Is there really a difference?

[LionsFan20]

I just hooked up my PS3 with an optical cable for sound, as my receiver(sp) does not have HDMI. Is there really a difference in sound between using optical and HDMI?

[stiffarmleft]

Re: Is there really a difference?

The biggest difference on the audio side is being able to decode all the new uncompressed audio codecs, Dolby Digital plus, DTS HD, Dolby True HD and DTS HD master. Optical simply does not have the bandwidth to handle uncompressed audio, that is where HDMI comes in.

Whether you can hear the difference between uncompressed and compressed audio is dependant on the listener. True audiophiles say they can, some say they cannot. I for one cannot tell the difference between a good quality MP3 and a CD, so I probably will not be able to hear a big difference.

[koebner]

Re: Is there really a difference?

The biggest difference on the audio side is being able to decode all the new uncompressed audio codecs, Dolby Digital plus, DTS HD, Dolby True HD and DTS HD master. Optical simply does not have the bandwidth to handle uncompressed audio, that is where HDMI comes in.

Whether you can hear the difference between uncompressed and compressed audio is dependant on the listener. True audiophiles say they can, some say they cannot. I for one cannot tell the difference between a good quality MP3 and a CD, so I probably will not be able to hear a big difference.

Exactly-for Dolby Digital 5.1,6.1,7.1 and DTS/DTS ex optical will be fine.There is no "quality" difference between optical and HDMI with these formats.
You need HDMI for the newer formats.

[backbreaker]

Re: Is there really a difference?

I've played resistance with the optical cable, I have since then upgraded my receiver with HDMI and I can tell you 1st hand that if the movie or game is programmed to use those codecs(uncompressed pcm 7.1 ect..), you can flat out hear them and it is obvious. Now the problem lies upon if the movie or game has been programmed to take advantage of those codecs. You will not hear any difference from a digital optical or HDMI if the studios only offer you 5.1 and only takes advantage of the lowest common denominator.