TechDigs.net
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Oppo Digital just released its latest 
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Yes, Tim J. The DV-970HD and DV-981HD both support SACD. Oppo's user guide on the 970 don't mention HDMI only analog output for SACD. Yes, the OPDV971H is the only model that won't play SACDs. |
Tom H.
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This article perpetuates the myth that "upscaling" offers substantial performance benefits over a well-designed 480p units. MPEG decoding, deinterlacing, and core video performance all make a difference. Scaling 720x480 to 1080i or 1080p just doesn't. If viewers could reliably tell the difference in a blind test between two otherwise identical players, one upscaling and the other outputting 480p. I'd be stunned. |
TechDigs.net
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Tom H. Thanks for the feedback. We agree that there's a lot of hype around upscaling. That said, our experience in side-by-side tests with good 480i and 480p DVD players is that there's also a real benefit in the good upscaling players like the Oppo. The question is the video processor. If you have a dedicated video processor (e.g. DVDO iScan or similar) or a very high-end built-in unit (few average HDTVs have them), the benefit of the higher-end video processor in an upscaling DVD player is probably not there. However, if you don't have a good video processor in your HDTV (which many people don't), the video processors in these upscaling units do make a difference on larger-sized fix-pixel (non-CRT) displays. Are they as good as true HD content players, no. Are they worth $150 to $250, for many people we say yes. When used with average to low-end HDTV, they really can help a lot. Thanks again for the comments. TechDigs.net |
Dan P.
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When watching a movie I like all my components (DVD player and receiver) to be inconspicuous. Do you have the option to turn off the front display panel? And if so, is that setting preserved in non-volatile memory so it doesn't have to be reset every time you cut off the power to the unit? |
Dan S.
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Tom H. and TechDigs: So, if I have a new Sony 1080p LCD HDTV, is it worth it to get an upscaling player? Or should I just look for a really good 480p player? If the latter, any suggestions that are cheaper than the Oppo and offer all the playback options? Thanks in advance, Dan |
TechDigs.net
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Dan P. Yes, you have the ability to: 1) Leave All On 2) Turn off just the LED buttons (leaving the vacuum fluorescent display on) 3) Dim All 4) Turn all of (not just LED, but also the VFD text) Unfortunately, none of them are maintained through cutting the power and #4 isn't even maintained when turning off the unit. In my opinion an oversight. I spoke with Oppo today and they said they are re-evaluating this and may change the setting with a firmware update. I guess we'll have to wait and see. TechDigs.net |
TechDigs.net
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Dan, on the whether the Oppo makes sense for a Sony 1080p LCD HDTV. Two questions in my mind: 1) Which Sony model (size & model #) do you have? 2) How large is your DVD library (do you rent or own). 3) Do you have any plans for hi-def players (including PS3 or Xbox 360 HD-DVD). In general, I'd say if you have a really cheap DVD player now, the Oppo probably isn't a bad decision. If you don't own DVDs and want to spend the $$$ on hi-def (not something I recommend right now), then the Oppo may not make sense. |
Dan (S.)
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Ha, I can't believe 2 Dans posted questions at the same time. Good thing Dan P. added an initial. I will now forever make sure to call myself Dan S. As to your questions, 1. I have the 40v2500 2. I probably have about 75-80 DVDs, and I watch them a good deal. 3. I am comfortable waiting 18-24 months for the 'Hi-def Wars' to settle down. I have an old (maybe 3 years or so) Toshiba 5-disc player. It is being moved somewhere else, so I will be buying SOMETHING to replace it. I am looking at everything from the 'cheap' Philips upconverter, to the Samsung 960, to the Oppo 981. I think the 'region-freeness' of the Oppo, in addition to the DVD-A and SACD capabilities are making me lean in that direction. BUT, if I would not see a big difference in PQ or SQ from an 'only' 480p DVD player (that still is region-free and plays those audio formats), AND is cheaper, I'd like to add it to my list. Do you know any models that Tom H. was referring to? Thanks again for your help. Nice site. Dan S. |
BeenThere2
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Can you please do a side by side comparison of this unit VS. the NeoDigits HELIOS H4000? Here's a link: http://neodigits.com/new/body/products/h4000/h4000.asp They seem to be similar in their features, and the H4000 is about $60 less (plus it includes the HDMI cable). I'm curious to how they stack up against each other. I know that the H4000 also has VGA out, and unlike a lot of other units, it upscales through the analog component ports as well as the HDMI port. Thanks. -BT2 |
TechDigs.net
