Hi All,

I was thinking of getting a S97S for my new Panasonic 50PHD8UK plasma, but I read in an amazon review that someone had worse-than-typical problem with macroblocking effects with this combo. Another review for the player made a similar comment (that problem was worse with Panasonic-brand plasmas).

Is anyone pairing these two or have any knowledge of this issue. . .and if so, can you give me your view of this? I'd really like to get an upconverting DVD player to enhance the look of my DVD collection, but don't want to pay $250 for macroblocking.

Thanks,

Eric

This might seem kinda stupid...

Since I'll be running my HDMI cable to an HDMI projector (also a Panasonic), and HDMI carries audio signals, can I also and concurrently run a Digital Coaxial to my A/V receiver for sound, or is all sound automatically routed via the HDMI output if it's being utilized?

Since I'll be running my HDMI cable to an HDMI projector (also a Panasonic), and HDMI carries audio signals, can I also and concurrently run a Digital Coaxial to my A/V receiver for sound, or is all sound automatically routed via the HDMI output if it's being utilized?
You can tell the S97 where to route the sound in the setup menu. By default, if you use the HDMI connection for video, you can also use the Digital Coaxial for sound. That' show mine is setup now.

I just installed a DVD S97 with digital coaxial for audio (via Panny XR55) and HDMI for video (via a Dell LCD TV.) Everything with the HDMI connection was fine for an hour. Then I got the U70-2 error. The manual says the U70 error could be a bad cable or a bad HDMI connection. I tried unplugging and reconnecting. I tried the 2nd HDMI slot on the TV. None of that worked. Meanwhile, video worked fine through S-video. Then I bought a Monster HDMI cable and ... ta-da ... the HDMI connection works again.

The fact is that the HDMI cable supplied with the S97 is very flimsy. It feels cheap, particularly compared to the Monster cable. Looking back, my supplied HDMI cable may have been damaged just by routing it through the media cabinet. So, if you intend to rely on Panasonic's supplied HDMI cable, be very gentle with it during set up. A better plan would be to get a decent cable from the outset.

^ Good to know.

I needed a much longer cable (projector), and ordered a no-brand cable from monoprice.com, one of this site's sponsors, as referred by a user here.

I hope it does the job, and that he knew what he was talkin' 'bout :)

my monoprice cable works fine..30 ft. However I have that U70 error almost all the time and I have chatted with other S97 owners with same issues...but the cable always works. go figure.

I read somewhere (this thread? I can't remember) that the S97 will always display a U70 error if it thinks the cable is too long - something about how it times the latency when it connects to a display. I wouldn't worry about it if you see no artifacts!

Hi, Paul

I went into set-up menu then video tab but I cannot see 'convert to pal' or nstc output on the screen. I have firmware 540 thanks for the help.

I'm using HDMI to my plasma and it seems like if I set my color space to either 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 I get bad artifacting constantly in my blacks. I switched my HDMI color space to RGB and it looks alot smoother and the artifacts are gone. What exactly do these settings change?

I have an ISF'd Sony CRT RPTV (KP-57WS520). Well, I've been using the Panasonic XP-30 happily for sometime now. However, I decided to try the Oppo and upconvert to 1080i (DVI to my TV's HDMI input). The image is just too soft for my liking. Even display patterns show text to look out of focus and "smudgy."

So, I'm thinking of trying the S97S. I like upconverting because I no longer see scanlines....makes the image look so much more filmlike.

A few questions:

1. I saw no macroblocking on my display with the Oppo...is that likely to be the same for the S97?

2. How does the S97 compare to the XP-30 in overall picture quality (if you had both players)?

3. Is the S97 a 10 bit HDMI player?

4. Will I see a sharper image than the Oppo (if you had both players)?

5. Is noise an issue with the S97? I've heard a few complaints about that.

Hello David,

1. Probably. while there have been some differing results, usually if the display doesn't show MBE, then chances are any of the MBE players will look OK (just be sure of good return privaleges just in case)

2. Both are excellent/outstanding (compared to XP50).

3. The S97 outputs RGB (DVI). It also outputs, if available, 4:2:2, 4:4:4

4. I think the Oppo's reported softness problems may be related to 1080i and the brand of display (try 720p, if available)

5. I don't have big problem with noise, although I think the Oppo's picture looks smoother.

Paul

Thanks, Paul!

