I meant to mention earlier that when testing to see if running too hot was the problem for my dropouts I had the sound coming thru the TV via HDMI rather than the amp via Coaxial and the sound was dropping out also which I don't get normally thru the amp.

Change your coaxial cable or switch to optical. In my experience with dropouts it is either cable related or disc read errors.

When the audio drops out, was there any video stutter?

I have no idea what is causing it, perhaps faulty hdmi boards or whatever.

It would have helped if you had received a replacement unit from OPPO and verified that new hardware fixed your errors.

Anyone know why the RGB TV setting should cause it to freak out so much the first time it's chosen, but then be OK?

I use my DVD player with RGB PC exclusively and have not had issues with the colorspace causing errors. There should be no reason why the colorspace selection is causing the problem. The negotiation of the colorspace occurs once, unless there is a drop in the signal change.

Try setting the player to YCbCr 4:4:4 and see if the same instances occur.

Is your Video Out setting under Video Preference set to Component or HDMI? Is HDMI connected at all to the DVD player?

Have you attempted to re-install the firmware and try the player again. I have never set the player to 4:3/LB or 4:3/PN, but I know for a fact 16:9 Wide and 16:9/Auto will be remembered correctly.

I am not using HDMI at all. Nothing connected via HDMI. I tried both settings for video preference (component and HDMI) but no dice. If I was using a widescreen TV then this would most likely not be an issue but until then I hope this can be resolved.

It is set on multi-region but that should not affect the aspect ratio issues. I set it back to region 1 just to test it but that did not fix the issue.

I will try to reinstall the firmware and see how it goes. Perhaps the last firmware version might fix it.

I am not using HDMI at all. Nothing connected via HDMI. I tried both settings for video preference (component and HDMI) but no dice. If I was using a widescreen TV then this would most likely not be an issue but until then I hope this can be resolved.

It is set on multi-region but that should not affect the aspect ratio issues. I set it back to region 1 just to test it but that did not fix the issue.

I will try to reinstall the firmware and see how it goes. Perhaps the last firmware version might fix it.

Very early beta firmware did not save the aspect ratio setting, but that has been fixed for a long time. Could you confirm the firmware level in the player first?

-Bill

I've been having another play to try and stop the dropouts on my Pioneer before trying the 983 on my Samsung and I was thinking with all this talk of possible Bandwidth issues, is it possible that as I'm using coaxial for my sound to my amp that if I turned off HDMI sound would that free up any bandwidth so that the HDMI cable only has to cope with the picture.

Anyway I've given it ago and played a couple of problem DVD's and after about an hour of waiting I have seen no dropouts. I'll watch a full DVD tonight and see what happens.

Could this help or is it unlikely to be the cause?

I've been having another play to try and stop the dropouts on my Pioneer before trying the 983 on my Samsung and I was thinking with all this talk of possible Bandwidth issues, is it possible that as I'm using coaxial for my sound to my amp that if I turned off HDMI sound would that free up any bandwidth so that the HDMI cable only has to cope with the picture.

Anyway I've given it ago and played a couple of problem DVD's and after about an hour of waiting I have seen no dropouts. I'll watch a full DVD tonight and see what happens.

Could this help or is it unlikely to be the cause?\

I had hdmi audio turned off and sound going thru optical to my processor. Video only dropouts.

I've been having another play to try and stop the dropouts on my Pioneer before trying the 983 on my Samsung and I was thinking with all this talk of possible Bandwidth issues, is it possible that as I'm using coaxial for my sound to my amp that if I turned off HDMI sound would that free up any bandwidth so that the HDMI cable only has to cope with the picture.

Anyway I've given it ago and played a couple of problem DVD's and after about an hour of waiting I have seen no dropouts. I'll watch a full DVD tonight and see what happens.

Could this help or is it unlikely to be the cause?

I was going to say "no" because I am using HDMI->DVI and still see the problem. But I haven't actually tried setting HDMI audio off and maybe it does add to the internal processing.

I'll try it, too.

I'm also going back to the beta firmware versions to see if the problem appears and disappears. This takes time. I had no trouble during the beta period, but that was with two other players.

-Bill

Oh Well, it was worth ago, I'm statring to run out of ideas :-(

Good thinking, though.

Gary

It has a scrape in the finish on the front lower edge of the unit... So this unit is going to be returned, and there are no replacements available... This is extremely unusual. OPPO will replace it, no questions asked. Don't assume they have no replacements. Check with them first. And if they don't have a replacement, just use the one you have until they do.

Gary

I discovered that the player DOES NOT keep my [4:3 letterbox] TV type setting. It likes to go back to the default of 16:9. If this does turn out to be a FW defect, its an easy one to fix. If the problem persists after following the suggestions here, report it to OPPO, and they'll take care of it.

Gary

This is extremely unusual. OPPO will replace it, no questions asked. Don't assume they have no replacements. Check with them first. And if they don't have a replacement, just use the one you have until they do.

WilliamZX11 bought from Projector People. Projector People is likely out of replacement units.

Don't know if OPPO still has new units available for replacement.

And it is not "no questions asked". OPPO will ask you questions, they will just not refuse you service based off of your answer.

This is extremely unusual. OPPO will replace it, no questions asked. Don't assume they have no replacements. Check with them first. And if they don't have a replacement, just use the one you have until they do.

Gary

I did not buy it from Oppo, I bought it from Projectorpeople.com. I only have a 30 day return window. I'm sure if I don't notify them right away, they will think I scratched it.

Things like this really annoy me, there is no reason for a new, sealed unit to have scratches from manufacturing. It makes me wonder about their quality control in general, as the scrape is very easy to see, it should have been caught in QC.

It has a scrape in the finish on the front lower edge of the unit.

Have your reseller replace the unit if they have one available. Otherwise inquire through e-mail or phone with OPPO Digital about a replacement unit.

You will be required to fill out an Advance Authorization form (which includes your credit card information) as collateral for a replacement to be shipped to you.

It makes me wonder about their quality control in general, as the scrape is very easy to see, it should have been caught in QC.

You are assuming that each unit is inspected. Most manufacturers use a percentage QC system. That is, they will pull, randomly, a certain percent of the manufactured product for testing. If these units have no problems, the presumed line has no problems.

I will try to reinstall the firmware and see how it goes. Perhaps the last firmware version might fix it.

I had my roommate check this option. Any time you press Stop when using the analog video outputs, the TV Type settings will revert to 16:9/Wide.

I have sent OPPO a PRD for this issue.

You are assuming that each unit is inspected. Most manufacturers use a percentage QC system. That is, they will pull, randomly, a certain percent of the manufactured product for testing. If these units have no problems, the presumed line has no problems.

I understand that they only test a small percentage of units. But most manufacturers visually inspect each unit as they are packaged.

I've been having another play to try and stop the dropouts on my Pioneer before trying the 983 on my Samsung and I was thinking with all this talk of possible Bandwidth issues, is it possible that as I'm using coaxial for my sound to my amp that if I turned off HDMI sound would that free up any bandwidth so that the HDMI cable only has to cope with the picture.

No. The bandwidth is always the same no matter if the audio or the video signal is present. There is no way to lower the bandwidth by setting HDMI audio to Off.

I understand that they only test a small percentage of units. But most manufacturers visually inspect each unit as they are packaged.

Most manufacturers do not do a spacial check of each unit to look for minor defects. They may look for major errors (dents, missing screws) as they handle the unit (putting it into the bag, putting on the Styrofoam) but they do not have enough handling time with the product to do a full visual inspection. That slows down the production line too much. And time is money to any manufacturer.

Based on my experience, I do not I believe media is a factor.

First, with my original 983, the exact same discs played fine at one moment, then had problems the next, only to play fine on another attempt. (You can read my previous post on the trouble shooting I attempted at that time.)

Second, I have not had a dropout on the replacement 983 (yet) using the same discs, same bit rates, same bandwidth, same location, cable, electrical noise, temperature, humidity, etc. OBVIOUSLY, your first unit was closer to the edge of tolerance for your setup (but not OPPO's). Nevertheless, the disks you were watching, could still trigger the problem by momentarily pushing the bandwidth over the tolerance limit for your setup and specific conditions.

Gary

Very early beta firmware did not save the aspect ratio setting, but that has been fixed for a long time. Could you confirm the firmware level in the player first?

-Bill

It is the latest firmware (06-0406). Its the firmware that came as shipped so I haven't replaced it with anything.

But what you said gives me more confidence that perhaps I just need to replace the firmware with either the current version agian or the one before the current one.

Perhaps it may be the latest major version but not minor version. That could be something as well.

Try the original release to ensure that the more aggressive Auto Aspect Ratio detection did not have any contribution to this problem.

It should no, as this feature should have only effected a 16:9/Wide setting, but it is worth a shot.

I had my roommate check this option. Any time you press Stop when using the analog video outputs, the TV Type settings will revert to 16:9/Wide.

I have sent OPPO a PRD for this issue.

Thats good to know. At least I am not alone in this. :) Thanks for your assistance in sending them a PRD.

Have your reseller replace the unit if they have one available. Otherwise inquire through e-mail or phone with OPPO Digital about a replacement unit.

You will be required to fill out an Advance Authorization form (which includes your credit card information) as collateral for a replacement to be shipped to you.

The dealer has no more units available, they sold out, and like everyone else, they can not get them yet. They expect more at the end of May.

I will test it tonight, and if I don't have any of the issues being reported here, I will contact Oppo, and see what they say about getting a replacement. I have already been with out a player for weeks, so I am not willing to wait until late May for a new player.

Try the original release to ensure that the more aggressive Auto Aspect Ratio detection did not have any contribution to this problem.

It should no, as this feature should have only effected a 16:9/Wide setting, but it is worth a shot.

Good idea. I will try that tonight. It may be just a matter of finding a version that works for me (if any).

The dealer has no more units available, they sold out, and like everyone else, they can not get them yet. They expect more at the end of May.

I will test it tonight, and if I don't have any of the issues being reported here, I will contact Oppo, and see what they say about getting a replacement. I have already been with out a player for weeks, so I am not willing to wait until late May for a new player.

You might want to call Oppo right away. There may be other individuals or businesses calling right now for replacements which would push you further down the list.

I for one agree with you that a unit with a scraped face should not have made it out to you.

You might want to call Oppo right away. There may be other individuals or businesses calling right now for replacements which would push you further down the list.

I for one agree with you that a unit with a scraped face should not have made it out to you.

I contacted Oppo by email, and asked if they have them in stock, and whether I would recieve a new unit or a refurb. They responded by sending me an advanced replacement form pdf, but did not answer either of my questions. A follow up email has been sent.

I'm afraid if I go through Oppo, I will lose the option to return it for a refund.

The 983H cannot internally decode DTS-ES Discrete, all it can do is the basic DTS 5.1. Having said that, though, setting HDMI Audio to Auto should allow DTS tracks to be output over HDMI as bitstreams. The bigger problem is probably the fact that it's a DVD-Audio disc: I've used discs that include both DVD-Audio MLP tracks and DTS tracks on the same side (Blue Man Group's "The Complex" comes to mind) and have found that many DVD-A players will not select the DTS track if the player is set to use DVD-A. I'm pretty sure that my Yamaha S1500 was this way. It's sort of a guess, but just in case this is the problem, you might try setting the "DVD-Audio Mode" on the 983H (general setup menu) to "DVD-Video" and trying again.

This is a very good theory Gonk - very probable that you are correct in this.

It would seem to me that the priority settings should only take effect when the disc is being autoplayed. If a user physically selects a different audio mode through the disc menu, that should be what is played back, not the setting inside the setup menu.

Neuro - any potential to change this behavior via firmware updates? Any information on the sampling rate used to output from the analog outs? And would it be possible to upgrade the SACD conversion to use 176.4kHz instead of 88.2?

The hardware was never designed for SACD sampling beyond 88.2KHz. It is unlikely that this will be fixed in a future firmware release.

:( I take it your response means that even using analog outs, the internal resolution is still 88.2?

What about the DVD-A not playing back other audio formats properly unless you change the setup to DVD-Video?

SACD is likely always sampled at 24-bit/88.2KHz, even for the analog outputs.

For DVD-Audio, OPPO designed the player to playback the DVD-Audio tracks when the DVD-Audio priority has been selected. The only way to decode the DTS/DD track is if the disc is dual sided (one side being DD/DTS; the other being DVD-Audio MLP) or if you manually change the priority in General Setup.

Well I have had mine set up for about two hours now, so far no video or audio dropouts with a couple different DVDR's at 1080p. This player is very fast for a universal player, loads discs much faster than the other players I have tried. Picture quality is very good as well. It is quite loud when seeking tracks though.

The one thing I do find kind of annoying, is that the disc is not fully exposed when ejected, leaving about an inch still under the front panel. Does this bother anyone else? My old Marantz, Yamaha, and HD-A2 fully exposed the discs when ejected, so I find this kind of odd.

Got mine this morning, FedEx delivered it just as I was leaving for work. I did have time to pull it out of the box and take a look. It has a scrape in the finish on the front lower edge of the unit. This is not shipping damage, as the box was in perfect condition, and the unit is wrapped in a cloth bag. Oppo definitely needs to work on quality control. This is unacceptable on a $400 unit, and will destroy the re-sale value.

So this unit is going to be returned, and there are no replacements available, so I will probably not get another, as I have already been without a player for weeks, and I need a replacement now. But I will still hook it up this evening, and see if I have any issues with audio or video dropouts. It will be connected to an Onkyo PR-SC885, and from there to a 42" Toshiba LCD.

I've been following Oppo since day one. The only model I have not followed vigerously is the 981, because I have never owned that model. For all the other models, I have read 99.999% of all posts regarding them. This is the first I have ever heard of this type of problem. One the things I have always boasted about is Oppo's unbelievable customer service and support.
The way that you word your posting, it almost sounds as if you believe Oppo sent you a scratched unit on purpose. I would NEVER believe this to be true. I promise you that if you contact Oppo about the matter, they will rectify it. How do you know they do not have a replacement unit for you?... did you ask them? Please contact them so they can help you. By just sending it back and not replacing it out of spite will only result in a loss for you, because then you will be without a 983, and we all know that in itself is a sad place to be :).

Well I have had mine set up for about two hours now, so far no video or audio dropouts with a couple different DVDR's at 1080p. This player is very fast for a universal player, loads discs much faster than the other players I have tried. Picture quality is very good as well. It is quite loud when seeking tracks though.

The one thing I do find kind of annoying, is that the disc is not fully exposed when ejected, leaving about an inch still under the front panel. Does this bother anyone else? My old Marantz, Yamaha, and HD-A2 fully exposed the discs when ejected, so I find this kind of odd.

This is actually much better than the 981 which had no open sides forcing you to put your finger in the center hole to remove the disc. Now that was annoying!

One the things I have always boasted about is Oppo's unbelievable customer service and support.
The way that you word your posting, it almost sounds as if you believe Oppo sent you a scratched unit on purpose. I would NEVER believe this to be true. I promise you that if you contact Oppo about the matter, they will rectify it. How do you know they do not have a replacement unit for you?... did you ask them?

Whoa, read the rest of the posts. I did not buy from Oppo, but from Projector People, the unit was new, and sealed in the box. I didn't say Oppo shipped it that way on purpose, but that QC could use some work.

As far as customer service, you are correct, I have contacted Oppo, they do have brand new replacements. They are willing to do an advanced replacement so that I can continue to use this player while I wait for the new one.

My only concern, is if I do decide I don't like it, I would not be able to return it to Projector People for a refund after it is replaced. This is probably not too much to worry about, as so far I love the way this player works, picture is fantastic, even Xvid files look very good. The only thing I do not like, is that the disc is not fully exposed when ejected, which does make it harder to swap discs in a dimly lit room. I will probably get used to that, just have to be careful.

Whoa, read the rest of the posts. I did not buy from Oppo, but from Projector People, the unit was new, and sealed in the box. I didn't say Oppo shipped it that way on purpose, but that QC could use some work.

As far as customer service, you are correct, I have contacted Oppo, they do have brand new replacements. They are willing to do an advanced replacement so that I can continue to use this player while I wait for the new one.

My only concern, is if I do decide I don't like it, I would not be able to return it to Projector People for a refund after it is replaced. This is probably not too much to worry about, as so far I love the way this player works, picture is fantastic, even Xvid files look very good. The only thing I do not like, is that the disc is not fully exposed when ejected, which does make it harder to swap discs in a dimly lit room. I will probably get used to that, just have to be careful.

Good to hear they have a replacement for you. :)

Try the original release to ensure that the more aggressive Auto Aspect Ratio detection did not have any contribution to this problem.

It should no, as this feature should have only effected a 16:9/Wide setting, but it is worth a shot.

I tried reloading the current firmware as well as the trying out the original firmware. No difference. I am trying different material anywhere from 2.40 to 1.78 and no difference. The player still will not keep the TV type at 4:3 letterbox.

Even just advancing a chapter will erase my settings.

Being in Canada I bought from the single online reseller available here. So I may need to return it through the reseller. I am not sure if a replacement would be free of the same issue.

Bummer :( I still say its a great player.

If we are using 6cable analog McH{ with HDMI audio>Off} for sacd & DvD-A. {coxail for DVD Movies}. It doesn't matter what setting we set the__ audio setup > LPCM Rate too{48k-96k-192k} correct?

The hardware was never designed for SACD sampling beyond 88.2KHz. It is unlikely that this will be fixed in a future firmware release.

I noticed that on Xvid/Divx files I have tried, the player stretches them to full screen, removng the black bars, no matter which zoom setting I use, or even if I change the player to 4:3 in steup. This isn't a problem with widescreen files, but distorts 4:3 files, unless I set it to "strech", which crops off way too much of the picture, including people's heads.

Anyone else notice this?

would anyone happen to know if the alphabetical listing of files bug is still present in this model when plugging in an external HD to the USB port?

