One-and-Only PS3 as Blu-Ray Player Thread

[DavidHir]

Out of curiousity, does anyone know what the D/A is on the PS3? Is it 12 bit/216mhz, etc.? Just asking because I have found the component video output to be quite good.

[Gradthrawn]

Originally Posted by hightower77

Alright folks,

I've got me a brand new Sony KDS-50A2000 and my PS3 and an older receiver with 2 Optical Inputs.

I can't get the Video to run through HDMI and Audio through Optical. I've tried all the options I know...The Video Works perfect, but no sound through the optical to the receiver.

Looking for suggestions...

Thanks in advance.

It sounds like you have, but I have to ask:

1. You went to the Audio settings and selected optical?
2. You selected the supported audio formats for your receiver?

Beyond that, check the optical cable and the receiver’s optical input. That TV you bought has an optical out. Using the same input on the receiver and the same optical cable, see if the sound works properly when the TV is connected via optical. If it does, then it would seem the cable and receiver are fine, and the issue lies with your PS3. In which case, check to see if the PS3 is sending any signal through the optical out. You obviously don't need to look directly into the optical port, you should be able to tell pretty easily if it’s transmitting or not.

[bplewis24]

Gradthrawn...doesn't this information discredit the rumors that there was some type of super-scaling chip built into the PS3 that has been dormant as of now?

Brandon

[Gradthrawn]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

Gradthrawn...doesn't this information discredit the rumors that there was some type of super-scaling chip built into the PS3 that has been dormant as of now?

Brandon

I think people are confusing multiple issues. From my understanding, it's a compound problem. But, when someone says scaling, its implications are applied universally. The hardware scaler in question (whether super or not), before January, had already been confirmed as there, but "unavailable." Meaning devs could see the chip, but, per TRC requirements, were not allowed to use it. A recent SDK update allowed for horizontal scaling as well as other previously unsupported resolutions. This, as far as I know, pertains to games only. The issue in question for DVD upscaling, I believe to be completely unrelated. Since everything is handled in software (ie programming made for the Cell and RSX), the DVD upscaling issue can be handled independently of getting the software for the hardware scaler up and running (completely up and running). From the looks of it to me, Sony will handle all non-game related scaling via software (as they do now, with the XMB, BD, etc), while simultaneously lending game developers a hand by getting them proper support for the hardware scaler. I could be completely off on this, but based on the way things are now (BD scaling for 480i/p, 1080i/p, XMB scaling, DVD de-interlacing), and the scattered information out there, that’s what seems most likely at the moment. I get the distinct feeling that whomever is handling the DVD playback side of things for the PS3, they want it handled "by hand," possibly to obtain results that the hardware scaler cannot offer.

As for upscaling, they are doing the research to develop a high-quality multi-tap upscaling filter that balances the load between Cell and RSX.

That’s not to say the scaler could not be used for that, or that it will not. But at the moment, the issues appear to be independent, and coincidently, happening at the same time and both related to "scaling."

[hightower77]

Originally Posted by Gradthrawn

It sounds like you have, but I have to ask:

1. You went to and selected optical?
2. You selected the supported audio formats for your receiver?

Beyond that, check the optical cable and the receiver’s optical input. That TV you bought has an optical out. Using the same input on the receiver and the same optical cable, see if the sound works properly when the TV is connected via optical. If it does, then it would seem the cable and receiver are fine, and the issue lies with your PS3. In which case, check to see if the PS3 is sending any signal through the optical out. You obviously don't need to look directly into the optical port, you should be able to tell pretty easily if it’s transmitting or not.

Thanks Grad;

Yeah, I tried all different options on the PS3 Audio Menu Output just incase. The Rec works fine through the same plug with my DVD.

It's transmitting, I'm assuming you meant the red laser that blast out of the end.

Anyways, I've got a few other options...I'll figure something out. If you think of anything else, blast me.

[kungfugrip12]

Originally Posted by jedurocher

KungFu,

Using the following:

Samsung LN-S4095
SA 8300HD
PS3
Oppo DV971H
Onkyo TX-SR674
JBL SCS-200.7 7.1
Harmony 676

-PS3 connected HDMI -> HDMI 2 on SR674 -> LN-S4095 HDMI input 1
-Oppo connected DVI to HDMI -> HDMI 1 on SR674-> LN-S4095 HDMI input 1
-Oppo audio connected optical -> optical 1 on SR674
-SA8300HD connected Component -> Component 2 on SR674 -> LN-S4095 HDMI input 1
-SA8300HD audio connected coax -> coax 2 on SR674
-SA8300HD connected component and RCA -> Component and RCA LN-S4095 Component 1

I have tried the 3 second reset. The grounding issue. Changing inputs. yadda, yadda, yadda. I was going to make a full write up later in the week.

