PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) and bitstream are two industry standards of sending audio from the player or transmitter to the receiver or speaker. The quality of the audio file that your player or receiver converts is the most significant difference between the two—don’t get confused with output quality with file quality. Blu-ray Player reviews, ratings, and prices at CNET. Almost 10 billion devices enabled with HDMI ® technology have shipped since the first HDMI specification was released in December 2002. What you should … Compatible with most players that are available, including CD, DVD, and Blu-ray players. If the file uses hi-res secondary audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, or higher, the receiver will downgrade it to Dolby Digital or DTS because it’s trying to squeeze both types of formats into the same bandwidth. There are no Blu-ray Disc players that can decode these formats internally to PCM and pass that on to a home theater receiver. Find the Blu-ray Player that is right for you. DTS:X can create an unlimited number of audio objects which adapt to your speakers in real time, to get the biggest impact out of every movie soundtrack. This technology has been around for more than 100 years and remains the standard for transmitting audio streams. We compared bitstream and PCM so that you can achieve the best audio output from your Blu-ray Disc player. Blu-ray Disc players provide several setting options for audio and video output, depending on how your player is physically connected to your home theater receiver. Digital optical and coaxial connections suffer from limited bandwidth and can't transfer a fully-processed and decoded signal. You want to give your sound system better flexibility in playing hi-res audio. Bitstream sends an encoded 5.1 signal over digital optical or coaxial. Compatibility with devices and other connection options also differ for both configurations. In fact, if you don’t need a secondary audio output or higher resolution codecs, there’s barely any noticeable difference between these two. Players handle the decoding of audio files, then transmit the data to the receiver for output. On the other hand, bitstream works with coded audio files, but it can support more frequencies, allowing you to produce hi-res audio. In this case pcm is better and only option. As a result, your AVR doesn’t have to do anything with the audio file once it receives the input. Bitstream is better, if you want to decode all the info in the receiver. Bitstream: Dolby Digital, DTS : Note: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X, and DTS:HD will require an external power amp (sold separately), since the MRX 540 only has 5 … Like DTS:X's sibling DTS Virtual:X, it’s designed to create an immersive, 360-degree soundfield from a … Hi, I’m Jason. So, the compromise when using PCM is: if you want to take advantage of better secondary audio tracks and lower latency, you may have to steer away from the idea of having a wireless connection or building a more sophisticated sound system. Then, it sends the decoded audio signal in an uncompressed form to the home theater receiver. The Blu-ray Disc format provides an enhanced viewing experience and elevated surround sound listening. If you combine the bitstream and secondary audio settings, the Blu-ray Disc player will down-res surround formats, such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD, to standard Dolby Digital or DTS to squeeze both types of audio signals into the same bitstream bandwidth. Both transmission methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but they don’t make one better than the other. However, the ability of AV receivers to decode this format isn't universal. A digital optical or digital coaxial cable doesn't have sufficient bandwidth capacity to transfer a decoded, uncompressed, full surround audio signal like an HDMI connection can. If you’re going to set your Blu-ray player to use PCM as the audio output, the player will internally decode all the files from Dolby, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS HD Master Audio codecs, including every related soundtrack. PCM transmits a two-channel signal over digital optical or coaxial. Support for digital optical or coaxial output is limited. It's worth pointing out that the Xbox Series X does support Dolby Vision via streaming services and is due to get it for specific games in 2021, but doesn't currently support it for Blu-rays. For that, HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) will be needed, which has been added to … So, when you use bitstream for a player that supports this transmission, you can take advantage of both wired and wireless connections. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day, 5 Ways to Get Audio From a Blu-ray Disc Player, DTS-HD Master Audio: What You Need to Know. Transmission of audio streams requires a physical connection from the player to the AVR and speaker. Many people will still hear the same sound quality from PCM and bitstream if they’re not using high-end receivers with better processing capability. Both transmission methods can provide you with a hi-res output if we use mainstream sound systems. If you set the Blu-ray Disc player to output audio as PCM, the player performs the audio decoding of all Dolby/Dolby TrueHD and DTS/DTS-HD Master Audio related soundtracks internally. But if you’ve invested a lot to build a sophisticated sound system, then bitstream will let you take advantage of better audio codecs. However, all of these advantages don’t make PCM configuration better than bitstream. In that case, you can choose Bitstream Out and select DTS Digital Surround or Dolby Digital as your bitstream format to get proper surround audio. Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others. Higher-end receivers may include a post-processing feature that converts the signal from digital to analog, making it possible to amplify the audio for better output. It’s only capable of sending two-channel signals, so either may not have enough bandwidth capacity capable of handling the transmission of uncompressed hi-res audio output. We often use this type of connection for CD players, so most AVRs are compatible with PCM. The only situation where PCM comes out on top is when using secondary audio streams. Your AVR will then decode the data for uncompressed output. If you’re only after the audio quality that your speakers can produce, both configurations are excellent. not overhead. Finally, the connection may be a problem for those who are trying to set up wireless connections for the player to the receivers. The choice to use bitstream for your sound system would depend on how you want it to work, and whether various configurations can give you an edge over PCM. When using PCM for audio, the device that you’re using will decode the file before sending it to the receiver. It provides you with better options when setting up your home theater system, but it won’t work for most CD players. It’s the technology that PCM and other hi-res audio transmission used as a framework, but it doesn’t make this technology outdated. If you don't plan on doing this, and your receiver isn't severely lacking in quality, go for bitstream. If you combine the bitstream and secondary audio settings, the Blu-ray Disc player will down-res surround formats, such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD, to standard Dolby Digital or DTS to squeeze both types of audio signals into the same bitstream bandwidth. Sadly, setting up your sound system will never be as simple as that. We use this method to produce surround sound formats from the player to the AVR, AV preamplifier, processor, or power amplifier combination. I have reviewed many posts in the A/V forums and other areas that don't seem to give a definitive answer. However, here is what happens when you choose either setting. After that, the player will send the decoded, uncompressed audio signal to your receiver, then to your speaker for the output. The platform fully supports real-time Dolby Atmos encoding for both HDMI and stereo headphone output, DTS:X for Headphones, and Windows Sonic for Headphones encoding for stereo headphones. Supplemental audio is scaled down, which decreases quality. Almost every device that converts digital to an analog audio output, and vice-versa, uses this technology to deliver audio files. Home Theater Academy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Players transmit compressed audio files to the receiver, which is responsible for decoding data. This method remains true whether you’re using a regular PCM where the quantization levels are a result of amplitude or an LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation) where the quantization levels are linear. One Denon and one Yamaha. PCM uses raw signals that your converter generates, and codecs, such as DTS or Dolby Digital, won’t affect its quality. A receiver set to bitstream will activate the AV processor to detect any encoded surround sound experience. There are three output files specified, and for the first two, no -map options are set, so ffmpeg will select streams for these two files automatically.. out1.mkv is a Matroska container file and accepts video, audio and subtitle streams, so ffmpeg will try to select one of each type. - Dolby Digital vs DTS vs THX Updated: July 13, 2020. In this case, the home theater receiver recognizes the signal as standard Dolby Digital and decodes appropriately. PCM works with almost every player that we’re using. Version 2.0 is the latest version of the HDMI specification, as issued by HDMI Licensing, LLC. The player will simply transmit digital signals to your receiver, which will be responsible for decoding and converting it. The choice depends on how you want to configure your sound system and where you’re planning to use it. One of the reasons is because PCM can only transmit a two-channel signal over a coaxial or digital optical connection. These types of audio signal formats require the use of HDMI connections. 5.1 support over digital optical or coaxial. This is true for games for the most part. Only works with players and receivers that support digital sound transmission. When configuring your sound system to a Blu-ray player, you’ll have the option to set the audio output to PCM. Haven't noticed it in game HDR, ISF bright, or Dolby Vision modes. If decoded by the AV receiver, this codec can be sent over HDMI 1.3 as a bitstream from the Blu-ray player, and the front panel will display 'Dolby TrueHD'. Nowadays i have two Dolby Atmos / DTS:X Recievers in main living room, and Home Cinema room. I don't believe you can have it set up so that you are bitstreaming DTS but decoding … The process may differ, but the result will still be the same. So, the question is, when will it be better for you to use PCM configuration over bitstream? The latest HDMI 2.1 Specification released in November 2017 continues to enable the development of new product categories and innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for higher performance and more immersive consumer