Is there a website that allows you to search for films based on their video or audio encode? For example, as I'm considering the Samsung 2550 it will not decode DTS-HD MA internally. However, I have no idea what I'd really be missing out on. Sure you still get the core DTS track that can be decoded, but how many quality/reference discs out there utilize DTS-HD MA encodes?

I know we're still in the early stages of the media, and will obviously change as time goes on, but I think it would be interesting to have access to this data to inform buyers.

Universal and Fox uses DTS MA in all of their releases. Paramount and Disney dabble in it...but its very rare.

DTS MS Core is essentially DD+ on HD DVD.

Lionsgate also uses it sometimes.

Just look for a review of a particular title you're interested in, and it should tell you. There may be mistakes from time to time, but you can probably be about 97% sure it's correct.

Personally though, I wouldn't bother trying to decide what titles to buy based on the particular audio codec. You could always take advantage of the audio later when you get a new receiver. If you're concerned enough, maybe you shouldn't get that player.

I was thinking about this point before I check in on the thread. I suppose my main concern was if there was a majority of discs that utilize that codec, which I'd be out of luck based on my current setup (HK AVR330) and say a Samsung 2550.

In reality I don't think I'd be missing much. I'd still get great core audio, and the player can handle DTS-HD MA in the future when I get a new receiver. Plus, I do not think it has been confirmed for sure that a firmware upgrade won't enable onboard decoding.

Here is the site you want:

http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php

Currently 24.25% of all Region A Blu-rays have DTS-HD MA soundtracks.

Awsome! Exactly what I was looking for. 25% is higher than I thought honestly.

Also, so I'm clear DTS lossless is better than traditional DTS, correct?

I was looking at a player audio chart over at AVS and it sounds like the "smart" (i.e. does everything) buys for me would be the Panasonic 50, Pioneer 051 (?), or the Sony 550. Too bad I like Netflix feature on the Samsung. Honestly I shouldn't care though since I'll have that service via XBL in a month or two.

This article explains the different audio formats available on Blu-ray:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/1064

Josh - if I read that link correcty "DTS Core" = DTS but at a higher bit rate than DVD. Yes?

Basically correct, though a few dvds do have the full DTS bitrate tracks that would equal the DTS core of a DTS-HD MA soundtrack on a BD. There are a few DTS core tracks on BD that are actually at the more common 768 kbps DTS bitrate tracks found on dvds now.