[Chris Campbell]

I'm also a supporter of HD-DVD (I'll get that unpleasantness out of the way quickly). Until recently I have been using my Toshiba HD-A1 with analog inputs to my Integra receiver to get HD with lossless sound. Just bought a PS3 and picked up Underworld Evolution and BHD from BB last week during their BOGO sale (mm, alphabet soup). They look phenomenal! Plus the PS3 is sooo much faster and more user friendly than my HD-A1. I even like using the controller for a remote!


Problem is, like so many others, I have no way of getting lossless sound on the Blu-Rays. There are so many fantastic movies coming out for BR that I can't resist buying (Prestige, Departed, Casino Royale to name a few). This is no problem for the Prestige and CR since they are BR exclusives, but what to do about the Departed...


What are all of you dual-format supporters doing? I'm inclined to go with the HD DVD since it has TrueHD and I can actually listen to that, although I know down the line I could take advantage of LPCM on the BR too. Then again it seems HD DVD is so attached to that damnable combo format BS. Plus the biggest issue of all - I don't want to buy a disc for a dying format.


It really seems that Blu-Ray is making a strong comeback and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they won the format war. This is good in my book, even though I hate Sony and bought in early with HD since the player was much cheaper. BR just seems superior, if they can get the quality control to what HD DVD has, and it seems that they're already getting there with recent releases.


Anyway, just offering some thoughts and I'd like opinions on this scenario:


You own a HD DVD player capable of lossless playback and a PS3 without the same capability (just good old DD or DTS 5.1). Assuming a new title with simultaneous releases on both formats (assume no combo discs to muck things up), each with its version of lossless sound, which do you buy?

 

[Vipper IV]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Campbell /forum/post/0


Plus the biggest issue of all - I don't want to buy a disc for a dying format.

I advise you to keep in mind that the hardware and software do not cease to function if the format goes the way of New Coke. Don't worry about where the format may be going in a few years' time. That stated, buy what will give you the best experience at the time you're buying. The combos are only 4 bucks more expensive, so if you can handle that, and the disc works better with your current set-up, go with it. If, however, you decide that TrueHD isn't all that important, save the money and go with Blu-Ray. Personally, I'd opt for the HD DVD, even though I have a Blu-Ray player, but that's just me. I like getting the best bang for my buck, and HD DVD delivers that over Blu-Ray in this case, albeit at a measly $4 premium.

 

[phansson]

Chris,


If you want to unleash your PS3. Pick up a cheaper HDMI receiver. I think over on the receiver forum there are models in the $300 range that would allow you to get LPCM over HDMI.


It would probably be worth the upgrade.

 

[IeraseU]

I own both and favor blu-ray for a variety of reasons, but I will buy the HD DVD version if it is an exclusive or it is a movie I want 'right now' and there is no release date in sight for blu-ray (ex: Casablanca).

 

[brad31]



Quote:
Originally Posted by phansson /forum/post/0


Chris,


If you want to unleash your PS3. Pick up a cheaper HDMI receiver. I think over on the receiver forum there are models in the $300 range that would allow you to get LPCM over HDMI.


It would probably be worth the upgrade.

For many of us, replacing a top of the line receiver that was purchased before HDMI with a $300 budget receiver that has HDMI is not necessarily an upgrade. I really wish the PS3 had provided analog audio.

 

[Chris Campbell]



Quote:
Originally Posted by phansson /forum/post/0


Chris,


If you want to unleash your PS3. Pick up a cheaper HDMI receiver. I think over on the receiver forum there are models in the $300 range that would allow you to get LPCM over HDMI.


It would probably be worth the upgrade.

I thought about it, but then I'm not confident I'd be getting a top quality receiver for $300. Personally I'd rather use my $1000 Integra with quality internals and amplifiers than get an entry level and lossless sound. It might sound better with the $300 receiver, but then again it might come out a wash due to the inferior hardware. It's definitely time to replace my receiver with an HDMI capable unit (mine doesn't even have DPL II - its about 7-8 years old), but I just got finished spending all this money on the PS3! I see it coming in maybe a year or two.


Thanks to the others for the responses too. Good points. I'm not too worried about HD DVD losing since I essentially bought that player in lieu of a very good upscaling SD DVD player, plus it plays my HD TV show content burned to DVD-5s in HD. On the other hand, I'd hate to go nuts with Blu-Ray with just a PS3 if the format won't be successful.

 

[Joe Linn]

I'm in the same boat (have Toshiba, just got PS3). I just bought the Onkyo TX-SR604 receiver at Circuit City for $399. It allows me to get the lossless sound for both HD-DVD and BD through HDMI. The Onkyo was $100 higher in the store than at Circuit City's web site, but the store matched the CC web price.


Joe

 

[cjr1]

IMHO I tend to favor TrueHD over lossless PCM most of the time. It just seems to have more "presence" and seems not as bright on my setup. Some of the higher bitrate PCM tracks, however, definitely give TrueHD a run for its money. So I would lean towards the HD-DVD myself. As was mentioned before, even if Blu-Ray wins, your HD-DVD hardware will still work and there will be receivers with more HDMI inputs that you will ever need, so you will still be able to enjoy it.

