ps3 and a dennon 1609 (1 Viewer)

[Steve Ez]

is this a good combo? will i be able to decode true hd format via ps3 even though my receiver isnt made for it?

 

[Ed Moxley]

No. That receiver is HDMI pass through, which just makes switching sources easier. You'd still need to connect a cable for audio.

For less than $100 more, you can get the Onkyo TX-SR606 that will do what you want. See it here:
Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black): Audio & Video

 

[Steve Ez]

i thought i read that if the player decoded it, it didnt matter if the receiver did or not....i guess i miss read something....i can hook up the ps3 via hdmi or optical...

i am pretty biased to denon, i would like to get one of their receivers that do what i want. i am looking into the 1909 or the 789.....

 

[Ed Moxley]

There are receivers that do 5.1 audio over HDMI, but don't decode the HD audio formats. Those receivers will probably pass the audio along, if the player decodes it. Your receiver appeared to be a pass through only. See here:
Denon USA | AVR-1609
Read the description under the receiver. The description of the 1709 sounds like it might pass the HD audio that the player decodes.

Above, I'm talking about HDMI.
The 1609 does have multi-channel analog inputs (EXT. IN). If you get a blu ray player with the analog outputs, that decodes internally, then yes, you can hear the HD audio that way. But since the PS3 doesn't have the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs, that won't work.

The 1909 and 789 receivers you mentioned, will do the job. They'll be more future proof than the 1609, so I think you'll be happier in the long run with one of those.
Good luck!