SPDIF or PCM in dvd upscaler audio settings

[samwillc]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum. I've been searching the net for ages trying to find out more about sound settings etc as I'm new to all of this. Only just connected the telly to an amp the other day, proper far behind the rest of you probably.

Have got L, C, R, LS, and RS speakers and a sub set up in my living room. This is from a technics amp (no hdmi inputs, has optical ins for tv and dvd - amps a few years old, has 5 x 100W... dolby digital and dts stickers on the front).

Anyway, I have a dvd upscaler which connects to the amp via digital coaxial out, from the upscaler (dvd has no optical out) into a small 'converter' box and out via optical lead from that into the amp. I get dolby digital on the front of the amp (not yet moved onto better quality sound or a blu ray player, does my head in enough just trying to get this right).

Anyway, the dvd upscaler has sound options in the menu with a choice of two:

SPDIF

or

PCM

I have tried both settings but hear no difference. Amp is set to digital, analog setting on amp produces no sound at all.

I've been trying to find out the difference but to no avial. Could anyone tell me in simple terms if there is a difference or what the difference is? I thought both are digital sound out?? I'm well confused. Please could someone help? Also, I have never seen 'dts' light up on the front of the amp whever I've watched a dvd? Always says Dolby Digital in red letters.

Anyway, if anyone can help, thanks