experiences. Although the below discussion focuses on bitstream vs. PCM with regards to Blu-ray Disc players, the same information can also be applied to Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc players. However, since the player decodes the audio files, there’s a chance that you may not get the smoothest and lossless transmission, especially if you’re using a more sophisticated sound system for your media room. Discuss audio technology, theory, setups and audio in general. So, the compromise when using bitstream is: if you want to take advantage of bitstream’s capability to produce high-quality audio output and wireless connection, you may have to settle for standard resolution secondary audio. You want to take advantage of 5.1 surround sound when using digital optical or coaxial. Hope you find the information useful. When access to these audio programs is important to you, set the Blu-ray player to PCM to provide the best quality result. With this option, the home theater receiver displays the term PCM or LPCM on its front panel display. The process of transmitting files will be different if you’re going to use bitstream as the audio output for a Blu-ray player. You can even find a lot of players today that will allow you to switch between PCM and bitstream connection seamlessly. Transmission requires much higher bandwidth to reduce quality degradation with better output. Bitstream: Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS ES, DTS 96/24: PCM: 2ch to 6ch, (32-96kHz, 16/20/24-bit) Immersive Surround Sound: The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A AV receiver goes beyond regular surround with the latest immersive surround sound formats from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. How to Set Up Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos for DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. PCM refers to an algorithm that devices use to represent analog waves. Since PCM transmits large audio files, you’ll need to use a physical connection to transfer data from the player to the receiver efficiently. The potential for greater audio quality and the flexibility to use coaxial outputs puts it ahead of PCM. I have an Onkyo TX-SR608 AVR and an LG Blu-ray player capable of decoding DTS and Dolby lossless audio. The first thing that will happen is that the player bypasses all of its internal DTS and Dolby decoders. If you can use surround sound and are using an optical connection, choose Bitstream Out. If you have a disc drive-equipped PS5, you can watch DVDs, Blu … - You DO NOT need to manually switch between Dolby or DTS via settings if your content supports one or the other on the speaker. So if you’re going to use bitstream for programs that use hi-res secondary audio, the output will be limited to standard definition. Since HDMI is what most players are using nowadays, let’s be forward-thinking and say that you’re, most likely, going to use it for your connection. Building home theater rooms has been my hobby for a long time. Without speakers, the DTS and Dolby option will sound looser than PCM losing quality in the volume and smaller sounds. There are a number of factors that should go into your choice, including the quality of your Blu-ray player and audio receiver. However, note that ARC can’t bitstream high-resolution audio codecs like Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio found on Ultra-HD Blu-rays. There’s more to it than just receiving and decoding audio streams, though. The player decodes the audio, without bandwidth concern, which is an issue for bitstream. Whether you’re playing standard or high-res audio, your speakers will produce the same audio quality. In the new standard HDMI 2.1, a new designation of the reverse audio channel EARC has appeared. Since PCM has been around since the beginning of the 1900s, it has become the industry standard for audio streams. If you want a setup that is capable of hi-res secondary audio, PCM is better for you. Ist it coming from differences of the "Dolby Surround" upmixver (new Denon) vs the "Dolby PLII" upmixer (old Marantz)? However, if you use either digital or optical coaxial outputs, bitstream is the clear winner. Advanced Video Coding (AVC), also referred to as H.264 or MPEG-4 Part 10, Advanced Video Coding (MPEG-4 AVC), is a video compression standard based on block-oriented, motion-compensated integer-DCT coding. Although not a deal-breaker, it could still be an issue for those looking for better transmission options, especially with the space capacity required by this configuration. The speaker will detect and switch to the correct format based on the HDMI input (you do need to make sure you are setting "bitstream" and not PCM). Finally, both PCM and bitstream need to convert audio files to analog before your speakers can produce the output that you need. Bitstream and PCM are capable of producing the same audio quality, and the only difference is how your setup decodes the compressed file. If you select bitstream as the HDMI audio output setting for a Blu-ray player, the player bypasses its internal Dolby and DTS audio decoders and sends the undecoded signal to your HDMI-connected home theater receiver. Compatible with high-end modern players that fully supports most surround sound formats. Robert Silva has written about audio, video, and home theater topics since 1998. What Does DTS Mean in Home Theater Audio? Your player will then send these decoded audio files, uncompressed, to all the receivers connected to your home theater system. It’ll only work on delivering these