PS3 LPCM vs. standalone bitstream???

[themiz69]

plain and simple: is there much of a diff when it comes to Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD (MA)???

ill be getting a player by the end of this week and id like to know if audiowise the ps3 is lacking.

[DrMaustus]

You will hear two different arguments on this one. Personally, I think that it sounds better when bitstreaming, and I also like the "True HD" and "DTS HD MA" lights to light up on my receiver. Yes, it's probably just placebo since you're getting the same bits either way, but I prefer bitstreaming.

Some also say that there's a difference in terms of video between a PS3 and a standalone, though I haven't seen it.

[ack_bak]

Lossless should be lossless, and Roger Dressler from Dolby Labs has stated that the PS3 decodes TrueHD 100% accurately. But some people state that they can hear a difference with bitstreaming. So who knows? Keep in mind that if you bitstream the audio codecs, you lose the secondary audio in some of the advanced extras.

[grif32]

Originally Posted by DrMaustus

You will hear two different arguments on this one. Personally, I think that it sounds better when bitstreaming, and I also like the "True HD" and "DTS HD MA" lights to light up on my receiver. Yes, it's probably just placebo since you're getting the same bits either way, but I prefer bitstreaming.

Some also say that there's a difference in terms of video between a PS3 and a standalone, though I haven't seen it.

I think its a debate that will gone on forever. Honestly I think it comes down to being able to see the lights on the Receiver light up more then anything.

I doubt anyone in a blind test will hear the difference.

Chris

[Da Man]

The I have too much $$$ audiophiles will say that PCM adds more jitter.

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by Da Man

The I have too much $$$ audiophiles will say that PCM adds more jitter.

Except Roger Dressler would disagree with them.

[cary]

I think bitstreaming results in a small improvement over having the PS3 decode. Of course, it's also possible that there's something else about the 350 standalone that performs superior to the PS3, outside of decoding.

I love the remarkably simple arguments being made here. Yes, the PS3 can accurately decode either of these codecs, it's simply unpacking it to PCM. No argument.

The question is what happens after that. If your receiver can process DTS or DTHD into the final analog output with fewer steps than it can PCM, or with superior post-processing, then there are very good reasons why there will be sound differences. Many receivers also have different capabilities with the upper khz they will accept, that can also have an effect.

Descending from the theoretical equivalence of codec decoding to real-world performance in the home requires that everything along the chain works perfectly. If you framed the argument as ALL CE products work perfectly ALL the time, then you would come to a very differnent answer, and yet that is the assumption. That is why different individuals with different systems will have different results.

Whether a blind test would give you a match is a different matter. I don't have any question that I could give you the right answer with a music recording, because I have a pretty good idea what the original sounds like. With a movie soundtrack, we don't have a reference, so we're all just guessing what sounds closest to the original. Instead we decide on what sounds best to us in our setting, right or wrong.

[themiz69]

well im thinking about eithe the lg bh200 or the ps3 strictly for BR. should the choice be difficult?

[CaptKain]

Originally Posted by themiz69

well im thinking about eithe the lg bh200 or the ps3 strictly for BR. should the choice be difficult?

Choice should be obvious...PS3 FOR BR VIEWING.

Because I constantly read that the PS3 is the Reference BR player available at the moment. My experiences with anything LG thats not a appliance has been bad. LG in the home theatre/entertainment is like Microsoft being in a top ten list for 100% product reliability. They just dont mix man.

[DrMaustus]

Originally Posted by themiz69

well im thinking about eithe the lg bh200 or the ps3 strictly for BR. should the choice be difficult?

To me it all comes down to personal preference. If you don't mind the looks and arguably sound of the PS3, and you don't mind having to use a bluetooth remote, the go for the PS3. It decodes everything and it's faster than any standalone (as far as I know).

However, if you want an ultra quiet device that you can stack and control with a Harmony or some other universal remote, go with the LG.

I think the DVD upscaling of both units is a wash. I have both and I usually use my LG if that's any help. To me, the longer start up time of the LG is less of a deal than having to dig out the PS3 remote.

[themiz69]

i appreciate all of the help.

[Serge Mclie]

Hi this is my first time here! I think in spanish and write in english so please be patient with me. I have a PS3 and an Onkio AV receiver with HDMI as pass-through. So the audio is obtain through an Optical digital audio cable. I am looking forward to experience the DD HD or DTS HD 7.1 MA through my receiver. I called PS3 technical support and they explain that I would hear the best audio available through PCM Lineal even if the reciever was saying pro-logic IIx. Is this true? am I receiving HD sound or MA regardless of the fact that my receiver is not lighting the DD signals or DTS logo on the screen? Please, would somebody tell me if PS3 is really that wonderfull?

[themiz69]

true. to my understanding everything HD goes thru as LPCM. therefore no TrueHD and DTS-HD MA lights

[JAWoOKIE]

I prefer bitstreaming, whether its just me or it sounds better or not. Tired if the debate, my personal preference is bitstreaming, although I am currently using a PS3 until Panasonic's new players come out.

[Serge Mclie]

Thank you for your answer but one question stills stands, am I really getting the HD sound? Is this a faith thing? walk on faith not on sight? you ears will listen to 7.1 HD even if your receiver says 2.0?