Hi mgkg3,

Getting there, getting there.... I'll definetly be getting the HDMI board. Was actually planning on getting it in the next couple of weeks. Glad to hear that you are getting great results with this all digital connection. I look forward to testing with the HDMI board.

Regrading the Macroblocking Bears, I figure I'll be taking this DVD back. I paid close to $40 Cdn for this so called Special Edition crap!!! I didn't realize this was all part of a defective/bad transfer DVD. So for the picture that I posted would you guys not consider this MB? Looks to me more like MB than banding, although I have to say I did see a lot of banding as well.

wolfman

Originally posted by mgkg3
Okay, I've got to ask. If you have HD 50" plasma (and I do too, 6UY), why are you watching upscaling player at 480p via component?

S97 at 1080i to Panny 50" PDP via HDMI/DVI is quite spectacular. With new firmware update, over 90% of MB is gone (not that it had much to notice to begin with mind you). The pink cast over gray scene is improved greatly.

I have a optional DVI blade for my 6UY and your 7UY has HDMI blade option so if you didn't get the blade, I highly recommend that you do (~$150 or so and installs in seconds - just push the card up into the slot).

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Not me!
Can you imagine how unhappy we would all be here if we had the perfect display, the perfect DVD player, etc.?

The fun for me at least is to strive for perfection. That’s why Paul’s Panny thread is so entertaining to me.

Hell, if we weren’t taking about MB, we would be figuring out how personalize the greeting on the front panel of this DVD player for when we have guests over to show some special DVD……or other such thing.

I agree with your perspective, we’ve come along way baby!
(Do you think it’s safe for me to finally trash all my Betamax tapes?)
:)

Well, you're right, you know!

As for the Betamax tapes -- I'd suggest storing them carefully alongside your 5 1/4" floppy disks and your 8-track audio tape cartridges!

Well..... 24+ hours and no return phone call.

Paul

Give them another phone call! I do have their HQ number if needed.

Class action lawsuit!!

Originally posted by LiteUp!
Run in Auto1 mode or wait for teh next firmware release (they know about it). DVD's that have this problem are really rare. What list of movies do you have with this problem?

I've seen several scenes on few movies (I cannot remember on top of my head), but movie "The Saint" Val Kilmer, first chapter, ceiling fans, it made the movie totally unwatchable, try it.

Baja

I received my 97S from Onecall.com today. Does anyone know if the units the recently got in stock have the new firmware? I also have not read the entire thread, but does anyone know how to correlate the Serial Number to the firmware.

Thanks for you time.

Sean

I just received the S97 from OneCall. I checked the player to see which firmware it had, as I was going to do the update; and to my surprise it was shipped with the 536 update.

Hae you plugged it in and checked it???

Originally posted by texasengineer
I received my 97S from Onecall.com today. Does anyone know if the units the recently got in stock have the new firmware? I also have not read the entire thread, but does anyone know how to correlate the Serial Number to the firmware.

Thanks for you time.

Sean

Lite Up.

I was not planning on opening the unit if it does not have the latest firmware. Good point though!!!!!!!!!

Sean

onecall dont take any returns though..i believe

I picked my player up today from the service center.

85E536

Let's go Paul.

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
Hello Bookworm,

Yes, that is a common issue for upconverting players. Many displays do not allow for the changing of screen size when using 720p/1080i. However, there is what is called a "pillarbox" mode on the S97 that will resize a 4:3 picture to display in 4:3 on a 16:9 screen. Here's the configuration items to change (from the first post of the thread):

Display->Other Settings->Display Menu-> 4:3 Aspect Ratio: Auto
Display->Other Settings->Display Menu-> Just Fit Zoom: 16:9 Standard

Paul
Thanks for the info.! I'll give that a try sometime soon and see how it looks.:)

Thats the way to go. BTW, try CDW, they have the DVI blade for $135

Originally posted by mgkg3
Okay, I've got to ask. If you have HD 50" plasma (and I do too, 6UY), why are you watching upscaling player at 480p via component?

S97 at 1080i to Panny 50" PDP via HDMI/DVI is quite spectacular. With new firmware update, over 90% of MB is gone (not that it had much to notice to begin with mind you). The pink cast over gray scene is improved greatly.

I have a optional DVI blade for my 6UY and your 7UY has HDMI blade option so if you didn't get the blade, I highly recommend that you do (~$150 or so and installs in seconds - just push the card up into the slot).

1080i is not Panny native resolution. Can you elaborate why you chose 1080?

Thanks

Originally posted by zebramidge
couldn't agree more with mgkg3. i have s97 doing 1080i to HD507UY via hdmi and it is very impressive after firmware upgrade. only reason i ever go 480p to display is to take advantage of its superior zoom function for movies that are not 1.85 and i want to avoid possible burnin. even at 480p the pic is very very good. mb bears sound like the result of a crappy transfer, poor calibration or both.

Re: Macroblocking Bears

Okay, I've got to ask. If you have HD 50" plasma (and I do too, 6UY), why are you watching upscaling player at 480p via component?

S97 at 1080i to Panny 50" PDP via HDMI/DVI is quite spectacular. With new firmware update, over 90% of MB is gone (not that it had much to notice to begin with mind you). The pink cast over gray scene is improved greatly.

I have a optional DVI blade for my 6UY and your 7UY has HDMI blade option so if you didn't get the blade, I highly recommend that you do (~$150 or so and installs in seconds - just push the card up into the slot).

Why not just update it if it doesn't have 85E536? It takes about 5 minutes. Also, if your unit has a build date of January, it will have the latest firmware. 85E536 was compiled on 12/17/2004.

Originally posted by texasengineer
Lite Up.

I was not planning on opening the unit if it does not have the latest firmware. Good point though!!!!!!!!!

Sean

Originally posted by svolman
1080i is not Panny native resolution. Can you elaborate why you chose 1080?

Thanks

The native resolution for the 50" PDP (Panny) is 1366x768. There are few second tier players that provide custome resolution to map 1:1, or HTPCs have drivers that display WXGA which maps to native.

The reason I chose 1080i over 720p is simply how it looked to my eyes. Typically, curved lines and text show up smoother on 1080i than 720p. My guess is that Panny scaler in PDP is not all that great, and converting 1080i signal to 1366x768 is better than 720p to 1366x768 - but its just my guess. You may find that, for your eyes, you'd prefer 720p. So when I set S97 up, I kept going back and forth between 1080i and 720p and settled on 1080i.

Don't really know about the Panny LCD projectors (direct or rear), but I do believe the LCD itself is 1280x720; hence, you would select 720p for direct native mapping.

As for not selecting some of the second tier DVD players, well, the issues are well documented in this section of the forum. I fundamentally chose reliability and useability, along wit quality over the others.

svolman

once again, i agree with mgkg3. don't know anything about native mumbo jumbo, but to my eye 1081i setting just looks better. that said, i watched the fifth element last night 480p from s97 and zoomed full screen on 50 panny and enjoyed every minute of it.

i tried 2 other players with this display and the s97 is the hands down winner in my book.

Hello despite my Panasonic's TC-22LH1's display of 1280x720, 720p input is not even an option -- it has 480i/p and 1080i. I don't care much for the Panasonic's scaling of 480i/p so everything goes to 1080i. I see no downside to using 1080i. All the problems I'm supposed to be seeing with 1080i are not seen by me.

A bit off topic:

My Hitachi plasma allows for 720p. Based upon my viewing, for whatever reasons, the CBS 1080i football "smokes" the FOX 720p football. Maybe there are reasons for that such as equipment and bitrate but it appears that CBS (and HDNet and even INHD) got their act together and produce a better picture *at the viewing end*.

IMHO

Paul

I have two quick questions:

Fisrt, I have a 42PWD7UY (an ED unit). Would I get any benefit out of the upscaling abilities of the 97S? I can get an HDMI blade for the unit, would I see any benefits above a regular, good quality progressive-scan player? How about on Component input?

Second, for those who have an opinion (and I imagine many would) how does the 97S compare with the new Denon units (1910 or 2910)?

Thanks.

Awarded only 3 stars out of 5 in What Hi-Fi mag

Quote "digital picture falls short of what we would expect"
"The dvd-s97 delivers a picture with an impressive degree of stability and depth of field, but the colour palette is noticeably muted and edge-definition is more approximate than we would have liked"
"There are also some minor issues where motion-tracking is concerned, that’s to say it doesn't track flawlessly"

Thay rated Denon 1910 4 srars !

Paul :- (

paul623, do you have a link to that review?

Originally posted by SillyWizard
paul623, do you have a link to that review?

Hi sorry this edition appeared in the shops today.

This is the link anyway to the mag http://www.whathifi.co.uk

Paul

I use to buy that mag. It was expensive here in the states. It's a good mag, honest most of the time.

Just received mine today from Onecall, build date of 01/05, latest firmware installed.

I have played around with it for about an hour, did a very quick DVE on it.

I just returned the Denon 2910 2 days ago, so far, I am quite pleased with this unit. The PQ to me is on par with the 2910. The panny definitely has faster navigation and loading times.

I have a sammy HLN4365W1, tested with Monsters Inc, so far I see no MB.

Thanks Paul, and everybody else for the info on this unit.

gtbdevs,

You're welcome! Enjoy the player.

Paul

gtbdevs, so it has the firmware 536 installed or 540?

