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Can someone educate me on what the functional as well as practical differences (read: differences in audio quality and or versatility) of a bitstream and an LPCM signal.

I think I understand that the bitstream is a digital copy (encoded?) of the signal, that the receiver decodes an processes, etc. Is the LPCM version the same digital signal via HDMI, just decoded by the player?

If this is true, then am I to assume that the PS3 (assuming latest firmware) will permit me to send a TrueHD AND a DTS-MA signal?

A buddy is building a system from scratch and he's considering paying the slight extra for the PS3, but I want to be sure that it is otherwise up to snuff. The addition of the gaming system certainly makes it a good value, but my fear is that there are hidden compromises (picture/sound quality) when viewing Blue Ray. Any comments?

You are correct. In it's simplest form, it basically comes down to where it gets decoded.

If your receiver has the ability to decode the new formats, you may prefer to send it the unconverted HD sound format, via LPCM, and let the receiver do the decoding work that separates it out into the separate 5.1 or 7.1 channels as analogue for your speakers.

If your receiver is not new enough to decode the new HD audio streams, them the PS3 will decode it for you, and send all the separate channels information via bitstream that most any digital receiver can handle. With most of the work already done, the receiver just has to convert the seperate channels into Analogue to feed the speakers.

It's more complex than that but this is the basic difference.
In theory, the resulting analogue signal to each speaker should be exactly the same no matter which way you do it. Some may argue keeping all conversion as far down the stream as possible is better while others might argue over which converts better. For me, I don't care. It just sounds great!

Edit:
And yes, the PS3 will allow you to utilize all of the new High Def audio formats. It's just a matter of which box, PS3 or receiver, ends up doing the decoding work. Either way, you get to hear the new and improved sound.

Cool. Thanks for the clarification. I think I had it backwards first time around.

Actually, now that you mention it, I think I wrote it up backwards. Same idea though.

It's actually the reverse, the PS3 will decode the format and send it decoded by LCPM via HDMI to a receiver that cannot decode the new formats , that's how I do it with my PS3 and Denon 4806.

If the receiver can decode the new formats you can send the new formats via bitsream and let the receiver do the decoding. I don't think there is an issue with SQ or PQ either way.

One thing to remember, however, is that at this point the PS3 won't bitstream (allow the receiver to decode) the High resolution soundtracks. The good news is that any receiver that will decode them will also simply accept them as LPCM (as the PS3 sends it). So it isn't really an option to let the receiver decode with the PS3. However it isn't a big issue it gets there one way or the other.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Seriously!? I didn't think the PS3 could play SACD's. I've not replaced my 480p DVD/SACD player yet with a HD/BR capable device because I don't want to lose my SACD's and I don't have the AV rack room for two players.

How does it pass the audio? Does it have analog outputs or is it via HDMI?

Edit: Well, I'll be darned. AVS

The 20gb,60gb and older (2007 80gb) PS3s will play SACD.

Thanks, all. I'm going to recommend that my buddy get the PS3, then.

Any reason why I should get the higher vs. the lower gig player (other than the obvious hard drive size difference)?

oh yeah, consider this thread hi-jacked. My bad, Rick.