Do I need a Receiver With Dolby True HD/DTS HD For My PS3?

[tyreal78]

Looking for a new receiver but not sure whether or not I need to purchase one with Dolby True HD and DTS HD, considering I have a PS3.

I'm totally naive to this process.

Any help and info is appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

If you want to use Dolby True HD/DTS HD codecs you do.

 

[tyreal78]

If you want to use Dolby True HD/DTS HD codecs you do.

But it's my understanding the PS3 does this internally. I really don't understand the technology but from what I've gathered, the PS3 cannot send bitstream HBR audio such as TrueHD, only DD/DTS. It has to decode the hi def signal into PCM first, then out to the receiver. So, the receiver has to support PCM as well? I'm confused.

 

[jonnythan]

You don't need TrueHD or DTS HD. I'm not sure if the PS3 can support them fully or not, but you can still get multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound with a receiver that doesn't support TrueHD or DTS HD.

So, no, you don't need those things.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think "need" is a key word here. We don't need any of this but if he wants TrueHD or DTS HD, he will have to use an AVR that has HDMI so he can send through the PCM from the PS3.

You don't need TrueHD or DTS HD. I'm not sure if the PS3 can support them fully or not, but you can still get multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound with a receiver that doesn't support TrueHD or DTS HD.

So, no, you don't need those things.

 

[tyreal78]

You don't need TrueHD or DTS HD. I'm not sure if the PS3 can support them fully or not, but you can still get multichannel Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound with a receiver that doesn't support TrueHD or DTS HD.

So, no, you don't need those things.

I know I don't need them in order to get 5.1 audio, just curious what kind of receiver I need in order to take advantage of the hi def audio codecs.

 

[bbianca1982]

I know I don't need them in order to get 5.1 audio, just curious what kind of receiver I need in order to take advantage of the hi def audio codecs.

You need one that processes Dolby TrueHd and DTS Master Audio. It will have to have HDMI inputs, and NOT HDMI pass-through (that only transfers the video to the TV). And it will be pricey.

If you need a entire HT system and dont want to build it piecemeal, try the Onkyo 6100. It has the 606 receiver (which processes Dolby HD and DTS MA) and puts out decent wattage per channel (130). Its about $700 bucks online.

 

[jonnythan]

I know I don't need them in order to get 5.1 audio, just curious what kind of receiver I need in order to take advantage of the hi def audio codecs.

To take advantage of TrueHD and DTS HD, you need a receiver that supports those codecs.

 

[phlakvest]

If your using the PS3 for a blueray player then you don't need Dolby True HD/DTS HD on your reciever.

The ps3 will decode them internally and sent mutichanel pcm to your reciever. The ps3 can't currently bitstream Dolby True HD/DTS HD so you won't benifit from the reciever doing it. However, if sony releases an update, or you get a blueray player that bitstreams, you might want to have Dolby True HD/DTS HD.
IMHO put it on the "want list" but its not neccesary.

You will need a reciever that has an HDMI repeater, not a passthrough or switcher. That way the reciever will pull the audio from the HDMI.

 

[tyreal78]

If your using the PS3 for a blueray player then you don't need Dolby True HD/DTS HD on your reciever.

The ps3 will decode them internally and sent mutichanel pcm to your reciever. The ps3 can't currently bitstream Dolby True HD/DTS HD so you won't benifit from the reciever doing it. However, if sony releases an update, or you get a blueray player that bitstreams, you might want to have Dolby True HD/DTS HD.
IMHO put it on the "want list" but its not neccesary.

You will need a reciever that has an HDMI repeater, not a passthrough or switcher. That way the reciever will pull the audio from the HDMI.

Perfect response. This basically just summed up everything I just researched in the last half hour. Thank you so much for your help and expertise.

I just don't understand the "passthrough" definition. Some manufacturers define passthrough as audio and video, where others only video. How do I make sure I'm getting both audio and video from the features list?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Much better explanation then what I said!

