Need help checking my system config

[sbmongoos]

I've just added a new plasma and blu-ray. I'm wondering if my system could stand some tweaking since it's been a while since I've made any adjustments. I'm not real confident I have the recv'r, etc., set to the best settings.

Not sure where to start so I'll just list my equipment:

Equipment:

* Panasonic TC-P42S1 (plasma)
* Marantz SR-7300 (recv'r)
* Marantz DV-4300 (DVD)
* Marantz CC-4300 (CD changer)
* Panasonic DMP-BD60K (Blu-ray)

 

[AVRat]

Doesn't look like anything has changed sound wise so doesn't seem like anything needs to be changed. Assuming you're sending a bitstream from the BD to the receiver via coax/optical digital.

 

[sbmongoos]

Doesn't look like anything has changed sound wise so doesn't seem like anything needs to be changed. Assuming you're sending a bitstream from the BD to the receiver via coax/optical digital.

No, it's HDMI to Plasma and an optical back to the receiver. Was considering running an optical from Blu-ray to receiver so the TV didn't have to convert from HDMI to optical.

Seems bitstream is better than PCM. This is where I'm not sure I'm consistent between equipment and I assume it matters.

 

[AVRat]

No, it's HDMI to Plasma and an optical back to the receiver. Was considering running an optical from Blu-ray to receiver so the TV didn't have to convert from HDMI to optical.

This doesn't work like you think it should. The signal for the TV's optical out is only fed from the TV's tuner. Optical from Blu-ray to receiver is the best option.

Seems bitstream is better than PCM. This is where I'm not sure I'm consistent between equipment and I assume it matters.

You receiver can't do multi-channel PCM so it's not really an option.

 

[sbmongoos]

This doesn't work like you think it should. The signal for the TV's optical out is only fed from the TV's tuner. Optical from Blu-ray to receiver is the best option.

You receiver can't do multi-channel PCM so it's not really an option.

Some TV channels can do surround and Dolby 5.1 so I "assumed" I would be good using the optical from TV to the SV7300 for Blu-ray movies. I can see how something may be lost in the conversion at some point but wasn't sure of the full impact. I'm certainly fine grabbing another optical cable.

You sure about the multi-channel PCM on the SV7300? I'm confident that it is and it does multi-room and 7.1.

Isn't bitstream better than PCM?

 

[AVRat]

Some TV channels can do surround and Dolby 5.1 so I "assumed" I would be good using the optical from TV to the SV7300 for Blu-ray movies.

Unfortunately, alot of people assume the same thing.

You sure about the multi-channel PCM on the SV7300? I'm confident that it is and it does multi-room and 7.1.

Isn't bitstream better than PCM?

Yes I'm sure. Multi-channel PCM can only be sent via HDMI which the receiver clearly doesn't have. What it does have that you could use is the Multi-channel inputs if the Panasonic DMP-BD60K had Multi-channel outputs, which it doesn't. The DMP-BD80K does, sorry.

PCM vs. bitstream is just a matter of which unit does the decoding and who has better decoders. These days they're all pretty close.

 

[sbmongoos]

Unfortunately, alot of people assume the same thing.



Yes I'm sure. Multi-channel PCM can only be sent via HDMI which the receiver clearly doesn't have. What it does have that you could use is the Multi-channel inputs if the Panasonic DMP-BD60K had Multi-channel outputs, which it doesn't. The DMP-BD80K does, sorry.

PCM vs. bitstream is just a matter of which unit does the decoding and who has better decoders. These days they're all pretty close.

I can still exchange my BD60 for the BD80. Is it worth it? I guess I'm not clear on what I gain or if the gain is worth it.

Here's the 60 vs. the 80:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelComparisonResults?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&catGroupId=75009&surfCategory=Blu-ray%20Disc%26%238482%3B%20Players&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&items=339248|339251|

 

[AVRat]

About the only thing you gain is the capability to obtain the hi-res audio formats from the BluRay (Dolby True-HD/DTS-MA) using the multi-channel ins/outs. Some people hear a difference, some don't.

 

[sbmongoos]

About the only thing you gain is the capability to obtain the hi-res audio formats from the BluRay (Dolby True-HD/DTS-MA) using the multi-channel ins/outs. Some people hear a difference, some don't.

I don't see this on the 80 model. Which connections are you referring to or is this something internal?

 

[AVRat]

If you look at the link you posted, it's labeled 7.1 channel audio out in the input/output section.

 

[sbmongoos]

If you look at the link you posted, it's labeled 7.1 channel audio out in the input/output section.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm a little in over my head.

So do I need to be using a 7.1 speaker setup for this to work? Or is there a difference, even setup at 5.1, in the audio quality? If I understood you earlier it sounds as though there is but it depends on each person and what they hear.

Like I said I'm just checking to see if there is something I can do to improve my experience with my existing and new equipment. Not sure if it helps but here's the manual on the SR7300 recv'r:http://www.yourwns.com/files/c_sr7300_man.pdf

 

[AVRat]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm a little in over my head.

So do I need to be using a 7.1 speaker setup for this to work? No Or is there a difference, even setup at 5.1, in the audio quality? If I understood you earlier it sounds as though there is but it depends on each person and what they hear. Exactly

Like I said I'm just checking to see if there is something I can do to improve my experience with my existing and new equipment. Not sure if it helps but here's the manual on the SR7300 recv'r:http://www.yourwns.com/files/c_sr7300_man.pdf

As I alluded to in the beginning you're set on the audio side using the optical digital to the receiver from BDP, and HDMI from BDP to the TV. Sit back and enjoy!!

 

[sbmongoos]

This doesn't work like you think it should. The signal for the TV's optical out is only fed from the TV's tuner. Optical from Blu-ray to receiver is the best option.

In your opinion, when watching movies on the Blu-ray do you think there is much difference between these two:

1. Blu-Ray HDMI -> TV Audio Optical -> Recv'r
2. Blu-Ray HDMI -> TV / Blu-ray Optical -> Recv'r

 

[AVRat]

1. You only receive 2-channel PCM
2. You receive full 5/6.1 bitstream

 

[sbmongoos]

1. You only receive 2-channel PCM
2. You receive full 5/6.1 bitstream

You think it's worth exchanging the 60 for the 80 Blu-ray?

 

[AVRat]

No, but that's really your call.

 

[sbmongoos]

No, but that's really your call.

Okay. Being redundant here but it sounds like I might hear the difference is quality. This would be the only thing if anything correct?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[AVRat]

Yes, that's correct.

 

[sbmongoos]

Odd thing I can't figure out. I don't seem to have surround sound since I've hooked up my plasma and blu-ray. Can't imagine what would have been switched "off". But I'm only getting sound from the front. I do, currently, have my center channel disconnected so would this have impacted anything? I wouldn't think it would.

 

[ahblaza]

I don't know why you would disconnect your CC, but If I were you I would run HDMI directly to Plasma from your BD player and coax or optical to your receiver from BD player and set your player to bitstream output. Your receiver should display Dolby Digital 5.1 and all your speakers should be out putting sound . Even if you use your BD player to play a standard DVD your player should be able to upconvert that to 1080i or p depending what you have it set to upconvert and you should enjoy 5.1 surround sound. Regardless if your using DVD or BD you should have very good sound and video with that setup. Running HDMI directly from player to plasma display will result in excellent video, you just need to work on your player's audio output, so the extra money for the 80 player may not be so warranted, more outlay of cash for the 80 and another $100 for multi-channel 5.1 analog cables to connect to your receiver. Just my thoughts my friend.
Most sincerely, Jeff