Do we need HD decoders in amplifiers ? (1 Viewer)

[Michael Eriksen]

With the upcoming blu ray players like the pana BD50, that is able to decode all HD sound formats and send them as PCM to the receiver or pre amp, is there any advantage in having af pre amp that can decode the HD sound formats ?

As long as its able to receive a 7.1 PCM signal via hmdi and it treats it the same way in regards to bass management ect. what need is there for a decoding facility in the receiver / pre amp ?

Plus, isnt it preferable that the decodning takes place in the player, that will do it just as well as an expensive preamp.

Michael

 

[Cees Alons]

If the decoding is done well (and all current results suggest it is), it's preferable to have it inside the player, because of the correct mixing of the different audio streams.

Apart from that, it's mainly a logistic (wires, etc) and/or financial difference.


Cees

 

[Jack Gilvey]

Need it? No. Do people want it? Sure, if just for the lights.

With the most popular player, the PS3, an AVR's decoders sit dormant anyway since it must decode/unzip internally.

 

[Stephen_J_H]

Which means that with a PS3, you can get away with a less expensive HDMI receiver.