WILLIAMzx11, GOT A QUESTION FOR YOU SINCE I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR COMMENTS, YOU APPEAR TO BE VERY SMART ON CERTAIN ISSUES..THE QUESTION. I HAVE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT. ONKYO 875, hdtv IS A SONY kds-60A3000 AND THE OPPO 983. I WAS READING THE MANUAL OF THE OPPO AND IT STATED THAT FOR MY SET UP I SHOULD SET THE OPPO TO 720P FOR BEST pq. YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT TO DO.

would anyone happen to know if the alphabetical listing of files bug is still present in this model when plugging in an external HD to the USB port?

It is a problem with the MTK solution that the DV-980H/DV-983H share. It is still present in the beta firmware for both players.

If we are using 6cable analog McH{ with HDMI audio>Off} for sacd & DvD-A. {coxail for DVD Movies}. It doesn't matter what setting we set the__ audio setup > LPCM Rate too{48k-96k-192k} correct?

The LPCM rate will only effect the coaxial and optical outputs when you have set the Digital Out to RAW.

When using HDMI it auto-negotiates, and analog outputs are always sampled at the highest rate.

I noticed that on Xvid/Divx files I have tried, the player stretches them to full screen, removng the black bars, no matter which zoom setting I use, or even if I change the player to 4:3 in steup. This isn't a problem with widescreen files, but distorts 4:3 files, unless I set it to "strech", which crops off way too much of the picture, including people's heads.

Proper flagging for external media is not going to be very accurate. Try changing your TV Type from 16:9/Auto or 16:9/Wide to one of the 4:3 definitions. I know on the other hardware this would solve issues related to incorrect aspect ratio flagging of external media.

Being in Canada I bought from the single online reseller available here. So I may need to return it through the reseller. I am not sure if a replacement would be free of the same issue.

If you are using the analog outputs for video then you are paying for too much of a DVD player. The DV-980H offers nearly identical analog audio performance and the same video performance.

I have to say....I'm in Vancouver and I had never even heard of OPPO until I started reading this Forum. I wasn't sure how good the 980 or 983 would be compared to a HD-D3 (which I dumped) or a Pioneer 490 when viewing SD DVDs on a 72inch DLP (72HM196). After reading the posts, asking Oppo and the people here questions, I decided go with the 983 instead of the 980........Finally got it yesterday from SolutionsAV (Ordered it 5 weeks ago)....spent a couple of hours tweaking the settings on the player and my TV...All set.....Now Let me tell anyone who is thinking about buying an OPPO something that would saved me alot of time and thought......I can't speak for any other setup but if by any chance you have a 72inch DLP.....Without a doubt get the OPPO DV-983H. It'll be $400 you will not regret spending. You will not find a better player to watch your SD DVDs on. Heck if I could have tried it out without knowing the cost I would gladly have paid $800 for it. Friends/Frasier/Simpsons/Everybody Loves Raymond/Only Fools and Horses/Keeping up Appearances/Chappelle's Show/Beavis & Butthead/Da Ali G Show look better than I've ever seen them on DVD..not quite HD but close. That says a lot considering I'm sitting 6 to 8 feet from the TV. Everybody Hates Chris looks so good I honestly cannot tell the difference between watching the SD DVD (HDMI) or watching it on Satellite (DVI) in HD (and I have good vision). I was amazed at the the picture quality....STUNNING!!!...A big Thank You to everyone for posting your comments/reviews here. I was also very impressed with attention to detail given to the packaging and the manual. Love the zoom features and the USB port. Very easy to browse through music/pictures on the memory card from my phone. Quality Product by a Quality Company. Simply the Daddy of DVD players. .....Ok I'll stop now...but you get what I'm trying to say right?:D

Its refreshing to hear the success stories too. Thanks for posting, britbill.

Gary

WILLIAMzx11, GOT A QUESTION FOR YOU SINCE I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR COMMENTS, YOU APPEAR TO BE VERY SMART ON CERTAIN ISSUES..THE QUESTION. I HAVE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT. ONKYO 875, hdtv IS A SONY kds-60A3000 AND THE OPPO 983. I WAS READING THE MANUAL OF THE OPPO AND IT STATED THAT FOR MY SET UP I SHOULD SET THE OPPO TO 720P FOR BEST pq. YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT TO DO. cAPS LOCK STUCK?

gARY

So I may need to return it through the reseller. I am not sure if a replacement would be free of the same issue.

Bummer :( I still say its a great player. Its a simple firmware fix, so a replacement player wouldn't help. Neuromancer is right that the 983 is overkill for an analog connection, but if you intend to upgrade your display to HDMI, you might consider waiting for a firmware fix. It will be fixed, and it will be worth the wait.

Gary

Yes, HDMI dropouts are for both audio and video.

It seems to me:

Heat related: no.

Color space related: no.

Cable and connection related: not in this case. I've tried two cables, HDMI and HDMI-DVI and wiggle the connectors fiercely while testing.

Bandwith related: yes, happens only at 1080p.

Hardware component variation: don't know. That would explain why some units have it and others not.

Media or programming related: maybe.

I found a spot on LOST season 2 last night which seemed to give a consistent dropout.. I could even see the dropout during fast forward and reverse. If I stopped playback at that point the logo screen would shimmer and show static.

Then power off and try again: no more dropout at that point. Went to bed.

This experiment put the machine into a "state" where dropouts started happening continually. Power off cleared that state.

-Bill

Hello.

I've also been fiddling with Colour space & TV Type with no solution. Last night watched the R2 of Shooter. Straight off the menu system was glitching every second. Change to PAL from Auto and it looked fine. Changed back to Auto and it looked fine. After this, started watching on all the colour space settings. Longest I got was about 10 minutes without a dropout. But these are single random isolated dropouts.

I got home last night and my wife insisted that she'd watched Bambi the whole way through with my daughter with no problems.

HAVE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT. ONKYO 875, hdtv IS A SONY kds-60A3000 AND THE OPPO 983. I WAS READING THE MANUAL OF THE OPPO AND IT STATED THAT FOR MY SET UP I SHOULD SET THE OPPO TO 720P FOR BEST pq.
I don't think that the OPPO manual suggests 720p as the best resolution for a 1080p display. You need at least 720p to support multichannel PCM audio via HDMI (so you can play DVD-Audio and SACD through your Onkyo 875), but the Sony will accept a 1080p signal. More importantly, its native resolution is 1080p. Based on that, I'd recommend going to 1080p...

Just got my 983h from ProjectPeople. I set it up using a different HDMI cable (one that I already had installed -- not the one included.)

Here's my basic setup:

Samsung LNT4671F
Onkyo SR705
Sony PS3
Oppo 983H

(Everything hooked up via HDMI)

Specifically:

Oppo (HDMI OUT) --> Onkyo (HDMI 3) --> Samsung (HDMI IN)

I've tried all three HDMI inputs on the Onkyo -- all are live and working, and the HDMI input I'm using for the Oppo was the same HDMI input that I used with my Philips DVD. The Philips had zero problems, zero hiccups, zero glitches.

The 983H is on an open table off to one side of my cabinet, so it's sitting on its own temporarily. No blocked vents or weird airflow issues.

Previously, I was using an older Philips upconverting DVD player. Removed the Philips player, inserted the Oppo, used the same HDMI cable.

1) Using my own DVD+R backups, the Oppo performed fine. I watched Bergman's 'Sawdust and Tinsel' A few stutters from the Oppo, but I assume these were from the newer RIDATA DVD9 media I was using. (Burned media using DVDFab Platinum). Ran at 1080p.

2) However, when I went to watch 'Knocked Up' from Netflix at 1080p -- wow. What a difference. Dropouts every five seconds. I could also see the dropouts when I hit the fast-forward or rewind. Black screen, DVD timer keeps going. Then I switched over to 1080i and that seemed to cure the problem. The film was watchable from start to finish without any dropouts at 1080i. (This is my first experience with HDMI dropouts -- but they lasted for about 10 seconds at a pop. The Onkyo would lose sync, screen would go black and then say either 'Weak or no signal' or 'Unable to read signal.' My Sony PS3 via HDMI is fine -- never a glitch.)

Stopping the DVD and switching to 1080i seemed to fix it. Picture looked fine at 1080i with the Samsung, but I understand that 1080i is slightly less optimal than 1080p.

Tried several of my own backed up DVD5+R's and DVD9+R's (RiData, Memorex) -- and even tried some of my old (2+ years) DVD5 backups -- and they all seemed to be fine with the Oppo at 1080p. Occasionally picture stutters -- the pic would freeze for a moment -- but I attribute that to the media itself (and perhaps the age of the media). But no 10 second dropouts where the receiver lost sync. I've been using DVDFab for all of my DVD backing up.

So I don't know. It's a great player, but it ain't working yet. It's close -- and I hope it's a firmware fix or two away from perfection.

I really want this to be fixed. I have no interest in getting a refund or stepping down to an older Oppo model. What's depressing, of course, is that my $39 Philips upconverting player plays everything without a hiccup. So I've got my fingers crossed that the firmware upgrade is only a week or two away.

(BTW -- the Oppo came loaded with the most recent firmware. 7 April, I think. Everything I watched was NTSC -- no PAL.)

If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. I know I should try to hook the HDMI to the TV -- bypassing the Onkyo for video and then using digital coax for audio -- but I'm going to keep watching films with this set-up and see if 1080i seems to be the way to go for now.

I've also got an new but unused Oppo HDMI 3 in/1 out switch. I'm wondering if it's worth hooking the Oppo DVD to the Oppo switch -- and then the switch to the Onkyo. I don't know why, but you never know.

carbonado,

Did you see this post a couple of pages back? http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13699694#post13699694

I (fortunately) am not having any problems at all with my Oppo 983H, but I can comment on the truth of what is said above. Some time ago I did have problems with video dropouts (before I even bought the Oppp) but these were from all my sources. Interestingly, if I changed down to 1080i from 1080p the dropouts would disappear. As soon as I changed back to 1080p they would reappear. The problem in the end turned out to be a faulty HDMI cable - it seemed able to pass the bandwidth of 1080i without problems but could not handle the increased bandwidth needs of 1080p. Changing the cable solved the problem.

I know this doesn't directly help with the Oppo 983H dropout issues being reported here and for the sake of the guys who are experiencing problems, I hope it's soon sorted - but my experience does show directly that it van be a bandwidth issue 'overloading' something along the signal chain.

You might want to try using the high quality HDMI cable that OPPO includes in the box.

Dana

Aha!

Thanks, Dana. I'll swap cables at lunch today and then re-run the Netflix DVD that gave me so many problems.

EDIT: Couldn't wait for lunch. Went downstairs, replaced the cable. Used the cable Oppo supplied.

I don't have time to watch 'Knocked Up' again (nor would I wish to) but I was able to fast-forward over the trouble spots without any dropouts at 1080p. (Couldn't do this last night.)

So fingers-crossed: wow -- this might be the fix for me (and some others, too?)

We shall see...

Thanks again, Dana. (And thanks to the poster several screens back for posting your experience. I thought I'd read this thread thoroughly, but I obviously missed some key info.)

Proper flagging for external media is not going to be very accurate. Try changing your TV Type from 16:9/Auto or 16:9/Wide to one of the 4:3 definitions. I know on the other hardware this would solve issues related to incorrect aspect ratio flagging of external media.

I did change the setup to 4:3, made no difference. All my older players had no trouble displaying the correct aspect ratio with these files.

With all the issues that people are reporting with these players, I believe I will send my scratched player back to Projectorpeople for a refund. They informed me this morning, that if I exchange the player with Oppo, they can no longer offer the 30 day refund. With my luck the replacement would have drop-outs, or some other issue.

...The one thing I do find kind of annoying, is that the disc is not fully exposed when ejected, leaving about an inch still under the front panel. Does this bother anyone else? My old Marantz, Yamaha, and HD-A2 fully exposed the discs when ejected, so I find this kind of odd.

At last, someone comments on this feature. I was beginning to think I was the only one bothered about this totally unnecessary quirk. Few other people - including pro reviewers - find it even warrants a passing mention, but I find it highly objectionable. However, as we appear to be in the minority, this characteristic is commonplace. It spoils an otherwise great player. :mad:

This is actually much better than the 981 which had no open sides forcing you to put your finger in the center hole to remove the disc. Now that was annoying!

You have to wonder who designs these trays - panasonic trays are similar. A simple strategically place thumb hole is all that's needed. Do the designers try to use their own designs? :confused:

Sorry, rant over - pet hate. Oppo 983H is a great player despite poorly designed transport ergonomics.

If you are using the analog outputs for video then you are paying for too much of a DVD player. The DV-980H offers nearly identical analog audio performance and the same video performance.

The reason why I bought this unit is because I am thinking of the future. I know right now I can't use most of the features of this unit and I am sure with a proper TV I wouldn't be having this issue.

I also bought it for its abilities to play region free and to play PAL DVDs with your choice of resolutions. I bought it for its upconversion chipset.

I wanted this to be the last SD player I would ever buy. Thats why I bought the thing. So with the intention of getting a proper TV in the future I think I will just throw it in storage for now and use my Sony. This also gives Oppo a chance to fix other issues with the dropouts etc..

I did NOT buy it for its audio capabilities (though they are impressive for a player of this class) since I already have a dedicated CD transport and processor (DAC).

I think i heard there really is not much material recorded at 192K . So 96K is best (if your receiver handles this), my Denon 3803 manual states it can handle 96K &192K(if i read it correctly). any distortion or issues to use 192k vs 96K.
Which one?
db


The LPCM rate will only effect the coaxial and optical outputs when you have set the Digital Out to RAW.

When using HDMI it auto-negotiates, and analog outputs are always sampled at the highest rate.

Aha!

Thanks, Dana. I'll swap cables at lunch today and then re-run the Netflix DVD that gave me so many problems.

EDIT: Couldn't wait for lunch. Went downstairs, replaced the cable. Used the cable Oppo supplied.

I don't have time to watch 'Knocked Up' again (nor would I wish to) but I was able to fast-forward over the trouble spots without any dropouts at 1080p. (Couldn't do this last night.)

So fingers-crossed: wow -- this might be the fix for me (and some others, too?)

We shall see...

Thanks again, Dana. (And thanks to the poster several screens back for posting your experience. I thought I'd read this thread thoroughly, but I obviously missed some key info.)

I'll join - tenatively - the list of success stories created by switching to the Oppo supplied cable. I switched out the Monoprice Cat 2 1.3 certified cable I had been running without issue from a 981 to my Oppo HDMI switch (which is in turn connected to my Panny TH-50PZ750U via another Monoprice HDMI cable identical to the one I swapped) and did about 12 hours of DVD viewing over this past weekend, including 3 hours of XviD Eurosport rips and a really beat-up copy of The Notebook from Netflix. My wife noticed a brief, single pause during The Notebook which I am comfortable with attributing to the disc’s condition. The only issue I noted was while viewing the retail boxed-set widescreen NTSC edition of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – in perfect condition - was a brief pause at almost exactly the one hour playback mark which I am guessing was a layer change. Having witnessed actual dropouts where alternatively video and audio would disappear; this pause was completely different and very brief but I could not reproduce it. For what it’s worth, prior to the cable swap I had also seen screen glitching where ¼ to ½ of the screen turned white or dropped out, even with the disc tray popped out. Since the cable switch I have enjoyed a relatively trouble-free experience.

I still believe that Oppo has some work to do on the player, especially given that I used the swapped cable to watch a BD movie from my PS3 early this week without incident. It makes no sense to me that the 983 should be saturating an HDMI connection to the point of signal loss where playback of a Blu Ray movie over the same connection would play problem-free. Hopefully firmware updates can make it as bombproof as the 981 I recently sold.

Despite all this I am still in love with the unit – PQ and sound are awe inspiring and I felt like I was watching Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time. I only want to be able to sink into my couch and not worry about the anticipation of a glitch.

AARRGGHHH, this player is starting to drive me mad.

I've just disconnected it from my 1080p Pioneer plasma and confidently connected to my 1080P Samsung LCD convinced it would play fine, assuming it was an HDCP problem between the Oppo and Pioneer as had been mentioned from CRT where I bought the player.

Guess what? the picture and sound dropouts are even worse. I played Revenge of the Sith and the dropouts were every few seconds, this is using the HDMI lead supplied, when stopping the DVD to switch to 1080i and trying to resume all I got was a snowy screen. The only way I could resume the film was to power down the player.

I'm sure Oppo are trying everything they can but is this problem definately fixable? as obvoiusly I don't really want to play everything at 1080i, so do I return the player now or keep it and gamble my £300 ($600) that it gets sorted.

It's a real shame as I've just re-connected up my Denon 1920 and the 983 absolutely slaughters it in picture quality, come on Oppo let's make this player the ultimate DVD player it so wants to be.

Has anyone tried an HDMI switcher with boost/equalisation or powered booster/repeater. Might it be PSU droop/sag (due to marginally underated PSU) with increased power supply demand in 1080p operation resulting in HDMI output levels dropping, such that the cable is then critical to signal transfer - and maybe aggravated by insensitive HDMI receiver.

I've been very happy with the underscan feature of the 983. My SXRD has about 2.5-3% overscan and the underscan on the 983 takes it down further not only allowing more of the image to be seen, but as a result gives the effect of a very slightly cleaner, sharper image. If your set has any overscan, you might want to take a look at this.

has anyone used the 983 with its vertical stretch feature with an anamorphic lense on a 2.35x1 cih setup yet? if so, how's it look?

AARRGGHHH, this player is starting to drive me mad.

I've just disconnected it from my 1080p Pioneer plasma and confidently connected to my 1080P Samsung LCD convinced it would play fine, assuming it was an HDCP problem between the Oppo and Pioneer as had been mentioned from CRT where I bought the player.