How would I know which color bit to use?

Also, I haven't read all of the posts yet, but anything special I have to do on the player to achieve blacker than black and keeping whites at a good level?

My set was ISF'd with a signal generator -- and when we checked the XP-30 -- the grayscale, brightness, contrast, color, tint, and sharpness didn't have to be touched. It was all in sync with the generator. Likely to be the same with the S97?

Also, is the S97 and S77 picture quality exactly the same?

Also, is the S97 and S77 picture quality exactly the same?

I have had both of these in my theater and for whatever reason find the S97 much sharper....I was using the S77 and complained here I believe on how many movies just didnt seem that sharp..looked a bit fuzzy on my 114" screen. I was told it was showing the lack of quality of many filmmakers...well, those same movies (Pirates of the Caribbean was one) look awesome with the S97. Both using HDMI with 720P upconversion.

Thanks. I'm really leaning on the S97. If it can match my XP-30 in performance, I will be happy. I just want to be upconvert to no longer see scanlines...makes the image look so much more filmlike.

I found the S97 to have an oversharpened look (I'm used to the quality of upconverting on my HTPC, which I feel is far superior). AVIA and DVE patterns look horrid on the S97 - lots of ringing.

It's not to bad for video though...the S97 is great when playing badly flagged anime. With the exception of the occasionally badly mastered DVD that nothing short of an HQV processor could fix.

Alrighty, here's my update for the interested ;)

I just got my 25' HDMI cable from Monoprice.com... wow! It's a *fat* cable, with a lot of flexibility. It feels very meaty, and as soon as I fired it up with my S97, all was good.

Great cable for $30 :D

Back to the S97...

I just got my S97 fully up and running - I tweaked a couple things +2 (no edge enhancement), sharpness +1, and with a couple small tweaks (not in colors, though) to my projector, the picture is Grade-A!

Great unit!

I, too, was wondering about putting out a 720p signal with 4:3 programs - it always seems to turn it into 16:9 - or maybe it's my projector.

Anyway, the S97 I got came with 362 firmware... far as I know, that's the latest and greatest, and I'm happy I don't have to fuddle with the cd burning and updating (terrified I'll manage to botch the job and screw my warranty :) )

S97 - I also turned off the *bright* blue on the front of the unit, which some people were complaining about. It's in the setup menus, in the display area. You can turn "bright" off, and it goes away.

Although the neat light-up glowing clear blue tray is a neat touch :)

i have 2 problems with this dvd player:

-the first one: i have "burned" some dvds with my photos (i have used "Nero burning" and a Verbatim dvd-r pearl white disc) but the player can't read the disc!! why?

-The second problem : because the player couln't read this dvd-r i have "burned" a cd-rw with my images and the player works but I couldn't "MATCH 1:1" the images with my videoprojector. I have connected the PannyS97 throght HDMI cabl with a Sanyo Z4 ,a videoprojector with a resolution of 1280 x720 pixel so i have resized and cutted my pictures to match this size... but there is some crop on the images and the players doesn't MATCH my VPR 1:1 !!
Why?

please help me!!

Thanks!!

Sim

Try the zoom/resize function on the display (resulting in not 1:1) or, perhaps, write/call Panasonic. I know of nothing a consumer could try to alter the S97.

It seems that these problems tend to be reported with projectors but not plasma/LCD direct view displays as these displays tend to use some overscan.

Paul

Paul,

I have the Mits HC3000U projector and the Yamaha RX-V1600 receiver on the way. I'm thinking of getting the s97 and running it via HDMI to the receiver and then via HDMI to the projector. Have you heard anything positive or negative with the s97 and its compatibility with this projector and receiver? I'm assuming this would be the best way to run the system. The receiver upconverts 480p to 480i and I think the projector upconverts as well, but I think that if I send the signal via 1080i from the DVD player it will give me the best picture. I think I can just "pass it through" to the projector. Any thoughts with any of this?