I was able to test drive a 2910 from a local vendor and really liked it. The PQ and adjustability on it were super. I have not been able to do any similar test on a 97S, since none are locally available. One thing I do like about the 97S is the infinite zoom adjustability, which Denon does not have. This option is not too great on a 27S (poor quality) but I'm hoping it works better on the 97S. However, I am trying to find out whether there is anything about the Denon that is worth paying twice the price. Any opinions?

Originally posted by paul623
Awarded only 3 stars out of 5 in What Hi-Fi mag

Quote "digital picture falls short of what we would expect"
"The dvd-s97 delivers a picture with an impressive degree of stability and depth of field, but the colour palette is noticeably muted and edge-definition is more approximate than we would have liked"
"There are also some minor issues where motion-tracking is concerned, that’s to say it doesn't track flawlessly"

Thay rated Denon 1910 4 srars !

Paul :- (

I haven't read their S97 review yet, but I did read their DVD-1910 review in their spin-off magazine Home Cinema where it actually got 5 stars out of 5 (and 5/5 for build quality, they specifically mention the rigidity... yeah right!) so I have lost all trust in their objectivity and competence.
BTW, they also rated the Samsung HD935 (European HD931) 5 stars out of 5 (August 2004)...

To me this proves again that forums like this one are much more useful than magazine reviews!

(a very happy S97 owner)

Originally posted by mallu2u
gtbdevs, so it has the firmware 536 installed or 540?



It has the 536, the 540 would have been a nice surprise though.

Originally posted by SillyWizard
I was able to test drive a 2910 from a local vendor and really liked it. The PQ and adjustability on it were super. I have not been able to do any similar test on a 97S, since none are locally available. One thing I do like about the 97S is the infinite zoom adjustability, which Denon does not have. This option is not too great on a 27S (poor quality) but I'm hoping it works better on the 97S. However, I am trying to find out whether there is anything about the Denon that is worth paying twice the price. Any opinions?

I had the 2910, it is a very good unit, I haven't fully tested the 97S, but so far, the Denon is my opinion is not worth the extra price.

The panny has a boat load of adjustment controls, I'm going HDMI>DVI, I'm very happy to be passing BTB.

The PQ with the panny is right up there with the Denon.

Zoom on the 97s is horrible. Much better to let your TV do it.

I purchased my player from Vanns back in November, what steps do I need to take to install the latest firmware. Can I install it myself, is it available for download? Sorry, if this has already been covered but its a little confusing reading all of the posts, plus I am not that technical.
thanks,
Caboman

The firmware is available from the following thread on Page 2

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=501352&perpage=20&pagenumber=2

Read through a few pages all the information on how to do the upgrade
is in the thread.

So is the consensus that the s77 will most likely be the same in functionallity as the s97, and the main difference (other than the lower price) will be just the lack of a HDMI cable?

Wonder if the S77 will have the MB problems? Is it the same chipset and board layout?

Seems to be unknown what the S77 is about. I emailed Panasonic Japan for input and havne't heard from them yet.

Paul, I have a better idea - Post LiteUp's link on your start thread.

Made a new post observation FAQ. Makes it easier for people to notice what the update does.

Hello Sango,

Updated the first post of this thread to point to the first post of the S97 firmware thread. The first post of that thread was updated with LiteUp!'s summary. Makes the info easier to find and eliminates having to perform dual maintenance.

Paul

Can any of the advanced users who own 42PHD6UY share their settings for the TV / DVD? I am running HDMI-DVI.

Thank you.

Paul do you recommend any changes to Noise Reduction section of your original post, since the firmwear upgrade?


Thanks.

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
Hello Sango,

Updated the first post of this thread to point to the first post of the S97 firmware thread. The first post of that thread was updated with LiteUp!'s summary. Makes the info easier to find and eliminates having to perform dual maintenance.

Paul

svolman,

I actually don't use the noise reduction. Hugh2 wrote the section concerning the effects of the NR and I included that fine observation in the first post. From what I can tell from the firmware update, nothing has been done to alter the behavior of the NR adjustments so the original text remains accurate.

Paul

Excuse me for asking what might be a bad question but having read a lot of the bad press on the firmware and macro blocking issues I wonder.

I have a 5 yr old or so Panasonic DV30 player through component video to a benq 8700 onto a 120" carada.

I would like to get a DVD that will upconvert and scale to 16:9.

Stepping back from the critical aspects of this player, is it still worth going out and buying over the Bravo or Momitsu. Or do most here think it is best to steer clear and wait for something else to come along.

My picture is ok on the DV30 but weak at times due to the resolution.
Don't want to spend a lot either right now.
But if I could realize definite improvements in PQ I would buy it.

Thanks for inputs.

Stepping back from the critical aspects of this player, is it still worth going out and buying over the Bravo or Momitsu. Or do most here think it is best to steer clear and wait for something else to come along.

I think any of these owner's threads tend to scare one from buying whatever device the thread is about. Go to a DLP TV thread, many people have problems. Same with LCD TVs, DVD players, you name it - the thread shows problems.

To some extent I think it's a roll of the dice for any purchase. All I can advise is to pick one and return it if it has some glaring defect.

In my case I am very happy with the S97. I don't see the macroblocking at all even with not the most recent firmware. I also considered the Bravo and Momitsu but the reviews I read did not lead me to believe the PQ was better on those than the S97.

I have owned the Momitsu, the Zenith 318 and the 97S. I feel the 97S is the best DVD Player I haver ever owned.

It's easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of any component because a person with a problem tends to be more vocal and tenacious -- that's just human nature. In this case it's not uncommon for a thread of a popular component to get overwhelmed with negative reports and "will I see this problem?"-type posts -- even with a good product. No product is perfect and "macroblock enhance" is the lightning-rod topic of the moment. I'm surprised I don't more flames on the plasma/LCD forums over false contouring, overscan, or any of the other issues commonly associated with fixed pixel displays.

Isolated incidents notwithstanding, much of the 146 pages of this thread is concerned with the "macroblock enhance" and "will I see it?".

Have read of the first post of this thread. If not deterred after reading it, have a look at the player in a store (if possible). If still not deterred, buy one and have a look (after being certain of return policies). Not everyone has the "macroblock enhance" problem and it's almost impossible to predict how the player is going to react in a particular environment. Not necessarily comforting but that's how it goes. If the player performs well then one is rewarded with one of the best performing and feature-laden players for the price. If the S97 doesn't perform well, return it and try another make/model.

Paul

I'm going to have to agree with Paul.

Depending on your setup, you may not see the MB, but that doesn't mean the player doesn't have MB issues since it will need to be proved for all setup cases.

Thanks. That is what I was looking for.
Some suggestion that it can be a overlooked.
When I bought the benq I had read a lot of bad things from some folks too.
I was concerned. But I also realize I am not quite as sensitive to some of the observations as others or simply don't have the issues. I love that PJ. For the money I can't complain at all.

I am glad to here that the issues here may not apply to all players or set ups.

I will give it a shot. Thanks again.

I purchased the S97 as a result of reading the reviews here.
I am very satisfied. I could not wait 2 years to purchase a new HD player after the standards settle out (blu ray or HD-DVD). This is the right player for me for the next couple of years. I wanted the best player I could get, yet not to overspend.

After dedicating a room, investing in the HT1000 projector and the 10' screen, the cost of the S97 DVD player is trivial.

The picture definition this player provides is far superior to where I came from. I was on a non-progressive scan player over s-video, and now have graduated to the S97 using a 6m Monster HDMI->DVI cable and the quality of the picture is light years better.

Thank you Paul, for all the factual details which have allowed me the confidence to purchase this fine player.

BeachBoy

BTW I just downloaded the new firmware and installed it. Thanks again.

Beachboy,

You're welcome! Enjoy the player.

Paul

I keep getting electric static zaps each time I touch the DVD. The eject botton would have been nice.

Any suggestions?

Find/program a universal remote with Panasonic codes. Apparently, the Panasonic open/eject code is fairly common and works with the S97.

Paul

Two questions for you experts out there:

1) Has anyone noticed if their s97 outputs an off-center (left to right) picture? I have my s97 connected to my Samsung HLP5063 via HDMI and have a Sci. Atlanta 8300HD connected via HDMI/DVI. I was using the InHD test patterns to calibrate the Samsung's DVI input for the 8300 and noticed my picture was significantly off center. I went into the service menu on the Samsung and altered the horizontal position to get it just right on the 8300. However when I go to DVE's overscan pattern on my s97, the picture seems shifted to the left a decent amount (i.e. there is more space on the right side than on the left side). Anyone else notice this? Obviously it could be the 8300 that's off but just wondering what others thought.

2) Anyone know of One For All advanced discrete codes for the s97 so I can teach my MX-500. I really only care about Discrete On and Off.

Thanks

I just got my S-97S last week from One Call and installed it today. I still have my RP-91 in my system. Is there anyway to change the remote code on one of these so they don't both turn on at the same time? I looked in both manuals and can't find anything. I could change my old Panasonic recorder but haven't had any luck so far with these.
Thanks
Jim

I'm considering selling my S97 since I barely use it. Any buyers?

WHQL DVD Layer Change test results now here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175528#post5175528

for improvements in the latest 85E536 firmware in the S97.

Nice screens!! Did you use an editor to graphically put the name of the unit and firmware version in there?

Originally posted by Sango
I'm considering selling my S97 since I barely use it. Any buyers?

