do you guys think the new Blu Ray Player from Oppo has the potential to be a better Blu Ray player than the PS3?

Off topic...but...better in what way?

-Bill

Does oppo still sell the 983 from their site? Was probably going to buy one now that the blu ray player has been stated to not be region free. Also, do they sell refurbished like they did in the past? thanks

Does oppo still sell the 983 from their site?

What does it say when you check the site?

Also, do they sell refurbished like they did in the past? thanks

I think availability varies day to day so you have to contact them and ask.

-Bill

Off topic...but...better in what way?

-Bill


video quality

video quality

I've done no A/B testing of Blu-ray players myself, but the consensus at AVSForum seems to be that when displaying 1080p images from 1080p24 Blu-ray sources (which is how most film-based titles are authored), most players are about the same.

Other types of content, like DVD, are a different matter.

-Bill

[QUOTE=wmcclain;15523649]What does it say when you check the site?

It gives a link to their upcoming BD player and not a price or order form for their 983 dvd player.

It gives a link to their upcoming BD player and not a price or order form for their 983 dvd player.

At http://www.oppodigital.com/dv983h/default.asp I see:

To be replaced with our upcoming OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Player.

And at the Buy Now link http://www.oppodigital.com/OPPO-DV-983H-DVD-player.asp I see:

No products are currently available in this category.

-Bill

You appear to be stating then that Oppo produced a product that causes more compatibility issues than another.

No. I have been on every single OPPO thread since the OPDV971H. There have been many compatibility issues in the past. What we have now is a saturation level of players and specific audio equipment which is far higher than in their past players.

Are you admitting there's a potential issue that's exclusive to the DV-983H that would cause audio dropouts when bitstreaming? If so, what is the reason?

I am saying, based off of this thread only, people who have complained about dropout errors have only complained about it in regards to the DV-983H exclusively.

However, I do not know what other devices may or may not cause the same errors, as I do not look at any other threads. I may find more devices which exhibit similar errors if I was a part of the Onkyo/Integra threads, but I do not have the time police these additional resources.

Are there any known issues with the BDP-83 involving audio dropouts as well, then?

Can't be any known issues if the product is not released. Besides, any talk about the BDP-83 which was not announced mid-December is strictly prohibited under the NDA.

Let's say my DV-983H isn't defective.

While we are playing the "what if game" what if OPPO does not find a problem with your unit (note: finding a problem during a repair period, and finding a problem with the player through an exhaustive inspection of all pieces are different). They replace the player, and the replacement player no longer has issues with your receiver.

Under this condition your specific player is defective. This is a manufacturing tolerance problem, which unfortunately can't be addressed (player is no longer in production) but they can learn from whatever caused the issue and address it with the BDP-83 (if applicable, as the other DVD player did not have the same dropout issues).

Now, if the issue persists, then there are two issues at play: OPPO needs to address something through firmware or we need to find an older Onkyo TX-SR876 firmware and see if the older firmware has the same issue. If the older firmware did not, then the ball is primarily in Onkyo's court, as their enhancements caused the dropouts to occur with the DV-983H. OPPO can still look at why the changes in Onkyo's firmware cause the issue, but that is up to their resource management.

They replace the player, and the replacement player no longer has issues with your receiver.

I'm really hoping this happens. I'm really, really, really hoping . . .


but they can learn from whatever caused the issue and address it with the BDP-83 (if applicable, as the other DVD player did not have the same dropout issues).

That would be absolutely fantastic. Truly. I want to buy the BDP-83, after all.
I was looking forward to its release. Obviously, I don't want to experience the same issue.


Now, if the issue persists, then there are two issues at play: OPPO needs to address something through firmware or we need to find an older Onkyo TX-SR876 firmware and see if the older firmware has the same issue.

Apparently, there are three firmware versions for the TX-SR876: 1.00, 1.01 (mine), and 1.02
Onkyo reps are swearing to me over the phone that there aren't different firmware versions, but clearly
these reps are instructed to say that if no firmware is mentioned on Onkyo's website. I asked if 1.02 might resolve the problem I'm having with the dv-983H, but I can't get a straight answer from, what I guess are essentially Tier 1, Onkyo reps (mostly they deny that any different firmware exists at all, which is a lie).

If the older firmware did not, then the ball is primarily in Onkyo's court, as their enhancements caused the dropouts to occur with the DV-983H. OPPO can still look at why the changes in Onkyo's firmware cause the issue, but that is up to their resource management.

I agree entirely. Thank you very much for your reply. I really appreciate it. And thank you for answering my other questions.

You could see if this is the case with your receiver as well by setting the HDMI to LPCM under Audio Setup. This will force the player to output a LPCM signal to your receiver. If audio errors still occur, then there is something else at play.




Quite interesting, guess we're all thinking along the same page. I've been struggling with the same problem as webslinger with my NAD t785 receiver. I've changed cables from the display to the receiver, and from the receiver to the player 3 times now and have made sure I upgraded to the most current firmware on both units. No joy...still misc audio drop outs when bitstreaming DD from the 983 in 1080p60herz. However, I finally had a light bulb go on in my brain and switched the output to LPCM and thus far, I have not had a drop out....keep in mind there has not been extensive testing as of yet since I've just watched an episode of sopranos and an episode of battlestar galactica.....but the testing will continue. I sincerely hope this solves the issue and I don't have to resort to sending the player back to oppo.

Okay, so I'm not the only one.

So what's the verdict then? I'm clearly not the only one experiencing this issue with audio dropouts with specific receivers. I can hook the Oppo directly to my t.v., and there's no audio dropout. But if I hook it up to my Onkyo TX-SR876 there is an audio dropout. I can list a lot (and I mean a lot) of blu-ray and dvd players that work perfectly fine with TX-SR876. So basically I'm in a situation where two companies can point fingers at each other, and, in the meantime, I'm stuck in the middle.

I have no doubt a compatibility issue exists, but someone needs to step up to the plate and fix this issue for the consumer. And I'm sure the finger could be pointed at Oppo (if you work for Onkyo) or Onkyo (if you work for Oppo), but consumers experiencing this problem are extremely inconvenienced if they want audio over HDMI to work.

This current situation puts a serious damper on my wanting to purchase any future Oppo hardware no matter how good it may be, including the BD-83. The TX-SR876 costs more. Which device do you think the consumer is going to replace first? Probably the cheaper option. I seriously hope Oppo can do something to address this problem.

One would think it would put a damper on purchasing any more Onkyo receivers...;)

It kinda makes me wonder why Oppo even released this player if they knew that it's life span wouild be less than a year-don't get me wrong-I have one and I love it-but I have a samjunk BD-P2500 and the 983 so I really don't have any incentive to get their new bluray player.

There are several reasons.

1: It solidifies their status as a premium brand. They created the first stand alone DVD player to receive a 100/100 from Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. They needed a "flagship" player to springboard their entry into Blu-ray.

2: It gives them experience building a higher-end product. Everything they learned from the design, implementation, and the manufacturing can be applied to the upcoming BDP-83.

3: Gives them experience with a new de-interlacing and scaling solution (ABT2010) and new loader (Sony). The BDP-83 would have required entirely brand new hardware, so figuring out the problems associated to hardware changes will prove invaluable while working on the BDP-83.

I did a search and really could not come up with anything solid...might just be my lack of patience as an old timer...However,can anyone reccomend a cleaning disc for the 983 (and Sammy 50000 BD/HD player) that will do the as advertised job and not hurt the player(s)?Or is this not recommended at all?
Thanks....

I did a search and really could not come up with anything solid...might just be my lack of patience as an old timer...However,can anyone reccomend a cleaning disc for the 983 (and Sammy 50000 BD/HD player) that will do the as advertised job and not hurt the player(s)?Or is this not recommended at all?
Thanks....
They do almost nothing. You're better off to open the player and use q-tips. The cleaning discs are nothing but a small brush that sweeps the laser.

Quite interesting, guess we're all thinking along the same page. I've been struggling with the same problem as webslinger with my NAD t785 receiver. I've changed cables from the display to the receiver, and from the receiver to the player 3 times now and have made sure I upgraded to the most current firmware on both units. No joy...still misc audio drop outs when bitstreaming DD from the 983 in 1080p60herz. However, I finally had a light bulb go on in my brain and switched the output to LPCM and thus far, I have not had a drop out....keep in mind there has not been extensive testing as of yet since I've just watched an episode of sopranos and an episode of battlestar galactica.....but the testing will continue. I sincerely hope this solves the issue and I don't have to resort to sending the player back to oppo.

So far so good, I've watched more sopranos and battlestar galactica without issues thus far from the audio drop outs. The audio sounds just as good except I'm just letting the oppo decode the DD now. Whoever wants to take this work around just make sure all your speakers are set to large and don't set time delays and trim as that should be done via your receiver when it sees the full lpcm signal. I'll report back if I run into further issues but I'm happy this finally got resolved for me it looks like.

If you still want DD and DTS audio for your receiver to decode, just use optical or coaxial. You should not get dropouts when using these interfaces with HDMI for video.

Neuromancer, if you remember my previous post, I was still getting drop outs that way for some reason. In fact, I think I had more drop outs using an optical and coxial versus just hdmi. It is a weird issue but I'm fine where I stand. Thanks for your suggestions in the past.

If you disconnect the HDMI cable from the back of the receiver to your display, do you have audio dropouts when using either HDMI (raw) or digital coaxial/optical?

Oh I see what you mean. You mean wire it up to go from oppo to display with HDMI for video and optical/coxial for sound to receiver...I didn't try this combination as I didn't want to get into the walls again for wiring. I just did the hdmi to receiver for video and coxial/optical to receiver for sound and I was still getting drop outs.

I did a search and really could not come up with anything solid...might just be my lack of patience as an old timer...However,can anyone reccomend a cleaning disc for the 983 (and Sammy 50000 BD/HD player) that will do the as advertised job and not hurt the player(s)?Or is this not recommended at all?
Thanks....

They do almost nothing. You're better off to open the player and use q-tips. The cleaning discs are nothing but a small brush that sweeps the laser.

The old style of cleaning discs have the tiny brush that sweeps over the laser to clean it. Sometimes these can damage the laser. Even more so, the lasers for Blu-ray and HD DVD ride even closer to the discs, so useing one of the cleaning discs with brushes on it is NOT RECOMMENDED and I would highly advise against it.

If you really want a disc to do this procedure, you can try the Maxell BR-LC Blu-ray Lens Cleaner disc available on Amazon.com.
This discs has holes in it that create a lot of air over the lens to blow any dust off. It has some other video features too.
Kind of a waste of money though if you ask me.

As rdgrimes has suggested, it would be better to open up the player and gently clean the lens with alcohol and a q-tip.
I did this to my BD-UP5000 and it works great. Just be very careful if you are not experienced with these things. Maybe seek advice or help from someone you know who may be more experienced... or get advice from Oppo before entering into an Oppo player.

Hope this helps and good luck. :)

Oh I see what you mean. You mean wire it up to go from oppo to display with HDMI for video and optical/coxial for sound to receiver...I didn't try this combination as I didn't want to get into the walls again for wiring. I just did the hdmi to receiver for video and coxial/optical to receiver for sound and I was still getting drop outs.

Either direct connect to the television or don't use the display at all (if you go through the receiver for HDMI audio).

What we want to rule out is some odd handshaking that is going on between the receiver and the display. This can effect the performance of the down stream equipment (ie. the DV-983).

Oh I see what you mean. You mean wire it up to go from oppo to display with HDMI for video and optical/coxial for sound to receiver...I didn't try this combination as I didn't want to get into the walls again for wiring. I just did the hdmi to receiver for video and coxial/optical to receiver for sound and I was still getting drop outs.
Did you turn off HDMI audio in the player?

Did you turn off HDMI audio in the player?

I believe I tried both ways, on and off with the same results.

Either direct connect to the television or don't use the display at all (if you go through the receiver for HDMI audio).

What we want to rule out is some odd handshaking that is going on between the receiver and the display. This can effect the performance of the down stream equipment (ie. the DV-983).

I guess nothing is impossible but I'd like to think this was not the issue. Reason I say this is because I have a toshiba a30, ps3, htpc all connected to the receiver normally and I've never seen any issues playing dvds or high def material. So unless this handshaking error that happens between my 151fd and the nad t785 does not affect any of these input devices other than the oppo 983h, this should not be an issue.

It is inconsequential that your other pieces of equipment do not have the same issues. The reason for this is that each piece of electronics will have a different tolerance level for impedance and resistance levels, implementation of EDID, HDCP, and other handshaking protocals. It just happens to be that the DV-983H which causing an issue within your setup.

rdgrimes and smarty-pants.....

Thanks for the replies and info....I will not being using any of these products...

The AVS site has,and it's caring members,have steered me in the right dirction every single time....!

It is inconsequential that your other pieces of equipment do not have the same issues. The reason for this is that each piece of electronics will have a different tolerance level for impedance and resistance levels, implementation of EDID, HDCP, and other handshaking protocals. It just happens to be that the DV-983H which causing an issue within your setup.

If this is indeed the case, then I think the oppo engineers should further develop firmware if possible to help these setups. Of all the threads I've read about all my other input equipments, I have not seen this type of problem come up. I am however relieved that it's finally over and I have a working workaround.

