TRUE - HD Audio

[cnyreject]

Ok wondering several things about True - HD and DTS-HD. Can we get these options to work over HDMI cabling or do you really need a AV receiver with true PCM connections? Also, if HDMI cables do not do it. Is there any AV receiver that supports True-HD / DTS-HD that doesn't cost over $1,000?

I would like to experience this new audio but not willing to have to mortgage my house to buy a audio receiver that would support these audio formats.

Also if I just wait a year do you see the connections to be moved to more AV receivers with a lower price or am I stuck with having to dish out the above amount to get these added enhancements.

[wifeB8]

...... Can we get these options to work over HDMI cabling or do you really need a AV receiver with true PCM connections?
HDMI works under two conditions:
1.Every HD DVD player released thus far is capable of internally decoding 5.1 channels of TrueHD. DTS-HD remains an optional audio format on both formats. HDMI 1.1 can trasport multichannel PCM. So if you have an audio receiver that has at a minimum HDMI 1.1 you will be able to hear TrueHD.
2.Your second option is to have one of the new receivers that internaly decodes lossless codecs. These AV receivers are HDMI 1.3 compliant supporting output of TrueHD and DTS-HD raw (unpacked) bitstreams. However, these HD players need to be able to send these codecs via bitstream in order to take advantage of it.

Also, if HDMI cables do not do it. Is there any AV receiver that supports True-HD / DTS-HD that doesn't cost over $1,000?
The Onkyo TX series line of AV receivers have internal decoding of this lossless codecs. The most affordable one is the Onkyo TX-SR605. Denon and Pioneer also have versions available but it will cost you substantially more. There is still a debate ongoing as to what would be the best option (internal player decoding or external AV receiver decoding)

[cnyreject]

Thanks bro! I think i have a 1 HDMI out on my Harmon Kardon. Will have to see what happens. I don't think I have a HD-DVD with the True-HD to check this out but what would YOU recommend as a good HD-DVD to see if it works. First thing comes to mind is Batman Returns. But I am not sure that is the best to try and see. So, any suggestions? Also, how will i actually know if it is decoding in True-HD or not? Any way to knoow other then just the listening end?

[wifeB8]

Training Day, 300, The Departed are all triple crown winners on HDDVD. Great PQ, great audio and great plots.

Besides the audible test go into the display menu while playing an appropriate HDDVD title and you will see the video codec and audio codec currently being played.

[cnyreject]

Sits down and cries when I discover no HDMI connection on my AV receiver. Then smiles when realizing Christmas is how many days away? Then runs off to plan ahead, thinking new AV receiver, new AV receiver.....! :whistle:

[57U]

Be aware that many AVRs with HDMI inputs do not handle audio on the HDMI input - they only switch the HDMI and the signal passes through to the TV.

Be aware that many AVRs that do handle HDMI audio don't do HD audio. Also, this precludes the HDMI audio continuing to the TV, it stops in the AVR for use there.

You need to spend some coin typically to get HDMI and HD audio in an AVR.

[cnyreject]

57U good to see you pipe in bro! However, now me really confused on what to buy! How will I know which AVR's do what out of the box! Thought technology was supposed to simplify life. Boy that's as much true as the paperless society :headb:

Anyway any help in what AVR's will do HDMI conversion to True-HD audio will really be helpful to me. :wave:

Never mind! I noticed the Onkyo TX-SR605, mentioned and took a look at it and seems to be in a good price range and had pretty good reviews. So guess that will be my next AV receiver unless something better comes along :)

Thanks everyone!