to your 5.1 system so each speaker receives the same signal. This can be found under:
Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings > "Audio Input Connector / SCART/ AV Multi"

Atlona Tech and Ambery have released eerily similar devices that will de-embed or strip the LPCM from HDMI and output it for use with Analog inputs on a receiver.




Atlona Tech AT-HD570
Audioholics review of AT-HD570
Ambery AU-HDMICP


CD & mp3 playback

When playing a CD or file off the hard drive, update 2.7 has provided a change that allows the PS3 to transmit music as 2.0 PCM. This applies to CD's, mp3's on the hard disk, and music that has been streamed from other sources. This update will allow the music to be matrixed into All Stereo or any other music setting (DSP) available on your receiver.

For those who like to listen in Stereo (which incidentally is how the music was originally recorded), just make sure your receiver is set to Direct, pure direct, or stereo mode.


Linear PCM and Bitstream on the Fly

You can easily toggle between the two settings while the movie is in play. This allows you to switch back and forth without having to stop in the middle of the movie.

Press the Triangle button and go to A/V Settings

Here's a similar article on Engadget, tracked down by Brett_Day

[Slec]

PS3 Slim

Though the first post is mainly intended to make sure older PS3 owners use LPCM over HDMI for HD audio, the only differences for "slim" PS3 owners to get bitstreamed HD audio are:

1. In addition to having full-A/V (not just passthrough) HDMI inputs, your AVR must also have Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio decoders. You can verify this by looking for the logos on the front of the receiver; be sure one of the Dolby logos has "TRUEHD" (with "HD" in reversed colors) below it *and* the fine print below "dts-HD" in that logo includes the words "Master Audio". (If the Dolby & DTS logos don't include "TRUEHD" & "Master Audio" respectively, it won't decode HD audio--even if the DTS logo has "HD".) Except for HTIBs with built-in BD players but no HDMI inputs, any AVR that has these logos should also handle HDMI audio, since the only two ways to carry HD audio outside the player are 8-channel analog (which doesn't need decoders in the AVR) and HDMI.
2. Then to enable bitstreaming, simply set Settings > BD/DVD Settings > BD/DVD Audio Output Format (HDMI) to "Bitstream" instead of "Linear PCM". The other setting should still be set to "Automatic"; you should NOT disable the LPCM options since you'll need them for HD audio from multichannel LPCM discs (i.e., older BDs especially from Disney).

Once this is done, "slim" PS3 owners should see the TrueHD and/or DTS-HD MA lights come up on their AVRs. A couple of troubleshooting notes:

* Many BDs are still mastered to default to lossy compression (DD/DTS), instead of lossless compression (TrueHD/DTS-HD MA) or uncompressed LPCM. Whether you're bitstreaming or not, you still have to select the correct audio track on your PS3, using either the BD menus or the "Audio" button on the BD remote, to get HD audio; this has nothing to do with your AVR.
* Audio from pop-up menus, PIP, certain special features, etc. cannot be bitstreamed as they must be mixed into the main audio stream after decoding. However, the existing instructions on switching between LPCM & bitstreaming on the fly should do the trick; every AVR that can handle HD audio bitstreaming can also handle LPCM thru the same HDMI cable.


Thanks to RBBrittain for putting this together

[Bango]

Nice, I've been looking for something like this....thank you very much!!

[The Big Blue]

Cool thread.

I have *no* and I mean *zero* experience with mp3s, ripping, burning, etc. Since getting the PS3 I'm considering copying all my CDs to the PS3 and selling off most of the CDs and the 300 disc juke.

Could someone help me out a little as far as codecs and bitrates?

Which of the codecs should I use? I'm guessing AAC.

How do the bitrates compare to the orig. CD? Is the highest AAC setting (320 I think) = to CD?

I just need some basic knowledge and advice here.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by The Big Blue

I have *no* and I mean *zero* experience with mp3s, ripping, burning, etc. Since getting the PS3 I'm considering copying all my CDs to the PS3 and selling off most of the CDs and the 300 disc juke.

