Hooking up my PS3 Via Optical Cable on my 5.1 sourround sound system and need some advice on settings...?

Question

So I have a 5.1 Surround Sound system all routed to a Pioneer VSX-816 reciever. Unfortunately, the reciever doesnt have an HDMI input so I'm going to hook up my PS3 through the next best thing: an Optical Cable.

I was searching through the settings in the PS3 and under DVD Audio Settings>Optical Cable, it gives me the choice between LCPM or Bitstream. I have no idea what either of these are.

Which would be better to choose?

Also, does anyone know what setting on the actual amp is best because I just find myself switching between them (settings like "Advanced Movie", "Advanced Game", "TV Surround", "Virtual Surround") I cant choose the right one lol.

Thanks.

Answer 1

For optical set to bitstream. You'd only want to select PCM when you change to HDMI for audio.

For the Pioneer, if you're watching a movie or a game with multi-channel, press either the THX button or the STANDARD button - both of those will give you proper Dolby or dts processing. Personally I choose the THX button and I have the Pioneer VSX-1014TX which has almost identical settings to the 816.

If you're listening to a two channel source like a CD that's when I go to the "ADV.SURR" menu and choose "7 CHANNEL STEREO"

Answer 2

1st question: bitstream. LCPM is 2 channel stereo.

2nd question: None of the above. All those settings modify the sound and/or simulate surround sound so you don't want to use any of them. You want the straight sound from your PS3 with nothing added to it. On Sony receivers there is an "auto" setting which uses the simplest processing. I don't know what the same setting on a Pioneer is but it has to be there.

Answer 3

Set bitstream , it means PS3 decodes sound formats and send it via optical cable to receiver. You have to listen all sound modes and choose what is best for each source.