The issue becomes:

a) it is not repeatable. You can't force an audio dropout to occur.

b) it does not happen to all users. If the issue is hardware tolerance, you can't adjust things through software as easily, as you may break players which are currently working fine.

c) if you blindly try to fix the issue, you may create more errors than you already have.

At this point no one really knows what is causing the issue. Could be related to the way that OPPO writes its hardware, could be the way OPPO designed the hardware, or it could be a problem with transmitter and receivers used in some electronics (which sounds feasible, as the number of dropout errors is greater for the newer Onkyo/Integra receivers than the older generation hardware).

As for PAL. Read up a bit in the Video Processor forum about the DVDO Edge which uses a similar chipset to the 983. The Edge is having similar issues handling PAL. No big deal to me as I just set any PAL material to 1080i and let the TV deinterlace. Still looks great.


Ah! So it might be related to my problem! Do you have any pointers?

I also currently play all PAL material in 1080i/50 instead of 720p/50 (native) and let the projo de-interlace. I must say that it is not as good as when I use NTSC 720p/60 material, even tough PAL is marginally better than NTSC.

I received suggestions here to ask the 983 to convert the PAL to NTSC 720p/60 internally but I find it jerky to look at compared to the smoothness of 1080i/50.

Until now, I thought that it was my old projector (Z2) that was misbehaving with 720p/50 but it might be a shortcoming of the 983.... I was thinking it will go away when I upgrade my projo... soon... :o(

I have my eye on this player, and am all but convinced to get it. I have a conventional 2-channel system, and so connections should be simple. Is anyone using a 983 with an Edge? Any interface or other issues?

If you are using the EDGE, you may be better served getting a DV-980H and having the EDGE do all the de-interlacing and scaling. The performance increase for audio on the DV-983H is very small.

If you are using the EDGE, you may be better served getting a DV-980H and having the EDGE do all the de-interlacing and scaling. The performance increase for audio on the DV-983H is very small.

Why the 980 and not the 981? Is that due to the 981's Faroudja processing?

Why the 980 and not the 981? Is that due to the 981's Faroudja processing?
There's no processing at all if you are outputting 480i. No point in spending more for the 981.

To add to rdgrimes' post, the 981HD won't output 480i while the 980H will - thus allowing the EDGE do all the heavy lifting.

Oppo shows the 983H as not being available ... anybody know where I can get one?

Thanks!

Oppo shows the 983H as not being available ... anybody know where I can get one?

Thanks!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=8713

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=8713

Yep ... already sent a Private Offer and hopefully we can work something out.

Anyplace you know of have them retail? VisualApex has them listed on their site but as "Special Order" - which tells me they would then go to Oppo, and of course Oppo seems to have built the last of these.

Thanks for the reply,
Maxxer

Try Projector People (http://www.projectorpeople.com/hometheater-audio/proddtls.asp?itemid=23637&itmname=DV-983H+1080p+Up-Converting+Universal+DVD+Player) as their website still says "In Stock".

Try Projector People (http://www.projectorpeople.com/hometheater-audio/proddtls.asp?itemid=23637&itmname=DV-983H+1080p+Up-Converting+Universal+DVD+Player) as their website still says "In Stock".

Just ordered and hopefully it will ship tomorrow.

Thanks for the find.

Oppo shows the 983H as not being available ... anybody know where I can get one?

Thanks!

www.opposhop.com, with European software (but this can overwritten with American firmware).

Ah! So it might be related to my problem! Do you have any pointers?

I also currently play all PAL material in 1080i/50 instead of 720p/50 (native) and let the projo de-interlace. I must say that it is not as good as when I use NTSC 720p/60 material, even tough PAL is marginally better than NTSC.

I received suggestions here to ask the 983 to convert the PAL to NTSC 720p/60 internally but I find it jerky to look at compared to the smoothness of 1080i/50.

Until now, I thought that it was my old projector (Z2) that was misbehaving with 720p/50 but it might be a shortcoming of the 983.... I was thinking it will go away when I upgrade my projo... soon... :o(

No pointers. Letting the display/projector deinterlace seems to be the only viable option. Was told it was a frame buffer issue earlier in this thread. So, I wonder if the 981HD had a similar issue with PAL to 1080p NTSC. Anyone?

To add to rdgrimes' post, the 981HD won't output 480i while the 980H will - thus allowing the EDGE do all the heavy lifting.

I've noticed with my Marantz DV8400 that there are some discs that benefit greatly from outputting 480p to the EDGE, such as Return of the Jedi, thus activating its PReP feature. Sending 480i leads to crushed white stormtrooper unis and sand at the Sarlac pit. I'd probably use 480p based on that, but the EDGE would still do the major work.

No pointers. Letting the display/projector deinterlace seems to be the only viable option. Was told it was a frame buffer issue earlier in this thread. So, I wonder if the 981HD had a similar issue with PAL to 1080p NTSC. Anyone?

I have both the 981 and 983. I've never had problems with PAL 1080p with either. I usually use PAL native, but have tested PAL->NTSC.

-Bill

Neuromancer, could you answer a question for me please? :)

I have just connected my 983 up via component, to see how it looked compared to HDMI.

I used one of my (legal) back up discs which isn't copy protected and was able to upscale to 1080p and it looked really good to me. Very smooth.

My question is this: is any of the processing of the Anchor Bay chip disabled when using component in this way? I would have thought that component wouldn't have compared so favourably, if this is the case.

Thanks in advance!!

My question is this: is any of the processing of the Anchor Bay chip disabled when using component in this way?

The ABT chip is not used for component output at all.

-Bill

The ABT chip is not used for component output at all.

-Bill

Thanks.
I just re-read your post on page 2 to confirm what was a vague memory.
Component looks great though!

So my old Oppo 980 from a couple years ago recently went kaput and I am checking out the latest models from Oppo. I'm using it with a Westinghouse 1080p display and as my main cd player with audiophile grade speakers and an integrated 2-ch amp. I'm looking to get the best possible picture/audio quality that I can. No interest in blu-ray for now. Do you guys think I would be well off to pick up the 983 while they are still around?

So my old Oppo 980 from a couple years ago recently went kaput and I am checking out the latest models from Oppo. I'm using it with a Westinghouse 1080p display and as my main cd player with audiophile grade speakers and an integrated 2-ch amp. I'm looking to get the best possible picture/audio quality that I can. No interest in blu-ray for now. Do you guys think I would be well off to pick up the 983 while they are still around?

Were you happy with the 980? Oppo has out-of-warranty repair for a pretty good price.

-Bill

Were you happy with the 980? Oppo has out-of-warranty repair for a pretty good price.

-Bill

Yes, I was very happy with it but can afford the upgrade if the improvements to both audio and video will be noticeable.

Yes, I was very happy with it but can afford the upgrade if the improvements to both audio and video will be noticeable.

ADVICE:

To buy a NEW 983, you're looking at about $400.
^With that, you will have one SD only dvd player^...

If the budget can handle it...
I would call Oppo and get a quote on the repair of your 980. Word is that their fees are VERY resonable.
Assuming that works out, you could then use the 980 until the BDP-83 is released. Then buy the BDP-83 for superior playback of SD dvd, advanced audio support, and Blu-ray playback. Although the BDP-83 does not have a final msrp yet, they are estimating between $500-$600.
For just $200 or so more, you can have EVERYTHING in the BDP-83 AND have a DV-980H for a different room/setup.
So as long as you can afford the little bit of extra cost, it's really a no_brainer :cool:.

Yes, I was very happy with it but can afford the upgrade if the improvements to both audio and video will be noticeable.

I'll let someone else handle the audio.

Noticeable improvement in video? Sure. Essential improvement? That's more subjective. The differences between better quality players tend to fade away when I'm watching actual movies rather than doing A/B comparisons.

I beta tested both the 980 and 983, using a Westinghouse LCD. There is no doubt that the 983 is better, but would have been too expensive for me to justify.

-Bill

ADVICE:

To buy a NEW 983, you're looking at about $400.
^With that, you will have one SD only dvd player^...

If the budget can handle it...
I would call Oppo and get a quote on the repair of your 980. Word is that their fees are VERY resonable.
Assuming that works out, you could then use the 980 until the BDP-83 is released. Then buy the BDP-83 for superior playback of SD dvd, advanced audio support, and Blu-ray playback. Although the BDP-83 does not have a final msrp yet, they are estimating between $500-$600.
For just $200 or so more, you can have EVERYTHING in the BDP-83 AND have a DV-980H for a different room/setup.
So as long as you can afford the little bit of extra cost, it's really a no_brainer :cool:.


Ok, this sounds like a pretty good plan. I'll have to chew on that one for while. Thank you both for the great advice!

ADVICE:

To buy a NEW 983, you're looking at about $400.
^With that, you will have one SD only dvd player^...

If the budget can handle it...
I would call Oppo and get a quote on the repair of your 980. Word is that their fees are VERY resonable.
Assuming that works out, you could then use the 980 until the BDP-83 is released. Then buy the BDP-83 for superior playback of SD dvd, advanced audio support, and Blu-ray playback. Although the BDP-83 does not have a final msrp yet, they are estimating between $500-$600.
For just $200 or so more, you can have EVERYTHING in the BDP-83 AND have a DV-980H for a different room/setup.
So as long as you can afford the little bit of extra cost, it's really a no_brainer :cool:.

$500-$600?!? While BD player prices are going down, Oppo's planning to release one at THAT price point? Puzzling, because they've gained a reputation as a quality/value line. I think it'll be a tough sell, at best.

I've seen absolutely no quality differences in the blu-ray players I've auditioned, even in the $199 range. If I didn't have a 983 and wanted BD, I'd buy a 980 ($169) for upscaling SD plus a $149-$199 blu-ray player. About $350 total...a real no-brainer. ;-) And from what I hear, due to legal BD restrictions, the upcoming BD 83 will be hard-coded for the particular region in which it'll be used.

$500-$600?!? While BD player prices are going down, Oppo's planning to release one at THAT price point? Puzzling, because they've gained a reputation as a quality/value line. I think it'll be a tough sell, at best.

I've seen absolutely no quality differences in the blu-ray players I've auditioned, even in the $199 range. If I didn't have a 983 and wanted BD, I'd buy a 980 ($169) for upscaling SD plus a $149-$199 blu-ray player. About $350 total...a real no-brainer. ;-) And from what I hear, due to legal BD restrictions, the upcoming BD 83 will be hard-coded for the particular region in which it'll be used.

Yes, it kind_of IS a no_brainer IF you already own a 983 ;), however...
Oppo is releasing a product that is a universal designed player. None of the other players in that price range you gave can compete with the BDP-83 on the same plane with ALL features included.
A whole can of worms you're opening up there, but the BDP-83 will still be a huge bargain for it's feature_set.
It's closest competitor for features, a Denon player, is slated to sell for more than $4000 (<-no that's not a typo).
Also, obviously, the 980 is not going to give the superior PQ that the 983 and BDP-83 will offer, hence the major price differences.

You make the statement that the BDP-83 is locked into regions 1/A as if there are other BR players that are not. When in fact, ALL Blu-ray players in current production are locked into region 1 and region A.

...and btw, PQ for Blu-ray is not the only feature of a BR player ;). The BDP-83 will have more "features" for BR that other manufacturers don't. :)

$500-$600?!? While BD player prices are going down, Oppo's planning to release one at THAT price point? Puzzling, because they've gained a reputation as a quality/value line. I think it'll be a tough sell, at best.

Yeah prices have gone down for BD players in the UK now, Panasonic BD35 is £195, and even less for Samsung or lesser brands. Throw in the fact of region locked to the US and doesn't seem good value.

They do almost nothing. You're better off to open the player and use q-tips. The cleaning discs are nothing but a small brush that sweeps the laser.

DO NOT USE QTIPS on the laser assembly unless you want to muck it up really bad-use a compressed air aerosol-and be gentle with it.

Yeah prices have gone down for BD players in the UK now, Panasonic BD35 is £195, and even less for Samsung or lesser brands. Throw in the fact of region locked to the US and doesn't seem good value.

I doubt any of those will offer the superior upscaling of the BD83.

I doubt any of those will offer the superior upscaling of the BD83.

Yah but if you already own the Oppo 983 you might be sitting around awaiting for a repreatible brand BluRay player to come down to $150 or less range (great profile 2.0 or better BR but who cares about the DVD upscaling).

My appologies for reiterating previous sentiments... I didn't look back far enough. But sense I did pay out my money on the 983 already I feel strongly about this so I'm leaving this post.

I have both the 981 and 983. I've never had problems with PAL 1080p with either. I usually use PAL native, but have tested PAL->NTSC.

-Bill

Going from PAL -> NTSC at 1080p causes a jerky picture. In order to keep it smooth, the 983 needs to be set to 1080i and the display has to do the deinterlacing. It's unfortunate, but not a deal breaker.

Going from PAL -> NTSC at 1080p causes a jerky picture. In order to keep it smooth, the 983 needs to be set to 1080i and the display has to do the deinterlacing. It's unfortunate, but not a deal breaker.

I've just tested this. PAL->NTSC at 1080p is working fine for me.

