What I find amusing is that there are some people whining and complaining so often about the lack of DTS MA decoding. I would be willing to bet some of these complainers either don't even have a suitable 5.1 setup or if they do they probably have some Home Theater in a Box garbage...or worse a POS Bose setup.:D

I think that people are looking to try and future proof themselves and when a device (PS3) is lacking a feature that Fox and it looks like New Line fully support it makes you upset. So any Fox or New Line title that I purchase I will at most be able to enjoy the Core DTS track. If I want to enjoy the audio upgrade offered by Blu-ray on movies by these studios I have to go buy a new Blu-ray player. That is where my gripe is and i imagine a few others as well.

I know the lack of IR is a pain for people who have pre-exisitng universal remotes that they're happy with, but as a technology bluetooth is superior if for no other reason than you're not limited to line-of-sight functionality -- no issue of the signal getting around that bag of popcorn...

THe Nyko is a pretty reasonable workaround but this made me think. Why doesn't somebody make a powered IR remote receiver (not USB since that has no power when the PS3 is standby mode) that receives IR commands and translates them to BT (PS3 protocol) and sends them over the air to the PS3? Then we would have the best of all worlds - BT functionality and being able to turn the PS3 on and off and integration with our universal remotes.

Why doesn't somebody make a powered IR remote receiver (not USB since that has no power when the PS3 is standby mode) that receives IR commands and translates them to BT (PS3 protocol) and sends them over the air to the PS3?
Because Sony keeps this (PS3 protocol) information close to themselves, and hasn't released it to any external vendors as yet.

All the new generation ps3's have built in wi fi. Setup is simular to a pc and it works great. I have been very happy with the media center options on the ps3. be sure to get tversity it is great :)
Thank you for your reply.... I am a pretty tech'y guy, but I have no idea how to set it up through the PS3... what settings would I use for it to communicate with my computer? I have the computer set to allow other computers and devices to connect directly to it.

And for being 37 yrs. old and last game console was nintendo, I love the PS3, although I will never play a game, but my 1 year old can when he is older

It will output dolby digital and dts core via toslink. It outputs pcm over hdmi for new recievers.

O.K. I'm trying to stay with you. Does that mean that you could enjoy full DTHD and DTS-HD MA with the PS3 (if it gets the proper firmware upgrade) by using the HDMI with a new receiver, while you could do that also with the new Panasonic BD50, but also with the Panny you could use the analogs out into your older receiver? You would just need an HDMI receiver with DTHD and DTS-HD MA decoding to get it to work witht the PS3?

O.K. I'm trying to stay with you. Does that mean that you could enjoy full DTHD and DTS-HD MA with the PS3 (if it gets the proper firmware upgrade) by using the HDMI with a new receiver, while you could do that also with the new Panasonic BD50, but also with the Panny you could use the analogs out into your older receiver? You would just need an HDMI receiver with DTHD and DTS-HD MA decoding to get it to work witht the PS3?

You are correct! I have a XA2 that I enjoyed all the HD audio (except HD MA)
through the 5.1 analog outs to my Pioneer 1015 a/v reciever. The only thing besides the HD MA, I could not get the 7.1 audio through the 5.1 analog, where as you could thru the HDMI and a new A/V reciver ie. Onkyo 605

I think that people are looking to try and future proof themselves and when a device (PS3) is lacking a feature that Fox and it looks like New Line fully support it makes you upset. So any Fox or New Line title that I purchase I will at most be able to enjoy the Core DTS track. If I want to enjoy the audio upgrade offered by Blu-ray on movies by these studios I have to go buy a new Blu-ray player. That is where my gripe is and i imagine a few others as well.

I agree totally. There are just a couple of trolls that post it constantly becasue they are anti-PS3 for some reason.

I am confident it will decode in the future. Of course, I have been wrong too.

Well, it does appear to be a hardware limitation. The problem is that they have the hardware implementing the HDMI protocol, so they can only pass what the hardware supports. The early version of the chip they use in the PS3 just doesn't have bitstream support for DTS-HD MA and True-HD, so they are stuck without it unless they upgrade to the newer chip.

That only makes sense for a stand alone Blu-Ray player. Let's say you're building a Blu-Ray player from scratch. The easiest thing for a manufacturer is to buy (or design) a group of custom chips all with specialized jobs. So a chip reads and processes the BD disc. Another handles the AACS encryption (a big job). Another handles all video processing. Another handles sound processing. Another for I/O to either HDMI, component, USB, etc. You get the point.

What I'm trying to say is that unlike a basic BD player, the PS3 is a full-blown general purpose computer masquerading as a game console. It has plenty of CPU horsepower to do things in software that other BD players would need a specialized chip for. So if a feature isn't included in specialized chip, odds are it'll be impossible to implement for a normal BD player. The PS3 doesn't have that limitation...somebody just has to write the code.

It's entirely possible that the later chipsets handling HDMI 1.3 might have something to do with reading audio data from the BD disc stream and automatically sending it down the pipe so that the rest of the BD player's circuitry doesn't have to bother with it. Even if that weren't the case, that's not stopping the PS3 from doing the heavy lifting itself and manually stuffing the HDMI pipe with data. Right now the PS3 handles all the AACS stuff, video processing, sound decoding, everything necessary to play BD discs. This is no different from PowerDVD doing it on a PC. So the PS3 should be able to directly control what goes onto the HDMI stream, both video and audio. It already does this for its normal operations. And the data stream throughput rate is probably LESS for bitstream than PCM since the bitstream data is compressed and the PCM data isn't.

Again, my theory is that there were no HDMI 1.3 receivers when the PS3 was launched a year ago, so why introduce a feature that no one could use and only result in no audio if selected by the user? That's an avoidable tech support call. Now people are buying HDMI 1.3 receivers that can handle the new codecs and its also possible to test the PS3 against those shipping AVRs to make sure the whole thing works (as opposed to just shipping something and praying it works).

I'll believe the "no hi-def audio codec bitstreaming for the PS3" rumor only when somebody explains to me in detail what possible hardware limitation there is that would prevent it. With all due respect, just repeating what others have said around here isn't good enough. From what little I know about HDMI, the only theory that would possible make any sense is that the chipset Sony has lacks any appropriate signaling technology to tell the AVR that a DTS-HD or TrueHD bitstream is coming down the pipe. Even if this were the case (remember, I'm just hypothesizing), most AVRs do a pretty respectable job of guessing that the proper codec is based on its interpretation of the data stream. And if it gets it wrong, many AVRs have a method to hard select a specific sound mode. My Denon certainly does.

BigSlade,

What is the exact difference when you hear upgraded audio compared to not upgraded audio?


I think that people are looking to try and future proof themselves and when a device (PS3) is lacking a feature that Fox and it looks like New Line fully support it makes you upset. So any Fox or New Line title that I purchase I will at most be able to enjoy the Core DTS track. If I want to enjoy the audio upgrade offered by Blu-ray on movies by these studios I have to go buy a new Blu-ray player. That is where my gripe is and i imagine a few others as well.

I know the lack of IR is a pain for people who have pre-exisitng universal remotes that they're happy with, but as a technology bluetooth is superior if for no other reason than you're not limited to line-of-sight functionality -- no issue of the signal getting around that bag of popcorn...

For $13.99 plus shipping you can get IR support. Use the NYKO Blu Wave IR remote/USB dongle. It is a small USB IR dongle that emulates wired controllers commands. No eject or power but you can program most harmony remotes to do the lion's share of the functionality here. Just a good workaround. Amazon or GameStop.

BigSlade,

What is the exact difference when you hear upgraded audio compared to not upgraded audio?

You won't know until you hear it, if you can. I bet most people's audio gear does not have enough fidelity to begin with. So, how much if any you hear will depend on how much you have invested in quality amplification and speakers. Junk speaker and receivers are not going to benefit from lossless audio.:D

I think there is too much empahsis on something that most people would not know that they ever had it. I know many people that think 128k MP3s sound the same as the source CD, LOL!

I think that people are looking to try and future proof themselves and when a device (PS3) is lacking a feature that Fox and it looks like New Line fully support it makes you upset. So any Fox or New Line title that I purchase I will at most be able to enjoy the Core DTS track. If I want to enjoy the audio upgrade offered by Blu-ray on movies by these studios I have to go buy a new Blu-ray player. That is where my gripe is and i imagine a few others as well.

Well if you have a HDMI 1.1 AVR then you already enjoy Dolby TrueHD on the PS3 over PCM. The big debate out there is if and when Sony does the same for DTS Master HD - that is decode it in the PS3 and output it via HDMI (PCM). Of course there are those vocal few out there who insist that Sony has to implement DTS Master HD over bitstream so they can decode the streams on their new and expensive AVR's (possibly to justify the purchase of those units).

For myself, it's no big deal. If the PS3 decodes Dolby True HD over PCM and then does the same for DTS Master HD, then that's fine with me.

I can't.

I simply don't understand what the issue is.
If you don't want the PS3 because of the size, shape, lack of front-display---"features", I guess is the catch-all---fine.


How about the lack of built in IR support and multi-channel analog outputs.

Use the NYKO Blu Wave IR remote/USB dongle. It is a small USB IR dongle that emulates wired controllers commands. No eject or power but you can program most harmony remotes to do the lion's share of the functionality here. Just a good workaround.
What about:
Back slow/step
Fwd slow/step
Display
Top Menu
?

How about the lack of built in IR support and multi-channel analog outputs.That's features. If you don't want the PS3 because of features that it lacks, I completely understand.

If you don't want the PS3 because of functionality that it has (games), I don't understand.

What about:
Back slow/step
Fwd slow/step
Display
Top Menu
?

Yes, you just have to know how to use the remote! Use the triangle button to bring up the controls during playback.

That only makes sense for a stand alone Blu-Ray player. Let's say you're building a Blu-Ray player from scratch. The easiest thing for a manufacturer is to buy (or design) a group of custom chips all with specialized jobs. So a chip reads and processes the BD disc. Another handles the AACS encryption (a big job). Another handles all video processing. Another handles sound processing. Another for I/O to either HDMI, component, USB, etc. You get the point.

What I'm trying to say is that unlike a basic BD player, the PS3 is a full-blown general purpose computer masquerading as a game console. It has plenty of CPU horsepower to do things in software that other BD players would need a specialized chip for. So if a feature isn't included in specialized chip, odds are it'll be impossible to implement for a normal BD player. The PS3 doesn't have that limitation...somebody just has to write the code.

It's entirely possible that the later chipsets handling HDMI 1.3 might have something to do with reading audio data from the BD disc stream and automatically sending it down the pipe so that the rest of the BD player's circuitry doesn't have to bother with it. Even if that weren't the case, that's not stopping the PS3 from doing the heavy lifting itself and manually stuffing the HDMI pipe with data. Right now the PS3 handles all the AACS stuff, video processing, sound decoding, everything necessary to play BD discs. This is no different from PowerDVD doing it on a PC. So the PS3 should be able to directly control what goes onto the HDMI stream, both video and audio. It already does this for its normal operations. And the data stream throughput rate is probably LESS for bitstream than PCM since the bitstream data is compressed and the PCM data isn't.

Again, my theory is that there were no HDMI 1.3 receivers when the PS3 was launched a year ago, so why introduce a feature that no one could use and only result in no audio if selected by the user? That's an avoidable tech support call. Now people are buying HDMI 1.3 receivers that can handle the new codecs and its also possible to test the PS3 against those shipping AVRs to make sure the whole thing works (as opposed to just shipping something and praying it works).

I'll believe the "no hi-def audio codec bitstreaming for the PS3" rumor only when somebody explains to me in detail what possible hardware limitation there is that would prevent it. With all due respect, just repeating what others have said around here isn't good enough. From what little I know about HDMI, the only theory that would possible make any sense is that the chipset Sony has lacks any appropriate signaling technology to tell the AVR that a DTS-HD or TrueHD bitstream is coming down the pipe. Even if this were the case (remember, I'm just hypothesizing), most AVRs do a pretty respectable job of guessing that the proper codec is based on its interpretation of the data stream. And if it gets it wrong, many AVRs have a method to hard select a specific sound mode. My Denon certainly does.

I tend to agree with you, that the software could assemble whatever data packet type it wanted and DMA the data to the HDMI chip. The [9134] HDMI chip isn't built that way. It has dedicated inputs for video and different types of audio. It also has registers that are programmed. This implies that the chip creates the packets itself. I assume the 9132 is similar.

Chip description is here (http://www.siliconimage.com/docs/SiI9134_PB-SiI-51_FINAL_7-3-07_pdf.pdf) for the 9134 chip.

We know for sure sooner or later :)

Yes, you just have to know how to use the remote! Use the triangle button to bring up the controls during playback.I don't want to have to hit a button and then navigate a menu to do these---I want to just press a button...

I don't want to have to hit a button and then navigate a menu to do these---I want to just press a button...

The BT remote works great! Allows shutdown as well...

I don't want to have to hit a button and then navigate a menu to do these---I want to just press a button...

Then just get the $20 PS3 Bluetooth remote available from BB, which looks like a "normal" remote.

Well if you have a HDMI 1.1 AVR then you already enjoy Dolby TrueHD on the PS3 over PCM. The big debate out there is if and when Sony does the same for DTS Master HD - that is decode it in the PS3 and output it via HDMI (PCM). Of course there are those vocal few out there who insist that Sony has to implement DTS Master HD over bitstream so they can decode the streams on their new and expensive AVR's (possibly to justify the purchase of those units).

For myself, it's no big deal. If the PS3 decodes Dolby True HD over PCM and then does the same for DTS Master HD, then that's fine with me.

I am one of those people with an expensive 7.1 AVR that would like to see DTS HD MA Bitstreamed. Can anyone please answer this for me? When the PS3 sends Dolby TrueHD via PCM over HDMI, does it in fact reduce a 7.1 audio track down to 5.1? I thought I saw that in here somewhere's, and, if this is true, could DTS HD MA as PCM also downgrade a 7.1 track to 5.1? I know there is not much 7.1 yet, but I hope the future will bring more. Thanks

I am one of those people with an expensive 7.1 AVR that would like to see DTS HD MA Bitstreamed. Can anyone clear this up for me. When the PS3 sends Dolby TrueHD via PCM over HDMI, does it in fact reduce a 7.1 audio track down to 5.1. I thought I saw that in here somewhere's, and, if this is true, could DTS HD MA as PCM also downgrade a 7.1 track to 5.1? I know there is not much 7.1 yet, but I hope the future will bring more. Thanks

I don't think it can be bitstreamed due to a hardware limitation. But should be able to be decoded. I am not sure, but I would assume that most new 7.1 receivers can create the 7.1 from a 5.1 source. So, either way you should be covered.

The BT remote works great! Allows shutdown as well...I have one. I'm just looking at integrating the Blu-ray movie functions into my Harmony...

I have one. I'm just looking at integrating the Blu-ray movie functions into my Harmony...

Ahh, I see.

I don't think it can be bitstreamed due to a hardware limitation. But should be able to be decoded. I am not sure, but I would assume that most new 7.1 receivers can create the 7.1 from a 5.1 source. So, either way you should be covered.

Thanks for quick response jpmst3. Yes the receivers can create 7.1, but I don't want to create 7.1 if I can get discreate 7.1. I may be mistaken here, but I believe Bitstream, in a capable player, can send the full 7.1 to the receiver to decode, but my question is, can the PS3 only send a 5.1 Dolby True HD pcm signal to the AVR. This would be reason for me to get a stand alone player that can bitstream. If it is true that the PS3 is limited to 5.1 - is this something that can be fixed with firmware or is it a PCM limitation. .

