Do PS3 GAMES need HDMI for audio?

[audioqueso]

On a PS3, audiowise, the advantage of using HDMI instead of optical output vs HDMI is that you can have DTS-HD and DolbyHD with blu-ray movies. You can not get those formats via the optical output. Is this only true with blu-ray movies, or does this apply to PS3 games as well?

The reason I ask is because I'm contemplating on leaving HDMI AV processors, and buying the Oppo blu-ray player (which will still give me DTS-HD and DolbyHD via 7.1 analog outputs) for blu-ray movies. But audiowise... do I lose any abilities or format with PS3 games by using optical instead of HDMI?

[Kevin D]

Not that I can see. The PS3 will send out 7.1 MPCM over HDMI for games, but I'm pretty sure it's some form of 5.1>7.1 conversion. I doubt any game will output a new format anytime soon, and I doubt you would lose much if you did.

Kevin D.

[Chris D]

AFAIK, no games yet use 7.1 audio or the new HBR audio formats. Just a matter of time, though, I suppose.

[audioqueso]

One that I forgot, what about DVD-A? Do I need to use HDMI for that, or will optical work (assuming that the Oppo will not support DVD-A)?

[littlesaint]

PS3 doesn't play DVD-A. Some models play SACD, and for that you need HDMI. The Oppo is supposed to play DVD-A and SACD when it it released.

[audioqueso]

Oops, I forgot that's my Marantz that plays them. My mistake. The Oppo is only advertised to play SACD, not DVD-A. Oh well, I'll just rip it to my HTPC instead.

[Chris D]

But to answer the sub-question there, no, DVD-A and SACD can not be transmitted over legacy digital connections of coax and optical.

[littlesaint]

Oops, I forgot that's my Marantz that plays them. My mistake. The Oppo is only advertised to play SACD, not DVD-A. Oh well, I'll just rip it to my HTPC instead.

The final specs on the Oppo are not complete. DVD-A is still being worked out, but beta testers have been told it will be there.

[btf1980]

AFAIK, no games yet use 7.1 audio or the new HBR audio formats. Just a matter of time, though, I suppose.

Not true. There are a ton of games on the PS3 that are 7.1. In fact, one of their launch titles in 2006, Resistance: Fall of Man was 7.1 PCM native.

A list of 7.1 PS3 titles.

http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?message.uid=36656479#U36656479

[Chris D]

Really? Sweet! I have RFOM, and I didn't remember it being 7.1. I can't get to that link right now, but will take a look when I can.