Help with Sony Blu-ray Disc Player - BDP-S350

mahiruha

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Hello,
one of my relative is using sony BDP-S350 with sony HT-DDW5000 muteki 6.2 system. Now This sony muteki system doesn't have dolby true hd and dolby digital plus. He has connected the blu ray player with the receiver using a optical cable. The bluray player specification in the website says
it is capable of " 7.1ch HD Decoding via HDMI (Dolby TrueHD/Dolby Digital Plus) ". My question is if we want to use the dolby true hd decoding capacity
of the player can it be achieved with optical cable? Or since it is a 6.2 system a 7.1 decoding cannot be achieved.

Another strange thing he reported that it is marked with region 5 for dvds.It plays region 5 dvds very well and other regions not so well. As per my knowledge goes a player is either region locked or it is region free. Is there any particular technology using which a player shows fondness over a particular region.

Thanks in advance,
Mahiruha.
 
The answer is NO.

The Blu Ray player will not send a decoded signal over optical or coaxial digital outputs. When connected in this manner it is the receivers job to decode the signal. In this case it does not have the capability. I am not familiar with this Blu Ray player but if it does have 7.1 channel analog outputs use this to hook it up to the receiver. This will allow you to hear the decoded signals of Dolby True HD or DTS Master. Then again the receiver needs to have 7.1 channel ananlog input

The region thing is werid. On a player that has its region lock removed there should be no playback issues.
 
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Hello,
one of my relative is using sony BDP-S350 with sony HT-DDW5000 muteki 6.2 system. Now This sony muteki system doesn't have dolby true hd and dolby digital plus. He has connected the blu ray player with the receiver using a optical cable. The bluray player specification in the website says
it is capable of " 7.1ch HD Decoding via HDMI (Dolby TrueHD/Dolby Digital Plus) ". My question is if we want to use the dolby true hd decoding capacity
of the player can it be achieved with optical cable? Or since it is a 6.2 system a 7.1 decoding cannot be achieved.
Optical or coax will give you atmost 5.1 channels in dolby digital or DTS formats. In this case the BDP is decoding the high definition audio to the 5.1 DD. This can be verified by what appears on the receiver display (its shoudl read dolby digital or one of it variations DSP mode)

To get the 7.1 channel without HDMI is to use analogue audio connections from the BDP to the receiver. This will require 8 audio cables for connections.


Another strange thing he reported that it is marked with region 5 for dvds.It plays region 5 dvds very well and other regions not so well. As per my knowledge goes a player is either region locked or it is region free. Is there any particular technology using which a player shows fondness over a particular region.

Region 5 is for standard DVDs. I believe there is a hack via a Nokia phone to make this player region free. Main thing is you need a IR transmitter and hence the Nokia phone. Google to find this on the net.
 
To get HD sound over Optical, BDp must downsample/scale from 192/24bit to 96/24bit or lower.In PC,sw like powerDVD does that.

Any BDp capable of doing that can output downscaled HD-aud over opt out.
 
To get HD sound over Optical, BDp must downsample/scale from 192/24bit to 96/24bit or lower.In PC,sw like powerDVD does that.

Any BDp capable of doing that can output downscaled HD-aud over opt out.

DD or DTS 96/24 is not considered high definition audio format. Its the same as the DVD or DVD-A rate.
 
Hello,
after reading the suggestions I looked at the manual of the bluray player to check the rear panel . To my surprize I saw there is no 7.1 audio out. Only digital, coaxial and optical out. another funny thing is it has stereo out. I am bit confused about this stereo out and not sure about its intended use. Hence it can be logically concluded that this bluray player's onboard dolby true HD decoder might have some capacity of doing it but there is no way to take that decoded signal out of the player. Unless it is connected to a receiver capable of true HD decoding it is not of any use.
Thanks,
Mahiruha.
 
