HD 101: How to use Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with your PS3
By Steven Kim 
posted Apr 21st 2009 2:41PM
posted Apr 21st 2009 2:41PM
We recently got an email from Mike, who has a new receiver that decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, but was stumped about how to get it to play nicely with his PS3:
"I hooked up my PS3 to it with the HDMI and changed the settings to output audio as Linear PCM instead of Bitstream via the HDMI and it doesn't appear the receiver is getting the Dolby True HD or DTS HD signals. When I was outputting sound via an optical cable as bitstream, my receiver would display "Dolby Digital" or "DTS" on the front LED, but now all it displays is "PCM" and not Dolby True HD or DTS HD, which is what I expected after upgrading the receiver and running audio through the HDMI. What gives? Am I doing something wrong? I do have this thing hooked up for optimal sound by setting it to linear PCM over bitstream? I'd hate to think I wasted a bunch of money on gear i don't have connected correctly."
First off, there's nothing wrong with your setup, and your equipment is perfectly capable of delivering sonic nirvana of the new lossless codecs. Before we get into the step-by-step process, though, we'll recap some essential information from a post we did a while back, but with a very PS3-specific viewpoint.
Cabling
First off, S/PDIF transmission -- over either optical TOSLINK or coax -- does not have the bandwidth to carry Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA signals. If you connect your Blu-ray player to your receiver with optical or coax, the audio will "fall back" to Dolby Digital, DTS or two-channel PCM (lossless, but only two channels). What you'll need is an HDMI connection. Note that with the PS3, you don't specifically need a HDMI 1.3 receiver or cable -- even HDMI 1.0 will suffice.
Receiver
Many modern receivers can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA right in the receiver. This feature is making its way down to even modestly-priced models for many manufacturers, and we're happy to see it. When using a PS3, however, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA codec support in the receiver will go unused. If you paid extra just for the extra two logos, sorry. Whatever you do, don't panic -- you can still enjoy all the quality of these lossless codecs with your PS3.
Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA and the PS3
It is helpful to think of Dolby True HD and DTS-HD MA as "zipped" versions of the audio tracks that allows the Blu-ray disc to store more data (useful when space has to be reserved for other stuff -- like video, for example). Just like zip files, when you decode the Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA tracks, you get an identical copy of the original audio -- this is why it's called "lossless." On Blu-ray discs, the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA codecs can bundle up to eight channels of lossless audio information, each channel with up to 24-bits resolution at a 96kHz sampling rate, commonly referred to as "24/96." However, the PS3 cannot send these formats over HDMI for decoding in your receiver.
First, the good news. What the PS3 can do is decode (unzip) the Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA lossless audio and send it to your receiver as a multichannel linear PCM (LPCM) stream, which just about any modern receiver can decode. The LPCM audio is identical to the Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA original format, so no quality is lost.
Now, the bad news. An annoying side effect of sending the "unzipped" LPCM rather than the "zipped" Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA is that the receiver's Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA indicator will not light up because it's not decoding Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA -- the PS3 already did the decoding. Instead, the receiver will (correctly) indicate that it is receiving a LPCM signal.
Set up
Enough background -- let's get the good audio flowing. It sounds like our friend Mike currently has things set up so the PS3 is sending bitstream audio to his receiver, which unfortunately means he's not taking advantage of the the lossless codecs. In this case, information about the audio format sent from the PS3 (accessed by pressing the "Select" button) and being decoded by the receiver will show up like this:
Go back out to the PS3's XMB interface and go to Settings -> Video Settings. Once there, scroll down to the BD/DVD Audio Output Format (HDMI) and set the PS3 to stream Linear PCM. This will force the PS3 to decode the Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA tracks and send them out as lossless LPCM on the HDMI connection.
Now, just to be sure everything is hooked up correctly, go to the Settings -> Sound Settings in the XMB. From there, make sure the PS3 audio is set to go out over the HDMI connection and that the necessary LPCM formats (24-bits at 96kHz) are enabled.
You're all done! If you fire up a Blu-ray disc with one of the lossless codecs now, your receiver will no longer show the Dolby or DTS logos. Remember -- the PS3 is decoding the lossless audio and sending to the receiver as LPCM. So even though you're not seeing the fancy lights that you might have paid for, you're getting higher quality audio. What you really want to check out is the PS3's info, which should now show that you are indeed getting the lossless audio.
Got a basic HD topic that you'd love for us to explain? Tired of Google's complicated answers when you asked for a simple explaination? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your topic could be next.