Sango

I am in Sask, if the price is right i will take it off your hands :)

Sango...yes....I used Photoshop to add that in.

Originally posted by Sango
Nice screens!! Did you use an editor to graphically put the name of the unit and firmware version in there?

You almost had me tricked as if it was part of the DVD! =)

Dazog, I'll have to see. Possibly around 75% of the price I originally got it for.

LiteUp:

Can you also perform the "responsiveness' test just like the shootout with teh disc you have?

Sango

Sango,

I am trying to figure out a way to do a definitive/qualitative test for Responsiveness and Recovery Time. I think Secrets just does a subjective/personal test for Responsiveness, so it would be impossible to compare without Kris Deering at my house...LOL. However, the S97 is very snappy now with menus and chapter skips, so I am pretty sure it would get a 4.5 or 5 if they were looking at it again. Maybe they will. For Recovery Time (I know the player is better because I can see it) I am trying to figure out a way to count frames so I can figure out how many there are to get from Video to Film mode. I'll post if I devise a way.

The S97 is now fairly quick with chapter changes. Not a quick as the MediaTek players or maybe the Sony DVP-NS975V but still quite quick.

Paul

LiteUp:

Can you do additional testing on the XP30, to see if it passes the 2-2 cadence witht eh update?

It looks like you have a scope!! I assume you can see the Y/C delay too if you can tell us.

Sango

Sango,

I have tested the 2-2 Cadence in Auto1 mode and it still fails, but it does still pass in Auto2 mode. This is why I run in Auto2 all the time. I put that in the summary in the Firmware thread (and Paul put it on the first post of the thread).

I did my best today to show the image quality to all between the Panasonic S97 and XP30 using the latest firmwares.

Have a look here. (http://home.comcast.net/~home_theater_test/screenshots.htm)

The summary is reflecting the S97, not XP30. I believe some confusion?

Ahhhhh....yes, sorry, misread above. The XP30 fails it the same. I looked at it while I was testing the S97 for a comparison.

LiteUp, the amount of effort you put in is incredible. But if I have to look this hard at a still image to see the difference, and I still have trouble telling the difference between the two, does it really matter? For the record, I see the opposite of what you are seeing. The XP30 looks like the better player but I'm a noob.

I personally didn't have trouble seeing the differences between the two.

However, I also too agree that the previous Faroudja units does look better.

Regarding the XP30 with the new firmware --- is Auto 1 still the recommended mode?

Originally posted by Sango
I personally didn't have trouble seeing the differences between the two. Must be a Canadian thang. :)

David:

XP30/50, RP82, Denon 1600 = Auto 1.
S97 = Auto2.
-----
Buck:

Nope!! It depends on what material you're using and your display. I use anime mainly for my viewing on my CRT RPTV and can notice the difference in an instant.

Originally posted by Sango
It depends on what material you're using and your display. I can't believe you correctly used both "you're" and "your" in your sentence. That IS a Canadian thang.

It's the way I speed chat! =)

Good grammar is not exclusive to Canadians, only the intelligent.

Originally posted by nothru22
Good grammar is not exclusive to Canadians, only the intelligent. Untrue actually. It's not about being Canadian or intelligent, but rather a combination of education and thoughtfulness for the reader.

Originally posted by ronanb
Thanks iamtarun and bojangling.
Yes I'm pretty sure I have all those settings set correctly. The Samsung people said to unplug all connections except the HDMI and disconnect the power for a few seconds. Maybe it will then detect the HDMI stuff corectly...
I wonder if others have this problem but don't notice it if they use their own sound system instead of the TVs.
Anyway, I'll make sure I have those correct setting and give it a reboot.
Thanks

I finally got the problem fixed. I took the dvd player to the store I bought it and pluged it into a samsung HLP and the sound and colorspaces were all available - so the S97 was not at fault. I called Samsung to tell them the problem was with their TV and they sent some techs over to the house. They ordered a new board and replaced it in my HLP5063W. Everything works fine now.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Good news to hear ronab!

Originally posted by LiteUp!
Sango,

I have tested the 2-2 Cadence in Auto1 mode and it still fails, but it does still pass in Auto2 mode. This is why I run in Auto2 all the time. I put that in the summary in the Firmware thread (and Paul put it on the first post of the thread).
I am fairly new to this terminology, so please help me understand. Auto2 fails the progressive flag. I am confused as to why passing 2-2 Cadence is more important than passing the progressive flag.

Can someone tell me the difference between the HDMI output options (4:4:4, 4:4:2, RGB) and which one I should be running? The manual seems a bit vague on this one.

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff,

There is no "right", "wrong", or "should" with the setting. The Panasonic is going to allow for whatever setting is allowed for by the display.

First digit is luminance: Y.
Second digit R-Y. (Red)
Third digit B-Y. (Blue)

4:4:4 Color information is sampled at the same rate as luminance.
4:2:2 Color information is sampled at half the rate as the luminance.

4:4:4 would provide more color information, in theory, it should be better. 4:4:4 is great for HD.

For a thorough explanation, try here:

http://www.tvtechnology.com/features/Tech-Corner/f-RH-4.2.2-07.10.02.shtml

With certain HDMI connections -- all three may be allowed. With a DVI connection only RGB will be allowed -- that's what DVI supports. If your connection allows for 4:4:4 then give it try, however given the color depth of present day DVD, it's probably overkill.

Paul

Daniel Eddy,

It depends on what DVD's you most often play in your player. For a more in-depth discussion on this, read this:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_1/dvd-benchmark-guide-to-progressive-scan-shootout-1-2003.html

Awesome guys. Thanks for the explanation and links.

I just got off the phone with the salesperson I use at Abt Electronics, and she called me to tell me they just got in a shipment of S97s. Call Karen at extension x2430, you got her name from Jason, she will probably give you a nice price. I don't know the build date but it should be the newer firmware.

And FYI... from the Panasonic press release.....the S97 is NOT being replaced by the S77 (which is a lower cost unit). These two players will continue to ship in parallel.

When I was at the CES show I asked if the 97 was being replaced since it was not on display and it did say in the press release that the 97 would continue to ship. I was told that the 77 would replace the 97 when supplies of the 97 ran out. This could be incorrect information since many of the people did not know much about the 77 or 97

Abit electronics were great. Player came in double box and great price.

I just got off the phone with Karen! Unit should ship today!

Bruno,

Congratulations! Please let us know what the manufacture date is on the back of your player and the firmware revision that is in it.

I'm picking mine up on Friday so we'll now by then at the latest.

Also, is the HDMI cable included with the player any good or do I have to buy one?

HDMI cable is included.

Yes, the HDMI cable is included. It is 6 feet long. It works for me and have had no reason to replace it.

Paul

Thank you Mr. Big.

Originally posted by LiteUp!
Bruno,

Congratulations! Please let us know what the manufacture date is on the back of your player and the firmware revision that is in it.

I just received this player yesterday from one call. The manufacture date was January 2005 and the 536 firmware was already installed.

Now I just need to find the time to tweak the settings for my Sammy 5674... Any pointers from those who have the same (similar setup) to save me some time...:p

Does anyone have any experience good or bad trying to play DVD-R on this?

I know it says it does just wondering if anyone has had issues with it?

Or is it bullet proof playback?

I have made several DVD-R discs from iDVD on my Mac and they play flawless on my S97.
By the way, does anybody know why this unit is not very available in stores or on the internet? I have several friends who would like to purchase one based upon my recommendation. I was just curious. This is a fantastic unit (I just upgraded the firmware from the great firmware link in this thread, thanks!!) and it looks great on my Pioneer PDP-4340HD.

Thanks for the quick reply.
I too wondered about local availability.
I would have bought it today if Best Buy or Tweeter had it.
Funny when you ck the retail channels Panasonic recommends you get nothing.
Oh well Onecall sounds good enough for me.

Check Abt Electronics, they have it in stock right now. Call them up and ask for Karen at x2430. She'll hook you up. She was great to me...

Hello S97 braindump,

I have gone through the thread covering the Sony 975, and would ask that you allow me some leeway in that I haven't read this whole thread on the S97, but would like to know if there are some issues with the S97 similar to the 975: green depression, off-center, tray lock....

Also, if someone has compared the 2 players, which would they keep, and why?

I have no experience with Panasonic, and don't know what to expect.

My upgraded player is fast as lightening, and pq is awesome! I packed and sent Denon 2910 away!

Originally posted by motoman
I just got my S-97S last week from One Call and installed it today. I still have my RP-91 in my system. Is there anyway to change the remote code on one of these so they don't both turn on at the same time? I looked in both manuals and can't find anything. I could change my old Panasonic recorder but haven't had any luck so far with these.
Thanks
Jim

Nobody else has run into this problem?

Jim

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by motoman
I just got my S-97S last week from One Call and installed it today. I still have my RP-91 in my system. Is there anyway to change the remote code on one of these so they don't both turn on at the same time? I looked in both manuals and can't find anything. I could change my old Panasonic recorder but haven't had any luck so far with these.
Thanks
Jim
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Nobody else has run into this problem?

Jim


I'm having the same problem. It's very annoying. It would be nice if we can adjust the remote channel or something like that. However, I don't plan to keep both units. I'll be selling RP-91 eventually.