Nothing wrong with going this route, but make sure you have ample, and even multiple backups... It's an expensive proposition if you lost all of them. I have all my CD's in old shoe boxes and break them out occasionally when such issues arise.

Could someone help me out a little as far as codecs and bitrates?
Which of the codecs should I use? I'm guessing AAC.
How do the bitrates compare to the orig. CD? Is the highest AAC setting (320 I think) = to CD?

AAC is the newest format to rival mp3 (found most commonly through Apple's iTunes). It is supposed to have a superior compression mechanism so that a 128kbps AAC is supposed to sound the same (have the same fidelity) as a 160kbps mp3.

Something I found on a quick search... It relates to mp3's but I would suggest that if you look at the next bitrate down, that is what quality AAC would have.
http://www.mp3-tech.org/tests/gb/index.html

[Greekboy]

Thank you Slec, this will help me out as well as several others!

[Slec]

Updated to reflect DTSHD-MA!!!!

[Blu Titan]

Just found this thread. Great info!

[alstein]

>>If you have an older tv that is 480i/480p/1080i and does not accept HDMI, you can still take advantage of HD audio with a compatible receiver. Simply use the Sony provided (or similar) Component out for video and connect the HDMI cable to your compatible receiver and follow the setup stated above. You will most likely have to assign the HDMI input for audio through your receiver. This can be found in your receivers setup menu.<<

HI

I have a Denon AVR4306 which does have HDMI connections, I have tried on numerous occasions to connect the PS3 to my Toshiba 57HX93 HDTV without success. The TV has a DVI connection and I was using an HDMI/DVI cable. BTW I am able to connect my Bell Expressvue 9200 PVR using to the Toshiba TV via HDMI/DVI and it works fine. However The Denon's HDMI connections have never worked. Are you sure that I can connect the HDMI from the PS3 to my Denon Receiver for audio only? I am currently using the optical connections for audio and component for video. I was under the impression that the PS3 doesn't let you connect HDMI and component at the same time.

Thanks for your help.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by alstein

>>HI

I have a Denon AVR4306 which does have HDMI connections, I have tried on numerous occasions to connect the PS3 to my Toshiba 57HX93 HDTV without success. The TV has a DVI connection and I was using an HDMI/DVI cable. BTW I am able to connect my Bell Expressvue 9200 PVR using to the Toshiba TV via HDMI/DVI and it works fine. However The Denon's HDMI connections have never worked. Are you sure that I can connect the HDMI from the PS3 to my Denon Receiver for audio only? I am currently using the optical connections for audio and component for video. I was under the impression that the PS3 doesn't let you connect HDMI and component at the same time.

Thanks for your help.

Welcome to the site. I've setup 3 different PS3's in the manner described so it definitely works. DVI only carries video, so if the issue you had was video but no audio from the PS3 when hooked directly to the tv, then you're ok, that should have been the result.

As for the Denon receiver, you'll have to adjust your settings on the PS3 for HDMI audio out only (and component video out), and then you'll have to make some menu adjustments on the Denon. The PS3 is a great and flexible piece of machinery. You can definitely output audio over HDMI and video over component.

You will not be able to go out HDMI for audio and video to the receiver, then split it to the tv (component video out). If you can get the HDMI inputs working, then you should be ok. I'll look a bit into your receiver and see if I can figure out what the issue is.


Edit:
Cnet's review says: "Also, the HDMI output doesn't pass audio--no big deal, since the whole purpose of the receiver is to provide excellent audio to your connected surround speakers instead those tinny speakers that are built in to your HDTV."
So you won't be able to get audio out to the tv from the Denon over HDMI anyway. Is that in line with your issues?

