Blu-ray Disc players offer a variety of customizable options to ensure that your audio experience is perfectly tailored to your preferences. The two most common audio settings are Bitstream and PCM. While there are subtle differences between the two, understanding them can help you decide which setting is right for you.

Bitstream

Bitstream is a digital audio format that sends audio signals to the receiver in their native form. In other words, the player sends the raw audio data, and the receiver decodes it before playing it back. Bitstream is often used for high-definition audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio. These formats offer greater audio detail, dynamic range, and overall sound quality compared to standard audio formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.

When you select Bitstream as your audio setting, the Blu-ray Disc player will send the raw audio data to the receiver for decoding. This allows the receiver to take full advantage of the high-definition audio format, resulting in a more immersive, high-quality audio experience. The downside of Bitstream is that the receiver must be capable of decoding the format in order to play it back. If your receiver doesn’t support the high-definition audio format, you won’t be able to enjoy the full benefits of Bitstream.

PCM

PCM stands for Pulse Code Modulation. In PCM audio, the raw audio data is decoded by the Blu-ray Disc player before being sent to the receiver. This means that the Blu-ray Disc player does the decoding instead of the receiver. PCM is commonly used for standard audio formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.

When you select PCM as your audio setting, the Blu-ray Disc player will decode the raw audio data before sending it to the receiver. This means that you can enjoy high-quality audio even if your receiver doesn’t support high-definition audio formats. However, since the Blu-ray Disc player is doing the decoding, you may lose some of the benefits of the high-definition audio format.

Which setting is right for you?

The right audio setting depends on a few factors, including your receiver’s capabilities and your personal preferences. If you have a high-definition audio receiver that supports Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, Bitstream is the ideal setting. This allows you to take full advantage of the high-definition audio format and enjoy a high-quality audio experience.

If your receiver does not support high-definition audio formats, or if you prefer to have the Blu-ray Disc player do the decoding, PCM is the better choice. PCM offers high-quality audio even with standard audio formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.

In summary, the choice between Bitstream and PCM largely depends on your receiver’s capabilities and your personal preferences. While Bitstream is ideal for high-definition audio formats, PCM is a great option for standard audio formats, or if your receiver doesn’t support high-definition formats. No matter which setting you choose, make sure to adjust your sound settings to get the best possible audio experience from your Blu-ray Disc player.