PCM vs Bitstream

[davenlo]

Help: What is the differance between PCM and bitstream? How do you know which one to use in setting up a DVD player?

 

[newaudiofile]

Help: What is the differance between PCM and bitstream? How do you know which one to use in setting up a DVD player?

Bitstream in simple terms is a non decoded 5.1 audio signal sent to your AVR buy your DVD player. The decoding is done by your AVR.

PCM is a normal two channel signal to your AVR and does not need any decoding.

 

[trnqk7]

PCM can be multi-channel, ie, more than 2 channel. I get 5.1 channel pcm all the time over hdmi from my ps3. Just so there isn't any confusion-PCM is as good as bitstream. Bitstream only matters if your player can't decode the new codecs but your AVR can. Otherwise, everything can handle PCM AFAIK.

 

[Pyrrho]

Help: What is the differance between PCM and bitstream? How do you know which one to use in setting up a DVD player?

Which you should use depends upon the equipment you have. If you have a receiver that can decode Dolby Digital, use bitstream. If you have a relatively rare model that accepts PCM but not Dolby Digital, use PCM.

If you are using the analog connections, the setting you mention is irrelevant, as it has to do with the digital output, not the analog output.

 

[Pyrrho]

PCM can be multi-channel, ie, more than 2 channel. I get 5.1 channel pcm all the time over hdmi from my ps3. Just so there isn't any confusion-PCM is as good as bitstream. Bitstream only matters if your player can't decode the new codecs but your AVR can. Otherwise, everything can handle PCM AFAIK.

Since davenlo was asking about a DVD player, the PCM that it will put out is most likely just 2 channel. So, with most receivers, bitstream should be used with a DVD player. If we were talking about a BD player, then it would depend upon the decoding of the receiver and player.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Bitstream is the RAW Original DIGITAL encoded signal on the movie. It is sent to the receiver to be decoded and converted to ANALOG Sound and sent to the speakers.

PCM or LPCM is the uncoded digital signal. It does not have to be decoded. It is still converted to Analog sound in the receiver and sent to the speakers.

Bitstream takes up a lot less disk (or hard drive in PC) space than PCM.

Here is my experience.

$800 Toshiba HD DVD player 5.1 PCM vs. $550 Harman Kardon Receiver 5.1 bitstream: The bitstream sounded BETTER.

$2,000 Denon Blu-ray player 5.1 PCM vs. $5,500 Denon Receiver 5.1 bitstream: The bitstream sounded BETTER.

Compare for yourself.

 

[agarwalro]

$800 Toshiba HD DVD player 5.1 PCM vs. $550 Harman Kardon Receiver 5.1 bitstream: The bitstream sounded BETTER.

$2,000 Denon Blu-ray player 5.1 PCM vs. $5,500 Denon Receiver 5.1 bitstream: The bitstream sounded BETTER.

Very interesting indeed! What were the circumstances of these comparisons. Based on these statements, one can infer...

$800 Toshiba HD DVD Player had inferior decoders to $550 HK Receiver

$2000 Denon BD Player had inferior decoders to $5500 Denon Receiver

While I find that easy to believe in the former, it is hard to believe (not impossible, just improbable) in the latter.