Thanks,

Brant

A limitation of the S97 is that it cannot output 480i over HDMI. When you said "The receiver upconverts 480p to 480i" I assume that is a typo and you meant 480i to 480p.

Other than that the only issue you might find is the macroblocking when using the S97 output 720p or 1080i, but it may not be visible at all on your display.

Personally, I don't like the edge enhancement it applies - it has an oversharpened look that is noticeable on text and the S97's menus. However, not many people complain about this (it's probably just me). It's most obvious when using the AVIA and DVE test patterns - gray bars look horrid to me. But, regular video looks okay and that is all that matters. :)

maxleung,

What time of display do you have and did you have the edge enhancement settings turned off on your player and display?

Is anyone still experiencing red tint in grays.....or did the firmware upgrade completely fix this issue?

I have a Benq 8700+ DLP projector, 1280x720p. Sharpening is set to zero on the S97. No sharpening on the Benq.

No amount of fiddling with the sharpening control on the S97 can get rid of the ringing around gray bars and text. Did I miss another control somewhere? I also played with the MPEG DNR and other similar settings.

I use my HTPC w/DVI as a reference.

David, I get reddish/magenta tints on black&white scenes in movies - such as Sin City. It is not obvious in static grayscale patterns. Supposedly it is fixed in the 540 (or is it 541?) firmware which is what I am running - but I believe it is not really fixed, just better than before. However, I did not check Sin City with the old firmware I had when I got my S97.

I have a question for you guys, is there any way I can load a jpg file and have the dvd power on with the jpg file that was set on ??

I just got the S97 and watched Master and Commender last night and noticed a ton of red/pinkish blotches in the light/greyish background. Very annoying. I haven't had time to play with the settings so hopefully I can eleviate most of it. I have a setup disk on the way which I hope will help. I also noticed a lot of banding in the fog. Anyone else notice this?

I have it connected to a Philips plasma TV via HDMI.

Thanks.

Maxleung,

Thanks for your help. That makes a ton of sense.

Does anybody know if this DVD player can put out the signal via HDMI and component simultaneously? I'm fiddling with running an HDMI cable to my receiver and a component cable directly to my projector. Then I can use the HDMI for movies with sound and the component when I want to watch a movie and play tunes through my receiver. Has anyone tried this?

Thanks in advance.

Brant

I have been the proud owner of an S97 for a few months now but notice the sound gradually gets delayed towards the middle of a DVD - so you see people's lips moving out of time to the sound, and gets better towards the end of the DVD. Could this be a problem with the DVD player or the DVDs?
S97 is just as it was delivered (Firmware 528, modded for Multi-Region) from being an ex-demo model.
I thought I should update the firmware, but then read a thread were the author was regretting going straight from 528 to 541. So rather than start mucking around with the S97, I thought I'd better find out if there anything to fix first.

Does anybody know if this DVD player can put out the signal via HDMI and component simultaneously? I'm fiddling with running an HDMI cable to my receiver and a component cable directly to my projector. Then I can use the HDMI for movies with sound and the component when I want to watch a movie and play tunes through my receiver.

I haven't tried it myself, but from the manual, yes. As I understand it, when you select HDMI Video Mode to be On, you're restricted to 480i out on component. When you select HDMI Video Mode to be Off, you're restricted to 480p out on HDMI. The manual has an explicit example of running non-HDMI video to a TV and HDMI for audio to a receiver (set HDMI Video Mode to Off but HDMI Audio Output to On).

This red or pink tint in gray concerns me....especially since my display is ISF'd and calibrated so nicely.

Maxleung,

Thanks for your help. That makes a ton of sense.

Does anybody know if this DVD player can put out the signal via HDMI and component simultaneously? I'm fiddling with running an HDMI cable to my receiver and a component cable directly to my projector. Then I can use the HDMI for movies with sound and the component when I want to watch a movie and play tunes through my receiver. Has anyone tried this?

Thanks in advance.

Brant



Just wondering, if you're just wanting to use the HDMI cable for audio, why not just use a digital coax or optical cable?

