Enjoying TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-MA???

[PhillyDan1969]

I am confused about these new bitstream formats but i want to optimize my enjoyment of them. I have the Toshiba HD-A2. Now I may be incorrect but I believe this HD-DVD can process TrueHD? My receiver however, the Denon AVR-3805 can not process these new audio codecs and is sans any HDMI inputs!!!

Without even giving any thought to upgrading my receiver at this time, because I love my Denon and it isn't really that old and I hate the idea of upgrading right now (cost) can I listen to TrueHD in any way??? I read something about Toslink converting the signal, but I think I am just misunderstanding, am I correct in thinking that since the Denon can't process the TrueHD or other newer bitstream audio formats that ultimately I just end up with DTS or DD when I watch an HD-DVD???

 

[adk highlander]

PhillyDan1969, there are 3 ways to get TrueHD.

1) Player does the decoding and transmits LPCM via multi-channel RCA outputs. (Your player does not have the multi-channel outs so you cannot get the signal to your receiver which would play the LPCM track via its multi-channel inputs)

2) Player does the decoding and transmits over HDMI to reciever.

3) Player sends bitstream output to Reciever/Processor and it decodes the TrueHD.

If you use toslink you will only get Dolby Digial and not the LPCM signal.

So for you to get TrueHD you will need to upgrade your player or your receiver.

Edit: All of this holds true for DTS Master but DD Ex could be done via toslink.

 

[PhillyDan1969]

So basically a new HD-DVD player with analog outs will do the trick??? This would mean that I would have to disconnect my Denon 2200 analog connections which I am currently using to listen to DVD-Audio.

So for HD-DVD the Toshiba HD-XA2 and the Toshiba HD-A35 both offer 6 channel analog out right???

 

[adk highlander]

You are correct. I don't know of any of them that do DVD Audio which stinks.

There is a very helpful guy here named AcuDefGuy and he uses some Acurus pre-amp switchers to be able to use multiple multi-channel inputs. I don't know if you want to go into that becuase it may be cheaper to just sell your 3805 and get a 3808.

 

[PhillyDan1969]

Always the problem when selling used electronics, they are always worth more to you than to anyone wanting to buy used electronics!!!

I see a couple of Denon AVR3805s on Audiogon selling for $375!!! This is probably about the going rate for a receiver that lacks HDMI, the hot connector of choice right now.

My options are to stay with the 3805 and get an HD-DVD player with 6 channel analog out so I can experience Dolby TrueHD, or...

Stick with what I have and just enjoy the HD movies with DTS and DD5.1!!!

Upgrading the 3805 is just not an option I am willing to take right now. I need to buy a newer HDTV as a priority anyway and considering how cheaply the HD-DVD players are selling right now, this seems to be the best bet.