If your using the PS3 for a blueray player then you don't need Dolby True HD/DTS HD on your reciever.

The ps3 will decode them internally and sent mutichanel pcm to your reciever. The ps3 can't currently bitstream Dolby True HD/DTS HD so you won't benifit from the reciever doing it. However, if sony releases an update, or you get a blueray player that bitstreams, you might want to have Dolby True HD/DTS HD.
IMHO put it on the "want list" but its not neccesary.

You will need a reciever that has an HDMI repeater, not a passthrough or switcher. That way the reciever will pull the audio from the HDMI.

 

[tyreal78]

Much better explanation then what I said!

Thanks for your help. You guys are awesome!

 

[phlakvest]

Here's a post that deals with HDMI passthrough and its various different names.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50023&highlight=hdmi+passthrough

the repeater/passthrough terminology is what onkyo uses. (I have an onkyo so i use their terminology)

A repeater reads the audio signal from HDMI and repeats the signal back out to the display.
Example

A passthrough doesn't read the audio signal, you have to run a seperate audio cable. Some blueray players won't pass HD codecs over an optical or coaxial format. I don't remember if the PS3 falls in this boat.

Example

 

[Seth=L]

HDMI pass-thru is completely useless for audio purposes.

phlakvest explained it almost perfectly, other than the PS3 "currently" not capable of bitstreaming HD audio codecs. The PS3 will not ever support this feature because A.) it doesn't need to and B.) the hardware is the limitation against bitstreaming, not software.

 

[phlakvest]

HDMI pass-thru is completely useless for audio purposes.

phlakvest explained it almost perfectly, other than the PS3 "currently" not capable of bitstreaming HD audio codecs. The PS3 will not ever support this feature because A.) it doesn't need to and B.) the hardware is the limitation against bitstreaming, not software.

I can still hope for an update that allows it can't I?

 

[Seth=L]

I can still hope for an update that allows it can't I?

Not for any current production model of the Playstation, which includes the 20, 40, 60, 80, and 160gb PS3s. The hardware simply isn't capable for some odd reason. Even so, it's not a necessary feature unless you just like to see the DTS-HD or TrueHD indicators light up on your AVR or pre/pro. There is no sonic advantage, or simpler connection scheme that makes bitstreaming any better. The PS3 is perfect in function the way it is.

 

[jostenmeat]

I can still hope for an update that allows it can't I?

No, due to the earliest version of the Silicon Vastline chip being used.

Decoders are NOT necessary at all with the PS3.

While sending unpacked PCM should be 100% identical to the bitstreams, some folks I respect very much believe the latter is better to reduce chances of clocking issues and jitter mgmt. I've asked about this, and they say if there was any issue, it will be the fault of the receiver, not player, and probably due to HDCP crap.

Since we DO NOT NEED decoders with a PS3, if on a limited budget, you can opt for any HDMI receiver that simply handles unpacked m-ch PCM, brb with short list....

Onkyo 604
Marantz 4001
Yamaha 661
Yamaha HTR-6060
HK 247
Panasonic XR57
Sony STR-DG810
Denon 887
Denon 1908CI
Denon 788
Denon 2308CI

 

[Seth=L]

No, due to the earliest version of the Silicon Vastline chip being used.

Decoders are NOT necessary at all with the PS3.

While sending unpacked PCM should be 100% identical to the bitstreams, some folks I respect very much believe the latter is better to reduce chances of clocking issues and jitter mgmt. I've asked about this, and they say if there was any issue, it will be the fault of the receiver, not player, and probably due to HDCP crap.

Since we DO NOT NEED decoders with a PS3, if on a limited budget, you can opt for any HDMI receiver that simply handles unpacked m-ch PCM, brb with short list....

Onkyo 604
Marantz 4001
Yamaha 661
Yamaha HTR-6060
HK 247
Panasonic XR57
Sony STR-DG810
Denon 887
Denon 1908CI
Denon 788
Denon 2308CI

And examples like the Yamaha's and Marantz have preouts for additional amplification.