[Kryptonick]

Long time reader, first time poster...I am considering purchasing a PS3 for a BR player (good resale value until the Samsung Dual format later on) and a new AV receiver


Part I

I am a bit confused as to all the discussion over PCM output on the PS3 and exactly what the drawbacks and advantages are. To my knowledge the PS3 does decode Dolby TrueHD as well as output BR movies in 1080i not 720p (a stupid feature).


I have read hundreds of posts about PCM and the source decoding or the receiver. To be honest, it is a bit confusing as their are so many arguemnts among the posts rather than raw facts at times. My question is exactly what do I need to know about the PS3 in terms of how it is outputting signals via HDMI to make a wise purchasing choice? Also, what would have to set my PS3 to in order to obtain optimum AV quality if I do decide to purchase?


PartII

Lastly, I am considering the Onkyo 604 against the Onkyo 605 based on price and the fact that Deep Color seems to be a selling point (nothing is really in DC right now) and I don't have a 7.1 hookup as of yet. Are there any other differences I should be aware of? I know that the Onkyo 605 has DcDi upconverting, does that mean if I connect the PS3 via HDMI it will upconvert the SD movies as well (it's a shame the PS3 doesn't already do it.)


Please no flames or arguments, I'm just trying to learn.

 

[Gekkou]

With regards to part I:


The PS3 can decode Dolby Digital, DTS (DTS-HD HR and DTS-HD MA will come later), Dolby TrueHD and of course multichannel PCM and output them to your receiver via HDMI as multichannel PCM. Just go into the settings menu and you can select that output, which is the best option as long as your receiver can handle it (I believe those Onkyo ones will, but double check to be sure).


If desired, you can also send Dolby Digital and DTS as bitstream via Toslink or HDMI if you'd rather have the receiver decode those instead (though it really makes no difference).


The PS3 can play Blu-ray discs at 1080p, 1080i, or 480p. By going into the settings you can tell it which resolutions to output (make sure 1080i or 1080p is checked off, otherwise you'll just get 480p).


I don't know much about those Onkyo receivers so I'll have to let someone else comment on Part II.

 

[Dan Hitchman]

Unfortunately, it has come to light that both lower end Onkyos (604 & 605) have less than ideal processing of uncompressed multi-channel PCM via HDMI input (604 & 605), or unpacked/de-compressed PCM from Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio internal decoding (605 only).


Basically, they will not allow post-processing of 5.1 PCM (as described above) using ProLogic IIx that will create a 7.1 sound field. Also, at certain audio resolutions and sampling rates these Onkyos lower the audio quality using DSP processing modes and/or eliminate the use of Audyssey room calibration functions.


It has not been established if the higher end Onkyos coming out in the next few months will not have these issues. Hopefully, Denon, Marantz, Sherwood Newcastle, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, and other manufacturers coming with 2007 receivers soon will have better audio processing features. In the past Denon and Pioneer Elite (in particular) have been getting these things right.


Dan

 

[Kryptonick]

Wow. Thanks for the info. VERY helpful. So basically the Onkyos won't do the decoding (post processing) of the HD audio formats. I was looking at the line of Sony receivers coming out, would you suggest sticking with Onkyo? I feel Onkyo is a better line of quality anyways, but considering the slight issues, just wanted to weigh my options.


I'm pretty hot about no 720p playback as my LCD is only a 720p. So I have to go to 1080i. Sony....sheesh.

 

[Dan Hitchman]

Sticking with the Onkyos is no guaranty that this oversight will be addressed in the upper tier models. We just have to wait and see. I may end up having to go with a new 2007 Denon or Marantz myself (though the lack of the Reon video processor is a sore spot for me!).


If your 720p can accept 1080i (and perhaps even 1080p) it probably would do just as good a job of downscaling as the PS3 would have. Just be sure to have 1080i and 1080p checked in the PS3's HDMI menu. If your TV freaks out receiving a 1080p signal, just uncheck that box.

 

[eddy_winds]

HDMI Receivers FTW

LOL