Please explain audio decoding

[roger06]

I know what audio decoding is - but am confused whether it's better done on the DVD / Blu Ray player or the amp...

I have a surround processor that only decodes Pro Logic so has a six channel audio in so am asking with view to eventual upgrade to a Blu Ray player. The main speakers are powered by my 2 channel Naim amp.

1. Is it better to have the decoding on the DVD player or AV amp?

2. If decoding is done on the player - can this be output to the AV amp via HDMI / digital out or only via the 6 channel analogue.

3. If there is no decoding on the player - or a particular format say DTS Master Audio is not decoded - if the AV amp can decode this then can the 'signal' be sent by all types of audio connection ?

4. If say, DTS Master Audio cannot be decoded on either the player or amp what happens ? Does the next HD audio 'down' get used ? or would it revert to Dolby Digital or even Pro Logic ? or does it depend on the disc ?(ie is there a hierarchy of audio formats ?)

5. Is it generally better to go for a cheaper player and AV amp with the necessary decoding ? - or a more expensive player and just use the 6 channel output ?

Hope these questions make sense! - thanks for your expertise!

 

[Anonymous]

1) A BD/DVD player will usually have better onboard decoding than a receiver in the same price bracket.

2) If the receiver supports whatever the player then yes. It depends on whether you are talking HD audio and what version of HDMI.

3) If the player can read the format and can send it out and the receiver can decode it, no problem.

4) The receiver will do whatever it can, at the very least it will do 2 channel.

5) Good question. The obvious answer is that mutichannel analogue in is not as versatile as the 3+ HDMI inputs todays receivers have. If you are just planning to use the one HD input then that's fine, but otherwise no. As things go, I would spend more on the receiver for future upgrade value, but don't scrimp on the BD player or the picture will suffer.

 

[roger06]

Thanks for that...

I'm still a tad confused tho - in the latest (Nov) issue where the £200 - £300 Pana, Sam & Sony Blu Ray players are reviewed - all have on board decoding for most or all HD formats - but none have 6 channel output.

So does this mean a decoded signal is sent to the AV amp via digital or HDMI? In which case, what's the point if the amp can decode them ? and if it can't how can it output it properly ?