PS3 to get DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, new PlayStation store

(Credit: CNET)

Sony has announced the details on the next PS3 firmware update--version 2.30, coming mid-April--and the big news for home theater fans is that the PS3 is getting onboard DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for Blu-ray movies. Home theater fans have long lamented that the PS3 could not decode the new DTS soundtracks at their highest resolution, especially since movie studios like Fox have opted for DTS-HD Master Audio on many Blu-ray releases. Without getting too technical, DTS-HD Master Audio offers 7-channels of lossless audio at 96K sampling frequency and 24-bit depths--which means that the sound sent to your receiver should be identical to the studio master.

While some sticklers will point out that the PS3 can't output Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio in bitstream format, it's definitely a non-issue. Decoding the audio at the source is actually better than having the ability to bitstream high-resolution soundtracks, since it means even people with older HDMI-capable receivers can enjoy the high quality audio. Sure, your receiver won't light up the pretty DTS-HD Master Audio logo, but who cares--you still get the same great sound.

We have ranked the PS3 as the best Blu-ray player for quite some time, and this only sweetens the deal. Almost all of our major complaints have been addressed, except for the fact that it still doesn't work nicely with a universal remote. Some diehard home theater fans will cringe at the idea of using a game console as their main disc player, but they should get over their hang-up as the PS3 is currently the best Blu-ray has to offer and it also happens to be the cheapest. And you can play high-def games and stream music, movies and photos.

The new firmware will also include a much-needed overhaul to the PlayStation Store. The official PlayStation Blog posted a walkthrough of the new store, and we have to admit it looks pretty good. Check it below.

From Crackle: PlayStation Store video walkthrough

[BrandeisGrad]

Beware your blanket assertions of technical truths -- your following analysis is wrong: "[d]ecoding the audio at the source is actually better than having the ability to bitstream high-resolution soundtracks, since it means even people with older HDMI-capable receivers can enjoy the high quality audio. ...you still get the same great sound."

Audiophiles, a significant portion of the customers who will care about this, likely purchase receivers or dedicated DACs with far higher quality (jitter-resistance, analog output stages, etc.) than the DAC integrated into the PS3. Is it more convenient for people who don't care about audio quality, as you say? Yes. But is it "the same great sound"? Almost certainly not.

[turbojazz]

It's a fair point that the DACs in almost all mid-high end receivers will be better than the PS3, but the DACs dont come in to count here when we're talking about a bit stream. DAC= Digital Analogue Convertor. As a bitstream, it's still leaving the PS3 as Digital, so the receiver DACs will still be the ones at play. It's purely a digital translation, and as we're talking lossless codecs here, the end digital result is the same, whether decoded at the PS3 or receiver.

[bossarb]

Actually you are incorrect. The PS3 is not using its DACs in this process. All it is doing is unpacking the losslessly compressed (packed) DTS-HD MA data and sending it, still in the digital domain, losslessly to the AV receiver via HDMI. The only DACs used are those in the AV receiver. So it is audiophile brilliance...

[boilerg]

Does this mean that the DTS Master Audio can be output via the optical output for receivers without HDMI?

[MoskovciakM]

Not exactly. You can only get the full resolution of DTS-Master Audio via the HDMI output. You'll still get multichannel audio via the optical output, but it won't be the lossless, high-resolution DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack.

[keith.r.benedict]

That's really wonderful for the 15 people who have HDMI capable receivers. I wish they would concentrate on improving the playback of SD DVD's though. When I buy a Blu-ray player, one of the main selling points for me will be its performance on SD DVD's.

According to most AV experts, most of the current crop of Blu-ray players don't even match the performance of cheapy $100 DVD players you can get at Wal-mart.

[sonymaster101]

since when is that? almost every new audio reciever sold in the last 2-3 years has had hdmi. And once again, the ps3 decodes dvds very well. sddvds really arent anything compared to blu ray anyway. and it would have to be a really good cheap dvd player to beat a blu ray player. and "AV experts" care about all the little things that everyone else doesnt even notice. I would trust a middle clas home theatre owner more than them.