Guess what? the picture and sound dropouts are even worse. I played Revenge of the Sith and the dropouts were every few seconds, this is using the HDMI lead supplied, when stopping the DVD to switch to 1080i and trying to resume all I got was a snowy screen. The only way I could resume the film was to power down the player.

I'm sure Oppo are trying everything they can but is this problem definately fixable? as obvoiusly I don't really want to play everything at 1080i, so do I return the player now or keep it and gamble my £300 ($600) that it gets sorted.

It's a real shame as I've just re-connected up my Denon 1920 and the 983 absolutely slaughters it in picture quality, come on Oppo let's make this player the ultimate DVD player it so wants to be.

I'm glad I waited to buy this, when they do get it fixed can you start a thread boldly stating that the 983H has been fixed! I really want this player but decided to hold off till I get my TV in June or July.

My HDMI cable switch seems to have cleared the dropouts. I watched parts of several films over lunch and saw no dropouts at 1080p.

However, I'm still seeing DVD stutters -- where the DVD sticks on a frame for three, four, five seconds. I'm guessing this is media sensitivity -- and has to do with my DVD backups on DVD5 and DVD9. I don't fault the player for this -- at least not until I see the stutters with normal, rented DVDs or the Criterions I puchase. (I'll check this more over the weekend.)

So (my) jury's still out the dropouts, but I've got my fingers crossed. What I've seen -- and watched successfully -- I like very, very much. Picture is superb, and I'm pleased with the sound out of my Onkyo. I'm no A/V expert -- just a guy that likes to watch flicks -- but I'm happy with the purchase. Hopefully, this will be my last DVD player.

AARRGGHHH, this player is starting to drive me mad.

I've just disconnected it from my 1080p Pioneer plasma and confidently connected to my 1080P Samsung LCD convinced it would play fine, assuming it was an HDCP problem between the Oppo and Pioneer as had been mentioned from CRT where I bought the player.

Guess what? the picture and sound dropouts are even worse. I played Revenge of the Sith and the dropouts were every few seconds, this is using the HDMI lead supplied, when stopping the DVD to switch to 1080i and trying to resume all I got was a snowy screen. The only way I could resume the film was to power down the player.

I'm sure Oppo are trying everything they can but is this problem definately fixable? as obvoiusly I don't really want to play everything at 1080i, so do I return the player now or keep it and gamble my £300 ($600) that it gets sorted.

It's a real shame as I've just re-connected up my Denon 1920 and the 983 absolutely slaughters it in picture quality, come on Oppo let's make this player the ultimate DVD player it so wants to be.

+1

With all the issues that people are reporting with these players, I believe I will send my scratched player back to Projectorpeople for a refund. They informed me this morning, that if I exchange the player with Oppo, they can no longer offer the 30 day refund. With my luck the replacement would have drop-outs, or some other issue.

This does not make any sense. The reason for this is that, as long as you return the original unit that you received from ProjectorPeople.com, they would be unaware that you received a replacement unit from OPPO Digital.

The only way they can decline a return within their purchase period is if you do not return the original unit from ProjectorPeople. The OPPO AR policy is also 30-Days, which will allow you to use both units simultaneously before both policies come into effect.

hikinokie,

If you are not going to actually participate in discourse on these forums, I will start reporting your posts to the admins. "+1" or any other "post bumping" do not help these forums or people suffering from problems. I have no problem with you trying to help customers, but simply bumping the reports of errors is not helpful at all.

I think i heard there really is not much material recorded at 192K . So 96K is best (if your receiver handles this), my Denon 3803 manual states it can handle 96K &192K(if i read it correctly). any distortion or issues to use 192k vs 96K.
Which one?


I have tried some DVD-Audio 192KHz media over coaxial and have heard no distortion at all. I would just let the player output at the highest LPCM Rate unless you hear audio distortion or no audio at all.

I'm glad I waited to buy this, when they do get it fixed can you start a thread boldly stating that the 983H has been fixed! I really want this player but decided to hold off till I get my TV in June or July.

Here is the issue: not everyone is having problems, nor have the problems been isolated or found to be immediately reproduced for further diagnostic and verification. It is possible that you will receive a player that is not "defective".

Similarly, it is possible that all people who are witnessing playback anomalies and fix these problems through hardware or through future firmware.

I'm sure Oppo are trying everything they can but is this problem definately fixable?

Unknown. There is a general lack of replication for this problem. For this reason, there is no isolation of what is causing the problem.

Currently, the only easy solution is to try new hardware. Some members of the forum have claimed new hardware has resolved their problems, but no one can guarantee that hardware exchanges will function correctly, as there are no testing guidelines in operation for finding these problematic players.

I watched Cloverfield last night on my replacement 983. No dropouts. :D

I still believe that Oppo has some work to do on the player, especially given that I used the swapped cable to watch a BD movie from my PS3 early this week without incident. It makes no sense to me that the 983 should be saturating an HDMI connection to the point of signal loss where playback of a Blu Ray movie over the same connection would play problem-free.

The difference in the resistance and impedance requirements of the PS3 and the DV-983H can be different. I have seen in many situations (not exclusive to OPPO products) where one cable works for one device while it fails to work on another device. Each content source will be have slightly different from another. Add to the equation variances in each manufactured product, and you can create compatibility situations which are very product or unit specific.

As an aside I have not had any cable issues with my setup (25' HDMI-HDMI, 25' HDMI-DVI, and 25' DVI-DVI cables which I switch between my H78 and HD81 projectors) with all of my electronics, including all OPPO players, PS3, cable box and personal computer.

The area where the 983 shines is its de-interlacing and scaling - smooth upconversion with no hiccups, motion artifacts like combing, moire patterns, or jaggies on lines.

My TV is a Pioneer PRO-950HD which is 1024x768. I have a Pioneer BDP-950FD (Blyray), and a Pioneer VSX-94TXH. I am using HDMI cables for all the connections: 950 (Bluray) <-> 940 (Receiver) <-> 950 (TV). The 950 (Bluray) is also used as the transport for CD. Right now, I am reasonably happy with SD DVD performance from the 950 (Bluray), but it will not play the VCD disks, so I am looking at either 980 or 983.

980/983 will then be used for:
1. CD
2. VCD or other formats
3. SD DVD

Should I shell out $399 for the 983 or save $200 and buy the 980? Any recommendation is appreciated.

KC

I agree, paying $400.00 for a high quality DVD player is comparatively inexpensive considering what people pay for other A/V products!

I bought a DVD player back in 1990 and I paid $300.00.

Can anyone explain why they think $400.00 is a lot for this high quality player ??

Please don't include comments about not affording one because of financial reasons, the real question is the worth of the player and the pleasure you'll get from watching the countless regular DVDs out there.

Blu-Ray is just starting and look what people are paying for the headaches that accompany this new technology. I would rather watch a high quality DVD than worry about BluRay at this time and when Oppo sells a BR player that works well then I'll buy it. Absolutely agree. I posted a rave about the player on 4/18 and its incredible value but forgot to mention in response to those complaining about its cost that in addition to its astonishing upconverting, cd-playing and region-free capabilities are its SACD and DVD-Audio inclusion. When SACD and DVD-Audio players first hit the market they were around $2,000 EACH and considered a bargain by reviewers at the time. OPPO should get a medal and our undying gratitude for the 983.

My TV is a Pioneer PRO-950HD which is 1024x768. I have a Pioneer BDP-950FD (Blyray), and a Pioneer VSX-94TXH. I am using HDMI cables for all the connections: 950 (Bluray) <-> 940 (Receiver) <-> 950 (TV). The 950 (Bluray) is also used as the transport for CD. Right now, I am reasonably happy with SD DVD performance from the 950 (Bluray), but it will not play the VCD disks, so I am looking at either 980 or 983.

980/983 will then be used for:
1. CD
2. VCD or other formats
3. SD DVD

Should I shell out $399 for the 983 or save $200 and buy the 980? Any recommendation is appreciated.

KCSince your 42" Pioneer Plasma is a 1080i/720P type Oppo recommends the Oppo 980H for displays less then 45", but the Oppo 983H does offer far superior SD-DVD playback.

Neuromancer: Update to the SACD Priority problem I brought up earlier.

There is definitely something wrong with the current implementation.

As mentioned previously, when I followed your instructions of selecting "SACD Priority" of "Multi-Channel," then turning off the player and turning it back on, it recognized the Mahler: Symphony No. 6 "Tragic" SACD correctly.

Following that, here is what I did today that demonstrated a problem.

Played the Boston SACD, which is stereo SACD only.
Played the 3 Doors Down DVD-A "Away from the Sun" which is 5.1 DVD-A
Put the Eric Clapton "Slowhand" SACD in the drive, which is multi-channel 5.1 and the autoplayed layer was the [b]stereo[/i] SACD.

Clearly there is a problem with not retaining SACD Priority preferences.

I watched Martian Child last night and had many video drop outs. I watched Bee Movie tonight and had many audio dropouts. I switched to 1080i toward the end of Martian Child and was fine for the end part of the movie. I watched Bee Movie in 480p with no problems but the PQ was not as good as 1080p. Both movies were Netflix rentals. I'm using the Oppo HDMI switch out to a Sim2 HT3000 projector. I will try to run the Oppo cable from the 983 to the switch tomorrow and try some other movies and see if I still have audio or video dropouts. The picture in 1080p was awesome but could not stand the video and audio dropouts. If I'm still having troubles I may exchange it for the 980 instead. These dropouts are not occurring on the 980 is that correct? Has anyone else returned the 983 for the 980 and been satisfied?

This does not make any sense. The reason for this is that, as long as you return the original unit that you received from ProjectorPeople.com, they would be unaware that you received a replacement unit from OPPO Digital.

The only way they can decline a return within their purchase period is if you do not return the original unit from ProjectorPeople. The OPPO AR policy is also 30-Days, which will allow you to use both units simultaneously before both policies come into effect.

Apparently not, I have seven days. Here is a link to PP's RMA request:

http://projectorpeople.com/customer-service/rma.asp

Take a look right where you choose replace/credit.

"Please note: All returns for credit are subject to a 15% restocking fee and are allowed only within 7 day from the date of purchase."

On the phone they told me anything that is not a projector, is an accessory, and is subject to a 15% re-stocking fee. I assumed an accessory was in the "accessories" catagory, not "Home Theater". And I have seven days to get a refund, after that, it's exchange only. None of this is stated on their policy page, guess I was supposed to read the rma request page before ordering.

I hope nobody else that bought from these clowns has a problem. They said they might waive the fee, because they don't have an exchange. If not a phone call to Visa should get a full refund, but who needs the hassle?

Clearly there is a problem with not retaining SACD Priority preferences.
Yes and no. Yes in the regard that it is playing a multi-channel SACD only in Stereo.

No in the regard that when a STEREO SACD has been inserted into the player, it changes the priority automatically (wrongfully) in General Setup to Stereo. Thereby, all subsequent discs playback in STEREO. Once in STEREO, the player never changes to Multi-Channel unless you manually switch it over.

So the system is saving the priorities, but is applying an incorrect STEREO priority on its own. I will try flashing to the previous firmware shortly.

EDIT: Old firmware does the same. When SACD is set to Multi-Channel and a Stereo SACD is put into the player, the player switches to Stereo as the SACD Priority.

Sent OPPO a PRD.

If I'm still having troubles I may exchange it for the 980 instead. These dropouts are not occurring on the 980 is that correct? Has anyone else returned the 983 for the 980 and been satisfied?

Instead of using 480p, use 720p. It will offer much better picture quality than 480p while still not having the dropouts as 1080p.

I do not recommend the DV-980H for large front projection. The de-interlacing and scaling is not accurate for such a large screen.

I hope nobody else that bought from these clowns has a problem. They said they might waive the fee, because they don't have an exchange. If not a phone call to Visa should get a full refund, but who needs the hassle?

I would suggest opening a line of communication between Projector People and OPPO to try to get an extension or reprieve for the return of your player with the start date of the return beginning when you receive the replacement from OPPO.

I have PMed you some contact information.

Yes and no. Yes in the regard that it is playing a multi-channel SACD only in Stereo.

No in the regard that when a STEREO SACD has been inserted into the player, it changes the priority automatically (wrongfully) in General Setup to Stereo. Thereby, all subsequent discs playback in STEREO. Once in STEREO, the player never changes to Multi-Channel unless you manually switch it over.

So the system is saving the priorities, but is applying an incorrect STEREO priority on its own. I will try flashing to the previous firmware shortly.

EDIT: Old firmware does the same. When SACD is set to Multi-Channel and a Stereo SACD is put into the player, the player switches to Stereo as the SACD Priority.

Sent OPPO a PRD.

Thanks, Neuromancer! I assume a PRD=fixit notice :)

I'm sure Oppo are trying everything they can but is this problem definately fixable? as obvoiusly I don't really want to play everything at 1080i, so do I return the player now or keep it and gamble my £300 ($600) that it gets sorted.

I'm holding on. CRT and Oppo seem to both be looking into it.

I've had the snowy screen a few times but only for a second. As I mentioned in an e-mail to Oppo earlier, it seems better to me when watching 4:3 dvds, as if the fact that there's less information being processed reduces the chances of dropouts. Have you tried any 4:3 dvds at all? I'll try another hdmi lead at the weekend, but I know that others have already tried swapping without success.

I know it's a little random, but I'm still getting it on everything I watch too.

...

... I'll try another hdmi lead at the weekend, but I know that others have already tried swapping without success.

...

Really? Are you using the high quality HDMI cable supplied by OPPO? See Carbonado's post above http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13711766#post13711766

My HDMI cable switch seems to have cleared the dropouts. I watched parts of several films over lunch and saw no dropouts at 1080p.

Dana

I'm afraid so. Tried different sockets on the display. No difference.

The notes that I've had from Oppo say...

"Cable length should be erroneous for this problem. In our testing we have seen short to long cables produce these results. The same cables work with other DV-983H hardware and other content sources."

and...

"What we have seen with hardware is that these dropouts, when related to the player and not bad cables/transmission errors, they come in waves. We have seen sporadic instances of dropouts (video and audio) but we have not been able to isolate the dropouts to the point where they are repeatable with any hardware."

They seem to be trying several things out. If anyone's getting their problems sorted by swapping cables then that's a bonus.

Does anyone experience a/v dropouts more at certain times of the day than others?

Another concern is that those without 1080p capable displays won't know if they are affected by dropouts - ouch, sounds painful :D - unless a batch/serial correlation is established.

I don't want to smother a thread extolling the virtues of the 983 with my technical problems, but any ideas on this that I've just forwarded to Oppo...


"Not necessarily directly related to the dropout issue, but I've spotted something else unusual.

Again, playing a region 2 PAL DVD on a PAL TV, with the TV type setting on the 983 as AUTO, I've experienced the following...

When I stop the DVD and toggle through the available resolutions, I get offered 480p, instead of 576p, so it's reading it as a NTSC disc. When I choose the problematic 1080p setting it says "1080p (60Hz)". But when I choose this and play the disc and press the same hdmi button, it should show me the chosen resolution. It actually flashes up "1080p (50Hz)", so again there's some confusion there. I've then taken this disc out and put another in and got the same settings listed. Both discs had dropouts. All through this, if you pressed the info button on the remote, it stated "PAL" The 2 discs used were the R2 "The Rock" and the R2 "Shooter".

I didn't have a chance to try this with the TV setting set as "PAL" instead of "AUTO". I'll give it a go later.

(When I first got the player, I did have one occasion where I was playing a PAL disc, but pressing the Info button on the remote said "NTSC". I couldn't reproduce that though, and as I said earlier, with this example above, it did say "PAL")

Am I missing something here? Is there any simple explanation? It would be nice if this was part of the same problem and pointed you in the right direction."

I don't want to smother a thread extolling the virtues of the 983 with my technical problems, but any ideas on this that I've just forwarded to Oppo...


"Not necessarily directly related to the dropout issue, but I've spotted something else unusual.

Again, playing a region 2 PAL DVD on a PAL TV, with the TV type setting on the 983 as AUTO, I've experienced the following...

When I stop the DVD and toggle through the available resolutions, I get offered 480p, instead of 576p, so it's reading it as a NTSC disc. When I choose the problematic 1080p setting it says "1080p (60Hz)". But when I choose this and play the disc and press the same hdmi button, it should show me the chosen resolution. It actually flashes up "1080p (50Hz)", so again there's some confusion there. I've then taken this disc out and put another in and got the same settings listed. Both discs had dropouts. All through this, if you pressed the info button on the remote, it stated "PAL" The 2 discs used were the R2 "The Rock" and the R2 "Shooter".

I didn't have a chance to try this with the TV setting set as "PAL" instead of "AUTO". I'll give it a go later.

(When I first got the player, I did have one occasion where I was playing a PAL disc, but pressing the Info button on the remote said "NTSC". I couldn't reproduce that though, and as I said earlier, with this example above, it did say "PAL")

Am I missing something here? Is there any simple explanation? It would be nice if this was part of the same problem and pointed you in the right direction."

Are these discs from Japan? Japan is NTSC.

If the Info button says "PAL" and 576p is not offered, I'm puzzled. I don't think changing the tv type from PAL/NTSC/AUTO will affect how the disc is detected. It might change the 50/60 hz display.

-Bill

Ignore my last post. I got the answer...

"In TV Type “Auto” the player is only PAL (576p) when actually playing, pressing stop reverts output to 480p, so when you stop to cycle resolutions it shows the NTSC ones.".

I've had a couple of discs which wouldn't eject after the first try. For example, if movie is playing and I press "Stop" then press the eject button, I sometimes get "Loading" and the disc doesn't come out. Is this a user error? I haven't read through the manual.

Since your 42" Pioneer Plasma is a 1080i/720P type Oppo recommends the Oppo 980H for displays less then 45", but the Oppo 983H does offer far superior SD-DVD playback.

I also think 980H is good enough for my current 42" TV, but my wife also approved the budget for 983H :D

My HDMI cable switch seems to have cleared the dropouts. I watched parts of several films over lunch and saw no dropouts at 1080p.