Wow, I think that was one of the best explanations I have seen for this...ever. Thanks for the tips and although my receiver can't do DTS-HD I am for sure bookmarking this for later reference.
hmm did you actually understand the post?
rothgar -- what jebus means is that if your receiver has an HDMI audio input, you can use this guide and get Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA. The point of all the PS3+LPCM rigamarole is that your receiver doesn't need to support Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD MA.
Um, rothgar, did you mean your receiver doesn't support LPCM, because that's what the PS3 is sending out via HDMI.
Yes, my receiver does not support LPCM (nor does it have HDMI).
The ongoing argument of the encoder being on the player or on the receiver makes a lot more sense now too.
Thanks for the help.
If you have a PS3, one of the best receivers to get is the Sony STR-DG720. It does LPCM, but not the HD codecs, which is perfect of the PS3. Plus it has 3 HDMI ports to switch between. The only feature I wish it had was analog to digital video upconversion through HDMI so I didn't have to change the channel on my TV when I play the Wii. But of course that's a high end feature as well. As a result, it's a lot cheaper than a lot of higher end models. I got mine brand new about 9 months for a little more than $200.
Nice. My PS# just started telling me it recognized a new HDMI hookup whenever I start it up and to click yes or no. I use optical so I click no and then I cant see anything. SO I have to click yes and then go into the audio settings and switch it to optical and then I get all the setting like in pic 3.
This will help with the audio settings but WTF is up with my PS3 guys?
Could you better explain the situation? I think I know the probably you are having, but I need a little bit more info to be sure.
problem* not probably
THANK YOU ENGADGETHD!
I've been perplexed with this mystery for awhile. Now I can finally pull the trigger on that Sony Receiver, minus the DTS-HD and save a bundle since its last years model.
Glorious 7.1 here I come.
Talk about old news, all of this has been on Sony's website for a long time. Learn how to read people!
Agree 100%
"If you read Engadget HD, it's safe to say that"... you should've known this by now.
Good Stuff, thanks Steve! HD101 is an awesome feature
Changing beatsream to linear PCM will definitely make the PS3 use Dolby True HD or DTS HD. However there are two disadvantages with that -
1 - If your reciever can not take input at higher frequencies (90KHz) then your reciever will down sample it. I am not sure how much sound quality will be lost here.
My Onkyo baugh around 1 and half year back can only handle up to 48KHz
2 - If you play standard definition DVD in blue ray player the audio won't be streamed as dolby digital or DTS straight to reciver but as linear PCM and again I am not sure if there is a quality loss if you decode in ps3 then stream than decoding in the high end reciever
It's this Receiver btw:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG720-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0015HKR46/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2F4DYO67BYDO4&colid=1KZGF7CSOD02T
Anyone know if its any good? Or would you guys suggest something else?
I really need to replace this mediocre Sony HT-CT100 sound bar.
http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/sony-ht-ct100/4505-6740_7-32923460.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody
Very helpful post, thanks! Now if you could just explain why I can use the the analog stick to scrub through video files, but not DVDs or BDs, that'd be fantastic ;)
So what is the best value receiver to connect to the PS3? Am i just looking for any receiver with the right # of HDMI inputs and can accept the higher input frequencies (per ajitk's comment)?
This is a very nice summary. However, when playing games (that are usually 5.1 Dolby Digital) I like setting things back to Bitstream, so the Receiver can do the decoding magic. When I've got a BD with HD audio (of which there aren't many in German language as distributers want to save money and rather throw a few international languages in DTS / DD on the disc) I set things back to PCM.
I still think ps3 with pcm stream still won't get full hd sound, because when i switch audio from hd to non hd, i can't tell a difference, sound a like sony is scam tactics.
Sounda like you beena talky to a Jar Jar Binks a too much.
Couldn't resist. ;)
You can't tell the difference because most soundtracks only sound better (richer, fuller, less tinny) at limited intervals and at moderate to high volume, even with high end speakers. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD for 95% of a given soundtrack (with a few notable exceptions).
i dont understand why people dont agree but specifically with my receiver (onkyo 605) there is a big difference in sound between BITSTREAM and LPCM. When i set my ps3 to bitstream (dolby 5.1), the receiver produces a sound that is much more loud and dynamic compared to when I set the PS3 to decode to LPCM (dolby HD and DTS MA) does anyone experience this sound difference? How come a lossy bitstream of DD 5.1 sounds better on the Onkyo then a LPCM of Dolby TRU HD?