Hopefully this is a new twist to an old thread concept:

It seems to me from this thread that differences in display devices and/or settings on the display device affect whether or not one sees MB. I myself do not. On a Sony GWIV LCD TV thread a question came up about MB on F-chip DVDs used on GWIV TVs. One poster said that the MB was horrible on that set with the TV's video noise reduction turned on and that no MB was visible with it off. I think this is very intersting. Has anyone else noticed this? The other poster did not have an S97 but it was an F-chip DVD player.

Assuming "F-Chip" is an expression for Faroudja Chip...

The Panasonic S97 does not have the monopoly on "macroblock enhance". All players that utilize the Genesis Microchip/Faroudja FLI-23xx series of players have the possibility of exhibiting the issue when connected to certain displays with certain DVD material.

All of these factors can have an influence on the visibility of macroblock enhance:

1. Display model
2. Display calibration
3. DVD player settings
4. DVD source material
5. DVD player firmware level

It's not surprising that a display's calibration setting can help alleviate the problem. Conversely, a display's calibration settings can also emphasize the macroblock enhance issue as well. For my experieces, see the Macroblock Survival Guide section in the first post of this thread.

Paul

Assuming "F-Chip" is an expression for Faroudja Chip...

Yes. Yes it is. It's just easier to spell. Bears no relation to other words beginning with F.

Again, I myself don't have the MB problem but as I am considering buying an LCD and returning mny DLP I've been trying to determine if changing to an LCD (GWIV) would create an MB problem. I found it interesting that at least one the GWIV owners said that they could affect MB with the TV (not DVD player) settings. I was hoping to increase the "sample size" for that statement and just see if others could verify this. If so, it gives me a comfort factor that an LCD based set would be OK with the S97. Thanks for the input.

I'm looking for a good Component player. Can someone please verify that the the image croppoing that occurs when using Component is really not that big of a deal?

Thanks!

On the first post of the this thread, have a look at the 480i/p DVE Snell and Wilcox patter screen pictures. Note along the top and bottom of the screen are some bottom portions of "triangles" that have been cropped. My display has some overscan so I think the loss of information by the player is minimal. For some viewers 1 pixel is too many, for me what is occuring with my display and player is acceptable. It's not perfect and the diaplay plays a huge role in cropping.

If you're familiar with DVE there's a lot of pictures in the first post of the thread that show the various patterns.

Paul

Originally posted by opx
I'm having the same problem. It's very annoying. It would be nice if we can adjust the remote channel or something like that. However, I don't plan to keep both units. I'll be selling RP-91 eventually.

I'm going to keep my RP-91K in my system so I was hoping to resolve this issue but it doesn't look like there is any way to do it. If anybody comes up with anything let us know,

Thanks,

Jim

Jim,

I don't know of anyway to change the remote codes. The Sony RDR-GX7 DVD recorder allows for the selection of one of three remote codes. The common codes between Panasonics can have drawbacks like this while having an advantage by providing a solution for opening the S97 tray by remote through use of other Panasonic remotes.

Paul

Originally posted by August West
Hopefully this is a new twist to an old thread concept:

It seems to me from this thread that differences in display devices and/or settings on the display device affect whether or not one sees MB. I myself do not. On a Sony GWIV LCD TV thread a question came up about MB on F-chip DVDs used on GWIV TVs. One poster said that the MB was horrible on that set with the TV's video noise reduction turned on and that no MB was visible with it off. I think this is very intersting. Has anyone else noticed this? The other poster did not have an S97 but it was an F-chip DVD player.

Interesting because my picture is awful on my HDMI connection but a lot better with component. With my HDMI connection, for some reason the noise reduction thing is set to Auto and is greyed out and wont let me turn it off -- so maybe that has something to do with it. On component I can change it.

just got my 50" panasonic DLP and s97 and was having a weird artifact when watching DVD's. The dvd player is connected by the HDMI cable and is set to up convert to 720p. anyways when i am watching movies i will catch a single white pixel every now and then. is is nothing huge or annoying just thought it was strange. I don't get it is HDTV or regular TV....just when using the DVD player. any help would be appreciated.

did a search and found the stuck mirror thing - in DLP is is stuck on it is white or off it is black. But it is not stuck on white as you would see it on a full black background. it just flashes white for a split second and then is gone and it is different places.

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
Jim,

I don't know of anyway to change the remote codes. The Sony RDR-GX7 DVD recorder allows for the selection of one of three remote codes. The common codes between Panasonics can have drawbacks like this while having an advantage by providing a solution for opening the S97 tray by remote through use of other Panasonic remotes.

Paul

Thanks Paul. My old Panasonic DMR-E30K allowed you the change the codes so I didn't even think twice about that.

I haven't had 5 minutes to play around with the S-97S yet so hopefully this weekend I'll get to compare it to my RP-91 and see how I like it. If it passes muster then maybe I'll move the RP-91 to the bedroom.

Later.

Jim

Originally posted by LiteUp!
Bruno,

Congratulations! Please let us know what the manufacture date is on the back of your player and the firmware revision that is in it. I can confirm after picking up my player that the ABT units in stock were built January 2005.

Originally posted by kaikara
just got my 50" panasonic DLP and s97 and was having a weird artifact when watching DVD's. The dvd player is connected by the HDMI cable and is set to up convert to 720p. anyways when i am watching movies i will catch a single white pixel every now and then. is is nothing huge or annoying just thought it was strange. I don't get it is HDTV or regular TV....just when using the DVD player. any help would be appreciated.

did a search and found the stuck mirror thing - in DLP is is stuck on it is white or off it is black. But it is not stuck on white as you would see it on a full black background. it just flashes white for a split second and then is gone and it is different places.

What you are seeing is called sparklies and is a function of the length of your cable and the DVD player HDMI output level. Since 720P requires the most amount of pixel information to be delivered it requires the highest bandwidth capability hence a good quality cable is required. Since the DVD player is the only hardware causing this it can be deduced that the signal level being output is less than your HDTV receiver and hence you must have a high quality cable to offset the signal loss to eliminate the sparklies you are seeing.

John:)

Thanks for the reply - I am using the HDMI cable that came with the s97. I have checked all of the connections and everything seems okay. I only had a chance to play around with one movie so i tried another today and watched about 20 mins of the end and didn't see one sparklie. The movie i saw them on was the first DVD i ever bough way back when - The Matrix actually. and the movie i tried today was relaitively new - Empire Strikes Back. Could it be the age of the DVD or way the disk was made be a factor?


Originally posted by johnny_marin
What you are seeing is called sparklies and is a function of the length of your cable and the DVD player HDMI output level. Since 720P requires the most amount of pixel information to be delivered it requires the highest bandwidth capability hence a good quality cable is required. Since the DVD player is the only hardware causing this it can be deduced that the signal level being output is less than your HDTV receiver and hence you must have a high quality cable to offset the signal loss to eliminate the sparklies you are seeing.

John:)

Hey guys what ever happend to 540 firmware? Did it ever come out?

Hey,

Just purchased the S97 (manufact. in Sept 04) to go along with my hitachi 50vs810 LCD. Proceeded to hook up HDMI to HDMI with the cable provided. Sat down to watch the box set of "24" in 720p and noticed immediately that the picture was stunning in certain scenes but horrible and dissappointing in others. The picture was all over the place, especially apparent in low light & office scenes- a greyish effect.

So I guess I have three questions to resolve before the 30 day clock expires 1) Could this be a firmware issue/fix? 2)How do I verify the version? And last but not least... 3) Simply, why does picture quality vary from DVD to DVD?

Thank you in advance for your wisdom.

YAZ

Hello,

1. Hard to tell. I suspect that the display needs recalibrating for the player. Different players have different output levels and that can affect color intensity and overall brightness. If possible, recalibrate the display's color, tint, brightness, and contrast via the Digital Video Essentials DVD.

2. The player has version 528. The first post of the S97 firmware thread (link at the top of the first post of this thread) has the method to show firmware version and how to update it should one care to.

3. Picture quality can vary from DVD to DVD. I would expect less variation within a DVD set, but between movie to movie, absolutely.

Paul

Will try DVE & update firmwire.

Thank you Paul

I have 2 questions.......... I have an S97 coming on Tuesday...... Will I see anykind of differance between my Panasonic F87 and my new S97 (with the updated firmware)? I'm running my F87 on component cables because my HDTV ( RCA F38310 ) doesnt accept DVI or HDMI. And if anybody is running their 97 on component, what's your advice on the best settings for the S97 ?........... Thanks :)

I purchased my S97 last month and updated it with the latest firmware last week. Using some of the settings found in this thread and a small amount of tweaking, it is the finest player that I've owned. If you're happy with your F87, I wouldn't necessarily change since everyone's eyes see difference PQ. But if you're unhappy with it, then I don't think you'll find a better player than the S97 out there at twice the price.

Originally posted by cdnscg
Hello S97 braindump,

I have gone through the thread covering the Sony 975, and would ask that you allow me some leeway in that I haven't read this whole thread on the S97, but would like to know if there are some issues with the S97 similar to the 975: green depression, off-center, tray lock....

Also, if someone has compared the 2 players, which would they keep, and why?

I have no experience with Panasonic, and don't know what to expect.

I had both the s97 and the Sony ns975 side by side for 2 weeks. The Panasonic has:
-the better picture, more vivid, bright and sharper with text, credits and edges
-better color decoder most evident fleshtones
-better audio quality thru optical, coax digital and analogs
-better remote and better menus plus I like that blue light, like a rack lite

Bladerunner

cdnsdg,

Don't have to read the entire thread, read the first posting of the thread -- a lot of the common concerns have been addressed there. There is a comparison with the DVP-NS975V and a link to another comparison.