Thanks for quick response jpmst3. Yes the receivers can create 7.1, but I don't want to create 7.1 if I can get discreate 7.1. I may be mistaken here, but I believe Bitstream, in a capable player, can send the full 7.1 to the receiver to decode, but my question is, can the PS3 only send a 5.1 Dolby True HD pcm signal to the AVR. This would be reason for me to get a stand alone player that can bitstream. If it is true that the PS3 is limited to 5.1 - is this something that can be fixed with firmware or is it a PCM limitation. .

I haven't been able to try this (I only have 5.1 speakers and don't have a 7.1 TrueHD movie) but there are options in the PS3 audio menu for 7.1 PCM.

Thanks for quick response jpmst3. Yes the receivers can create 7.1, but I don't want to create 7.1 if I can get discreate 7.1. I may be mistaken here, but I believe Bitstream, in a capable player, can send the full 7.1 to the receiver to decode, but my question is, can the PS3 only send a 5.1 Dolby True HD pcm signal to the AVR. This would be reason for me to get a stand alone player that can bitstream. If it is true that the PS3 is limited to 5.1 - is this something that can be fixed with firmware or is it a PCM limitation. .

Ya, I hear ya. I wish I knew defintively. You are correct about the bitstream and 7.1 passage, just not 100% sure about the PS3 in regards to 7.1.

Good point chris0. The option is there. I just remember reading about the PS3 downgrading a 7.1 track to 5.1 even using HDMI. Trying to find a definitive answer.

Any news on the PS3 being able to decode DTS HD. Fox and Sony need to get their act together. I am calling the big brains in Tokyo out on this one. If they want to save face then they will give us some type of DTS HD either by internal decoding or bitstream.

I have one. I'm just looking at integrating the Blu-ray movie functions into my Harmony...

One thing I found very useful was to map the circle key to Exit on the Harmony. That is the natural key to go back, quit etc. and it's easier to press Exit than try to locate triangle on the soft keys.

One thing I found very useful was to map the circle key to Exit on the Harmony. That is the natural key to go back, quit etc. and it's easier to press Exit than try to locate triangle on the soft keys.Yeah, except that I'm not going to give up the BT remote if I can't directly access the functions I mentioned above (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12783678#post12783678).

What about:
Back slow/step
Fwd slow/step
Display
Top Menu
?
I've programmed the above into my Pronto remote from the Nyko IR remote. The commands you list are on the Nyko.

Hay guys I got my ps3 40gig yesterday and love it, great picture, game play ect..My unit is making a strange tapping sound, sounds like if you tap the end of your finger on a table at about two taps a sec...It's not loud enough to hear unless you ear is less than a foot away, but it's tapping none the less..:o

Should I be worried? It's working fine, no other noises, I can't even hear a fan..I would guess its the hdd but I'm no computer guy..Think I should exchange it, or do they all tap..
Thanks.......:D

Ya, I hear ya. I wish I knew defintively. You are correct about the bitstream and 7.1 passage, just not 100% sure about the PS3 in regards to 7.1.

Just found this site : http://idoblu.co.uk
under the Blu-ray players it shows the PS3 only capable of 5.1? Has anyone tried 7.1 audio with a 7.1 capable receiver and speaker set-up via HDMI? Thanks

I've programmed the above into my Pronto remote from the Nyko IR remote. The commands you list are on the Nyko.Really? I'm looking at this picture (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000R5H7KE/sr=8-4/qid=1200098469******dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468642&s=videogames&qid=1200098469&sr=8-4) from Amazon and I see the Top Menu and Display buttons, but how do you do the slow/step fwd/back?

Really? I'm looking at this picture (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000R5H7KE/sr=8-4/qid=1200098469******dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468642&s=videogames&qid=1200098469&sr=8-4) from Amazon and I see the Top Menu and Display buttons, but how do you do the slow/step fwd/back?
The << and >> buttons. :)

I guess I am a bit confused about the talk on PS3s, and it not doing some sorts of audio on the HDMI out. Do I just hook up my HDMI cable and get the best possible sound, or do I need to do some settings on the PS3? What would I be missing with the other formats like dts hd ma. This is what the panny does by the way: Dolby Pro Logic, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder

On my HD-A3 it is just hooked up via hdmi and it says pcm and sounds great.

The << and >> buttons. :)That's fast forward/back (or "scan").

I'm looking at my BT remote and there are two buttons in the bottom left and right which control slow forward /back.

for bluray movies with pcm and dts does it make a difference if I let the ps3 decode the audio vs. letting my tx-sr604 reciever decode it

That's fast forward/back (or "scan").

I'm looking at my BT remote and there are two buttons in the bottom left and right which control slow forward /back.
Each successive button press speeds up the operation. If you meant frame-by-frame stepping, then no. However, you could pause while in the middle of a slow scan.

Hay guys I got my ps3 40gig yesterday and love it, great picture, game play ect..My unit is making a strange tapping sound, sounds like if you tap the end of your finger on a table at about two taps a sec...It's not loud enough to hear unless you ear is less than a foot away, but it's tapping none the less..:o

Should I be worried? It's working fine, no other noises, I can't even hear a fan..I would guess its the hdd but I'm no computer guy..Think I should exchange it, or do they all tap..
Thanks.......:D
If it sounds metallic and making a click, click sound then it very might well be your HHD however it could be something simple like a cable next to your internal fan.

Look in the manual for removing the HDD, take the HDD out then turn on the unit and see if the noise goes away. If not it’s something inside but at least you can narrow it down.

Hope this helps

I am one of those people with an expensive 7.1 AVR that would like to see DTS HD MA Bitstreamed. Can anyone please answer this for me? When the PS3 sends Dolby TrueHD via PCM over HDMI, does it in fact reduce a 7.1 audio track down to 5.1? I thought I saw that in here somewhere's, and, if this is true, could DTS HD MA as PCM also downgrade a 7.1 track to 5.1? I know there is not much 7.1 yet, but I hope the future will bring more. Thanks
that's not true. if the disc has 7.1 on it in TrueHD, the PS3 will decode it to 7.1 PCM.
The ps3 supports 7.1 just as well as 5.1.

If it sounds metallic and making a click, click sound then it very might well be your HHD however it could be something simple like a cable next to your internal fan.

Look in the manual for removing the HDD, take the HDD out then turn on the unit and see if the noise goes away. If not it’s something inside but at least you can narrow it down.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try that in the a.m., watching Planet Earth in BD now :D:D:D..

It's definitly not a metalic sound, more of a dull "thud,thud"...Oh and it does it with or without a disk inserted..I got it a wally world so I have 30 days..

And COD4 kicks ass..:D

Does the PS3 have the capability of utilizing HD movie downloads when they become efficiently available? I know 40 or 80gb is barely enough for one or two movies, but does its expandablitiy make it a viable device for that in the future?

For instance, what is the largest internal drive it can now accomodate?

Can the UBS port be used to add an external drive that is fast enough to download quickly and then play back in real time?

Does an external drive add to the internal drive or replace it? I'm asking this because the esata drives that can be attached to the Directv HDR do not add to the internal drive; it boots up on the external and ignores the internal.

Does its firmware already include download and playback for movies?

I'm wondering if Sony had this machine in mind at all when projecting towards that kind of capability. Or are we talking about future hadware with speeds and storage capacity on a whole level of magnitude greater that this can do.

Internally you can buy any 2.5" SATA drive, 250GB is within reason ($200 or so), I'm sure you will get to 500GB or 1TB in the next few years.

On top of that you can plug up an external USB HD that can store multiple TB's.

Given that the PS3 in Europe will have DVR capabilities, there is no reason why the ps3 can't support HD video downloads. With the recent Divx announcment it is even more clear that the ps3 will be a multimedia device worth having in the living room.

-Splints

Does the PS3 have the capability of utilizing HD movie downloads when they become efficiently available? Sony has already announced a service to download HD movies to DivX-certified devices (like the PS3).

And I remember reading that Sony would start allowing movie(/TV?) downloads to the PS3 via PSN...

Hey Brandon-

I fixed it. My video output on the PS3 was only at 480p. I checked 720p and 1080i and it is fine. Do you have any idea why I can't check the 1080p box even though I have a 1080p tv?

What's your TV make and model? Did you run an automatic display setup or manual? If you do manual you can check it yourself.

Brandon

Hey guys,

I am down to buying either the upcoming Panny BD-50 or a PS3 for Blu-ray playback.I am also looking at HD Camcorders. I have a question. Can either the 40 or 80 gig PS3 accept and display a SD Card from an HD Camcorder for 1080p playback like the Panny BD-50? I assume the 40 cannot since I read it doesn't have an SD card slot. Can the 80 gig do this?

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try that in the a.m., watching Planet Earth in BD now :D:D:D..

It's definitly not a metalic sound, more of a dull "thud,thud"...Oh and it does it with or without a disk inserted..I got it a wally world so I have 30 days..

And COD4 kicks ass..:D
Yep, COD4 is good stuff it was the first game for my PS3.
A second thought on your PS3 it might be the BD drive making the noise anyway if you can take it back then thats what I would do don't even wast your time removing the HDD. What you are hearing is not normal so let Wally World worry about it.

Let me know how you like Planet Earth I was thinking of getting the set.

Hey guys,

I am down to buying either the upcoming Panny BD-50 or a PS3 for Blu-ray playback.I am also looking at HD Camcorders. I have a question. Can either the 40 or 80 gig PS3 accept and display a SD Card from an HD Camcorder for 1080p playback like the Panny BD-50? I assume the 40 cannot since I read it doesn't have an SD card slot. Can the 80 gig do this?
The 80 gig model has an SD slot I am not sure about the 40 gig.

Wow. After living with HD DVD players (XA1 and A2) and enjoying them, I broke down and finally went neutral by getting a PS3. I'm surprised... at how great this thing is! The picture is phenomenal. Watched Spiderman 3 (sending 1080p/24 to my Panasonic AX200u.) Very impressive. And it's damn fast. Starts up fast. Navigating through the menus is quick.

Of course, I have many more HD DVDs than Blu-ray discs. I think I might have to spring for a Tosh XA2 just to make sure those discs keep up (image quality wise) with the PS3. Of course, none of the players will be as quick as it.

I guess I am feeling a bit better about the whole Blu-ray winning the war thing now.

-Terry

Spiderman 3...my copy still remains wrapped in the plastic since November when I bought it. I saw the movie once and that was enough punishment for me.

The A2 upconverts about the same as the PS3 (if that was what your 'image quality' comment was about). The XA2 has the Reon chip and will blow away the PS3. What I find interesting is some of the new Vizio 1080p plasmas coming out this year will also have that chip. Would be good to compare 480p to Vizio vs upconverted PS3 to Vizio...see which does the better job.

The A2 upconverts about the same as the PS3 (if that was what your 'image quality' comment was about). The XA2 has the Reon chip and will blow away the PS3.
Can you define "blow it away"?

Have you compared them side by side with multiple SD DVD's?

The XA2 chip is also in the A35 which i refused UPS delivery last week since I ordered it before the 'announcement' and therefore (I have 2 HD-A2's) decided to use that $ and get another PS3 for downstairs so the ol-lady can watch BD & HDDVD in the LR. The A35 was for my 'man's room' but i decided to forego the 1080p& chip since HDDVD appears to be dieing.

Do all PS3's play SACDs? I read that via HDMI out it would pass MC DSD?

wabkab, 40GB PS3 does not support SACD... others do. No, DSD does not pass over HDMI on PS3... it will convert to PCM first.

NYFOOTBALLGIANTS, Keep your PS3 audio settings set to PCM. The PS3 does not bitstream any of the lossless audio codecs(DTHD or DTS-HD MA). Too bad you are using optical you are definitely losing out on sound even with DTS-HD MA being downmixed to the core of 1.5mpbs over HDMI. I am not sure what you will get over optical digital with the DTS-HD MA, but the DTHD will be downmixed to 5.1 640K I think over optical digital. Hopefully, once the PS3 gets a firmware update for DTS-HD MA it will truely be the top Blu-Ray player out there right now.

Instead of creating a separate post this answers the question I wanted to know since I have the identical Onkyo 503 AVR as NYFOOTBALLGIANTS and want to use a toslink optical cable from the PS3 to my AVR.

Thank you for the info.:)

Do all PS3's play SACDs? I read that via HDMI out it would pass MC DSD?

wabkab, 40GB PS3 does not support SACD... others do. No, DSD does not pass over HDMI on PS3... it will convert to PCM first.

Be aware that for the PS3s that do play SACD (60 and 80GB). The benefit of having DSD/PCM converted to PCM via HDMI is very convenient (one cable;uncompressed multichannel) and still sounds great.

My standalone SACD player requires the component (five cables: center, front left, front right, side left, side right). But they are not adjustable (bass/treble). My other option is two component cables for 2.0 SACD audio. The PS3's HDMI allows for adjustment on both PCM 2.0, SACD 2.0 and SACD Multichannel (5.1) -- even if it is DSD to PCM converted. Plus, I don't have to deal with the five component cables. They are a hassle (so, 90s!). :)

I do wish that the PS3 did have DSD option for those SACDs that are masted in DSD (vice PCM). But DSD converted to PCM still sounds better than a conventional PCM 2.0 channel CD.

Wow. After living with HD DVD players (XA1 and A2) and enjoying them, I broke down and finally went neutral by getting a PS3. I'm surprised... at how great this thing is! The picture is phenomenal. Watched Spiderman 3 (sending 1080p/24 to my Panasonic AX200u.) Very impressive. And it's damn fast. Starts up fast. Navigating through the menus is quick.

Of course, I have many more HD DVDs than Blu-ray discs. I think I might have to spring for a Tosh XA2 just to make sure those discs keep up (image quality wise) with the PS3. Of course, none of the players will be as quick as it.

I guess I am feeling a bit better about the whole Blu-ray winning the war thing now.

-Terry

Glad you can appreciate the PS3 for what it is. A lot of naysayers knock the blu-ray format because "a game console is it's best player." Whether or not that's true is debatable, but even if it is that's not a knock on the format if people would truly understand how good of a player it is.

If the ps2 were the best dvd player around, that would be a bad sign for the DVD format, but the ps2 was my last option as a DVD player in the house months after buying it (I didn't buy it at launch). The ps3 will be relevant as a blu-ray player well into 2008 and probably 2009. Eventually it's weaknesses (lack of IR in an IR dominated remote control world, lack of HDR bitstream, etc) will push it to the back of the pack of top players in Home Theatres, but for now it's a great value for a high quality audio/video product.

Brandon

Good point chris0. The option is there. I just remember reading about the PS3 downgrading a 7.1 track to 5.1 even using HDMI. Trying to find a definitive answer.

Not the definitive answer but ...

Resistance Fall of Man outputs as 7.1 to my Denon over a HDMI connection.
Haven't tried a 7.1 movie yet.

This has been speculated upon a few times in this thread (I think mostly by grommet...I think). But here is some info from the Insiders Thread that touches on it: namely that in-player decoding will be optimal as audio becomes more complex on blu-ray disc formats.

David is right, Bitstream can't be used with pip/interactive sounds and its determined when the disc is authored. You have the choice between Bitstream and secondary audio, not both as you have discovered.
Decoding within the player is the best option because of this, assuming the secondary audio can be mixed in.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12781898#post12781898

To be clear, this is significant in the context of the bitstream vs decoded PCM debate. If the PS3 ends up having the ability to decode DTS HD MA, it will be a great thing.