to your speakers for output. The home theater receiver does the audio decoding of the incoming signal. The problem with bitstream starts when the program relies on secondary audio settings. For video, it will select stream 0 from B.mp4, which has the highest resolution among all the input video streams. What Types of Connections Do Blu-ray Disc Players Have? The process of converting audio files may differ, but it’ll always end up in an analog format before your speakers can read it. Discuss receivers and related topics. You want a faster and direct connection that minimizes latency for output. So let’s discuss everything in great detail and settle the bitstream vs. PCM debate for good. You’re using a sound system that favors the decoding of audio files from the player. A novelty of the GF104, GF106 and GF108 chips is the support for Bitstream HD Audio (Blu-Ray) via HDMI. Robert has written for Dishinfo.com, and made appearances on the YouTube series Home Theater Geeks. If the receiver offers higher quality audio processing, it can be used. There are dozens of different factors that you need to consider, and, sometimes, you might have to compromise one feature over the other. PCM works well with almost every device, whereas bitstream may only work for devices that support hi-res surround sound format. As a result, the home theater receiver won't perform additional audio decoding before the audio is sent through the amplifier section and the speakers. The AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series implements HDMI 1.4a. Players convert analog signals to digital and vice-versa for transmission to the receiver. HDMI is easily the best option for output. When it comes to setting up an audio system, in the discussion PCM vs Bitstream, people often confuse LPCM and PCM with Bitstream. It’ll still work, but it can only use standard definition, which may not go well with a setup that takes advantage of more frequencies. When you set the player for bitstream transmission, the receiver will process everything, then produce decoded, uncompressed audio files. NOTE: for 2021 – Plex has come a long way since this FAQ was originally written, HW transcoding has become more available and more stable, and tone mapping was recently added to address the hdr/sdr color conversion issues. The processor will then decode the file based on the instructions that are in the signal. Compatibility with devices and supported frequencies are bigger factors to consider than sound and transmission when choosing between PCM and bitstream. Finally, Microsoft Spatial Sound apps abide by the system mixing policy, and their audio will also be mixed with non-spatially aware apps. For audio, if you connect a Blu-ray Disc player to a home theater receiver via HDMI, there are two main audio output settings available: Bitstream and PCM (which is also called LPCM). I always had Surround since late 1980’s and started with Dolby Surround. Also, you might need to invest more in your sound system if you want to experience any noticeable difference with the output. As a result, the receiver will display Dolby, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or another format on its front panel display depending on which type of bitstream signal is decoded. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats are only available from a Blu-ray Disc player via the bitstream setting option. Support for digital optical or coaxial output can go up to 5.1. In terms of sound quality, whether you set the Blu-ray Disc player's HDMI audio output PCM or bitstream doesn't matter. Another factor that you have to consider is compatibility. Your options may be limited for PCM if you’re going to configure your sound system for digital optical audio or coaxial connection. PlayStation and Shield are both sending Dolby bitstream to the TV direct with the video, and the C9 will show dolby audio, Atmos, DTS, or PCM depending on the source. The AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series implements HDMI 1.4b. Both configurations can produce the same audio quality, convert the audio file to analog before speakers can produce the output, and are compatible with most players that we use today. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, for example, aims to simulate the overhead sound experience of Atmos through speakers at listener-level, i.e. It works well with analog and digital input, making it the most popular option for transmitting audio signals. Since transmitting compressed data doesn’t require a lot of bandwidth, your sound system can take advantage of better audio codecs for output, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. Transmission offers better flexibility for receivers and speakers to deliver high-quality audio output. Requires a high-quality receiver to achieve better results. When you set a device to bitstream transmission, the player will transmit compressed audio files to the receiver. Wired or wireless bitstream transmission allows you to take advantage of higher frequencies, providing your sound system better potential to produce the best output. I … Configure lav audio to bitstream DD, then copy over the dtsdecoderdll.dll from arcsoft into the lav folder, and then that will allow you to decode dts and dtshd to pcm. Bitstream is the technology that PCM used for its framework, but it doesn’t make it that much better or worse. Works with players and receivers that support analog and digital sound transmission. Some of the most common surround sound codecs that take advantage of bitstream