PCM or Bitstream For 2.1 Soundbar

We debate here about what to use: PCM or Bitstream for 2.1 soundbar fixtures. And the discussion is necessary because in our generic Bitstream vs PCM analysis, we did not go into specific multichannel fixtures and that is what readers are asking about. Each audiophile has its own settings and we have to go through them.

A 2.1 label describes the playback layout—left, right and a subwoofer—not the transport format. Do not select PCM or Bitstream from the channel count alone.

Start with PCM for ordinary stereo sources or when the soundbar accepts only stereo PCM. Use Bitstream, Auto or Pass-Through when the bar supports the source codec and you want it to decode Dolby, DTS or Atmos. The best choice is the highest format supported by the source, TV connection and soundbar together.

The same rule applies above 2.1: PCM does not automatically collapse a 3.1 or 7.1 system to left and right. HDMI eARC can carry multichannel LPCM; ARC and optical commonly limit PCM to stereo while still carrying certain encoded surround formats. If an Atmos bar has real height channels, its layout is normally written 2.1.2 or higher; a bar labelled 2.1 may instead virtualize Atmos.

PCM or Bitstream For Soundbar: Other Audio Channel Settings

The discussion of Bitstream or PCM for other channel settings in soundbars, such as more complex 3.1 or 7.1 fixtures that we can see in media rooms is studied here.

Creative 2.1 soundbar and subwoofer — This subwoofer from Creative fits sweetly into a 2.1 multichannel architecture along with a soundbar. Also Creative has one of the cheapest models that, however, sacrifices connectivity a bit.

HDMI Input Audio Format: Bitstream Or PCM

We have an article explaining that in the HDMI Input Audio Format, you must select Bitstream or PCM. As always in HiFi, the answer is “it depends “, but do not worry because we go through many cases there in that post.

HDMI Input Audio Format is a Samsung menu setting for incoming HDMI audio, not a proprietary Samsung transport technology. It is separate from Digital Output Audio Format, which controls what the TV sends to an external sound system.

If you do not have a Samsung TV, the exact menu name may not apply, but the same compatibility check still does: source output, TV audio output, connection bandwidth and soundbar support must all agree.

PCM or Bitstream For 2.1 Soundbar