Omar, you are not the only one, I find the same thing. I am sending the signals bit-streamed to my Denon receiver and they sound a heck of a lot better than the PS3 decoding it and converting it to PCM sound. I don't know why, but that's just the way it is. Perhaps the receivers have much better decoders. Don't forget that the PS3 decodes (at least DTS MA) through software, while the receivers have actual decoders inside. I've done many tests to compare and the bitstreamed (decoded by the receiver) always beat the Dta MA (covertred to PCM) from the PS3.
I find the exact same thing with my Sony. I thought I was going insane. It sounds so much more vibrant, and the you can easily hear more from the separates and sub it seems. When I use LPCM which is supposedly the HD, everything just sounds "balanced", almost like Dolby Digital Pro Logic 2 where it is "faking" the separates.
I'd really like to know why this is. Any audio experts out there able to explain this?
if your receiver is accepting the bitstream of HD audio, the receiver may apply some post-processing effects to the audio data. if your receiver is accepting HD audio as LPCM it'll just send the data to your speakers as is.
Too bad my Samsung reciever doesn't have an HDMI input so I'm using optical. This post will come in handy when I upgrade.
well consider it a blessing in disguise if the ps3 is ur blu ray player. Stick to bitstreaming DD 5.1, it sounds much better than a PCM Dolby TruHD over HDMI.
From the horses mouth, this has not been a secret
http://playstation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/playstation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=788&p_created=1199126728&p_sid=ZOllTVvj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCw0JnBfcHJvZHM9NCZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9MS40JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1kb2xieSB0cnVlIGhk&p_li=&p_topview=1
For Blu-ray discs that can output in Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio you must select Linear PCM as the Audio Output.
Please note that your AV amplifier (receiver) must support Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio.
There is a great deal of debate on whether the sound you get from the PS3 decoding the new codecs (Dolby True and DTS MA) to PCM is any different from bitstreaming them so that the receiver can decode them (which the PS3 cannot do, send the new lossless codecs in bitstream format). I had the chance to use a new Panny BD35 and did some testing. I took my PS3 and it's set to decode to PCM and send the signal via HDMI to my Denon 3808. Sounded fantastic (used discs in Dolby True HD and DTS MA). Then, I put the same discs in the Panasonic bd-35 and set it to bitstreaming and had my receiver decode the sound. I found that with all 7 discs I tried, the bitstreaming on the Panasonic sounded better (more full, rich, ect).
The PS3 decodes (at least DTS hd master audio) by software, but when sending the signals to a capable receiver, the receivers actually have proper decoders in them. I am not saying there is anything wrong with the PS3's decoding of the new lossless codecs, but given a choice, I would use bitstreaming if you have a DTS MA/Dolby True capable receiver.
I have found many articles on the net about this, some say there is no difference, some say there is, but it all comes down to what YOU hear in the end. I have found no articles that actually do audio testing and compare the two types of decoding.
That said, I gave the Panasonic back to my friend (it was his) and continue to use my PS3 for blu-rays. But I am saving up for a new generation blu-ray player so I can bitstream the formats, because they sounded better to me that way.
I am very relieved to see you post your experience. This confirms that others experience the same difference in sound quality as I do and IM NOT GOING INSANE. So we have to conclude in fact that the PS3's decoding capabilities are not really that great....given the significant difference you can actually hear between bitstream and pcm. This is also true for blu-rays that a have uncompressed PCM track as well. Its pretty dissapointing and being that I am trying to get the best home theater experience possible I am strongly considering a stand alone blu-ray player that can send bistream TruHD and DTS MA.
Actually no, there is no debate. There is exactly ZERO difference in the signal. It's 1s and 0s.
The only difference is in your receiver. A lot of times the output level maybe different and even very slight differences in volume can be percieved as "better" or "worse" - but there is NO difference in the 1s and 0s between decoding in the player and decoding in the receiver.
If the "zipping" metaphor is correct on all counts, then this is like saying a hardware unzipper (if there ever was one) would do a better job than a software zipper. It might do it faster, but I really doubt a lossless codec will sound better from a hardware decoder than a software decoder. I believe perception can come down to how each player handles eq settings, in particular volume.
Wow... that was a long long LONG winded way of saying:
"PS3 doesn't output Dolby/DTS-HD, use LPCM".
Say what you will - but Bitstreaming with a Blu Ray player has definitely yielded me better results than using PCM decoding on the PS3.
While technically, yes, there is zero difference between 1's and 0's that is not what audio is. True audio is an analog current(PCM). The thing is, the PS3 Audio DAC's (Digital to Analog Converters) aren't the greatest audio chips in the world. So, if your receiver has better DAC's then the bitstreamed DTS-HD or TrueHD will sound better if your receiver does the work. That is how I understand it. Frankly, it's all the eye of the beholder, but I'm in the camp that believes bitstreaming is way better. I really don't think there is a right or wrong here.