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Dan S. I think you will definitely notice a difference. Coming in digital (HDMI) as opposed to analog (component) and the fact that the video processing in the Oppo will exceed that of your Sony for upscaling makes it worth it in my mind. The known good quality 480p DVD players that got previously good reviews are being eclipsed by not only upscaled digital connections, but also good video processing quality. In our opinion, the is an example of this -- great balance of price and quality. Historically, you would have paid much more for (usually over $500) for the same or lesser quality. I can't recommend a cheaper non-upscaled DVD players over the Oppo with an HDTV like yours. I also haven't been very impressed with other sub $200 upscalers like Samsung's low-end model. We have a Helios on the way and will be testing that soon. Unfortunately Amazon doesn't yet have it, they're return policy is excellent. However, Oppo offers a 30 day money back guarantee. Unfortunately, they don't refund shipping like Amazon. My suggestion is buy one and if it doesn't warrant the extra $100 to $150, return it. We'll be interested in how it works for you. Thanks for the kind words! |
TechDigs.net
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BT2: You read my mind. We have an H4000 on the way. More info to come. |
HellasVagabond
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How can people tell if their Upscaler Built In their HDTVs is good or not ? I dont want to buy the Oppo 981 only to find out that i get 0 improvement over my Philips 963SA with Film Mode enabled on my SONY 55A2000 ( EU MODEL ). SO id rather see an test between Built In Scalers rather than more DVD Tests. |
TechDigs.net
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HellasVagabond: It's a tough problem for reviewers (thousands of combinations) and you're asking the right questions. The improvement from a high-end 480p player like the 936SA with decent upscaling in the 55A2000, probably means the benefit of the Oppo would be limited. If your set was an XBR2 model, with it's better scaler, I couldn't recommend the Oppo unless you had a very low-end, budget-level DVD player (under $75 US or very old). With an older, but good, player, you're right on the border line. Frankly, your own ability and tendency to pick out deficiencies will determine the value you receive from going to the Oppo. So, would I do it? Yes, but only if I could return it. However, after getting the Oppo, I did keep it in my case. You might enjoy some of the other capabilities like DivX and you will gain some benefit from a digital connection to the TV, but overall, the improvement will be marginal for most viewers. Good luck, let us know what you do. TechDigs.net |
Larry R.
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I am currently using a Denon 1910 upscaling player with a sharp DT500 Projector. The 1910 also does double duty witha samsung 42" hi def plasma. Neither of these displays do 1080p. I am intrigued with all of oppos good press. Am I going to see a big difference in picture quality with the oppo? |
HellasVagabond
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Actually the 55A2000 EU model IS the same as the USA XBR2...At least it has the same insides as the XBR2 but has the same cell as the USA 55A2000. So far the quality im receiving is breathtaking in conjuction with the TVs Film Mode which makes the film almost Life-Like. Sure i can return the oppo if i get it but i will loose 50$ in Shipping Fees if it aint that Good. A test of the oppo981 in comparison with older high-end dvd players with film mode on is such screens would be a good thing. I would make such a review and i will if i decide to get my hands on the oppo or just wait to get the Toshiba HDDVA A2 or the Samsung BlueRay. |
TechDigs.net
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HellasVagabond: I didn't realize that about the EU model, thanks for the info. Based on your experience, I don't think the Oppo will add much at all. The scaling in the XBR probably isn't as good as the Oppo. However, to me the decision to buy technology like the Oppo isn't instead of HD-DVD/Blu-ray, it's really for extending the life of a DVD collection. In your situation, you've already extended the life of your DVDs with a great DVD player (the Philips) and the XBR with its good scaler. For others, the Oppo can add a lot of value if they don't have a good solution. Besides, it's not clear which high-def format will prevail – or will it be digital distribution. When those players are closer to $200 and the winner is clearer, then that will be an easier decision. For now, one can't be pinching pennies and considering either of those formats. |
HellasVagabond
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Well 450$ for a BlueRay Player ( Samsung ) Isnt much even now considering i gave 500$ to get the 963SA 2 years back. However im sure that OPPO will produce a BlueRay or HDDVD device soon that wont cost above 400$ in order to go up against brands like Samsung , Sony , Toshiba , LG , Panasonic. Id rather wait for one of these.. |
anders
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The Oppo sounds great, now I just needs to know what kind of speakers I should go with? My TV is a Sony 40XBR3. Any ideas? I neeed a 2.1 set up, since the wife won't like the speaker cables running across the floor and I don't want the wire less. |
TechDigs.net
