LPCM is not always equal to bitstream
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted July 11th 2009 8:38AM
posted July 11th 2009 8:38AM
This is an on going debate on certain forums and for good reason. The fundamental question is where should you decode your lossless audio? In DVD players we almost always decoded compressed audio in the A/V receiver, but when it comes to Blu-ray features like Bonus View, there is at least one specific reason to decode in the player. It really come down to your system. If you have a great A/V receiver and a great decoder in your player, than it shouldn't make a difference where you decode. But saying that LPCM is always equal to bitstream just isn't correct. Sure, the decoder must be able to decode perfectly to be certified and get the sticker on the box, but that doesn't mean the player's analog circuitry (if you are using analog outputs) or HDMI chip doesn't screw it up after the fact. It also doesn't mean that your A/V receiver treats LPCM audio the same as it does audio that is internally decoded. Some think its silly to find satisfaction in seeing that little logo on your A/V receiver light up when it receives DTS-HD, but there is some comfort to knowing that the signal at least made it to your A/V receiver before getting mucked up. And lets face it, if your A/V receiver can't be trusted to properly handle the audio, does it really matter what signal it received?
The long and the short of it is that "it depends," meaning it comes down to your equipment and your preferences. We think it's a good idea to choose equipment that offers multiple options so you can discover the best combination yourself. Although we do admit that 90 percent of even the most elite HD snobs can't distinguish a difference, but since when have we let that stop us from obsessing over the ultimate setup?
I hope you guys realize that anyone who hates this article is obviously just a PS3 fanboy.
You guys are acting like I came out and said LPCM is garbage, which is not even close to the case.
I NEVER meant to say there was ANYTHING wrong with the LPCM that comes out of the PS3. Only that it is theoretically possible that the audio stream could be messed up somewhere between the decoding and the amplification. It could just as easily occur in the player or in the A/V receiver.
BEn,
I think you missed the point. The beef here is the article had no point to it nor substance. You have to do better than 'it depends' when describing LPCM vs bitstream. For the most part, anyone who is buying now will bitstream everything for primary audio. You get dialnorm and better jitter control with bitstreaming, and secondary audio with LPCM (which you did mention). Dialnorm and an explanation of jitter that could've been desribed and discussed. Instead, the article was thin on info and seemed to be searching for a theme. It could've been a well received article as many folks have questions of LPCM vs bitstreaming, However, the response here is pretty well consistent that the article you wrote was a very poor one and vague at best.
Perhaps, try and research LPCM and bitstreaming and republish the article. I don't know of other writings of yours but I am sure you'd concede you could've done more homework on this one.
PCM vs LPCM. Anyone?