I haven't tried it myself, but from the manual, yes. As I understand it, when you select HDMI Video Mode to be On, you're restricted to 480i out on component. When you select HDMI Video Mode to be Off, you're restricted to 480p out on HDMI. The manual has an explicit example of running non-HDMI video to a TV and HDMI for audio to a receiver (set HDMI Video Mode to Off but HDMI Audio Output to On).

You are correct. It works fine on my setup feeding both the component and HDMI inputs of my Panasonic 42 inch plasma. It is not clear to me that I am getting 480i and not 480p on the component connection but the picture at 1080i on the HDMI connection is better than with the component connection.

Guys,

I am not using the HDMI for audio. Sorry if my post was confusing. I want to use the HDMI through my receiver for most DVD's. The only reason I would use the component directly to the projector is when I want to do the Dark Side of the Moon/Wizard of OZ combo or something like that. So, just when I want the picture to go to my projector and use my receiver to play the tunes.

Is that a little clearer? Thanks for the input guys.

Brant

UFgolf69,

I am running an s97(firmware v540) to a Sony kdfe60a20 lcd. The hdmi and component cables are both connected and both run simultaneously, for a fact. I switch back and forth often to compare 1080i via hdmi and component 480p.

The big differences in my configuration are:
-hdmi greatly reduces the edge enhancement inherent to this great dvd player(the best plus)
-hdmi controls the white details better but adds a green push....
-component gives a slightly brighter, smoother more vivid picture with no digital noise
-hdmi audio is way inferior to the rca cables out of the tv speakers

The 2 inputs are so close in video performance that I switch between them depending on the material. It's all so awsome.....

Bladerunner

UFgolf69,

I am running an s97(firmware v540) to a Sony kdfe60a20 lcd. The hdmi and component cables are both connected and both run simultaneously, for a fact. I switch back and forth often to compare 1080i via hdmi and component 480p.

The big differences in my configuration are:
-hdmi greatly reduces the edge enhancement inherent to this great dvd player(the best plus)
-hdmi controls the white details better but adds a green push....
-component gives a slightly brighter, smoother more vivid picture with no digital noise
-hdmi audio is way inferior to the rca cables out of the tv speakers

The 2 inputs are so close in video performance that I switch between them depending on the material. It's all so awsome.....

Bladerunner

Strange that your HDMI audio is inferior.....I've always noticed that it's much better quality for 2 channel audio.

Maxleung,

Thanks for your help. That makes a ton of sense.

Does anybody know if this DVD player can put out the signal via HDMI and component simultaneously? I'm fiddling with running an HDMI cable to my receiver and a component cable directly to my projector. Then I can use the HDMI for movies with sound and the component when I want to watch a movie and play tunes through my receiver. Has anyone tried this?

Thanks in advance.

Brant

It can, I've done it before.

I'm using HDMI to my plasma and it seems like if I set my color space to either 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 I get bad artifacting constantly in my blacks. I switched my HDMI color space to RGB and it looks alot smoother and the artifacts are gone. What exactly do these settings change?

I had the same problem on the 26" Toshiba hdtv (crt) I used to have......RGB always showed the least artifacts (macroblocking) for some reason. I don't know why.

Yes Maverick,
I thought so too but, the sound is just warmer, fuller and more detailed on this particular monitor. That said, I know the e60a20 does not sport audiophile speakers. Of course i use optical to the a/v unit so it is not a critical problem using the tv speakers on occasion.

What tv-type do you have yours set to in the s97?


Brant,
I did notice in the manual about the hdmi disabling 480p thru component when using hdmi at 1080i so I went back and did my switching and cannot tell the difference between viewing the 480p with hdmi off or 480p when it is on and set to 1080i. Maybe I need blue-ray contact lenses??????

Bladerunner

My S97 suffered a seemingly fatal injury when I put Batman Begins into the player for the first time. The injury was induced by a strip taped to the bottom of the disc. These strips are usually taped to the inside of the DVD case rather than the bottom of the disc itself. I am not aware of their purpose. My DVD player can no longer read discs. Where can I get it fixed? At what approximate cost? Should the DVD manufacturer be either sued or physically harmed? Consider this post your warning to carefully check the bottom of new discs before placing them into your player for the first time.

how do I find out what version of the firmware I have on my player?

are threre instructions on how to download the latest firmaware(website?)?

how do I find out what version of the firmware I have on my player?

are threre instructions on how to download the latest firmaware(website?)?