First of all BDP 350 doesn't have analogue output so this is out of the question. Now to enjoy lossless codecs like dolby true hd or dts hd master audio I would suggest you to connect your player with your amp using hdmi cable (if your amp has one) then there would be an option in the players where you have to select the HDMI option Under the Audio Settings Menu select it as Auto and Turn off the 2Ch PCM option this would enable the player to decode all the HD audio within itself and send as 5.1/6.1/7.1 LPCM to your amp.
 
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DD or DTS 96/24 is not considered high definition audio format. Its the same as the DVD or DVD-A rate.

Yes,I agree,I m giving option if no other way is present.Atleast this way he can enjoy 5.1surr instead of stereo downmixed.
So at96/24 ,he can hardly get any difference with Htib.
 
First of all BDP 350 doesn't have analogue output so this is out of the question. Now to enjoy lossless codecs like dolby true hd or dts hd master audio I would suggest you to connect your player with your amp using hdmi cable (if your amp has one) then there would be an option in the players where you have to select the HDMI option Under the Audio Settings Menu select it as Auto and Turn off the 2Ch PCM option this would enable the player to decode all the HD audio within itself and send as 5.1/6.1/7.1 LPCM to your amp.

Hello Ashish,
your answer is bang on target. Thanks a lot. I have read the manual in detail and it confirms what you say. This LPCM concept is really useful in the absence of analogue connections. To achieve this the audio output priority should be set to HDMI and Audio (HDMI) should be selected as auto. One portion in the manual says,
"When the A/V receiver does not support HD audio but supports multi channel LPCM , upto LPCM 7.1 channel is output. "
Hence I am guessing this 7.1 channel LPCM will get output wherever it finds a speaker and kind of accomodates itself.
Thanks,
Mahiruha.
 
Hello Ashish,
your answer is bang on target. Thanks a lot. I have read the manual in detail and it confirms what you say. This LPCM concept is really useful in the absence of analogue connections. To achieve this the audio output priority should be set to HDMI and Audio (HDMI) should be selected as auto. One portion in the manual says,
"When the A/V receiver does not support HD audio but supports multi channel LPCM , upto LPCM 7.1 channel is output. "
Hence I am guessing this 7.1 channel LPCM will get output wherever it finds a speaker and kind of accomodates itself.
Thanks,
Mahiruha.

You are welcome my friend and yes thats the way. I am doing same kind of thing with my ps3 whereas in my setup my amp i.e NR905 of Onkyo is capable of decoding HD audio. But PS3 is not capable of outputing HD Audio in bitstream format.
 
Hello Ashish,
your answer is bang on target. Thanks a lot. I have read the manual in detail and it confirms what you say. This LPCM concept is really useful in the absence of analogue connections. To achieve this the audio output priority should be set to HDMI and Audio (HDMI) should be selected as auto. One portion in the manual says,
"When the A/V receiver does not support HD audio but supports multi channel LPCM , upto LPCM 7.1 channel is output. "
Hence I am guessing this 7.1 channel LPCM will get output wherever it finds a speaker and kind of accomodates itself.
Thanks,
Mahiruha.

350 can send 7.1 channel only if the AVR supports HDMI 1.3 and is capable of processing lossless audio. Otherwise it sends what is called as DTS Core (which is 5.1) channel.

Also it does not support analogue as it completely skips the audio stream processing for lossless HD sources. It expects an AVR to do this instead. This is also the reason it is a budget player. the 550 on the other hand can process > 5.1 channel audio and also supports analogue outs.
 
350 can send 7.1 channel only if the AVR supports HDMI 1.3 and is capable of processing lossless audio. Otherwise it sends what is called as DTS Core (which is 5.1) channel.

We are taking amp out of the question here for Processing lossless audio and we are making the player to do the decoding internally and pass on the signal over HDMI to any amp which is capable of recieving multichannel LPCM over HDMI. In this case the amp just has to send the respective signal to each speakers and amplify.
 
350 can send 7.1 channel only if the AVR supports HDMI 1.3 and is capable of processing lossless audio. Otherwise it sends what is called as DTS Core (which is 5.1) channel. .