.


After watching three movies last night, I can definitively say that the dropouts are back -- and brutal. One after the other. The cable didn't fix the problems -- and they seem to have multiplied. My player is essentially unusable at 1080p. (Onkyo 705 receiver /Samsung 46" LCD -- specs above)

The films were all Netflix DVDs, and one -- 'Blast of Silence' from Criterion -- looked unused when I slipped it in the tray.

I've switched over to 1080i and that seems to minimize (but not eradicate) the dropouts. But wow -- I'm bummed.

I still have no plans to return it -- I'm assuming this will be fixed via firmware -- but I'm quite surprised (and disappointed).

If the problems happen at 1080i then I would still put much weight on a cable related issue. All reports I have seen with the video/audio dropouts as a means of individual DV-983H hardware has been squarely identified at 1080p only.

In all of my experience with other hardware, if dropping the resolution decreases errors, but does not eliminate them, then there is a cable in your setup chain which is not working well.

Unless your unit is categorically defective, try another cable or another display for further diagnostics.

I still have no plans to return it -- I'm assuming this will be fixed via firmware -- but I'm quite surprised (and disappointed).

That is a bad assumption to make, since there has been no isolation of the problem. This can be software (ex. Pioneer Elite receivers) or hardware related.

After watching three movies last night, I can definitively say that the dropouts are back -- and brutal. One after the other. The cable didn't fix the problems -- and they seem to have multiplied. My player is essentially unusable at 1080p. (Onkyo 705 receiver /Samsung 46" LCD -- specs above)

The films were all Netflix DVDs, and one -- 'Blast of Silence' from Criterion -- looked unused when I slipped it in the tray.

I've switched over to 1080i and that seems to minimize (but not eradicate) the dropouts. But wow -- I'm bummed.

I still have no plans to return it -- I'm assuming this will be fixed via firmware -- but I'm quite surprised (and disappointed).

Can someone post a list of movies (R1 and R2) that exhibit this dropout problem and give the times when they saw the dropouts? I have 983H, Onkyo 705 and Samsung 50 inch full HD screen and I have not experienced a single glitch so far (this is after playing about 20 movies all through).

I'd like to test my player with a movie that is known to cause problems for others and see if they can be reproduced here.

I have watched Kill Bill Vol 1, Kill Bill Vol 2, Capote, National Treasure, Armageddon, Batman Begins, Indiana Jones (first movie), The Good Shepherd, Syriana, Rendition, Die Hard 4 and various others and all have played perfectly.

I should add that I am using coax for the 5.1 sound into the Onkyo 705 but the player is connected directly to HDMI inlet on the Samsung as I have run out of HDMI inputs on the amp itself. IOW, the amp is bypassed for video and sound is via coax not HDMI.

Can someone post a list of movies (R1 and R2) that exhibit this dropout problem and give the times when they saw the dropouts?

It's not clear that the problem is title-related. Even when dropouts occur they are not always reproducible on the same material.

-Bill

Can someone post a list of movies (R1 and R2) that exhibit this dropout problem and give the times when they saw the dropouts?

Timestamps will not help you at all. For the most part these errors are completely random.

I have seen some situations where a specific timestamp will cause an issue, but for most of the media reports, it is not repeatable.

It's not clear that the problem is title-related. Even when dropouts occur they are not always reproducible on the same material.

I think media can be an associable condition to the dropouts. I know of a couple instances where only specific discs show the problem, while others have not.

In all of my experience with other hardware, if dropping the resolution decreases errors, but does not eliminate them, then there is a cable in your setup chain which is not working well.

.

Well, I've tried two completely separate cables. First i used a cable I've been using with another DVD player -- and then I switched over to the Oppo supplied HDMI cable.

Both exhibited dropouts. WHat's interesting, however -- and i just checked this -- is that the dropouts with one cable did not happen in the same place as the dropouts with the other cable. In other words, I replayed the DVD with and noted where the dropout occurred. And then when I switched cables, the same DVD played fine -- no dropouts. That's why I thought the cable fixed my issues above.

So I'm not sure how many cables it's reasonable to go through. I'm happy to try a third cable, but I'm leaning toward the idea that, no, it's not the cable -- or cables.

This is also the first time i've had HDMI dropouts of any kind. As I stated above, I've had a Philips upscaling DVD -- a $39 model -- and it played every disc fine. I realize this means very little -- but I'm thinking that I've never had dropouts with any of my equipment pre-Oppo -- and then *had* dropouts with the Oppo when it's introduced into my system, my instinct tells me that it's the Oppo that's doing something. What, I have no idea. But until this week when I brough the Oppo into the loop, my system has been (to my eyes and ears) flawless.

What may be happening is that there's some sort of timing issue with the Oppo -- and that because of the Oppo's high quality it's extremely sensitive to some timing thing that's going on in the HD chain. Now whether that's the cable, my Onkyo, or the DVD I guess is the issue.

But again -- I'm no expert. I'll try a third cable just to isolate out the cable issue.

Regarding the HDMI dropout issue, I had discounted colorspace, but now I'm not so sure. I've had my first repeatable pattern in testing.

Anyone experiencing dropouts, please try this. Note that you must be using 1080p and an HDMI cable, not HDMI->DVI.

If you start seeing dropouts, use the AB function on the remote to start a loop that continues to show them. While the loop is playing, try both YCbCr and one of the RGB spaces. Watch many loops and switch the color spaces back and forth. Just to be scientific, I'm not saying what I saw.

Rather than clog the forum, if you want to PM me I will summarize the results here and report them to Oppo if there is a pattern.

Now I've cycled the power and am waiting for dropouts to occur again so I can repeat the experiment.

It may be nothing. Whatever triggers the error seems to put the machine into some sort of "state" where otherwise insignificant influences make a difference.

-Bill

What colorspace are you currently using? I can cause the error to occur on a "known bad unit" when the colorspace is set to RGB PC (Integra DTC-9.8 and Projector both expect PC RGB at 1080p). The same colorspace does not effect my personal or beta unit when I try to replicate dropouts.

If you start seeing dropouts, use the AB function on the remote to start a loop that continues to show them. While the loop is playing, try both YCbCr and one of the RGB spaces. Watch many loops and switch the color spaces back and forth. Just to be scientific, I'm not saying what I saw.
I did a test like this last night. Once my video dropouts started, I kept returning to the same timecode in playback, each time cycling the Colorspace.

The dropout occurred on the Auto setting, which was choosing YCbCr according to my AVR's HDMI status screen. I switched it to RGB Video, and saw no dropouts when cycling back to this timecode many times. Then I switched to RGB PC, and saw no dropouts (this time watching much more of the movie). Then, I switched back to YCbCr. The funny thing was that I didn't see dropout immediately like I expected. But, eventually, 30 min of watching later, I started to get dropouts. I switched back to RGB PC and they went away.

@Bill -- Did you see anything like this?

-shoek

I did a test like this last night. Once my video dropouts started, I kept returning to the same timecode in playback, each time cycling the Colorspace.

The dropout occurred on the Auto setting, which was choosing YCbCr according to my AVR's HDMI status screen. I switched it to RGB Video, and saw no dropouts when cycling back to this timecode many times. Then I switched to RGB PC, and saw no dropouts (this time watching much more of the movie). Then, I switched back to YCbCr. The funny thing was that I didn't see dropout immediately like I expected. But, eventually, 30 min of watching later, I started to get dropouts. I switched back to RGB PC and they went away.

@Bill -- Did you see anything like this?

-shoek

I saw the opposite. No dropouts on YCbCr, dropouts on RGB (both). I was able to replicate this after a power cycle.

So it seems unlikely that a given color space is "bad", but it could be that once the machine gets into a "state" that small changes (color space switching, maybe other things) cause a shift in the state to dropouts or no dropouts.

Or I may be fooled by small samples of random data. But this was a pretty striking experiment.

-Bill

I saw the opposite. No dropouts on YCbCr, dropouts on RGB (both). I was able to replicate this after a power cycle.

So it seems unlikely that a given color space is "bad", but it could be that once the machine gets into a "state" that small changes (color space switching, maybe other things) cause a shift in the state to dropouts or no dropouts.

Or I may be fooled by small samples of random data. But this was a pretty striking experiment.

-Bill

Interesting experiment. After a comment made by Neuromancer a while back I switched to RGB PC and have enjoyed 4-5 movies without issue. However tonight, I suffered 2 very short blackouts watching an episode of Sherlock Holmes which has surprised me since that was to date absolutely fine even on Auto settings and I've watched around 20 episodes to date. Excepting that however the switch from Auto had produced trouble free viewing until tonight.

The cable from Cambridge 640R to the projector is a category winner in the UK, so I'm prepared to trust that part of the chain at the moment. The link from 983 to the amp is the HDMI used with my original 981. Could the two cables be incompatable in any degree? Has the 981 cable the same capability as the one supplied with the 983 and therefore is it worth switching (the amp by the way provides a simple pass through rather than any processing of the HDMI signal

That is a bad assumption to make, since there has been no isolation of the problem. This can be software (ex. Pioneer Elite receivers) or hardware related.

But if Oppo cannot isolate the problem, I'm assuming they have no idea which 983s exhibit the problem and which don't. Ergo, my asking for a replacement is as much of a gamble as my sticking with the current player. And if this is the case -- if Oppo can't guarantee me a drop-out free player and if they will be unable to fix it via firmware -- I'm assuming, finally, that the only option in my favor is to request a refund from ProjectPeople and move on?

Surely, Oppo techs see this problem in their labs?

Or are you saying that Oppo can't isolate the problem because they don't see it? And until they see it, they cannot isolate it?

Or are you saying Oppo sees the problem but cannot pin it down to any one, specific, isolated chain of events (and therefore cannot issue updated firmware)?

Again -- I'm new here, no expert -- and I realize the pot has been stirred for 54 pages (in this thread alone) -- but why (and I'm asking because I'm curious -- not trying to smart-off) can a $39 Philips DVD upconverting player play everything flawlessly and a $399 player can't (at least in some instances -- I understand others are experiencing flawless playback.)

I mean, what's the theoretical disconnect here?

but why (and I'm asking because I'm curious -- not trying to smart-off) can a $39 Philips DVD upconverting player play everything flawlessly and a $399 can't (at least in some instances -- I acknowledge that others are experiencing flawless playback.)

Just guessing: HDMI is difficult to make work. It's not a matter of how much you spend on it. Some combination of components or events cause difficult-to-replicate problems.

There is an HDMI forum here. Read it to see the problems people have.

-Bill

I would suggest opening a line of communication between Projector People and OPPO to try to get an extension or reprieve for the return of your player with the start date of the return beginning when you receive the replacement from OPPO.

I have PMed you some contact information.

It's already been sent back today. It's really not worth all the bother just for a DVD player. I have already ordered a different brand, from a dealer that really does have a good return policy.

So for anyone that odered from Projector People, remember that if you want to send it back for refund, you only have 7 days from the time you ordered, to request a return (took 6 days to get to me). And then you only have 7 more days to get it back to them. They do not go by the 30 day "Hassle Free Return Program" that you see on their site, and a $400 DVD player is just an accessory.

Oppo really should choose better dealers.

Has anyone compared the oppo 983 to the silcon optix reon base players (Samsung BD-1200, Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930/3930ci)?

I would like to know how the image fairs with real world viewing instead of some crazy test that doesnt really happen in real life with 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p

I would like to hear about people who have done A/B tests.

Thanks

Not directly, but I do have a RE0N in my Onkyo 885. When setting the Oppo to output 480p and Onkyo to upscale to 1080p, I could tell no difference between the Oppo's 1080p, and the Onkyo's. The problem with Onkyo's implementation of the REON, is that 4:3 material is automatically stretched to fit the screen, there are no aspect controls. This is why I wanted a player to do the upscaling, and to disable the REON in the Onkyo.

And I'm pretty sure it used the Oppo's de-interlacer in either case, which may be why I could see no difference between the two.

I received the new player today and I am extremely happy with the audio and video. It is a definite big step up from my pioneer elite DVD 59 avi which happens to be an excellent player. The pioneer will now join my older 50" pioneer plasma in the bedroom.

I played a few movies and haven't encountered any problems previously mentioned. I did notice unlike my pioneer unit the oppo makes noise when searching a disc. Anyone else encounter this?

So now I must fine tune the player and become more familiar with its operation and I will report back any problems. Since I never played the unmodified unit I won't be able to document the exact differences between the two but I see a big step up from my pioneer and thats all that matters.

Not directly, but I do have a RE0N in my Onkyo 885. When setting the Oppo to output 480p and Onkyo to upscale to 1080p, I could tell no difference between the Oppo's 1080p, and the Onkyo's. The problem with Onkyo's implementation of the REON, is that 4:3 material is automatically stretched to fit the screen, there are no aspect controls. This is why I wanted a player to do the upscaling, and to disable the REON in the Onkyo.

And I'm pretty sure it used the Oppo's de-interlacer in either case, which may be why I could see no difference between the two. Exactly. Setting the OPPO to 480p means that the OPPO is still doing the heavy lifting (the de-interlacing) The Reon is left to do the scaling, which is trivial by comparison.

Gary

Has anyone compared the oppo 983 to the silcon optix reon base players (Samsung BD-1200, Toshiba XA2, Denon 2930/3930ci)?

I would like to know how the image fairs with real world viewing instead of some crazy test that doesnt really happen in real life with 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p

I would like to hear about people who have done A/B tests. There have been a few comparisons in this thread already. They're buried by now, but the consensus has been in favor of the 983, because the Reon tends to make the image (especially faces) look a little "plastic" in comparison.

Gary

I received the new player today and I am extremely happy with the audio and video. It is a definite big step up from my pioneer elite DVD 59 avi which happens to be an excellent player. The pioneer will now join my older 50" pioneer plasma in the bedroom.

I played a few movies and haven't encountered any problems previously mentioned. I did notice unlike my pioneer unit the oppo makes noise when searching a disc. Anyone else encounter this? Good to hear. Yes, the tracking mechanism makes a bit of noise when searching, but not while playing.

Gary

I received the new player today and I am extremely happy with the audio and video. It is a definite big step up from my pioneer elite DVD 59 avi which happens to be an excellent player. The pioneer will now join my older 50" pioneer plasma in the bedroom.

I played a few movies and haven't encountered any problems previously mentioned. I did notice unlike my pioneer unit the oppo makes noise when searching a disc. Anyone else encounter this?

So now I must fine tune the player and become more familiar with its operation and I will report back any problems. Since I never played the unmodified unit I won't be able to document the exact differences between the two but I see a big step up from my pioneer and thats all that matters.

Good to hear! I am loving my modded 983. The transport can be a little noisy at start-up and when searching. I have had absolutely no problems with my unit since receiving it last saturday. It has been in use constantly since then.

I forgot to mention the disc drawer mechanism. It's not the best I've encountered but I sure don't have a problem placing or removing a disc which is 4 3/4 " in diameter and only 3/4" is not visible.

Well after all my drop out problems across 2 different screens I've decided to return the player to CRT Projectors and they are going to test it to see if I have a faulty player rather than it being problem across all the players.

I'm kind hoping there is a batch of faulty players that can be replaced with a different batch and the problems will be resolved rather than Oppo having to try and find a cure and fix it by firmware as there just seems to be so many different variants on the go here, attributing it to a faulty component may be an easier fix.

... but it could be that once the machine gets into a "state" that small changes (color space switching, maybe other things) cause a shift in the state to dropouts or no dropouts. -Bill

I agree. Although I've had random mostly one-off dropouts on everything viewed, there've been two occassions where they've just been constant, once after changing the de-interlacing mode and once when setting the colour space to RGB TV.

Just curious, why isn't the Oppo 983 offered on Amazon? Or when will it be offered on Amazon?

Possibly when or if the drop-out problem is fixed?

Just curious, why isn't the Oppo 983 offered on Amazon? Or when will it be offered on Amazon?

Possibly when or if the drop-out problem is fixed?

I believe it's just a matter of supply and demand at this point, Oppo seems to have their hands full with all of the direct orders.

The report of dropout problems on this thread does make me wonder what is happening with all of the 983s out in the general public. Just how wide spread is this problem.

Well after all my drop out problems across 2 different screens I've decided to return the player to CRT Projectors and they are going to test it to see if I have a faulty player rather than it being problem across all the players.

I'm kind hoping there is a batch of faulty players that can be replaced with a different batch and the problems will be resolved rather than Oppo having to try and find a cure and fix it by firmware as there just seems to be so many different variants on the go here, attributing it to a faulty component may be an easier fix.

I got one in the first release (at the preorder price) from CRT Projectors and mine is 100% OK - no dropouts from the HDMI video at all (I use coax for the 5.1 as I have run out of HDMI inputs on my Onkyo for the moment).

I got one in the first release (at the preorder price) from CRT Projectors and mine is 100% OK - no dropouts from the HDMI video at all (I use coax for the 5.1 as I have run out of HDMI inputs on my Onkyo for the moment).
When did yours arrive? I'm currently testing one from the batch released the second week of April but haven't gotten to trying it with 1080p. There are some bugs playing UK PAL discs on an 1080i screen, but those appear to be firmware related.

Just curious, why isn't the Oppo 983 offered on Amazon? Or when will it be offered on Amazon?

Possibly when or if the drop-out problem is fixed?

Probably never. The margins for Amazon.com are too small for an expensive item such as this. Add to the fact that Amazon.com purchases may not be the sharpest tool in the drawer, you risk having a lot of product returned due to expectations being too high.

The report of dropout problems on this thread does make me wonder what is happening with all of the 983s out in the general public. Just how wide spread is this problem.

Look at it this way. The DV-983H is geared towards people who are video/audiophiles. Most of these people are members of forums, such as AVS. If you are only seeing a small fraction of the users complain about dropouts, then only a small percentage of units are at least "verified" to have problems.

