5.1/7.1 PCM, HDMI, and DSP - An Explaination of the Future-Proof receiver - Page 3

Right, but did s/he mean through the analog or HDMI connections for 7.1 PCM? That's the key.


Technically, this shouldn't be a problem. However, until such receivers are on the market, who knows. Manufacturers are doing a poor job of HDMI implementation, and aren't exactly adamant about correcting issues (just look at the HK receivers and the cable boxes). The overly complicated handshaking is mostly to blame, though. This will get better over time. Even SPDIF was buggy long after conception.


Correct. The upgradable pre/pros are extremely expensive. Even the upgrades are more expensive than mid-fi processors. Probably akin to how its cheaper to buy a computer from Dell (HP, etc.) than it is to build the same computer, piecewise. Mass marketing reduces cost.


And what happens when you have more than one source? Or you want to do some processing on the analog inputs, like upmixing 5.1 to 7.1 (which is all done in the digital domain)?


It's not pure speculation, it's a general truth. In fact, one of the next generation HD-DVD players only has HDMI out. You have to buy the $1000 player (vs $500) to get analog and SPDIF outs.


This would be nice once HDMI becomes the standard video and audio interface. Just grab a monoprice 5x1 switcher, have the audio processors and video processors have selectable memories instead of selectable inputs, and you're golden. However, as long as component, SPDIF, and analog stereo are prominant interfaces, I doubt we'll see this. The downside to this is not having memories associated with sources and making a universal remote with macros a requirement (which isn't exactly a bad thing, considering you save cost elsewhere). These solutions also won't sell as well. People often look for a one-box solution, which is why we're seeing receivers with video processors - the market demands it. Same reason why seperate pre/pros and amplification only really exist in the high-end market.

Found this thread and felt it was very relevant.

Answers to HD-A1 and HD-XA1 Audio Questions

Rgrele, you get TrueHD over HDMI by selecting PCM streams. The original post talks about the various support for PCM over HDMI and what kinds of receivers will handle it with different levels of support.

Great, I've updated the original post to reflect this.

Actually, neither HD-DVD player nor Blue-Ray player have 7.1 capabilities. You'll have to way for the Panasonic Blue-Ray player. Even then, I'm not sure if there's even 7.1 media out there yet.

Sound quality is subjective, and read the first post again for your answer.