[Brian5780]

Dear god man, have you been living under a rock? Please tell me where you can get better picture quality on a $100 DVD player from Wal-Mart versus the upscaling features of the PS3??? I have a 70" 1080p HDTV and I ended up giving away my dedicated Oppo DVD player that also upconverted because the PS3 in my own side by side comparison did a better job! And believe me, when you're stretching a DVD to 1080p resolution over 70" you'll definitely notice any flaws. It's almost in the same ballpark as Blu-ray (well as close as you can get) it does that good of a job. Learn what about what you are saying before you speak sir.

[mattumanu]

Word to the wise... I hate video that automatically starts playing, especially this type. It didn't start playing till I was near the bottom of the page.

Protip: don't **** your readers off.

[MoskovciakM]

The video isn't autoplaying for me or other CNET editors in Firefox and IE. Is it autoplaying for anyone else? If it is, I'll remove the video and just link out to it.

[iwarrior-poet]

Well, this IS one of the main upgrades I was hoping for before buying a PS3. I must admit it is now very tempting----since I was thinking of buying an Onkyo Receiver that can handle the newer audio formats----though I may wait on that for a little while since Onkyo seems to be about ready to role out newer models with more hdmi connections...
I do intend to use a PS3 as my blu-ray source (eventually). To those who point out the not-so-great dvd playback----you are probably right, so maybe just hold onto your current dvd-player for awhile longer.

[dgrumich]

What's wrong with SD DVD playback on the PS3? I think it upscales nicely.

Audiophiles crack me up.

[He_brewHammer]

This is what i have been waiting for. I just bought the Denon AVR 3808CI. I've been dying to hear this DTS HD format. So is it better for me to have it pass through to the receiver and decode? I just set it to bitstreeam, right?

[joshdeboer]

I would just have the PS3 send raw (PCM bitsream) to your Denon for decoding, as I am 100% positive the Denon's onboard decoding will be better. Checkout my AV articles @ pownce.com/skinney23

[sonymaster101]

thats because audiophiles ridicule even the smallest of things... and they have always been nagging on the ps3 for lack of dts-hd, and now they shouldnt be able to complain, but are still atttacking the lack of bitstream, which really is nothing. the ps3 has excellent audio decoding capabilities.

[chixhawk]

The standard is bitstream/coax. Preparing a firmware update for both HDMI and Bitstream would have taken up anymore time. All companies, not just Sony should do this. There are millions of high quality receivers out there that don't have HDMI mines is one of them (Denon AVR 5803) that could complement those new processing formats with no problem. Look at the percentage of people who own a hdmi equipped receiver vs those who don't and It woulld be a tremendous benefit for Sony to offer this upgrade through both HDMI/bitsream. This could add to the sales of the PS3 because the difference in the uncompressed sound is as noticable as 1080p is from 480p even if it is not through HDMI. As far as the playback of SD dvd in the PS3, it is extremely poor incomparison to SD dvd players. The quality of High def dvd is already proven against SD dvd. Sony did not need to downgrade the already excellent visuals of this current format in order to help push theirs along.

[chixhawk]

by chixhawk April 10, 2008 6:58 PM The standard is bitstream/coax. Preparing a firmware update for both HDMI and Bitstream would have taken up anymore time. All companies, not just Sony should do this. There are millions of high quality receivers out there that don't have HDMI mines is one of them (Denon AVR 5803) that could complement those new processing formats with no problem. Look at the percentage of people who own a hdmi equipped receiver vs those who don't and It woulld be a tremendous benefit for Sony to offer this upgrade through both HDMI/bitsream. This could add to the sales of the PS3 because the difference in the uncompressed sound is as noticable as 1080p is from 480p even if it is not through HDMI. As far as the playback of SD dvd in the PS3, it is extremely poor incomparison to SD dvd players. The quality of High def dvd is already proven against SD dvd. Sony did not need to downgrade the already excellent visuals of this current format in order to help push theirs along.

[turboej25]

I am confused. I have a PS3, how do I get the dts-HD out of it? Could someone lay it out simple; what needs to be pluged into what to get what?

[tae_kwon_doh!]

First of all, with regard to high resolution audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, you've got to have some pretty good hardware to appreciate the difference. Aside from that, all you need to experience the format is a DTS-HD Master Audio enabled receiver or surround processor. Many newer model units incorporate the decoding of both DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. You'll also need an HDMI cable between the PS3 and your receiver/processor.