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Anders: Speakers are very personal and dependent on the room, what you watch, etc. Do you have a home theater receiver? If not, then I would seriously consider the Yamaha YSP-1100 Sound Projector and a sub-woofer. You'll get decent surround sound (not as good as a true 5.1 speaker system, but not bad) and it includes the audio amp, etc., if you don't already have it. Good luck. |
Jason
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I'd appreciate some help here. I have a BenQ PE8720 with the built in Oplus scaler. I'm trying to figure out if I will get more visual bang out of my SD DVD buck if I pick up the Oppo 981 to handle my upscaling instead of using the in-projector scaler. Any advice is truly apprecaited. |
TechDigs.net
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Jason: Not knowing what DVD player you have, I'll assume it's pretty decent. Also, I haven't formally reviewed the BE8720. However, what I have seen of it is that the video processing in the 8720 is excellent. Unless I'm mistaken, I think it's Faroudja DCDi, not the Oplus. That's also what's in the Oppo. If you have a decent DVD player, I don't think you'll get much benefit with the Oppo. The only benefits I can think of are reducing cables to your projector (switching HDMI) and flexible playback options like DivX, SACD and DVD-Audio. |
MS
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I own a 1080i , 50 inch VIZIO plasma HDTV which has farroudja DCDi chipset built-in although I am not sure how much role it plays when hooked up to a DVD player through HDMI . My current DVD player is PANASONIC DMR-ES46 which is sort of middle end . Some movies like "Zorro 2 " don't appear that crisp while some others like "fantastic 4" appear more sharp . Would oppo DV-981HD help improve anything in my case ? Thanks . |
TechDigs.net
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MS: My experience with that Vizio display is that the Oppo implementation of the Faroudja DCDi is better than the Vizio. You'll still see a difference between those DVDs, but the overall picture should improve some. Don't expect miracles. |
HD-Diddy
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Hello Everyone, Thanks for the great advice. I have the Sony 40v2500 LCD as well and am goin to purchase the OPPO DV-981HD player now. I am looking for a small 2.1 surround sound to accompany my home theatre. The Yamaha YSP-1100 is out of my budget for surround sound. Do you have any other recomendations? Just looking for something to listen to DVD's and my Ipod. Thanks! |
TechDigs.net
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HD-Diddy: For a 2.1 surround system, we haven't looked at many beyond the Yamaha YSP systems. The 800 is less than the 1100 and performs very well. Based on cursory listens, two solid budget choices worth listening to are the Soundmatters MainstageHD (http://www.soundmatters.com/mainstagehd.html) and Sharp SD-SP10 (http://www.sharpusa.com/products/ModelLanding/0,1058,1738,00.html). I wouldn't consider them as good as the 1100, but for their under $400 price, definitely a prospect. |
Norm
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Hi Guys, I have read a lot of reviews and I still don't know witch player to buy I own a Hitachi 57f500 Projection 1080i HDTV Format CRT Display,I wrote Oppo and they suggest the 971 the only problem is it doesn't support SACD,would the 981 do the job for this TV set? Thank You. |
TechDigs.net
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Norm: They're right, if you don't want SACD the 971 is great. However, if you want SACD, the 981 would also be a great match. Just run it at 1080i (use the HDMI button to switch it). Also, you'll need an HDMI to DVI cable -- don't spend much, you don't need to. |
Mark F
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I have a Panasonic plasma and am considering one of the OPPO DVD players. The Panasonic includes both HDMI and component inputs. I was looking at the 971H since 720p is probably all I will ever use (the display handles 720p and 1080i). I see that the 971H uses DVI, but comes with a DVI-HDMI adapter cable, however, the audio is separate. This creates a small problem when switching from my HDMI cable box (which includes audio) to the 971H. I think on my display, the line level audio inputs are associated with the component video inputs. I don't know if I can display video from the HDMI source and audio from the component source. This seems awkward so that's why I'm looking at the 981HD. With this unit, I can just use an HDMI switch box to switch between the cable box and the DVD player. I also read that the 981HD will not work with displays that are not HDCP compatable. I looked at all the info on my display and nowhere does it mention anything about HDCP. Does anyone have any further information about this issue? Thanks |
TechDigs.net
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Mark F. If you are using your TV for audio, it can present problems. In that case, the 981 might be simpler. In terms of HDCP, if your display is HDMI, by definition HDMI has HDCP built-in. So the 981 probably makes the most sense to you. A solution I don't recommend (because of cost), but something to be aware of is a DVI Audio to HDMI adapter (http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3570). While it doesn't make sense at $299, I thought you might find it interesting. |
Did I do the right thing?