We are taking amp out of the question here for Processing lossless audio and we are making the player to do the decoding internally and pass on the signal over HDMI to any amp which is capable of recieving multichannel LPCM over HDMI. In this case the amp just has to send the respective signal to each speakers and amplify
 
We are taking amp out of the question here for Processing lossless audio and we are making the player to do the decoding internally and pass on the signal over HDMI to any amp which is capable of recieving multichannel LPCM over HDMI. In this case the amp just has to send the respective signal to each speakers and amplify

I understand what you are saying but you have to be careful with what AVR you pair it with. If its a 5.1 then you will not be passing the lossless signal. Thats the reason I specify an AVR which supports HDMI 1.3 spec (typically a 7.1 channel component).
 
I understand what you are saying but you have to be careful with what AVR you pair it with. If its a 5.1 then you will not be passing the lossless signal. Thats the reason I specify an AVR which supports HDMI 1.3 spec (typically a 7.1 channel component).

Its not that if an AVR is 5.1 then you cannot pass on the Lossless signal.Only Requirement is that the AVR should have HDMI ver 1.3a. Not all Blue Ray disks have 7.1 soundtrack and most of them come with 5.1 Lossless Soundtrack.
 
Hello Guys,
thank you all for your answers. I am just pointing a quote from our dear friend Venkat's post

"HD Audio such as TrueHD, DTS HD etc are stored in compressed form and cannot be transmitted as such. A high end DVD player will, thus, extract such sound from the disc, decode it, and mix it into muti channel PCM. This is then transmitted through HDMI 1.1 or higher connections. You have to ensure that your receiver not only has an HDMI input but should also have the ability to handle the multichannel PCM signal. "

Hence taking all the suggestions it can be summarized that the a/v receiver must have
1) Multi channel PCM handling capacity
2) It must have HDMI 1.3 according to Ashish and 1.1 or higher according to Venkat.

Here below what I found about different versions of HDMI

Basic Timeline for HDMI:

Version 1.0 - December 2002.

Arrived! - HDMI 1.0 spec was first released at the end of 2002.

Version 1.1 - May 2004.

Support for DVD Audio

Version 1.2 - August 2005.

Support for One Bit Audio format, such as SuperAudio CD's DSD (Direct Stream Digital)

Adds use of the (now standard) HDMI Type A connector for PC sources and displays with full support for PC video formats

Ability for PC sources to use their native RGB color-space while retaining the option to support the YCbCr CE color space

Requirement for HDMI 1.2 and later displays to support future low-voltage (i.e., AC-coupled) sources, such as those based on PCI Express I/O technology

Version 1.3 - June 2006 - The latest revision!

Higher speed - Although all previous versions of HDMI have had more than enough bandwidth to support all current HDTV formats, HDMI 1.3 increases its single-link bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps) to support the demands of future HD display devices, such as higher resolutions, Deep Color and high frame rates. In addition, built into the HDMI 1.3 specification is the technical foundation that will let future versions of HDMI reach significantly higher speeds

Deeper Color - HDMI 1.3 supports 30-bit, 36-bit and 48-bit (RGB or YCbCr) color depths, up from the 24-bit depths in previous versions of the HDMI specification, for stunning rendering of over one billion colors in unprecedented detail.

Broader color space - HDMI 1.3 adds support for xvYCC color standard, which removes current color space limitations and enables the display of any color viewable by the human eye.

New mini connector - With small portable devices such as HD camcorders and still cameras demanding seamless connectivity to HDTVs, HDMI 1.3 offers a new, smaller form factor connector option.

Lip Sync - Because consumer electronics devices are using increasingly complex digital signal processing to enhance the clarity and detail of the content, synchronization of video and audio in user devices has become a greater challenge and could potentially require complex end-user adjustments. HDMI 1.3 incorporates automatic audio synching capabilities that allows devices to perform this synchronization automatically with total accuracy.

New HD lossless audio formats - In addition to HDMIs current ability to support high-bandwidth uncompressed digital audio and all currently-available compressed formats (such as Dolby Digital and DTS), HDMI 1.3 adds additional support for new lossless compressed digital audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.