-Bill

If your television is a 120Hz display, make sure that you have Motion Flow/Cinemation turned off. This will cause major errors associated to the playback of PAL movies when converted to NTSC.

Also ensure that Video 2 is enabled under "Video" of Video Setup (4th Tab).

$500-$600?!? While BD player prices are going down, Oppo's planning to release one at THAT price point? Puzzling, because they've gained a reputation as a quality/value line. I think it'll be a tough sell, at best.

The issue is how many of these cheaper, or even more expensive solutions, offer the same level of support, quality of hardware and software implementation, and feature support as the BDP-83? If you are looking for an all in one solution for universal disc playback (CD, DVD-Video/Audio, SACD) there is no competition outside of the $4,200 Denon.

If you already have a DV-983H, then yes, there is no purpose whatsoever to move up to the BDP-83. Just go out and by any Blu-ray player and use it as a BD transport only.

Not that many people purchased the DV-983H as it was a $399 SD player only. At $499 to $599 there will be many more people interested in the player, as it will do everything the DV-983H does, but now with native high resolution video and audio performance. For everyone who skipped out on the DV-983H, the BDP-83 makes perfect sense.

At $499 to $599 there will be many more people interested in the player, as it will do everything the DV-983H does, but now with native high resolution video and audio performance. For everyone who skipped out on the DV-983H, the BDP-83 makes perfect sense.

should read "as it will do almost everything the DV-983H does"

Except if SD DVD Region Free playback is a pre-requisite.

Yes, and that feature has been talked to death ad nauseum.

Even without region support, the BDP-83 will be worth its price if you do not have a DV-983H.

Going from PAL -> NTSC at 1080p causes a jerky picture. In order to keep it smooth, the 983 needs to be set to 1080i and the display has to do the deinterlacing. It's unfortunate, but not a deal breaker.

I've watched quite a few PAL discs at NTSC 1080p on my 983 and never saw even a hint of a problem. In fact I'd say the performance is better than excellent and the 983 would be my top recommendation for this duty.

Yes, and that feature has been talked to death ad nauseum.

Even without region support, the BDP-83 will be worth its price if you do not have a DV-983H.

But, most UK consumers have a percentage of R1 DVD's and MR is a pre-requisite.
Therefor if you are in the market for a) an upscaling DVD player and b) a BD player and at present you have bog standard DVD player.
What purchases does the clever guy make - a 980 and a BDP-83.
I know of a hack to make Sony BDP550/350 MR (for DVD's) and that would cover all the angles but for maybe PQ. What do you think.

Edit: RS in the UK, have the Sony BR player with a software upgrade to make it DVD MR
http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=SONY-BDPS350-MRDVD

Almost all European Blu-ray units can be made region free through easy remote control commands.

OPPO Digital Inc is North American based. Their constituents are United States and Canada customers. For this reason, they must do whatever is in the best interest of keeping their company, and their constituents, happy. Unfortunately this means region locking their latest player.

If your television is a 120Hz display, make sure that you have Motion Flow/Cinemation turned off. This will cause major errors associated to the playback of PAL movies when converted to NTSC.

Also ensure that Video 2 is enabled under "Video" of Video Setup (4th Tab).

Will make sure Motion Flow/Cinemation is turned off tonite. Thought I turned it off after you suggested that the first time, but maybe not. Thanks for the help.

Hi all,

I just got a new Oppo DV983H in the mail and am having a couple of issues I hope you all can help me out with. I am sorry if perhaps these have been answered in the past.

I will be upgrading to a HDTV later on, but right now I am using an analog Sony TV with Component Inputs.

Issue 1) When playing any DVD 16:9 anamorphically enhanced material the DVD player always outputs enhanced output (appears vertically stretched to fill the 4:3 screen, there is no letterboxing). The "Info" button shows the "Video Scale" as 16:9. Is there some way to make the Video Scale 4:3 so that everything isn't abnormally stretched vertically? I've tried everything including changing the TV Display in General Setup, etc. There is no problem with non-anamorphically-enhanced widescreen contents (DVD extras in many cases) - those are in the proper aspect ratio.

As it so happens I am lucky that my Sony TV has a 16:9 enhanced option (rare in a 4:3 tv) so I can get around this but this issue can only be incredibly annoying to the average user. I assume this will be a non-issue with a HDMI/HDTV setup. Is this normal for the 983H player or am I missing something or is there a defect?

Issue 2): I set the player to region 0 to test out other region DVDs that I own. NTSC (Japan region) contents display fine but PAL (UK region) contents are not converted to NTSC through the component outputs (same is true of composite video). Again I've tried everything to fix this with no luck. I assume again this will be a non-issue with a HDMI/HDTV setup? Is this normal for the 983H player or am I missing something or is there a defect? What do I do in the meantime with my NTSC TV and component (or composite) inputs?

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

Hi all,

I just got a new Oppo DV983H in the mail and am having a couple of issues I hope you all can help me out with. I am sorry if perhaps these have been answered in the past.

I will be upgrading to a HDTV later on, but right now I am using an analog Sony TV with Component Inputs.

Issue 1) When playing any DVD 16:9 anamorphically enhanced material the DVD player always outputs enhanced output (appears vertically stretched to fill the 4:3 screen, there is no letterboxing). The "Info" button shows the "Video Scale" as 16:9. Is there some way to make the Video Scale 4:3 so that everything isn't abnormally stretched vertically? I've tried everything including changing the TV Display in General Setup, etc. There is no problem with non-anamorphically-enhanced widescreen contents (DVD extras in many cases) - those are in the proper aspect ratio.

As it so happens I am lucky that my Sony TV has a 16:9 enhanced option (rare in a 4:3 tv) so I can get around this but this issue can only be incredibly annoying to the average user. I assume this will be a non-issue with a HDMI/HDTV setup. Is this normal for the 983H player or am I missing something or is there a defect?

Issue 2): I set the player to region 0 to test out other region DVDs that I own. NTSC (Japan region) contents display fine but PAL (UK region) contents are not converted to NTSC through the component outputs (same is true of composite video). Again I've tried everything to fix this with no luck. I assume again this will be a non-issue with a HDMI/HDTV setup? Is this normal for the 983H player or am I missing something or is there a defect? What do I do in the meantime with my NTSC TV and component (or composite) inputs?

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

I presume you are using 480i or 480p from the player? The player's aspect controls only work for the upscaled resolutions. For 480i/p the display has to do it.

For PAL->NTSC conversion over analog ports, use VIDEO1 under the video setup options.

Note that you are not getting good value from the 983 video until you use HDMI. When you switch to that, remember to set it back to VIDEO2 for PAL->NTSC.

-Bill

The "Info" button shows the "Video Scale" as 16:9. Is there some way to make the Video Scale 4:3 so that everything isn't abnormally stretched vertically?

By the way, the Info button shows the characteristics of the disc, not the player's output. So here it is telling you the title is anamorphic widescreen. 4:3 and 16:9 are the only alternative there.

-Bill

I presume you are using 480i or 480p from the player? The player's aspect controls only work for the upscaled resolutions. For 480i/p the display has to do it.


Thanks Bill,

Yes I am using 480i or 480p from the player. So this means that if a person is using a non-hdmi tube tv that if that tv is 4:3 and does not have a 16:9 enhanced mode (like 90% of tubes out there) they will get vertically stretched results from any anamorphic 16:9 content DVD and not be able to do anything about it? This sounds awfully strange. This would mean that for most people they should only use the Oppo 983 with an HDTV? My other DVD player (Toshiba SD-V592 combo player) will let me choose whether to pass the enhanced video or letterboxed video, the letterboxed video being the default as it should be.



For PAL->NTSC conversion over analog ports, use VIDEO1 under the video setup options.

Note that you are not getting good value from the 983 video until you use HDMI. When you switch to that, remember to set it back to VIDEO2 for PAL->NTSC.
-Bill

OK, I noticed in the info display that Video2 was switched to by default when I loaded the PAL disc, I will try Video1 tonite.

Yes thanks for pointing out that the 983 is best used with HDMI, I certainly plan to use it that way exclusively in the future but that future is a year or two off as of yet.

This would mean that for most people they should only use the Oppo 983 with an HDTV?

Correct. This player is made for HDTV.

Thanks Bill,

Yes I am using 480i or 480p from the player. So this means that if a person is using a non-hdmi tube tv that if that tv is 4:3 and does not have a 16:9 enhanced mode (like 90% of tubes out there) they will get vertically stretched results from any anamorphic 16:9 content DVD and not be able to do anything about it? This sounds awfully strange. This would mean that for most people they should only use the Oppo 983 with an HDTV?

Your case has become pretty rare, at least around here. I don't think we've had someone using a 983 with a 4:3 non-HDTV before.

For component connections, the 980 would work just as well for you, and it is only $169.

As to aspect control for 480i and 480p: I have non-Oppo players that require the display to handle this amd I thought that is the way it is commonly done. I don't know how common the feature you want is.

-Bill

Yes I am using 480i or 480p from the player. So this means that if a person is using a non-hdmi tube tv that if that tv is 4:3 and does not have a 16:9 enhanced mode (like 90% of tubes out there) they will get vertically stretched results from any anamorphic 16:9 content DVD and not be able to do anything about it? This sounds awfully strange. This would mean that for most people they should only use the Oppo 983 with an HDTV?

About a year ago I did not yet have an HDTV (something only just rectified last month!), but got interested in the OPPO players for their ability to handle PAL and non-US regions. And it seemed a forward-looking thing given that I was hoping to someday own an HDTV. Probably rather like your situation. Clearly the OPPO would be overkill for my old SD Toshiba tube TV, but would it even work? So I asked OPPO, and they promptly responded that it would work fine, though of course I'd be limited to 480. Now I was interested in the 980 or 981 at the time, but I'd be surprised if the 983 is less capable.

My suggestion: ask OPPO. They have a tremendous reputation for support. Give it a try! Oh, and let us know what you discover.

Correct. This player is made for HDTV.
It would also work great one of those 480p plasmas or any other display that does 480p.

I'm debating getting a 983H or not. I was looking at the BDP-83 but the MR thing is a requirement for me - I have a bunch of Japanese DVDs and I was looking forward to retiring my Apex. :) I was really excited to read that the BDP-83 will do 1080p/24 for DVDs, but the lack of MR kills it. So I wonder if I should go for a 983H or wait and see if the "984" or whatever will come out and do 1080p/24? Then it could be my one DVD player and I could just keep using my PS3 for BDs.

I'm debating getting a 983H or not. I was looking at the BDP-83 but the MR thing is a requirement for me - I have a bunch of Japanese DVDs and I was looking forward to retiring my Apex. :) I was really excited to read that the BDP-83 will do 1080p/24 for DVDs, but the lack of MR kills it. So I wonder if I should go for a 983H or wait and see if the "984" or whatever will come out and do 1080p/24? Then it could be my one DVD player and I could just keep using my PS3 for BDs.

We've pretty much presumed that the 983 is Oppo's last DVD player. There is no sign that future Blu-ray players will be region free, so it is best to presume they won't.

Also, Oppo averages only one new model per year, so you would be waiting a while.

-Bill

About a year ago I did not yet have an HDTV (something only just rectified last month!), but got interested in the OPPO players for their ability to handle PAL and non-US regions. And it seemed a forward-looking thing given that I was hoping to someday own an HDTV. Probably rather like your situation. Clearly the OPPO would be overkill for my old SD Toshiba tube TV, but would it even work? So I asked OPPO, and they promptly responded that it would work fine, though of course I'd be limited to 480. Now I was interested in the 980 or 981 at the time, but I'd be surprised if the 983 is less capable.

My suggestion: ask OPPO. They have a tremendous reputation for support. Give it a try! Oh, and let us know what you discover.

I guess I'm not the only one in this boat, it helps my feelings of being somewhat of a dinosaur :o

I guess nowadays the display is assumed to be responsible for handling 16:9 enhanced content, so lucky for me my Sony TV does this while I'm in the "gap" so to speak before taking the HDTV plunge. This addresses my Issue #1 from my original post (#4820).

And switching to Video 1 did allow me to view PAL contents on my NTSC TV (original Issue #2, thanks!). However I should note that the 983's conversion over component is not as good as that of my other DVD player over component, scenes with movement seem to sometimes get dropped frames, it isn't terribly bad but noticeable. I read elsewhere that:


Video 1 uses the Mediatek decoder chip to perform NTSC/PAL conversion.
This will work for analog outputs but picture quality is not the best.

Video 2 uses the ABT chip to perform NTSC/PAL conversion. This produces
the best conversion quality but analog outputs are not converted.


so I think I'll be OK later on when using HDMI/HDTV.

KDocc,

When useing the component output of the 983, the player does not use the most advantageous aspect of the player... the ABT processing chip(s).
Dvd picture quality will be GREATLY enhanced when you switch to the hdmi interface, as that is what the player was made for.

Hi all,

I just got a new Oppo DV983H in the mail and am having a couple of issues I hope you all can help me out with. I am sorry if perhaps these have been answered in the past.

I will be upgrading to a HDTV later on, but right now I am using an analog Sony TV with Component Inputs.

