[Jaxon's Dad]

I was set to wait for the Panny BD50, until the news broke about the PS3 getting the DTS-HDMA upgrade. Now I'm inclined to go out and pick up a new PS3 40GB console (Latest versions are reported to be quieter). But in order to take advantage of the audio, I'll need to upgrade my receiver. Since the Hi-res audio codecs are decoded onboard the PS3 and sent out as LPCM, I don't need to bother with a receiver that has the decoders. So what I'm asking the good folks on this board is suggestions for a HDMI 1.3 receiver that has 7.1 audio and will take the LPCM signal. Do any exist for under $300?

[Stephen Tu]

If you don't need the decoder for the new formats in the receiver, you don't need HDMI 1.3; 1.1 suffices. The cheapest 7.1 model is probably the Sony STR-DG910 @ ~$350. Doubt you can get anything under $300.

[troy evans]

If you're running the audio out through the HDMI for DTS-Master, DTS-HD and Dolby True-HD, then you do need to have a receiver that has the ability to decode those. Regardless, if the PS3 decodes them or not. The only way to get around it is if you have 5.1 or 7.1 analog outs on the Blu-ray player and ins on the receiver. This is what some people have found as an alternative to upgrading thier receivers. However, I'm not sure the PS3 even has analog 5.1 or 7.1 outputs. If it doesn't, you need to have a receiver that decodes the new audio codecs. Since, HDMI would be the only way to send the signal for the Hi-Res audio.

[Stephen Tu]

Quote:

However, I'm not sure the PS3 even has analog 5.1 or 7.1 outputs. If it doesn't, you need to have a receiver that decodes the new audio codecs. Since, HDMI would be the only way to send the signal for the Hi-Res audio

That's not correct. The PS3 decodes the compressed audio and outputs 7.1 PCM over HDMI. The receiver has to accept multi-channel PCM over HDMI. It does not have to decode the new formats, as the PS3 is sending decoded output, not the compressed bitstream. If you had the Panasonic BD30, which bitstreams but doesn't decode, THEN you'd need decoding in the receiver.

[Jaxon's Dad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Tu

That's not correct. The PS3 decodes the compressed audio and outputs 7.1 PCM over HDMI. The receiver has to accept multi-channel PCM over HDMI. It does not have to decode the new formats, as the PS3 is sending decoded output, not the compressed bitstream. If you had the Panasonic BD30, which bitstreams but doesn't decode, THEN you'd need decoding in the receiver.

That's my understanding. Thanx for the confirmation, Stephen. So does anyone have a suggestion for a receiver that accepts 7.1 PCM over HDMI?

[troy evans]

Sorry for my outdated info guys. The PS3 is certainly progressing faster than anything else in Sony's Blu-ray arsenal. May have to break down and buy one myself. As to a receiver, the best deal I've found was for the Onkyo 605. I never explored receivers that didn't have the HDMI 1.3 capability. Good luck in persuing one for it could be an in-expensive answer for many who want the new audio formats. PS3 for $400 and an audio receiver to support it for $300. Wow, $700 to leap into the future. That's less then some players. Would be nice, if found.

[Bluzman]

Harman Kardon AVR 247
Pioneer AVR 788/1908
Onkyo TX-SR605
Sony STR-DG810 or DG910
Yamaha RX-V661 or V663