PS3 Slim gains ability to bitstream Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA

What can't the PS3 Slim do? [Play PS2 games? Run Linux? - Bitter Ed.] Sony's upcoming revised PlayStation 3 may be cheaper than a launch system, but it's already gaining a few very small, almost inconsequential features that help push it past the last generation of PS3s. In addition to the PlayStation 3's connectivity with Bravia televisions, the new PS3 will also be able to output Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio via bitstream.

Now, before you go chucking your old PS3 systems out the window saying "OMG it's totally worthless!" remember this: you should actually know what bitstream is and what it means to the average consumer. First-generation PS3s can output in TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, but they can only do so through linear PCM. While this works quite well for most receivers, some audiophiles need support for bitstream audio when handling uncompressed sound. If you're already getting confused by the terminology, fret not: the new PS3 has nothing you can really benefit from.