Issue 1) When playing any DVD 16:9 anamorphically enhanced material the DVD player always outputs enhanced output (appears vertically stretched to fill the 4:3 screen, there is no letterboxing). The "Info" button shows the "Video Scale" as 16:9. Is there some way to make the Video Scale 4:3 so that everything isn't abnormally stretched vertically? I've tried everything including changing the TV Display in General Setup, etc. There is no problem with non-anamorphically-enhanced widescreen contents (DVD extras in many cases) - those are in the proper aspect ratio.

As it so happens I am lucky that my Sony TV has a 16:9 enhanced option (rare in a 4:3 tv) so I can get around this but this issue can only be incredibly annoying to the average user. I assume this will be a non-issue with a HDMI/HDTV setup. Is this normal for the 983H player or am I missing something or is there a defect?

Issue 2): I set the player to region 0 to test out other region DVDs that I own. NTSC (Japan region) contents display fine but PAL (UK region) contents are not converted to NTSC through the component outputs (same is true of composite video). Again I've tried everything to fix this with no luck. I assume again this will be a non-issue with a HDMI/HDTV setup? Is this normal for the 983H player or am I missing something or is there a defect? What do I do in the meantime with my NTSC TV and component (or composite) inputs?

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

I replied in the UK forum, here's the reply in here as well.
Cheers

Hi

First update to the latest firmware, it's easy with a memory stick. Press the "OSD" button on the remote control to check firmware version (when "No disc" is shown"). You may already have it.

OK. For analogue output:

1. Under Video Setup Page, set Primary output to Component (you'll be using the Mediatek chip for analogue, the ABT chip is only for HDMI), do not attach any HDMI cable at all (if there's a signal on the HDMI input, the workaround doesn't work).

2. Set Video Mode to Video1 (this is the Mediatek chip doing the conversion for analogue - Video2 is only for HDMI).

3. With no disc in tray: Under Preference Page set TV Type to Auto, if it still doesn't work change it to NTSC and you'll get the conversion for PAL stuff (note that you may get some judder, but that's in the nature of the conversion if you don't have a telly that can automatically handle PAL and NTSC).

As for the aspect ratios there's a known bug for analogue, but with the these settings you should be good to go.

4. Use the General Setup Page > TV Display and change the aspect ratio. For your TV I'd set the 983 TV Display to 4:3 Letterbox and don't bother with the TV's 16:9 option.

For weird looking AR, change it until it's correct (you can do it on the fly while playing the disc). It'll stay the same for the rest of the disc.

This should work for most cases.

If you still want DD and DTS audio for your receiver to decode, just use optical or coaxial. You should not get dropouts when using these interfaces with HDMI for video.

Hi Neuromancer,

My 983H (with the latest firmware) has this issue: HDMI connected to the pre/pro and pre/pro connected to my plasma display and I get no audio dropout if the audio goes through the HDMI interface. When I use audio from the 983H coaxial, I get dropouts on either DD or PCM (CD's) streams.

Even stranger is that if I turn my plasma off, the dropouts cease to occur!

Any thoughts?

NS

If turning off the display effects the performance of the player, then try replacing the HDMI cable between your receiver and your television.

If turning off the display effects the performance of the player, then try replacing the HDMI cable between your receiver and your television.

Thanks, I'll try. Why do you feel that changing the cable can help? Image and sound are OK (except for the occasional dropouts when using audio through coaxial).

NS

If the error is being caused by a handshaking error, then replacing the cable can resolve the error.

Also ensure that you have set HDMI Audio to Off under Audio Setup on the DVD player.

I was hoping someone here can give me some advice.
I currently have a Denon DVD2930CI hooked up to a Denon AVR3805 via Denon link. The DVD player is having problems with DVD playback as well as recognition of SACD layer in hybrid discs. I am trying to decide if I should get the dvd player fixed which is out of warranty or purchase the OPPO 983H. One of the things that is making me shy away from purchasing the oppo is that my reciever lacks HDMI input and I just use the HDMI input on the tv for video. If I go with the oppo I will be forced to use the analogue input for multi-channel audio as opposed to the denon link that I currently use. Can anyone explain to me what type of impact this will have...bad or good?
Thanks a lot!

Why not send the video via hdmi to the tv and the audio to the Denon via optical or coaxial? Either way it stays in the digital domain with no real difference than using the Denon Link.

Why not send the video via hdmi to the tv and the audio to the Denon via optical or coaxial? Either way it stays in the digital domain with no real difference than using the Denon Link.

The optical or coaxial connection cannot be used for multi-channel audio I believe.

The optical or coaxial connection cannot be used for multi-channel audio I believe.

The MC analog outs on the Oppo are adequate for most people. There are those who denigrate the analog quality on the Oppo players, but by and large the criticism is based on specs and not actual listening.

Inasmuch as the 983 is discontinued and hard to find, you may wish to consider waiting for the Oppo BDP-83 release, which has an improved analog section and offers everything that the 983 does plus BluRay.

"Blue-tint" was a defect found and fixed during the beta-testing phase with certain file types, like Divx. It may persist in other file types, like mp4. Report it to OPPO and send them a file sample if you have one. This issue seemed to be a problem in certain aspect ratios or zoom settings, but not in others.

Well, I finally got around to sending Oppo a disc with the offending avi files (half a year later, but this problem wasn't my first priority), and they verified the blue-tint problem on the 983 and said they hope they can fix it in a future firmware release (I'm running the latest non-beta release, and they said the betas don't address this problem either). Oppo tech support mentioned that the 980 has the same decoder chipset, and it properly decodes the files I sent them with no blue-tint error, so they believe a firmware fix should not be a problem.

Their tech support department is really amazing, at least in the communication department as well as willingness to test things from users. Now if the engineers can find and provide a fix... I have to say, that other than the short supply problems last year, my experiences with the 983 -- buying, using, and dealing with tech support have so far been the best I can remember with any tech company.

Well, I finally got around to sending Oppo a disc with the offending avi files (half a year later, but this problem wasn't my first priority), and they verified the blue-tint problem on the 983 and said they hope they can fix it in a future firmware release (I'm running the latest non-beta release, and they said the betas don't address this problem either). Oppo tech support mentioned that the 980 has the same decoder chipset, and it properly decodes the files I sent them with no blue-tint error, so they believe a firmware fix should not be a problem.

Their tech support department is really amazing, at least in the communication department as well as willingness to test things from users. Now if the engineers can find and provide a fix... I have to say, that other than the short supply problems last year, my experiences with the 983 -- buying, using, and dealing with tech support have so far been the best I can remember with any tech company. Good to hear!

Gary

The optical or coaxial connection cannot be used for multi-channel audio I believe. Yes, the optical or coaxial connection cannot be used for hi-resolution multi-channel audio, as in SACD. For this, the OPPO requires HDMI or analog connections. As rdgrimes mentioned, the analog stage in the 983 is excellent.

Gary

Is Oppo still intending to publish further firmware upgrades for the 983H? In other words are they still working on their beta release or have they decided to focus their efforts on their blu-ray players?

Is Oppo still intending to publish further firmware upgrades for the 983H? In other words are they still working on their beta release or have they decided to focus their efforts on their blu-ray players?

I have a hunch that the 983 player WAS the beta release for their upcoming blu-ray unit -- and WE were the paying beta testers. I strongly doubt you'll see any more firmware for the 983 -- as far as Oppo are concerned, it's dead.

I have a hunch that the 983 player WAS the beta release for their upcoming blu-ray unit -- and WE were the paying beta testers. I strongly doubt you'll see any more firmware for the 983 -- as far as Oppo are concerned, it's dead.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The BDP-83 doesn't even incorperate the same hardware, let alone the same software as the DV-983H when it was released for sale to the public.

I don't know what would make you say or feel as if you were a beta tester. The 983 went though extensive testing before it was released, and was a very "solid" unit at time of release as well.

I'm sure if there are any significant problems with, or compatability issues associated with the 983, that OPPO will do their best fix those issues.

Yes, OPPO is a small company, and their engineers can only do so much at once, so more than likely their primary efforts are focused on the BDP-83 right now. However that does not mean they will abondon support for their other products, and I can assure you they won't.

Yes, the optical or coaxial connection cannot be used for hi-resolution multi-channel audio, as in SACD. For this, the OPPO requires HDMI or analog connections. As rdgrimes mentioned, the analog stage in the 983 is excellent.

Gary
DTS CD's sound terrific!

Is Oppo still intending to publish further firmware upgrades for the 983H? In other words are they still working on their beta release or have they decided to focus their efforts on their blu-ray players?
Well, in their recent response to verification of the avi decode bug I found, they implied (though they did not state directly) that there were going to be future firmware release(s). I'm sure hoping there will be. As others have said, the engineers may just currently be focused on the 83.

Well, in their recent response to verification of the avi decode bug I found, they implied (though they did not state directly) that there were going to be future firmware release(s). I'm sure hoping there will be. As others have said, the engineers may just currently be focused on the 83.

I wonder if the new BD83 will have the same bug as the 983 as it is using the same ABT chip (if the chip is the problem) I believe?

I wonder if the new BD83 will have the same bug as the 983 as it is using the same ABT chip (if the chip is the problem) I believe?
I guess the 83 could have a similar bug, but it wouldn't be because of the ABT chip, since Oppo said the same decoder chipset for avi files is also used on the 980, which doesn't have ABT.

Anyway, the replacement Oppo DV-983H arrived. Mver is 05.00.01.07
Batch is 08-0709

It should be noted that I updated the main firmware and dsp on the Onkyo TX-SR876 before receiving the replacement Oppo DV-983H unit. I somehow managed to update the main firmware to 1.04 (explain that one to me, Onkyo csrs, who lie that no firmware update exists for the Onkyo TX-SR876).

So, my Onkyo TX-SR876 firmwares are now
Main 87 1.04 / 08Z22A (the main firmware update changed this from 1.01)
SR9061 08919A DSP1 (the DSP update changed this from 08611A)
SR9062 08605C
SR9063 08506A
HDMI 1.00 / 08627A
Video: 08703E01293
XM: 1.00 / 08508A
Sirius: 1.00 / 08522A

There has been no HDMI firmware update available for the Onkyo TX-SR876, so whatever this issue was it had nothing to do with Onkyo's firmware for HDMI handshaking.

I tested for 25 minutes, and I'm no longer getting audio dropouts bitstreaming over HDMI. So, I think everything is A-O.k.

Was the issue a hardware issue from my old Oppo dv-983h? Was the issue resolved by a DSP and main firmware update for the Onkyo?

I don't know. I don't care either. I am quite happy at the moment. :):)

Bring on the BDP-83!!!!! :D

Anyway, the replacement Oppo DV-983H arrived. Mver is 05.00.01.07
Batch is 08-0709

It should be noted that I updated the main firmware and dsp on the Onkyo TX-SR876 before receiving the replacement Oppo DV-983H unit. I somehow managed to update the main firmware to 1.05 (explain that one to me, Onkyo csrs, who lie that no firmware update exists for the Onkyo TX-SR876).

So, my Onkyo TX-SR876 firmwares are now
Main 87 1.05 / 09116A (this changed from 1.01)
SR9061 08919A (this changed)
SR9062 08605C
SR9063 08506A
HDMI 1.00 / 08627A
Video: 08703E01293
XM: 1.00 / 08508A
Sirius: 1.00 / 08522A

There has been no HDMI firmware update available for the Onkyo TX-SR876, so whatever this issue was it had nothing to do with Onkyo's firmware for HDMI handshaking.

I tested for 25 minutes, and I'm no longer getting audio dropouts bitstreaming over HDMI. So, I think everything is A-O.k.

Was the issue a hardware issue from my old Oppo dv-983h? Was the issue resolved by a DSP and main firmware update for the Onkyo?

I don't know. I don't care either. I am quite happy at the moment. :):)

Bring on the BDP-83!!!!! :D

You most likely got the ABT2010 revision of the 983, so maybe that was the fix.

I hope the dual chip versions don't have a non fixable bug (Oppo seem to be taking time with no display when powered up bug)

Just use Eject to turn the player On in the interim.

Was the issue resolved by a DSP and main firmware update for the Onkyo? Most likely.

I'm perplexed that you didn't take the frequent advice on this thread to do the Onkyo FW updates before you sent the 983 in.

Gary

Most likely.

I'm perplexed that you didn't take the frequent advice on this thread to do the Onkyo FW updates before you sent the 983 in.

Gary

He's happy now... just leave him in that state of mind please :D;):D.

You most likely got the ABT2010 revision of the 983, so maybe that was the fix.

If the player was bought in June or later, it is likely the single chip solution.

He can confirm what his previous chipset was by looking at his original serial number. If it began with a 4x, he already had the single chip solution. If it was 3x, then it was the dual solution.

Most likely.

You have no way of knowing for sure.

I'm perplexed that you didn't take the frequent advice on this thread to do the Onkyo FW updates before you sent the 983 in.