Brandon

Just found this site : http://idoblu.co.uk
under the Blu-ray players it shows the PS3 only capable of 5.1? Has anyone tried 7.1 audio with a 7.1 capable receiver and speaker set-up via HDMI? Thanks

the only blu ray movie i'm aware of that has 7.1 sound on it is pan's labyrinth- that has a 7.1 dts-hdma track. which the ps3 can't decode.
games output 7.1, though.
i see no reason to think the blu ray player couldn't, but i don't know of any material to test with right now.

Really? I'm looking at this picture (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000R5H7KE/sr=8-4/qid=1200098469******dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468642&s=videogames&qid=1200098469&sr=8-4) from Amazon and I see the Top Menu and Display buttons, but how do you do the slow/step fwd/back?

I just got one, but haven't even opened it yet. From what I've read, it can do everything the BT remote can other than power on/off the system and eject discs (at least everything you would expect on a DVD remote).

DTS Master Audio is important if you want the best possible audio. The crazy thing is that most people have never heard it and are completely satisfied with DTS and DD. I would go so far as to say most people won't hear a difference which is obvious if they bought a HTiB system in the first place.

Why is DTS Master Audio any better than TrueHD? So far I have heard only one DTS Master track and that was on Pan's Labyrinth. It is indeed stunning, but I can't honestly say it's any better than the TrueHD tracks I've compared it to.

Why is DTS Master Audio any better than TrueHD? So far I have heard only one DTS Master track and that was on Pan's Labyrinth. It is indeed stunning, but I can't honestly say it's any better than the TrueHD tracks I've compared it to.

Theoretically it shouldn't be any better or worse, as they're both lossless tracks. Truth is it will be sometime before we'll ever be able to do a true A-B comparison on the same movie, no?

Brandon

DTS-HD MA isn't audibly "better" than TrueHD, or LPCM. Lossless is always the same if fed the same audio master. (DTS-HD MA is ever so slightly less space efficient than TrueHD, but it doesn't really matter.) If everything is set the same (receiver settings, etc.) and the volume levels are matched... audible performance will be 100% identical.

The only reason anyone cares about DTS-HD MA is that Fox and, more recently, New Line use it exclusively on their Blu-Ray titles. (No TrueHD, no PCM.) The most amusing part is that Fox shipped discs for over a year with Lossless tracks that nobody could listen to. DTS owes them big time... without Fox, I doubt anyone would have cared about DTS-HD MA.

bplewis24, Close Encounters (Sony) has both DTS-HD MA and TrueHD for the main track... other tracks are all TrueHD. Why? Spielberg is a DTS investor. Of course, the soundtrack is quite dated and gains very little from Lossless in any format. Still, why not?

Not sure if this is a PS3 issue or a receiver issue but I'll start here.

PS3 > HDMI > Sony DA3300ES AVR

Audio from BDs is fine.

Audio from trailers & music on the PS3 HDD: AFAICT the audio is actually stereo but the display on the AVR says that it's multi-channel. Also, the AVR won't apply *any* soundfields (AFD, Movie, Music, etc)

Any ideas?

Played around a little with this tonight.... If I manually turn off all 5.1 and 7.1 pcm settings then it shows correctly on my receiver display and I'm able to apply soundfields.

The XA2 chip is also in the A35 which i refused UPS delivery last week since I ordered it before the 'announcement' and therefore (I have 2 HD-A2's) decided to use that $ and get another PS3 for downstairs so the ol-lady can watch BD & HDDVD in the LR. The A35 was for my 'man's room' but i decided to forego the 1080p& chip since HDDVD appears to be dieing.

Not true. The Reon is in the XA2, Anchor Bay in the A35. There is a big difference. I've yet to see anything equal the Reon on SD upscaling. It's the only upscaling I've seen that lived up to the claim "Makes your regular DVDs look almost hi-def". Some stuff actually does look HD through it.

The PS3 is a very "decent" upscaler too. ON some stuff I prefer the A2 (lower than XA2) but the PS3 has a more flexible deinterlacer that will shine when there are flag issues on a disc. the PS3 and the XA2 were the only players I found that could play The Nanny Diaries without severe combing.

I doubt the A30 or A35 are significantly better upscalers than the PS3. The XA2, however, is another story. It is noticably better than the PS3 at upscaling.

DTS-HD MA isn't audibly "better" than TrueHD, or LPCM. Lossless is always the same if fed the same audio master. (DTS-HD MA it's ever so slightly less space efficient than TrueHD, but it doesn't really matter.) If everything is set the same (receiver settings, etc.) and the volume levels are matched... audible performance will be 100% identical.

The only reason anyone cares about DTS-HD MA is that Fox and, more recently, New Line use it exclusively on their Blu-Ray titles. (No TrueHD, no PCM.) The most amusing part is that Fox shipped discs for over a year with Lossless tracks that nobody could listen to. DTS owes them big time... without Fox, I doubt anyone would have cared about DTS-HD MA.

bplewis24, Close Encounters (Sony) has both DTS-HD MA and TrueHD for the main track... other tracks are all TrueHD. Why? Spielberg is a DTS investor. Of course, the soundtrack is quite dated and gains very little from Lossless in any format. Still, why not?

I agree. It's like debating DSD vs PCM. Or 48kHz/16-bit/4.6mbps vs 48kHz/24-Bit/6.9mbps vs 96kHz/24-bit/13mbps. All of them uncompressed.

They are all so sweeet sounding! :D

Plus, there's also mastering, ambiance, mixing techniques which all matter too. Which statistics don't reflect.

for TV's with the option of switching between full and limited within its own settings (ie Sony and Samsung) what should you set RGB to? i found that there is a minor difference (specifically in color degradation), but i'm not sure which is better.

also, am i right in that games/xmb output RGB regardless? and that the option for switching between YCbCr, RGB or "Auto" only affects bluray/DVD movies?
anyone?

anyone?

I set the PS3 to "full" and my xbr4 to "full" on that HDMI input.

Brandon

..

The only reason anyone cares about DTS-HD MA is that Fox and, more recently, New Line use it exclusively on their Blu-Ray titles. (No TrueHD, no PCM.) The most amusing part is that Fox shipped discs for over a year with Lossless tracks that nobody could listen to. DTS owes them big time... without Fox, I doubt anyone would have cared about DTS-HD MA...

There is no real point to having DTS HD Master unless it's designed to keep Dolby honest. And as you say, having it exclusive on Fox where there are so few players that can decode is really is just screwing the informed consumer.

Theoretically it shouldn't be any better or worse, as they're both lossless tracks. Truth is it will be sometime before we'll ever be able to do a true A-B comparison on the same movie, no?

Brandon

my bd30 streams both true hd and dts-ma. what i can tell you is that you are basically correct there really is no audible difference between the two as both are a vbr system it's just that dts-ma has more head room but there is nothing out there currently to utilize it. the main reason for acquiring dts-ma is so one can actually enjoy the lossless codecs on studio names that only carry the dts-ma codec.

possibly good news... on another thread a subscriber posted that at the dts booth they had learned that dts-ma decoding will be comming to the ps3. i hope this pans out to be true... i've got my fingers crossed.

my bd30 streams both true hd and dts-ma. what i can tell you is that you are basically correct there really is no audible difference between the two as both are a vbr system it's just that dts-ma has more head room but there is nothing out there currently to utilize it. the main reason for acquiring dts-ma is so one can actually enjoy the lossless codecs on studio names that only carry the dts-ma codec.

possibly good news... on another thread a subscriber posted that at the dts booth they had learned that dts-ma decoding will be comming to the ps3. i hope this pans out to be true... i've got my fingers crossed.

From different reports and insider commentary, my gut feeling tells me we're about a month away from getting a great firmware update. Call it a Valentine's day gift from Sony. Who says women should receive all the gifts on Valentine's Day? :)

Brandon

From different reports and insider commentary, my gut feeling tells me we're about a month away from getting a great firmware update. Call it a Valentine's day gift from Sony. Who says women should receive all the gifts on Valentine's Day? :)

Brandon

great that will be perfect and i hope it happens. that and bd2.0 would make the ps3 complete.
i am currently in the process of unloading my hd dvds post warners anouncement. i sent back the a35 and am down to 10 hd dvds. i never really cared about the hd dvd format too much most of the time the a2 would sit and collect dust. it was a brilliant move on sony's part including the b) player in the ps3 and an huge mistake on microsofts part selling the hd dvd as an xbox add on.

Imagine this valentine firmware upgrade:

Profile 2.0
Ingame XMB
DTS-HD MA

Does the PS3 have some sort of bookmark or marker feature that allows you to stop a movie while watching it and then resume play later on? Keep in mind that I am not referring to the pause button.Or is there no such feature for it on the PS3?

Thanks.

Wow the PS3 is one incredible BD player ha ha. I had to recalibrate my display for the PS3 seemed to be a little bright and the colors were off a bit. Not a big deal. Just watched Con Air and The Rock last night. Good transfers.
I like the fast loading times on this baby and its flawless playback of BD movies.

I am not too worried about Profile 2.0 because we will get it. This is the world's #1 selling BD player and will recieve constant support because of the sheer number of people that own it. No need to sweat the small stuff. While it is not up to par (as a gaming console) it does serve it purpose. It is the only BD player that puts you in auto pilot, so I am going to chill and watch my flicks with no worries just like the rest of you.

Cheers,
Joel

I got one but the ps3 do not see it when I plug it in! How do you get the ps3 to see the external 60gb drive enclosure?

Did you reformat it, or leave it as it was when it was originally in the PS3? The disk has to be formatted with the FAT32 format. That's the only format the PS3 will recognize with an external disk. Also be aware that if you use Windows XP to try and format it, it won't create a partition bigger than something like 30GB. I can't recall the exact number. If you have an old DOS boot disk from the Win98 days that has the format and fdisk utilities, you can use that. Otherwise, you'll need to get your hands on something like Partition Magic to do it. That's what I've used for years to manipulate disk partitions. It's now a Symantec product (same people who make Norton AntiVirus).

Internally you can buy any 2.5" SATA drive, 250GB is within reason ($200 or so), I'm sure you will get to 500GB or 1TB in the next few years.

On top of that you can plug up an external USB HD that can store multiple TB's.

Given that the PS3 in Europe will have DVR capabilities, there is no reason why the ps3 can't support HD video downloads. With the recent Divx announcment it is even more clear that the ps3 will be a multimedia device worth having in the living room.

-Splints

The 500GB drives just hit the market this month. You should see them at your favorite computer parts retailer shortly. The 1TB drives could be here by the end of the year, next year at the latest. If Sony ever gives us the DVR add-on they sell in Europe, I'll probably want to replace my 250GB with a 500GB or a 1TB. Whoever dies with the most toys wins the game! :D

I have my PS3 hooked up thru HDMI to the TV and Optical to the JVC digital receiver. From there is goes to my Paradign Atoms, small center channel, and micros for rears.

It sounds great to me, I know my system isn't high end by any means, but it keeps me happy.

My question is this, my receiver will accept 2 HDMI inputs which I could use one for cable and one for the PS3. The receiver is not a pass thru type, so I would be able to get TrueHD and whatever else you guys always talk about that confuses me.

Will I hear a realistic difference in sound with my setup?

One reason I'm looking to the PS3 is that many folks
with other conventional players seem to constantly run into problems playing new releases. I haven't read hardly anything on this forum with similar complaints. Everyone pretty much agree that the PS3 is more reliable in this regard? Is a constant periodic firmware update required? Since I have a wireless router in the house, that should be a piece of cake anyhow, right?

One reason I'm looking to the PS3 is that many folks
with other conventional players seem to constantly run into problems playing new releases. I haven't read hardly anything on this forum with similar complaints. Everyone pretty much agree that the PS3 is more reliable in this regard? Is a constant periodic firmware update required? Since I have a wireless router in the house, that should be a piece of cake anyhow, right?

The only audio format that the PS3 won't decode is DTS MA. It falls back to the DTS core codec in this case @ 1.5 Mbps. Other than that, the PS3 decodes everything, DD, DTS, DD+, Dolby TruHD, etc. The general belief is that DTS MA decoding will be available in a future firmware update, but of course, like anything else, isn't guaranteed until it's rolled out. :)

Firmware upgrades are a good thing and you should take advantage of them any time you can. All of the current models of the PS3 on the market (40 and 80 GB) have WiFi built in. As a matter of fact, that's how I have mine network connected and haven't run into a spot of problem with updates or internet connectivity.

The PS3, if you have it network connected, via WiFi or hard line will alert you when a new firmware upgrade is available as well.

All this bitstream vs. PCM dialogue is getting so boring for anyone who follows this thread everyday. If you have it, just watch and listen to 3:10 in 7.1 PCM and say thank you Sony for developing Blu Ray and creating the PS3 - this experience is just amazing - even my wife was excited. Life is good.

So, all new releases play without a hitch? Also, if you hit stop, will the movie resume at the place where you left when you press play.....or would I have to use pause to do that?

the ps3 resumes from where you left off. why stand alones dont have this feature is beyond me.

I noticed last night while using the included game controller remote that the four "arrow" L/R/Up/Dn buttons were not functional during playback. This would include essential functions like FF and REW.

Curiously, I noticed this functionality was only disabled on the two Disney titles I watched, Rat and Cars. They worked fine on the Sony Pictures release Fifth Element.

Is this an intentional disc authoring decision, or is there something I'm not setting properly in the player?

the only blu ray movie i'm aware of that has 7.1 sound on it is pan's labyrinth- that has a 7.1 dts-hdma track. which the ps3 can't decode.
games output 7.1, though.
i see no reason to think the blu ray player couldn't, but i don't know of any material to test with right now.

Im sorry because Im sure this has been answered, but I have not been able to find it...

I just upgraded to a Yamaha RX-V1800 receiver which will decode anything out there. Am I best setting my PS3 to PCM? I obviously would like to get the DDHD and DTSHD tracks but I do not care if the receiver lights up that it is there. I currently only have a 5.1 setup, using HDMI, and have a launch day PS3.

Whats the best bet for me?

Thanks so much.

Be aware that for the PS3s that do play SACD (60 and 80GB). The benefit of having DSD/PCM converted to PCM via HDMI is very convenient (one cable;uncompressed multichannel) and still sounds great.

My standalone SACD player requires the component (five cables: center, front left, front right, side left, side right). But they are not adjustable (bass/treble). My other option is two component cables for 2.0 SACD audio. The PS3's HDMI allows for adjustment on both PCM 2.0, SACD 2.0 and SACD Multichannel (5.1) -- even if it is DSD to PCM converted. Plus, I don't have to deal with the five component cables. They are a hassle (so, 90s!). :)

I do wish that the PS3 did have DSD option for those SACDs that are masted in DSD (vice PCM). But DSD converted to PCM still sounds better than a conventional PCM 2.0 channel CD.

Thanks grommet and D_ view,
Thats the nail in the coffin for me to go Blu with the PS3, I've also got a great way to play my SACD collection. Any recommendations on HDMI swithcers?My Denon 2808 only has 2 in which are now used by Directvdvr and Tosh A2. I saw OPPO has one?

Question:

Does Best Buy give in store 5 free movies with the PS3 as they do other Blu-ray players?

And can PS2 games be played on the PS3?