The S97 has no green depression, no off center via HDMI that concerns me (isn't perfect though), no tray lock problem (it does appear that Sony may have a firmware fix to address that particular issue).

I have own both players and am keeping both. I think overall the Panasonic is a bit better but there may be features or a particular performance item that may make the Sony more attractive. In both "brain dump" threads there are links to the owner's manual for each player. Download them and have a read.

Sometimes, doing that can answer a lot of questions.

Paul

I thought the Panasonic had a better picture over component than even the worshipped XP30 (sharper.) If a deinterlacer/scaler is good making 480i into 1080i why do you think it wouldn't be good making 480i into 480p?

I have the 2910 now but I am thinking of returning it. I ha the 975 but the tray lock issues spooked me, so I returned it. Other wise I liked the 975. I have not tried the s97 yet though and I wonder how close the s97 is to the 2910 ? I bought the 2910 refurbed so I will probably save about $150. Would anyone here say the s97 with the new firmware would be as good as the 2910 ?

Doc take my words, penny is a way better value, for video purposes.

No to be off topic but what's with the look on the portait nothru22? =) he he he!

It's from poker night, the full picture is actually funnier. I just thought it would be an accurate portrayal of who you're talking to. :)

http://gallery.miketunes.com/poker/Poker_004

Great picture!

just read the first post of this thread again and i must say WOOWW what a great job paul has made with this thread and it is 150 pages now:D

thanks again paul for your great work on this panasonic-s97 thread :p

Originally posted by zoro
Doc take my words, penny is a way better value, for video purposes.

I guess you have/had both ? Would I loose anything by sending the 2910 back and going for the s97 ?

SACD, and PAL and region flexibility, oh DVI too

Originally posted by zoro
SACD, and PAL and region flexibility, oh DVI too

I meant mostly as far as picture and picture controls.

nope, i guess

Alright guys, which HDMI--> DVI cable are you using for this player (for the ones that have the DVI input only on their TVs). Name and price. Feel free to PM me this info, if u'd like. Currently using component cable since I wanted to transition from HDMI-DVI adapter to the actual cable.

ZoomAir,

Thanks,

mallu2u,

When I connect the S97 to a Hitachi 32HDT55 Plasma w/DVI I use the Monster 400 HDMI->DVI cable. It's expensive and there are probably other less expensive choices that work as well but the Monster has given me no problems.

Paul

I just got my S97 yesterday from ABT. It has a Dec. Manufacture Date so I assume the firmware will need to be updated. (I didn't have time to check last night.) Anyway, I copied the settings on the first page of this FAQ and will start there. But I was wondering if there is another set of settings hidden in this 150 page thread that worked better when than the first. Especially since the new firmware change. I tried searching, but cannot find another complete list of settings for the new firmware. Thanks for any help, and someone please add the answer to the first page of this thread. Thanks!:D

Originally posted by mallu2u
Alright guys, which HDMI--> DVI cable are you using for this player (for the ones that have the DVI input only on their TVs). Name and price. Feel free to PM me this info, if u'd like. Currently using component cable since I wanted to transition from HDMI-DVI adapter to the actual cable.

Ram Electronics has a very good cable for approx. $40. They are a forum sponsor so there's a link at the top of the page. Not using the cable for my S97 but using it for my 8300HD DVR and it definitely passes BTB.

I purchased gold plated cable from ebay, it is excellent quality, paid around $25 shipped.

Originally posted by Bruno1453
I just got my S97 yesterday from ABT. It has a Dec. Manufacture Date so I assume the firmware will need to be updated. (I didn't have time to check last night.) Anyway, I copied the settings on the first page of this FAQ and will start there. But I was wondering if there is another set of settings hidden in this 150 page thread that worked better when than the first. Especially since the new firmware change. I tried searching, but cannot find another complete list of settings for the new firmware. Thanks for any help, and someone please add the answer to the first page of this thread. Thanks!:D

Bruno,

Check the version before updating. There is a report today on the S97 firmware thread that a Dec 2004 manu example has the 536 update.

In my case the settings didn't need to be changed from the original posted values. If there's anything that others have changed, I think some have reported setting the S97 brightness to "0" rather than "+1" after the firmware update.

Paul

Paul/akastp/Eric: thanks for replies. Really need to buy the cable now. been living with component for almost 2 months...:) will check out Ram and gefen. thanks. I think some members had issues with pacific cables. dont feel like buying monster...quite expensive

zoro: who was the seller? which cable was it. send me a PM please.

mallu2u,

I use 10m RAM cables with no issues. Component and DVI/HDMI.

kewl. will look into them as well. thanks Liteup!

Just picked up my S97 yesterday along with Monster400 DVI/HDMI cable to connect the player to my 60" Sony GWIII. I haven't checked the build date, so I don't know if I have the firmware update.

Love the picture quality, but I have a few questions:

1) I'm getting overscan at 100% (minimal zoom). I haven't experienced this with other DVD players, such as the Denon 1910 which I returned because of its green push. Is there anything I can do about the overscan?

2) The GWIII is a RP-LCD. Do I set the S97 to Projection or LCD?

Hello,

What is the build date I am looking for that will have the new update??


Thanks for your reply

January 2005. The 85E536 firmware was compiled on Dec. 17, 2004. So any players manufactured after that date could potentially have it.

I just bought the s97, received it last week from ABT. It has a manufactered date of December 2004, but it has the new firmware.

cool....thanks merrillc!

Thank You LiteUp,

I thought I read in all the posts that you could tell the manufacture date because it is on the outside of the box is this true?

Thanks for your reply

The date is stamped on the back of the unit itself.....not sure about on the box it comes in.

I don't believe the box has a date stamp.

It maybe look like one if your box had one because of shipping stamp to a store (with date), otherwise, it wouldn't be a manufacturer date.

Just received my Panasonic S97S from ABT today, and have been playing with it all night. Awesome unit, comments here were right on! Mine is a Dec 2004 build date with current 536 firmware.

The S97 runs circles around my Marantz VC4400 on every dimension. Well, the Marantz is built like a tank, but on every other aspect the Panasonic wins hands down. (Especially ergonomics, Marantz hasn't mastered that angle at all!)

I'm running the S97 with a Panasonic 50" plasma. I'm using an HDMI/DVI cable that came with my HR 10-250 DirecTV Tivo HD box. Question - this doesn't look like the world's greatest cable, but it works and it was free (well, free with a $1000 purchase!). Is there any point upgrading to a better cable, will it make any difference?

One reason I ask is because I've previously spent $100+ for quality component cables. But I am currently using a $5.99 Steren component to VGA cable I purchased at buy.com to connect my HD Tivo to the Panny plasma's VGA terminal - and I honestly don't see a $100 difference between that setup and a much more expensive component cable I used earlier to connect the HD Tivo to the plasma's component terminal.

Use the "free" cable. If it works and the picture looks great -- mission accomplished. I use the HDMI cable supplied with the S97 and have seen no reason to replace it.

Paul

I agree, if it works save your money. Only reason I bought a cable is because of a longer run. The cable supplied worked well for me.

Originally posted by tomtomato
...I'm running the S97 with a Panasonic 50" plasma.

One reason I ask is because I've previously spent $100+ for quality component cables. But I am currently using a $5.99 Steren component to VGA cable I purchased at buy.com to connect my HD Tivo to the Panny plasma's VGA terminal - and I honestly don't see a $100 difference between that setup and a much more expensive component cable I used earlier to connect the HD Tivo to the plasma's component terminal.

If I may recommend (I too have 50" Panny PDP, S97 and DirecTV/HD)...

I found that feeding HD signal from DirecTV via VGA (analog) displayed softer than HD signal via DVI (my DirecTV receiver is Sony SAT-HD300). You may find that it a better way to spend your money is to buy a HDMI blade (if you have 7-series, and you already have a DVI blade), or if you have an older model (like I do, 6-series), to invest in a DVI switcher - mine is from Gefen. Not too familiar with HD/TiVO unit but I'm sure it has either DVI or HDMI output.

Also, I'm currently exploring how best to use the RGB input (D-sub15 pin) with a wireless set up that connects to my PC for high res photo viewi and what have you. I can burn a DVD and display via S97 but its a hassle so I am seeking a better option.

I just bought the s97, received it last week from ABT. It has a manufactered date of December 2004, but it has the new firmware.
Same here, but got mine from B&H Photo.

I found that feeding HD signal from DirecTV via VGA (analog) displayed softer than HD signal via DVI (my DirecTV receiver is Sony SAT-HD300). You may find that it a better way to spend your money is to buy a HDMI blade (if you have 7-series, and you already have a DVI blade), or if you have an older model (like I do, 6-series), to invest in a DVI switcher - mine is from Gefen. Not too familiar with HD/TiVO unit but I'm sure it has either DVI or HDMI output.

I have a 6-series. I've already put a DVI board in Slot 1. I was using this for HD/Tivo, which has HDMI output. Since getting the S97, I'd rather use the plasma's DVI terminal for DVD, since that's the only way to get the S97 up to 720p and the HD/TIVO can do 720p via component.