include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. Since PCM is an algorithm, it won’t matter whether you’re sending compressed or uncompressed audio files. Dolby Atmos is now a mainstream feature of TVs, soundbars, and A/V receivers. The first 4 ‘rules’ generally are no longer as important as they once were, but may still be a good thing to bear in mind. Over the years, I have learned a lot about AV equipment and room acoustics. Others still do not know which option to choose or which is best for them. If you plan to use the secondary audio feature, which provides access to audio commentaries, descriptive audio, and supplementary audio tracks, use PCM. Limited digital optical or coaxial output. You want to relieve your receiver from the burden of converting audio files. In EARC, the capacity of the HDMI port is increased and back it became possible to transfer not only 7.1 sound but also Dolby and DTS sound. What Bitstream Is and How It Works in Home Theater Audio, How to Use Multichannel Analog Audio Connections in Home Theater, Digital Optical Connection – What It Is and How To Use It, The DTS Neo:6 Surround Sound Processing Format, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, and Dolby Digital Plus, physically connected to your home theater receiver. Aside from the output, both configurations work well with most DVD and Blu-ray players with no noticeable difference. With the availability of lossless compression methods, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, bitstream can provide the same quality without the need for more space to transmit data. You have a sound system that relies on the receiver to decode and process files. Better audio output is possible if you’re using bitstream, but it’s not always the case. AVRs work the same, but you have to make sure that the one you’re going to use can support both configurations to produce the output that you want for your speakers. Provides better support for hi-res secondary audio channels. Some connections make better use of PCM than bitstream, while newer AVRs (Audio/Video Receivers) can take advantage of bitstream’s decoding process. You don’t have to worry about the connection between your player and receiver. It’s important to know which of these two is better because getting the right configuration for audio helps in getting more from your sound system. 7.1 vs. 7.2 Surround Sound in Home Theater, Passive Soundbars Explained (With Pros and Cons), Subwoofer Crossover Settings – The Definitive Guide. You always need to consider the compatibility with the device you’re using to take advantage of this transmission. There’s no clear winner of the bitstream vs. PCM debate if we’re only going to compare the output that they can produce. More often than not, you'll want bitstream. It means that your player will decode all the audio files, including Dolby, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS HD Master Audio. TV optical is going to a set of Astro A50s. Home Theater Academy also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. Aside from that, you’ll need a physical connection for PCM because the files that your player transmits usually take a lot of space, and it won’t be possible to send it over-the-air. It is by far the most commonly used format for the recording, compression, and distribution of video content, used by 91% of video industry developers as of September 2019. With my old Marantz NR-1603 in "Movie - Dolby PLII" I do not have that issue. New posts: Hot thread with new posts: No new posts: Hot thread with no new posts Better quality access to additional audio tracks. Bitstream is a binary sequence—or what we often hear as 1’s and 0’s—that we use when converting audio input into digital bits. Then, select either DTS Digital Surround or Dolby Digital as the bitstream format. Audio files are bit encoded, and it follows a specific surround sound format for digital transmission. I’m excited to share what I have learned. PCM and bitstream may seem very different in terms of the formats that they can produce, but both of these two configurations are capable of delivering high-quality audio. ... support bitstream audio output, ... From DTS to Dolby Atmos, every format explained Dolby Atmos works across the board, although the free Dolby Access app needs to be downloaded first. Welcome to Home Theater Academy, my blog. When a device receives an input, it decodes the data then forwards it to your receiver. Audio quality is partially determined by the Blu-ray player. The problem with bitstream starts when the program relies on secondary audio settings. Thus, digital audio signals such as 5.1/7.1 multi-channel PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, and Auro 3D Audio cannot be transferred via digital optical connections. You’re using a receiver that offers better audio processing power. As high definition A/V technology continues to advance, the specification for HDMI equipment and cabling is continually updated to ensure reliability and maximum performance. Which is best, sending PCM or bitstream from the player to the A/V receiver? Using bitstream for your audio is better if: If you’re planning to use bitstream for programs that rely on secondary audio, then the output that you’ll get from it will be limited. For digital optical and coaxial connections, while the bitstream output option can send a standard Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 surround sound signal to a receiver for decoding, the PCM option sends a two-channel signal.
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