<SNIP> Any recommendations on HDMI swithcers?My Denon 2808 only has 2 in which are now used by Directvdvr and Tosh A2. I saw OPPO has one?

Oppo's HDMI switcher.

MikeSp

Question:

Does Best Buy give in store 5 free movies with the PS3 as they do other Blu-ray players?

And can PS2 games be played on the PS3?

No, the PS3 is not included on their 5 free disc promotion but you do get the 5 free mail in discs. PS2 games are compatible with the 80gb unit but not the 40gb unit.

The XA2 chip is also in the A35

Wrong! The XA2 has the Reon and the A35 has Anchor Bay.

I, just like most people posting right now just got my PS3 and I have been combing this thread to find the best settings to use for the PS3 with no luck. I've only watched an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm on DVD and I noticed some jaggy lines in the picture. Does anybody know if there is a diffinative thread or article that will steer me to the right settings? If not could someone help me out and let me know what settings would give me the best video/audio performance? I have a 7.1 receiver that does not support hdmi. I do have a 1080p Samsung set.
Here is the long list I have questions about:
Games-
PS Upcaler?
PS Smoothing?

BD-DVD-
Cinema Conversion?
DVD Upscaler?
Video Output format?
1080p 24hz output- Do I always keep this on? Do I set it auto?
Dynamic Range Control- I assume I keep this set to off and then turn it on when my son goes to bed!
Audio output-Bitrate allows my receiver to decode DD/dts and L. PCM sends it uncompressed but only in D. PL II, correct?
Cross color reduction filter?
RGB Full Range (HDMI)?
yPb/cb Pr/Cr Super White (HDMI)?

I am getting the PS3 soon. I chose it over the Panny for it's music streaming and storing capabilities. I have many songs on Ogg format and wanted to know if the PS3 gives the option to convert these songs to the MP3 or AAC format. What is the preferred format to store music within the PS3's hard disk? What do you guys do for remote? The only remote control I saw at BB for the PS3 is not back lighted and I plan to put the PS3 in a dedicated 100% dark HT room. Any other alternative?
Should I expect any issues by connecting the PS3 to my computer via USB, which is sitting 35 ft away in another room? I plan on getting two 15 ft USB cables with repeaters and one regular 6 ft cable and connect all of them together.

Ok, just a quick question to everyone out there, has anyone had any problems playing the bluray version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix On their Ps3, just rented from blockbuster last night and the Ps3 says it was unable to play disk, had some number after the message???? Anyone else have this experience?

...The XA2 has the Reon chip and will blow away the PS3...

Don't see how that's possible. Upscaling on the PS3 is almost HD-quality. There may be units that do it better, but "blowing away" the PS3 in this area cannot happen.

So, all new releases play without a hitch? Also, if you hit stop, will the movie resume at the place where you left when you press play.....or would I have to use pause to do that?

You can hit "stop" and then resume later, but you cannot turn the unit off (read: standby) and then turn it back on and resume from the last spot. Some more advanced BDs (not sure which ones or if they're even available now) have the ability to set bookmarks which could help in this regard.

Brandon

;12788974']I have my PS3 hooked up thru HDMI to the TV and Optical to the JVC digital receiver. From there is goes to my Paradign Atoms, small center channel, and micros for rears.

It sounds great to me, I know my system isn't high end by any means, but it keeps me happy.

My question is this, my receiver will accept 2 HDMI inputs which I could use one for cable and one for the PS3. The receiver is not a pass thru type, so I would be able to get TrueHD and whatever else you guys always talk about that confuses me.

Will I hear a realistic difference in sound with my setup?

Yes, you'll hear a difference. The best way I can describe the difference is that the lossless codecs sound "more full, bigger."

One reason I'm looking to the PS3 is that many folks
with other conventional players seem to constantly run into problems playing new releases. I haven't read hardly anything on this forum with similar complaints. Everyone pretty much agree that the PS3 is more reliable in this regard? Is a constant periodic firmware update required? Since I have a wireless router in the house, that should be a piece of cake anyhow, right?

The majority of FW updates are to add features, not fix problems. So you don't need to connect to the internet and keep it updated, but if you can you really should.

Thanks all. I appreciate it!

Don't see how that's possible. Upscaling on the PS3 is almost HD-quality. There may be units that do it better, but "blowing away" the PS3 in this area cannot happen.

Maybe "blowing away" isn't the best way to describe it but the Reon chip in the XA2 is widely regarded as the best in the business. The PS3 does pretty darn good, but the Reon chip in the XA2 is the better upscaler.

Ok, just a quick question to everyone out there, has anyone had any problems playing the bluray version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix On their Ps3, just rented from blockbuster last night and the Ps3 says it was unable to play disk, had some number after the message???? Anyone else have this experience?

Mine played fine. Is the copy you have scratched , dirty or broken? I've had a couple of discs arrive with a crack that was difficult to see. If it's not broken then try giving it a good cleaning.

I, just like most people posting right now just got my PS3 and I have been combing this thread to find the best settings to use for the PS3 with no luck. I've only watched an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm on DVD and I noticed some jaggy lines in the picture. Does anybody know if there is a diffinative thread or article that will steer me to the right settings? If not could someone help me out and let me know what settings would give me the best video/audio performance? I have a 7.1 receiver that does not support hdmi. I do have a 1080p Samsung set.
Here is the long list I have questions about:


Games-
PS Upcaler-On or Full, whatever the option is
PS Smoothing-On, I guess. I don't play ps2 games on this thing.

BD-DVD-
Cinema Conversion-automatic
DVD Upscaler-normal, or full if you want it to stretch 4:3 fullscreen DVDs
Video Output format-automatic
1080p 24hz output- Does your TV expressly accept 1080p/24? If so, turn it "on", if not, turn it off.
Dynamic Range Control- don't know
Audio output-depends, you'll have to dig deeper into this thread for that.
Cross color reduction filter-bleh
RGB Full Range (HDMI)-limited
yPb/cb Pr/Cr Super White (HDMI)-on

Brandon

BigSlade,

What is the exact difference when you hear upgraded audio compared to not upgraded audio?

Right now I can't answer that question. I'm waiting on my house to be built and all my audio gear is in storage. I was speaking in general terms.

possibly good news... on another thread a subscriber posted that at the dts booth they had learned that dts-ma decoding will be comming to the ps3. i hope this pans out to be true... i've got my fingers crossed.

Good news! Cool! :D

Does the PS3 have some sort of bookmark or marker feature that allows you to stop a movie while watching it and then resume play later on? Keep in mind that I am not referring to the pause button.Or is there no such feature for it on the PS3?

Thanks.

So far. It's only a temporary bookmark memory feature (RAM based, I guess). But if you play a Blu-ray, pause the movie, and just quit the movie by pressing the circle button. It will return you to the XMB. As long as you don't eject the movie. You can just select the Blu-ray disc icon and it should start playing the same place you left off from.

I was able to quit the movie, change my display settings, play music, trailers, look at photos and even play and update a game (Super Star Dust HD) and then go back to the Blu-ray movie where I left off. If you eject the blu-ray disc. The PS3 will "forget" where you left off.

Thanks grommet and D_ view,
Thats the nail in the coffin for me to go Blu with the PS3, I've also got a great way to play my SACD collection. Any recommendations on HDMI swithcers?My Denon 2808 only has 2 in which are now used by Directvdvr and Tosh A2. I saw OPPO has one?

Does the PS3 actually give you 5.1 sound from SACD's over PCM? That would be cool. I don't have a HDMI receiver yet so I listen to my SACD's on another system (SACD and DVD-A player) using analogue connects.


Also to note, all PS3's will play SACD's since IIRC all SACD's have a standard CD track on them for backwards compatibility.

;12788974']I have my PS3 hooked up thru HDMI to the TV and Optical to the JVC digital receiver. From there is goes to my Paradign Atoms, small center channel, and micros for rears.

It sounds great to me, I know my system isn't high end by any means, but it keeps me happy.

My question is this, my receiver will accept 2 HDMI inputs which I could use one for cable and one for the PS3. The receiver is not a pass thru type, so I would be able to get TrueHD and whatever else you guys always talk about that confuses me.

Will I hear a realistic difference in sound with my setup?

yes.. fuller, tighter bass, better vocals just richer. you have it why not use it?

;12788974']I have my PS3 hooked up thru HDMI to the TV and Optical to the JVC digital receiver. From there is goes to my Paradign Atoms, small center channel, and micros for rears.

It sounds great to me, I know my system isn't high end by any means, but it keeps me happy.

My question is this, my receiver will accept 2 HDMI inputs which I could use one for cable and one for the PS3. The receiver is not a pass thru type, so I would be able to get TrueHD and whatever else you guys always talk about that confuses me.

Will I hear a realistic difference in sound with my setup?

If your receiver accepts HDMI and it's HDMI 1.1 or better then you will get better sound. For one thing you will get Dolby TrueHD if available on the disc, DTS Master (Core) and Dolby DD+. Over Toslink all you will get is basic DD 5.1 and DTS 5.1 (which as you have found out, isn't exactly shabby since it's what we've been listening to for years on DVD's).

I guess you need to listen to see if there's an appreciable difference.

Does the PS3 actually give you 5.1 sound from SACD's over PCM? That would be cool. .

Yes, but only via HDMI. And the PS3 probably will never send pure DSD via HDMI unless more receivers start supporting it. So, even if there was a DSD/PCM/Bitstream option on the PS3 it would just be silent if you selected the DSD since it would have to be sent to a receiver that would understand DSD. So, for now. PCM is what we'll be using for SACD.

SACD players got around this problem in the past since the pure DVD source was converted to analog right out of the SACD player.



Also to note, all PS3's will play SACD's since IIRC all SACD's have a standard CD track on them for backwards compatibility.

Yep. All my SACD discs are hybrid (Comes with CD 2.0, SACD 2.0 and SACD 5.1)

Any news on the PS3 being able to decode DTS HD. Fox and Sony need to get their act together. I am calling the big brains in Tokyo out on this one. If they want to save face then they will give us some type of DTS HD either by internal decoding or bitstream.

I read in this thread, maybe elsewhere, that features won't hit the PS3 until there is a stand-alone that also supports the feature. That is why the PS3 got 1.1 in December - another player was released that also had it.

As the PS3 is basically a computer, doing most of this stuff in software, it's a matter of code being written for it. That's not to say there will never be any sort of limitations. But as soon as a stand-alone player comes out that supports it, I'm sure we'll see it on the PS3 as well.

I have all my equipment installed flush mounted below my screen. Since the PS3 is the only BluRay that will work with my reciever, I have a bit of a problem since its such an odd shape. Anybody out there installed one like this? If so, could you send a few pics of what you did. Thanks Heath

the PS3 and the XA2 were the only players I found that could play The Nanny Diaries without severe combing.


It's funny you mention that movie. I tried to play it in my A35 a few weeks ago, but quit in the first few minutes due to horrible combing. I popped it into my Denon 2910 to watch, no problems.

I think my 2910 might have better upscaling PQ than the PS3 as well. I didn't like how In the Land of Women looked on my PS3 (at 100" on my Panasonic AE2000U), so I played it on my 2910. The projector is very new, and that was the first SD DVD I tried watch on it. So I wasn't used to how it would look at that size. Still, it looked a bit better (at least in that first scene, which I didn't get past on the PS3) on the 2910. Which originally was a $700+ upconverting DVD player (and one heckuva multi-chan audio player).

Yep. All my SACD discs are hybrid (Comes with CD 2.0, SACD 2.0 and SACD 5.1)

and how sweet pink floyd dark side of the moon sounds in 5.1:)

Thanks Brandon!

From different reports and insider commentary, my gut feeling tells me we're about a month away from getting a great firmware update. Call it a Valentine's day gift from Sony. Who says women should receive all the gifts on Valentine's Day? :)

Brandon


;) In Japan, women give men gifts (mainly chocolate) on V-day. Then they have "White Day" (don't ask me why) a while later where men return the favor. :D

What?! I just bought a PS3 1 week ago and never saw that 5 blu-rays in mail thing. i live in canada. is it available here too?

;12788974']I have my PS3 hooked up thru HDMI to the TV and Optical to the JVC digital receiver. From there is goes to my Paradign Atoms, small center channel, and micros for rears.

It sounds great to me, I know my system isn't high end by any means, but it keeps me happy.

My question is this, my receiver will accept 2 HDMI inputs which I could use one for cable and one for the PS3. The receiver is not a pass thru type, so I would be able to get TrueHD and whatever else you guys always talk about that confuses me.

Will I hear a realistic difference in sound with my setup?


If your receiver will accept audio (LPCM) over HDMI, definitely use it. The PS3 can decode whatever audio (with few exceptions) to LPCM and output over HDMI. So your receiver doesn't need to be able to decode the bitstream of whatever audio.

Does the receiver pass through the video signal to the TV?

One reason I'm looking to the PS3 is that many folks
with other conventional players seem to constantly run into problems playing new releases. I haven't read hardly anything on this forum with similar complaints. Everyone pretty much agree that the PS3 is more reliable in this regard? Is a constant periodic firmware update required? Since I have a wireless router in the house, that should be a piece of cake anyhow, right?


I think I remember that there were playback issues with the 3rd PoTC movie when it came out. I think the December update resolved that issue, though.

One thing that makes the PS3 nice is the ethernet connection, which makes updating the firmware easy and convenient (assuming you have an internet connection where the PS3 is). An ethernet port isn't a standard/required feature, just optional, on Blu-Ray players, unfortunately (it is on HD DVD players).

What?! I just bought a PS3 1 week ago and never saw that 5 blu-rays in mail thing. i live in canada. is it available here too?

javascript:openPopup ( 'http://www.bluraysavings.com/newindex_ca.html' ,'Bluray','920','730','no','yes','no',true);

Not sure if this will work or not.

If not go here and click on the offer:
http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=1004509&navigationPath=n45940n100327n100265

Maybe "blowing away" isn't the best way to describe it but the Reon chip in the XA2 is widely regarded as the best in the business. The PS3 does pretty darn good, but the Reon chip in the XA2 is the better upscaler.

i've got a ps3 and an xa2, and i've a/b'ed a few dvd's that i have 2 copies of. the xa2 is a bit better, but the ps3 is no slouch.
neither looks close to HD to me, though. it always amazes me when people say upscaled SD DVD is enough. not for me! :D

Yes, but only via HDMI. And the PS3 probably will never send pure DSD via HDMI unless more receivers start supporting it. So, even if there was a DSD/PCM/Bitstream option on the PS3 it would just be silent if you selected the DSD since it would have to be sent to a receiver that would understand DSD. So, for now. PCM is what we'll be using for SACD.

Yep. All my SACD discs are hybrid (Comes with CD 2.0, SACD 2.0 and SACD 5.1)

That's cool. Something to look forward to when I upgrade my AVR. I presume that HDMI 1.1 is good enough for that

Don't see how that's possible. Upscaling on the PS3 is almost HD-quality. There may be units that do it better, but "blowing away" the PS3 in this area cannot happen.

Not to mention that the Reon chip in the Toshiba is embedded firmware and is unlikely to be updated whereas should Sony wish, they could keep on increasing the quality (not that is not good now - it's superb) of the upconversion in the PS3 with new firmware releases.

and how sweet pink floyd dark side of the moon sounds in 5.1:)

+1
every one who has a ps3 that can play SACD's (sorry 40gb owners) should give them a try. i was listening to sea change by beck last night. awesome.