I agree though, that my HD/Tivo looked a bit better using the HDMI-->DVI cable than with the Component-->VGA cable. But, only one DVI board! A switcher is an idea. But I've also been thinking about getting a second DVI board for the 6-series. Since you have a Panasonic plasma, do you know if I can pull out the long original card that spans Slot2 and Slot3, and install 1) a second DVI board in Slot2, and 2) pop an extra component board I have lying around into Slot 3? Your thoughts on the merits of a switcher vs. popping a second DVI board into the 6-series..? I would eventually like to get to the point where both the S97 and the HD TIVO are fed through DVI.

Newbie Here

Just got my Olevia Syntax LT32HV LCD. I wanted to purchase the Panasonic S97 DVD Player to replace my Panasonic RP62S to take advantage of the Upconversion thought HDMI.

The Olevia has a DVI/HDCP connection. I would like to be able to connect to the DVI/HDCP connection on the Olevia. Can some one tell if I will have any issues using the HDMI cable supplied with the S97 and a Monster cable DVI to HDMI Adapter (Model VA-HDMI-DVI SL).

The cost of the adapter is $30 at BH and JR

hullo paul, so it it consensus that for LCD RPTV we should select LCD/PROJECTOR OPTION FOR TV TYPE? vs projection?

Originally posted by tomtomato
I have a 6-series. I've already put a DVI board in Slot 1. I was using this for HD/Tivo, which has HDMI output. Since getting the S97, I'd rather use the plasma's DVI terminal for DVD, since that's the only way to get the S97 up to 720p and the HD/TIVO can do 720p via component.

...install 1) a second DVI board in Slot2, and 2) pop an extra component board I have lying around into Slot 3? Your thoughts on the merits of a switcher vs. popping a second DVI board into the 6-series..? I would eventually like to get to the point where both the S97 and the HD TIVO are fed through DVI.

Do you find 720p better than 1080i on the PDP? Most folks, myself included, find 1080i better for this particular 1366x768 panel.

As for your questions, I believe answer is yes to both. The DVI card can only occupy Slot 1 or 2, whereas component can be used in any slot.

About the only thing one will lose is the S-Video and composite inputs/outputs. Assuming that you're not running audio connection into the PDP (why anyone would do this is beyond me but...), and are not using S-Video for SDTV feed (many people feel is gives the best picture quality for non HD/ED programs), it probably makes sense - especially since you already have it lying around as you say.

This is probably is a better solution than a switcher (assuming that you do not foresee the need for 4x1 switcher). Also, you sill get to keep the RGB input because they are fixed terminals.

Originally posted by zoro
hullo paul, so it it consensus that for LCD RPTV we should select LCD/PROJECTOR OPTION FOR TV TYPE? vs projection?

Probably, but let AVIA or DVE be the real guide. Remember, the settings only work USER settings are not being used. If USER is being utilized at all, the TV Type setting (as best we tell) makes no difference.

Paul

OK!!!!!

540 available for download!!!!!

Information found in the first post of the S97 firmware thread here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5064953#post5064953

BIG HUGE "THANK YOU" to LiteUp! and Sango. Sango is King of the firmware! LiteUp! provided the terrific update instruction page and is hosting the firmware updates. They deserve a big, big thanks.

Paul

thanks to all concerned :)

Does anyone know if the Panasonic DVD-S97 is a upgrade from the Samsung HD941.

Don't have the HD941.

Download both manuals from the manufactuers and compare features. The HD941 has DVD-A and SACD, the S97 has only DVD-A. Otherwise, the Panasonic is the most feature ladden. Both may issues with "macroblock enhance" with particular displays. I think HD941 has black crush issues with non-1080i output.

Paul

I have had the s97 for several months now and think it was a wise choice. I have it hooked up to my Panasonic 50" HD Plasma (7UY) via DVI.

I've calibrated with DVE, but that doesn't mean I got it right. I still get lost with a lot of the AV terminology you guys throw around, so I'm very much on the early side of the learning curve.

My problem is that I often see beige walls in the background show hints of green and pink (almost every episode of "Sopranos" on DVD). I also will sometimes see a purple hue in black colors. (I saw this in many scenes of "Collateral" on Tom Cruise's black overcoat.)

I'm not sure what to call this phenomenon. Is it likely poor calibration? Or, is it just inherent with certain DVDs?

Originally posted by mgkg3
Do you find 720p better than 1080i on the PDP? Most folks, myself included, find 1080i better for this particular 1366x768 panel.
...
About the only thing one will lose is the S-Video and composite inputs/outputs. Assuming that you're not running audio connection into the PDP (why anyone would do this is beyond me but...), and are not using S-Video for SDTV feed (many people feel is gives the best picture quality for non HD/ED programs), it probably makes sense - especially since you already have it lying around as you say.


For my Panasonic 50PHD6UY plasma, I find:

720p best for HD Tivo (HR 10-250) with HDMI/DVI cable. 1080i has a more jagged appearance, particularly on OTA non-HD digital broadcasts.

1080i best for HD Tivo (HR 10-250) with component cable (the main reason being my HR 10-250 has a very faintly reddish tone using component output. Not worth my dealing with since DTV is anticipated to swap out these units once the MPEG4 standard of their new HD sat feeds will make these $1K units largely obsolete. And that's another story...).

720p best for Panasonic S97 with HDMI/DVI cable. To my eyes, at least, but I've only had this for a couple days! I find 1080i showing somewhat less clarity especially with fast action, but also with fine detail.

Regarding the S-Video. I actually found the following rank order from worst to best with my HD Tivo + PDP, for SDTV programs:

[worst] s-video --> composite --> component --> DVI [best] (with the biggest jump between composite and component. s-video on my HR10-250 has muted colors.

Well, the good thing is there's a choice...

Tom, i have same hdtivo, jaggies I agree, i think, deinterlacer is not as good as my old HTLD that i adored! no doubt it had better user interface too.

S97 on the other hand I had been going back and forth with 720p on most recomendation, but always prefereed 1080i, due to extra 3D of picture, there is more depth, check it out

I'm wondering if the S97 is region free?

Thanks

NO IT IS NOT, BUT CAN BE HACKED, BUT IT DOES PAL, IF Y6OU HAVE PAL DISPLAY

Is it a simple remote hack or I have to open up the machine?

i THINK YOU HAVE TO BUY SPECIAL $10 REMOTE, THERE WAS A LINK HERE BY SANGO

Smeagle,

Have you updated the firmware? This may resolve your problem if you haven't done it yet.
All the info on doing this is posted at the beginning of the thread.

-Jeff

Looks like the caps lock button is broken! =)

To be exact, the player can play PAL even if it wasn't region free as long as the display is capable of PAL.

There is a remote hack - for one time use for cheap or you can buy the expensive for unlimited use.

How come when I switch from HDMI to component I notice on the HDMI that it has a green tint?

can somone pm the place which sells the region free remotes?

the only place i found wants alot of money for the one time use ones.

DVDChips got the one time and unlimited.

yea too expensive.

25 pounds is 50 cdn

there has to be someone in the USA or can selling em.

Originally posted by Boogie7910
How come when I switch from HDMI to component I notice on the HDMI that it has a green tint?

Check if your component cable jacks are all tightly connected.

Originally posted by enier
Check if your component cable jacks are all tightly connected.

Component looks fine.

On the HDMI, I have a green tint to it. And yes it's all connected correctly.

I just recently purchased the S97 from B&H Photo (December 2004 build date and 536 firmware). I have a Pronto Neo that came with my Aragon Stage One preamp. I have had trouble learning all the buttons from the Panasonic S97 remote. The Pronto Neo refused to learn a few buttons. Some of the buttons it refused to learn just didn't make sense. For example, the Neo could not learn the number 1, the Cursor Right key, Menu, Return, Enter, Contrast and Brightness. The Panasonic remote operates correctly using these buttons with the DVD player (so I have ruled out the Pansonic remote as an issue). I have been able to get most of the needed codes by either setting the device code in the Neo to Panasonic or from configuration files at Remote Central for a Panasonic RP82. I am down to 2 buttons with no IR code: the Brightness and Contrast buttons.

Does anyone who has successfully been able to get their learning remotes to learn the above buttons have either the hex codes or a configuration file for either a Pronto or Pronto Neo that they would be willing to share?

I have tried all the various techniques (change distance, angle between remotes and vary time source buttons are pressed) to get the Neo to learn these last two buttons to no avail.

Thanks for your help.

Mike

Originally posted by Boogie7910
Component looks fine.

On the HDMI, I have a green tint to it. And yes it's all connected correctly.

What is your display device? On my RPTV, the HDMI is the best input.

Originally posted by geekrule
What is your display device? On my RPTV, the HDMI is the best input.

Toshiba 52HM94 DLP.

I have other problems that it's getting repaired on, mainly pink smudges when watching DVD's. Maybe it's related.

Originally posted by BdoUK
I actually called Genesis a few months back regarding the problem. The person I spoke to at first acted like he didn't know what macroblocking was. After I pressed a little more he launched into a big tirade about how it couldn't be fixed and just had to be "dealt with" by the consumer. I think they are very aware of the problem, but it is obvious they goofed somewhat on producing the chip and they know it. Needless to say I returned my S97 the next day.

I wonder if Genesis is merely washing their hands of the problem and letting the player manufacturers try and deal with the problem. I know Denon has been able to limit the problem somewhat with various firmware updates. Perhaps Panasonic is doing the same thing?


