I am looking to replace a dying DVD player and had this thought of buying a cheaper BR player just to get better audio while watching movies on my old 36" CRT.

This one is for you guys with BR players. The question I have is can you get HD audio from the player, remember I have a 3808 so any connection is possible, while still only using a 480i video signal?

From what I can figure out I should be able to do this with component video and at least an optical connection to receive the higher bit rate DTS and DD tracks. I am hoping I could experience HD audio if I run HDMI but I suspect most players shut off the analog outputs once HDMI is enabled.

AS I am looking at $200 for an Oppo 980 or $250-$300 for a Denon 1940 I thought this BR stuff might work even better and somewhat future proof me for when I finally get my Plasma.

Jay,

Unless I am missing something, you should be able to go HDMI from a BR player to your 3808. The 3808 will decode the audio track and pass through the video to your TV using whatever connection you can create between TV and 3808.

Greg

Jakewash,

Can you get HD Audio within your setup?

Short Answer: YES!!!

Long Answer

I am not sure about using HDMI for just the audio and component for video, if that works, that is the best possible setup in your case to get the losless audio...however

If you purchase one of the new Sony models such as the s550 or the Panasonic BD55 that supports up to 7.1 analog outs and internally decodes all the new hd formats, you can run component cables from your blu-ray player to the television for video and run analog cables from your Denon's Ext. In to the analog inputs on the blu-ray player.

You will be able to enjoy all the audio formats such as Dolby True HD, DTS-HD that are supported by the blu-ray format

The only downfall to this setup with analog cables as opposed to using HDMI is bass management is limited because it defeats the bass management of your Denon receiver. Usually the crossover is fixed at around 100.

You can not use optical or digital coax to get the new audio formats because they can not handle the higher bitrates of DTS-HD and Dolby True HD. You have to either use HDMI or a series of analog cables.

Note: I do not think the BD55 suports 480i so when you are picking out a player make sure it supports the 480i resolution.

It's funny that this issue comes up again and again but I have found in my case with a 1080i RP CRT that in investigating this issue of newer receivers passing both HDMI and component, in my E-mail requests to most of the mainstream companies, (Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo etc.) don't support a simultaneous hook-up of HDMI(audio-only), component output to an appropriate monitor for specifically 1080i out of a Blu-Ray player. I am not sure about the other set-ups or non-component video connections. The consensus of responses from these companies, however, seem to be is that they don't support multiple video input/output connections when HDMI is involved. I guess the paranoia comes from appeasing the movie studio masters. In order to get ALL the soundtracks out of the HDMI connection they advise that the only way you can do it is by DIRECT video hook-up to the TV. This is even if you have a player like the BD-55(which I own) which allows you to split the HDMI audio and video out separately OR the forthcoming Oppo BDP-83 Blu-Ray player which outputs ALL the audio and video thru all the types of connections at the same time. This is kind of a pain because if you have to do it like this it takes away the audio/video switching capabilities of your receiver. This is why I am waiting for the new pre-pros from Emotiva or Outlaw because unlike the AVR's they WILL support simultaneous audio/video switching between HDMI and component directly thru the processor, that is until I eventually get a newer monitor with HDMI inputs. Incidentally, for the record, the BD-55 will(thru the set-up menu) allow 480i output.

Thanks guys, I was just looking for verification that with a 480i picture, I could still get an HD audio signal or at the very least the higher bit rates, as it would make no sense for me to buy a BR player right now if I couldn't take advantage of one feature from it.

Now I have to decide which to buy or stick with the previous ideas for their SACD/DVD-A capablities.

The least amount of features you need on a AVR to receive lossless audio and take advantage of the formats is 5.1ch external inputs and have a blu-ray player that has 5.1 - 7.1 analog outs and internally processes those formats. This is the type of setup many people use that have old receivers that do not support HDMI.


BTW your Denon supports up to 7.1 ch analog external inputs. :).

I know what I have in the 3808, Thanks doc

I, for some reason always figured that BR players never output 480i signals, not sure where I came up with that notion. After some quick research I discovered I could still get a 480i signal, then I couldn't find out if I was still able to access the HD audio formats while still using a 480i video signal. I guessed the audio tracks for HD would be seperated from the non-HD video, but as I am discovering I can.

Now I should be able to buy a BR player, output 480i to my lowly 36" CRT and still access the HD audio, I just have to convince my wife I NEED a BR player to replace the 5 year old Samsung HD931 so it can assume duties in the main living room, this isn't going to be easy......

Jay,

I have both component and HDMI routed to my projector. I'll play around with the output and get back to you after I get some free time today. This is an interesting question as I need to do something simular for my kid's TV area.

Just bought Rockband2 and a Wii Fit so the player is now pushed back till probably my B-day in June , bu the new games are fun!

Please let us know what you think about the usefulness of the Wii Fit once you've had some time to play with it. (or do you call it working out when you use it?)

Jason

Since you decided to pass on a blu-ray player at this time, I would wait to buy one until you get a high defintion television. That way you can use HDMI for both audio and video and let your Denon 3808 do the processing. Mine as well wait until you can enjoy both the audio and video potentials of the format.

Ya, I think that might be the case unless the present DVD player fully dies in the mean time, then it will be a BR of some type or the SACD players, tough call until I have that HD TV, then it would be a no brainer.

Jason, I call it playing for the sake of my kids to keep them involved. My 5 year old just ripped off a 164 meter Ski Jump he had a series of 5 in the 160meter range now he can't seem to replicate the right form again.

Nice, sounds like a natural born (Olympic) athlete!

I understand that the PS3 can be had for $250 if you sign up for a sony "playstation" credit card. (you can google it) I don't know if that affects your decision (as I have had great experiences with the PS3 as a blu-ray player)

I really want a PS3 if nothing else for all the streaming abilitites it offers and of course the odd games but I have to wait for awhile, if things go well maybe next Christmas.

Order it and blame it on last Christmas.

OOooo, good idea, and this way maybe I could get the PS3 that was backward compatible too.