I am considering a PS3 for Blu-Ray. I know this is probably somewhere in this thread, but 404 pages is a little much.

Will PS3 bitstream the audio to my Denon 3808 for decoding via HDMI?

Does PS3 support DTS-HD MA?

javascript:openPopup ( 'http://www.bluraysavings.com/newindex_ca.html' ,'Bluray','920','730','no','yes','no',true);

Not sure if this will work or not.

If not go here and click on the offer:
http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=1004509&navigationPath=n45940n100327n100265

Thank you so much! I was finding watching spiderman 3 and playing NHL08 demo over and over again was rather boring lol. I wanna play with my new toy but i have no software for it :(

Thank you so much! I was finding watching spiderman 3 and playing NHL08 demo over and over again was rather boring lol. I wanna play with my new toy but i have no software for it :(

No problem.

I am considering a PS3 for Blu-Ray. I know this is probably somewhere in this thread, but 404 pages is a little much.

Will PS3 bitstream the audio to my Denon 3808 for decoding via HDMI?

Does PS3 support DTS-HD MA?

It is in the thread you are right but I believe the answers to your questions are no it cannot bitstream over HDMI (at least not the lossless formats for your receiver to decode) It will decode and send as PCM to your Receiver. I think it only bitstreams over Optical and that will not give you the new formats.

As of right now it does not suppor DTS-HD MA. It is rumored to be coming.... but nothing is announced so no guaruntee it will happen. Most of us hear hope it does soon though.

Hope that helps.

TTYL,

+1
every one who has a ps3 that can play SACD's (sorry 40gb owners) should give them a try. i was listening to sea change by beck last night. awesome.

No doubt about that but I would imagine that anybody who has a SACD collection already has the means to play them (Oppo, Samsung etc.). It's good that the PS3 can do it (I have a bunch of SACD's) but I still need to maintain my Samsung SACD and DVD-A player since I have an equally sized collection of DVD-A's that the PS3 cannot play (except as DD or DTS). Now given that the MLP encoding used on DVD-A's is a forerunner of Dolby TrueHD, and the PS3 can decode Dolby TrueHD, wouldn't it be cool if they provided a means for the PS3 to play DVD-A, lossless. But I doubt it's a technology issue - more corporate pride as Sony and the rest of the industry fought to have their technology the accepted one for 5.1 lossles sound.

my ps3 worked fine for a few weeks and now will not read any disc. not even an error code. tried: tiger woods 07, call of duty 4, oceans 13 blu-ray, etc. simply will not read the discs. any help please?? just installed latest firmware and did not help.

my ps3 worked fine for a few weeks and now will not read any disc. not even an error code. tried: tiger woods 07, call of duty 4, oceans 13 blu-ray, etc. simply will not read the discs. any help please?? just installed latest firmware and did not help.

bad news this happened to me. it is most likely going to need service however you can first try to reeboot the system. good luck.

Phew, just got done reading all 404 pages of this thread. Additonally, most of the posts on all the other SAL BD players.

I'm dissappointed that the PS3 won't do DTS HD MA out of the box. Screw Sony, I'll get a VCR instead.:eek:

But seriously, I'm about to pull the trigger on the PS3. What amazes me the most about the PS3 is that it will play all BD titles out. Apparently, most of the other SAL players have serious issues playing some titles, needing a firmware update just to watch the movie to say nothing of the added features.

I already have an HD-A1 and after 1 or two firmware updates would play all HD-DVD titles. Now firmware updates are only needed to access special features. But alas, HD-DVD is dying a slow death.

The way I see it, by buying the PS3 I paid $400 for a great Blu-Ray Player and a great Video Game System.

That's like paying $200 for each one, it's definitely a great deal.

When using the SIXAXIS wireless remote, has anyone noticed that the Fast-forward and Rewind buttons do not work for all discs?

But alas, HD-DVD is dying a slow death.

where do you think we would be right now if microsoft incorporated the hd dvd player into the xbox 360 like ps3 did with the b) player?

where do you think we would be right now if microsoft incorporated the hd dvd player into the xbox 360 like ps3 did with the b) player?

I think we would be almost exactly where we are right now.

;12792422']I think we would be almost exactly where we are right now.

i don't want to get off topic here however most of the hd dvd discs i have ever gotten had no better than dd+. i don't know what all the hd dvd fan boys are raving about i thought the format was second rate and i really don't know where they get the "it's cheaper" thing?.

Thank you so much! I was finding watching spiderman 3 and playing NHL08 demo over and over again was rather boring lol. I wanna play with my new toy but i have no software for it :(


There's a ton of demos (Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Skate, lots more) for download on the PlayStation store, right through the PS3. Also demos and full games ($3-15). Plus a lot of trailers and videos for download on the PS3. Definitely no lack of (free) things for the PS3.

There's a ton of demos (Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Skate, lots more) for download on the PlayStation store, right through the PS3. Also demos and full games ($3-15). Plus a lot of trailers and videos for download on the PS3. Definitely no lack of (free) things for the PS3.

Agreed. I downloaded Ratchet and Crank and the kids loved it so much I bought it for them for Xmas. Also Uncharted looks really cool (even the first level) but I will wait for a birthday before purchasing that. They are decent sized downloads though - about 1G average

Question regarding region free for BlueRay. Either PS3 or other players.

Today I have a SD-DVD player that is region free, and allows me to buy DVD's in Europe and bring them back to the US. Will I be able to do the same with BR disk, that I buy in Europe?
If it doesn't offer that feature out of the box, is there some sort of update or crack available that you can install. I assume it is sw driven, not hw?

Do BR disks in Europe come in PAL?
Is there even such a thing as NTSC or PAL for HighDef?

Since it is all digital and HD, NTSC/PAL may not apply anymore. Not sure.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

i don't want to get off topic here however most of the hd dvd discs i have ever gotten had no better than dd+. i don't know what all the hd dvd fan boys are raving about i thought the format was second rate and i really don't know where they get the "it's cheaper" thing?.

As a recent convert, I can tell you that atleast half of the HD-DVDs I rented from Netflix had TrueHD as an option (I never hooked it up for that, tho).

I also don't see what's so "second rate" about HD-DVD, I actually feel that their standard is better, that's my opinion from the limited research I did on the subject.

As for it being cheaper, there are many deals going around for the past few months that will get you a good player for under $200, even some under $100.

I'm totally neutral, I don't care who wins, I know that they are both excellent formats that will keep me happy.

I think we would be almost exactly where we are right now.

i don't want to get off topic here however most of the hd dvd discs i have ever gotten had no better than dd+. i don't know what all the hd dvd fan boys are raving about i thought the format was second rate and i really don't know where they get the "it's cheaper" thing?.


My 300, Batman Begins, Departed, Matrix 1-3, HP 1-5, and V for Vendetta all have Dolby TrueHD. And that's in my extremely meager collection (30 movies split between blue and red). DD+ is no slouch either. Most people's systems can't produce the difference between DD/DTS versus DD+, let alone lossless.

I know you think it was second rate, but at least they had ethernet ports standard in all players (for updates and online/web features/downloads), persistent storage in all players (interactive features, download subtitles and trailers), better interactivity (BD is still catching up), region free discs/players. It's the reason I already have Matrix in HD with Dolby TrueHD sound. Besides disc capacity and bandwidth, I don't know BD fan boys are raving about being better. Plus, when players are consistently 1/2 the price as BD, that makes it "cheaper."


Not trying to start a fight, just pointing out oft overlooked facts. HD DVD may be on its way out, but it still had a lot of great things going for it. The blue side just had more money to throw around. ;)

I just went down to BB to get an 80 gig PS3. What the hell, might as well get a gaming system for my money as well as a BR player.

But BB was out of the 80 gigs. I checked the in store computer and none of the stores around here have them anymore. They had 40 gig, but I wanted the 80 so that I could play some of the more interesting looking PS2 games out there as well.

I asked a couple of the sales guys there when they were expecting the 80 gig model and they said that they had none on order and were trying to get rid of the 40s as well. They said that Sony is phasing out the current model of PS3 to make way for a newer version with some additional features.

So I walked out of BB without my PS3.

Any idea what gives with the phasing out of current PS3?

;12792662']As a recent convert, I can tell you that atleast half of the HD-DVDs I rented from Netflix had TrueHD as an option (I never hooked it up for that, tho).

I also don't see what's so "second rate" about HD-DVD, I actually feel that their standard is better, that's my opinion from the limited research I did on the subject.

As for it being cheaper, there are many deals going around for the past few months that will get you a good player for under $200, even some under $100.

I'm totally neutral, I don't care who wins, I know that they are both excellent formats that will keep me happy.

to me my hd dvd was always second rate i could care less if i got a rental for it or not but as soon as i got b) i immediatly loved it.

i am neutral now but working my way to 0 owned hd dvds. i'll keep the machine until the format dies.

as far as price to get the equivelant of the bd30 it would have to be the a35 and in bb the a35 is about the same cost as the bd30. can't throw amazon into the mix as they are web based but store cost the two units are equal for fgunctionality. a cheap unit can be had from the hd camp however it is that a cheap unit.

The 500GB drives just hit the market this month. You should see them at your favorite computer parts retailer shortly. The 1TB drives could be here by the end of the year, next year at the latest. If Sony ever gives us the DVR add-on they sell in Europe, I'll probably want to replace my 250GB with a 500GB or a 1TB. Whoever dies with the most toys wins the game! :D

Larry,

Functionally, regarding the ability to download and store movies, what would be the difference between having a very large internal HD, a large external HD add- on, or the DVR ad-on?

Any idea what gives with the phasing out of current PS3?I consider myself pretty up-to-date on PS3 news/rumors and I've never heard of that before. I wouldn't necessarily trust BB as a source of accurate information...

I consider myself pretty up-to-date on PS3 news/rumors and I've never heard of that before. I wouldn't necessarily trust BB as a source of accurate information...
Ok. One more question and I'll leave ya all alone... ;)

Aside from a smaller HD and the lack of ability to play PS2 games, is there any difference between the 40 and 80 gig models?

80gb=4 ubs ports, media card slots
40gb=2 ubs ports, no media card slots

80gb=4 ubs ports, media card slots
40gb=2 ubs ports, no media card slotsThanks for the info. What are the USB ports used for? Is there ever a need for more than two?

Thanks for the info. What are the USB ports used for? Is there ever a need for more than two?

not really. Unless you are planning to buy Rock band, you have to connect the mic, drums and guitar. You can always pick up a usb hub later to add more ports.

Thanks for the info. What are the USB ports used for? Is there ever a need for more than two?
No, unless you want to connect ipods, external drives, cameras, etc. all at the same time.

Also the 80gb supports SACD which the 40gb does not, while some argue that the chip in the 40gb runs quieter than the 80gb. (I think they're both pretty quiet)

I have inside sources as well, so to speak. I haven't heard anything at all. The only thing I can imagine is a new bundle. But with no announcements made yet, I can't see why a store would go without any stock until then, which could be weeks if not months.

I have inside sources as well, so to speak. I haven't heard anything at all. The only thing I can imagine is a new bundle. But with no announcements made yet, I can't see why a store would go without any stock until then, which could be weeks if not months.

80gb is being phased out with backward compatibility. Its already been done in japan. 40gb is here to stay.

Well, considering that my primary use of a PS3 will be bluray and upconvert, with some gaming, this might just be the model to go with.

I've heard really good things about PS3 as a bluray player AND as an upconverting DVD player. :)

I consider myself pretty up-to-date on PS3 news/rumors and I've never heard of that before. I wouldn't necessarily trust BB as a source of accurate information...

I would think that they would be coming out with one that had the rumble controller (I think Sony said the controller would be available in the US around March or April), also I believe they said they were going to continue bundling a Blu-ray movie with the PS3 so maybe they are changing the movie.

Hopefully if they add anything else it would include an upgrade for HDMI 1.3 so you can pass DTS HD MA, or TrueHD if you choose, to your receiver for decoding.

If it weren't for the warner jump, I wouldn't have even looked into this. I got a nice Toshiba HD-A35 a couple of weeks ago for a very nice price. But there's no use in having it if HD DVD is done.

Of course my wife will think I just got it for the games... ;)

I would think that they would be coming out with one that had the rumble controller.Hadn't thought of that---I was thinking more in terms of the unit itself.

Yes, they certain will need to start distributing the DS3 with the unit...

If it weren't for the warner jump, I wouldn't have even looked into this. I got a nice Toshiba HD-A35 a couple of weeks ago for a very nice price. But there's no use in having it if HD DVD is done.

Of course my wife will think I just got it for the games... ;)
Keep that A35 it is still a good player! HD is HD and rack up on movies when a fire sale is going on! I have a A35 and a PS3!

Hopefully if they add anything else it would include an upgrade for HDMI 1.3 so you can pass DTS HD MA, or TrueHD if you choose, to your receiver for decoding.

I hope not. I would LOVE this feature! It would suck if a few months after I bought mine they came out with this. :eek:

I consider myself pretty up-to-date on PS3 news/rumors and I've never heard of that before. I wouldn't necessarily trust BB as a source of accurate information...

I raised this exact question in another thread. While I wouldn't consider BB as a source of accurate information either, they are the largest B&M seller of PS3's, so Sony must be giving them some heads up...

I also searched near my parents home in Central FL and every store was out of stock there. Just look up the 80gb online via BB near you....they are near to impossible to find in store.

"Has anyone noticed that it is near to impossible to find an 80gb PS3 in a Best Buy B&M store, yet they have a ton of 40gb PS3s? There are NONE in all of Virginia according the Best Buy's internal tracking system (I saw over the shoulder of a CSR in a store.). Any that were listed are confirmed to be errors in quantity and the stores are OOS. However, Bestbuy.com has them avalible with no wait time at all. (Clearing out old stock)

Perhaps Sony is releasing the new 80gbs with the nm cell that the 40gb uses and is quieter, etc....

This is purely speculation, but it seems to make sense given the timing and the fact that CES is going on right now.

Thoughts?"

I picked up a PS3 today to use as a blu-ray player. I have a question about audio. With my HD-DVD add-on for the 360 I have it set to DTS through the optical connection (No HDMI receiver yet). This was a huge improvement over the Dolby Digital output on the 360.

So far as I can tell, the PS3 is outputing through the optical connection in only Dolby Digital. It sounds better than the 360 did in this mode but is this the best setting?

Interesting, checked BB's in Austin, none have the 80GB, they all have the 40GB. I checked our Circuit City stores, all of them have the 80GB.

I picked up a PS3 today to use as a blu-ray player. I have a question about audio. With my HD-DVD add-on for the 360 I have it set to DTS through the optical connection (No HDMI receiver yet). This was a huge improvement over the Dolby Digital output on the 360.

So far as I can tell, the PS3 is outputing through the optical connection in only Dolby Digital. It sounds better than the 360 did in this mode but is this the best setting?

DD is all you can get unless you have a HDMI receiver.

Keep that A35 it is still a good player! HD is HD and rack up on movies when a fire sale is going on! I have a A35 and a PS3!

i sent my a35 back to amazon. i figured there is no use in the thing even if i get a bunch of ,ovies at a fire sale there will be no more future movies and if the 35 dies i would have a bunch of movies with no player for them. also it is taking up a slot that i could use for another component.

........
So far. It's only a temporary bookmark memory feature (RAM based, I guess). But if you play a Blu-ray, pause the movie, and just quit the movie by pressing the circle button. It will return you to the XMB. As long as you don't eject the movie. You can just select the Blu-ray disc icon and it should start playing the same place you left off from.

