Optical and analogue?

[Automission]

Can I ask why I see so many people talking about using analogue for their 5.1 output? surely optical is far better for sound production? I'm also seeing people talk about letting the hdmi handle the sound, then change it into the 5.1 system?
Again, I'd like to know how this can be better than optical. So basically, i'd like information on these methods so I can possibly restore power to my setup, thanks!

[MacDaddyOJack]

Optical does not have enough bandwidth to carry 5.1 channels of lossless information. It can only carry 2.0 channels of lossless audio. HDMI is digital but has a much larger bandwidth so it can carry up to 7.1 channels of lossless audio information. For those users who do not have an HDMI connection but still want lossless audio found on Blu-rays, they have to use the older 5.1 analog audio connections. The digital connection is always preferred since the DAC's in most players aren't that great, but it is a much cheaper alternative than buying a new HDMI capable reciever. Of course, I had to buy a new reciever, but it was totally worth it!

[Automission]

So for HDMI Audio, you'd need a speaker setup with a HDMI input on it somewhere, right? Do you recomend I continue to use optical then, or should I try analog?

[MacDaddyOJack]

You need a reciever with an HDMI connection on the back. If your reciever doesn't have one, then use analogs.

Not all players will have 5.1 analog outputs either. The PS3 does not. If your player does not have the outputs, then you are stuck with optical.

[Automission]

So basically, analog is the ideal audio transfer type, but it rarely gets used due to optical taking over? Right? Or am i so lost in all this confusing technology speak?

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Automission

So basically, analog is the ideal audio transfer type, but it rarely gets used due to optical taking over? Right? Or am i so lost in all this confusing technology speak?

You're a little lost friend Let me try to weed you out of the jungle a little bit.

Lossless 5.1/7.1 Audio: can only be obtained two ways, either by HDMI connections or by a bluray player that decodes the digital signal with its DACs converts the signal to analog to its 5.1/7.1 outputs. These outputs go to a receiver equiped with multi-channel ins (5.1/7.1) you receive the lossless signal this way, all digital to analog conversion is peformed by the player. With HDMI, conversion to analog is done at the receiver. (all signals must be converted to analog at some point).

Optical/coax: Lossy 5.1/7.1 or 2.0 lossless audio. Digital signal is transmitted via fiber (optical) or coax cable. Signal is converted to analog at the receiver and transmitted via the speakers - signal types include Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES. Optical and Coax will deliver lossless 2 channel information (DTS 2.0 ect).

Regular analog: These are the traditional red and white connections on the back of your player and receiver. These two channels (left and right) will be matrixed into seperate channels for 5.1 Dolby Pro-logic, Dolby Prologic IIx, and other DSP modes or remain stereo for regular operations.

I hope this helps a little

[Automission]

Okay thanks, that helps a bit. Looks like I'm in the market for a new 5.1 setup!

[jsteinhauer]

Automission, what do you have at this time?

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by Automission

Okay thanks, that helps a bit. Looks like I'm in the market for a new 5.1 setup!

That's great! Don't forget, 7.1 audio is becoming more popular. 5.1 is great, but to fully utilize Blu-ray's potential, you should probably consider a 7.1 setup. 7.1 receivers are very popular now and 5.1 receivers are becoming phased out, which is good for you now that you don't have to pay a premium for a 7.1 receiver.