Hence we can see HDMI 1.3 was launched in June 2006 and we can fairly assume that all the latest equipment is fitted with HDMI 1.3

My problem is I need to find out if the Sony HT-DDW5000 does have this capability to play dolby true hd and dts master from a connected bluray player.Since it is fairly new I am assuming it has HDMI 1.3 and its specs says

Decoding Format
Dolby Digital/DTS Yes / Yes
Dolby Prologic Yes
Dolby Prologic II Yes
Dolby Prologic IIx Yes
Dolby Digital EX Yes
Digital Cinema Sound Yes
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C) Yes
96k/24Bit PCM Yes
Dolby Dual Mono Yes

Video Features
A/V SYNC Yes (fixed)
HDMI Repeater No (Switcher)
HDMI Quality - 1080p Yes
HDMI Quality - 1080/24p Yes

Is this information conclusive enough to say if it has multichannel LPCM and HDMI 1.3.
more details can be located at HT-DDW5000 : Home Theatre Component System : Home Theatre System : Sony India
Thanks,
Mahiruha.
 
Panasonic DMP-BD50

500
* * * * *
Panasonic's Blu-ray players just get better and better the DMP-BD50 is is another resounding success
Review
Panasonic is a manufacturer in demand. Whathifi.com has been a hive of activity ever since we brought you our exclusive review of its Freesat-toting, TH46PZ81 plasma TV. Now, we're bringing you another first: a review of the company's brand new Blu-ray player, the DMP-BD50 (500).
We're already massive fans of the company's entry level Blu-ray player, the DMP-BD30 (350), but this model brings new features and added benefits.
The DMP-BD50 is BD ROM Profile 2.0 enabled, and it's equipped with an Ethernet connection so you can access all the interactive features of BD-Live online.
The player's integrated SD memory card slot will allow you to download additional content for compatible Blu-ray titles, including subtitles and BD-Java applications. The Ethernet connection also allows you to download updates for the player as and when they're released.
Onboard decoding for HD audio
Another key difference is that the DMP-BD50 now features on-board decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This means that those of you who don't have a receiver equipped to decode these formats can still enjoy high-definition audio via HDMI or the player's 5.1 multichannel analogue output.
As with the DMP-BD30, this new model is equipped with an HDMI (V1.3) output, can upscale standard definition DVDs to 1080p and output a 1080p/24fps signal. The player's picture processing is done by the same, single UniPhier chip that you'll find in the DMP-BD30.
However, the software that drives the chip in the DMP-BD50 differs from that in the DMP-BD30. The chip contains Panasonic's proprietary PHL Reference Chrome Processor that the company claims will deliver a clearer, sharper image.
Excellent edge definition and crispness
And it certainly appears to do the job, Blu-ray images having excellent edge definition and crispness, and creating a fantastic sense of realism.
Play the construction site chase scene from Casino Royale and the level of detail the Panasonic unravels is spectacular. It's impressive whether we're watching on one of our reference flatscreen TVs (in this case, the Sony KDL-40W4000) or projectors (the InFocus IN83).
Switch over to the animated action of Cars and the results are breathtaking. Colours are punchy without appearing overblown and the picture is crystal clear.
Even when upscaling standard-definition material such as The Bank Job, the DMP-BD50 creates an inviting, detailed image that's easily among the best in class.
It's great that the player can decode high-definition audio formats by itself, but we preferred sending the raw audio data as bitstream over HDMI and letting our Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver do the decoding. It produces a more dynamic, powerful and spacious sound that really excites the listener.
Superior performance to the PS3
This Panasonic is certainly superior to the PlayStation 3 when it comes to both picture and sound quality. Only the likes of Pioneer's more expensive Blu-ray player, the BDP-LX70 (1000) can bring a greater sense of refinement and marginally better Blu-ray picture quality.
Of course, the Panasonic's CD playback is nothing to shout about and wouldn't rival a stand-alone CD player at even half the price, but that's hardly surprising.
Accessing BD-Live and BD-Java features is pretty simple simply plug the player into your router via Ethernet, test your connection through the on-screen menus and away you go. In a matter of minutes we were hooked up to the internet and playing the mildly amusing Yakuza Fighter game, found on the War Blu-ray disc.
The DMP-BD50 not only talks the talk but also walks the walk, combining excellent specification with equally spectacular performance. If you buy a Blu-ray player this summer, make it this one.
Tech Specs
HD DVD No
Blu-ray Yes
DVD-Video Yes
DVD-A No
SACD No
CD Yes
MP3 Yes
DivX Yes
DVD-R/-RW Yes
DVD+R/+RW Yes
DVD-RAM No
HDMI out 1
HDMI 1.3a Yes
DVI out 0
Component out 1
RGB Scart out 0
S-Video out 1
Composite out 1
Optical digital out 1
Coaxial digital out 1
Phono audio out 1
FireWire out 0
Multichannel analogue out 6ch
Video scaling 1080p
24fps Yes
Dolby Digital Plus decoding Yes
DTS HD decoding Yes
Dolby TrueHD decoding Yes
DTS HD Master Audio decoding Yes
Dolby decoding Yes
DTS Decoding Yes
PCM decoding Yes
Dolby Digital Plus HDMI output Yes
DTS HD HDMI output Yes
Dolby TrueHD HDMI output Yes
DTS HD Master Audio HDMI output Yes
PCM HDMI output Yes
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 6x43x31
 
