Re: Pioneer BDP-51fd Audio Decoding

[Blu4ever]

Can anyone confirm if this player can in fact decode DTS-MA interally and send it out over 5.1 discrete? I now need a player that can decode every codec internally, any suggestions would be great.

[Zman2k2]

Under the specs page, second from the bottom under "Performance Features" it says that it will decode all HD-audio codecs internally.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/POC...BDP-51FD?tab=B

On this site here, the description says it only bitstreams DTS HD-MA however.
https://www.blu-ray.com/players/play...=71&show=specs

[Blu-RayLover]

Originally Posted by Blu4ever

Can anyone confirm if this player can in fact decode DTS-MA interally and send it out over 5.1 discrete? I now need a player that can decode every codec internally, any suggestions would be great.

So far, all the new Pioneer Blu-ray players, the 05 and 51, do not handle DTS HD MA for internal decoding or over the analog side. All you get is standard 5.1 DTS core. They can only decode DTS Master Audio at 7.l via the bitstream through HDMI. However, if the reports are true, then sometime in the imitate future, there is suppose to be a firmware update to once and for all settle what has been up to now a very confusing situation. Reports have the firmware update coming either in December or sometime next year. This has created a bit of frustration for owners of the new players, who want to utilize their older receiver/processors that have 5.1 or 7.1 analog outputs, but no HDMI capability. Numerous Blu-ray users don't realize that the whole issue of internal decoding pertains to the analog side and nothing else. Let's keep our fingers-crossed and hope that the firmware update comes sooner than expected. As of now, Pioneer is way behind Sony and Panasonic players that have just been released. The new Sony BDP-S550 and The Panasonic BDP-55 already have the internal decoder for DTS HD MA. The fear among owners of the Pioneer 05 and 51 is that Pioneer may have another player in the works to be shown at the next CES show with the internal DTS decoder. If this be the case, then most of us will really be left out in the rain and when it pours, it really pours. . .After all, Pioneer has been releasing a new player every six months since their first model BDP-HD1. This is why I decided it was best to simply invest in a new HDMI receiver, so I'm safe for the moment!

[Blu4ever]

Thank you! Yeah I'm definately awaiting a player that can decode EVERY audio format simply to save the cost of replacing my current receiver. It still sounds amazing but I have been waiting quite a long time to get a player that can do everything I want it to.

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by Blu-RayLover

Numerous Blu-ray users don't realize that the whole issue of internal decoding pertains to the analog side and nothing else.

Nothing else? What about all those people who have receivers with HDMI 1.1? Blu-ray is designed to be decoded in the player, actually, so that secondary audio can be mixed in.

Blu4ever - the Panasonic BD55 will be out in a few weeks and should meet your needs. The Sony S550 just came out as well and it appears to decode dts-MA for analog output, although there's still some question about whether/how that is working.