It is not epidemic.

Good to hear! I am loving my modded 983. The transport can be a little noisy at start-up and when searching. I have had absolutely no problems with my unit since receiving it last saturday. It has been in use constantly since then.

May I ask who did your mods? Impressions?

Probably never. The margins for Amazon.com are too small for an expensive item such as this. Add to the fact that Amazon.com purchases may not be the sharpest tool in the drawer, you risk having a lot of product returned due to expectations being too high.

That may be the case now, but the question on Amazon probably comes from the fact that they used to carry the 970, 980, and 981...and I think there were some HDMI switches on there too. The 983 may be the exception.

If I was OPPO I would not be selling these players to Amazon.com.

Probably never. The margins for Amazon.com are too small for an expensive item such as this. Add to the fact that Amazon.com purchases may not be the sharpest tool in the drawer, you risk having a lot of product returned due to expectations being too high.

I like ordering through Amazon because of the protection but also because of the free shipping. All of Oppo's previous units have sold or are listed on Amazon.

Good to hear! I am loving my modded 983. The transport can be a little noisy at start-up and when searching. I have had absolutely no problems with my unit since receiving it last saturday. It has been in use constantly since then.

My question is, did you have drop-out issues with yours before it was modded? and do you still have the issues? What did the Mods improve or make better?

I did a test like this last night. Once my video dropouts started, I kept returning to the same timecode in playback, each time cycling the Colorspace.

The dropout occurred on the Auto setting, which was choosing YCbCr according to my AVR's HDMI status screen.

I ran into an unrelated issue with the color space setting where the oppo was automatically selecting YCbCr. That is Auto and YCbCr produced the same output. When using either mode I lost blacker than black detail on my display, so I chose RGB Video manually and fixed it. I happen to connect the oppo directly to my Sharp LCD via the included HDMI cable. The audio is fed to my Pioneer VSX-1014 receiver using a coaxial lead. I haven't experienced any dropouts, but my LCD is an older model and only supports up to 1080i. I normally run it at 720p which is closer to its native resolution.

I know Neuromancer already brought this up earlier in the thread, but I wanted to note one case where the display's age was a factor in how the 983H configured certain automated settings. Some options may require a little bit of tinkering by the end user.

~ david

When did yours arrive? I'm currently testing one from the batch released the second week of April but haven't gotten to trying it with 1080p. There are some bugs playing UK PAL discs on an 1080i screen, but those appear to be firmware related.

Mine arrived 15th or 16th April. Serial number is 2790024641 if you want to compare it with yours. I'm using it 1080p direct into HDMI 2 of my screen with the audio going via coax to my AVR. I haven't tried it at any other resolution than 1080p but I have a mixture of PAL R2 and NTSC R1 discs and every one plays with no problems of any kind. I am running the latest firmware as installed by CRT before despatch. TV type is set to AUTO. I am still totally in awe of the PQ on every disc I have watched since getting it. It's a shame that people seem to be having so many problems with these dropouts. I have no idea why mine should play perfectly but I sure am glad it does! Oh yeah, one final thing, I am using a high quality HDMI cable - can't recall the name, not the Oppo one that came with the unit (only because the spare cable was pre-installed in my setup - the Oppo one looks pretty good to me too).

Is it possible Oppo underestimated the demand for the DV-983H and rushed their supplier who in turn became rushed and subsequently released faulty players? We all know the consequence of trying to meet a deadline and making stupid mistakes, the proverbial chain is only as strong as its weakest link and that link could be anywhere down the line from the parts sub contractors which could be from the Asian Pacific rim all the way to the assembly plant wherever that is to the workers that actually put the parts together to Oppo and out to distributors and finally consumers.

I wouldn't want to be in this business if you gave it to me, too many people handling a delicate electronic component and God only knows who screwed up. If you think about it, it's amazing so many products function as advertised, just look at the problems forum members are having with the new Denon 3800 $2000.00 bluray player. I rest my case.

Is it possible Oppo underestimated the demand for the DV-983H and rushed their supplier who in turn became rushed and subsequently released faulty players?

No, if they rushed the player they would not be shipping their product in one month blocks.

I think that Oppo did an excellent overall job with this player despite some inevitable early bugs.

I think we should all be indebted to the beta testers and the early adopters on this thread who have been helping Oppo to shake out the bugs.

Having said that, and being too busy at work to become an early adopter (really, I am not being lazy, just crazy busy), I am hesitant to order the player until the major bugs have been fixed.

I *will* buy one, but probably between 6 months to a year from now. Hopefully by then Oppo will shake out most of the bugs (and there will be inventory!).

I ran into an unrelated issue with the color space setting where the oppo was automatically selecting YCbCr. That is Auto and YCbCr produced the same output. When using either mode I lost blacker than black detail on my display, so I chose RGB Video manually and fixed it. The "AUTO" colorspace setting is designed to select YCbCr if the display accepts it, and RGB if it does not. Some of the first HDMI devices had trouble with YCbCr not passing Blacker-than-Black.

Gary

May I ask who did your mods? Impressions?

I bought my 983 direct from ASi Tek, they did the mods. The 983 is fantastic! Dougs work is very well done, it looks oem. They give a 1 year warranty on their products.

My question is, did you have drop-out issues with yours before it was modded? and do you still have the issues? What did the Mods improve or make better?

I bought my 983 direct from ASi Tek and they tested every unit before doing the mods. I was told that in their shipment two units had problems and were returned for replacement. The remaining units appeared to have no problems so they went ahead with the mods. I have had no dropout or any other problem with this player. Maybe I am just lucky,time will tell.

I use my 983s stereo analog audio output to my 2 channel setup so I was most interested in getting the best audio possible. I wanted to be able to use one player for all of my media and the 983 does just that. I will be comparing it to a stock unit this Sunday but mine sounds fantastic. I really couldn't be any happier.

I haven't tried it at any other resolution than 1080p but I have a mixture of PAL R2 and NTSC R1 discs and every one plays with no problems of any kind. I am running the latest firmware as installed by CRT before despatch. TV type is set to AUTO. I am still totally in awe of the PQ on every disc I have watched since getting it. Same here. I have used 3 of these players (2 beta models and a production model), feeding 1080p to a Sony 1080p LCD, with different cables, and I have also connected it through the OPPO HM-31 switch. I have played countless PAL R2 and NTSC R1 disks, including Superbit DTS versions and some particularly nasty/challenging disks. I have switched the colorspace and other settings, and never seen a single dropout with any of these 3 players.

OPPO is working really hard to find the cause of this maddeningly intermittent fault. They have succeeded in their efforts to find and fix frustrating issues in past... and they will succeed again. Keep the faith people... its worth it!

Gary

I bought my 983 direct from ASi Tek and they tested every unit before doing the mods. I was told that in their shipment two units had problems and were returned for replacement. The remaining units appeared to have no problems so they went ahead with the mods.
Did ASi Tek say what the problems were?

Did ASi Tek say what the problems were?

From what they said I took it to be the same dropout problem being discussed. I am very glad I bought my 983 from a company that thoroughly tests all of the players they get before and after their work is done.

Same here. I have used 3 of these players (2 beta models and a production model), feeding 1080p to a Sony 1080p LCD, with different cables, and I have also connected it through the OPPO HM-31 switch. I have played countless PAL R2 and NTSC R1 disks, including Superbit DTS versions and some particularly nasty/challenging disks. I have switched the colorspace and other settings, and never seen a single dropout with any of these 3 players.

OPPO is working really hard to find the cause of this maddeningly intermittent fault. They have succeeded in their efforts to find and fix frustrating issues in past... and they will succeed again. Keep the faith people... its worth it!

Gary

It sure is. I watched I Robot again tonight and I have never seen it look so good. The image is so filmlike too. In fact, since getting the 983 I have watched more SD DVDs than HD - and this is despite having a Toshiba A35 and a Panasonic DM10A. This is such good news for me because I have hundreds of SD discs (like most people on here probably) and the 983 has given them all a new lease of life. I just can't believe how good they look.

Keith

It sure is. I watched I Robot again tonight and I have never seen it look so good. The image is so filmlike too. In fact, since getting the 983 I have watched more SD DVDs than HD - and this is despite having a Toshiba A35 and a Panasonic DM10A. This is such good news for me because I have hundreds of SD discs (like most people on here probably) and the 983 has given them all a new lease of life. I just can't believe how good they look.

Keith


Man that is fantastic to hear! I have 600 movie and concert SD DVDs and will be picking this up in the near future to go with my 9G Pioneer when they are released. I don't want to double dip and many won't ever be released on BD, or will be a long time coming.

John

I would probably buy this player if it wasn't for the dropouts some users are experiencing. Still I don't know how widespread this problem actually is. But I don't want to be playing roulette when buying something. But then again, you have at least 14 days to return it, so I guess you could order it, test it thoroughly and just send it back if dropouts are a problem?

The 983 sells for €388 or about $588 here in Europe, you can get the ps3 for about $670. That's my other option, but 983 seem to be superior to the ps3, and I think I'm quite picky with PQ. I've watched just a couple of DVD's upscaled on the ps3, so I can't really give a fair judgment, but they sure looked better than my panny dvd-s52 (which suffered from macro-blocking, that really bothered me). I own about 60 SD-DVD’s (more incoming ;)) and I really want those to look the best they can. I might buy some blu-ray discs in the future, as I would love to have the sopranos and some other stuff in HD. I would probably buy 3-4 games a year, so I wouldn't use the ps3 for a whole lot of gaming.

Any input?

Also a big thank you to all of the posters contributing to this thread!

Man that is fantastic to hear! I have 600 movie and concert SD DVDs and will be picking this up in the near future to go with my 9G Pioneer when they are released. I don't want to double dip and many won't ever be released on BD, or will be a long time coming.

John

Exactly my thoughts. I can't stress how good this player makes SD discs look. They are smooth, with excellent contrast and superb colours. Motion artifacts are more or less non-existent - the best I have ever seen during slow camera pans for example. There is a real, almost HD 'pop' on well-mastered DVDs and the best ones really do approach HD quality - they're just lacking that last ounce of detail of course, but from normal viewing distances they are very, very close. Like you I have hundreds of SD discs and was coming around to thinking I'd need to double dip on my favourites if and when they became available - think of the cost of that and the 983 looks like the bargain of the century! But the best thing I can say about this player is that it renders the image in such a 'film-like' way, something that HD doesn't always do IMO (because sometimes it makes movies look like video if you know what I mean). Even when the SD image is a little soft, as it sometimes is, this smooth, film-like quality makes it look fantastic. I just hope they resolve this problem that some people are having with dropouts and so forth - personally my player is 100% OK as you will have guessed and I just want everyone to get theirs to 100% so they can truly appreciate what a fantastic machine this is for anyone with a big SD collection.

Keith

The 983 sells for €388 or about $588 here in Europe, you can get the ps3 for about $670. That's my other option, but 983 seem to be superior to the ps3, and I think I'm quite picky with PQ. I've watched just a couple of DVD's upscaled on the ps3, so I can't really give a fair judgment, but they sure looked better than my panny dvd-s52 (which suffered from macro-blocking, that really bothered me). I own about 60 SD-DVD’s (more incoming ;)) and I really want those to look the best they can. I might buy some blu-ray discs in the future, as I would love to have the sopranos and some other stuff in HD. I would probably buy 3-4 games a year, so I wouldn't use the ps3 for a whole lot of gaming.

Any input?

Also a big thank you to all of the posters contributing to this thread!

Hi. I am very picky about PQ as well. Over the years I must have owned dozens of different DVD players in the search for the ultimate quality. I have bought players that have cost almost $2000 and players that have cost less than $100 over this time. Lately I have bought a Toshiba A35 and a Panasonic DM10A and I can tell you without fear of contradiction that the 983 just totally blows these players away in terms of rendering SD discs. As soon as I got my 983 and got it set up and adjusted, I got out a dozen of my favourite DVDs - discs that I know really well - and ran them through the Panasonic, then the Toshiba and then the 983, being really careful to look out for all the things that make a picture great (I'm retired so I have time to do this! :))

In every case, the 983 made a substantially better job of playing SD DVDs than either of my HD players. And I do read reviews etc where the reviewer says the A35 and the DM10A do a good job of upscaling SD discs. The 983 scores in terms of its 'film-like' presentation, its incredible colour and contrast performance, its lack of artefacts, general picture sharpness and smoothness, skin tone rendering and so on. It wrings the last drop of performance from your SD discs and makes the best of them close to HD quality. I say close because obviously they will never have the resolution of an HD disc and if you compare the same movies side by side this is self-evident. But, HST, the PQ from the 983 is just sensational and I have never seen any of my SD discs look so good.

Obviously I haven't tested every upconverting HD player with SD discs, and I have no personal knowledge at all of the PS3's capabilities in this area. But I can honestly tell you that the 983 blows away both my HD players for SD and I can't really imagine how the PQ could be any better.

HTH.

Keith

Received mine yesterday and watched about 3 hours on it. Left all settings on default and connected with a 3 ft hdmi cable to my optoma hd65 projector. Got to do some calibration but first impression is very good.
Watched a pal dvd (superb picture and sound quality) and then Forrest Gump -ntsc- (definitly not as clear as the pal dvd). Do pal dvds in general produce sharper pictures or is the quality of the transfer more significant?
No drop outs to report.
With the pj I received also an optimizing dvd from anchor bay but no manual. Anbody here can explain how best to interpret these test patterns?
Will play around with the machine tonight and will report back. Anything I should watch out for especially?

Received mine yesterday and watched about 3 hours on it. Left all settings on default and connected with a 3 ft hdmi cable to my optoma hd65 projector. Got to do some calibration but first impression is very good.
Watched a pal dvd (superb picture and sound quality) and then Forrest Gump -ntsc- (definitly not as clear as the pal dvd). Do pal dvds in general produce sharper pictures or is the quality of the transfer more significant?
No drop outs to report.

How have you got the TV Type set up? If you're in Europe, you need to set it to AUTO because your screen can do the PAL/NTSC conversion itself. I've not noticed any PQ differences between PAL and NTSC - the transfer is the significant factor not the technology for displaying it IOW.

Keith

Obviously I haven't tested every upconverting HD player with SD discs, and I have no personal knowledge at all of the PS3's capabilities in this area. But I can honestly tell you that the 983 blows away both my HD players for SD and I can't really imagine how the PQ could be any better.

HTH.

Keith


When I recieved my 983 I did back to back tests against the Toshiba EP35 HD DVD player and the PS3 for Standard Def 1080p dutys and the 983 severly kicks their backsides into touch. when watching the 983 I'm constantly amazed at the picture it can produce, there is so much depth and sharpness to the picture, and the colour reproduction is awesome, it has to be seen to be believed. When the same dvd is watched on either the PS3 or EP35, well it just looks like a dvd, there is no WOW factor, it just looks flat.

I just hope CRT can get my 983 sorted as I'm not sure that any other DVD player can match the 983's performance. They have got a new board comming over from Oppo which they are swapping over early next week, hopefully that will fix the problem, Oppo are then having my old board back to test, hopefully assisting them in fixing the Problem.

Although it's been a load of grief, both CRT (over here in the UK) and Oppo have been great in trying to get to the bottom of the problem.

Exactly my thoughts. I can't stress how good this player makes SD discs look. They are smooth, with excellent contrast and superb colours. Motion artifacts are more or less non-existent - the best I have ever seen during slow camera pans for example. There is a real, almost HD 'pop' on well-mastered DVDs and the best ones really do approach HD quality - they're just lacking that last ounce of detail of course, but from normal viewing distances they are very, very close. Like you I have hundreds of SD discs and was coming around to thinking I'd need to double dip on my favourites if and when they became available - think of the cost of that and the 983 looks like the bargain of the century! But the best thing I can say about this player is that it renders the image in such a 'film-like' way, something that HD doesn't always do IMO (because sometimes it makes movies look like video if you know what I mean). Even when the SD image is a little soft, as it sometimes is, this smooth, film-like quality makes it look fantastic. I just hope they resolve this problem that some people are having with dropouts and so forth - personally my player is 100% OK as you will have guessed and I just want everyone to get theirs to 100% so they can truly appreciate what a fantastic machine this is for anyone with a big SD collection.

Keith


"There is a real, almost HD 'pop' on well-mastered DVDs and the best ones really do approach HD quality - they're just lacking that last ounce of detail of course, but from normal viewing distances they are very, very close."

As most current movies are very well shot today, and mastered in HD, the SD DVD downconvert is the benificiery of the HD format, compared to the early days of SD. Since my primary theater plasma is/will be a 50" size, the picture quality with the 983 makes a strong financial argument as well ........... pay $5 to $7 for a SD DVD on sale, or spring for $25 to $30 for the BD version. If I had a bigger screen or a projector, this argument isn't as valid, but prices for BD need to drop some for me to adopt it on all new releases, when the 983 is so good.

John

With the pj I received also an optimizing dvd from anchor bay but no manual. Anbody here can explain how best to interpret these test patterns?

Check this post by jeffhdz (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13363146#post13363146)

I would probably buy this player if it wasn't for the dropouts some users are experiencing. Still I don't know how widespread this problem actually is.

Like I said, the number of users effected so far seems small.

Beyond that, OPPO has 3 weeks until their next expected shipment of DV-983H units. This means they have 3 weeks to isolate, analyze, and repair their future shipment, as well as all currently effected players.

When I received my 983 I did back to back tests against the Toshiba EP35 HD DVD player and the PS3 for Standard Def 1080p dutys and the 983 severely kicks their backsides into touch. when watching the 983 I'm constantly amazed at the picture it can produce, there is so much depth and sharpness to the picture, and the colour reproduction is awesome, it has to be seen to be believed. When the same dvd is watched on either the PS3 or EP35, well it just looks like a dvd, there is no WOW factor, it just looks flat.


Exactly what I am finding too.

I hope CRT/Oppo soon get to the bottom of the problems you're having.

