Anyone know if the PS3 will support audio via the optical out and HDMI at the same time? I have a new TV with HDMI, but my receiver doesn't have HDMI. 360 supports this but I wanted to make sure PS3 did as well.

I send HDMI video to my TV and an optical audio cable out to my receiver with no trouble.

Thanks!

i guess your question is wrong then? you DONT want to send audio at the same time?

you want video through HDMI and audio through optical?

if so then JD answered your question.

I guess I worded it poorly. I want to use the receiver (optical) for audio and the HDMI for video. So at the same time. But both audio/video from hdmi doesn't matter the speakers on the home theatre are so much better then the tv.

I just assumed that's what he wanted to do because I had to deal with the same problem. You just have to make sure you go into the system audio settings and set the outputs. Also make sure you have the BD playback set to bitstream instead of PCM otherwise you'll just be listening to stereo.

Good tip about the bitstream. How do you like the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player?

It's actually my main DVD player now. The only point of comparison I have is the Tosh A2. It loads much more quickly and standard def DVDs look better. I haven't had any other Blu-Ray players hooked up to my TV to do any direct comparisons, but I'm certainly pleased with its performance. Some will note fan noise as an issue -- and I noticed this when I had the player inside my TV stand -- but if it's in a well-ventilated space I doubt you'll have a problem. Even with the fan on full blast its really not that loud.

And if you're playing Rock Band, you need to actually change the audio settings in the game in order to output Dolby Digital. Just another tip that may or may not be of use. This took me a few days to figure out... just another reason why I should read manuals.

How would you compare the menus and basic in movie functionality to HD-DVD? I use my 360 HD-DVD for HD movies and the 360 drive for HDMI Upconverted DVDs and they look great. But I used to watch them on a component Toshiba player that was 5 years old, so the newer player and HDMI upscaling helps alot.

Both function relatively similarly. I do suggest you pick up the bluetooth remote for the PS3. It's a worthy purchase. The controllers are maddening for BD play.