I hope I'm not hi-jacking this thread, but I'm still confused about how to get the most out of my PS3 slim as well. I'm using a Marantz receiver so it is very similar to the OP's receiver. I have tried bitstream and when I play BDs I only get 5.1 whereas I'm wired for 7.1. If I select PCM, my receiver will tell me that all 8 speakers are getting digital inputs. I wonder if the HDMI is the problem? Would getting an optical cable help me out? Maybe we can both learn from this. Again, sorry if it seems I'm hi-jacking.