I was able to quit the movie, change my display settings, play music, trailers, look at photos and even play and update a game (Super Star Dust HD) and then go back to the Blu-ray movie where I left off. If you eject the blu-ray disc. The PS3 will "forget" where you left off.

DV thank you for the answer.:)

DV thank you for the answer.:)

Welcome

That's cool. Something to look forward to when I upgrade my AVR. I presume that HDMI 1.1 is good enough for that

SACD is supported in 1.2 or higher. And it's best to start planning for 1.3a anyways since 1.2 or older receiver will become outdated. And you'll want to have the ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio sources. Which 1.3 supports.

I picked up a PS3 today to use as a blu-ray player. I have a question about audio. With my HD-DVD add-on for the 360 I have it set to DTS through the optical connection (No HDMI receiver yet). This was a huge improvement over the Dolby Digital output on the 360.

So far as I can tell, the PS3 is outputing through the optical connection in only Dolby Digital. It sounds better than the 360 did in this mode but is this the best setting?

DD is all you can get unless you have a HDMI receiver.

I'll add that you can also get PCM 2.0 Uncompressed (two channel only) and DTS (5.1 / 1.5 Mbps) audio via optical as well. Not just DD 5.1. But you will NOT get TrueHD or DTS-HD MA. You'll need HDMI for that.

And as other have stated. You can't get DTS-HD MA on the PS3 yet. Until they add (PCM) support. Others have said that they heard at the DTS booth at CES that they will add DTS-HD MA to the PS3 soon (via PCM most likely, not bitstream).

and how sweet pink floyd dark side of the moon sounds in 5.1:)

Crystal clear 3D audio!:) One of the best sounding 1973 recording I've ever heard. I'd say that the only other recording that would best it would be "The Wall. (1979)" I still can't believe how great that recording sounds. Not sure if they'd ever release a 5.1 SACD version, though.:mad:

he was asking if PS3 converts audio to DTS 1.5 like xbox and toshiba a2 does.

I consider myself pretty up-to-date on PS3 news/rumors and I've never heard of that before. I wouldn't necessarily trust BB as a source of accurate information...

Not going to happen anytime soon. It will be several years before there is a replacement.

he was asking if PS3 converts audio to DTS 1.5 like xbox and toshiba a2 does.


The PS3 can too. But only for DTS sources (DVD, games or Blu-ray movies that have the core DTS 1.5 material). But I'm not sure what you mean by "converts." Converting a DD source to DTS? Is that possible on the xbox and Toshiba a2?

Crystal clear 3D audio!:) One of the best sounding 1973 recording I've ever heard. I'd say that the only other recording that would best it would be "The Wall. (1979)" I still can't believe how great that recording sounds. Not sure if they'd ever release a 5.1 SACD version, though.:mad:

i think only dsom was released in sacd format. i wish they would release all of the 70's floyd cds in 5.1 sacd.

I'm experiencing audio dropouts from my new PS3, and am trying to figure out the source. Any help would be much appreciated.

I have an older Harmon Kardon receiver (AVR55)... its old enough that it doesnt have HDMI, but it does have 2 digital audio inputs - 1 optical, 1 coax.

My first theory (and the cheapest one to test) was that my optical cable was bad - so i replaced it, but am still experiencing the dropouts.

Could it be that my receiver is just too old? I have a Directv HD DVR, connected via coax, and have no dropout issues to speak of. It used to be connected via optical (before I got the PS3), and don't remember ever having dropouts. (So i know my the optical input has worked.)

So... could my PS3 be bad? Or is the audio coming from my PS3 more powerful(?) than that from the HD-DVR, and my receiver just can't deal.

The PS3 is new, so i'd like to figure this out while I can still exchange it.

Thanks again.

Bobby Zee

I've only watched an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm on DVD and I noticed some jaggy lines in the picture

The Curb DVDs are terrible picture quality in my experience. They stuff a bunch of episodes onto one disk. And they're not huge into high quality video . All about the content with them. Which makes sense for that show - which I love btw.


yPb/cb Pr/Cr Super White (HDMI)-on

Do all HDTV sets support Super White? Does it make a difference?

Has anyone tried the Intec PS3 Remote Control G7721 as a blu-ray remote. I picked one up at Future Shop here in Canada for $20. It has only basic commands.

I am trying to get it to work with my Harmony 880 and so far I can't get the up/down/left/right to work.

Any ideas would be appreciated.


Here is a link:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10097261&catid=24673

I'm experiencing audio dropouts from my new PS3, and am trying to figure out the source. Any help would be much appreciated.

I have an older Harmon Kardon receiver (AVR55)... its old enough that it doesnt have HDMI, but it does have 2 digital audio inputs - 1 optical, 1 coax.

My first theory (and the cheapest one to test) was that my optical cable was bad - so i replaced it, but am still experiencing the dropouts.

Could it be that my receiver is just too old? I have a Directv HD DVR, connected via coax, and have no dropout issues to speak of. It used to be connected via optical (before I got the PS3), and don't remember ever having dropouts. (So i know my the optical input has worked.)

So... could my PS3 be bad? Or is the audio coming from my PS3 more powerful(?) than that from the HD-DVR, and my receiver just can't deal.

The PS3 is new, so i'd like to figure this out while I can still exchange it.

Thanks again.

Bobby Zee

Just watched DH4 on my PS3 and the AVR I am using is pretty old (a Kenwood) and only has DD (in fact it's nearly 8 years old so that it doesn't say DD on the front but AC-3). No optical digital - only coax so for the PS3 I have to use a Toslink to coax adapter (powered) running through a Toslink switcher (I also have a Toshiba A3).

I noticed several times during the movie that the audio dropped out. I am just putting this down to the flakiness of all my connections. But interestingly the other day I watched a DVD all the way through with DD sound and no dropouts. In fact it's the first time I have heard dropouts so I don't think the PS3 is to blame.

/Edit

Also watched FF on BR the other day and no dropouts. I wonder if it's a problem with the Dolby True HD track on DH4

I am trying to set up my PS3 and am having problems. I have an old Denon AVR-3801. It has no HDMI ports. I have had it connected by HDMI to my PS3 to my Sony KDL40XBR2 and it works flawlessly video and sound. I went out and purchased a TOSLINK cable and tried to connect it the PS3 directly to the Denon for sound.

I went into the setings menus and set the sound to be output through the Toslink. But the Denon does not detect a digital signal and I do not get any sound.

Anyone have any clues about what I am doing wrong? At this point I can only get sound via HDMI through my TV speakers. Thanks in advance for any help.

- Fritz:confused:

Larry,

Functionally, regarding the ability to download and store movies, what would be the difference between having a very large internal HD, a large external HD add- on, or the DVR ad-on?

Well, let me be clear at the outset that I don't have any details on how the European DVR add-on works. I'm only aware of its existence from comments here on AVS. I'm assuming that it should be capable of recording to either the internal or an external drive depending on what you select. If so, the only functional difference I can envision is that the internal drive uses the PS3's proprietary disk format, that is likely more efficient than the ancient FAT32 format that you have to use with external media. With FAT32, the larger the capacity of the drive, the more space is wasted because of the way it allocates files. You're also stuck with a maximum file size of 4GB, which could be a problem if you tried to record a 2-hour+ movie in HD from your cable or satellite box. It would be nice if Sony would implement support for something like the linux format or Microsoft's NTFS. We'll just have to see what develops. I know there are others here who are following this particular possibility a lot closer than I am. Perhaps one of them will be kind enough to jump in and expand on, or clarify anything I've guessed at.

Well, let me be clear at the outset that I don't have any details on how the European DVR add-on works. I'm only aware of its existence from comments here on AVS.

Is there any reason why Europe is the first or only region to get this DVR add-on?

Well, let me be clear at the outset that I don't have any details on how the European DVR add-on works. I'm only aware of its existence from comments here on AVS. I'm assuming that it should be capable of recording to either the internal or an external drive depending on what you select. If so, the only functional difference I can envision is that the internal drive uses the PS3's proprietary disk format, that is likely more efficient than the ancient FAT32 format that you have to use with external media. With FAT32, the larger the capacity of the drive, the more space is wasted because of the way it allocates files. You're also stuck with a maximum file size of 4GB, which could be a problem if you tried to record a 2-hour+ movie in HD from your cable or satellite box. It would be nice if Sony would implement support for something like the linux format or Microsoft's NTFS. We'll just have to see what develops. I know there are others here who are following this particular possibility a lot closer than I am. Perhaps one of them will be kind enough to jump in and expand on, or clarify anything I've guessed at.

Thanks Larry,

Interesting info, especially about the file size limitations. It also make me wonder just how one would record off a satellite box, especilly Directv, since they specifically have omitted from their hardware any means of outputting HD content for recording. As of a few years ago, I remember the hot thing was for hdtvs to come with firewire outputs, for possible recording to HD devices, but that seems to have fallen by the wayside. I always wondered why a recorder couldn't just be hooked up to the HDMI outputs and then throughput to the tv, just like the VHS recorders used to do. But maybe that's all a copy protecton issue. From your comments, I sense that my being concerned about size of add on storage may be getting ahead of things a bit. Perhaps, as you stated, we need to wait to see just how Sony would implement the whole process. It's probably safe to assume that the PS3 or its successor will be part of the loop, hopefully the PS3 itself, or its core with some add ons.

It also make me wonder just how one would record off a satellite box

Link! (http://www.nextcomwireless.com/r5000/home.htm)

PlayTV scheduled for end of March in UK (add-on for £99.99). I hope they're working on a US version too.

http://ps3mods.blogspot.com/2008/01/playtv-release-date-and-price-announced.html

PlayTV scheduled for end of March in UK (add-on for £99.99). I hope they're working on a US version too.

http://ps3mods.blogspot.com/2008/01/playtv-release-date-and-price-announced.html

Wow! Yet another plus for the PS3. If it works well that would be a nice add-on.

well after two other Blu-Ray players that say they could decode internally and get it to my receiver as multichannel (they wouldnt though) i finally went with the PS3 and multichannel is showing up finally as it did with my A3.

One thing i must say, the PS3 is one ugly machine, i have an xbox 360 and all i ever heard was the PS3 was so much better looking, maybe if they put a cover over the silver loading area it would be, but man it is ugly.

Do they make a lid that matches the rest of the shell over the drivebay?

Thanks grommet and D_ view,
Thats the nail in the coffin for me to go Blu with the PS3, I've also got a great way to play my SACD collection. Any recommendations on HDMI swithcers?My Denon 2808 only has 2 in which are now used by Directvdvr and Tosh A2. I saw OPPO has one?
Yes, the PS3 does send mutli-channel PCM for SACDs ..They sound great. My only complaint with the implemention is that it will send 'multi-channel' stream even with SACD stereo only ...I think this is configurable on the PS3 ..

Be careful with 'all SACDS have a CD Track... I own quite a few that are SACD only .. I think most of those are from the pre-hybrid days ..

Originally Posted by yampan
"It also make me wonder just how one would record off a satellite box"

Link! (http://www.nextcomwireless.com/r5000/
home.htm)

Thanks rebena,

Interesting read. The article is a little old (probably why they mention D-VHS) and said there was no compatability with directv HR series receivers, which is the vairiant they use for broacasting MPEG4. That's about the only thing worth recording onto hard media. I don't see any mention of such devices being used with their current crop of h20, HR20, Hr21 receivers on those forums. D* has always postured itself hardware wise to obstruct that endeavor. It remains to be seen if the new gang of HDM download pushers will also try to keep everthing off the hard stuff. Once BD recorders are plentiful and inexpensive, the answer may be "everthing is possible for a fee." :)

What's your TV make and model? Did you run an automatic display setup or manual? If you do manual you can check it yourself.

Brandon

I have the samsung lnt5265f. If I choose automatic, the picture goes away, then it comes back to the same spot. It doesnt allow me to continue with the settings change. If I choose custom, I can choose the first three options and it works fine. But when I choose 1080p, the sceen goes blank like the same as when I choose automatic. Its like the ps3 signal is dropped. Any ideas?

Interesting, checked BB's in Austin, none have the 80GB, they all have the 40GB. I checked our Circuit City stores, all of them have the 80GB.


Hmmm? I just checked BB on line and they have it available to be shipped and also 4 out of the 6 stores in my area are showing it in stock. :confused:

Thanks grommet and D_ view,
Thats the nail in the coffin for me to go Blu with the PS3, I've also got a great way to play my SACD collection. Any recommendations on HDMI swithcers?My Denon 2808 only has 2 in which are now used by Directvdvr and Tosh A2. I saw OPPO has one?
Not sure what TV your using but if there's 2 HDMI ports available I'd run your DTV directly to the TV and then optical out of the tv into the 2808 (you're only getting DD anyway no sense wasting an HDMI port on the Denon for that). Use the HDMI's on the 2808 for the PS3 and the Toshiba.

Has anyone tried the Intec PS3 Remote Control G7721 as a blu-ray remote. I picked one up at Future Shop here in Canada for $20. It has only basic commands.

I am trying to get it to work with my Harmony 880 and so far I can't get the up/down/left/right to work.

Any ideas would be appreciated.


Here is a link:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10097261&catid=24673

You need to have the Harmony 880 learn the up/down/left/right commands in "raw" mode. This is an option for the Harmony's learning mode.

Ron Jones

It also make me wonder just how one would record off a satellite box,

what boggles my mind is how people stay with cable tv?

dish network has the most hd channels available under thier basic hd teir.
bang for the buck definetly goes to dish net. i am waiting to qualify for another upgrade so i can get another 622 and a hd reciever for my other two hdtv's.

my understanding of direct tv is that they are adding a bunch of hd channels but they will be more subscription and ppv type.

as far as recording the 622 does a perfect job and it helps that i don't care about keeping any of the programs.

I didn't know where to post this question, so I hope here is alright.

I have a Panny 1080p plasma th-pz700u. When I am playing PS3 games such as COD 4 and NBA2k7 (both which are 1080p games according to the back of the box) my TV shows that it is only receiving 720p signal. When I am on my PS3 home screen it shows 1080p output. I have the output of the PS3 set to 1080p.

Is there anything I am doing wrong or is this normal?

Matt

Hi,

I wanted to ask how to solve a problem with my PS3 and Blue-Ray movies.

I recently bought my 40GB PS3 and installed the new software update.
When I play games I don't have any audio problems, so I can enjoy the DD 5.1 sorround, but when I put a Blue-Ray movies in I, the audio skips any time the audio gets louder (over a certain threshold).

The way I have my PS3 connected is this:

PS3 connected via HDMI directly to the TV (for Video)
Optical cable connected to my Receiver (Sony STR-DE885)
My speakers are the PolkAudio RM6005

I set my PS3 BD/DVD (Optical) audio to Bitstream

If I play around the settings of my receiver I can make the audio skip less during loud parts, and I can definitely make it much worst, but I cannot make the skipping go away.
I tried changing optical cable and I get the exact same result.

Can someone PLEASE help me with this?
At this point I think it might be either the receiver or the speakers that cannot handle (for whatever reason) the audio coming from the PS3, but I am not sure at all.

Thanks a lot in advance.

I have the samsung lnt5265f. If I choose automatic, the picture goes away, then it comes back to the same spot. It doesnt allow me to continue with the settings change. If I choose custom, I can choose the first three options and it works fine. But when I choose 1080p, the sceen goes blank like the same as when I choose automatic. Its like the ps3 signal is dropped. Any ideas?

