Thanks for the detailed response and links 57. I have an old fat PS3 that used to be connected directly to my TV with HDMI (for video) and to an AVR optical (for sound). It seems all I had to do with the new AVR was to tell the PS3 to send everything through HDMI. Should I actually disconnect the optical cable? (a bit of a hassle when everything is already setup)

You can disconnect (unplug) the optical cable to ensure that you're not using that connection. I believe the display on the AVR will say "PCM" or something similar when the PS3 is properly set up and decoding.

Have my PS3 hooked up to a SC-25 no problem. Haven't tried it with the other

You can disconnect (unplug) the optical cable to ensure that you're not using that connection. I believe the display on the AVR will say "PCM" or something similar when the PS3 is properly set up and decoding.Yep, that's what it says "PCM". I'll leave the optical where it is for now...

Note that you cannot get HD audio via optical, only HDMI. You need to go through your PS3 user menus and set them up properly. Also, one of the most imporant audio options is under the video section. There are a lot of options that need to be set correctly in the PS3.

If you have an (old-fat) PS3, you cannot bitstream HD audio, so you need to set it to PCM to have the PS3 do the decoding. If you have a (new-slim) PS3, you can bitstream HD audio to the AVR and have it decode HD audio. The stream information should show on the front of the AVR or on an "info" screen. (...) Thanks for the advice 57. I am not seeing DTS-HD but only PCM on the info screen of the AVR because my old fat PS3 is doing the decoding. Is there any audio quality issues between the two approaches?

Nope, that is fine. I believe the PS3 has a "display" button on the remote (or via the gaming remote menu) which shows you the information regarding the BD. Make sure you're listening to the HD audio track.

That's the nice thing about doing the decoding in the AVR - you get confirmation that the HD audio is getting to the AVR, however, having the PS3 do the decoding (of the correct track) is just fine, provided you use the HDMI. There may also be an "info" option in the AVR to see the incoming signal (MC PCM bitrate?)

Nope, that is fine. I believe the PS3 has a "display" button on the remote (or via the gaming remote menu) which shows you the information regarding the BD. Make sure you're listening to the HD audio track.Yep, I confirmed that it was set to DTS-HDMA.

That's the nice thing about doing the decoding in the AVR - you get confirmation that the HD audio is getting to the AVR, however, having the PS3 do the decoding (of the correct track) is just fine, provided you use the HDMI. There may also be an "info" option in the AVR to see the incoming signal (MC PCM bitrate?)Don't know if I have something like that on the AVR but it doesn't really matter as long as I get the HD audio... Thanks again.

Nope, doesn't matter, provided you're getting the HD audio.

after 10 years my sony strdb930 is having some sound cut out issues which may be related to soldered connections on main board - too bad wonderful receiver !- seeking new mid level receiver suggestions - saw denon I believe 1192 - $500.00 range - does any have a suggestion for new models in this range - a lot of the new feature rich units seem flimsy compared to the 930 -

It's not a huge priority but soon I'll be on track for a receiver upgrade. Not a huge audiophile: mainly using it for TV/movies. So I'd say something "mid-range".

Browsing the FS website, the two that would interest me the most are the Yamaha RXV-671 and the Pioneer VSX-1026, both in the < $600 range. (My current old receivers are both Yamaha's - I've never owned a Pioneer.)

I believe both of those models came out around May of last year. So my question is: if I wait a few more months should I not expect the prices of those units to drop quite a bit as inventory is cleared for new models? I don't really follow the AV Receiver trends, but I would imagine so based on my experience with other tech products.