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Hi all! Great job on the reviews TechDigs!!! Very helpfull! I own a 40XBR2 and was in need of a good Upconverting DVD player. After reading many good things about the OPPO 981 on the http://avsforum.com/,I decided to go for it. I could've gotten the cheaper OPPO 970 but wanted the Genesis/Faroudja Chipset. So I ordered the 981. It's on it's way. Now I'm reading here that the XBR2 will do a sufficient job on upscalling versus the OPPO 981. That's great. In your opinion, should I keep the OPPO 981 or return it and get the 970 instead. Hmmmm... never an easy purchase now-a-days!  Thanks in advance! |
TechDigs.net
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Hello 'Did I do the right thing?' Thanks for the kind words. The 40XBR2 is very good and does a pretty good job upscaling, but not perfect. The Oppo 970 is really designed to complement high-end external processors like the DVDO iScan as opposed to a built-in Faroudja's in HDTVs. So will the 40XBR2 be as good upscaling with the with the 970 as it will with the 981. It'll probably compete, but in the end the 981 would win. This is especially true as Oppo is known to continue to improve their devices with firmware, so they would likely push the Faroudja further than you might see Sony push it. The question previously asked was whether to replace an existing high-end 480p DVD with the 981, that was tougher if you weren't planning on spending the $$$. However, if you are buying a new DVD player anyway and have a 1080p set, I definitely would recommend the 981 over the 970 -- unless you wanted to implement something like and iScan and unprocessed 480i over HDMI (which is what the 970 excels at). So, I would stick with the 981 if it were me. Good luck. Let us know what you think. |
David
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Hi, I'm considering buying this player and use it with my Hitachi 42PD9700 but I was wondering... For the same price I can get a Denon 1930 (friends of mine will get it for me with the same price tag as the Oppo), so I'm really wondering which one of these two player is the best... Thanks in advance |
TechDigs.net
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David: They're both good players with very similar specs, best is not easy to pick here. The component output option of the 1930 gives it an edge -- if that's useful to you. Also, if you're a 'Denon home' with CI implemented, then the Denon will also give you that. The multi-region option in the Oppo is easier to implement (Denon requires a firmware upgrade with some mixed reviews). From casual views (we haven't done a 1930 review yet), the Denon may perform better playing SACD. The Oppo appears to have a few performance benefits over the Denon when it comes to the Faroudja implementation including 3:2 pulldown artifacts and burned DVD playback compatibility. In both cases these are subjective and you'll get differing opinions from respective fans. Oppo tends to tweak their firmware more than most manufacturers and provides updates more often - one could argue that's bug fixing, however there have been real benefits in their updates on the 971. Oppo comes with an HDMI cable, Denon doesn't (not worth too much, but worth noting). In all, that's a pretty wishy-washy answer, because frankly they're pretty close. When we do our test of the 1930, we may be able to provide a better answer. However, our current thinking now you'll be hard-pressed to see too many differences. At the same price, you won't go wrong with either. For most buyers who would have to over US$100 for the Denon, the Oppo is clearly the better buy. |
Alan
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Using a Sony 40 inch XBR2 or 3, which are supposed to have good upconversion & signal processing, I'd really like to see the following comparison: DV-970HD using it's native 480i HDMI output & upconverting in the Sony TV vs: DV-981HD using it's 1080p upconversion & HDMI output & going directly into the Sony TV. If the Sony upconversion is really good, it would save $80 on the DVD player. |
TechDigs.net
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Alan: On the XBR2, I would definitely get the 981, the results will be better. We haven't tried the XBR3, but since it has the same DRC (2.5) that the XBR2 has, the recommendation is probably the same. Unfortunately, the scaler in the XBRs isn't as good as that in the 981 for use with the unscaled 480i signal from the 970 (which only can compete when it goes into to a very high-end scaler - one that is better processors included in most displays). |
L. Hastings
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Sorry if this has been asked somewhere and I missed it. I recently bought a Westinghouse 47" LCD TV and DVD's look "OK" with my progressive-scan DVD player I'd like to know how much of a difference the new Oppo player would make. I think the TV itself has a Faroudja processor (not 100% sure though). Would I notice a big difference between the player I'm using now and the new Oppo? Thanks. |
