Amps that decode HD audio...who needs it ?

[admin_exported]

Hi again, please can somebody enlighten me about HD audio...!

If most bluray players handle HD audio decoding, is there any point in getting an amp/receiver that does it ?

Surely its surplus to requirements ? When would you encounter HD audio other than on a bluray disc ?

 

[professorhat]

There are still some players which don't decode all the formats onboard (DTS HD Master Audio being a particular culprit for this). Also, it is considered that an amp will generally do a better job decoding than the player so it's best to let the player bitstream the audio and let the amp decode it. Others say vice versa. Others say it doesn't make any difference either way. I guess the key reason to have it is to give you choice and also cover you should you ever find a device which doesn't decode onboard. After all, Dolby Digital used to only be found on DVDs but is now used on quite a few Sky channels and also on the BBC HD channel so who says Dolby TrueHD won't be used in a similar way in the future.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks again professor !