My UDP900 converts DSD automatically and unwillingly to PCM once I connect an hdmi cable to either main and/or audio only outputs. Remove both cables and the display will show DSD. HDMI audio format is set to Bitstream, SACD output to DSD. Is there a firmware update to correct this. My pre-amp can decode dsd.
There is no sound through the main hdmi (tv) when playing SACD.
I've run into one of the 2 situations you describe, the TV related one (don't have an AV receiver hence can't answer the first part).
When I tried playing audio from an SACD to my TV's soundbar (or to the TV's internal speakers) I also had no audio out. I connect my player to one of the HDMI inputs on my TV and the eARC port on the TV to my soundbar's eARC port.
For my TV and soundbar, both Sony products, no SADC playback is by design. Neither will decode that signal. I found buried in the soundbar manual (Bravia Home Theater Bar 9) and the TV's manual (Bravia 7) that neither can play a DSD stream.
In my system I use the analog outputs to my audio gear. I tried to play through the soundbar or TV just to see if it worked, when it didn't and I found that tidbit in the manuals I quit trying any other settings.