TechDigs.net
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L.Hastings: You'll notice an improvement with the processor in the 981 over using the Westinghouse scaler. Whether it's worth $230, is a personal decision. If you watch a lot of DVDs, it's probably a good investment. If you mostly watch broadcast HDTV, HBO, etc., it may not be. |
Bagman
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I have a Sony SXRD KDSR50XBR1 Projection TV. I bought the OPPO 981 a few weeks ago (to replace an older Sony 480P DVD plater); about the only thing i have had time to watch was a Santana concert that probably was not that good to start with. I read on the OPPO site that the 981 needed to be "carefully calibrated" when used with a DLP TV. I also noticed the comments above relative to the quality of the upscaler in the TV versus the 981. I run the HDMI thru a Yamaha RSV2600 but it is set to passthru. My questions are: When OPPO says it needs to be calibrated I don't know if they are talking about the TV or the 981; I assume the TV. Do you know if this applies to an LCD rear projection such as the Sony SXRD. Also, is the OPPO 981 a better upscaler than the Sony SXRD XBR1? In other words, did I make a good purchasde? |
TechDigs.net
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Bagman: Yes, the 981 has a better scaler than the XBR1. In terms of the calibration, it depends on your set. The Oppo 981 has about 5% increments in calibration, your TV set probably is more granular (more adjustable). So in general, your TV set is the best place to do it. |
Steve
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I have an oppo 971 feeding the Top of the line Sony XBR 32" Digital 4:3 CRT with 16x9 display ability at 480p, 720p and 1080i. When I use the oppo 971 I notice these oddities. 1. Each resolution setting on the oppo produces a change in black level. 480p being the grayest milkiest black and 1080i being the blackest black. 2. When trying to play a 4:3 (1.33:1) TV show or any film with an aspect ratio less than 16x9 (1.77:1) at 720p or 1080i the result is a vertically squashed image. It does not expand to it's normal aspect ratio. Example: "Quatermass and the Pit" is 1.66:1 and at 720p and 1080i it is vertically squashed even though I have a 4:3 TV with the ability to vary its display aspect. Only when outputting at 480p will the DVD player output movies and TV shows at their proper recorded aspect ratio and allow my TV to sense and adjust for that. 3. Even after calibration using a test disc it is clear the 971 has a yellow cast to it and emphasizes yellows and desaturates blues. Mystic from X-Men looks more black than blue. My Sony DVPNS725P DVD player displays her as blue like I saw her in the theatre. Is there anything that can be done? I hate having to shift to 480p when I want to watch TV shows because the black level comes up significantly and requires me to recalibrate to avoid washout. |
TechDigs.net
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Steve: We no longer have a 971 test unit to test out your problems. My suggestion is that you call Oppo [1-650-961-1118]. They're tech support is excellent and they can probably help you with your problems. Let us know what you find out. |
Brooks
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I have a Pioneer 433 (commercial) 42" plasma that has RGBH component and a DVI inputs on a second card I purchased. My Sony DVD recorder has RGB but no digital output, so I am using the composite connection. The Oppo 981 might be a big improvement. What HDMI to DVI cable do you suggest? |
TechDigs.net
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Brooks: It doesn't matter much. It's a digital signal and we haven't seen a difference from the budget cables to the really expensive Monster cables. There's too much made of cables when it comes to digital signals. So, the US$12 to US$30 cables you'll find at Amazon.com and Buy.com will work just fine. Also, you can get an adapater such as (http://www.buy.com/prod/ Acoustic_Research_AP_088_Performance_Series_HDMI_DVI_Ad apter/q/loc/111/90140123.html) for an existing cable and I think you'll be satisfied. |
TechDigs.net
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An important update for everyone who is going from HDMI to DVI is to turn on RGB Enhanced. This is an undocumented feature in the Video Setup Menu. This will substantially improve the pictures and reduce macro blocking on DVI sets. It can also be turned on HDMI sets, but it won't have any impact. |
Lewis
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I have a Sony KDS 50A2000 HDTV and an old Sony DVP-NS300 DVD player. I'm sure the Oppo 981 would do better than my current DVD player, but how much better? |
Chad
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I have a mitsubishi ws-55315 projection tv with 1080i resolution. I am using a Sony dvp-ns755v progressive dvd player now. Am I going to notice much difference with the oppo? I purchased a Samsung HD-860 upconverter and my sony looked much better. |
TechDigs.net