On another note, the PS3 doesn't passthrough Dolby TrueHD, it decodes the format internally then outputs PCM via HDMI. Not the end of the world, but there is a difference when dealing with higher-end gear. If you disagree, then you're deaf. It remains to be seen whether the same will be done for DTS-HD Master Audio inside the PS3.

In short, plug your PS3 using an HDMI cable into a capable receiver/processor.

[Murphy_Law]

Use an HDMI cable from the PS3 to an audio/video receiver with HDMI inputs. Then set your PS3 to LPCM audio output.

[aetherial]

"As far as the playback of SD dvd in the PS3, it is extremely poor incomparison to SD dvd players. "

Have you actually watched a DVD on the PS3 since they added upscaling? It's one of the best upconverting players on the market.

[chixhawk]

Yes I have and no it's not. It is hooked up to a Pioneer pro110

[extirpator]

I'm curious which up-scaling DVD player Chixhawk believes to be the best. Please provide a link with reviews comparing the two units. Almost every review I've read since the upscaling was added to the ps3 have said it is among the best on the market. With out a reputable review stating otherwise, that comment sounds little more than a ill informed opinion.

[jonathan_a]

Well this is awesome news. Sure maybe it won't be the best quality of decoding, but it still SUPPORTS IT! I'm almost ready to bet the average person won't be able to tell the difference in quality anyways.

PS3 is really starting to look promising and worth buying. Now if they could just lower the price, because as much as I want to watch HD Blu-Ray movies... it still sucks as a gaming console! It has like NO GAMES!

[jrm125]

How can you honestly say it has no games now? This argument is like 8 months old. Pretty much everything coming out is on both consoles, and the PS3 even has some nice exclusives.

Quit fanboy-ing it up in here. And I'm sorry, if you want it cheaper...you must be kidding. It's the same price as other BD players and offers far more expandability and options. It's a deal.

[skeelo58]

Seriously dude? No games? That is a 360 fanboy statement. You must be forgetting about Warhawk, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, Resistance, Heavenly Sword, MLB 08 The Show, Devil May Cry 4, Motorstorm. Also don't forget bout the games that still haven't come out yet, including MGS4, GT5, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Final Fantasy, and Haze. Keep in mind, I didn't include any games that 360 also has (RSV2, COD4, Ao2, GTA4, etc).

What good exclusives does 360 have? Lets count em, Halo 3, Bioshock, Dead Rising, Mass Effect..... Umm.... what else. Oh wait, thats right, there isn't really anything. Also, what good exclusives does the 360 have coming out soon? None that I can think of off-hand. None at all. Any good game that 360 gets, PS3 gets also, plus a whole lot more. There is a reason that the PS3 has outsold the 360 all year, and its only gonna get worse as the year goes on. 360 is done. Face it dude.

Also, lets compare PS3 to 360. Well compare top of the line models (80 GB vs 360 Elite).

PS3: $500, built in blu-ray player, built-in wi-fi, free online play, all controllers are rechargable

360: $480. No blu-ray player, no wi-fi, $50 yearly free to play online, controller does not come with battery pack, must buy add-on for recharger/battery pack. oh, and lets not forget about the RROD.

There is a bunch of stuff I am leaving out, but it is a general indicator that the PS3 is a MUCH better value. You have to spend like $800 on a 360 just to get it up to the level of a $500 PS3.

[rrr67]

Are you serious, it has no games? Go to playstation.com and look at all of the titles already released plus those scheduled for release. Because it doesn't have Halo or Gears of War, it has like NO GAMES!?

[bubblebathgirl]

The sound was already "great" IMO, this just makes it ... well, it makes those audiophiles/snobs ****! :)

[titolajko]

You need to have an HDMI receiver ($399 and up). Then you would connect hdmi ($15 on ebay) in your ps3 on one end and the other end goes into receiver input 1 or 2 or 3. Then you need another hdmi cable that goes into hdmi out on your receiver on one end and into hdmi in on your tv on the other end. Then you have to set up your receiver to accept the signal and when you watch blu-rays on your ps3 controller you must press the stop button, not play and change audio from dd 5.1 to uncompressed, true hd or dts-hd. good luck and you'll need about $450-$500 to enjoy it.

