Confirmed: PS3 Slim bit streams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio

(Credit: Matthew Moskovciak/CNET)

We've covered just about everything you need to know about the PS3 Slim, but the sleuths over at Engadget HD (via a translated version of AV Watch) found a chart that indicates the PS3 Slim can bit stream both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. That change actually isn't that surprising, since the original limitation on the "old" PS3s was due to an older HDMI chipset; newer HDMI outputs have no problem bit streaming the high-resolution soundtrack formats.

(Credit: AV Watch)

We have a PS3 Slim review sample onhand, so it was easy to confirm the rumor. We had the PS3 Slim connected to the Sony STR-DN1000 receiver via HDMI, and we loaded up "Appaloosa," which as a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. After making a few tweaks in the XMB, were able to make the STR-DN1000's display say "Dolby TrueHD"--confirmation that the Slim was sending the soundtrack in encoded bit stream format. Next, we loaded up "Master and Commander," which has a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, and that worked as well.

Unfortunately, the practical benefit of this feature upgrade is minimal. The "fat" PS3 could transmit Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio in uncompressed linear PCM format, providing the exact same audio quality as the bit stream versions. There are some cases where an AV receiver may process linear PCM differently than bit stream, but its rare. On the other hand, it's at least nice to have the option, especially for those guys who just have to see the words "DTS-HD Master Audio" light up on their AV receiver.

[ben2e]

I'm curious if you can power off or put to sleep the slim using the remote without navigating down 3 menu options. I use the thing for movies mostly and hate having it just sit there using 250W. I know the power use is better but still quite high for something which is essentially idle. I'm happy to see the power button on the front as well but not having a power-off on the remote I find quite inconvenient.

[Oxymandias]

Turn off a PS3 from the remote?

Hold down the PS-button and then choose "Turn system off"

[blinguskahn]

Well honestly, it's best to just leave the PS3 on and set "Life with Playstation" to default to Folding@Home. That way you are contributing to the greatest ever distributed computing network in the world and helping researchers find cures to disease and cancer.

[He_brewHammer]

I think I'm one of those guys that just has to see DTS HD on my receiver. I might actually trade it in. Are you sure there is no difference in audio quality?

[rich06082]

I'm with you brother! I'm Multichannl pcm'ing from my current ps3 to my Onkyo TX-SR806, and although there is probably no difference between PCM and bitstream, I NEED to see that True HD light up on my receiver! It's a sickness, I know. Think I'll ebay my PS3 for 200 and buy a PS3 slim as soon as I see a detailed review on it!

[optisailor]

I have a Denon AVR-1508.Can it stream DTS-HD Master Audio?

[svrocko]

Okay, so I have a Denon AVR-789 and my HD Audio light is not lighting up! You say, "After making a few tweaks in the XMB" you were able to bitstream. What tweaks are you talking about?

[ouser01]

me too... I can only see the hdmi setting with no option to bitstream? I wanna see my lights on my yamaha!

[ouser01]

figured it out- under video settings- bd audio out- hdmi- bitstream.... yay!

[svrocko]

I figured it out too and came back to post but you beat me to it! Why they don't put it in the audio settings I don't know. Anyways, that little blue light on my receiver is really purty!

[epross]

I'd love to see that little message too (type A personality?) to know I'm getting the true-HD DTS-HD, etc. but it's not worth me selling my 80gb just for that feature as I would most likely take a loss on the transaction. I wonder if there are any other hidden gems in the new slim design?

I have a stand-alone Sony blu-ray and a PS3 connected to the same Onkyo 605 receiver. I have to say bitstream in the BD player and LPCM in the PS3 and they both sound the same to me. Only difference is the message on the receiver. They both sound clearer and crisper than the standard dolby digital tracks (with cheap speakers to boot!)

[gadame1]

Does the new slim PS3, include HDMI CEC? I would like that, so I could control the PS3 with the TV's RC with HDMI 1.3 version...

[scaught78]

I usually put everything on my Onkyo to PIIx matrixing to utilize the full 7.1 at all times, so I could care less. I wouldn't see the light anyway.

[sanman2007]

Still no luck sending high def audio codecs to my receiver using bitstream with the PS3 Slim. I still need to use linear PCM. I have a Rotel receiver. My dad has the same problem with his Onyko Receiver. We are both using HDMI. So far, the PS3 Slim is behaving exactly the same as the old PS3 (NOT able to bitstream high def audio codecs). Can we get an official response from Sony regarding this matter? Are the PS3 slims manufactured at more than one facility? Could certain PS3 slims be assembled with different HDMI chipsets depending on the facility or country of destination?

[hotorme]

G day mate, i bought the ps3 slim yesterday, connected via hdmi to denon avr 1909, changed settings via video settings on ps 3 slim to bitstream and praise the lord i finally got my receiver to "LIGHT" hd master audio and true dolby hd. Yes i know very sad, however for those out there who are purists we MUST see the "LIGHT" or we won't die a happy man.....I still have an old ps3 and i had to change the settings to linear pcm to get the full audio(master hd audio etc) to my system. But now i have the "LIGHT" with the new ps 3 slim.
PS 3 slim, DENON avr 1909, epson tw5000, 100inch screen technics screen