Panasonic DMP-BD55

390
* * * * *
This player has all-round ability to die for and a comprehensive, not to mention useful, set of features
Review
The Panasonic DMP-BD55s specs are almost identical to its cheaper cousin the DMP-BD35. It uses the same, high-quality picture processor, Panasonics PHL Reference Chrome Processor Plus; it can also bitstream and decode all high-definition audio formats, including DTS-HD Master Audio.

Like the entry-level BD35, this player is also Blu-ray Profile 2.0, DivX and x.v.Colour compatible.So why does it cost more? The extra outlay gets you upgraded audio parts, including new capacitors, a new 192kHz/24bit DAC and a couple of tweaks to the HDMI output to help reduce jitter.

The player is also insulated to help keep vibrations to a minimum. Unlike the cheaper model, the BD55 also has a set of seven-channel analogue outputs. Should you use them, the players uncomplicated onscreen menus allow you to alter all the relevant setting such as speaker size, levels and distances.

And, the players audio changes reap instant rewards. Theres a noticeable increase in low-frequency heft and weight. The BD55 has great depth, and action scenes from Street Kings DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack are delivered with a sense of scale and authority.

Audio packs a powerful punch
During Keanu Reeves dust-up in the opening scene, each punch sounds bruising and painful. Switch to Transformers Dolby TrueHD offering and the same sonic character applies. The epic battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime is a powerful and explosive climax to the film.

Picture quality is top-notch too. Blu-ray images look clean and unblemished. The robots in Transformers boast superb detail and solid edge definition: this player more than delivers when it comes to breathtaking CGI.

The BD55 is also an excellent DVD-player. It does a great job extracting fine detail from the transfer of Iron Man. The desert landscapes that serve as a backdrop for Tony Starks capture show excellent clarity and definition, especially where the rocky outcrops are concerned.

Its not difficult to see and hear why the BD55 was crowned Product of the Year in the Blu-ray and DVD players category in our 2008 Awards issue. With Panasonic releasing replacement models this year the BD55 wont be available for much longer, but if you can get hold of one you wont be disappointed.

