Why won't my Playstation 3 allow my receiver to decode HD audio formats for me? Will it ever be able to?
Even though Playstation 3 is HDMI 1.3 device it doesn't mean its privy to the full list of 1.3a spec of capabilities. Sony cut a very early deal for a proprietary version of the Silicon Image Vastlane chipset (the 9132). The Vastlane chipset is the brain of HD audio and HD video used among many companies. After the PS3 came out Silicon Image released a (possibly revised) public version of that chipset used in PS3, this newer chipset is the Vastlane 9134. These latest versions are used for players such as Toshiba A35 and Samsung BDP1400. Even to this day a year later, the new ps3's still use the older proprietary 9132 model.
The PS3 was the
first HDMI 1.3 kid on the block. The Vastlane 9132 chip was made proprietary for Sony to use in the PS3 and is not sold to the public (other companies). Also, its "official" specs are not listed for the public on any known website. However, If you read the financial report from Silicon Image from the time frame (Google this) when the Playstation 3 came out you see the Ps3 chipset listed with specs (simple specs, but specs never the less). These specs do not mention handling of the latest HD audio formats at all.
Here is a breakdown of the Vastlane chip family from Silicon Image
SI Vastlane 9132: (Gaming Transmitter) Supports Deep Colour but not the latest high-quality audio formats.
SI Vastlane 9133: (Dual Input Receiver) Enables HDTV's to display Deep Colour but does not support the latest high-quality audio formats.
SI Vastlane 9134: (Dual Input Transmitter) same abilities as the 9133 with additional support for the latest high-quality audio formats.
Here are screenshots of a PS3 ripped apart showing the 9132 chipset
The SI Vastlane 9134 is what’s getting used in these new players (like BDP1400 for example) Here is a screenshot of the Samsung BDP 1400's Vastlane chip
So does this all mean PS3 can NEVER output lossless bitstream audio?
No one can definitively say if the PS3 will or won’t be able give us lossless bitstreaming in the future all we know is right now it can’t. Also, there is not even the least bit of rumours from Sony that it will ever be able to.
The firmware debate:
If Sil 9132 can't do lossless bitstreaming due to hardware limitations there is much debate is out there over whether or not ps3 can be firmware/software patched to reprogram the Silicon Image Vastlane 9132. Honestly, no one knows. If Sony can find some slick software approach to get around this who knows (which no one is even sure is possible with this kind of chip). I am sure it would require a lot of time and effort and why would Sony invest all that money when the general public doesn't even know about HD audio formats much less wanting to allow your receiver to decode them vs. the player. This is a confusing topic for seasoned pros much less the general consumer.
The hardware debate:
Some users argue that Sony could simply install a 9134 in the latest units if the old 9132 couldn't do lossless bitstream. They conclude that since they don't install the 9134 in the newest ps3's, then the 9132 must be able to do lossless bitstream. That’s quite a leap in logical thinking as to why Sony isn't updating that chip. First, I don’t think Sony has a marketing requirement to allow users to have lossless bitstreaming its not a major selling point of the PS3. Also there could be other factors; It's possible the 9134 may not even be usable in the ps3 in the same was the 9132 is being used. If that was the case, Sony would have to contract out the development of an entirely new and updated chipset from Silicon Image. This would cost so much I am sure the cons out weight the benefits.
My thoughts on this are; if the SI 9132 had functionality and it was there to turn on, then we would likely already have it. Especially, when they enabled bitstream output in that patch few months back. That combined with the 9132's early release, I got a strong hunch that chip simply cannot do it. I would say that if we don't see lossless audio bitstreaming come with the patch that gives us DTS HD MA decoding, we likely will never see it. But still, no rumours of lossless bitstream. (Update: The 2.30 DTS HD MA audio firmware is now out.. and still no sign of a lossless bitstream being made available on the PS3) If there isn't a huge demand for lossless bitstreaming why ever invest the manpower to figure it out.