Keith

Has anyone compared SACD and DVD-A performance between the 980H and 983H using HDMI?

I am mainly intersed in the best audio performance and am wondering if the 983H is worth $230 mark up over the 980H if audio is the main concern.

I have skimmed through this thread but have not seen a direct comparison. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If your primary purpose is for audio transportation and decoding, the DV-980H is the best solution. You will be paying a huge premium for the ABT solution that you will not be taking advantage of.

Indeed. One can only hope that we will see BlueRay music-only discs. No file size issues for multichannel 24/96 programs of uncompressed PCM!!!

Until then, the 983 connects to the Integra DTC-9.8 via HDMI for SACD in the small system and the 980 connects to my Meridian Ref 861 via 3xS/PDIF for SACD in the big system. As I have nearly 2000 SACDs, it is worth the effort.

Between the 983 and 980 connected to a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TX via HDMI which would be better for SACD and DVD-A playback?

Between the 983 and 980 connected to a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TX via HDMI which would be better for SACD and DVD-A playback?I would pick the 980 if only to have the option of direct DSD output.

I would pick the 980 if only to have the option of direct DSD output.

Kal, why do you consider this capability (the option of direct DSD output) important, since in your review of the 980H you said that you preferred SACD audio transmitted in PCM form rather than DSD? - Does the ability to output DSD directly have other advantages?

Thanks,
Jim

Thank you Neuro and Kal for your advice;)

Kal, why do you consider this capability (the option of direct DSD output) important, since in your review of the 980H you said that you preferred SACD audio transmitted in PCM form rather than DSD? - Does the ability to output DSD directly have other advantages?
If I didn't misread Kal's review, I believe when he wrote that he preferred the 983H's PCM over DSD he was speaking only about its particular results with the Integra DTC-9.8. Regardless of the eventual decoder, the 980H is still, clearly, the more versatile audio transport of the two.

Edit: To avoid confusion, I mean to say "... when he preferred the 983H's SACD decoded to PCM vs DSD ...."

Thanks to those who answered some of my question. As I mentioned the 983 sells for about $580 here in Europe, compared to $400 in the US. Is it worth the extra $180? I had set my limit to $500 to begin with, but reading all these comments about it makes all other players seem like just the next best thing, and not buying this one, you would be asking yourself what if I had bought that Oppo...?

Also, how well does it handle TV-shows? I have the OZ box-sets, and I haven't had time (or a player, since my current one is broke) to watch them all, but at least the first season didn't look to good.

Thanks again.

Kal, why do you consider this capability (the option of direct DSD output) important, since in your review of the 980H you said that you preferred SACD audio transmitted in PCM form rather than DSD? - Does the ability to output DSD directly have other advantages?
Because that preference was based solely on the 980/Integra combination. I can anticipate the liklihood of another preference if the 980 was feeding a different processor.

Because that preference was based solely on the 980/Integra combination. I can anticipate the liklihood of another preference if the 980 was feeding a different processor.

For SACD to a Denon 4308, would you recommend the 980 or 983?

I have the 980 and just got the 983. But the video dropouts with the 983 concern me. Of even more concern is the audio dropouts and HDMI disconnects that occur when playing an SACD disk. All of a sudden, the sound is gone, the picture is gone, and the Denon indicated no audio input. The only way to restore the HDMI connection is to turn off the 983 and turn it back on again.

I've talked with Oppo. Because they can't reproduce this problem, they can't come up with a fix. For this reason, I think I'm going to return the 983. Too bad, because it's upconversion of SD DVDs is very good.

I placed an order for a DV-983H three weeks ago, and have had it for two weeks now. I've been very happy with it overall, until last night.

We rented "American Gangster," and I was surprised to find that the menus were very garbled, and almost unreadable when I inserted the disc. After a bit of experimentation, I tried the disc in another machine to make sure it wasn't the disc. It worked fine in the old Sony. I then reinserted it into the 983, and it indicated that it was resuming playback from the old location. (although we had never gone beyond the menus) At this point, the menu came up again, and this time it looked fine, so we started the movie. Playback was normal. For a while.

After almost 90 minutes had passed, the screen went black, and playback halted. The player was still powered on, and the elapsed time was displayed on the machine, but it wouldn't respond to the remote. Pause, resume, play - no response. Title, Menu - no response. Would not respond to the eject button. It did respond to the Power button, though. But upon powering it back up, the Power and Eject buttons on the player light up in blue, but the display stays dark. And no ouput is being received by the tv. (Sony SXRD via HDMI) It still won't respond to any inputs. Finally cut power by disconnecting the cord, and let it sit overnight. Reconnected in the morning, but same results. The only input it responds to is the Power button. (on the front panel or the remote, so the IR input is working) Every other input is ignored. The machine is effectively dead. (aside from the ability to power up the pretty blue lights on the front panel)

So, is there an Oppo button sequence that will reset it? I'd be willing to give that a try. It's running the latest firmware. I sent Oppo an email a few minutes ago, but it's Sunday, so I'm assuming tomorrow is the earliest that I'll get a response.

If anybody else has encountered anything similar, I'd love to hear about it.

For SACD to a Denon 4308, would you recommend the 980 or 983?

I have the 980 and just got the 983. But the video dropouts with the 983 concern me. Of even more concern is the audio dropouts and HDMI disconnects that occur when playing an SACD disk. All of a sudden, the sound is gone, the picture is gone, and the Denon indicated no audio input. The only way to restore the HDMI connection is to turn off the 983 and turn it back on again.

I've talked with Oppo. Because they can't reproduce this problem, they can't come up with a fix. For this reason, I think I'm going to return the 983. Too bad, because it's upconversion of SD DVDs is very good.Cannot really help as I have no experience with the new Denons and, so far, neither the 980 nor the 983 have given me any problems.

I placed an order for a DV-983H three weeks ago, and have had it for two weeks now. I've been very happy with it overall, until last night.

We rented "American Gangster," and I was surprised to find that the menus were very garbled, and almost unreadable when I inserted the disc. After a bit of experimentation, I tried the disc in another machine to make sure it wasn't the disc. It worked fine in the old Sony. I then reinserted it into the 983, and it indicated that it was resuming playback from the old location. (although we had never gone beyond the menus) At this point, the menu came up again, and this time it looked fine, so we started the movie. Playback was normal. For a while.

After almost 90 minutes had passed, the screen went black, and playback halted. The player was still powered on, and the elapsed time was displayed on the machine, but it wouldn't respond to the remote. Pause, resume, play - no response. Title, Menu - no response. Would not respond to the eject button. It did respond to the Power button, though. But upon powering it back up, the Power and Eject buttons on the player light up in blue, but the display stays dark. And no ouput is being received by the tv. (Sony SXRD via HDMI) It still won't respond to any inputs. Finally cut power by disconnecting the cord, and let it sit overnight. Reconnected in the morning, but same results. The only input it responds to is the Power button. (on the front panel or the remote, so the IR input is working) Every other input is ignored. The machine is effectively dead. (aside from the ability to power up the pretty blue lights on the front panel)

So, is there an Oppo button sequence that will reset it? I'd be willing to give that a try. It's running the latest firmware. I sent Oppo an email a few minutes ago, but it's Sunday, so I'm assuming tomorrow is the earliest that I'll get a response.

If anybody else has encountered anything similar, I'd love to hear about it.

Welcome to the AVS Forum and this thread for your first post! Sorry it had to be about a problem. :(

Sunday means nothing to OPPO Digital. I bet you'll get a prompt response today. :)

Dana

Welcome to the AVS Forum and this thread for your first post! Sorry it had to be about a problem. :(

Sunday means nothing to OPPO Digital. I bet you'll get a prompt response today. :)

Dana

I'm not really new, I've been following threads here for a couple years when researching purchases. This is just the first time I've had an issue to post something about.

Good to hear that Oppo responds quickly, even on the weekend. Of course, now that you've gotten my hopes up, I'll likely waste the afternoon stopping by the computer to check my email.

Also, how well does it handle TV-shows? I have the OZ box-sets, and I haven't had time (or a player, since my current one is broke) to watch them all, but at least the first season didn't look to good.
The 983H does a stellar job with video-based footage--in fact, I'd say that the improvement over other players is noticeably more dramatic than it is with film, and you won't need such a big screen to see the difference. It also handles hybrid (film+video) material without a hitch.

Of course, these days, most TV drama is shot on film anyway! (Or on 24p/25p video, which amounts to the same thing.)

Just want to let everyone know about my experience with the Oppo 983H HDMI drop outs:
-I received an 983H that had HDMI drop out problems from the get go. Otherwise, the picture was absolutely superb. I have an Integra DTC-9.8, but the 983H upscaling is even better. I sent Oppo an e-mail on a Sunday, got a reply right away, they suggested that I try different cables, which I did, but to no avail (however, putting a 25' cable in either between the Oppo and the Integra, or between the Integra and the TV (Sony KDS-60A3000) clearly increased the frequency and the duration of drop outs.
-Oppo suggested a few other things the following day, including connecting the 983H directly to my TV which still gave me drop outs, although fewer, but simultaneously they initiated a forward ship replacement.
-Whatever disk or configuration I used, going to 720p or 1080i got rid of the drop outs.
-I kept the "old" unit for a few days to do some further trouble shooting, including the color space settings suggested here. They seemed to impact the frequency of the drop outs but didn't entirely solve the problem.
-3 days ago, I started using the new unit. It has been perfect.

It seems to me that there are some units that probably have some hardware problems, reducing the HDMI worst-case margins.

I believe my problem is now resolved (knock on wood.) However, I want to let everyone know that Oppo's Customer Service was exceptionally responsive. I'm very impressed, they clearly want satisfied customers.

Reconnected in the morning, but same results. The only input it responds to is the Power button. (on the front panel or the remote, so the IR input is working) Every other input is ignored. The machine is effectively dead. (aside from the ability to power up the pretty blue lights on the front panel)

Reconnect the DVD player after 15 minutes to another power supply, preferably one in another room (such as a kitchen, where the power is usually on a larger circuit).

If the front panel of the player still does not show anything, then the unit will have to be replaced or repaired, as your unit is effectively dead for you.

So, is there an Oppo button sequence that will reset it? I'd be willing to give that a try.

No, there is no way to reset the player with any combination of remote control or front panel button operations. The only way to software reset a player which does not turn On is to use special hardware and software. You can't do this as an end user.

Reconnect the DVD player after 15 minutes to another power supply, preferably one in another room (such as a kitchen, where the power is usually on a larger circuit).

If the front panel of the player still does not show anything, then the unit will have to be replaced or repaired, as your unit is effectively dead for you.

No, there is no way to reset the player with any combination of remote control or front panel button operations. The only way to software reset a player which does not turn On is to use special hardware and software. You can't do this as an end user.

I actually got a response from Oppo this afternoon, and they made the same suggestion - hook it up to another outlet after fifteen minutes w/out power. Tried it, no difference. I still get two blue lights and a blank front panel display.

So they're shipping me a replacement tomorrow.

Impressive customer service. Responding on a Sunday, exchanging emails with me immediately to help troubleshoot the issue, and within a few hours scheduling a replacement unit for shipment. I'm certainly satisfied. (assuming the new one works better, of course)

How have you got the TV Type set up? If you're in Europe, you need to set it to AUTO because your screen can do the PAL/NTSC conversion itself. I've not noticed any PQ differences between PAL and NTSC - the transfer is the significant factor not the technology for displaying it IOW. Keith, its good to have you posting here with experiences from the UK. A thought-provoking question though...

Progressive display panels are not necessarily bound to the 50Hz/60Hz frequency of the power line, so they can be designed to accept almost any refresh frequency, but the real question is how the TV's electronics handles the signals... In the UK, do the TV's convert all signals into 50Hz at the input, or do they leave them untouched for the display panel?

If the TV does convert a 60Hz NTSC signal to 50Hz, then the next question, is whether the DV-983H can do a better job of that conversion by setting its "TV Type" to "PAL" in the UK.

Gary

I believe my problem is now resolved (knock on wood.) However, I want to let everyone know that Oppo's Customer Service was exceptionally responsive. I'm very impressed, they clearly want satisfied customers. Glad to hear that the new unit is working fine. Thanks for posting. I chuckled at your little slogan "Engineer... sorry". We welcome engineers here. Their input is valuable and they keep us honest... making us think before posting dumb assumptions that might be riddled with flaws.

Gary

Hi Carbonado. I suspect the Onkyo may be your problem.
Some of the Onkyo 674's had a hardware fault (for passing 1080p) which needed a factory fix.
Try sending your audio to your Onkyo 705 via optical. See if this fixes the drop-outs.
If it doesn't, Try sending your video straight to the TV via HDMI (and leave the optical cable to the Onkyo).
I had audio dropouts last year with my Onkyo 674 and a HD set top box. Both units were checked and given a clean bill of health, but they would not work together (via HDMI).
My new 983 seems to be OK (Onkyo 674, Samsung 40" 1080p. HDMI). I had some drop-outs early on, but fiddling with the HDMI cables has hopefully fixed it (Fingers crossed)

I finally got a chance to test my 983H on a 1080p screen: a NuVision Lucidium DCM 47" with both video and audio over HDMI, no receiver or switches in between. Tried playing Knocked-Up (NTSC R1) and Star Trek Voyager (PAL R2), along with a couple anime (Spirited Away and Vampire Hunter D, both NTSC R1). Somewhat to my surprise (I'm a cynic at heart) I had no drop-outs of any kind in some four hours of hawk-eyed, butt-expanding watching. I can breathe a big sigh of relief, well, at least until my Onkyo PR-SC885P arrives sometime next week and I get to experience the wonders of Oppo/Integra/Onkyo interfacing.

Incidentally, for a relative video newbie like myself (I'm an audiophile) including the Anchor Bay VRS test disc was a stroke of genius by the Oppo folks. I couldn't put my finger on exactly why the upsampling was better than my PC or especially the Toshiba HD-A2, but the torture tests at least objectively showed why the VRS chips might be better. For example, the disc clearly revealed that the 983H had better anti-aliasing performance than my PC's PowerDVD, and completely embarrassed the the Toshiba A2. For some reason I had forgotten that the A2 doesn't have a Reon chip (like the A35 does, for example), but playing the VRS test disc reminded me quite vividly of the truth.

I can reiterate what everyone else is saying about the 983H's PQ: it is outstanding. It is not HD, but I have no regret about paying so much for what is probably close to the final statement in DVD reproduction. I was also holding back because of the lack of a 980H-style D-pad on the front panel, but it turns out I like the minimalist button layout of the 983H better. Add to that the very responsive and clearly sympathetic service from the Oppo techs, and the 983H has been a complete slam-dunk so far.

I should add that I am using coax for the 5.1 sound into the Onkyo 705 but the player is connected directly to HDMI inlet on the Samsung as I have run out of HDMI inputs on the amp itself. IOW, the amp is bypassed for video and sound is via coax not HDMI.

KBarnes
To assist the rest of us, maybe you could try hooking your system up HDMI only (via the Onkyo amp, but no coax) to see if you get drop-outs. There seems to be a few 983/Onkyo/Samsung users here with drop outs with full HDMI. Like you, I'm just trying to isolate the problem.

...I can reiterate what everyone else is saying about the 983H's PQ: it is outstanding. It is not HD, but I have no regret about paying so much for what is probably close to the final statement in DVD reproduction. I was also holding back because of the lack of a 980H-style D-pad on the front panel, but it turns out I like the minimalist button layout of the 983H better. Add to that the very responsive and clearly sympathetic service from the Oppo techs, and the 983H has been a complete slam-dunk so far. A glowing report. Let's hope it stays that way!

Gary

Keith, its good to have you posting here with experiences from the UK. A thought-provoking question though...

Progressive display panels are not necessarily bound to the 50Hz/60Hz frequency of the power line, so they can be designed to accept almost any refresh frequency, but the real question is how the TV's electronics handles the signals... In the UK, do the TV's convert all signals into 50Hz at the input, or do they leave them untouched for the display panel?

If the TV does convert a 60Hz NTSC signal to 50Hz, then the next question, is whether the DV-983H can do a better job of that conversion by setting its "TV Type" to "PAL" in the UK.

Gary

Hi Gary,

AFAIK, my Samsung panel (and I think all TVs sold in the UK) can handle either 50Hz or 60Hz in the panel's elecronics itself. If I play a R1 NTSC DVD and check from the Samsung's 'info' screen, it tells me that I am looking at 1080p/60. If I play a R2 PAL DVD and do the same it tells me that I am looking at 1080p/50. I believe this is because whatever the DVD player outputs, the screen can handle it - either 50 or 60. This is why in the UK it's fine to leave the setting at AUTO and let the player send whatever is appropriate for the DVD being played. I understand that in the USA, screens can generally only handle 60Hz? IOW I believe that my screen electronics leave the signals untouched for the actual display panel.

I have tested playing R2 DVDs using the PAL setting in TV Type and can detect no difference in PQ or anything else.

I'm no expert on this though and am only going on what I have been told elsewhere.

KBarnes
To assist the rest of us, maybe you could try hooking your system up HDMI only (via the Onkyo amp, but no coax) to see if you get drop-outs. There seems to be a few 983/Onkyo/Samsung users here with drop outs with full HDMI. Like you, I'm just trying to isolate the problem.

Sure. I will do it later today. Because of the way my system is configured (the hardware is in a different room to my display) it takes a little while to get in to do cable swaps but I will try it and report back.

I'm assuming you believe that when you send both picture AND sound down the HDMI it is somehow 'overloading' something and this causes the dropouts? This is what I thought might be the case myself and was happy to have been 'forced' to use coax for the 5.1 part because of the way my system is currently configured.