Let me know if there is anything else that you need.

Thanks

I found this online....let me konw if it works for you. This user has the TX-SR674 receiver too.

"When running the PS3 through HDMI I get major blinking at 1080p resolution (this Onkyo will pass through the 1080p signal). I got around this by going into the Onkyo menu (very cool feature) and turning off the audio connection to the hdmi and using the optical cable. This solved most of the blinking problems, but ultimtely I had to use an HDMI to DVI connector to use from the receiver to the TV. "

its not a pretty solution but it does seem to fix the blinking.

[kungfugrip12]

to add.......I am assuming when you said changing inputs that you didn't do HDMI -> DVI from Onkyo to Samsung.

[jedurocher]

Originally Posted by kungfugrip12

I found this online....let me konw if it works for you. This user has the TX-SR674 receiver too.

"When running the PS3 through HDMI I get major blinking at 1080p resolution (this Onkyo will pass through the 1080p signal). I got around this by going into the Onkyo menu (very cool feature) and turning off the audio connection to the hdmi and using the optical cable. This solved most of the blinking problems, but ultimtely I had to use an HDMI to DVI connector to use from the receiver to the TV. "

its not a pretty solution but it does seem to fix the blinking.

That does not help. It is a setting that allows the user to turn of audio through HDMI to TV so you do not have the receiver and TV giving volume at the same time. Mine has been off since day one. Maybe I can turn it on and see what happens.

I appreciate the input, but unfortunately, I have tried that route and it did not work. I do feel, though, after the other day, that it may be an issue how either PS3 passes audio and video to the receiver or how the Onkyo pass signal to the TV.

[chall87]

Picked up a PS3 about a week ago to primarily use as a Blu-Ray player. At first I was a bit disappointed that there was no-way to get my Harmony 880 remote working to control the BD. The bluetooth remote is nice as a control but is useless with no light in a theatre since it's not backlit. Thanks to some posts over in the Home Theatre Gaming - Playstation area I was able to rig up the ability to add a PS2 IR receiver via USB and program my harmony using a PS2 remote control. All is now working fantastically. I've been using a Toshiba HD-A1 since it came out and I can't tell you how much I LOVE the quick responsiveness of the player turning on/off, ejecting disk, and other controls that were slow as a molasses on the Toshiba. I also really like the information that can be turned on/off that shows Chapter, Audio Quality, bit-rate, etc... Picture quality is at least as good as HD-DVD (maybe even better but it's too early to tell as I've only sampled a few movies). I've not yet tried a PS3 game but have MotorStorm on reserve which comes out tomorrow. Can't wait! Based on my test of a PS2 game on my 110 inch screen it's going to be awesome!!!

Only problem I've encountered so far is that my wireless connection to the internet drops in and out. My signal strength is 70-75%. After talking with Sony tech support they found out that my NetGear router has a setting called "Keep-Alive" that needs to be enabled versus connecting on each request. Sounds like Sony has a bit of a bug for not automatically connecting when needed and this is there workaround.

One last tip I learned from Sony's tech support. If you need to reset the settings you've programmed into the PS3. Hold down the touch sensitive on/off switch while turning on the power switch in the rear. You'll hear one beep right away, keep holding touch sensitive switch in front until you hear a second beep. Not sure if this is in the manual or not but thought I'd pass along. My firmware update got locked up during an upgrade and this helped me get through it.

[Sky042]

My PS3 has zero locked, skipping or freezing issues so far on 1.51 or 1.54
However the black level seems terrible and is really bothering me on this thing.
Chicago the blacks were nearly grey. the SD-DVD on my A2 has very nice deep blacks.

But it seems to every BD movie thus far has poor black I don't know if it's a BD thing or if it's the PS3 itself that's giving issues.

[yuichiror]

Funny, since 1.54 I haven't had a single freeze on BD's, but I've had a couple on SD's...

