1080P, 1.3 HDMI and lossless audio?

Question

I have a Samsung 1080P TV HLS-5087 and I'm not sure if it has HDMI 1.1 or 1.3? Also, I'm looking to buy the Onkyo SR-605 receiver with 1.3 along with Samsung BP-1400 Blu Ray (also 1.3 HDMI). Both devices are capable of top notch HD sound decoding. Will it make a difference if my TV only has 1.1 vs. 1.3? I'm not sure how all the processing works but figure it's probably up to the receiver (but I know there is the whole weakest link thing in HTs). Also, would I use 1.1 cables from the receiver and 1.3 between Blu Ray and Receiver?

Answer 1

How the TV is connected (HDMI 1.1 or other) won't matter to video and isn't relevant to audio if you you use your receiver to process that.

The presence of 1.3 HDMI vs 1.1 HDMI doesn't imply anything specific other than support for additional features (e.g. Deep colour, xvYCC colour space). These features must be implemented by program or hardware suppliers before they mean anything ... and so far they essentially have not been.

HDMI 1.1 and 1.3 will support 1080p/60 and multichannel audio.

The article at the link states that HDMI 1.3:

"Optionally supports output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams for external decoding by AV receivers. TrueHD and DTS-HD are lossless audio codec formats used on Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs. If the disc player can decode these streams into uncompressed audio, then HDMI 1.3 is not necessary, as all versions of HDMI can transport uncompressed audio."

Note the "optional"!!

and further states under version 1.3b

"Warning ---- if any manufacturer says that their product is "HDMI 1.3 compliant", it could be capable of any number of the HDMI 1.3 features, but not necessarily all!"

A link was provided:  http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread....

So, basically for video any HDMI version is fine (deep colour is a long way off!), and for uncompressed audio the same is true since all versions will carry this. The only difference is if you want bitstream audio of advanced audio formats .. then HDMI 1.3 is important. So you must figure out your own answer based on what audio format and signal type you are using.

Note that certification (Category 1 or 2) is an indicator of a higher capability cable, and you should look for HDMI 1.3 certified cables. That said, it doesn't mean an HDMI 1.1 cable won't work just as well, and it doesn't mean that a HDMI 1.3 Category 2 cable will necessarily work as it should because of loopholes in the rules. See the 2nd link.

The last article covers all you ever wanted to know about audio formats on Blu-ray and HD DVD and how to know what connections will allow what. It will probably answer your questions, but since I don't know the specifics of your situation you will need to fill in the details.

Answer 2

You were given good information.  I would begin by telling you to stay away from the Samsung 1400.  It has had horrible reviews from users.  Go to AVS forum and check them out.

If you decide to purchase a blu-ray player, be sure it can bitstream the audio codecs that you want.  This will allow your Onkyo 605 to decode them.  Not all do players can bitstream all codecs.  The only one out now that can is the Panasonic BD-30.  However it's plagued with an "LFE bug" that plays the LFE channel about 4dbs lower.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Actually finding anyone who's got a chance to listen to "lossless" audio from the new Blu-ray Disc format is quite the challenge.  Manufacturers are unclear in their setup instructions and virtually no retailer has their Blu-ray display configured correctly for a proper demonstration.  To get what you want you'll have to do a little leg work.

There are two ways to get the "DolbyTrueHD/DTSHD Master Audio" we've all been searching for.  The first of which you've suggested already.  Buy one of the only four Blu-ray Disc players currently capable of sending both audio codecs over an HDMI cable to a capable receiver (the cheapest of which, being the Onkyo "TX-SR605").

The second is less expensive, but still a few months away.  If your current A/V Receiver includes the "5.1 Analog Inputs" on the back, then you can simply buy the only Blu-ray Disc player on the horizon which decodes those 2 new "lossless" audio formats INTERNALLY. You simply connect it with half a dozen or more RCA cables to your existing amp.

It's easier to show these things than tell you about them.  This link shows the connection procedure (providing your stereo has the inputs) and near the bottom it lists the current receivers which can decode "DolbyTrueHD/DTSHD Master Audio" along with the only Blu-ray Disc players which can send those signals out over an HDMI cable.  Click right here for that link: http://www.avtruths.com/uncompressed.htm...

At the very bottom of the page is the ONLY player which can deliver BOTH "lossless" audio formats without the purchase of additional equipment and offers the final software ("Profile 2.0") enhancements for Blu-ray.  Most current Blu-ray Disc players offer "DolbyTrueHD" decoding but sadly "water-down" all "DTSHD Master Audio" signals to plain old "DTS".  Or worse yet, they just don't send it at all.

Answer 4

Ok - lots of confusion here.

Many of the features in 1.3 are optional. Despite being 1.3 - you do not get "Deep Color" or the newer un-compressed audio from your sources, or equalization, or time-delay adjustments to solve lip-sync problems, ... etc.  These are future-proof options.

HDMI 1.0 was designed to handle 1080p.

Your only concern is if you are installing a HDMI cable in a wall - you want to make sure it is 1.3 compatible so years from now you dont have to replace it when these newer features start showing up and you upgrade your TV and sources.