I will be setting up my PS3 this weekend and wondering whether I should set my BD/DVD settings to Bitstream or Linear PCM? I've read several posts on this board and they indicated that if I do not have a HDMI receiver, I should use bitstream output to receiver (will be connecting via optical). Connecting video via HDMI. I have an older HK Receiver (2005 AVR 135) and wanted to make sure. Therefore, I downloaded my receivers manual from the HK site and this is what it said about PCM.

"PCM Audio Playback
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) is the noncompressed digital audio system used for compact discs and laser discs. The digital circuits in the AVR 135 are capable of high-quality digital-to-analog decoding, and they may be connected directly to the digital audio output of your CD or LD player.

Connections may be made to either the rear-panel Optical or Coaxial Inputs or the front-panel Digital Inputs. To listen to a PCM digital source, first select the input for the desired source (e.g., CD). Next press the Digital Select Button and then use the Buttons on the remote, or the Selector Buttons on the front panel, until the desired choice appears in the Upper Display Line.

During PCM playback, you may select any Surround mode except Dolby Digital or DTS."

So to clarify, I can set the PS3 BD/DVD audio output settings to Linear PCM, rather than bitrate, so long as I do not choose DD or DTS? I'll probably set the surround sound mode to Dolby Pro Logic II or Logic 7. Are there other audio factors that I need to take into consideration?

Just wanted to be sure that my old receiver could process PCM. Thanks in advance.

bitstream will give you surround sound digital (dts, dd) for Blue Ray movies. PCM will not give you surround digital. However, you might get audio skipping with optical bitstream.

bitstream will give you surround sound digital (dts, dd) for Blue Ray movies. PCM will not give you surround digital. However, you might get audio skipping with optical bitstream.

OK, now I'm really confused.. :confused:

If I choose surround sound mode Dolby Pro Logic 2 or Logic 7, wouldn't that output in surround sound? Is it because BD's only codec in DD-HD, DTS-HD, DD & DTS?

if your running optical, you should use bitstream to get 5.1.

you can only get stereo pcm with optical.

if your running optical, you should use bitstream to get 5.1.

you can only get stereo pcm with optical.

OK, thanks for clearing that up. Can I use any surround sound mode, ie. Logic 7 or DD ProLogic II or does bitstream only allow use of DD or DTS?

i've got the HK 435. when it receives the signal from the ps3, it will output dolby digital or dts depending on the source...

i've got the HK 435. when it receives the signal from the ps3, it will output dolby digital or dts depending on the source...

Will I be able to use Dolby Pro Logic II Movie or only basic DD or DTS?

The higher surround modes (the new ones) only go through HDMI, though.

The higher surround modes (the new ones) only go through HDMI, though.

Yes, DD-HD & DTS-HD (TrueHD) will only output through HDMI. I've thought about buying one of the new Onkyo HDMI Receivers but want to see some reviews first. I'm not a big fan of buying first generation. I also want to see what Pioneer or HK have to offer in the next couple of months.

Will I be able to use Dolby Pro Logic II Movie or only basic DD or DTS?

To answer your question, yes. Set your output to bitstream and use the optical out to your receiver. Your can then use any of the processing modes on your receiver you wish, Dolby PL2, Neo6, or whatever you desire that your receiver offers.

I could be wrong on this (I think I'm right) but, with linear pcm and your equipment you won't get true discrete surround sound. The modes that you have available on your receiver basically take stereo input, and try to CREATE a surround sound environment. It usually does a good job, but for true 5.1 surround your better off using bitstream and DD 5.1.

Use bitstream.

I could be wrong on this (I think I'm right) but, with linear pcm and your equipment you won't get true discrete surround sound. The modes that you have available on your receiver basically take stereo input, and try to CREATE a surround sound environment. It usually does a good job, but for true 5.1 surround your better off using bitstream and DD 5.1.

Actually, with a dialog driven film, uncompressed stereo pcm via bitstream with Logic 7 Cinema mode can sound excellent. For a film with a great amount of discrete fx/dialog, you're better off selecting the DD or DTS track on the Blu-ray disk.