Having said that, there's no real downside on SD-DVD to using a coax or optical cable for sound, as the DVDs don't carry any of the HBR audio such as True-HD etc. So if my method of connection really is solving the problem, then it may be suitable for others too so long as they have a free optical or coax input on their amp. Something that's worth a try anyway. Of course, if it's a peculiar Oppo/Onkyo/Samsung interfacing issue, then it's going to be more complicated :(

I'll report back but it may be Tuesday.

Keith

I understand that in the USA, screens can generally only handle 60Hz?

It's hard to find out from the specs; PAL sources are so rare here that US outlets don't even mention 50hz in the manuals. But I think it has actually become common in modern flat panels; it's a world market after all. My Westinghouse supports both NTSC-60 and PAL-50.

-Bill

It's hard to find out from the specs; PAL sources are so rare here that US outlets don't even mention 50hz in the manuals. But I think it has actually become common in modern flat panels; it's a world market after all. My Westinghouse supports both NTSC-60 and PAL-50.

-Bill

Indeed. I have never understood why a company such as Pioneer or Samsung etc would make different models for the US than they do for Europe and the UK. Having said that, makes like Westinghouse are totally unknown here so if they're not exporting, one would think they'd not worry about 50Hz - yet they do! So no logic anywhere it seems.

In the UK of course, DVDs are way more expensive than in the US, so most serious collectors here have a lot of R1 discs. I buy about 40% of all mine from the US - one of the benefits of a region-free player. I'm doing the same with HD-DVD and also with BD in those instances where the BD discs are region-free too (about half of them seem to be). A typical BD new release here is about $40 and they seem to be holding at that price for ever after. Similarly, the 983H is pushing $600 here!

Just to go back on topic, I am STILL in total awe of the 983H's performance. I have played at least 20 DVDs in it since I got it almost 2 weeks ago and every one has been amazing. My girlfriend is fed up with hearing me say "I can't believe this picture quality - I just can't believe it" :) But the reality is I can't! Film-like, smooth, punchy colours and contrast, no artefacts of any kind that I can see... all my SD DVDs are like it's the first time I've seen them. I do hope they sort this dropout problem some people are getting.

It's hard to find out from the specs; PAL sources are so rare here that US outlets don't even mention 50hz in the manuals. But I think it has actually become common in modern flat panels; it's a world market after all. My Westinghouse supports both NTSC-60 and PAL-50.

Sony and Sharp LCDs still do not support 50Hz. Many Panasonic and Pioneer plasmas will also not support 50Hz. It is completely up to the manufacturer to support different synchronization rates.

Some additional comments about my 983/Onkyo 705 combo:

- 1080p seems to work with minimal dropouts when (a) I direct the audio to go to my receiver via coax and (b) colorspace is set to YCbCr.

- Watched several Netflix and custom burned DVD5's this weekend and experienced only one dropout. I moved the colorspace from RGB PC --> YCbCr -- replayed the DVD from the point where the dropout occurred, and the dropout disappeared. The DVD played fine.

I, too, am wondering if it's some sort of bandwidth overload when using the HDMI for both audio and video. It's probably not -- it's probably far more technical -- but rerouting the audio off the HDMI seems to help. And changing the colorspace helps, too.

Who knows. But I'm happy to be able to watch DVDs and not worry about the technical stuff. Once I'm using the Oppo to actually watch DVDs -- and not worry about the dropouts -- I'm completely pleased. It's a great piece of equipment. I watched Criterion's 'Death of Cyclist,' 'Blast of Silence,' and 'Vagabond' this weekend -- and wow. The picture (even for these not-new movies) is superb on my Samsung 46" LCD. I know this is because of Criterion's own mastering process, too -- but when everything is working, the Oppo allows these flicks to really shine.

it looks like my problems with the 983 are comming to an end :)

Henry at CRT has tested my unit on one of his screens and experienced audio and visual problems straight away, he got a new HDMI/Processor board from Oppo and has fitted it, since then there has been no problems after testing several disks.

Let's hope there are just afew faulty players out there (which is normal with any piece of consumer electronics)and it is not a general problem with the player, as soon as I get it back I'll test it on my screens and hopefully I can just start to enjoy the stunning picture and audio from this top player :D

Great news vipers :)

I still can't decide on what player to buy. I don't own a large screen (only a 32", 720p/1080i), I don't have a lot of DVD's, reading comments about the player, it doesn't seem to be the right fit for me. Also it's kinda pricey @ close to $600. I probably won't go blu yet, I want to buy a new TV before doing that. I might go with the 980 or 981 as they seem to be doing a pretty decent job of upscaling DVD's aswell.

it looks like my problems with the 983 are comming to an end :)

Henry at CRT has tested my unit on one of his screens and experienced audio and visual problems straight away, he got a new HDMI/Processor board from Oppo and has fitted it, since then there has been no problems after testing several disks.

Let's hope there are just afew faulty players out there (which is normal with any piece of consumer electronics)and it is not a general problem with the player, as soon as I get it back I'll test it on my screens and hopefully I can just start to enjoy the stunning picture and audio from this top player :D

That is brilliant news. You will be totally, utterly, 110% happy with your 983 once you get it back.

Keith

[QUOTE=Kal Rubinson;13739610]Because that preference was based solely on the 980/Integra combination. I can anticipate the liklihood of another preference if the 980 was feeding a different processor.[/QUOTE As an audiophile first I am considering switching from my current Lexicon MC12B to the new Denon prepro (I am weighing the pro's and con's - I would be giving up Logic 7,great room e.q. the best interface in the business and a very high quality analog section for Denon's use of HDMI 1.3 and it's inherent advantages of the New HiRes codecs for BluRay movies and SACD/DVD AUDIO playback through HDMI). My question is would SACD/DVD AUDIO playback sound better in my current system of sending the 5.1 channels from my Sony XA777es to my Lex via analog output (and not having bass management,etc.) or through the Denon Prepro using the HDMI connection and the Oppo 980 as a transport sending the native dsd signal... As an aside I wish Stereophile would spend more space
on articles like these then the countless speaker reviews we get every issue. I have been a subscriber for well over 20 years and would really love to see alot more space in the magazine discussing these types of real world issues.

Is the replacing of the HDMI board noted above something that needed to be done and the next wave of 983's will have an updated hdmi board?

The HDMI problem is still being investigated. No answer for you yet.

-Bill

If the fixed board removes the issue, then all future units will have the appropriate board installed. For all current units, it would mean replacing the boards for those who have issues (limited number of individuals).

So if you are interested in the DV-983H, then this means that when you are actually able to order them again, you should not have to worry at all about the reported problems.

I am one of those who is just now considering the OPPO product line. Seems that the price of a blue ray player that will also be an outstanding dvd player is going to be way higher than having 2 players, blue ray+sd-dvd.

But just as I start moving toward OPPO I'm reading about the 983's "issues". I know OPPO is a great company for customer support, not dissing them. Just wondering if with the 983 OPPO got ahead of themselves. Is the replacing of the HDMI board noted above something that needed to be done and the next wave of 983's will have an updated hdmi board?

I suppose it's human nature to focus on negative rather than positive reports. But, go back a page and read snthaoeu's user report. Better still, here's the link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13743469#post13743469. Neuromancer states that the issues that are being reported are not of epidemic nature and he's as close to the Mother Ship as one can get.

Dana

As an audiophile first I am considering switching from my current Lexicon MC12B to the new Denon prepro (I am weighing the pro's and con's - I would be giving up Logic 7,great room e.q. the best interface in the business and a very high quality analog section for Denon's use of HDMI 1.3 and it's inherent advantages of the New HiRes codecs for BluRay movies and SACD/DVD AUDIO playback through HDMI). My question is would SACD/DVD AUDIO playback sound better in my current system of sending the 5.1 channels from my Sony XA777es to my Lex via analog output (and not having bass management,etc.) or through the Denon Prepro using the HDMI connection and the Oppo 980 as a transport sending the native dsd signal...Dunno. Too many components that I do not know and, in addition, combinations of them. My guess is that the Audyssey in the Denon will be sufficient compensation for the Lexicon EQ and that the digital feed from the 980, via Denon's EQ/BM will be superior. Just a biased guess.

As an aside I wish Stereophile would spend more space
on articles like these then the countless speaker reviews we get every issue. I have been a subscriber for well over 20 years and would really love to see alot more space in the magazine discussing these types of real world issues.Tell JA. Reader preferences are of concern to him.

Can i just make sure i understand this: drop out issues.
Is the audio drop out> HDMI 1.3 or 1.2?? is it happening with Coaxial/tonk ? or is also happening with 6 analog Mch?
Video: HDMI >direct to TV/PJ or is it via AVR>TV/PJ. I have one of the very first units[received it on the next day after release]. No drop out either A or V. [HDMI>plasma w/SPdif. and 6cable analog for music.]

Can i just make sure i understand this: drop out issues.
Is the audio drop out> HDMI 1.3 or 1.2?? is it happening with Coaxial/tonk ? or is also happening with 6 analog Mch?
Video: HDMI >direct to TV/PJ or is it via AVR>TV/PJ. I have one of the very first units[received it on the next day after release]. No drop out either A or V. [HDMI>plasma w/SPdif. and 6cable analog for music.]

HDMI only, 1080p only.

You have HDMI versions on your player? I've never seen that.

-Bill

FYI, I received an email from OPPO in Europe informing me that the DV-983H is now available for pre-order. The price is 388 Euros. I emailed them back to clarify a couple of things (why the high price, what is different about the European model, how much is p&p, do we pay in advance??) and got the following reply

Thanks for your interest in OPPO DV-983H.

As we have limited stock of European version, we choose an early pay method.

Importing from US will include 63 USD + import duty + VAT. So the cost will be same or more.

The european version will follow EU regulation..for example heavy metal content. Also we will focus a bit extra on PAL media (even though NTSC will play fine).

The transport cost is 15 Euro, to all Euro countries.

I hope this is of use to somebody but I think I'll wait a while myself. Really, only because I don't have a display that will do the player justice and can't justify that price for something I can't test properly or get the best out of.

BTW and in case you were wondering, the price works out at a little over $630! And you thought you were paying a premium,...

I have had my 983 for a little over two weeks now. It is connected via HDMI straight to my Pioneer 508XDA, sound via optical. From the time I recieved it I had it set to 720p as that's my display's native res ( 1366 x 768 ). This last weekend was a long one here in Australia so I set it to 1080p and ran alot of PAL movies with a few R1 NTSC's thrown in. Just as it had for the previous two weeks it ran perfectly all weekend. Until last night.
Turned the unit on, all lights and front panel display lit up but no picture. I could see that the Pioneer wasn't recieving any signal at all but could hear the dvd's menu sound. Turning it on or off ( via remote or front panel ), changing disc's, or playing with the HDMI connection made no difference at all. I unplugged the IEC lead for a couple of minutes and it was good for the rest of the night. Has any one else seen anything like this?
Outside of this problem I love my 983, superb PQ. Terrible remote that some buttons don't work on but all in all a great player!

Ensure that your output resolution has not been changed. Press Eject then the HDMI button. What does the front panel of the DV-983H read?

You can also connect an analog video cable (I would recommend connecting from the Y (green) output of the component to a regular composite input on your display. The picture will be Black and White, but you should be able to see what is happening on screen.

Terrible remote that some buttons don't work on but all in all a great player! Huh? Which buttons don't work? Mine all work fine.

Gary

I dont have the remote in front of me at the moment ( at work ) but it was buttons at the top of the remote. Some were intermittant and the DVD/USB button never worked. I use a universal remote so that solved the intermittant problem but not the DVD/USB button as I couldnt ever get it to send a signal to the universal.

Rod

Neuromancer,

Thanks for the reply but after I unplugged the IEC cable for awhile this solved the problem and it hasn't reoccurred so I cannot tell you what the panel read.

I was just wondering if anyone else had had this happen.

Rod

it looks like my problems with the 983 are comming to an end :)

That's good news (Don't let it put anyone else off!). I've had an email from CRT in the UK already explaining the situation (There's 3 affected players in the UK apparently). Fingers crossed.


I watched the R2 "The Invasion" yesterday. No dropouts at all throughout the whole film, but I had to pause it for maybe 10 minutes in the middle. During that time I had 3-4 dropouts whilst it was paused.

Afterwards I watched one of the extras which was in a diffferent aspect ratio (black bars top, bottom, left and right). I was experimenting with the zoom and strangely, I had dropouts every few seconds on the 2.0 zoom but no noticable ones on any other setting. I went back to the film and tried the 2.0 zoom and it was fine. I went back to the extra and again it would dropout on the 2.0 zoom but not on a different setting.

Can report no drop outs but I connect video through hdmi (set at 720p) and audio through coax. I guess these drop outs can't affect me?!
I am not clear about the DVD-Audio Mode - which option do I use when I mainly watch DVD movies (DVD-Audio or DVD-Video)?
Had to send back remote because of one button not working.

The problem is, what happens to those who can't try theirs at 1080p, because they don't have a 1080p capable display? When they eventually upgrade to a 1080p display, what happens if they then experience these dropouts? By then, their player may be out of warranty.

The problem is, what happens to those who can't try theirs at 1080p, because they don't have a 1080p capable display? When they eventually upgrade to a 1080p display, what happens if they then experience these dropouts? By then, their player may be out of warranty.

good point - I agree

[QUOTE=Kal Rubinson;13739610]Because that preference was based solely on the 980/Integra combination. I can anticipate the liklihood of another preference if the 980 was feeding a different processor.[/QUOTE As an audiophile first I am considering switching from my current Lexicon MC12B to the new Denon prepro (I am weighing the pro's and con's - I would be giving up Logic 7,great room e.q. the best interface in the business and a very high quality analog section for Denon's use of HDMI 1.3 and it's inherent advantages of the New HiRes codecs for BluRay movies and SACD/DVD AUDIO playback through HDMI). My question is would SACD/DVD AUDIO playback sound better in my current system of sending the 5.1 channels from my Sony XA777es to my Lex via analog output (and not having bass management,etc.) or through the Denon Prepro using the HDMI connection and the Oppo 980 as a transport sending the native dsd signal... As an aside I wish Stereophile would spend more space
on articles like these then the countless speaker reviews we get every issue. I have been a subscriber for well over 20 years and would really love to see alot more space in the magazine discussing these types of real world issues.

For a few more opinions on this:

http://www.smr-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=736

Opinions are mixed.

I too have noticed the button on the remote don't work at times. Sometimes it takes a second or third time for the unit to respond. This has been the case with the Enter button (or whatever it's called - don't have it in front of me) and even the play button.

The problem is, what happens to those who can't try theirs at 1080p, because they don't have a 1080p capable display? When they eventually upgrade to a 1080p display, what happens if they then experience these dropouts? By then, their player may be out of warranty.

This is exactly what caused me to pass on the last batch of players even though I signed up for e-mail notification. I guess the best bet is to wait until things seem to be completely worked out, and it does not seem that they are right now. With Oppo's great customer support, it wouldn't hurt to ask them about extending the warranty just for the dropout issue at 1080p.

Sound over optical should be the same - the RAW audio stream is passed directly from the disk to the receiver.

The Denon 2900 is an excellent player, but it is certainly not perfect. It scores 90% on the SECRETS DVD Benchmark, with an MSRP of $1000. The DV-983H scores 100% for a fraction of the price. Here's what they said about the Denon:

Gary


That's all fine and in good 'if' all you do is watch movies. From an analog (PCM) standpoint the 2900 offers much better CD/SACD/DVDA playback, IMO.

The problem is, what happens to those who can't try theirs at 1080p, because they don't have a 1080p capable display? When they eventually upgrade to a 1080p display, what happens if they then experience these dropouts? By then, their player may be out of warranty.

I don't know, but I would assume Oppo would replace -- or repair -- the unit once it's out of warranty for a nominal (minimal, I assume) fee. I can't imagine Oppo abandoning owners even long after the warranty expires -- especially with hardware issues in the actual player that have little to do with the age of the player or the insane "30 day warranty" that everybody goes on about.

*shrug*

(But yes -- a good question. Has anyone dealt with Oppo for out-of-warranty repairs/replacements?)

FYI, I received an email from OPPO in Europe informing me that the DV-983H is now available for pre-order. The price is 388 Euros. I emailed them back to clarify a couple of things (why the high price, what is different about the European model, how much is p&p, do we pay in advance??) and got the following reply

Thanks for your interest in OPPO DV-983H.

As we have limited stock of European version, we choose an early pay method.

Importing from US will include 63 USD + import duty + VAT. So the cost will be same or more.

The european version will follow EU regulation..for example heavy metal content. Also we will focus a bit extra on PAL media (even though NTSC will play fine).

The transport cost is 15 Euro, to all Euro countries.

I hope this is of use to somebody but I think I'll wait a while myself. Really, only because I don't have a display that will do the player justice and can't justify that price for something I can't test properly or get the best out of.

BTW and in case you were wondering, the price works out at a little over $630! And you thought you were paying a premium,...

Yeah, I noticed that OPPO (SWEDEN) are taking pre-orders, and shipping will begin in 3 to 4 weeks time.

The EURO price seem extremely high. Wouldn´t it be cheaper just to order it through OPPO (US) instead? Naturally, one has to take local VAT into account.

QUESTION:

Will the the new shipment of players (in three to four weeks time) be absolutely problem free?

I hate to ship it back for repair.

PS.

I own a Panasonic PX70 ''37 (intend to upgrade to Panasonic PZ80 ''42)
Pioneer VSX-1011 A/V Receiver

I too have noticed the button on the remote don't work at times. Sometimes it takes a second or third time for the unit to respond. This has been the case with the Enter button (or whatever it's called - don't have it in front of me) and even the play button. Well, guys, report it to OPPO immediately. They'll send you a new remote, and they need to log the defect to make sure the assembly process gets fixed. It may be flux or some other contaminant on the board, preventing solid button contact. I have used at least 11 of OPPO's players (all models) and maybe 14 remotes without ever having such an issue, so its not the design.

Gary

Will the the new shipment of players (in three to four weeks time) be absolutely problem free?