On an unrelated note - the Sony 720 receiver is quite the piece of crap. Sony amps have been underpowered for a long time. If you want to do half decent audio, you should be looking at stuff from Denon, Yamaha, H/K etc. Cheap Sony stuff is just that - cheap.
J-man, I'm not denying that there is a difference in the final output, but your understanding is wrong. PCM is not an analog current, it is its digital equivalent. It's not even possible to transmit an analog signal over HDMI. The only DACs being used are the ones on your receiver, not the PS3. At least until that point, bitstream and LPCM are identical in every way. However, most receivers have a multitude of DSP effects that color the sound in various ways, so it's possible that is the cause of your preference for bitstream.
One set of movies where I noticed a definite difference between Dolby Digital and Uncompressed audio was the Harry Potter movies.
The one thing I don't seem to be able to get the PS3 to do is to default to lossless audio. I have the option selected as indicated, but I still have to go in when I load a disk and select lossless audio instead of Dolby Digital.
Small price to pay though, it works great and sounds fantastic!
Nice write up. I've said this before but if you don't set up your system correctly your audio MIGHT be down converted to basically stereo. When I first got my BD system set up I was watching movies and didn't even realize that I wasn't hearing 5.1. My audio was essentially WORSE than if I was watching the movie on a regular DVD. They touch on it above but it's because I was using that optical (toslink) cable AND because I didn't have the options set up right in my BD player. I have a Sony S350 Blu-ray player and it defaults to a stereo downmix.
If you want more info on MY experiences, check out these two links...
http://www.tomorrowland.com/2009/02/05/upgrading-to-7-1/
http://www.tomorrowland.com/2009/02/11/review-im-enjoying-the-harmankardon-avr254/
This post was not helpful.. "Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA is that the receiver's Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA indicator will not light up because it's not decoding Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA -- the PS3 already did the decoding. Instead, the receiver will (correctly) indicate that it is receiving a LPCM signal."
That's why I still find another player that will light up Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA on my Onkyo AVR...
It is the same exact thing, who care's if it lights up or not, don't waste your money just to see a light on your receiver. I have Onkyo too it sounds great light or not
If you are looking for an entry level audiophile receiver I would recommend NAD. No b.s. DSP's, just very nice, natural sound. Great for music and movie.
Why is the PS3 unable to bitstream Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA? Is there some hardware limitation or is it just a firmware/software limitation due to laziness by Sony? I have a capable receiver and would prefer to bitstream everything to it.
Steve, thank you for your help. i'm the one responsible for this post and i'm almost sorry i created all these arguments in the comments. i was able to find this page:
http://whatsonhdtv.blogspot.com/2008/03/sony-playstation-3-and-blu-ray-audio.html
and this guy eric was REALLY helpful and helped me understand this process last week before you were able to replay to my email. simply put, the PS3 WILL decode the Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA codecs via bitstream, BUT it only sends the "core" information to the receiver this way. "core" means it only sends the digital info for a 5.1 setup, so if you have a 7.1 receiver and speaker setup, your wasting your extra two channels if you have it set to bitstream. it's my understanding the way to truly take advantage of your 7.1 audio capabilities is to set the PS3 to output audio as Linear PCM otherwise you're only getting SOME of the audio on the disc, which is exactly why when you set your audio to bitstream on the PS3 you receive an onscreen message that says "If you select [Bitstream], some portions of audio from the BD may not be played." therefore, if you have the 7.1 receiver and speaker setup, the best way to truly use what your system is capable of is to set the audio to linear PCM. if you only have a 5.1 setup, i think the only difference in setting your PS3 to output audio as bitstream or Linear PCM is the LPCM is lossless and the bitstream is lossy. i'm more of a videophile myself so i really just want my picture to be as good as possible but since i just shelled out a TON of cash for a pioneer kuro elite tv and matching pioneer 7.1 elite receiver, i want to be taking advantage of my money spent as much as possible. after all the information i've gathered over the last 10 days, it seems as though if i TRULY want to take advantage of my gear, i need to add a better stand alone blu-ray player since the PS3 seems a bit gimped audio wise.
NO!!! do not get the sony str-dg720! Sony makes the worst receivers. If your looking for something that has lpcm support go with a denon, onkyo, or yamaha.