[solblack]

I don't know what some people are talking about SD dvd plays fine on my PS3. I even had some bad SD dvd work where they did not play on other players. I was fortunate to get one of the PS3 when they first came out I don't know if it makes a difference.

[sandrob57]

That's nice that it plays movies and sound and all that...

...but when will the PLAYstation 3 get some games?

[meatyb0y]

@BrandeisGrad & turboej25 -

BrandeisGrad - you have confused decoding with digital to analogue conversion. The PS3 will output a digital PCM signal that has been decoded from DTS-MA or Dolby TrueHD. Your receiver will still handle the Digital-to-Analogue conversion using it's DAC's. The decoding of Dolby TrueHD or DTS-MA to PCM is genuinely lossless, loosely analogous unzipping a zipped file and getting out exactly what you put in. As an "audiophile" (who's favorite music source is SACD and vinyl), I have no problem with that as there will be no loss of quality. It's an easy mistake to confuse decoding with digital to analogue conversion.

turboej25 - connect the PS3 HDMI to your HDMI capable receiver. Set the PS3 to output multi-channel PCM. BAM - you're done. Go watch Alvin and the Chipmunks in DTS-HD MA. Oh, wait....

[VividVisualsandSound]

I get around the universal remote issue for my clients by installing a Blu-Wave infrared remote for the PS3. The only downfall is that it can not power on or off the PS3.

It works great for controlling the all DVD functions and it replicates most PS3 controller functions.

It works with a compact USB receiver and has a 25' range and works well with IR repeaters.

A great add-on for a mere $20.00!

Ken
Vivid Visuals and Sound

[coreman2200]

My limited knowledge in respect to what audiophiles seek in their ultimate aural experience withstanding, this is an amazing upgrade, which I believe applies more to the enthusiast than the average consumer. The quality degrade - if not fully negligible - are almost infinitesimally minute. You're Still getting an awesome experience.
For those who still say that the PS3 is bad with SD-DVDs, I cannot agree with this one, either. Not too long ago the lovely 'resume' functionality had been introduced for Blu-Ray and sddvd content. A bit before that, various methods of noise reduction had been implemented, complimenting the amazing (and far more previously intro'd) upscaling functionality of the console. Standard DVDs play Much better via the PS3 and said upscaler than many on the market today - this has been consistently stated in reviews and personally considered true. My movies play wonderfully through this console.
As for the games quip that I think I see too often to be ignored -- frankly, should be. The roster of A-qual games out for the PS3 shouldn't be ignored, and for those whom care too little to keep up, this is The year for PS3 software. Back log a bit and you will see games like Heavenly Sword, Ratchet & Clank, Resistance, Burnout (which had been developed for PS3 and ported to X360 - so you're getting a quality game and not another crappy PS3-port), among Many others have come out, already. But GTAIV (surely not exclusive) is right around the corner, Gran Turismo: Prologue comes out this week (and it looks/plays fantastic), Metal Gear Solid IV, Home, Little Big Planet, Killzone II, Final Fantasy XIII, and a good bit more are further down the bend, all heavily anticipated this year. And FINALLY we're getting to a point where developers are much more comfortable with devving for the console... We're in the midst of some very interesting PS3 achievements. I understand that this article isn't particularly set forth for game and (our) flame wars, but I just think these are things worth mentioning to the enthusiast clinging on to reasons such as that one.. The 'no games' message is one I'm tired of reading and almost feel obligated to debunk lol.

I'm Reallllly not trying to start up anything - just providing useful information to those whom may be unaware -- we all know how easy it is to follow blindly negative commentary, just to avoid being disappointed with a purchase. I just want to assure those on the fence (for whatever reasons) that thus far I haven't been in the slightest.

[daciple]

Dude i have an onkyo reciver and the ps3 i mos def recommend buying both...The bluray cant be beat and hell what other bluray player can access internet and play games dont wait go buy both!!!!!!! And when it comes to standard dvd the onkyo reciver i got came with a 6 disc upconverting dvd player n i never use it lol...I have the best upconverting system out its called a ps3......