Gary

The main Onkyo firmware update is intended for usability only: in other words, language updates mostly and menu features. That was confirmed by two different Onkyo service centers. So, it seems unlikely that a main firmware update would have done anything. The DSP update (which is separate) addresses a DTS-MA audio issue only. Moreover, at the time when this occurred Onkyo csrs were swearing up and down that no firmware update existed (they still do). Both Onkyo service centers I contacted at the time were also unaware of any DSP update being available. Only recently were they both leaked online. At the time when this was happening to me, only news of 1.02 existed for the main firmware update. And not all Onkyo service centers had access to these firmware updates. The DSP update (and it's entirely possible that the DSP update may have fixed this bitstreaming audio dropout problem that only affected my older Oppo dv-983H that I had and not 8-10 other dvd and blu-ray players that I also tested) was also not available for the TX-SR876 at the time I was having problems with the dv-983H. So there wasn't anything I could do having exhausted all possible avenues from Onkyo at the time this issue began.

One would expect this explanation to clear your confusion (or at least approximately 15 others reading this thread in my general vicinity believe so).

He can confirm what his previous chipset was by looking at his original serial number. If it began with a 4x

The original started with 4Bxxxxx

The replacement starts with E2xxx. The replacement appears to be working.

It's possible the DSP update for the Onkyo TX-SR876 fixed the issue I was having. It's possible my original Oppo player was faulty. If I wanted to have a reliable conclusion, I should have waited for the replacement to arrive before updating my Onkyo receiver, but I just wanted the issue fixed. And it appears to be.

For what it's worth, Oppo customer support is, by far, better than Onkyo's.

Also, and this isn't specifically directed at you, I received a private message from someone here recently mentioning the same problem occurring with an Oppo dv-983H and an Integra receiver, but the replacement dv-983H didn't fix his audio dropout problem. Only the Oppo dv-983H was causing this issue for him and not any of his other devices. He appeared scared to post due to what amounted to fear of fanboi reprisal, which is truly a shame.

4Bxxxxx = 4x = single chip.

Makes me tempted to replace my unit with them. But thus far it's working like a dream after I let it decode DD/DTS to ouput lpcm. So I'm free from complaints technically.

I received a private message from someone here recently mentioning the same problem occurring with an Oppo dv-983H and an Integra receiver, but the replacement dv-983H didn't fix his audio dropout problem. Integra and Onkyo are one and the same. They suffered the same audio dropout issues with certain players, until updated with the latest FW. Did he try the FW upadate?

Gary

Integra and Onkyo are one and the same.

I know.

They suffered the same audio dropout issues with certain players

Only certain Onkyo and Integra models that I'm aware of had this issue. And the Onkyo TX-SR876 isn't suppose to be one of them. The TX-SR876 thread here isn't full of people complaining constantly about audio dropouts, for example. There is a DTS MA issue that's addressed with a DSP update, however.

until updated with the latest FW. Did he try the FW upadate?


I did suggest that he try to update firmware if one was available. I would hope that Integra csrs are a little more forthcoming with respect to admitting firmware updates are available than Onkyo csrs.

I would hope that Integra csrs are a little more forthcoming with respect to admitting firmware updates are available than Onkyo csrs. Unfortunately, they are not. Integra customers are treated just as badly.

Gary

Unfortunately, they are not. Integra customers are treated just as badly.

Gary

The situation with Onkyo csrs is pretty terrible. I normally don't have problems with poor customer support because I know how to fix most problems, but when firmware updates aren't even made available to the public and when customer service reps compound the problem by denying firmware updates exist (one of them even denied the DSP update existed) customers are simply left in a lurch. The sound quality I get from TX-SR876 is amazing, but unless Onkyo changes its policies in terms of customer service, I doubt I will ever buy another Onkyo receiver.

I do really like my Oppo dvd players, so I'm glad I can use them the way I want to with the TX-SR876. But being lied to by Onkyo csrs has really left a bad taste in my mouth. Some Onkyo customers won't be able to do those firmware and DSP updates by themselves either. The DSP update is simple, but the firmware update requires a specific type of RS232 cable and knowing how to set com ports properly (I suspect a few people trying that themselves could easily brick the receiver), and one Onkyo service center I called claimed firmware updates weren't covered under warranty. That service center wanted me to pay $70 to update the firmware and the DSP. Once the firmware update and the DSP were leaked online I just updated both myself.

Onkyo reps also try to blame Oppo, instructing me to google "oppo audio dropout". I replied, "I can do the same thing but replace `Oppo' with 'Onkyo' instead. Those results don't prove anything."

That is really sad. If only other companies would take a lesson from OPPO's exemplary Customer Service, the world would be a different place.

Good comeback, by the way!

Gary

I too have had to update my Onkyo receiver with "underground/bootleg" firmware :rolleyes:.
Their customer service/support is just absolutely HORRIBLE! I will never buy another O/I product in the near future just because of that.
OPPO on the other hand, is the textbook definition of superb customer support. While it's easy to be spoiled by OPPO, it's very disheartening to see most of the CE companies doing the same as O/I.
The term "customer service" seems to becoming something we USED to have.

Yea Onkyo/Integra, the pain may go back quite a few years. Their choice of service contractors is also part of the problem.

Years back, perhaps 7, I had a new Onkyo AVR. A mid line unit long before HDMI and all the now expected goodies.

The S video output went dead. Drove the required 35 miles, drop off, after waiting a month, pick up the "fixed" unit . Back home, no change. Return, questioned the tech. " We only check with the Yellow connector, if that works we don't do anything" .

At this point on that day, I understood the wisdom of my home state of NY in not allowing carry permits, keeps the body count down.

It did get fixed after another 3 weeks or so.

I think I vowed back then to never purchase another Onkyo/Inegra product.

Funny thing though, there is always the question of price/performance. The Integra 9.8 was too good to pass on. So far, so good.

The 983, on the other hand is pure pleasure. Always good to have the best, every now and again.

Joe

You have no way of knowing for sure.



The main Onkyo firmware update is intended for usability only: in other words, language updates mostly and menu features. That was confirmed by two different Onkyo service centers. So, it seems unlikely that a main firmware update would have done anything. The DSP update (which is separate) addresses a DTS-MA audio issue only. Moreover, at the time when this occurred Onkyo csrs were swearing up and down that no firmware update existed (they still do). Both Onkyo service centers I contacted at the time were also unaware of any DSP update being available. Only recently were they both leaked online. At the time when this was happening to me, only news of 1.02 existed for the main firmware update. And not all Onkyo service centers had access to these firmware updates. The DSP update (and it's entirely possible that the DSP update may have fixed this bitstreaming audio dropout problem that only affected my older Oppo dv-983H that I had and not 8-10 other dvd and blu-ray players that I also tested) was also not available for the TX-SR876 at the time I was having problems with the dv-983H. So there wasn't anything I could do having exhausted all possible avenues from Onkyo at the time this issue began.

One would expect this explanation to clear your confusion (or at least approximately 15 others reading this thread in my general vicinity believe so).

Mine continues to dropout audio, as I reported here a couple months ago. As before, it's not too big a deal with me but I may pursue it with Oppo. My Onkyo 805 has been updated by me using the methods posted over on the Onkyo firmware thread. I've called Oppo and been told to update the firmware and use another HDMI cable which I've done and nothing has eliminated the audio dropouts. I've placed three other players incuding my BD30, my Toshiba A35 and a Samsung upscaler into the same cable setup and each has no dropouts (I know, I know, not scientific.)

To tell you the truth, with me it's all about ego. I have to have folks over to watch a movie, brag about the Oppo's fantastic performance and then have them ask "What happened there" when the audio drops out. Like I said - it's all about my ego.

And by the way, heartily agree with the comments about Onkyo CS. That is the worst company I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with. My first Onkyo reciever will be my last (and I love the performance of the thing).

Which is the best receiver company for customer service/firmware updates or is there such a thing?

I asked OPPO Digital to get into the receiver business and no can do.

Every company has their pitfalls. I can personally put up with bad customer service (as I generally do not need their assistance) so I will just purchase the receiver which offers the best bang for my buck. I currently have an Integra DTC-9.8 and would buy another Integra/Onkyo as long as the working performance is fantastic.

I've called Oppo and been told to update the firmware and use another HDMI cable which I've done and nothing has eliminated the audio dropouts. That's a pity. There are so many interactions between different pieces of equipment in the A/V chain. If the player is part of the problem, I'm sure that OPPO would like to find the solution, because it may affect their upcoming Blu-Ray player too. So don't give up if OPPO's first suggestions do not solve the problem. Continue to work with them until they can isolate the problem. However, they will need to be able to reproduce the problem, so bear in mind that patience will be required.

Gary

Mine continues to dropout audio, as I reported here a couple months ago. As before, it's not too big a deal with me but I may pursue it with Oppo. My Onkyo 805 has been updated by me using the methods posted over on the Onkyo firmware thread. I've called Oppo and been told to update the firmware and use another HDMI cable which I've done and nothing has eliminated the audio dropouts. I've placed three other players incuding my BD30, my Toshiba A35 and a Samsung upscaler into the same cable setup and each has no dropouts (I know, I know, not scientific.)

To tell you the truth, with me it's all about ego. I have to have folks over to watch a movie, brag about the Oppo's fantastic performance and then have them ask "What happened there" when the audio drops out. Like I said - it's all about my ego.

And by the way, heartily agree with the comments about Onkyo CS. That is the worst company I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with. My first Onkyo reciever will be my last (and I love the performance of the thing).

akiedan, same thing with my receiver (NAD t785), instead of sending the unit back (may or may not solve the problem who knows)....I used lpcm output instead and it's been fairly solid. I thought I heard 1 drop out the other day but I could of been imagining it. But things have been very solid ever since.

I am looking into picking up a Onkyo 906 or Integra 9.9 to use with my 983. But after reading recent posts regarding audio drop outs, it gave me pause and wonder if this is a widespread problem with the Onkyo/Integra and the 983? Or is this problem more isolated to certain setups? So bottom line: How many people out there who have the Onkyo/Integra/983 combo has have issues with audio dropouts?

Thanks.

I am looking into picking up a Onkyo 906

The 906 is basically the 876 with network support and B speakers. After RMAing my dv-983H and updating the main firmware and dsp for my TX-SR876 I'm no longer getting audio dropouts over HDMI (@1080p) while bitstreaming. I haven't watched a full movie yet, but I didn't get any dropouts after 25 minutes of watching a movie. Before I was getting dropouts about every 10 minutes.

I am looking into picking up a Onkyo 906 or Integra 9.9 to use with my 983. But after reading recent posts regarding audio drop outs, it gave me pause and wonder if this is a widespread problem with the Onkyo/Integra and the 983? Or is this problem more isolated to certain setups? So bottom line: How many people out there who have the Onkyo/Integra/983 combo has have issues with audio dropouts?

Not everyone has problems. I use an Integra DTC-9.8 in my theater setup and have not experienced audio or video dropouts. My brother uses an Onkyo 806 and has not experienced any audio or video dropouts.

For those who have had issues, some users fixed these issues with firmware, some users fixed these issues through HDMI cable changes, and some users fixed their issues by having OPPO look at their players.

Also an Integra 9.8 owner with no dropout issues.

No dropouts ever with my 983 / Onkyo TX-SR805 combo.

983 + 9.8 here

only dropouts I've heard are from burned DVD-A media. my guess is a reburn would fix it.


however I also have an Onk 898 AVR (2002) and it was plagued with audio dropouts from the Jurasic Park III DVD & HBO DD movies. It took Onk over a year to admit and fix the problem. No doubt O/I CS sux. I bought the 9.8 knowing this fully and I hope to never have to deal with them.

Thanks, guys.

I wonder if Dido has a Oppo 983?

http://images.showhype.com/media/uploads/showhype/story_large/2008/10/22/dido_cover.jpg

I have a problem with a PAL DVD on which it says that the movie's aspect ratio is 2.35:1 Letterbox.

I have my Oppo 983 connected to Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK plasma via HDMI.

The only Oppo setting at which I can watch this movie in the correct aspect ratio is 16:9 Wide/Auto, but I have thick black bars on all 4 sides, so the actual picture is quite small.

At any other TV setting on the Oppo (ie 4:3, 16:9 etc), the image gets stretched vertically so the side bars disappear, but the top and bottom bars remain the same height, so everything is stretched vertically.

I toggled all the output resolutions on the Oppo with no success. I know the plasma has a "lock in full" feature where it will lock into a Full mode when it detects a 720p or 1080i signal - maybe this feature has something to do with its inability to display the film correctly? But I set the Oppo at 480p and get the same thing.

What do you guys think - is there anything else I can try?

Thanx

Ensure that the film is 2:35:1 Anamorphic and not Widesreen or Letterbox. If the later, then the black bars are matted on the original source material.

I have a problem with a PAL DVD on which it says that the movie's aspect ratio is 2.35:1 Letterbox.

I have my Oppo 983 connected to Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK plasma via HDMI.

The only Oppo setting at which I can watch this movie in the correct aspect ratio is 16:9 Wide/Auto, but I have thick black bars on all 4 sides, so the actual picture is quite small.

At any other TV setting on the Oppo (ie 4:3, 16:9 etc), the image gets stretched vertically so the side bars disappear, but the top and bottom bars remain the same height, so everything is stretched vertically.

I toggled all the output resolutions on the Oppo with no success. I know the plasma has a "lock in full" feature where it will lock into a Full mode when it detects a 720p or 1080i signal - maybe this feature has something to do with its inability to display the film correctly? But I set the Oppo at 480p and get the same thing.