I'm not sure if you've followed the 65 thread or not, but at one point the models had serious "handshake" issues over HDMI, and specifically with the PS3 I thought. There was either a firmware update or a board revision issued for the TV. You may want to contact samsung or read that thread and look into it.


Do all HDTV sets support Super White? Does it make a difference?

Not all TVs that I know of. As far as I know, even if your TV doesn't support it, enabling super-white to "on" won't clip any peak whites or below black or cause any other harm to the picture (banding, etc). My best advice would be to run some test patterns and see what you notice and calibrate from there.


I have a Panny 1080p plasma th-pz700u. When I am playing PS3 games such as COD 4 and NBA2k7 (both which are 1080p games according to the back of the box) my TV shows that it is only receiving 720p signal. When I am on my PS3 home screen it shows 1080p output. I have the output of the PS3 set to 1080p.

Is there anything I am doing wrong or is this normal?

Matt

There is nothing wrong. You are seeing COD4's native resolution (actually 1024x600) being sent to your TV. The back of the box is simply telling you what resolution the game "supports" meaning that if you deselected the 720p and 1080i resolution and "forced" 1080p to your TV, then COD4 would internally render the game and scale it to 1080p for your TV.

The game should actually run better at 720p because that's what it's programmed to natively render. If you're up to it, check out this thread (http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.php?p=1103702&postcount=937) for more info on native rendering resolutions of video games.

Brandon

Hey guys,

I just got a PS3 and after hooking everything up via hdmi to my plasma (panny px75u) for video and optical to receiver there is no sound at all from my receiver. I set the optical output to bitstream. If I revert back to only use HDMI through the TV sound comes hence something is going on between the ps3 and the receiver as far as optical is concerned. Does anyone have this type of receiver (Pioneer VSX-515)?

Thx guys,

There is nothing wrong. You are seeing COD4's native resolution (actually 1024x600) being sent to your TV. The back of the box is simply telling you what resolution the game "supports" meaning that if you deselected the 720p and 1080i resolution and "forced" 1080p to your TV, then COD4 would internally render the game and scale it to 1080p for your TV.

The game should actually run better at 720p because that's what it's programmed to natively render. If you're up to it, check out this thread (http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.php?p=1103702&postcount=937) for more info on native rendering resolutions of video games.

Brandon

Brandon, I asked about this in another thread, I was told that if you uncheck 720p and 1080i then it would go to 480p, not 1080P.

That is actually what was happening which is why I started the thread. You can see it here if interested:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=974866

;12799689']Brandon, I asked about this in another thread, I was told that if you uncheck 720p and 1080i then it would go to 480p, not 1080P.

That is actually what was happening which is why I started the thread. You can see it here if interested:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=974866

It depends on the game. If the game supports 1080p and you uncheck the others, you will get 1080p. If the game doesn't support 1080p and you uncheck the others, you will get 480p.

COD4 supports 1080p, so if that is checked and everything else is unchecked, 1080p will result.

Brandon

Not sure what TV your using but if there's 2 HDMI ports available I'd run your DTV directly to the TV and then optical out of the tv into the 2808 (you're only getting DD anyway no sense wasting an HDMI port on the Denon for that). Use the HDMI's on the 2808 for the PS3 and the Toshiba.

There are a lot of TVs (most of them) that won't pass multichannel audio from an external source back out of their own optical outputs. They downconvert it to stereo (which generally lights up the Pro Logic II on your receiver). Only the audio from the TV's own tuners can be output via optical as multichannel. This is true of DD, DTS, the various HD formats, whatever.

So he'd want to connect DTV via optical to the receiver, not the TV.

There's a ton of demos (Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Skate, lots more) for download on the PlayStation store, right through the PS3. Also demos and full games ($3-15). Plus a lot of trailers and videos for download on the PS3. Definitely no lack of (free) things for the PS3.

That's where I got my NHL08 demo.

2 problems though:

1. I have bandwidth limitations on my internet connection :(
2. I have a computer to play most of the games simply because I hate using two analog sticks. I am much more at ease with a mouse and a keyboard for fps games.

Can you buy games online? They must be cheaper. But then if you lose your data you lose the game as well. Can you put it on a disc somehow?

btw games playing at 720p is a ripoff. They look a bit blurry. I thought the PS3 would've been powerful enough to handle the 1080p resolution.

thanks again.

It depends on the game. If the game supports 1080p and you uncheck the others, you will get 1080p. If the game doesn't support 1080p and you uncheck the others, you will get 480p.

COD4 supports 1080p, so if that is checked and everything else is unchecked, 1080p will result.

Brandon
I see, makes sense!

Yes, if a game only supports 720p, and you don't have 720p checked in the settings but do have 1080i/p checked, the PS3 will not scale to 1080i. It will down-convert to 480p. This issue has been around since the PS3 came out. The 360 will scale any media/source to any output resolution you set (save for SD DVDs when not using VGA or HDMI), but the PS3 apparently lacks this kind of scaling hardware chip when it comes to games (not sure if the PS3 can downscale Blu-Ray to 720p).

what boggles my mind is how people stay with cable tv?


Because for many of us severe weather knocks the sat out with regularity. Here in KC, you can depend on losing the sat signal everytime it rains or snows. I had DTV for many years and finally gave up on it because of frequent loss of signal.

btw games playing at 720p is a ripoff. They look a bit blurry. I thought the PS3 would've been powerful enough to handle the 1080p resolution.


720p blurry?

Just ordered my Marantz VP15S1 projector and I have a question. It's a pretty simple one, I'm sorry to say.

I have to get some long runs (25' - 30') of HDMI's. Does the newest version 1.3 pertain more to a cable running between projector and PS3 (and or other 1080P sources) or between 1080P sources and preamp/pros/receivers. In other words, is it more for audio or is it video? My Bryston processor doesn't have HDMI.

I think I see. It's for both . . . "deep color" for video and DTS HD MA / TrueHD for audio. So I need (2) HDMI 1.3 cables, not just reg. HDMI cables, correct?

Hey guys,

I just got a PS3 and after hooking everything up via hdmi to my plasma (panny px75u) for video and optical to receiver there is no sound at all from my receiver. I set the optical output to bitstream. If I revert back to only use HDMI through the TV sound comes hence something is going on between the ps3 and the receiver as far as optical is concerned. Does anyone have this type of receiver (Pioneer VSX-515)?

Thx guys,

Nevermind, I figured it out. This receiver has optical assigned to TV for cable-box. Reassigned it to DVD. Sounds great...yay! :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mouettus View Post
btw games playing at 720p is a ripoff. They look a bit blurry. I thought the PS3 would've been powerful enough to handle the 1080p resolution.
720p blurry?
That's odd. Are you sure your set is calibrated right? I've read many times that while some games support 1080P, 720P is the best resolution for games.

Does the PS3 actually give you 5.1 sound from SACD's over PCM? That would be cool. I don't have a HDMI receiver yet so I listen to my SACD's on another system (SACD and DVD-A player) using analogue connects.


Also to note, all PS3's will play SACD's since IIRC all SACD's have a standard CD track on them for backwards compatibility.


No. This is not correct. There are SACD ONLY discs that do NOT work in a regular DVD/CD player. Those discs do not include the CD data. Since the PS3 is a SACD/CD/DVD/BD player it will play any of those discs even an SACD ONLY format disc.

Most games are rendered in 720p on both 360 and PS3. The 360 will re-scale the resolution of games to whatever you set it to. PS3 won't scale resolution for games. Originally games either supported 720p or 1080p, and if your TV didn't support that resolution, you'd have to play in 480p. Lately there might be games that "support" (can render out in within game software) both 720p and 1080p.

First "possible" remote problem.This morning my Sony BR remote worked fine but then after turning off the PS3 then turning it back on later the remote stopped working and the clicking sound from the speakers that it makes stopped too even though it was set to on.I ended up resetting my PS3 to factory specs and the clicking sound was restored to the game controller but I can't get it to re-recognize the remote anymore in the setup no matter how long I press the enter and start buttons together.I rechecked the firmware which remains at the newest version 2.1 and it won't reload since the newest version already exists.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Because for many of us severe weather knocks the sat out with regularity. Here in KC, you can depend on losing the sat signal everytime it rains or snows. I had DTV for many years and finally gave up on it because of frequent loss of signal.

i understand, however for me it has to be such a severe storm that it looks like night and at most i have lost signal for 10 minutes. i just switch over to a dvr recording. my sat is up and runnign 99.9999% of the time rain or shine and i live in florida need i say more about severe lightning storms each day in the summer:)

i have never had dt i have always had dish and love it also have comcast internet so i do use diplexers and if really want to watch my locals for that 10 minutes i just switch over to cable as sub basic cable comes free with the internet service. funny thing is durring katrina my cable was lost for 2 days while my sat rocked on! a main cable was severed where the storm made land fall all cable was lost. my neighbors were all bored and i was enjoying my programming uninterupted.

i have heard of others having tree issues however i have a friend beaming dt through a small hole in 2 large trees with no complaints.

i've had dish for 4 years and would never want to go back to cable. i am looking to get two more hd recievers when i can upgrade again for my other two hdtv's. one or two more 622 dvrs if they let me or at least a dvr and a hd reciever.

Because for many of us severe weather knocks the sat out with regularity. Here in KC, you can depend on losing the sat signal everytime it rains or snows. I had DTV for many years and finally gave up on it because of frequent loss of signal.

I can't speak of the loss of signal for snow, but I sure can for the loss of signal from rain. I live in central Florida and during the triple hit hurricanes of 2004 I didn't lose signal one time. I won't say I never lose the signal during a storm, but it's rare. I have the HD 5 LNB dish (I had the 3 LNB dish during the hurricanes). The trick is dish tuning on a very stable base. A metal post in a lot of concrete is best. Typically, satellite dish installers do a pizz poor job of dish installation. Just because joe blow down the street has his dish dicreetly mounted on his roof doesn't mean that's the best way to do it. Additionally, I have a dish tuner (birdog) that I occasionally use to tune the dish. I alway aim for the best signal I can get on all birds. It may take several attempts over time to get it right, but once it's right I rarely have to dick with it again. I even tuned my own 2-way satellite internet dish when I used that service. BTW Direcway sucked.

It's no different than when you first get any new piece of AV equipment. After you intall it you spend some time setting it up the best way.

Having said all that, I'm not saying satellite is any better than cable or any other technology but if you're inclinded to revisit it and are willling to buy a tuner and spend some time at it, I'm sure it'll work for ya. After all, plenty of folks in Canada can get the signal very reliably.

(not sure if the PS3 can downscale Blu-Ray to 720p).

As of firmware 1.80 or so, it does.

Brandon

btw games playing at 720p is a ripoff. They look a bit blurry. I thought the PS3 would've been powerful enough to handle the 1080p resolution.

thanks again.

The PS3 is powerful enough to run games at 1080p resolution (see Virtua Tennis 3, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, etc), but very few games render at that resolution because AA has to be reduced or frame rates tend to drop. Also most dual-platform releases are ported from their 360 counterparts...and the resolution of 1024x600 plays very well with the 360 hardware (COD4, for example).

However you'll notice that COD4 still looks excellent in the graphics department. Games being blurry probably has more to do with something other than the resolution as 720p can be just fine for most games.

That's odd. Are you sure your set is calibrated right? I've read many times that while some games support 1080P, 720P is the best resolution for games.

720p isn't the best resolution, per se. It's more like it's the best compromise between high resolution and allowing the game to be played at an acceptable framerate. Especially if there are hardware limitations.

Brandon

i am looking to get two more hd recievers when i can upgrade again for my other two hdtv's. one or two more 622 dvrs if they let me or at least a dvr and a hd reciever.

In your last post and this one, what do you mean when you say you need to be qualified for an upgrade and you have to wait until they let you?

;12800991']In your last post and this one, what do you mean when you say you need to be qualified for an upgrade and you have to wait until they let you?Good question! Who's they?

No. This is not correct. There are SACD ONLY discs that do NOT work in a regular DVD/CD player. Those discs do not include the CD data. Since the PS3 is a SACD/CD/DVD/BD player it will play any of those discs even an SACD ONLY format disc.

OK - I was misinformed. I thought one of the key advantages touted for SACD was backwards compatibility with CD's whereas the competing MCH format DVD-A was compatible with DVD. I see now that the hybrid format is only one of three. I guess another reason why SACD's and DVD-A didn't become successful - too much confusion for consumers.

...

720p isn't the best resolution, per se. It's more like it's the best compromise between high resolution and allowing the game to be played at an acceptable framerate. Especially if there are hardware limitations.

Brandon

From my experience games look fantastic at 720P. My TV does 1080i but with a native resolution of 1366x768 the PS3 sends out 720P. Ratchet and Crank and COD4 look really sharp in that resolution.

Hello guys, i am sure that this has been discussed but i tried skimming all 400 pages of this thread and couldnt really find it... also tried a search but couldnt find the exact answer !!! please do help me understand this next-gen audi format nonsense as its driving me crazy:

basically what ive read so far (amongst others)

hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/04/multi-channel_a.php
hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/08/hdmi_part_5_-_audio_in_hdmi_versions.php
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_TrueHD

(i have a PS3 and BD10 and a Denon 4308 for reference)


Basically the PS3 can output bitstream and PCM. I understand that BITSTREAM is processed audio while PCM is just the raw audio. Hence
if i send the audio via HDMI (denon 4308 with HDMI1.3) i should be setting it to PCM for the lossy next gen audio formats for better quaility right???????? Secondly i know that the PS3 can internally decode Dolby Digital PLUS (and convert it to bitstream or something to be send over HDMI... that bit i dont get ???) but can it output RAW PCM for the other LOSSLESS formats DTS Master HD, Dolby TRUE HD over hdmi 1.3 so that my denon can actually do something USEFUL?

ALSO how does the PS3 decode DD Plus when it has no 5.1 analog audio out ???


THANK YOU !!

p.s. just for reference . if you use Digital oprical out (toslink) you only get DD and DTS right.. in that case can you still leave the output to PCM (can toslink handle 5.1 channel DD/DTS) or must you set it to bitstream. What processing is done by the receiver in each case. If you output PCM then it does all the work to split it to 5.1 analog channels... But if it is in bitstream, it does exactly WHAT??

p.s. just for reference . if you use Digital oprical out (toslink) you only get DD and DTS right.. in that case can you still leave the output to PCM (can toslink handle 5.1 channel DD/DTS) or must you set it to bitstream. What processing is done by the receiver in each case. If you output PCM then it does all the work to split it to 5.1 analog channels... But if it is in bitstream, it does exactly WHAT??

The PS3 or any other other device cannot output PCM 5.1 over Toslink - only 2.0. So for DTS or DD over Toslink it must be bitstream.

If you are outputting PCM 5.1 over HDMI the AVR just does Digital to Analogue conversion for eventual output to your speakers (via the amp stages of course and applying any equilization etc.)

If you send bitstream over Toslink (DD or DTS) the AVR has to decompress and decode the signals into PCM 5.1 before doing as above. The AVR might go directly from bitream to analogue - not sure.




ALSO how does the PS3 decode DD Plus when it has no 5.1 analog audio out ???


THANK YOU !!