Tech Specs
HD DVD No
Blu-ray Yes
DVD-Video Yes
DVD-A No
SACD No
CD Yes
MP3 Yes
DivX Yes
DVD-R/-RW Yes
DVD+R/+RW Yes
DVD-RAM Yes
HDMI out 1
HDMI 1.3a Yes
DVI out 0
Component out 1
RGB Scart out 0
S-Video out 0
Composite out 1
Optical digital out 1
Coaxial digital out 1
Phono audio out 1
FireWire out 0
Multichannel analogue out 8ch
Video scaling 1080p
24fps Yes
Dolby Digital Plus decoding Yes
DTS HD decoding Yes
Dolby TrueHD decoding Yes
DTS HD Master Audio decoding Yes
Dolby decoding Yes
DTS Decoding Yes
PCM decoding Yes
Dolby Digital Plus HDMI output Yes
DTS HD HDMI output Yes
Dolby TrueHD HDMI output Yes
DTS HD Master Audio HDMI output Yes
PCM HDMI output Yes
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 43x25x55
 
Sony BDP-S550

240
* * * * *
An attractive deck with a tempting price tag this is another Sony stunner
Review
As youd expect from the pioneers of Blu-ray, Sony has a formidable array of sources at its disposal. These include the omnipotent PlayStation3, the entry-level BDP-S350, the BDP-S5000ES and this, the BDP-S550.

Its a chunky, sturdy player blessed with an attractive glossy blue/black fascia and top panel. Unlike the BDP-S350, this model is Blu-ray Profile 2.0 enabled straight out of the box, so you can go online and get stuck into all that interactive content stored on compatible Blu-ray titles.

Other features that distinguish it from the cheaper player are the inclusion of a dedicated set of eight-channel analogue outputs and onboard DTS-HD Master Audio decoding.

This versatility is great for owners of older AV receivers that dont have any HDMI inputs or that cant decode high-definition audio codecs internally. The BDP-S550 also uses a remote control that sports a useful blue backlight.

Using the player couldnt be simpler. It boasts Sonys now customary XMB (Xross Media Bar) menu system that not only looks slick and polished, but is intuitive and easy to navigate.

If you do choose to use the players onboard decoding, the attractive graphic menus give you the option of altering settings like speaker size, distance and level. It will even emit a test-tone to help you.

When it comes to upscaling DVDs, the Sony does a great job. 1080p images are punchy, displaying good levels of detail and stability.

Move up a level to the delights of Blu-ray and 1080p/24fps and the Sony shifts up a gear, producing rich pictures full of vitality.

Horton Hears A Who! looks glorious with all manner or colourful hues on show. The fast panning moments dotted throughout the movie are handled with relative ease and theres great depth to the picture.

Dynamic movie soundtracks
Whether youre bitstreaming HD audio in its native form or decoding onboard into LPCM, the Sony still serves up a dynamic, detailed sound.

Dialogue is easy to follow and although the Sony isnt quite as hefty as some of its competitors when it comes to the explosive moments of Transformers, the BDP-S550 still does enough to create a sizeable stir.

As is the case with the cheaper S350, shop around online and youll come across some unbelievably low prices. At this kind of money, it would be rude to say no.
Tech Specs
HD DVD No
Blu-ray Yes
DVD-Video Yes
DVD-A No
SACD No
CD Yes
MP3 Yes
DivX No
DVD-R/-RW Yes
DVD+R/+RW Yes
DVD-RAM No
HDMI out 1
HDMI 1.3a Yes
DVI out 0
Component out 1
RGB Scart out 0
S-Video out 1
Composite out 1
Optical digital out 1
Coaxial digital out 1
Phono audio out 1
FireWire out 0
Multichannel analogue out 8ch
Video scaling 1080p
24fps Yes
Dolby Digital Plus decoding Yes
DTS HD decoding Yes
Dolby TrueHD decoding Yes
DTS HD Master Audio decoding Yes
Dolby decoding Yes
DTS Decoding Yes
PCM decoding Yes
Dolby Digital Plus HDMI output Yes
DTS HD HDMI output Yes
Dolby TrueHD HDMI output Yes
DTS HD Master Audio HDMI output Yes
PCM HDMI output Yes
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7x43x22
 
A beautiful, well-constructed speaker with class-leading soundstage, imaging and bass that is fast, deep, and precise.
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