Once in a while, a great post!
Looking back, the release of players incorporating the Genesis 2200-23xx chip has actually served a useful purpose in educating both the public and manufactures about this most irritating form of digital video distortions.
Will there be another future outbreak?
Will Genesis ever admit what the root cause is/was (so that every other manufacture can learn what NOT to do)?

I want to make a new point concerning pure digital display systems, which is the route from the camera to the display. There is NO longer any benefit for digital "enhancement" at the consumer end or player end.
Picture sharpness, detail, edge enhancement, color, tint are left-over controls from the prehistoric analog video days were losses were introduced at every stage.
Complete digital systems can be very precise with NO loses at any stage. Today, the only everyday user controls necessary are contrast and brightness to account for changes in ambient light.

Genesis sin was to "fix" something that wasn't broken. Digital enhancement generates digital distortion. So it's a byte that they got bit in their digital bee-hind. But disastrously done deeds deserve due dispensation.
The fact is the mastering engineers/movie studios are releasing superior quality DVDs which require NO digital enhancement. This is exactly as it should be.
HD DVD should be very exciting!

Can someone who owns this player tell me what the FF/RW playback speed options are? The manual doesn't seem to clearly indicate the options (i.e. 2X, 4X, etc).

It not entirely clear even for those that own the player. :)

The on-screen GUI just shows an indicator of FF/RW as the speed is increased, there is no number displayed as to what speed. There is a variable speed option on the S97 as well that allows voice and picture to be speeded up or slowed down -- that option is numeric based and is found in the upper right on page 10.

If pause is selected before FW/RW then various slow motion speeds are selected as well -- again, no numbers attached.

Paul

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
It not entirely clear even for those that own the player. :) Thanks Paul, I asked the same question about the Sony 975. I have an old Toshiba that does 2X, 4X, 8X, and 20X. I noticed from reading the 592 manual it does 2X, 4X, 16X and 100X. I thought it strange that this wouldn't be common on all new players. Perhaps with the disk memory the need isn't as great.

One other question on this player. In reading the manual it doesn't appear there is a HUE (TINT) setting. Is this correct?

Originally posted by kdog044
One other question on this player. In reading the manual it doesn't appear there is a HUE (TINT) setting. Is this correct? Can any Panasonic owners confirm this?

For the S97, yes, that is correct -- no tint/hue adjustment.

Paul

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
For the S97, yes, that is correct -- no tint/hue adjustment.

Paul Paul, thanks for clearing that up.

Does anyone know how to reset a s97s to factory settings?

In the setup menu select "Quick Setup" and then select "Re-initialize Setting"

This returns all values in the Setup menus to the default settings.
After “INIT” on the display disappears, turn the unit off and on again.

This info is on page 17 of the English manual.

Or, you could upgrade the firmware - that wacks the settings real good.

Or the reset sequence!! That's the most advanced one than the re-initializing.

A friend lent me a PAL Region 5 DVD and my S97 (regular US edition bought from OneCall) handled it perfectly. Just had to swtich to 480p and the DVD came on right away @ 576p.

The disk is clearly labeled PAL Region 5 and did not work in my 2 year old Panni CRT / DVD combo.

Anyone with a similar experience? I am ordering another PAL 5 disk just to verify.

SV

In addition numerous components now have a pass-through, including my Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD (composite) and of course most receivers have passthrough. If you really need the extra connections, try Denon 3805 - it upconverts anything you give it up to component, which you can send to slot 3 on your PDP.

Remember, you need to purchase a stand-alone component card, as your existing card occupies 2 slots.


Originally posted by mgkg3
Do you find 720p better than 1080i on the PDP? Most folks, myself included, find 1080i better for this particular 1366x768 panel.

As for your questions, I believe answer is yes to both. The DVI card can only occupy Slot 1 or 2, whereas component can be used in any slot.

About the only thing one will lose is the S-Video and composite inputs/outputs. Assuming that you're not running audio connection into the PDP (why anyone would do this is beyond me but...), and are not using S-Video for SDTV feed (many people feel is gives the best picture quality for non HD/ED programs), it probably makes sense - especially since you already have it lying around as you say.

This is probably is a better solution than a switcher (assuming that you do not foresee the need for 4x1 switcher). Also, you sill get to keep the RGB input because they are fixed terminals.

Sango, How do you run the reset sequence?

For "Picture Mode", is "Normal" mode equivalent to "User" mode when all settings (contrast, color, sharpness, etc.) are set to zero?

Reset sequence:

On the unit hold PAUSE + BWD-SKIP + OPEN for about 3 seconds. The display will display "initialization" or "int".
While initialization is being displayed, let go of of all buttons and press and hold STOP + BWD-SKIP + OPEN. The display will then display "reset".

Set your user settings.
--------------------------------------------------------
Skarpachi, yes that is correct. The TV mode in the setup menus will also take effect as well since they do not take in "User" mode.

Thanks Sango. A few people are reporting that "normal" mode looks better with v540. The jury is still out in my case...

I recently picked up a S97 and am curious how many of you have to up the brightness to +1 in the DVD settings to pass BTB? I have had to with both the 536 and 540 firmware (my player is a Jan. 2005 build so it came with the 536 firmware). Just curious because in the firmware thread the original poster mentions not having to up the brightness with the 536 and 540 firmware versions. I am using a Sony 60XS955 display.

Depends on your display Fiz. I have an LG plasma monitor and I run the contrast at -1 and the brightness at +1. On projector most people have it set to zero. The flexability with settings is one of the many great things about this player.

fiz can u describe your tv settings pls

Fiz,

This depends on how you have the display type set in the player as well. Read this post in the S97 firmware thread for a good description:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5272672#post5272672

Also check the first post in that thread for more info on the Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness settings that are inherent with the different display type settings.

Originally posted by Fiz
I recently picked up a S97 and am curious how many of you have to up the brightness to +1 in the DVD settings to pass BTB? I have had to with both the 536 and 540 firmware (my player is a Jan. 2005 build so it came with the 536 firmware). Just curious because in the firmware thread the original poster mentions not having to up the brightness with the 536 and 540 firmware versions. I am using a Sony 60XS955 display.

Hello Fiz,

Let the Digital Video Essentials and/or Avia calibration DVD's be your final guide -- it is possible that neither setting (0, +1) is correct for your display.

Any posted picture setting (DVD or display) should be treated as a guide rather than an absolute setting -- results can vary from display to display and from environment to environment.

Paul

Fiz- Same with me I have a JVC D-ila and through HDMI I have to set contrast at -1 because of white crush and brightness at +1 for BTB. When I use component 480p it passes BTB at 0 and theres no white crush.
I use the DVE disk to set my settings.

Any idea when S97s w/540 will start showing up at dealers, if at all.

Hi everyone


when i hook the s97 up to a surround receiver what choices should i make in the sound menu.

should i choose PCM or Bitstream för DD digital and DTS, and should a use 196KHZ or only 96KHZ i have a receiver that can handle DTS 24/96.

and in the speaker settings if a choose the small speakers för front and rear will most of the base go to the subwooffer.

it is hoooked up to the reciver with an optical cable.

thanks in advance

Robert,

My guess is with the Feb builds with the DVD-S97.

Thanks for all the replies guys, appreciate it (great forum!). I had calibrated my set with DVE so no worries, I was just under the assumption that everyone was able to pass BTB with the brightness/contrast/etc. all set to 0 in the DVD player settings, but this is obviously not the case.

I love this DVD player, coming from a Samsung HD841 it is a breath of fresh air for sure.

Where can I get the s97 536 firmware from because i hear 540 has some issues with pal
Many thanks

First posting of the the S97 firmware thread.

Here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5064953#post5064953

It was mistakenly removed during an edit. My apologies.

Paul

Thanks.
One last question if i upgrade will i loose my multi region capabilities

It has been reported that the upgrade does not cause multi-region capabilities to be lost. However, as with any firmware update, there is risk involved.

Paul

It looks like this case, the the region information most likely resides on a different part of the unit which the firmware doesn't touch.

Still there are risks in the update. Will never know if Panasonic decides to release an update which also modifies the region information.

Loss of Shadow Detail??
I have the S97 with 536 upgrade. I am using a Panasonic Plasma and have a serious issue with loss of shadow detail. IT is really bothering the heck out of me. The best verbal description I can say is that in darker scenes, some background (especially walls etc) appears to shift colors, like it doesn't know what color to stay. I also see it sometimes in the shadow of someone's face (noticed when watching 24 DVD) where there is a serious loss of detail. Anyone know what this is called or how it can be fixed or minimized. I would greatly appreciate anyone who could help. I tried reading the posts in this thread but it is OVERWHELMING! Thanks again in advance!

Anyone have this hooked up via HDMI to a Sony LCD RP TV? (Any would help, but mine's a Sony KDF-50WE655).

Just looking for feedback on how this DVD player works with this (or similar) TV sets. =o) Did a search, but didn't see much! Thanks!

Also, semi-newbie question here, but when I hear this player can have some trouble with PAL discs, what exactly does that mean? Thanks.

ive upgraded the firmware and hav it hooked up to a panny 6 via hdmi to dvi and the picture is stunning, swithching between component and hdmi component is dull in comparison hdmi is sharper and more solid and the colours are striking. I never thought the picture would be so good.

Ive had no trouble with pal up to now, the 540 firmware has some issues though

Ritewinger. Try switching between standard and enhanced RGB.

Originally posted by sgupta
Also, semi-newbie question here, but when I hear this player can have some trouble with PAL discs, what exactly does that mean? Thanks.