How would anyone be able to predict that?

If you don't want to risk getting a problem player, wait until the dropout solution has been officially confirmed.

-Bill

I too have noticed the button on the remote don't work at times. Sometimes it takes a second or third time for the unit to respond. This has been the case with the Enter button (or whatever it's called - don't have it in front of me) and even the play button.

The player is less sensitive than the other models. For instance, I do not use the OPPO remote control at all (I programmed my receiver remote) and if I am too far above or to the side of the player, it may not recognize commands the first time I issue them.

The problem is, what happens to those who can't try theirs at 1080p, because they don't have a 1080p capable display? When they eventually upgrade to a 1080p display, what happens if they then experience these dropouts? By then, their player may be out of warranty.

I would just ask OPPO, as there is no point in idly speculating as to what will happen a year from now.

The player is less sensitive than the other models. For instance, I do not use the OPPO remote control at all (I programmed my receiver remote) and if I am too far above or to the side of the player, it may not recognize commands the first time I issue them.

That's good to hear - thanks.

Any explanation as to why sometimes my 983 won't eject a disc once in a while and say "loading". I don't recall this with other Oppos. I was told the disc might still be spinning. So, I should press "stop" and then wait a few seconds before hitting "eject." On previous models it seemed like bang, bang.

The DV-983H uses a new servo. The Eject times are slower with the DV-983H than the previous players because of this. You will need to give the player a little time to actually slow the disc down, put it into the tray, then actually perform the Eject function when you issue it an Eject command.

The player is less sensitive than the other models. Do you have any idea what the reason is... was it designed this way?

Gary

Does anyone know of a place that I can order an OPPO DV-983H now? :confused: Are there any US sites that have them in stock or are taking orders?:(

So now I am not entirely sure what constitutes an audio or video dropout. I take it that the issue was defined at some point in this thread, but I must have missed the post. Is the problem characteristic of a layer change but more frequent or is it more serious than that? At this point, there are one or two users that are reporting having issues with getting their units to display anything, which seems to imply a separate defect.

I have noticed that layer changes in general are sometimes more visible on the 983H than they are on the 971H (for example), but I can't say that my player has shown any actual abnormalities to date. And I have to be paying attention to notice the layer change on the 983H. There was a time where this sort of technical dropout discussion would heighten my post-consumer paranoia. These days, however, I tend to be simply curious.

By the way, I bought my 983H as part of the first pre-order run.

And I will reiterate that my learning curve with this player has been in my system configuration. The 983H brought some new options that I needed to take some time to figure out with the user manual in hand. Since receiving my unit, I have also updated the firmware from stock using a mini CD-R without any difficulty. The front panel display even shows a countdown while loading the new firmware into memory. I thought that was a nifty visual aid.

~ david

Do you have any idea what the reason is... was it designed this way?

I think the IR sensor is a little deeper into the player. But if you have any good line of sight with the player, there should not be any issues.

If you find that you have to press the buttons more than twice, have the remote replaced, as your remote is likely defective.

Plus, it doesn't cost you anything to have OPPO send you a replacement remote.

Does anyone know of a place that I can order an OPPO DV-983H now? :confused: Are there any US sites that have them in stock or are taking orders?:(

I think everyone is sold out at this time.

So now I am not entirely sure what constitutes an audio or video dropout. I take it that the issue was defined at some point in this thread, but I must have missed the post. Is the problem characteristic of a layer change but more frequent or is it more serious than that?

Most people are talking about a dual problem. Video drops out and so does the audio at the same time. For audio dropouts, it should be more severe then a layer break (slight pause in audio) as your receiver is likely resynchronizing the audio handshake.

At this point, there are one or two users that are reporting having issues with getting their units to display anything, which seems to imply a separate defect.

No picture at all, even from a cold boot, is a dead player. Not related to the dropout problems.

I have noticed that layer changes in general are sometimes more visible on the 983H than they are on the 971H (for example), but I can't say that my player has shown any actual abnormalities to date.

Kris Deering noted that the layer change is slightly slower in the DV-983H in his review for Secrets.

I think everyone is sold out at this time.

That's terrible! :( Is anyone taking pre-orders? :)

So now I am not entirely sure what constitutes an audio or video dropout. I take it that the issue was defined at some point in this thread, but I must have missed the post. Is the problem characteristic of a layer change but more frequent or is it more serious than that?

The screen goes black for a fraction of a second; audio shuts down for at least that long. It's not really related or similar to a layer change.

-Bill

The screen goes black for a fraction of a second; audio shuts down for at least that long. It's not really related or similar to a layer change.

-Bill
Followup question for those who have experienced drop-outs: how long did you have your 983H before the drop-outs started? Or were they immediately evident with certain discs, etc.? I just want to get an idea of whether the four hours I tested my Oppo on a 1080p screen was enough to grant my 983H a "pass."

i am waiting on the marantz DV6001 player to come in
now that the 983 is out - would anyone know how they compare - or how the marantz model does

i will be using it with a 40 inch for now and later upgrade to 46 inch tv - i been using the 981 - and that works very good -

would the marantz be as good as the 981 at least ? or better ? and how would it compare to the 983 ?

if anyone owns these player - i would like to hear what you think - thanks

That's terrible! :( Is anyone taking pre-orders? :)

You can contact Oppo directly and get on their notification list. They will then notify you when they get more stock and you can order one then.

Followup question for those who have experienced drop-outs: how long did you have your 983H before the drop-outs started? Or were they immediately evident with certain discs, etc.? I just want to get an idea of whether the four hours I tested my Oppo on a 1080p screen was enough to grant my 983H a "pass."

I noticed very few at first; I don't recall if they were in the first four hours. They seemed to become more common with time.

-Bill

At this point, I've only had the 983 for a few weeks(one week of which I was away on vacation with the 983 left at home). I have watched 4 videos(Casino Royale, Dan In Real Life and the Superbit version of Fifth Element). Thus far, I have only experienced video dropouts with "Dan." It was a rental so I didn't have the time to fiddle around with it to see how reproducible it was in the same section of the disc. Though I bought the 983 for the ABT video upgrade, I have to admit that I've spent more time using it as a DVD-Audio/SACD/HDCD player. In truth, I've always been more of an audio than a video guy. Now, I've never had any of the earlier OPPO players so I have no point of comparison. Nonetheless, I find the audio to be outstanding. Also, as I believe I said in an earlier post, the picture quality of "Dan" in the 983 vs. the same video in my Panasonic DVD/VCR recorder (and into a Sony STRDA5300ES receiver with the Faroudja chip engaged) was like day and night, with the 983 as the clear winner.

I'm still a bit wary of sending the 983 back and possibly getting another unit with the same dropout problem. Also, I want to spend a little more time with it to see if the dropout that I experienced with "Dan" was a one time thing that might even have been related just to that specific disc. I'm also curious to see how things pan out with the HDMI board issue. If that proves over the next few months to be the fix, then I will send my 983 back to have the needed part replacement. Otherwise, I have 11 months left on the warranty, and I fully expect that OPPO will do right by me. I should also add that when I emailed OPPO on a sunday to inform me of my dropout issue, I received a reply the same day. And, since I brought it up,they were interested in having me send them a copy of the disc in question so they could specifically check the problem themselves. Of course, it wasn't mine(a rental, as I've said) to send.

Though I am a little annoyed and pangs of jealousy for those folks who have never experienced a dropout, I am also confident that things will work out in the end. OPPO's customer service seems to be a at least above most other companies in their field. Also, a 400 USD DVD player has to pretty quickly make itself dropout-free before it has a real chance in the marketplace. Let's face, OPPO has to make good for their bottom line.
- Esau

P.S.
- If you check out the Sony 5300 thread, there are reports of people experiencing HDMI handshake issues and dropouts with that receiver. Another possibility to consider in the dropout wars. Just came acrossthis, and I would be remiss to not report it. OPPO, BTW, has already been informed as to what receiver I am using.

If you're interested, here's the thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=880352&page=56

If it is an isolated instance, you do not know if your player has a fault, nor that a replacement player is necessary. I would try more discs before determining if another unit is necessary.

If it is an isolated instance, you do not know if your player has a fault, nor that a replacement player is necessary. I would try more discs before determining if another unit is necessary.

Exactly what I plan to do.
-Esau

has anyone played 2.35x1 widescreen dvds on the 983 with its vertical stretch feature with an anamorphic lense based 2.35x1 cih setup yet?
if so, how's it look?

bump

The screen goes black for a fraction of a second; audio shuts down for at least that long. It's not really related or similar to a layer change.

-Bill

I think it'll depend on the display. Mine's more obvious, because the screen goes black and it'll flash up with "AV4 1080p".

I've also been getting more occassions now of getting white flashes on the bottom half of the screen whilst not losing the pictures, which had been mentioned somewhere earlier in the thread.

I noticed very few at first; I don't recall if they were in the first four hours. They seemed to become more common with time.

-Bill

That was my experience too. FWIW, I've about 12 hrs on my replacement 983and have not had any dropouts. Yet.

That was my experience too. FWIW, I've about 12 hrs on my replacement 983and have not had any dropouts. Yet.

BTW -- I've noticed the flashes, too. I assumed they were with the DVD itself (Criterion's 'Death of a Cyclist').

Ugh.

They would come and go and appeared as a (really) thin white flashing "strip" directly underneath the video image.

983H > Onkyo SR705 > Samsung 46" LCD

BTW -- I've noticed the flashes, too. I assumed they were with the DVD itself (Criterion's 'Death of a Cyclist').

Ugh.

They would come and go and appeared as a (really) thin white flashing "strip" directly underneath the video image.

983H > Onkyo SR705 > Samsung 46" LCD

I'm guessing that's something else. Video junk normally concealed by overscan? I've also seen low-placed lines accompanying subtitles.

-Bill

I'm guessing that's something else. Video junk normally concealed by overscan? I've also seen low-placed lines accompanying subtitles.

-Bill

I'm hoping that's the case. It wasn't too distracting -- certainly not as distracting as the dropouts -- and was just slightly below the video image.

Well guys it looks like my Audio/Visual dropout problem has been solved :)

Oppo sent over a new HDMI board which CRT have changed in my player and so far after playing Revenge of the Sith on my Samsung which was a real problem before, I haven't experienced any dropout at all, so it's looking promising.

I'm not sure if this is the same problem for everyone who is experiencing dropouts but hopefully in correcting my dropouts it will aid Oppo in getting this player 100% right.

Have to say that both Oppo and CRT were excellent at getting this problem sorted extremely quickly for me. Now I can recommend this player without hesitation as I'd imagine all future shipments will be problem free.

Bring on the Oppo Blu Ray player :D

I have been reading about the 983 since it was announced, and have debated replacing my 981 with it.

I have an Epson 400 (720P) projecting onto a 93" screen with the 981 doing the DVD duties. My question is: Would the 983 quality at 720P on a large screen be that dramatic a change in picture quality over the 981?

I'm sure down the road I will venture into 1080P projectors, but I have the habit of hanging onto equipment for a good while. I will probably not go Blu until Oppo offers a product, and even then I will keep the SD player in the rack. So, is it worth it to purchase the 983?

I have been reading about the 983 since it was announced, and have debated replacing my 981 with it.

I have an Epson 400 (720P) projecting onto a 93" screen with the 981 doing the DVD duties. My question is: Would the 983 quality at 720P on a large screen be that dramatic a change in picture quality over the 981?

I'm sure down the road I will venture into 1080P projectors, but I have the habit of hanging onto equipment for a good while. I will probably not go Blu until Oppo offers a product, and even then I will keep the SD player in the rack. So, is it worth it to purchase the 983?

Sword, I also have the Epson 400 and have been using the 983 for 4 months on my pj system.
There are SO MANY "paths of thought" that can be taken in considering your decision. I have seen the 981 in action, but have never had it on my screen. It is a very nice player and there nothing wrong with useing that. However with the 983 vs 981, you WILL see a difference. The significantcy of the difference depends on the dvd since they all vary graetly in picture quality. If you were to take one of the best available, like 5thE:SB, and do a side by side comparison, the 983 will look better. Alot of the differences will be subtle though. A lilltle better deinterlacing, better focus at times which could also be described a sharperIt's totally up to you to decide if it is worth the extra dough to move up to the 983.
Personally, if I were satisfied with the 981, I'd look into puting that money into "other places" to improve your system... even a BR palyer purchase maybe. However, if the price difference is trivial to you, and you want the best, then get the 983. It will be better. At most itmes it will not be night and day though. It's not like going from a low end Hyundai to a high end Mercedes. More like froma Honda civic to a Honda Accord. :)
(BTW, differences at 1080p will more significant than at 720p/1080i, but again, small steps and not dramatic ones)

Sword, I also have the Epson 400 and have been using the 983 for 4 months on my pj system.
There are SO MANY "paths of thought" that can be taken in considering your decision. I have seen the 981 in action, but have never had it on my screen. It is a very nice player and there nothing wrong with useing that. However with the 983 vs 981, you WILL see a difference. The significantcy of the difference depends on the dvd since they all vary graetly in picture quality. If you were to take one of the best available, like 5thE:SB, and do a side by side comparison, the 983 will look better. Alot of the differences will be subtle though. A lilltle better deinterlacing, better focus at times which could also be described a sharperIt's totally up to you to decide if it is worth the extra dough to move up to the 983.
Personally, if I were satisfied with the 981, I'd look into puting that money into "other places" to improve your system... even a BR palyer purchase maybe. However, if the price difference is trivial to you, and you want the best, then get the 983. It will be better. At most itmes it will not be night and day though. It's not like going from a low end Hyundai to a high end Mercedes. More like froma Honda civic to a Honda Accord. :)
(BTW, differences at 1080p will more significant than at 720p/1080i, but again, small steps and not dramatic ones)


Smarty-pants,

Thanks for the help. I agree with the many paths of thought - I think I have been down all of them at one point or another. One side of me is doing a cost-benefit analysis of the 983, versus the other side just wanting the latest and greatest Oppo.

You are correct about maybe spending the money on a BR player. I have been waiting on the new Panasonic and Sony offerings to see how good they are. If one of those is really good, maybe the money would be better spent on one of them. Of course, that doesn't mean I couldn't get the Oppo BR when it came out; I still have to stay loyal to Oppo!

Interestingly, in relation to hdmi dropouts, I've just been sent "a beta firmware that accomplishes the same thing as the test hardware change made by Oppo".

I'll give it a go this evening.

I've been caught up with some difficult family situations lately and haven't had a chance to read all of this thread. I have the 981HD and am planning on the 983 at some point soon. Is this the time to buy, or should I wait a month or two for whatever bugs are showing up to be fixed?

Pardon my question that's probably been answered here earlier, but what's up with the HDMI out? I use HDMI to my pj and don't need dropout issues or whatever.

Thanks,
MB

I've been caught up with some difficult family situations lately and haven't had a chance to read all of this thread. I have the 981HD and am planning on the 983 at some point soon. Is this the time to buy, or should I wait a month or two for whatever bugs are showing up to be fixed?

Pardon my question that's probably been answered here earlier, but what's up with the HDMI out? I use HDMI to my pj and don't need dropout issues or whatever.

Thanks,
MB

No promises, but it looks like the solution is getting close. This may be fixed with firmware, which is obviously better than having to replace a board.

To be absolutely certain you might wait for an official announcement and firmware release.

-Bill

I calibrated 983 yesterday and could not make out the blacker then black bars and the whiter then white bars. I assume it has to do with the RGB video setting. Does it hurt the picture quality setting it to RGB video manually instead of auto? Should I set it to RGB Video for calibration purposes and then reset it to auto? Bit insecure about it.

Interestingly, in relation to hdmi dropouts, I've just been sent "a beta firmware that accomplishes the same thing as the test hardware change made by Oppo".

I'll give it a go this evening.

Very interesting, and encouraging. Do they say what changes have been made in the firmware or what the test hardware modification was?

Very interesting, and encouraging. Do they say what changes have been made in the firmware or what the test hardware modification was?

No. I thought I'd try and get some more info when I had something to report back to them.

Vipers has had a "new hdmi board" but this was refered to as a "hardware modification" so i think it was more than just a straight swap.

No, it is a straight swap. HDMI board for HDMI board.

The firmware is completely software oriented and does not require any HDMI hardware alterations. If your current hardware has problems, the software can fix it.

I calibrated 983 yesterday and could not make out the blacker then black bars and the whiter then white bars. I assume it has to do with the RGB video setting. Does it hurt the picture quality setting it to RGB video manually instead of auto? Should I set it to RGB Video for calibration purposes and then reset it to auto? Bit insecure about it.

Depends on the design of your display. If your television or projector is designed for IRE 0 for RGB, then you will want to set the player to RGB PC.

If your display is not natively RGB, try using YCbCr 4:4:4 instead.

Depends on the design of your display. If your television or projector is designed for IRE 0 for RGB, then you will want to set the player to RGB PC.

If your display is not natively RGB, try using YCbCr 4:4:4 instead.

The setting for the projector is "PC Gamma" because it is closest to 2.2 reference. Therefore I assume I have to set the player to RGB PC in order to get the best picture out of the dvd.
Thanks for helping - will try it out tonight and report back here.

Very interesting, and encouraging. Do they say what changes have been made in the firmware or what the test hardware modification was?

The HDMI clock timing was adjusted first by a hardware change, then when that worked, they figured out how to do the same thing with firmware.

The HDMI output was within specs, but so close to the edge that unpredictable variations in player, cables, and receiving hardware could cause a fault.

This is why I'm glad I don't debug HDMI for a living. Player, cables and display can all be within spec and you can still have trouble.

The fix is to increase the safety margin on the clock timing of the HDMI output.

The firmware is still being tested, but looks good so far. Be patient, wait for the official release. Don't know exactly how long; obviously intermittent errors like this need to be exercised throughly before we can be confident they have been eliminated.

-Bill