 

[kmlm13]

Since I prefer the LPCM over TrueHD, I go with BR. If you have a receiver without HDMI and you paid between 800-1000 for it, buying anything cheaper than that will NOT be a unpgarde. I had a harman Kardon and bough the Onkyo 604, it did audio through HDMI, but it wasn't as smooth and relaxed as HK. It sounded stressed out and overworked. I took it back and got a Denon 2307CI, and couldn't be happier.

 

[phansson]



Quote:
Originally Posted by brad31 /forum/post/0


For many of us, replacing a top of the line receiver that was purchased before HDMI with a $300 budget receiver that has HDMI is not necessarily an upgrade. I really wish the PS3 had provided analog audio.

I understand that. But unfortunately electronics move so fast. Meaning, my old Denon 5900 that was $1800 4 years ago threw about the same picture as my $400 HD-A1.


I replaced my Parasound C-2 with a Pioneer 84txsi and have been very happy with the change. The parasound processor was a great piece, but the lack of HDMI support made it useless to me. I have four HDMI pieces and need to run HDMI with all of them.


I am still using my Parasound amps though! The Pioneer is strictly used as a processor.

 

[brad31]

I know it is really time to upgrade, however I just can't afford what I have now in a receiver that has HDMI. I currently have the Onkyo TSX-989 which I bought 6 years ago. It is a "future proof" model so I was able to purchase two upgrades for it -- one of which moved it to THX Ultra II. Up until TrueHD it decoded anything that was out there.


I think I will wait it out another year or so to see how things shake-out. If the format war isn't decided at that time, I might buy a nice multi-format player with analog outputs (if one exists). I will have a better feel if LPCM is still a regular feture on blu-ray. If it is and blu-ray wins I may buy a stand alone player. If blu-ray wins and LPCM is not common anymore, I would probably buy a new receiver and use my PS3 for blu-ray. For now I will just live with sound through Optical.

 

[Chris Campbell]



Quote:
Originally Posted by brad31 /forum/post/0


I know it is really time to upgrade, however I just can't afford what I have now in a receiver that has HDMI. I currently have the Onkyo TSX-989 which I bought 6 years ago. It is a "future proof" model so I was able to purchase two upgrades for it -- one of which moved it to THX Ultra II. Up until TrueHD it decoded anything that was out there.


I think I will wait it out another year or so to see how things shake-out. If the format war isn't decided at that time, I might buy a nice multi-format player with analog outputs (if one exists). I will have a better feel if LPCM is still a regular feture on blu-ray. If it is and blu-ray wins I may buy a stand alone player. If blu-ray wins and LPCM is not common anymore, I would probably buy a new receiver and use my PS3 for blu-ray. For now I will just live with sound through Optical.

Not a bad idea. I'm with you on this one. In fact, I usually like to step UP when I get the newest equipment, not down. Next time I'm thinking about going with separates. Then again, there are some really sophisticated receivers now that'll really do the job, but those are far beyond my price range (Denon 5805 comes to mind).

 

[vvista]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Campbell /forum/post/0


You own a HD DVD player capable of lossless playback and a PS3 without the same capability (just good old DD or DTS 5.1). Assuming a new title with simultaneous releases on both formats (assume no combo discs to muck things up), each with its version of lossless sound, which do you buy?

HD DVD version with Dolby TrueHD

 

[camaj]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Vipper IV /forum/post/0


I advise you to keep in mind that the hardware and software do not cease to function if the format goes the way of New Coke.

True but why have two machines and two lots of discs? Seems wasteful to me. I would personally be buying everything except universal on BD because I believe that BD will win. Either way I wouldn't be buying a ton of titles on either format, whatever one looses you won't mind too much

 

[iluvthsgam]



Quote:
Originally Posted by kmlm13 /forum/post/0


Since I prefer the LPCM over TrueHD, I go with BR. If you have a receiver without HDMI and you paid between 800-1000 for it, buying anything cheaper than that will NOT be a unpgarde. I had a harman Kardon and bough the Onkyo 604, it did audio through HDMI, but it wasn't as smooth and relaxed as HK. It sounded stressed out and overworked. I took it back and got a Denon 2307CI, and couldn't be happier.

I was looking at denon 2307CI and denon 2807 - what is the differences between these two ? thanx

 

[WriteSimple]

Actually, and logically, buying a receiver that can do 7.1 input (with or without sound management), 1080p passthrough (with more than 2 HDMI inputs) that fit your budget is a good way to go RIGHT NOW. The cheaper ones are a better option though.


The reason why I say this is simple. While I believe that HD-DVD has a very slim chance of winning the war, even if it does having a HDMI receiver NOW is a no loss for you either way. TrueHD can be decoded on the PS3 via HDMI. LPCM can be passed through via HDMI as well.


The only catch is DTS HDMA. Which is why I say if you can find all of the required features for cheap, go for that one right now.



fuad

 

[eXgo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by brad31 /forum/post/0


For many of us, replacing a top of the line receiver that was purchased before HDMI with a $300 budget receiver that has HDMI is not necessarily an upgrade. I really wish the PS3 had provided analog audio.

I know exactly how you feel.

 

[eightninesuited]

 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=770354