What do you guys think - is there anything else I can try?

Thanx

Sounds like your dvd is of the "non-anamorphic" type. If that is the case, you should not be messing with the resolution or the stretch functions.
You should be utilizing the ZOOM function of the 983.

Set the resolution of the player to where you normally have it set, and to which is the most compatable for your setup/display (IE: 720p, 1080p, ect...).

Set the the player to WIDE/AUTO mode.

Now use the zoom button on the remote to zoom in the picture on your display until the side bars are gone. Since the movie is a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, you will still have black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

Excellent, Smarty-Pants - it works.

Neuro - the film is letterbox, hence the problem.

I discovered that I can use the plasma's zoom function to fill the side bars, too, but I get a better PQ with Oppo Zoom.

Thanks

Excellent, Smarty-Pants - it works.

Neuro - the film is letterbox, hence the problem.

I discovered that I can use the plasma's zoom function to fill the side bars, too, but I get a better PQ with Oppo Zoom.

Thanks

Yes, use the Oppo's zoom function. There is none better out there than with that of the 983.

Correct, SP.

With the Panasonic plasma zoom it was jaggie city.

With the Oppo zoom - smooth as baby's behind.

That is the power of superior scaling. Also one of the reasons why the previous players (DV-971H to DV-981HD) always had poor zooming performance. Zooming on the previous players occurred on the decoder side, which greatly reduced the picture quality.

Gee still learning about stuff concerning the 983. I had never given a thought to the zooming capability.

Now to find a non-anamorphic title in the 800+ collection.

Great owning the best. On to the one platform solution soon.

Hey, does the NDA apply over hear on this obscure thread? :)

One could give hints in 983speak?

Joe

BDP-83 discussions fall under NDA in any public space.

Gee still learning about stuff concerning the 983. I had never given a thought to the zooming capability.

Now to find a non-anamorphic title in the 800+ collection.
Joe

The Thing & Abyss are non anamorphic.

Gee still learning about stuff concerning the 983. I had never given a thought to the zooming capability.

Now to find a non-anamorphic title in the 800+ collection.

Great owning the best. On to the one platform solution soon.

Hey, does the NDA apply over hear on this obscure thread? :)

One could give hints in 983speak?

Joe

Besides the the other virtues of the excellent ABT solution, the zoom feature was another reason I bought this player..... virtually no loss of resolution when a non-anamorphic title is zoomed, as well as some 4.3 concert material that I would like to fill the entire screen.

John

The Thing & Abyss are non anamorphic.

In my collection:

1941
Armageddon
Cutthroat Island
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
Emma (1996)
Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
Freeway
Ghost and the Darkness
Great Expectations (1998)
Hell in the Pacific
Hope and Glory
Horseman on the Roof
House season 1
Impromptu
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Judgment at Nuremberg
Ladyhawke
Life Less Ordinary
Life of Brian
Lifeforce
Pi
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Presidio
Presumed Innocent
Purple Noon
Queen Margot
Raising Arizona
Rocketeer
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Sanjuro
Sirens
Sliding Doors
Spaceballs
Streets of Fire
Tampopo
Thief
Three Musketeers, The (1993)
Walkabout
While You Were Sleeping
Withnail and I
Yojimbo

I don't think any of the above have had anamorphic upgrades. These have, so you may find either type:

Brigadoon
Firelight
High Plains Drifter
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Predator
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Room with a View

-Bill

BDP-83 discussions fall under NDA in any public space.

And a PM?

In my collection:

1941
Armageddon
Cutthroat Island
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
Emma (1996)
Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
Freeway
Ghost and the Darkness
Great Expectations (1998)
Hell in the Pacific
Hope and Glory
Horseman on the Roof
House season 1
Impromptu
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Judgment at Nuremberg
Ladyhawke
Life Less Ordinary
Life of Brian
Lifeforce
Pi
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Presidio
Presumed Innocent
Purple Noon
Queen Margot
Raising Arizona
Rocketeer
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Sanjuro
Sirens
Sliding Doors
Spaceballs
Streets of Fire
Tampopo
Thief
Three Musketeers, The (1993)
Walkabout
While You Were Sleeping
Withnail and I
Yojimbo
I don't think any of the above have had anamorphic upgrades. These have, so you may find either type:

Brigadoon
Firelight
High Plains Drifter
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Predator
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Room with a View

-Bill

As the late, great Scooter said: "Holy Cow". As I have always thought OPPO owners are the most informed, frugal, intelligent, savvy, and dare I conjecture, the best looking folks around.

Now to add to the list the quickest responders with information that will task me to search through a rather unorganized collection.

So I qualify as a fanboy. Funny that there have been few giving trouble here.

And we have Mr. SP. Can't compete with that wit.

Thanks Guys,

Joe

Bill, I think maybe a couple of those have been animorphisized, but not quite positive without research. I do know Life Of Brian is available on Blu-ray.
I've kind_of gotten away from my old "collecting" ways, as a lot of the obscure titles just don't appeal to me anymore. I've turned into more of a "hollywood-ized" viewer... I know, pathetic :rolleyes:.
I wonder if Criterion has anything up their sleeves for the Kurosawa films?

Anyway, as already stated, and for some reason not discussed more often, the zoom function for non-anamorphic dvds on the 983 is simply awesome.

And we have Mr. SP. Can't compete with that wit.

Joe

What was that movie?... how did that line go?...
Something like, "Smart, I like. Smart-ass I don't."
:D

And a PM?

You can try, but there are no guarantees that you won't ultimately fail.

Well, at least the failure will be in private.


I wonder if Criterion has anything up their sleeves for the Kurosawa films?

Unfortunately my favorite Kurosawa film, Ikiru, is going to be released under the Image Entertainment banner (at least assuming the DVD distribution rights are the same for BD).

You can try, but there are no guarantees that you won't ultimately fail.

Well, at least the failure will be in private. HAHAHA! Smarty-pants! Oh, sorry, wrong guy!

Gary

We need humor in these hard economic times.

Anyway, as already stated, and for some reason not discussed more often, the zoom function for non-anamorphic dvds on the 983 is simply awesome.
I wholeheartedly agree! It is one of the main reasons I bought it.

The underscan mode is also very nice for mitigating my TV's 5% overscan.

We need humor in these hard economic times.

Best thing to do is fire up the display, pop in a classic disc, may I suggest: "The Sting", sit back and enjoy.

I don't think any of the above have had anamorphic upgrades.Actually, Spaceballs has a new release. I know because I replaced my original with it. :)

Armageddon is also in my collection and doesn't, unfortunately. A few others... What About Bob comes to mind.

Actually, Spaceballs has a new release. I know because I replaced my original with it. :)

Armageddon is also in my collection and doesn't, unfortunately. A few others... What About Bob comes to mind.

No to Armageddon and Ghost and the Darkness. Would like to see a new anamorphic release on both of those.

John

No to Armageddon and Ghost and the Darkness. Would like to see a new anamorphic release on both of those.

John

Ditto. I've waited about 1000 years for GatD to be released in anamorphic, and still have never bought it to this day. Wish it would come out on Blu-ray, then I'd buy it for sure.
Armageddon is one of those "guilty pleasures" typs movie, and my CC version has served me well... and looks great on the 983 and BDP-83 ;):).

Ditto. I've waited about 1000 years for GatD to be released in anamorphic, and still have never bought it to this day. Wish it would come out on Blu-ray, then I'd buy it for sure.
Armageddon is one of those "guilty pleasures" typs movie, and my CC version has served me well... and looks great on the 983 and BDP-83 ;):).

I hear ya :) I am now going to have to watch GatD and use the "full" zoom and report back the results. That movie could use a re-release as well, BD and anamorphic SD with extras :)

John

No to Armageddon and Ghost and the Darkness. Would like to see a new anamorphic release on both of those.

John

Well as our beautiful Oppo 983 is able to play region 2 coded DVD's you can always get the Region 2 Armageddon (they can be had really cheap), which is Anamorphic and has all the Criterion extras... :)

cheers

Well as our beautiful Oppo 983 is able to play region 2 coded DVD's you can always get the Region 2 Armageddon (they can be had really cheap), which is Anamorphic and has all the Criterion extras... :)

cheers

Yea, never really understood that one. Why release it anamorphic over there, and not here?

John

Yea, never really understood that one. Why release it anamorphic over there, and not here?

John

Different studio groups own different regional rights. I don't know about the specific case of ARMAGEDDON.

-Bill

Different studio groups own different regional rights. I don't know about the specific case of ARMAGEDDON.

-Bill

Makes sense, I doubt if the rights were owned by the same group they'd do an anamorphic release over there and non-anamorph here.

John

Is there any news on the subtitle-issue? Will we ever see a fix for this? I mean, wouldn't it have been fixed already if possible?

Is there any news on the subtitle-issue? Will we ever see a fix for this? I mean, wouldn't it have been fixed already if possible?

Do you mean the subtitle breakup that occurs once or twice an hour? This happens on all the Oppo DVD players and I recall reading it was a flaw in the Mediatek decoder. Limitatations of the decoder have always seemed intractable in the past, so I am skeptical that there will be a fix for this.

-Bill

Do you mean the subtitle breakup that occurs once or twice an hour? This happens on all the Oppo DVD players and I recall reading it was a flaw in the Mediatek decoder. Limitatations of the decoder have always seemed intractable in the past, so I am skeptical that there will be a fix for this.

-Bill

Yes that's the one. I thought the same thing, but then someone said the same chip is used in other players (not Oppo) with no problems?

Other companies may have more resources/leverage with MTK to get the error fixed.

This error has been there since the OPDV971H back in December 2004. There is no fix available.

I've been a happy user of both an Oppo 980 and 983.
I was just visiting the oppodigital web site to see if any new firmwares were available when I spotted this text on the web site.:

"Q: Why is there no audio output from the coaxial or optical digital audio port when I play DVD-Audio or SACD discs?


A: The copyright protection feature of the DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) disc format prohibits unprotected digital audio output. Since the coaxial or optical digital audio output has no copy-protection ability (i.e. pure audio stream without encryption and authentication), audio from DVD-Audio or SACD cannot be output via these interfaces. To enjoy high resolution digital audio from DVD-Audio or SACD discs, please use the 5.1-channel analogue audio output. If your A/V receiver supports HDMI 1.1 (or above) digital audio, you may also use the HDMI port, which has the required copyright protection mechanism (HDCP).
"

This doesnt seem right to me. I have a Yamaha YSP-1100 sound bar connected to my 983 via optical . I have a handful of SACDs and 1 DVD-A that I bought after the 983 simply to see what the format was like.
All play fine though the yamaha and the OSD of the 983 reports multi-channel while playing. Using the latest beta firmware.

Thoughts? Or am I mis-understanding something here?

I think that DVD-Audio can play through optical as a downmixed stereo signal, so even if the 983H reports multichannel (which is what goes to the multichannel analog output and the HDMI output) the optical output still just gets stereo. It's not an ideal way to listen to DVD-A, since it defeats much of the point of the format.

I'd have to go back and try again to verify the behavior with current firmware, but it's a pretty good general rule that SACD cannot play through optical. I think that's true of just about every player except perhaps the PS3 (which I think can do downmixed stereo from SACD via optical, but not multichannel). If you are getting audio from an SACD via optical, my suspicion is that you are listing to the CD layer of a hybrid SACD.

A new problem has popped up for me that I could use some help with, or at least a little clarification. I picked up a series of WWII army training films in AVI format. I've taken a number of them and created separate DVD titles with a menu and then burned them on a Verbatim dual layer +R disc in the -DVDROM mode.

They play in the 983 without any significant issues, like not recognizing the disc or the layer-change, etc. The problem that has manifested itself is a very noticeable video stutter that seems to occur at random points in the playback process. As an experiment, I placed the DVD in an Xbox 360, which upscales to 720p rather than 1080p, and it plays without a hitch and is as smooth as silk.

When it's playing in the OPPO and the stuttering begins, if I pause the playback for a few seconds and then hit play the stuttering will stop for a few seconds, sometimes even a few minutes, but always returns after a short period of time.

Is it possible that the OPPO simply does not have the horsepower, or sufficient buffering capacity, to run the conversion smoothly while the Xbox with its separate GPU and ample memory does? I'd love to blame my burn for the problem, but I'm an old-hand at this and the playback in the 360 tells me that the disc is not the whole problem, if at all.

-Toonces

A new problem has popped up for me that I could use some help with, or at least a little clarification. I picked up a series of WWII army training films in AVI format. I've taken a number of them and created separate DVD titles with a menu and then burned them on a Verbatim dual layer +R disc in the -DVDROM mode.

They play in the 983 without any significant issues, like not recognizing the disc or the layer-change, etc. The problem that has manifested itself is a very noticeable video stutter that seems to occur at random points in the playback process. As an experiment, I placed the DVD in an Xbox 360, which upscales to 720p rather than 1080p, and it plays without a hitch and is as smooth as silk.

When it's playing in the OPPO and the stuttering begins, if I pause the playback for a few seconds and then hit play the stuttering will stop for a few seconds, sometimes even a few minutes, but always returns after a short period of time.

