FLAC

rbpett · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 7

I just (finally) got XUBUNTU 9.10 installed on my PS3 for the purpose of playing FLAC files. However, I'm using the TOSLINK to connect to my A/V receiver - is the PS3 converting the FLAC files to PCM in order to send over the TOSLINK? What's the best way to play FLAC files without converting/trans-coding them? Thanks!

The Seventh Taylor · Joined: 17 Aug 2007 Posts: 401

You want to send FLAC across Toslink? Why would you want to do that? Do you have an A/V receiver that will decode FLAC? Never heard of any.

And what else is FLAC than losslessly compressed PCM? 'Decoding' it is basically just decompressing it to regular PCM.

rbpett · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 7

I guess what I need to find out is what is the best way to play multi-channel flac or "hi-res" flacs on my stereo receiver? I downloaded some "Hi-res" tracks from HDTracks.com. I wasn't sure the best way to get them to my receiver - over a PS-3? HDTracks.com says I will need a D/A converter - my computer can play the flac files, why can't I send them to my receiver digitally? HDMI cable? I need help. Why bother downloading HD tracks if you can't play them over your nice stereo system?

Brandon B · Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Posts: 392

As Taylor notes, no receivers exist that decode FLAC. The usual way around this is to have your computer hooked to your nice stereo system, and either have it convert the FLAC to PCM, or to analog and send that to your receiver.

Or you will need some bridge device at your stereo to do this, such as a roku, sonos or apple TV.

The Seventh Taylor · Joined: 17 Aug 2007 Posts: 401

Precisely, let your PC do the FLAC-to-PCM conversion (decompression may be a better term) and let your receiver do the D/A conversion.

rbpett · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks for your help guys.

mister_playboy · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

As I Ubuntu user, I'd be interested to hear how your PS3 Linux experience goes. I installed Yellow Dog Linux on my PS3 back in 2007, and it was a mostly thankless task.

I've heard it's much better now, but I haven't bothered to try it since I primarily use my PS3 for Folding@Home these days.

rbpett · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 7

Mister Playboy, I would say it's not worth it. I was very determined to get Ubuntu 9.10 installed and was eventually successful (xubuntu actually) after hours of reading and re-trying different isos for installs. So I eventually got the win, but not in the bigger picture. ubuntu runs SLOOOOOOOWWWWW on the PS3. Even using the video ram trick. Just not worth the hassle. I'm tempted to put my shuttle p4 htpc back in my entertainment center, but I think I'll keep waiting for a good passively cooled system to be affordable. I used to use BeyondTV before digital cable, and the interface was awesome, but once digital was the norm and I wanted an HD solution, I moved to Tivo, which works GREAT. Still looking for a media library gateway solution for my home theater, and think I'll wait for this:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/26/shuttles-xs35-nettop-is-3-3cm-thin-too-nice-to-hide-behind-you/