[Scoob]

I run video through HDMI and audio out through optical and haven't had any issues so far. It seems to sound pretty good. I'm a bit hesitant to update the firmware however.

[sdarnell]

I have a 720p Projector which will take all settings up to 1080i. Is it ok in the PS3 menu to check all of the resolutions up to 1080i or should I just pick 1080i and leave the rest blank?

[SirDrexl]

Originally Posted by sdarnell

I have a 720p Projector which will take all settings up to 1080i. Is it ok in the PS3 menu to check all of the resolutions up to 1080i or should I just pick 1080i and leave the rest blank?

No. If you leave 720p unchecked, 720p games will be output at 480p. It will automatically select the "highest" resolution (1080i for BD movies, 720p or higher for games).

[JacobC1983]

click all up to 1080i

If I recall correctly on mine, you can't just use 1080i if a game is formatted inm 720p it will downconvert to 480p instead of upconverting to 1080i... so you have to play the game at its native resolution

anybody else know more about this?? I think that is what happened on a few of my games

[JacobC1983]

wasn't quick enough!

[XavierMike]

Originally Posted by the49ola

You do have your ps3 set to pcm and not bitstream? you can also uncheck the 7.1 pcm sounds since the 604 can not do 7.1 pcm. I never have to set mine over 60 for anything other wise everything will begin shaking.

This is going to be a really noob question, but where in the PS3's menus do you set it to PCM or bitstream? I'm using on Onkyo 604, and no matter what option on a BD I pick the reciever always shows 48khz.

Edit: I found the Linear PCM choice. But even with all of the outputs se;ected under audio otions, my 604 always says 48 khz even with PCM tracks. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

[JediMaster Matt]

Wow. This is a LONG thread. So much info to wade through, so I hope you don't mind if I ask a clarifying post:

a) Black and white levels are clipped. This is unknown if this can be fixed via software update or is a result of Nvidia chipset.

b) Not very good scaling of Blu-Ray content from 1080p to 720p (goes back to 480p then up)

c) Video vs PC (HDMI vs DVI) levels? I don't know if I stumbled across a definative answer on this.

d) No DVD upconversion at this point, however several offical comments about it be conisidered for future updates

Based on the above... my desire to pick up a PS3 as a primary Blu-Ray player isn't looking too good. I still may want to get one with the understanding of it being replaced in the future with a stand alone player. For the time being, I'm much more interested in Blu-Ray playback vs. games or media center.

Man, this decision would be so much easier if I could just justify picking this thing up to play games. Unfortunately, there isn't much there to justify it as just a game console at this point either. I don't know about all of you, I'm getting sick of the Swiss Army approach to game consoles. Life was easier when these things just had to play games.

[plasmanoob]

Does anyone know if the PS3 clipping blacks and white can be fixed with firmware? Or is it the Chipset???

I recently bought the PS3 to play BD. I have an xbox, and even though the BD looks good (not great) the fact that the PS3 can not stream music/pictures/and video from my PC (like my 360 can) is pissing me off so much I might return it.

I don't have 1080p -- im using a 720p plasma w/ hdmi cables. It does look better than SD DVD, but the price of the system $650, and the fact that not all movies are in BD is something worth thinking about before you spend 650 on a paperweight (for the most part)

Sure it can do more than a standalone, but the smart thing to do is wait a year till prices drop, and there are more titles, and better transfers.

But if your a crackhead early adopter like alot of us here, than I guess its better than the standalones out.

Also, a rumor still but. . . .supposedly in a cpl days at the GDC conference, Sony will anounce a new firmware.

One the new things is gonna be upconversion of SD DVD (supposedly).
\That might sway your decision.

[maverick0716]

Originally Posted by JediMaster Matt

b) Not very good scaling of Blu-Ray content from 1080p to 720p (goes back to 480p then up)

If you tell your PS3 that your TV supports 1080i (if it does) then Blu Ray movies will not be downconverted to 480p. They will be sent as 1080i to your 720p TV, and then your TV will obviously scale it to 720p.

[Macroblocker]

Hi Guys, Tonight I became format neutral Its such a good feeling I do however have a question about the PS3 , can I DL windows onto the PS3? has anyone here tried it? I am asking because I wanted to watch HD trailers using the PS3 as a pc but i need Quicktime or Windows media to do so.

Thank u for any help.