It outputs DD+ over HDMI (as PCM I think) and DD regular over Toslink (set to bitstream)

...

that makes thinks ...clearer ! thanks mate
I found the following whitepaper which might also help some folks who are struggling over concepts. SPDIF/toslink really are only 2 channel PCM

http://www.dolby.com/assets/pdf/tech_library/DPlus_TrueHD_whitepaper.pdf


now only to get an answer for the last part

Basically the PS3 can output bitstream and PCM. I understand that BITSTREAM is processed audio while PCM is just the raw audio. Hence
if i send the audio via HDMI (denon 4308 with HDMI1.3) i should be setting it to PCM for the lossy next gen audio formats for better quaility right???????? Secondly i know that the PS3 can internally decode Dolby Digital PLUS (and convert it to bitstream or something to be send over HDMI... that bit i dont get ???) but can it output RAW PCM for the other LOSSLESS formats DTS Master HD, Dolby TRUE HD over hdmi 1.3 so that my denon can actually do something USEFUL?

Basically the PS3 can output bitstream and PCM. I understand that BITSTREAM is processed audio while PCM is just the raw audio. Hence
if i send the audio via HDMI (denon 4308 with HDMI1.3) i should be setting it to PCM for the lossy next gen audio formats for better quaility right???????? Secondly i know that the PS3 can internally decode Dolby Digital PLUS (and convert it to bitstream or something to be send over HDMI... that bit i dont get ???) but can it output RAW PCM for the other LOSSLESS formats DTS Master HD, Dolby TRUE HD over hdmi 1.3 so that my denon can actually do something USEFUL?

I think it works this way

1. Over Toslink as you have seen. the PS3 can only output PCM 2.0 and DD or DTS 5.1. I have a slight issue in this area since my AVR only does Toslink and when playing a title that has DTS Master HD on it with no English DD 5.1 track (there are some like that) all I can receive it seems is PCM 2.0 - no discrete 5.1 sound

2. Over HDMI the PS3 decodes most of the advanced formats and sends them out via PCM. THis includes Dolby True HD so over PCM you get the full benefit of the lossless compression (as you would if the BD title had PCM 5.1 on it). You only need a HDMI 1.2 (could be 1.1) connection to do that. The PS3 doesn't decode DTS Master HD and only sends out the core DTS 1.5Mbs part of the audio.

There are a growing number of folks who are annoyed that the PS3 doesn't decode DTS Master HD and for them the holy grail is that the PS3 can extract (if that is the word) that audio track from the BR title and output it as bitstream over HDMI. Then their AVR's could do the decoding internally and apply whatever subsequent processing they want.

IMHO I can't see the difference between the PS3 processing DTS Master HD as it does Dolby TrueHD - that is decode, decompress and output at PCM. Anyway the jury is out on whether the PS3 could ever output DTS Master HD as bitstream because of a potential lacking in capability in the HDMI chipset they used.

Others see there is a difference.

You can judge for yourself I guess.

Larry

I just signed up for a sonystyle card to get the $100 off a ps3. After I was approved, a window popped up with my account number and some three digit code. Long story short I closed the window without getting my account number. Now I can't buy the ps3 until my card comes in the mail. I tried calling but its sunday and they're closed. I also tried going into my account but my number wasn't there either. Is there any way to get my account number before the card comes in the mail? I need to make the purchase soon its a b-day present.

Thanks rdclark

I just signed up for a sonystyle card to get the $100 off a ps3. After I was approved, a window popped up with my account number and some three digit code. Long story short I closed the window without getting my account number. Now I can't buy the ps3 until my card comes in the mail. I tried calling but its sunday and they're closed. I also tried going into my account but my number wasn't there either. Is there any way to get my account number before the card comes in the mail? I need to make the purchase soon its a b-day present.

Thanks

The card is issued by Chase (www.chase.com). Maybe you can call them.

I nearly did the same thing. I copied and pasted the account number etc., but missed copying the 3-digit security code. Went to complete my PS3 order and didn't have the number. Luckily, I found it stuck in my head.

when playing a title that has DTS Master HD on it with no English DD 5.1 track (there are some like that) all I can receive it seems is PCM 2.0 - no discrete 5.1 sound

I just ordered a ps3 and you have me worried: wouldn't the ps3 in this case output the 1.5mbps core dts track over toslink? why would you be forced to get 2.0 only? My receiver has bass management issues with hdmi (pana xr57) so I was planning to connect the ps3 over toslink and just get 640kbps dd and 1.5mbps dts but now you have me worried...

Originally posted by wdreamsmaycome:
I just ordered a ps3 and you have me worried: wouldn't the ps3 in this case output the 1.5mbps core dts track over toslink? why would you be forced to get 2.0 only? My receiver has bass management issues with hdmi (pana xr57) so I was planning to connect the ps3 over toslink and just get 640kbps dd and 1.5mbps dts but now you have me worried...

It should work fine if TOSLINK can handle that much data. Although I have never had mine connected with anything other than HDMI.

2. Over HDMI the PS3 decodes most of the advanced formats and sends them out via PCM.
Larry

Just one last question Larry. If the signal is decoded doesnt it automatically become Bitstream , or does the PS3 do some kind of PCM > PCM decoding? in that case what is the point :confused: ... the AVR still has to do the same work

First "possible" remote problem.This morning my Sony BR remote worked fine but then after turning off the PS3 then turning it back on later the remote stopped working and the clicking sound from the speakers that it makes stopped too even though it was set to on.I ended up resetting my PS3 to factory specs and the clicking sound was restored to the game controller but I can't get it to re-recognize the remote anymore in the setup no matter how long I press the enter and start buttons together.I rechecked the firmware which remains at the newest version 2.1 and it won't reload since the newest version already exists.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

UPDATE
Problem found and corrected.All it took was a trip to BB and get a replacement remote.Followed the normal recognize BD remote feature on the PS3 and works like a charm....errr....remote once again.While I was there I price matched the PS3 from Walmart(less price) and the BD remote from CC(on sale).Make a trip and save some money too. :)

Just one last question Larry. If the signal is decoded doesnt it automatically become Bitstream , or does the PS3 do some kind of PCM > PCM decoding? in that case what is the point :confused: ... the AVR still has to do the same work

If the signal is decoded it's not longer bitstream but usually PCM. Bitstream means the original stream of bits in the source (in this case the disc). So that could be DD, DD+, DTS, DTS Master HD, Dolby True HD.

Of the various bitstream formats on a disc, the PS3 can only send out over Toslink DD and DTS because of limitations (possibly technical, also licensing). OTOH over HDMI it can send both bitstream and PCM. So you choose bitstream if you want your AVR to decode the audio and PCM if you want the PS3 to decode.

Does that make sense?

Larry

All you new PS3 owners might want to check out the Folding@Home project. Donate some CPU time to science and medicine.

There's a thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10098599#post10098599) in the Playstation area.

Note the AVS Forum team number in my sig. We're 124th in the world standings.

Reading all about the Blue tooth remote, I am assuming the wireless game controllers are blue tooth as well.

What kind of range can one expect for the game controllers?

Thinking about building an equipment room separate from the theater and curious what that will do to me.

Just a quick analogy to hopefully make Bitstream vs PCM a bit easier to understand...

There are various video codecs DVDs and HD media can be encoded in: Mpeg2, VC-1, AVC, etc. Players decode the video and output the video to the TV. This is like decoding DD, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, etc. and outputting PCM.

However, if the player were to send the Mpeg2, VC-1, etc. encoded file to the TV as-is, and let the TV decode it, that would be like Bitstream - sending original bits to be decoded on the other end.


Although there are no displays that I know of that decode actual video, either way the results would theoretically be the same, assuming that the devices on both ends were equally capable of producing the same quality picture.

;12800991']In your last post and this one, what do you mean when you say you need to be qualified for an upgrade and you have to wait until they let you?

every so often dish net runs upgrade specials if you re-comit to the service on these new recievers.

these upgrades usualy include free instal.

the last upgrade allowed me up to 1 hd dvr and 1 hd reciever each i would trade in my 510 sd dvr and 49 dollars got me the upgrade with a 18 month comitment. this was far better when compared to the 900 dollar price to buy the unit. plus if it breaks under my plan they send me a new one.

Well, I got my PS3 today. :)

I set it all up, got the wireless running, got the latest update, a bowl of popcorn, and popped in the Spiderman 3 DVD that came with it.

The picture seemed very nice, but dark scenes seemed a little bit grainy on my 4671. I did not notice this problem with the couple of HD-DVDs that I watched on my Toshiba, and I don't notice it with any HD feeds through Dish.

Is this normal? Is there anything that I can set to make it better?

I got myself a PS3 40GB as a BD player for my RS1 and I love it! Upscaling is also excellent, pretty much at par with my Samsung BD-P1200 (which sucks as a BD player).

I am not a gamer, but as I now I have a PS3 I would like to try that too. Can anyone recommend a flight game (like MS Flight Simulator) for the PS3?

I think there's an Ace Combat 6 demo on the PSN Store - account and download are free. Not quite "flight sim," but I don't think there are any actual flight sims for consoles. It might be a different game, actually, maybe the one from Ubisoft. I know there's at least one, because I still have it in my games list and I haven't played it yet.

... I am not a gamer, but as I now I have a PS3 I would like to try that too. Can anyone recommend a flight game (like MS Flight Simulator) for the PS3?

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/sim/worldwariisquadron/index.html)

Ahh, I think that's the one I'm thinking of, from Ubisoft. Come to think of it, Ace Combat 6 was a 360-exclusive, and a gorgeous-looking one at that.

every so often dish net runs upgrade specials if you re-comit to the service on these new recievers.

these upgrades usualy include free instal.

the last upgrade allowed me up to 1 hd dvr and 1 hd reciever each i would trade in my 510 sd dvr and 49 dollars got me the upgrade with a 18 month comitment. this was far better when compared to the 900 dollar price to buy the unit. plus if it breaks under my plan they send me a new one.
Wow, that kinda sucks. I like Comcast better, if I want an HD box (or multiple boxes, including DVRs) I get one for a couple bucks a month, no commitments.

So what do most PS3 games output for audio? Default formats and channels? I'm wondering because I'm price hunting for a 40GB PS3 right now, and I want to know if I should be considering 2 extra speakers to add to my 5.1, making a full 7.1 theater. I'm hoping games support DD TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, or LPCM in 5.1 by default.

Just got a new PS3 yesterday and I have one quick question. Which unit would be better for upscaling my standard DVD collection: the PS3 or my Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player? I've been very happy with the A1, but I was just wondering if the PS3 is even better. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! :cool:

;12804200']Wow, that kinda sucks. I like Comcast better, if I want an HD box (or multiple boxes, including DVRs) I get one for a couple bucks a month, no commitments.

been there, done that and you can have that.

dish basic HD tier is about 39 channels and growing.
*note: this number does not include locals or premium movie channels in hd nor does it include ppv hd or sports subsc hd.

the cost per month is the same as comcast per dvr.

also your music channels are some music from some where, dish music channels are Sirius sat music channels.

dish also owns voom network a total hd pioneer sat broadcast network and the content is proprietary.

no sir i had cable for 25+ years i watched all of those commercials about the rain and kicking the dish however when i moved here comcast did not have the sci-fi channel thus i decided to try dish and i will never be going back to cable. to me cable is best used as an isp.

Since I got the PS3 only a couple days ago I'm still playing with settings and all.

As far as DVD Upscaling is concerned there is the default normal and then the Double Scale (among other options). According to the online manual this options seems more for 1080p screens if the PS3 is set to 1080p. My Panny 42px75u is 768p. Should I put the double scale or just stick with normal.

I got the panny recently too so I don't have my optimal settings. Right now I can't see the difference between the two.

Any thoughts?


From manual:

Off Set to disable upscaled output.
Double Scale* Set to upscale and display with double horizontal and vertical dimensions without changing the proportions.
Normal Set to upscale and display at a size that matches the screen size.
Full Screen Set to upscale and display at full screen by changing proportions and stretching the image

Well, I got my PS3 today. :)

I set it all up, got the wireless running, got the latest update, a bowl of popcorn, and popped in the Spiderman 3 DVD that came with it.

The picture seemed very nice, but dark scenes seemed a little bit grainy on my 4671. I did not notice this problem with the couple of HD-DVDs that I watched on my Toshiba, and I don't notice it with any HD feeds through Dish.

Is this normal? Is there anything that I can set to make it better?

Others have complained about grain in some scenes in SM3. Some movies have grain, some don't. If you want to see the best BluRay has to offer right now check out "Ratatouille" or "Cars."

Btw, how is your PS3 connected to your set? HDMI, component?

Does that make sense?

Larry

finally it does :D

I am using the PS 3 as a bluray player. I have an all in one Motorola IR remote for a 6412 DVR and I want to integrate all of the basic functions onto the remote -- if possible. Is there an IR "reciever" on the PS3, if so where because I want to attach a repeater to it. The DVR is hidden along with my other equipment. Also, is there a code for me to program into the remote for the Sony?

Just a quick analogy to hopefully make Bitstream vs PCM a bit easier to understand...
.

great analogy !

I am using the PS 3 as a bluray player. I have an all in one Motorola IR remote for a 6412 DVR and I want to integrate all of the basic functions onto the remote -- if possible. Is there an IR "reciever" on the PS3, if so where because I want to attach a repeater to it. The DVR is hidden along with my other equipment. Also, is there a code for me to program into the remote for the Sony?

Nope, no IR receiver on the PS3. Check out these threads for IR solutions.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=761809
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=946674

2. Over HDMI the PS3 decodes most of the advanced formats and sends them out via PCM. THis includes Dolby True HD so over PCM you get the full benefit of the lossless compression (as you would if the BD title had PCM 5.1 on it). You only need a HDMI 1.2 (could be 1.1) connection to do that. The PS3 doesn't decode DTS Master HD and only sends out the core DTS 1.5Mbs part of the audio.

Larry


Thanks for the info Larry, but I am also sort of stuck on this point, and maybe because I keep second guessing myself for getting the PS3 in the first place.

Are you suggesting that the PS3 decoding a TrueHD track into LPCM and then sending it to the receiver really doesn't sound all that different than bitstreaming the data to the receiver and letting it decode? Or is this just all subjective?

Thanks.

I'm getting a 40GB PS3, and I have a few questions.

How is the audio encoded on the games? How many channels and what format by default do they output?

I'm selling my Xbox 360, which just outputs 5.1 Dolby Digital at best if I'm not mistaking, am I correct?

I have 5.1 surround sound right now, and I plan on upgrading my receiver to an Onkyo TX-SR705. What do I set the input on the HDMI input to receive the best possible sound from my PS3? Do I have to change it if I'm playing games or movies?

Thanks for the info Larry, but I am also sort of stuck on this point, and maybe because I keep second guessing myself for getting the PS3 in the first place.

Are you suggesting that the PS3 decoding a TrueHD track into LPCM and then sending it to the receiver really doesn't sound all that different than bitstreaming the data to the receiver and letting it decode? Or is this just all subjective?

Thanks.
TrueHD and DTS-HD are lossless formats. Like a ZIP file on your computer. The original is compressed on the disc, and uncompressed by the codec to exactly the same bits as the original. So whether it's done in the player and sent out over analog cables or done in the receiver, unless there's a flaw in the equipment there's zero difference.

An analogy is a bitmap graphic (BMP) and a JPEG graphic. If you zip the BMP it will be much smaller, but when it's unzipped it's exactly the same as the original. Lossless. If you save the BMP as a JPEG it will be much smaller after it's compressed, but the original can't be recovered.