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Chad: The WS-55315 doesn't upscale well, but because it's a CRT projector, it tends to look a bit better than fixed-pixel displays. Even so, I think you'll notice a difference. The 981 is overkill for this set, but if you plan to replace it, the 981 gives you more for a future 1080p set. The 971 would be a better match for the WS-55315 since it's 1080i. Regardless, you'll definitely want to calibrate your set if you haven't. Your last sentence is a bit confusing. The HD-860 is a DVD player, so is the Sony you're referring to another TV (not the TV in your original question)? Regardless, the Oppo 981 and 971 performs substantially better in a few different areas such as 3:2 pull-down than the HD-860. |
TechDigs.net
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Lewis: 'but how much better' is really tough to answer. The scaler in the 981 is better than in your Sony. Will you notice a difference, probably. Will you be glad you spent $230 for that difference -- it depends. How much do you watch DVDs? How less satisfied are you with your current DVD setup than say HDTV. Not that I'm suggesting that the 981 will get close to an HDTV signal, just that if you aren't dissatisfied with the current difference, there's no point in upgrading. Will it change your life? No. Will it make your DVDs look a bit sharper with more detail and less artifacts than you currently have. Yes. Is that worth $230? Only you can answer that. |
Darryl G.
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I recently purchased Mitsubishi WD-57732 (1080p). I can find any info on what upscaling processing chip it has (assume their Plush1080p). Do you have any idea which one? Currently it's connected to Sony NC665P Progressive Scan dvd player (using component cables). DVDs look great with the WD-57732 upscaling . Will the Oppo DV-981HD upscale processor exceed the TV's processor to provide noticeably better picture quality? Thanks in advance TechDigs. |
TechDigs.net
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Darryl G: Unfortunately, we don't have experience with the WD-57732. Based on our experience with other sets in the same price/capability range, I'd say you would experience better picture quality. How much better? Not as much as between your current DVD setup and broadcast HDTV. Regardless, with a DLP, you'll need to calibrate black levels if you were to get the Oppo. If DVDs look great now, then the old 'if it ain't broke...' may apply. |
fireballmivec
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Hi Great job on the reviews TechDigs! I own a Hitachi LCD and was planning to upgrade my 720p HT projector to the latest Mitsubishi HC5000 1080p projector. After reading many good reviews about the OPPO 981,I decided to get it. I am using the cheaper OPPO 970 and the DV-S9 Pioneer DVD player but wanted the new Faroudja Chipset. So I ordered the 981. In your opinion, should I keep the OPPO 981 for my HD LCD Hitachi and get Sony P3 for the Mit. Hmmmm... spending too much. |
TechDigs.net
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If you're going to pair a DVD withh the 720p HT, then I'd just do the 971. Saves a few bucks and handles 720p as well as the 981 -- unless you want to do SACD or DVD-Audio. For the HC5000, I'm assuming you mean PS3 when you say P3. If you're a gamer and want Blu-ray, that is reasonable. As a Blu-ray player, it's okay, but a bit noisy. If you're not a gamer, I suggest you hold off a few weeks to get a clearer picture of Blu-ray/HD-DVD at CES. There could be some interesting news including LGs Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo. Also, the PS3 won't perform as well as the Oppo upscaling standard def DVDs. Hope that helps. |
Daniel
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When it comes to cd rebook through analogue output is it true the 970hd is superior than the 981hd?? |
TechDigs.net
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Daniel: The DV-970HD has an audio-only mode that turns off video circuitry to eliminate any potential interference. In terms of format support, the 970 and 981 support the same formats (SACD, DVD-Audio, redbook, etc.). So yes, overall the DV-970HD does do audio a bit better than the DV-981HD, however the DV-970HD isn't a great match for video if you don't have a high-end video processor (external such as an DVDO iScan or very high-end internal system on the higher end HDTVs). While it does upscale to 720p/1080i, it really excels at a digital 480i signal over HDMI so that a good scaler can turn upscale the data using the cleanest possible So, if you care about video and don't have a high-end video processor, I wouldn't get the DV-970HD. The 971 and 981 will perform better. However, if audio is your primary focus or you have such a processor, the 970 is a good unit. |
Norm
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Thank you very much for your help on a previous question  I have another question for you, i have a Hitachi 57f500 and you tell me that the 981 would be a good match, but would you know if my Hitachi is HDCP compliant? I've read all the specs and can't find anything? |