[SirDrexl]

Originally Posted by Macroblocker

Hi Guys, Tonight I became format neutral Its such a good feeling I do however have a question about the PS3 , can I DL windows onto the PS3? has anyone here tried it? I am asking because I wanted to watch HD trailers using the PS3 as a pc but i need Quicktime or Windows media to do so.

Thank u for any help.

I don't think you can, but there are some HD trailers you can download from the PlayStation Store.

[rlb]

Originally Posted by Sky042

My PS3 has zero locked, skipping or freezing issues so far on 1.51 or 1.54
However the black level seems terrible and is really bothering me on this thing.
Chicago the blacks were nearly grey. the SD-DVD on my A2 has very nice deep blacks.

But it seems to every BD movie thus far has poor black I don't know if it's a BD thing or if it's the PS3 itself that's giving issues.

If your TV allows for individual calibration of inputs, and you are using different inputs, have you correctly calibrated the input for the PS3? Gray vs black should be more a function of your TV than the PS3.

[Khoi Pham]

Originally Posted by SirDrexl

I don't think you can, but there are some HD trailers you can download from the PlayStation Store.

You don't need media player to play it, as long as the website that you visit can stream then all you need is to click on the link and it will play it.

[DavidHir]

Originally Posted by plasmanoob

Does anyone know if the PS3 clipping blacks and white can be fixed with firmware? Or is it the Chipset???

I'm having my doubts that it can be fixed.

[sb1]

Originally Posted by DavidHir

I'm having my doubts that it can be fixed.

How much of a problem is this issue concerning real world movie watching? Is it taking away from people's enjoyment of the PS3? I'm using an LCD projector, so I don't know what black looks like anyway .

[Edllguy]

Could someone help this new PS3 newbie here.

Played Kingdom of Heaven the other night and to my surprise I got no sound. I have the the PS3 hooked via optical to my Yamaha DDP-1 and RX-V2090. This receiver setup plays Dolby Digital 5.1 with no problems, however, it does not have DTS.

Is the the Kingdom of Heaven Blu-ray disk only DTS capable and not Dolby Digital 5.1
The reason I ask is because the set up menu offered only DTS as an option. Or did I incorrectly set up the PS3 or not activate something so it would output DD 5.1

I did a search here and could not find the solution. Should I post in a different avs sub forum to receive an answer to my question? as I have noticed 1 out of every 3 or 4 blu-ray disks only have this DTS audio setting in the the set up menu with no other sound option.

My biggest fear is that I will now have to upgrade to new receiver, however, perhaps I have overlooked something.

Thanks

[wbrett]

Set the PS3 to PCM over the optical rather than Bitstream. That's the only thing I can think of. I thought it odd that KOH only had 1 DTS track but didn't think about it too much as it didn't present a problem with my setup.

[Edllguy]

Thanks wbrett. Will try it tonight to see if this works.

[mustang5o]

Originally Posted by Macroblocker

Hi Guys, Tonight I became format neutral Its such a good feeling I do however have a question about the PS3 , can I DL windows onto the PS3? has anyone here tried it? I am asking because I wanted to watch HD trailers using the PS3 as a pc but i need Quicktime or Windows media to do so.

Thank u for any help.

No but you can load Linux. Look around for threads about loading Yellow Dog Linux on the PS3.

Originally Posted by Edllguy

Could someone help this new PS3 newbie here.

Played Kingdom of Heaven the other night and to my surprise I got no sound. I have the the PS3 hooked via optical to my Yamaha DDP-1 and RX-V2090. This receiver setup plays Dolby Digital 5.1 with no problems, however, it does not have DTS.

Is the the Kingdom of Heaven Blu-ray disk only DTS capable and not Dolby Digital 5.1
The reason I ask is because the set up menu offered only DTS as an option. Or did I incorrectly set up the PS3 or not activate something so it would output DD 5.1

I did a search here and could not find the solution. Should I post in a different avs sub forum to receive an answer to my question? as I have noticed 1 out of every 3 or 4 blu-ray disks only have this DTS audio setting in the the set up menu with no other sound option.

My biggest fear is that I will now have to upgrade to new receiver, however, perhaps I have overlooked something.

Thanks

Try what the previous poster stated. WOW a Yammy 2090 and DDP-1! Used to be at the top of my shopping list. I have switched receivers and/or prepro's at least 5 times since I started into the 5.1 channel arena.