[alstein]

Originally Posted by Slec

Welcome to the site. I've setup 3 different PS3's in the manner described so it definitely works. DVI only carries video, so if the issue you had was video but no audio from the PS3 when hooked directly to the tv, then you're ok, that should have been the result.

As for the Denon receiver, you'll have to adjust your settings on the PS3 for HDMI audio out only (and component video out), and then you'll have to make some menu adjustments on the Denon. The PS3 is a great and flexible piece of machinery. You can definitely output audio over HDMI and video over component.

You will not be able to go out HDMI for audio and video to the receiver, then split it to the tv (component video out). If you can get the HDMI inputs working, then you should be ok. I'll look a bit into your receiver and see if I can figure out what the issue is.

Thanks very much. I'll try it out....once I muster up the courage to fiddle around with my Denon ! <G>

[alstein]

Originally Posted by Slec

Welcome to the site. I've setup 3 different PS3's in the manner described so it definitely works. DVI only carries video, so if the issue you had was video but no audio from the PS3 when hooked directly to the tv, then you're ok, that should have been the result.

As for the Denon receiver, you'll have to adjust your settings on the PS3 for HDMI audio out only (and component video out), and then you'll have to make some menu adjustments on the Denon. The PS3 is a great and flexible piece of machinery. You can definitely output audio over HDMI and video over component.

You will not be able to go out HDMI for audio and video to the receiver, then split it to the tv (component video out). If you can get the HDMI inputs working, then you should be ok. I'll look a bit into your receiver and see if I can figure out what the issue is.


Edit:
Cnet's review says: "Also, the HDMI output doesn't pass audio--no big deal, since the whole purpose of the receiver is to provide excellent audio to your connected surround speakers instead those tinny speakers that are built in to your HDTV."
So you won't be able to get audio out to the tv from the Denon over HDMI anyway. Is that in line with your issues?

Not getting audio out to my TV is not important for my purposes. I took the plunge and tried out HDMI audio from the PS3 to the Denon AVR-4306 receiver (I had disconnected the optical audio connection). When I turned the PS3 on, a message appeared on my TV saying that the PS3 detected an HDMI connection, asking if it should switch audio and video to HDMI. I chose no, and set up the audio manually. It worked!!! I had already configured the appropriate HDMI inputs on my Denon. I tried the bitstream option, and noticed that the Denon displayed Dolby Digital as well as my 5 speakers and subwoofer on its lcd screen. The sound was excellent. I then tried linear PCM as an audio option on the PS3, and noticed that the Denon now showed multi channel in and the same speaker display on the LCD screen. Maybe it was my imagination, but the sound on the linear PCM seemed better then Bitstream. I also tried a blu ray dvd (Spiderman 3) which had both Dolby TruHD and PCM uncompressed sound options. My receiver had the identical display (multichannel in), and I couldn't really be certain if one was better than the other. All in all I am very pleased with the change from optical to HDMI. Thanks for your assistance.

[TOP_GUN]

i was thinking about getting the ps3 since it can now decode dts ma. i have a marantz 7001 avr it is 1.2 hdmi if i get the ps3 do i need a new avr

ps which ps3 should i get the 40 gb or the 60 gb

[Canada]

Have Pioneer reciever with HDMI 1.3 will hear DTS MA anlong side alot of you fully on Tuesday.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by TOP_GUN

i was thinking about getting the ps3 since it can now decode dts ma. i have a marantz 7001 avr it is 1.2 hdmi if i get the ps3 do i need a new avr

ps which ps3 should i get the 40 gb or the 60 gb

You should be fine with 1.2. 1.3 is needed for bitstreaming which the PS3 cannot do because of hardware. As far as I've been able to tell, HDMI 1.1 or above will transmit PCM in up to 8 (7.1) channels.

If you have PS2 games and can find a 60gig or 80 gig, get one. If not, the 40 should be fine. The 40 does not have memory card slots (with a hard drive though, does that matter), only has 2 usb ports (vs 4 for 60G and 80G), and does not support SACD or PS2 game support. The 40 runs "quieter" and produces less heat due to a smaller chipset (my 60 isn't all that loud so YMMV).

