Linear PCM vs Bitstream?

Question

what is Linear PCM and what is BitStream?

Answer 1

Bitstream is raw digital stream. It can contain miscellaneous data types: linear PCM, DD, DTS, DTS-HD etc. The only reason you wouldn't want to use bitstream is if you're not using the player's digital audio outputs. PCM will not send Dolby Digital or DTS to the receiver even if the DVD player is compatible with those audio formats.

You can only get a "true" 5.1 uncompressed PCM via an HDMI cable. (you would need a receiver with HDMI decoding capability at the other end also of course).

If you specify uncompressed 5.1 PCM for audio playback and you are using an optical cable, you only get 2 Channel, (stereo), since it cannot carry all the bandwidth of a full 5.1 track. HDCP prevents an optical cable from delivering multichannel high definition audio...2.0 uncompressed is the best you can get. Assuming you are connected via optical cable, 2.0 uncompressed is the best you can get, which then is utilized by the Dolby 5.1 matrix, (or whatever other sound field you select), in your receiver. That is why, with an optical cable, can get normal 5.1 Dolby digital, the core mix which is much better than the standard, but it is not "true" high definition audio.

Answer 2

LPCM is two-channel stero

Bitstream is Dolby Digital or DTS, usually 5.1 channels