PAL is a European standard - only affects you if you have European DVDs you plan on playing. Otherwise it's irrelevant.

Ahhh...PAL wouldn't be an issue for me personally then. Thanks for the explanation. =o)

Can the Panny s97 play recorded DVD+R disk...I am thinking about getting this unit to pair up with my HLP6163...I have the Samsung HD-941 which has way too many issues, I am also considering the Denon 2910...does the s97 come close to the Denon in audio and PQ.

Yes - s97 plays +R and +RW fine (even though the manual says they aren't supported).

S97 is a great combo with the 63 series.

I have a Sammy HLP 4674W TV on order to arrive next week and was about to buy a Panny DVDS97S DVD player on line tonite from J&R to go with it.

I already have purchased a Denon AVR 1705 Receiver. My plan was to run everything, both audio and video, thru my Denon to be able to simplify controlling the system.

The only input to the TV was going to be component video cables running from the receiver to the TV. All audio was going thru my Denon (using optical for the connection from the DVD player) to output to the surround sound 5.1 speakers.

Now I realize that the upconverting function (and perhaps other functions?) of the Panny DVDS97S, and other similar units, only works by using the HDMI connections which, fortunately, both the Sammy 4674. and the Panny 97 have.

So, now it seems that I have to run the HDMI cable directly from the 97S to the 4674 to get the benefits of upconversion and keep the video signal all digital.

I still will be using the optical connection for my audio running from the Panny97 to the Denon so that I can control the surround sound etc

One side benefit of running the HDMI cable, that includes the audio signal, would be to allow me to use the TV speakers, which would not have been possible with my original video only connection plan, and controlling the sound coming from the TV speakers with the TV remote.

I guess if I had spent $1,000 + on my reciever I could have got one with an HDMI Input and Output, so I could run the A/V connections from the DVD player thru it to the TV, but I didn't and can't afford to now.

Could someone please help clear all this up and give me a suggested hookup plan....I would really appreciate it..maybe I am contemplating a problem that won't really exist..I just need some assistance..

Thanx!

PS: Also, does the AVS Forum have a section for connection/cabling issues such as I have...if so, as well as reviewing the hoped for responses to this post, I can post/ check there also for any follow up concerns?

Paul - Great job, many thanks to all your many hours. I have one question that I haven't seemed to find the best answer on the forum. Specifically, I would like to have DVDA and SACD capability. Of the three dvd players with HDMI that I have read about only the Sammy 941 has this.

Sammy 941 - HDMI - DVDA/Yes - SACD/Yes
Panny S97S - HDMI - DVDA/Yes - SACD/No
Sony 975 - HDMI - DVDA/No - SACD/Yes

Problem is, I don't want the Sammy after most of the reviews I have read. I have a HLP 5674 and I believe that either the S97 or the 975 would be fine PQ after what you and GreggPenn have noted, but do you have any input on the DVDA vs. SACD capabilities? Is it possible to have great PQ and all the audio formats?

chuckip,

In general, it is best to run video direct to the Samsung and audio direct to the receiver. While it complicates switching inputs since you need to switch both the audio and video, it offers much more flexibility in terms of calibrating your display. The Samsung lets you calibrate each input independently and remembers the settings. If you connect everything (other than the s97) to the receiver than you can only calibrate that one input for all of your other sources. I'm not exactly sure what your other sources are but I find that my S97 and my cable box for example are calibrated very differently on the Samsung.

You can always pick up a universal remote and create macros to simplify the switching process.

Just off point, I tried both 2910 and S97 for audio direct through HDMI and TV speakers..Denon 2910 wins hands down!

Originally posted by zoro
Just off point, I tried both 2910 and S97 for audio direct through HDMI and TV speakers..Denon 2910 wins hands down!

I wonder why that is the case...I would understand if you were using the Denon's DACs which I am sure are of higher quality...but a pure digital transport shouldn't matter that much.

A bit off topic but is anyone running the S97 v540 with the Hitachi 50vs810 display? Since I've upgraded to 540 I've noticed a pronounced greenish tinge on skin tones.

Yaz

Originally posted by YAZ
A bit off topic but is anyone running the S97 v540 with the Hitachi 50vs810 display? Since I've upgraded to 540 I've noticed a pronounced greenish tinge on skin tones.

Yaz

Yes, I happen to have that exact same setup. I don't have greenish tones, but there are some over on the 810 thread that report a green push on their 810 sets...not all have it, however.

Originally posted by mwgordon
I wonder why that is the case...I would understand if you were using the Denon's DACs which I am sure are of higher quality...but a pure digital transport shouldn't matter that much.

Thats most likely it, plus it has upgraded HDMI?

But In my case some times, I never felt to turn reciever on!
I own a sony 60XS955, LCD projection TV that has very good speaker system!

Hey mwgowan,

Yeah, I have scrolled through the 810 forums in horror - reading all the QC / green tinge problems. In my case, however the green tinge really wasn't noticeable until I did the 540 upgrade. I'm assuming your picture is fine?

Yaz

Mine seems fine. My S97 has had the 528, 536 and now the 540 firmware with no real noticeable change in color and/or picture between the revisions.

Hi All,

I’m Panasonic S97 happy user. I bought week ago Pioneer SE-DIR800C IR Surround Sound Headphones. They are really amazing, Dolby Digital, DTS decoding, lovely sound. I have one small problem with sound volume. I need to set up 80 % of maximum amplifier power on headphones to receive satisfied sound level. I hooked up these headphones via digital coaxial connection with Panasonic S97 dvd.
Do you know a way to increase level of signal coming out from S97 digital output? I have old Pioneer dvd 505 and headphones works fine.
Thanks for your help.
Ps. If somebody is interested in I can send more info about these headphones.

I just received the DVD-S97S from Onecall and am having problems
with the audio hookup. I am using the component video out to a
Pioneer 643 and have a sony AV Receiver. When I use the fiber audio out from the DVD Player to my receiver, I only get Pro Logic and not Dolby Digital or DTS. When I use the 5.1 audio out, everything works great My previous DVD Player worked fine with the Fiber out. Should I just use the 5.! audio out connections?

Thanks,
Todd

Make sure your Audio setup is set to "Bitstream".

I would also turn off the audo for HDMI. That could be the problem with
your output. I should also point out that the manual is not very clear. In fact, it is one of the worst manuals I have ever used. Great player, bad manual.

Sorry if this was already covered...Does this player play recorded DVD+R disks.

JWV651, Yes it has already been covered and yes it does play recorded DVd+disks with not problems. I use them all the time.

Originally posted by mwgordon
Make sure your Audio setup is set to "Bitstream".

I'm having a similar problem, and my audio setup is set to Bitstream. I've also tried PCM and various sample rates, and disabling the HDMI audio out.

I'm connecting to a Panasonic SA-XR45 receiver with coax digital cable. I have it setup for "multi-speaker", yet when I run the test from the S97's audio menu, I only get sound from the L & R front speakers, no sound from the center channel, sub or surrounds. Running the test on my receiver confirms that all the speakers are working properly.

My S97 has a January 2005 build date and firmware version 536. ($259 from J& R, by the way!)

Correction: When playing a DVD, the receiver does indicate that it is getting a 5.1 signal, and all the speakers are getting sound. But for some reason, the test function only works with the L & R front speakers. What gives?

I have the same issue with the test. It seems that it will only work if you are using the onboard decoders. Most of us are using the decoder in the receiver. I tried the THX audio test and there was no problem. Some functions do not work on all outputs. I know the manual is not very clear.

I have a question I hope someone can help. I have the Benq8700+ and the panasonic s97 hooked up via the dvi using a monster adaptor HDMI-DVI. I have set the resolution to 1080i but when you go into HDMI update it is listing 576p resolution?? Can anyone explain? Is it running at 1080i or 576p? Is the monster adaptor doing something? Can someone explain?

cooper784, Check my response in the Benq thread:

BENQ Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5317484#post5317484)

Originally posted by rwestley
I have the same issue with the test. It seems that it will only work if you are using the onboard decoders. Most of us are using the decoder in the receiver. I tried the THX audio test and there was no problem. Some functions do not work on all outputs. I know the manual is not very clear.

That’s true. I have my S97 with 540 firmware and it behaves like you describe.

Thank you Massimo, I really appreciate your response. I was worried that I was only gettting 576p despite my setting 1080i. You are definitely sure we are getting the 1080i resolution though?

cooper784,

We are definitely getting 1080i or 720p. The projector is definietly receiving the signal. Panasonic Canada engineer confirmed it for me from the DVD player's standpoint, and we can confirm the signal it you hit display and exit on the projector. The info box on the bottom right corner of the image will display the resolution.

I've put all my calibration settings in the BENQ thread ... in the projector form.

is there a way to switch off the subtitles by deafult? Whenver I load up a movie, it starts subtitles as well. Not sure where to switch off that setting.

I just searched this thread on position memory and got my answer about stopping and restarting a movie. I CAN'T believe that you have to hit a position memory button for the DVD player to remember where you stopped! My 6 year old Sony DVD player will restart where I left off even after turning the unit off. Now if I open up the drawer, it forgets, but all I have to do is hit stop and it remembers. Now my "up-to-date" DVD player makes me use a button for this. I guess it adds the ability to take the disc out, but what a step backwards!

Overall I am VERY happy with the player! I just have to get used to its particularities.