TechDigs.net
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Norm: My memory of the 57f500 was that it was one of the early DVI HDTVs with HDCP and I'm aware of other 57f500 users having success with upscaling DVD players that require HDCP. However, like you, I can't confirm HDCP definitively in the specs. While a few 'sales' sites on the net reference DVI with HDCP, Hitachi's own product archive online doesn't state it. Do you use HD cable over DVI from an cable box with HBO or similar? If so it definitely requires HDCP so you have it. I'm sorry I can't give you a definitive answer. |
Norm
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Hi TechDigs, Forget about the previous question i found the info on another site (Digital RGB Input (DVI w/HDCP) . Thanks anyway and keep up the good work . |
Alan
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TechDigs said "So yes, overall the DV-970HD does do audio a bit better than the DV-981HD, however the DV-970HD isn't a great match for video if you don't have a high-end video processor (external such as an DVDO iScan or very high-end internal system on the higher end HDTVs). While it does upscale to 720p/1080i, it really excels at a digital 480i signal over HDMI so that a good scaler can turn upscale the data using the cleanest possible" Question: What higher-end HDTV's have the very high end internal systems you describe? Thanks, Alan |
TechDigs.net
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Alan: Obviously it varies and depending on what you're trying to watch different models do better than others. To get a better feel for performance areas, look at the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark (http://techdigs.net/content/view/59/42/) which gives you a good idea of various parameters. Off the top of my head, at $4,000 the Sony KDS-R60XBR2 (rear projection) performs well in many the parameters including 3:2 pull-down. At $8,000, the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 Plasma also does well, although still not as good as the 981 - but close. Examples of the higher end projectors do really well include the Sony VPL-VW100 & VPL-VW50 and Sharp XV-Z20000. There are clearly others, but they vary and depend on which factors are most important to you. While some may equal the 981, it's hard for an HDTVs costing less than $5,000 to substantially beat the 981. However, because they upscale any signal, they'll help other sources like PS2 games and Wii games. But if DVDs are your focus, the 981 is one of the least expensive ways get improvement. Especially as we start to see more low-end 1080p sets such as the new 47" 1080p Vizio. |
Tommc
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I am planning to buy the Sharp Aquos LC-42D62U TV, would the Oppo DV-981HD player be an excelent match to the Sharps 1920x1080p resolution? Is the Oppos up-converter better than the one in the Sharp LC TV? Sharp has 2 HDMI connections. I had earler concered getting the Samsung DVD 860HD player with HDMI connection and cable here in Chile. In Chile I do not have many choices from excelent to good DVD player with HDMI connections. How would you rate the Samsung player? Thanks, Tom |
Darthfunk
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I currenty own the Oppo 970 which is hook up directly to my 32" Sharp LC-32BX5M LCD TV (1366 x 76 http://www.sharp.com.sg/SharpProducts/products_main.asp?prodCatID=10&prodSubCatID=36 would upgrading to a Oppo 981 benefit me in terms of PQ? I dont think my Sharp LCD has a good scaler. Is it true the Faroudja video chip set on the 981 is superior than mediatek on the 970? If the 981 can give me a better PQ than the 970 its definitly worth the upgrade for me. Thoughts? |
TechDigs.net
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Tommc: I think you would benefit from the Oppo 981, it's upcoverting capability is better than that of the Sharp LCD you refer to. The Oppo 981 substantially out-performs the Samsung in resolution and video processing. |
TechDigs.net
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Darthfunk: The 970 doesn't have the scaling capability of either the 981 or 971. Given your HDTV is not 1080p capable, the 981 is overkill. The 971, would be an improvement, but only in artifact reduction and issues like 3:2 pull-down. How much you'll notice this at 32" is debatable, but I think you would find some improvement. |
Tommc
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Thanks for the needed info concerning the Oppos with the Sharp LC TV. How would you rate the Samsung DVD 860HD against other low cost players using HDMI and component cables? I fully expected that the Oppo 981,971 would be the best. I need a second player to use before I can order and receive the Oppos 981HD here in Chile. Would I be better off finding a player to hook up to the Sharp using just the component cables? I plan to use this player in another room with a CRT TV,a Sony 29 inch. after getting the Oppos player. Thanks, Tom in Chile. |