Question about PS3 7.1 LPCM

[Bloodstriker]

I was thinking of purchasing another set of surrounds and upgrading my 5.1 to 7.1.

I currently use the old PS3 (fat), which means that I can only output DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD in LPCM. When this happens, my receiver picks up the signal as "Multichannel" and I am unable to use certain functions such as night mode.

I realize that a lot of blurays are in 5.1 and I would hate to spend $1000.00 on rear channels that might not be used very often.

Is it possible for the Onkyo 875 to convert the 5.1 to 7.1 and utilize the rear channels (i.e. PLIIx or something similar) with an HD audio format if it is sent via LPCM to the AVR?

 

[jostenmeat]

Is it possible for the Onkyo 875 to convert the 5.1 to 7.1 and utilize the rear channels (i.e. PLIIx or something similar) with an HD audio format if it is sent via LPCM to the AVR?

Yes.

In fact, it's easier to matrix rears with mch PCM than it is with bitstreams of the advanced codecs, as evidenced by recent receivers by both Marantz and Yamaha, for instance (decoding AND matrixing simply requires more processing power). Onkyo? No problem doing it either way.

 

[GlocksRock]

My RX-V1800 has no problem matrixing and decoding HD audio received via bitstream.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Yes.

In fact, it's easier to matrix rears with mch PCM than it is with bitstreams of the advanced codecs, as evidenced by recent receivers by both Marantz and Yamaha, for instance (decoding AND matrixing simply requires more processing power). Onkyo? No problem doing it either way.

Is this done automatically? When in Multichannel mode, I am unable to change any sound modes on the receiver.

 

[AVRat]

I don't think the 875 is capable according to the chart on pg. 72.

 

[jostenmeat]

Is this done automatically? When in Multichannel mode, I am unable to change any sound modes on the receiver.

I don't think the 875 is capable according to the chart on pg. 72.

Hey guys, I have to run right now. Later tonight, I hope that I have the chance to run some tests on my 805. I'm pretty sure the 805 and 875 use the same, identical manual.

Therefore, Bloodstriker, please come up with any tests you want me to run, and I WILL eventually get back to you.

So, for now . . . I think of a PCM 5.1 track, matrixed with PLiiX? Any others? This is what I have been doing for gosh knows how long. This ability to matrix bitstreams/PCM was researched by myself prior to purchase, a couple of years ago. Maybe I'm a total idiot, we will find out.

-j

 

[AVRat]

Is this done automatically? When in Multichannel mode, I am unable to change any sound modes on the receiver.

PLIIx will not attempt to engage unless you tell the receiver you have rear surrounds, whether you do or not. But I defer to JM to check with his 805.

 

[AVRat]

Is this done automatically? When in Multichannel mode, I am unable to change any sound modes on the receiver.

PLIIx will not attempt to engage unless you tell the receiver you have rear surrounds, whether you do or not. But I defer to JM to check with his 805.

 

[jostenmeat]

I currently use the old PS3 (fat), which means that I can only output DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD in LPCM. When this happens, my receiver picks up the signal as "Multichannel" and I am unable to use certain functions such as night mode.

I think* night mode can only be applied to Dolby (whether DD, DD+, TrueHD). I believe it's not applicable to PCM, nor DTS-MA as bitstreamed, or even just DTS.

PLIIx will not attempt to engage unless you tell the receiver you have rear surrounds, whether you do or not.

That is an interesting tidbit!

Ok, I just looked and tested. Like I've always thought, matrixing works with mch PCM.

I looked into the menu, and there are only 8 sub-menus, go to #5 titled "Listening Mode Presets". Now for PCM, DD, DTS, DTS-MA, TrueHD, put them all on PLIIX if you want everything matrixed always. There is a different option called "Last Valid", which should give you more flexibility.

Try that and report back.

Myself, I'm not on the latest FW, but second to last with 1.06 as far as DSP is concerned, however, I believe that all FWs from the very get go could matrix it all.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Thanks for the info Jostenmeat. I've purchase another set of Totem Lynks for my surrounds!

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks for the info Jostenmeat. I've purchase another set of Totem Lynks for my surrounds!

Congrats! Did you however try the "rears" just to be redundantly sure? I think the easiest way would be to temporarily connect the speaker wires to the "rears" instead of "side surrounds".

Anyways, I hope it works out.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Congrats! Did you however try the "rears" just to be redundantly sure? I think the easiest way would be to temporarily connect the speaker wires to the "rears" instead of "side surrounds".

Anyways, I hope it works out.

Unfortunately, I didn't do any testing. I'll probably give this a try by moving my bedroom speakers into the tv room and connecting them as rears.

Either way, i guess I'm glad that I'm going to get 7.1 on 7.1 tracks. If I only get 5.1 (without rears kicking in) on a 5.1 track, then..... oops.

Next step - flesh out the PSB system!! (And I was so good at not buying HT equipment for a few years too. I'm currently experiencing a relapse.)

 

[jostenmeat]

Unfortunately, I didn't do any testing. I'll probably give this a try by moving my bedroom speakers into the tv room and connecting them as rears.

Either way, i guess I'm glad that I'm going to get 7.1 on 7.1 tracks. If I only get 5.1 (without rears kicking in) on a 5.1 track, then..... oops.

Next step - flesh out the PSB system!! (And I was so good at not buying HT equipment for a few years too. I'm currently experiencing a relapse.)

Well, I used to be a regular at the 805 owner's thread at AVS, and I have never once read of a unit that could not matrix for rears, no matter what the source or codec. Hopefully you won't be the first.

If I was to redo placement for the rears, I would have them wider. Like 135 degrees if I could accommodate it.