HDMI (1.1) Compatibility Question: PS3-->Yamaha RX-V2600-->Samsung HL-S6197W

[dj2020]

I currently have a Yamaha RX-V2600 AV receiver connected via HDMI (1.1) to a Samsung HL-S6187W DLP 1080P. Now that the HD DVD war is "over", I'm thinking of getting a PS3 for its Blu-Ray capabilities. I plan on connecting the PS3 to one of the RX-V2600's HDMI inputs. It's my understanding that the PS3 has onboard decoders for dolby true hd/dts hd and can pass this along via HDMI (1.1) uncompressed PCM audio tracks to the Yamaha receiver. Is this correct? So I should be able to take advantage of the HD sound?

On a video output standpoint, the RX-V2600 can only output up to 720p/1080i via its HDMI (1.1) to my 1080p television. Does this mean I will not get the full 1080p resolution coming from the PS3 to my 1080p television via the RX-V2600? If this is true, how do I get around this w/o buying a new AV receiver?

Or am I just looking at this all wrong? Please help!

 

[trnqk7]

You are correct with both points-as in, you will get "hd" sound via pcm audio, and no, your receiver will not allow your tv to get the 1080p signal, only 1080i. The only way to get around it is to plug the ps3 directly into the tv, but then you lose the hd audio.

 

[dj2020]

Thanks trnqk7. But if I connect an optical audio cable from the PS3 to the receiver, will I still be able to take advantage of the HD audio?

 

[Dezoris]

Thanks trnqk7. But if I connect an optical audio cable from the PS3 to the receiver, will I still be able to take advantage of the HD audio?

Negative, the HD audio is only passed through HDMI.

 

[dj2020]

So I guess this next part to my dilemma is sort of subjective then....w/o getting a new receiver that supports 1080p, am I losing out on a lot of PQ if I connect the PS3 to my receiver and then to my TV. It's a 61" TV and I sit about 10 ft away from it. Or should I connect the PS3 directly to the TV to get the best resolution and connect the PS3 to the receiver via optical cable and just settle for regular 5.1 sound (non HD audio). I'm assuming that the optical cable can carry regular 5.1 sound. Am I totally off here? Thanks guys.

Maybe I should just get a new receiver!!! This hobby is getting $$$$$$!!!!!

 

[Guap Oh]

Negative, the HD audio is only passed through HDMI.

correct. With the PS3, once the HDMI plug is used, the digital optical output goes dormant. Due to this, I had to purchase a new pre/pro with the HDMI connectivity. I went with the Integra 9.8DTC and am very happy.

 

[trnqk7]

I would just take 1080i resolution and hd audio for now, until you decide to spend the $$ on a new receiver. There is no pq difference between 1080i and 1080p, it may just appear "smoother" over pans and things like that. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Save up some cash, and in a few months, get a newer receiver that will handle 1080p-not a big deal at all! Enjoy the higher quality audio until that point!

 

[dj2020]

Thanks for the responses guys!

 

[Exit]

You can get best HDMI video at your TV with audio through your receiver via optical connection.

Connect the HDMI output to the TV and the optical (toslink) cable between the PS3 and receiver. When first powered up the PS3 automatically recognizes and defaults to HDMI audio and video. Then you go to the “Sound” menu to “Audio Output Settings” then set it to “Digital Out (Optical)” menu while “Options” automatically sets to what the optical output is connected to.

This gives best picture quality with Dolby 5.1 sound. My receiver doesn’t doesn’t have HDMI and doesn’t process HD sound so I can’t say how much you would be trading off with best sound versus best video for your setup.

 

[dj2020]

Thanks Exit. I suppose I can try both ways and see what the trade offs would be.