If you want an 80G, check online or some of the stores that usually have high pricing on CD's or movies (Blockbuster, FYE to name 2). They will generally have stock sitting around longer than the big guys.

[alstein]

Originally Posted by Slec

Welcome to the site. I've setup 3 different PS3's in the manner described so it definitely works. DVI only carries video, so if the issue you had was video but no audio from the PS3 when hooked directly to the tv, then you're ok, that should have been the result.

As for the Denon receiver, you'll have to adjust your settings on the PS3 for HDMI audio out only (and component video out), and then you'll have to make some menu adjustments on the Denon. The PS3 is a great and flexible piece of machinery. You can definitely output audio over HDMI and video over component.

You will not be able to go out HDMI for audio and video to the receiver, then split it to the tv (component video out). If you can get the HDMI inputs working, then you should be ok. I'll look a bit into your receiver and see if I can figure out what the issue is.


Edit:
Cnet's review says: "Also, the HDMI output doesn't pass audio--no big deal, since the whole purpose of the receiver is to provide excellent audio to your connected surround speakers instead those tinny speakers that are built in to your HDTV."
So you won't be able to get audio out to the tv from the Denon over HDMI anyway. Is that in line with your issues?

Hi. I disconnected the optical audio cable and connected an HDMI cable from the PS3 to my Denon receiver. I made the appropriate changes to the Denon audio options. When I powered on the PS3 it detected the HDMI connection and asked if I wanted to configure the audio and the video for HDMI, or set up manually. I chose the latter. I tried out a Blu-Ray DVD and the audio sounded great in Dolby TrueHD. I definitly noticed and improvement in the sound quality compared to listening to Dolby Digital 5.1 through my previous toslink connnection. I also tried linear pcm, and wasn't sure if there was a difference between TrueHd and PCM. In both cases my receiver showed "multichannel audio" on the display as well as a pictogram of my 6 speaker setup. Thanks for your assistance. I'm very pleased with the results.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by alstein

I also tried linear pcm, and wasn't sure if there was a difference between TrueHd and PCM. In both cases my receiver showed "multichannel audio" on the display as well as a pictogram of my 6 speaker setup. Thanks for your assistance. I'm very pleased with the results.

Perfect! fyi, TrueHD and Linear PCM should sound the same. PCM is the uncompressed audio file, TrueHD and DTSHD-MA are zipped versions of the PCM file. The PS3 decodes the Hi Res audio into PCM before sending to your receiver *which is why the receiver reads "multichannel audio"

Enjoy your great new sound!

[Wayner3]

Ok, My Yamaha receiver doesn't do HDMI, But it does 7.1 sound. It is connected from the PS3 by an optical cable. After I download the new codecs tomorrow, will I be able be able to enjoy 7.1 sound? If I can, will the lights on the receiver indicate that it is receiving 7.1 sound? what should the settings be on the PS3?

[Slec]

Originally Posted by Wayner3

Ok, My Yamaha receiver doesn't do HDMI, But it does 7.1 sound. It is connected from the PS3 by an optical cable. After I download the new codecs tomorrow, will I be able be able to enjoy 7.1 sound? If I can, will the lights on the receiver indicate that it is receiving 7.1 sound? what should the settings be on the PS3?

Through optical you will only get the core DD and DTS track that you are currently getting. In order to take full advantage of TrueHD, DTSHD-MA and PCM you will need and HDMI audio compatible receiver. If you want your receiver to decode DD and DTS, then set the optical to bitstream. IIRC DD and DTS are encoded in 5.1. You receiver *may* be able to matrix that into 7.1 but that will largely depend on the abilities of your receiver.

[Musashi]

What's good scene from any of the Blu-rays in my collection (see signature) to demonstate the difference between lossy and lossless to my guests?