Bitmapping , binary values (0 or 1). Bitmapping can be applied to various fields, such as images, sounds, and fonts. In this article, we will focus on bitmapping applied to sound, and more specifically to playing audio CDs on the PS3.
What is the benefit of bitmapping for the PS3?
The PS3 is a game console that can also play audio CDs, MP3 or AAC files, and output them to an amplifier or speakers. To do this, the PS3 has several audio settings that influence sound quality. Among these settings is bitmapping.
Bitmapping allows the digital audio signal to be adapted to the resolution of the PS3's or amplifier's digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The digital audio signal is composed of bits, which represent the sound level at any given moment. The number of bits per sample determines the signal's resolution, that is, its ability to reproduce sonic nuances. The higher the resolution, the more faithful the sound is to the original.
However, the resolution of the digital audio signal may not match that of the DAC that will convert it to an analog signal. For example, an audio CD has a resolution of 16 bits per sample, while the PS3's DAC has a resolution of 24 bits per sample. In this case, there is a discrepancy between the number of bits in the signal and the number of bits in the DAC.
This is where bitmapping comes in. Bitmapping involves adding or removing bits from the digital audio signal to match the resolution of the DAC. There are several types of bitmapping:
Normal bitmapping
It adds zeros to the least significant bits of the digital audio signal to bring it up to the DAC's resolution. For example, if the signal has a 16-bit resolution and the DAC a 24-bit resolution, normal bitmapping will add eight zeros to each sample. This type of bitmapping does not change the signal's volume, but it can introduce quantization noise.
Type 1 bitmapping
It adds random bits to the least significant bits of the digital audio signal to bring it up to the DAC's resolution. For example, if the signal has a 16-bit resolution and the DAC a 24-bit resolution, bitmapping type 1 will add 8 random bits to each sample. This type of bitmapping slightly alters the signal's volume level, but it reduces quantization noise.
Type 2 bitmapping
It adds random bits to the least significant bits of the digital audio signal to bring it up to the DAC's resolution, but it weights these bits according to the signal's volume level. For example, if the signal has a 16-bit resolution and the DAC a 24-bit resolution, bitmapping type 2 will add 8 random bits to each sample, but it will multiply these bits by a factor that depends on the signal's volume level. This type of bitmapping slightly alters the signal's volume level, but it further reduces quantization noise.
The choice of bitmapping type depends on personal preference and the equipment used. Some prefer not to use bitmapping and leave the digital audio signal as is. Others prefer to use bitmapping type 1 or 2 to reduce quantization noise and improve sound quality. There is no universal rule; you have to test and listen to the result.
How do I adjust the bitmapping on the PS3?
To adjust the bitmapping on the PS3, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the PS3 Settings menu
- Select Audio settings
- Select Digital Audio Output
- Choose the type of digital audio output according to the cable used (HDMI, optical or AV)
- Select Sampling Frequency
- Choose the sampling frequency according to the type of audio source (44.1 kHz for audio CDs, 48 kHz for DVDs or games, 88.2 kHz or 176.4 kHz for high-resolution sources)
- Select Bitmapping
- Choose the bitmapping type according to the DAC resolution (normal, type 1 or type 2)
There you have it, you now know everything about bitmapping and how to use it on the PS3. We hope you found this article helpful and enjoyed reading it. If you're a gamer with a passion for sound, you might also want to know about the best headset stands for gaming . These accessories allow you to store your headset in a stylish and practical way, while protecting the earcups and cable. To discover our selection of the best headset stands for gaming, click here. Feel free to share your comments or questions with us.
