Just a couple simple audio questions.

[ZackL]

Ok. So I have read through the stickies and I would just like a BIT of clarification i.e " yes, you got it!", or " try again, son."

Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD = Just HD audio types that studios use to transmit sound. Like Nike and Adidas?

Lossless = Nothing audiowise is lost. Sounds the same as when it was made in the studio. Only available through HDMI or Analog. PS3 only HDMI.
Linear PCM = Decoded by player
Bitstream = Decoded by receiver

Only true HD can be heard through bitstream and Linear PCM... correct?

Q: What is the difference? Why does it matter? What exactly does PCM/ Linear PCM / Bitstream mean.

I read the definition, but I much prefer the forum member's explanations. Is it technically just the way the receiver/player gets the sound?

So finally... If I want the best quality HD sound I should be using HDMI 1.3 with a receiver that can transmit lossless audio?

Sorry if this is beating a dead horse guys but I just really learn well from the explanations I get around here.

[crackinhedz]

you pretty much nailed it...

Originally Posted by ZackL

Only true HD can be heard through bitstream and Linear PCM... correct?

Dts-HD MA can also be heard through Linear PCM or Bitstream.

So finally... If I want the best quality HD sound I should be using HDMI 1.3 with a receiver that can transmit lossless audio?

If the BD player can Bitstream Lossless auidio, then you would need an HDMI v1.3 Receiver.

If the BD player internally decodes, then you just need a Receiver that is HDMI v1.1 or higher. (that accepts multichannel pcm)

[rogman]

Originally Posted by ZackL

Lossless = Nothing audiowise is lost. Sounds the same as when it was made in the studio. Only available through HDMI or Analog. PS3 only HDMI.
Linear PCM = Decoded by player
Bitstream = Decoded by receiver

Only true HD can be heard through bitstream and Linear PCM... correct?

Q: What is the difference? Why does it matter? What exactly does PCM/ Linear PCM / Bitstream mean.

I read the definition, but I much prefer the forum member's explanations. Is it technically just the way the receiver/player gets the sound?

So finally... If I want the best quality HD sound I should be using HDMI 1.3 with a receiver that can transmit lossless audio?

Sorry if this is beating a dead horse guys but I just really learn well from the explanations I get around here.

You're right about Linear PCM/Bitstream. The PCM is the decoded version of either DTS-HDMA or Dolby TruHD. Many discs only have the PCM version which is great if your player or receiver can't decode the other formats, however PCM takes up more space on the disc. This may cause publishers to drop some of the special features, etc.

You don't need HDMI 1.3 on your receiver, just HDMI. If your player decodes DTS-HDMA and TruHD (like the PS3) you'll be decoding there and sending the PCM to your receiver. That means your receiver doesn't need to de-code, as long as you have HDMI. The PS3 is unable to bitstream the full audio.

If you have a different BR player, you can pass the sound via HDMI or decode in the player and pass via 5.1 component (analog).

I noticed crackinhedz mentioned much of this, hopefully I've filled in some other details you're looking for...

[ZackL]

Great. Thanks guys.