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

which firmware version do you have? Is it 85E540??? I just saw a version 541 and I wonder if this is better!!

541 has been out for quite some time now. There is very little difference between 541 and 540.....I have 541 on mine.

Yes Maverick,
I thought so too but, the sound is just warmer, fuller and more detailed on this particular monitor. That said, I know the e60a20 does not sport audiophile speakers. Of course i use optical to the a/v unit so it is not a critical problem using the tv speakers on occasion.

What tv-type do you have yours set to in the s97?

I'm using the Sony Grand Wega KFE42A10 model.....I love it!

My S97 suffered a seemingly fatal injury when I put Batman Begins into the player for the first time. The injury was induced by a strip taped to the bottom of the disc. These strips are usually taped to the inside of the DVD case rather than the bottom of the disc itself. I am not aware of their purpose. My DVD player can no longer read discs. Where can I get it fixed? At what approximate cost? Should the DVD manufacturer be either sued or physically harmed? Consider this post your warning to carefully check the bottom of new discs before placing them into your player for the first time.

That's insane! I've seen the security strips under the disc but I've never seen them stuck the to disc.......sounds like something Alliance Atlantis would do.

541 has been out for quite some time now. There is very little difference between 541 and 540.....I have 541 on mine.
OK Thanks I will give it a shot after I write down my settings

Mav,

It doesnt get much better than this combo. ....For TV type, I was referring to the setup menu of the s97, what type of monitor display did you select. I have mine set to "lcd tv/projection"....I was looking deeper and see that hdmi audio only passes 2 ch pcm, is that correct?

Blade

Mav,

It doesnt get much better than this combo. ....For TV type, I was referring to the setup menu of the s97, what type of monitor display did you select. I have mine set to "lcd tv/projection"....I was looking deeper and see that hdmi audio only passes 2 ch pcm, is that correct?

Blade

Instead of setting mine to LCD TV/ Projector, I have mine set to Projection TV.....I don't know what it does anyway.

Is anyone noticing any pinkish blotches on nuetral backgrounds? What needs to be adjusted on the TV or DVD player? I'm also seeing pretty bad banding in fog and clouds. Can this be eliminated or reduced? Thanks for any help.

Is anyone noticing any pinkish blotches on nuetral backgrounds? What needs to be adjusted on the TV or DVD player? I'm also seeing pretty bad banding in fog and clouds. Can this be eliminated or reduced? Thanks for any help.
You are probably seeing macroblocking. Search this forum for macroblocking for more information. It took me about a week of adjusting the settings on my 42"Panasonic plasma TV to almost eliminate it. It is really bad if the plasma is set to Vivid. You need to adjust the contrast, color and brightness to minimize if not eliminate it.

541 has been out for quite some time now. There is very little difference between 541 and 540.....I have 541 on mine.

I noticed much faster dvd load times as compared to version 540 I gett the four 0 and play on the display very fast now weather its a burned dvd or store bought.
Rock on Panny!!

What resolution does everybody use with their S97 or S77? Component or HDMI? 480i/480p/720p/1080i?

What resolution does everybody use with their S97 or S77?

I use 1080i HDMI out to my WD LVM-37w1 (1080p LCD with DCDi). Using the HQV benchmark, the Color Bar test was much better at 1080i than at 480p, and oddly the 3:2 test seemed very slightly better. I haven't tested component out, although I'm thinking about an external VP and so curious about how good the 480i component out is (and wishing there was 480i HDMI out).

I set my s97 to 1080i for hdmi.

If the s97 disables 480p(thru component) when hdmi is turned on, I cant tell the difference between 480p(w/hdmi turned off) or 480i thru component. I ran reference material both ways. Am I blind? Any thoughts on that? Is it just the dcdi of the S97 working beautifully with the Sony?

1080i for me using hdmi to my pt5354j panny projection set

I'm using 720p with my S97 (362 firmware) - 1080i looked a bit too soft. I am using an HDMI - HDMI connection with my Panasonic AE-900U native 720p projector, which may have something to do with the sharper looking resolution (native to my display device). I haven't calibrated with any fancy stuff - I just eyeballed the picture and tweaked settings in both the projector and DVD player until I was satisfied with the end result.