Bit silly really. Id rarther my 1000 amp did the decoding and all my pretty lights came on! anyone think the same?
no... a digital signal is a digital signal. The PS3 doesn't do any equalizing or matrixing or anything. The signal you get from it would be identical to the signal decoded by the decoders in the receiver. From there it goes on to whatever equalization your receiver does.
Plus, having the PS3 doing the decoding means it can properly mix everything the way it was intended. (Like menu sounds, and bonus audio tracks that overlay on top of the original audio)
As for the lights... I usually dim the receiver during a movie
I made the awful mistake of purchasing an expensive receiver (Onkyo STR-805) because I wanted lossless DTA MA audio, only to find out all I needed was a receiver that supported HDMI input and a 7.1 set up. Which means I could of gotten the STR-605 for a lot less, and get the same results.
One thing to concern about is that if your going for a receiver, make sure it can still send 1080p signals to your HDTV, remember that the PS3 only inputs HDMI signals through one input, so if your receiver produces 7.1, but not 1080p bypass to you TV, you will have to choose between HD audio or HD video.
This is "old news." If you already had the proper gear and something was wrong with your settings thats your own fault. PCM FTW!
To the writer, I would say just swap your amp for a Pioneer 1017/1018.
The X-media bar is set up pretty poorly for such a 'good interface', and is why afters years of being on the shelves even informed people like myself are confused as all heck on how to get everything to act properly together. The hdmi spec only made this situation worse.
What I truly hate about Sony's setup is that there is no smart auto-switching- as great a processor as CELL is supposed to be, I have to go to settings every time i want to switch between a boo-ray and a game? It's stupid and annoying- only one 'port' open at a time, wtf. Tthe 360 has both analog and digital out simultaneously, so if im playing something with a hot soundtrack (Bioshock, wow) i can just flip the receiver on, instead of having to quit game, go back to settings, then restart game.
So what I'm saying is a couple of things:
1- Sony should re-arrange their sound settings- its simply horrible using the xmedia bar, very ineffective in many areas.
2- Analog & digital outs should be available at the same time, if not just for the bloody inconvenience of switching.
3- no 'port' memory- switching outputs turns off checkboxes. this adds to the STINK.
4- DONT EVER BUY SONY AV EQUIPMENT BESIDES TV'S. As an owner of an XBR, I can tell you its the only sony equipment line you will never have to worry about. If its XBR, it's spectacular.SOny only makes good tv's that's it. Audiowise. the Sony ES series used to be respectable(8 years ago), but they literally trail everyone in the receiver space. Start with a low end Pioneer, or better yet a 1016/17/18 series (brute force, great sound for your dollar)- you will be happy you did. Onkyo's are weaksauce. Sony speaker systems are substandard, buy a polk or infinity small footprint surround setup.
As with any real AV setup, there are just certain rules, like what connect can play what kind of formats, technical things like that and it makes it a 'little' easier to pick out equipment. Then you run into the fun of having to pick from different 'sound' characteristics of various manufacturers.
The real shame is that sony, the audio/visual guys, are usually THE WORST when it comes to audio gear and AV setups. And if this whole hd101 points out anything, its just that.
Great comments.
I got the STR-DG720 on liquidation at Best Buy last week. This was an upgrade from my 11 year old 5.1 Sony. I've had 7.1 hooked up for about a week and have some comments.
The first things I noticed is, it sounds great and has similar options to my old Sony. Sound from the U-Verse box through HDMI is awesome. Sound from my MP3's on my PS3 through HDMI sound awesome. 7.1 DDIIx processing is awesome.
However, I have noticed some shortfalls on the LPCM;
1) Warhawk is a great game and detects the 7.1 LPCM. The 7 channels of weapons firing and overhead flying are great, but tinny and the LPCM loses it's bass! AND, when playing MP3's during the game, the sound turns into what sounds like stereo, without conversion (No Dolby processing to make it sound full and no Bass).
2) In general, LPCM loses bass in DVD's and BR. I'm still playing with this, but it appears I have to switch to Bitstream to get decent processing (7.1 DDIIx).
3) I CANNOT switch modes on the receiver while playing movies. It detects the HDMI LPCM and locks it. All I appear to be able to do is switch the PS3 Bitstream or LPCM.
Overall, the only lacking feature with my set-up now, is Bass on the LPCM. I'm not sure if it's my ears, as I can definitely tell sound seperation on the LPCM to 7 speakers, but the whoofer is almost GONE. On the other hand, when I switch to DDIIx processing (Stereo option in Warhawk, or Bitstream on movies) the Bass is almost overdriving the sound processing.
Am I doing something wrong? If so let me know, but other comments here seem to confirm this....