BD-UP500 noob set up questions-

No problem asking--TrueHD and bitstream are two things that not everyone knows about. Dolby TrueHD is indeed a new audio format found only on the Hi-def discs right now. It is basically analagous to DD and DTS (Dolby Prologic is actually a processing that is applied to stereo sources). The major difference with TrueHD is that it is lossless--meaning that it doesn't lose any information. It's basically like the difference between an MP3 file and a .wav file (I'm simplifying here). Unfortunately, because TrueHD is bigger, it can't be passed through the optical output, and must be passed via HDMI. Now, since your receiver doesn't decode HDMI, then you will need to use the optical output--but you can't use TrueHD.

Bitstream is a different beast altogether. Bitstream refers to the way the data is passed along these digital outputs. You basically have two options, let your player decode the surround information or let the receiver decode the surround information. If you select bitstream, you are sending an undecoded audio signal to your receiver to that it can decode it. In other words, your DVD player is just reading the information off the disk and sending it along--it isn't doing anything to it. Generally speaking, bitstream output is preferable, because with optical output, it is really the only way to get discrete surround. The issue of bitstream is a little more sticky when you look at the hi-res formats (e.g. Dolby TrueHD), because HDMI is a little more flexible in that regard. But that's another issue entirely

Anyway, I hope I've answered your question. With your current setup, you won't be able to utilize TrueHD, but it's ok--you'll still be able to make use of DD and DTS over optical...just make sure you set your player's output to bitstream. Hope that helps! If I've just confused you more, let me know--I can try to clarify!

Analog outs on Samsung to analog in on Denon. Problem solved. Let the player decode what your receiver can't.

No, he means red/white cables like these (ignore the black one).

http://www.vastercable.com/images/20582-V-vv.gif

You'll need three or four pairs, depending on how many outputs and inputs your player and receiver have (not familiar with the models.) Basically, it transmits multichannel info like the hi-def codecs.

It is better to use the analog 5.1 channel connections because optical/digital coax doesn't have the bandwidth needed to carry any of the new formats of sound that the player can decode.

If your player can decode it, but the receiver cant, send it over 5.1 analogs. (assuming your player has the analogs, the 5000 does)
If your player cant decode it, but the receiver can, send it bitstream over hdmi. (assuming the player is capable of doing so).
If your player cant decode it, and your receiver cant, well, use any connection and it will just be down converted to dts or dolby. (all players have some sort of legacy audio)

I've posted this several times on the 5000 forum but here goes:

First, forget about TrueHD and DTS HD HR/MA for now because the player doesn't handle them. You get 2 channels out fo TrueHD. Not sure about DTS HD HR/MA as I haven't seen an audio track in these formats yet. You MAY get a DTS core "downmix" or you may get nothing!

5.1/7.1 analogs are one option but have limitations. Most receivers bypass much of the processing when using these inputs, pushing the task back on to the source. The 5000 has a fixed 100 Hz crossover for "small" speaker types, no speaker distance delay and a few other limitations. Still, this approach may be your best/only avenue.

The 5000's analog outputs always output 2.0, 5.1 or 7.1 depending on the track being played. Your receiver needs to do any downmixing. The audio mode selection has no affect on the analog outs.

The S/PDIF optical and coax outputs provide the following:

In PCM mode, you get 2 channels (not very useful)

In Bitstream (audiophile) mode, you get the undecoded track, but not all such tracks fit in the S/DIF pipe. You need to select a track like Dolby Digital that will fit.

In Bitstream (reencode) mode, you get what the 5000 decodes to PDM but reencoded to DTS. This may be your best setup IF your receiver decodes DTS.

Note that for standard definition DVDs, you get the Dolby Digital or DTS bitstream off the disc in both Bitstream (audiophile) and Bitstream (reencode)!!!

You can't turn off the HDMI audio leaving the 5000. You'd need to mute it on the TV. If your TV has HDCP compliant DVI connection, you can adapt to that to mute the audio since DVI doesn't support audio.