Is it possible that the OPPO simply does not have the horsepower, or sufficient buffering capacity, to run the conversion smoothly while the Xbox with its separate GPU and ample memory does? I'd love to blame my burn for the problem, but I'm an old-hand at this and the playback in the 360 tells me that the disc is not the whole problem, if at all.

-Toonces

Would need to know exactly what codec these files are. "AVI" is a container, not a codec. The problem could be several things, all related to to the files themselves. Bit rate, resolution and specific codec please.

Would need to know exactly what codec these files are. "AVI" is a container, not a codec. The problem could be several things, all related to to the files themselves. Bit rate, resolution and specific codec please.


I agree with you, and I think that may well be the case. In fact, you've probably just answered my question. Whatever the individual file is...it is what it is...and changing the file format from one set of parameters to another is possible, but also a hassle. I suppose I'm stating the obvious here, but if the OPPO is CODEC sensitive, then without an ongoing update path it becomes pretty much useless for this purpose.

But hey, I bought the OPPO to upscale standard definition DVDs and it is superb at accomplishing that task.

My only remaining question is still why can the 360 correctly process the converted AVI files, now in VOB form, and the OPPO cannot?

Thanks!

-Toonces

I agree with you, and I think that may well be the case. In fact, you've probably just answered my question. Whatever the individual file is...it is what it is...and changing the file format from one set of parameters to another is possible, but also a hassle. I suppose I'm stating the obvious here, but if the OPPO is CODEC sensitive, then without an ongoing update path it becomes pretty much useless for this purpose.

But hey, I bought the OPPO to upscale standard definition DVDs and it is superb at accomplishing that task.

My only remaining question is still why can the 360 correctly process the converted AVI files, now in VOB form, and the OPPO cannot?

Thanks!

-Toonces

I have a media file test report here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15480539#post15480539

The test suite does not include VOB, which I've tried but found to have issues.

-Bill

I agree with you, and I think that may well be the case. In fact, you've probably just answered my question. Whatever the individual file is...it is what it is...and changing the file format from one set of parameters to another is possible, but also a hassle. I suppose I'm stating the obvious here, but if the OPPO is CODEC sensitive, then without an ongoing update path it becomes pretty much useless for this purpose.

But hey, I bought the OPPO to upscale standard definition DVDs and it is superb at accomplishing that task.

My only remaining question is still why can the 360 correctly process the converted AVI files, now in VOB form, and the OPPO cannot?

Thanks!

-Toonces

VOB is MPEG-2, but without knowing the bit rate it's still just a guessing game.
Excessively high bit rates can cause playback issues, being the point. Other things can cause trouble too, like poorly converted video with errors in frame rates or interlacing. It's not so much a matter of what codec is involved, but whether it is correctly encoded.

Guys,

well, I finally installed my 983 player yesterday evening and WOW, what a beast! Still tweaking, though.

One thing I've noted though is that Oppo recommends to set the audio option to AUTO rather than LPCM (in case the player is connected to an AVR, as per manual). In other hand, if you choose LPCM you got the AL24 processing chips activated (on my Denon AVR 2809), which's seems to be the logical bet, IMO.

Not sure whether I've read here or elswhere, but is there a way to set the remote control to power on the 983 only, when you have another Oppo player in the rack ( my case, as I also have a 981 though).

Regards, Chuck

Guys,

well, I finally installed my 983 player yesterday evening and WOW, what a beast! Still tweaking, though.

One thing I've noted though is that Oppo recommends to set the audio option to AUTO rather than LPCM (in case the player is connected to an AVR, as per manual). In other hand, if you choose LPCM you got the AL24 processing chips activated (on my Denon AVR 2809), which's seems to be the logical bet, IMO.

Not sure whether I've read here or elswhere, but is there a way to set the remote control to power on the 983 only, when you have another Oppo player in the rack ( my case, as I also have a 981 though).

Regards, Chuck

Set the HDMI audio to auto in order to get bitstreamed audio. Then the only in-player conversion you get will be on SACD and DVD-A, which is as it should be.

There is no way to eliminate the 980 and 983 remotes from controlling the other players.

Thanks rdgrimes,

ok, duly noted for the RC's.

In other hand, if I set it to AUTO (as per Oppo's instructions), I won't have the benefit of the AL 24 processors at all, which, IMO, improves the sound a little bit. Matter of fact, I've set it to LPCM anyway. The only thing I want to know is WHY this doesn't happen when you set it to AUTO.

Regards, Chuck

i've recently added a 983 and integrated it into my big HT system.
it appears to be the two abt chip variant and the only connection
to the avr is via hdmi.

i've updated it to the latest oppo beta firmware.

using a harmony 880 to control everything.

1) if i power it up using the 'power' button instead of the 'eject' key, i get no output over the hdmi. any hopes of a firmware release to address this??

2) if i use the 'listen to cd' activity (just the denon 3808ci and the 983 powered up),
i get no audio over the hdmi. if i have the output monitor powered up when activity
start, cd audio over the hdmi works fine. after shutting down the video monitor,
the audio continues to work just fine.

any suggested workarounds?? i prefer to listen to cd's with the lights up
and the projector turned off.

Can the 983 handle dual discs ok? I am interested in getting the Talking Heads dual discs before the vanish. I know many players have issues reading them. I have the 983 and wonder if it can handle them alright?

Can the 983 handle dual discs ok? I am interested in getting the Talking Heads dual discs before the vanish. I know many players have issues reading them. I have the 983 and wonder if it can handle them alright?
My 983 plays DualDiscs perfectly.

Can the 983 handle dual discs ok? I am interested in getting the Talking Heads dual discs before the vanish. I know many players have issues reading them. I have the 983 and wonder if it can handle them alright?

My only DualDisc is D Krall's Girl in the Other Room, and both sides play perfectly on my 983H. You imply the DualDisc format is dead. True?

I, too, have the Talking Heads Brick collection and can confirm that every single disc plays in the 983 without a glitch.

How does the ABT disc packaged with the Oppo rate as a calibration disc? Mainly in regards to 10-step gray patterns and color (whether or not they're accurate).

How does the ABT disc packaged with the Oppo rate as a calibration disc? Mainly in regards to 10-step gray patterns and color (whether or not they're accurate).

It's more of a stress test and evaluation disc.

I use GetGray for calibration.

-Bill

Speaking of the 983 and zooming for non-anamorphic titles, a big one for me would be the theatrical versions of the Star Wars trilogy. Both for the superiority of the movies themselves over the special editions and for the authenticity of the original sound mixes and colour timing, I vastly prefer these versions; unfortunately, their only DVD release is a non-anamorphic laserdisc transfer full of video noise and jaggies (although no edge enhancement, thankfully). While obviously these issues with the picture quality won't be solved by a 983 or BDP-83, at least it would present them in the best possible light without further destroying the image, which many other players doubtless would.

These are my favourite movies in the world and I'm willing to go for the more expensive Oppo designs to see them at their best. Damn shame that the special editions have such clean and detailed transfers (even if the colour and sound are incorrect) and the originals are slighted. Alas . . .

It's more of a stress test and evaluation disc.

I use GetGray for calibration.

-Bill

Thanks for the response, Bill. I decided to purchase GetGray, and am quite happy with the content itself, but I'm having an issue when playing it back on my Oppo 983. During playback of most of the patterns the image shifts slightly every few seconds, instead of displaying a static image. Sort of like its skipping back to repeat the image, instead of looping it seamlessly.

Tried burning with two separate programs (Magic ISO and IMGburn), but the problem remains. DVD media is a Maxell DVD-R. It's probably just an incompatibility between the DVD media and my Oppo (running the latest BETA firmware). Perhaps there is a possible workaround? Would it be worthwhile to send the disc to Oppo?

I suppose I could just pause the pattern I'm on when using it, but since that itself causes slight distortion (though I assume it won't affect grayscale and color window accuracy), it isn't a solution I'm content with.

Thanks in advance for any help provided.

EDIT: Should have noted that it plays without any hiccups on my laptop drive, so its really an issue between the Oppo and the disc at this point. Though this is the first time I'm having issue with Maxell DVD-R's on this Oppo; played many user-contents without issues.

The pattern repeats itself every couple of seconds. The repeat of the pattern will cause the player to have to re-acquire the cadence, which can result in image breakup.

Bummer.

Tried the several cadence bias options on the player hoping that would help, but to no avail.

Thanks for the clarification.

I had always planned to buy a 983H, just NOT RIGHT NOW. However, if Oppo is replacing the 983H with the BDP-83 then I guess I don't have a choice, since I want multi-region.

Update: WOAH. Their website has stopped selling it? Talking about being late to the party. Now I am very sad. :(

You may want to inquire about refurbished units. Refurbished units sell for $319.00.

You may want to inquire about refurbished units. Refurbished units sell for $319.00.

Where are they on the site? I can't find them.

They are not on the site. They are available through phone order only as they do not have regular stock.

They are not on the site. They are available through phone order only as they do not have regular stock.

They didn't mention it when I called. Oh well, I guess Oppo doesn't get my money. That's a shame, since I like to support local companies. Maybe I'll drive by and tell them how stupid I think this is...

Update: WOAH. Their website has stopped selling it? Talking about being late to the party. Now I am very sad. :(

You could try one of the resellers, call to see if they still have any available.

http://www.projectorpeople.com/hometheater-audio/proddtls.asp?itemid=23637&itmname=OPPO+Digital+DV-983H+1080p+Up-Converting+Universal+DVD+Player

http://www.visualapex.com/accessories/accessory_details.asp?chPartNumber=DV-983H&MFR=Oppo&Type=

They didn't mention it when I called. Oh well, I guess Oppo doesn't get my money. That's a shame, since I like to support local companies. Maybe I'll drive by and tell them how stupid I think this is...

I don't know if any are available refurbished now or not but I purchased my first Oppo player, the DV-970H, years ago that way. It isn't difficult to call and ask if the DV-983H is available refurbished.

Chris

So here's a question for the masses-I have both a 983 and a BD-P2500 which should (and do) give me the best of both worlds for dvds and bluray-both these units have exceptional standard dvd upscaleing ability-with the Reon HQV in the 2500 and the ABT in the Oppo-but for some reason I find myself yearning for the BDP-83-but I can't really justify it-or can I? I'd have to dump both of them to get the 83-so I guess what I'm asking is-should I dump them and get the 83 or be content with what I already have?

If you need multi-region capability you'll have to keep your 983 for your SD DVD's. Otherwise it sounds like the 83 performs as well as the 983 for SD DVD's and is pretty fast performer with BD disks.

So here's a question for the masses-I have both a 983 and a BD-P2500 which should (and do) give me the best of both worlds for dvds and bluray-both these units have exceptional standard dvd upscaleing ability-with the Reon HQV in the 2500 and the ABT in the Oppo-but for some reason I find myself yearning for the BDP-83-but I can't really justify it-or can I? I'd have to dump both of them to get the 83-so I guess what I'm asking is-should I dump them and get the 83 or be content with what I already have?

I wouldn't, unless you really want just one box.

-Bill

So here's a question for the masses-I have both a 983 and a BD-P2500 which should (and do) give me the best of both worlds for dvds and bluray-both these units have exceptional standard dvd upscaleing ability-with the Reon HQV in the 2500 and the ABT in the Oppo-but for some reason I find myself yearning for the BDP-83-but I can't really justify it-or can I? I'd have to dump both of them to get the 83-so I guess what I'm asking is-should I dump them and get the 83 or be content with what I already have?
By keeping both you extend their life=win-win situation:cool:
I got the 983 and the BD30:D

My only DualDisc is D Krall's Girl in the Other Room, and both sides play perfectly on my 983H. You imply the DualDisc format is dead. True?

I haven't seen a DualDisc released in over a year so I suspect it is correct to say that DualDisc is dead.

Chris

So here's a question for the masses-I have both a 983 and a BD-P2500 which should (and do) give me the best of both worlds for dvds and bluray-both these units have exceptional standard dvd upscaleing ability-with the Reon HQV in the 2500 and the ABT in the Oppo-but for some reason I find myself yearning for the BDP-83-but I can't really justify it-or can I? I'd have to dump both of them to get the 83-so I guess what I'm asking is-should I dump them and get the 83 or be content with what I already have?

If you don't need the all-region DVD ability of the DV-983H or Netflix streaming of the BD-P2500, I think selling both of those and picking up the BDP-83 makes sense. I believe it will beat the performance of both players for all formats it handles. Keeping all three makes even more sense if you are one of the nuts like me that has more players than needed.

Chris

I'm kinda like you-I've had 20 different dvd players in the last 3 years-right now I have in addition to the 2 already mentioned a LGA-418, a DVD-HD960, a Sony and a Denon carasol player, an older Panasonic 5 disc carasol player that I only use for cds, a Jaton player that cost me 250 bucks when I go it 4years ago (it's calim to fame is that it can scale the picture on the x and y axis which is great for overscan)-I might just keep the 983 and the 2500 even though I could probally get back enough money from selling them to get an Oppo 83 and have a little money left over-decisions, decisions!!

i just got me a 983h and i've been trying to play sacd and dvd-audio over hdmi but it doesn't seem to work. stereo btw sounds great on this player. am i supposed to set something in the menu to make hdmi only work for multi-channel music?

i just got me a 983h and i've been trying to play sacd and dvd-audio over hdmi but it doesn't seem to work. stereo btw sounds great on this player. am i supposed to set something in the menu to make hdmi only work for multi-channel music?

