HD 7.1 Lossless Audio: Avialable Only Via HDMI ??

Scooter · 10-11-2008, 12:39 PM

I understand that some BD/HD-DVD players have analog outputs for 7.1, but as for optical/coaxial digital streams, can the HD Audio formats be delivered to a reciever or only HDMI?

Bryan X · 10-11-2008, 04:41 PM

HD audio cannot be passed through optical/coaxial.

Scooter · 10-12-2008, 04:03 PM

That's a bummer.

Thanks for responding.

Bryan X · 10-12-2008, 06:00 PM

Look on the bright side. It can be an excuse to spring for a new receiver. I used it as an excuse to my wife on why I just *needed* that new receiver.

Nathan Eddy · 10-12-2008, 06:44 PM

A new receiver would be nice, but I don't even have a BR player yet. So that's going to be first. Until I upgrade my receiver, I had a question about how exactly this works. I do have analog inputs (currently hooked up to a Pioneer 563, for hi rez audio), so I assume I'll be fine using those with BR. However, since HDMI carries both picture and sound, how do I separate those out? I want to hook up the HDMI directly to the TV for video . . . so I assume there's a setting in BR players that let you redirect the audio from the HDMI through the separate analog channels? Right?

One final question . . . I need a new DVD drive for my computer. I was thinking about instead just getting a BR drive, and using that for home theater, too. Is this a good way to kill two birds with one stone? There's got to be a reason people are buying standalone BR units, instead of using their computers (and saving the money). So what's the main reason? I've got a GeForce 8800 GT graphics card, which should be able to handle BR. I'll only need to output 720p, since that's the native resolution of my TV. Any reason not to save money this way?

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Scott Merryfield · 10-12-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan Eddy

A new receiver would be nice, but I don't even have a I do have analog inputs (currently hooked up to a Pioneer 563, for hi rez audio), so I assume I'll be fine using those with BR. However, since HDMI carries both picture and sound, how do I separate those out? I want to hook up the HDMI directly to the TV for video . . . so I assume there's a setting in BR players that let you redirect the audio from the HDMI through the separate analog channels? Right?

Simply run the analog connections to your receiver and the HDMI directly to your TV. Turn the speakers off on your TV, and configure the analog 7.1 outputs of the Blu-ray player appropriately to pass the lossless audio and you should be all set.

Scooter · 10-13-2008, 05:35 AM

I just picked up a Denon AVR-687 just for the 8 analog inputs to use with my Panny BR. I have an HD-DVD as well, that's why I asked about the optical/coaxial options.

Scott Merryfield · 10-13-2008, 07:45 AM

You will still get lossy DD/DTS 5.1 through the coaxial/optical connections, so it's not the end of the world. The DD5.1 tracks usually are a higher bit rate than those on SD-DVD, too. I do not have high resolution audio capabilities with my setup, but the audio quality of the lossy tracks still sounds excellent.

If you really want two separate devices to share your receiver's 7.1 analog inputs, you can always use a switch box. It's a lot of cables, but it does work. I have both a SACD/CD player and DVD player (for its DVD-Audio capabilities) connected to my Pioneer Elite receiver in such a manner. See my equipment list link for the Radio Shack device I use.

Scooter · 10-13-2008, 08:29 AM

I would do that, except my Tosh HD-DVD doesn't have analog out.

MarkHastings · 10-13-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan Eddy

I was thinking about instead just getting a BR drive, and using that for home theater, too. Is this a good way to kill two birds with one stone? There's got to be a reason people are buying standalone BR units, instead of using their computers (and saving the money). So what's the main reason?

There are many reasons. My reasons are:

1) I don't want to incorporate a computer into my HT. I like to use my computer for computing and my DVD player for playing DVD's. Most people want 'dedicated' equipment for paying movies, so a computer would be a waste.

2) It's too much of a hassle (for me) to use a computer to view movies on my TV. Besides the extra power consumption, I'd have to find space for the computer, buy a wireless keyboard and mouse, then have to find a place to store the mouse and keyboard (next to my couch) etc. etc. - and don't forget bootup times, viruses, and all the other crap that comes with a computer. A DVD player just turns on and you're ready to start watching movies.

3) Similar to #2, I have a Harmony 880 remote, so I want to be able to use it with devices that will work with the remote.

4) It's actually cheaper to buy a separate player then to buy another computer.

Scott Merryfield · 10-13-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkHastings

3) Similar to #2, I have a Harmony 880 remote, so I want to be able to use it with devices that will work with the remote.

While all you arguments are valid, Mark, this alone is reason enough for me. I couldn't imagine living without a single universal remote to control my entire system. Heck, I felt lost a couple of months ago when my Harmony 659 died and I had to do the "remote shuffle" for a week until my new Harmony 880 arrived.