AV Receiver - Dolby HD/DTS HD Query

[spiderman]

I have a question to the enlightened forum members.

I recently upgraded my AV receiver to a Denon 1611 which supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD. I have also upgraded my DVD player to a Philips Blue Ray player which also supports both the format. My question is does optical/coaxial cable is capable of carrying Dolby True HD or DTS HD. I did some quick search on Google and I am getting contradicting information.

Some say that to get the Dolby True HD/DTS HD I need to route the HDMI cable from the blue ray player to the AV receiver to get the HD sound, as optical/coaxial cable does not support Dolby True HD. Others are of the opinion that our ears cannot make out any difference between a regular Dolby and Dolby HD so a coaxial cable should be OK.

My preference always has been to connect all equipments directly to the TV rather than routing via the AV receiver. But as per Google search if coaxial/optical cant carry Dolby True HD then have no choice but to route it via the receiver.

Appreciate if anyone has more insights onto this and any experience using Dolby/DTS HD.

Many Thanks

Spiderman

 

[Imrahn]

I think TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio are over 2mbps in bitrate and thats just average(reaching upto 4.5mbps peak if i am right) and Optical/coaxial is band-limited in this case.Only HDMI can carry these audio tracks flawlessly and i can say, they DO make perceptible difference to the experience...and as such, i recommend u to go the HDMI way.

 

[spirovious]

You will get HD-audio via HDMI only.You have to connect BDp to AVR & then to TV.
If you dont want to use AVR everytime,then you can use HDMI splitter to bypass AVR.

 

[hemantwaghe]

You will get HD-audio via HDMI only.You have to connect BDp to AVR & then to TV.
If you dont want to use AVR everytime,then you can use HDMI splitter to bypass AVR.

Spiro is right..optical or co axial will be downgraded sound

BTW SSpiro any links of HDMI splitter ? is it available in india? price?

 

[NetFreak]

HDMI splitter costs 500 Rs for 3 ports. Its available in most electronics parts stores.

It is a "dumb" electrical switcher. I.e. is just changes electrical contacts, does not have any processing / signal amplification of any kind.

 

[venkatcr]

My preference always has been to connect all equipments directly to the TV rather than routing via the AV receiver. But as per Google search if coaxial/optical cant carry Dolby True HD then have no choice but to route it via the receiver.

You have to connect the player to the AVR for sound in any case. The easiest is to connect via HDMI, and the AVR to the TV via another HDMI.

HD Audio from a Dolby True HD or DTS HD is audibly different from regular Dolby and DTS even in a simple 5.1 system.

Cheers

 

[spiderman]

You have to connect the player to the AVR for sound in any case. The easiest is to connect via HDMI, and the AVR to the TV via another HDMI.

HD Audio from a Dolby True HD or DTS HD is audibly different from regular Dolby and DTS even in a simple 5. system.

Cheers

True what you say but one has the option to route the audio via optical/coaxial to the AVR and connect HDMI directly to the TV.


In any case I want to thank all the members who have responded to my query so quickly and I will now route the HDMI to the receiver to get the HD sound.

 

[spirovious]

HDMI splitter costs 500 Rs for 3 ports. Its available in most electronics parts stores.

It is a "dumb" electrical switcher. I.e. is just changes electrical contacts, does not have any processing / signal amplification of any kind.

Powered one is costly,cheaper from Chinese was Rs.1000

5 PORT HDMI SWITCH SPLITTER WITH REMOTE 1080P HDTV NEW - eBay (item 140465463380 end time Oct-14-10 09:26:29 PDT)

Cheaper like below-
3 PORT HDMI SWITCHER SPLITTER SWITCH FOR HDTV 1080P 1.3 - eBay (item 370444647762 end time Oct-15-10 12:23:28 PDT)
New 3 Port HDMI Switch Switcher Splitter for HDTV 1080P - eBay (item 120498220987 end time Oct-21-10 23:28:28 PDT)

 

[sanjay0864]

True what you say but one has the option to route the audio via optical/coaxial to the AVR and connect HDMI directly to the TV.

But then you will not be able to get lossless sound. A HDMI connection to the AVR is a must, to pass on the 'DTH HD MA' or 'Dolby TrueHD'. Also, the lossless formats are noticebaly superior than the lossy DTS & DD formats.

 

[rajuwaste]

I heard there is latest development of Audio Return Channel in hdmi technology is it possible to use this in already existing equipments (TV,AVR) or hdmi 1.4 is the only way to do this.In panasonic website I saw VIERA TH-P46U20D has Audio Return Channel support.I didn't see it in any other 2D LCD TV.It would be helpful if any knowledgeable person clarify about this feature.

 

[sam9s]

Others are of the opinion that our ears cannot make out any difference between a regular Dolby and Dolby HD so a coaxial cable should be OK.

Others have already answered your question, I will only add to the above. There is a substantial difference between DD/DTS and DD true HD/DTS MA, but the system set up should be capable enough to actually produce the difference. Higher the quality of the AV Gear, better the difference which can be perceived.

BTW the easiest and the fastest way to get HD audio is through HDMI. Connect you BR player to AVR through HDMI 1 and them connect your AVR to LCD through HDMI 2. Set your BRp to provide audio out as "Bitstream"

 

[spiderman]

Thank you all for the insights it has been very useful and educational.

I will connect the Blue Ray player to the AV receiver and then route the signal to the TV.

Spiderman