M. Davis

This is all old news. I've seen the 820's at my local Circuit City for the past couple weeks. Like one other commented, I'll be waiting for the 920.

I have an older Sony from around 8 years ago and it's still going strong as Sony has always made quality stuff, in my humble opinion.

Having had a 5.1 set-up for just as long, and having since recently upgraded to a 52 inch LCD, I began looking for a new Sony receiver that would be able to output via HDMI with all the most current audio codecs. In my search I have found the STR-DG920 and am awaiting its release sometime late this month. 7.1 channel audio output, 4 HDMI audio ins, and DTS-HD MA make it a no-brainer for the price. I'm not familiar with Sony's ES line.

As for the PS3, Sony just released a firmware update making it compatible with Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It also supports bitstream and (currently) 2 ch. LCPM audio. Basically the bitstream audio is a compressed source made just small enough (2.5 MB per sec.?) so that optical cable and such can handle it. LCPM is a lossless, uncompressed audio source that is, according to what I've heard, the most true and pure version of what was mastered in the studio. Of course some also argue that with the new DTS-HD MA and Dolby True HD codecs there is little difference between a bitstreamed source and LCPM. Apples to oranges, and I think it all comes down to personal preference.

Anyway, I hope that helps a little. Happy listening/viewing.

...Yes sir Mr. Babcock, grocery delivery bright and early.
...Oh, what's that you say Mrs. Fredrickson, you'd like me to walk your dogs? Be there at 8am on the button.
...Well hello Mr. Papgeorgio. I surely DID mail that package for you; WallaWalla, Washington just like you said.
...Mom? Dad? Why don't you guys take the night off and go out. I don't know, maybe take in a movie or something. I've got $20 extra dollars saved from mowing Mrs. McGregor's lawn last week and I just couldn't spend it in good conscience knowing I have trash to take out and homework to do. Heck, I'll even babysit little Jimmothy.

(nauseatingly respectful)

The most beautiful young woman in attendance at the Halo 3 party and she accessorizes with a life size cardboard cutout of Dane... no, wait, that's really him. (Sigh)

Forgive me for coming late to the party, but do I understand correctly that I will need to access these maps using my original XBOX console and the old XBOX Live account I had for it? Am I not able to access these same maps by simply playing Halo 2 on my XBOX 360?