Yes, there is a menu option for HDMI audio and it is straight forward. What HDMI audio processor are you connected to? You might need to adjust the settings for both devices. I have used my DV-983H with my Yamaha RX-V663 and set up was straight forward for both devices. If you can't figure it out, come back and we can guide you through set up.

Chris

By keeping both you extend their life=win-win situation:cool:
I got the 983 and the BD30:D

+ 1 - BD30 is a terrific player and I've gotta have the 983 for all those pal region 2 disks I've been collecting.

i just got me a 983h and i've been trying to play sacd and dvd-audio over hdmi but it doesn't seem to work.

Ensure that your Output resolution is set to 720p or higher and your DownMix is set to 5.1 (not Stereo or 7.1).

Ensure that your volume is set to +20 when you press the Volume + button.

Yes, there is a menu option for HDMI audio and it is straight forward. What HDMI audio processor are you connected to? You might need to adjust the settings for both devices. I have used my DV-983H with my Yamaha RX-V663 and set up was straight forward for both devices. If you can't figure it out, come back and we can guide you through set up.

Chris

i'm using it with a denon 2808ci. on the receiver there's only amp or tv option for hdmi audio. i have it set to amp... is that correct?

Ensure that your Output resolution is set to 720p or higher and your DownMix is set to 5.1 (not Stereo or 7.1).

Ensure that your volume is set to +20 when you press the Volume + button.

i did all that and it's the same, it'll play the multi-channel track but only 2-channel output. :confused:

If you disconnect the HDMI cable from the receiver to your television, turn on the DVD player, then playback a multi-channel SACD/DVD-Audio, do you still only get Stereo?

i'm using it with a denon 2808ci. on the receiver there's only amp or tv option for hdmi audio. i have it set to amp... is that correct?



i did all that and it's the same, it'll play the multi-channel track but only 2-channel output. :confused:

I am sure amp is correct and TV is only for HDMI pass through and use of the TV speakers. It does appear that the 2808ci settings might be the issue and asking the question in the 2808ci thread after searching that thread for correct settings is a good next step. Are you getting multichannel with DVD, DTS and DD over HDMI?

Chris

DV-983H Temporarily In Stock (http://oppodigital.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DV983H).

Get them while they are still available.

DV-983H Temporarily In Stock (http://oppodigital.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DV983H).

Get them while they are still available.
LOL, they're selling for more than that used.

Indeed they are.

Run over there and buy them all, then flip them on eBay. ;)

Run over there and buy them all, then flip them on eBay. ;)

I think recipients of the final 983H players should be selected by a random number generator and after several rounds of voting...

-Bill

I think recipients of the final 983H players should be selected by a random number generator and after several rounds of voting...

-Bill

That would be the Late Adopter Program I presume.:D

I think recipients of the final 983H players should be selected by a random number generator and after several rounds of voting...

-Bill

LMAO :D

John

I think recipients of the final 983H players should be selected by a random number generator and after several rounds of voting...
That would be the Late Adopter Program I presume.:D Good one! :D

Gary

lol:D

Then I am part of LAP (Late Adopter Program).

Waited for the BDP-83, but no Multi Region was a deal breaker for me. Then I reasoned that I have PS3, don't need another Blue-Ray, and apart from BR the players are pretty much the same. Why spend much more, I asked myself. This will be replacing a 970H.

BTW, they had some Refurbished ones. Bought one yesterday.

Waited for the BDP-83, but no Multi Region was a deal breaker for me. Then I reasoned that I have PS3, don't need another Blue-Ray, and apart from BR the players are pretty much the same. Why spend much more, I asked myself. This will be replacing a 970H.

Yeah, it's too bad that the 983 will be replaced by the 83. The 983's multi-region capabilities would justify keeping it in the product line. (I know, the 980 and 981 can do multi-region too, but they don't have VRS.)

Gone but not forgotten:

http://www.oppodigital.com/OPPO-DV-983H-DVD-player.asp

Gone but not forgotten:

http://www.oppodigital.com/OPPO-DV-983H-DVD-player.asp

No, we won't forget... but the BDP-83 sure does make it easy to refer to it as a distant memory.

No, we won't forget... but the BDP-83 sure does make it easy to refer to it as a distant memory.

What a nice quiet tray the 983 has...

-Bill

What a nice quiet tray the 983 has...

-Bill

Give it up... it's too late.

I remember when I tried to stuff 2 discs into my 983. It didn't complain, didn't freeze up and refuse to even talk to me. It just politely spit them out.
<snif - snif> I miss my 983. :(

What'd you do-sell it or something? I'm glad I got a 983-best damn dvd player I've ever had-and belive me-I've had more than I care to think about. As for getting an 83-no. I have a BD-P2500-sacd and dvd audio don't mean squat to me, I'm happy.

What'd you do-sell it or something? I'm glad I got a 983-best damn dvd player I've ever had-and belive me-I've had more than I care to think about. As for getting an 83-no. I have a BD-P2500-sacd and dvd audio don't mean squat to me, I'm happy.I agree, the 983 was my third DVD player and also the best one I ever had. But it went up for sale (note to mods: this isn't an ad, it already sold) the day I placed my order for the BDP-83. I have not been disappointed. The BDP-83 has been everything to me the 983 was since multiregion is of no interest/need to me.

I agree, the 983 was my third DVD player and also the best one I ever had. But it went up for sale (note to mods: this isn't an ad, it already sold) the day I placed my order for the BDP-83. I have not been disappointed. The BDP-83 has been everything to me the 983 was since multiregion is of no interest/need to me.

Perhaps I represent a small minority, but with a collection of over 70 DVD-A discs (not playable on the 83) and a handful of foreign movies in regions 2 & 4, I'll take a pass on the BDP-83.

Perhaps I represent a small minority, but with a collection of over 70 DVD-A discs (not playable on the 83) and a handful of foreign movies in regions 2 & 4, I'll take a pass on the BDP-83.

The BDP-83 will be supporting DVD-A very soon.

I'd love to get the 83, if it supported multi region DVD playback I would've without a second thought. As it stands though I'll just stick with my 983 and PS3, I've got too many DVD's from the UK.

I'd love to get the 83, if it supported multi region DVD playback I would've without a second thought. As it stands though I'll just stick with my 983 and PS3, I've got too many DVD's from the UK.

I'm with you 100% and it makes no sense the way they're advertising the 83. They say that it supports both PAL and NTSC playback...Well hey there! I don't have too many R1 SD DVDs that playback in the PAL mode...:rolleyes:

"PAL/NTSC Conversion – The BDP-83 supports NTSC and PAL systems for both disc playback and video output. It can also convert content of one system for output in another. (Subject to DVD and BD region restrictions)"

If that's not a contradictory statement, in real-world impact, then I've never seen one.

The 983, along with my 971, has given me the freedom to be a world-wide DVD collector. If the 83 takes that away, I think that OPPO will lose many sales to those of us that are watching Blu-Rays on our PS3s.

-Toonces

I'd love to get the 83, if it supported multi region DVD playback I would've without a second thought. As it stands though I'll just stick with my 983 and PS3, I've got too many DVD's from the UK.

Same here. If I *really really* want to watch blu-ray, I can always add a cheapo bd player -- but for viewing my 1000+ SD DVD movie, DVD-A and multi-region collection, the 983 is the ONLY one for me -- it does it all...:D

I'm with you 100% and it makes no sense the way they're advertising the 83. They say that it supports both PAL and NTSC playback...Well hey there! I don't have too many R1 SD DVDs that playback in the PAL mode...:rolleyes:

"PAL/NTSC Conversion – The BDP-83 supports NTSC and PAL systems for both disc playback and video output. It can also convert content of one system for output in another. (Subject to DVD and BD region restrictions)"

If that's not a contradictory statement, in real-world impact, then I've never seen one.

It plays region 0 PAL discs, which many people create with their backup software.

-Bill

It plays region 0 PAL discs, which many people create with their backup software.

-Bill

A $30 CyberHome that you can buy at the grocery store will do that...:D

-Toonces

A $30 CyberHome that you can buy at the grocery store will do that...:D

-Toonces

They fought the Law and the Law won: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberhome

-Bill

That is what happens when you do not pay proper licensing fees. Happened to Apex as well.

Is the BD from Oppo being sold right now? What is the price for this?

Is the BD supposed to have as good as a sound system as the 983?

What's the verdict on the .MKV support?

Is the BD from Oppo being sold right now?No, it has not been released yet.

What is the price for this?$499 - $599

Is the BD supposed to have as good as a sound system as the 983?It does appear to be, if not better.

What's the verdict on the .MKV support?Supported.

I'd suggest the following resources:

http://watershade.net/wmcclain/BDP-83-faq.html
http://www.prillaman.net/oppobdp83_review.html
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/ht-hardware-high-definition/283340-htf-special-review-upcoming-oppo-bdp-83-profile-2-0-universal-blu-ray-player.html

From what I've seen and read so far, there's absolutely nothing compelling about shelling out around $500US for a BDP-83 when I can add a $150 - $200 (street price) Panny or Sony to my 983H and get the best of both worlds if I want BD.

There are probably a good number of Oppo fanboys who'll rush to buy one (given the current economy, not as many as 6 months ago), but until it's convincingly demonstrated that the '83 upconverts SD *better* than the 983H, they'll have a stockpile of them available for a looooong time.:D

Not that many people own the DV-983H. And people who missed out on the DV-983H will move on to the BDP-83.

Also, if you look at the BDP-83 thread, there are already 6 people (out of 50) who have purchased the Early Adoption Program BDP-83 and are current owners of the DV-983H.

Not that many people own the DV-983H. And people who missed out on the DV-983H will move on to the BDP-83.

Also, if you look at the BDP-83 thread, there are already 6 people (out of 50) who have purchased the Early Adoption Program BDP-83 and are current owners of the DV-983H.

fanboys...or suckers...;)

Not that many people own the DV-983H. And people who missed out on the DV-983H will move on to the BDP-83.

Also, if you look at the BDP-83 thread, there are already 6 people (out of 50) who have purchased the Early Adoption Program BDP-83 and are current owners of the DV-983H.

I must be the 7th.

fanboys...or suckers...;)

Or maybe the sucker-age is in the eyes of the beholder?

The BDP-83 offers a good deal more than quality SD-DVD playback and BD playback. Like hi-res audio and video file support, etc., DVD 24p, improved image adjustments and more. It's not for you to decide what value these things have for other people.

Im thinking of buying the 2nd gen of Oppo's BD player. This is their first time at a new technology - I rather not be the unoffical tester for them.

The mkv support is very appealing.

Im thinking of buying the 2nd gen of Oppo's BD player. This is their first time at a new technology - I rather not be the unoffical tester for them.

Would you believe it has already been tested?

-Bill

Lies. OPPO never tests their products, internally or externally, before they are mass produced and sold directly to the unknowing general public.

Lies. OPPO never tests their products, internally or externally, before they are mass produced and sold directly to the unknowing general public.

Yup, I'd be smart and wait for the 3rd or 4th generation players, since the 2nd generation won't be tested either.

And the 971 was their first player. Mine is still working with out a glitch after 4 years.

My 983 will be moving to the kitchen feeding a brand new 26" LCD. No point in BD for that size display.

My only question is will the BDP83 be the second product in a row to score a perfect 100% from Secrets?

Joe

One can only hope that it matches the same performance as the DV-983H when tested.

Im thinking of buying the 2nd gen of Oppo's BD player. This is their first time at a new technology - I rather not be the unoffical tester for them.Well as an "official" tester I can say it's done a stunning job at playing the dozens of BDs I've thrown at it so far. This may be OPPO's first BD player, but they've obviously learned a lot from their competitions' "early adopter" mistakes.

From what I've seen and read so far, there's absolutely nothing compelling about shelling out around $500US for a BDP-83 when I can add a $150 - $200 (street price) Panny or Sony to my 983H and get the best of both worlds if I want BD.

There are probably a good number of Oppo fanboys who'll rush to buy one (given the current economy, not as many as 6 months ago), but until it's convincingly demonstrated that the '83 upconverts SD *better* than the 983H, they'll have a stockpile of them available for a looooong time.:D

I could be wrong (the future will predict this) but it's my gut feeling that the BDP-83 will be OPPO's first & best Universal player ever. ;)

Would you believe it has already been tested?

-Bill

Lies. OPPO never tests their products, internally or externally, before they are mass produced and sold directly to the unknowing general public.

Yup, I'd be smart and wait for the 3rd or 4th generation players, since the 2nd generation won't be tested either.

http://www.nflfans.com/x/images/smilies/doh.gif

Hi folks,
Any knowledge among the cognoscenti of a "final" omnibus 983 firmware release?
Personally, I remain very much pleased with the unit, though I've periodically encountered some aspect ratio detection issues that I hope might be resolved.
I'd be appreciative of any news... (i.e. any beta version as yet to be released?)
Peter