Upcoming PS3 Firmware (v.2.30) with DTS-HD Master Audio

[ruvic]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/...#comment-53258

DTS Press Release

Hey Everyone! We know you’re all patiently waiting for the next PS3 firmware update, ver. 2.30, which includes the revamped PLAYSTATION Store. The good news is that it’s coming soon, and you can now see how the new user interface will look in this video demo featuring Grace Chen.

I have more good news to report today – the system software update will also add DTS-HD Master Audio output for Blu-ray videos, which means the high-definition visuals of Blu-ray will now be matched with the highest quality audio for the ultimate movie-watching experience on PS3.

DTS-HD Master Audio is literally bit-for-bit identical to the studio master recording and makes movie soundtracks and sound effects truly come to life. The technology delivers audio at the incredibly high rate of 24.5 mega-bits per second (Mbps) on Blu-ray disc, which is significantly higher than standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio also offers 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depths, so you’ll be totally immersed in the sound. The firmware update will add DTS-HD High Resolution Audio as well, which is a similar output technology that requires less disc space. You can read more about both codecs here.

A lot of you, particularly the home theatre enthusiasts and audiophiles out there, have been asking us for this capability, and we can’t wait until you have an opportunity to pop in a compatible Blu-ray video to test it out for yourself.

[Aristottle]

I have an amp that can't process HDMI sound....so I have to use an optical cable to carry the sound componet from PS3 to my amp...while running video through my HDMI cable. Is there any type of HDMI adapter/cord that will give me analog outs from PS3 so I can enjoy DTS HD?

[Cochise]

Originally Posted by Aristottle

I have an amp that can't process HDMI sound....so I have to use an optical cable to carry the sound componet from PS3 to my amp...while running video through my HDMI cable. Is there any type of HDMI adapter/cord that will give me analog outs from PS3 so I can enjoy DTS HD?

No, because that would defeat one of the main design features of HDMI - HDCP digital copy protection. That's one of the major limitations of the PS3 as a BD player - only HDMI and lossy limited optical for audio.

[Crypter]

Thankgod for this update!


Quick question, can someone point me to any official documentation that says the hardware in the PS3 is INCAPABABLE of Bitstreaming HBR????

I do beleive what I have heard, however, I have only heard this through word of mouth and I would like to read an official statement or hardware spec that says it is NOT capable of Bitstreaming (even through firmware updates).

[jtp161]

Originally Posted by Aristottle

I have an amp that can't process HDMI sound....so I have to use an optical cable to carry the sound componet from PS3 to my amp...while running video through my HDMI cable. Is there any type of HDMI adapter/cord that will give me analog outs from PS3 so I can enjoy DTS HD?

I don't believe so; I asked this same question about 2 weeks ago, as I have the HK AVR 146 and am running the audio through an optical cable as well.

Looks like we're both going receiver shopping.

I'm looking at getting the Onkyo 605, as that seems to be the standard in the price range if you want to get uncompressed audio.

As a side note, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get some money for my receiver besides the typical channels(Craig's List, Ebay...)?

[seawoof]

Looks like there will be a bunch of us looking to upgrade our receivers now. I'm looking at the 605 as well, and then probably 2 more speakers so I get the whole 7.1 experience.

My bank account hates me.

[skywalkr2]

I have been looking at this Onkyo receiver for some time. My only issue is that I have been told by nearly everyone that you need to have really good speakers to tell any difference. My speakers are older... and it seems that any "decent" speaker setups are a fortune nowadays.

[skywalkr2]

Originally Posted by CochiseGuy

No, because that would defeat one of the main design features of HDMI - HDCP digital copy protection. That's one of the major limitations of the PS3 as a BD player - only HDMI and lossy limited optical for audio.

So you are saying that even if I get an HDMI receiver i cannot run the HDMI cable to the receiver? If so then I won't have any video? This seems implausible considering everyone champions the PS3 as the standard bearer for BD players.

[ATLFalconsFAN]

So does the PS3 do an internal dts HD MA decode now (or once the update in question is out)? My preamp has HDMI in but does not decode the lossless formats itself.

Woo Hoo, first post since the outage.

[dwirving68]

I'm leaning towards the PS3 now that this update will happen. But I'm going to need a new receiver with HDMI. Don't need the onboard decoders of the Onkyos, since the PS3 does the decoding and sends the signal out as LPCM. Is there a 7.1 receiver that will take LPCM over HDMI? Preferably inexpensive? ~$300.

[mojo16]

Originally Posted by skywalkr2

So you are saying that even if I get an HDMI receiver i cannot run the HDMI cable to the receiver? If so then I won't have any video? This seems implausible considering everyone champions the PS3 as the standard bearer for BD players.

No, I don't think he's saying that. If you have a HDMI-enabled receiver, you can certainly hook the PS3 up to it to experience high-res sound, either of the uncompressed PCM, TrueHD, (and now) the dts-HD variety. You need not buy a receiver with decoding capabilities for these audio formats, as the PS3 will internally decode these and send the signal to the receiver, as long as the receiver accepts a PCM signal via HDMI (most do). However, I would consider purchasing one with decoding capabilities anyway, in case you decide to purchase a player in the future with bitstreaming capabilities, and these receivers generally offer a better experience anyway. In this regard, the Onkyo 605 offers the best bang for your buck, but there are other, more expensive receivers, including from other manufacturers, that have more features.

[mojo16]

Originally Posted by dwirving68

I'm leaning towards the PS3 now that this update will happen. But I'm going to need a new receiver with HDMI. Don't need the onboard decoders of the Onkyos, since the PS3 does the decoding and sends the signal out as LPCM. Is there a 7.1 receiver that will take LPCM over HDMI? Preferably inexpensive? ~$300.

Again, I recommend the Onkyo TX-SR605 (which does in fact have onboard decoding). However, there are many others. Try browsing through CNET's reviews. They generally offer very good and informative reviews for A/V receivers.

[aaronwt]

This feature is a little too late. if it would have been out 6 months ago i would have probably never considered purchasing a stand alone player. Luckily for me it didn't come out 6 months ago. Since getting my BD30, I have no desire to go back to using the PS3 as my primary BD player. My experience with the BD30 is so much better than with the PS3.

[f1ipmode]

^^ Too late for you maybe.

[aaronwt]

Originally Posted by f1ipmode

^^ Too late for you maybe.

Well of course! I've had my PS3 since 2006. But I'm glad it's late. Otherwise I would have never realized what i missing by only using the PS3 for BD playback. The BD30 is so much better. I can hardly wait untl i get my BD50.