You are probably seeing macroblocking. Search this forum for macroblocking for more information. It took me about a week of adjusting the settings on my 42"Panasonic plasma TV to almost eliminate it. It is really bad if the plasma is set to Vivid. You need to adjust the contrast, color and brightness to minimize if not eliminate it.

Thanks Aprest for the help. I was afraid that might be what is was. I hope that in adjusting my TV and and the S97 I can minimize it as much as possible. My setup disk should be arriving any day now. I played with the TV settings when I first got it by just eyeing it but I'm sure I can do more. I haven't messed with the S97 settings at all yet.

What resolution does everybody use with their S97 or S77? Component or HDMI? 480i/480p/720p/1080i?

I'm running 720p because I heard it would produce better images is you watch action movies which is what I watch most. I am running HDMI from the S97 straight to the Philips plasma.

What resolution does everybody use with their S97 or S77? Component or HDMI? 480i/480p/720p/1080i?

I have an S77 connected to a Toshiba 52HM84 thru HDMI. For near 16:9 ratio movies, like 1.78 and 1.85, I use 720P because that's the TV's native. For bigger ratios, like 2.35, I use 480P which let's me use Toshiba's TW1 zoom for more screen coverage.

At 720P images look slightly better, but the Toshiba fixes the aspect to FULL and bars may get big from 2.35 and higher ratios. It's a good compromise as 480P looks great.

I know other DVD players have had their firmware hacked so their component out's would push 720p (and maybe even 1080i, can't remember on that one)...

...is this possible for the S97, or does it just not have the hardware to do it?

Either way, Thanks!

Chuck

I'm using 720p with my S97 (362 firmware) - 1080i looked a bit too soft. I am using an HDMI - HDMI connection with my Panasonic AE-900U native 720p projector, which may have something to do with the sharper looking resolution (native to my display device).

Yes, there should be no point in sending 1080i if your projector is 720p native, it's pretty much guaranteed to be worse as you'd be scaling up and then back down, and injecting an at-best-neutral extra interlace&deinterlace.

Thanks Aprest for the help. I was afraid that might be what is was. I hope that in adjusting my TV and and the S97 I can minimize it as much as possible. My setup disk should be arriving any day now. I played with the TV settings when I first got it by just eyeing it but I'm sure I can do more. I haven't messed with the S97 settings at all yet.

I noticed in a previous post that you were seeing macroblocking while watching Master & Commander. Interestingly that was my first experience with macroblocking. As for the settings on the S97 I use -1 for contrast, +2 for brightness and -1 for sharpness. For color, gamma etc. I use 0. The biggest improvements came by tweaking my Panasonic 42"plasma. I don't know what setup disk that you are getting but I did not get good results using Digital Video Essentials but maybe I didn't interpret the instructions correctly. I had better luck using the HDNET Test Pattern that is broadcast by HDTV every Wednesday morning. I recorded it to my DirecTV HD Tivo STB and found some instructions on the internet. Beyond that I continued tweaking until the picture looked right to me. It took me about a week to get satisfactory results. Fortunately I wrote down all the settings because two weeks ago we had a four hour power outage that reset the plasma back to Vivid and wiped out the settings that I had made. For what it is worth the settings on my Panasonic 42" plasma are: +20 for Picture, +5 for Brightness, -3 for Color, and -10 for Sharpness. Color Temperature is Normal, Color management is OFF, Video NR and 3DY C/C Filter are OFF, and Color Matrix is HD.

Good luck!

What PIC MODE should i be using with panny plasma over component,and any tips about setting for the blacks and whites or anything else.Thanks for your knowledge.

What PIC MODE should i be using with panny plasma over component,and any tips about setting for the blacks and whites or anything else.Thanks for your knowledge.

I use the same settings that I posted in the previous posts for Component as I do for HDMI.

I use the same settings that I posted in the previous posts for Component as I do for HDMI.
Still does not answer the question. PIC MODE ...USER , CINEMA 1 , CINEMA 2 ect. And what panny do you have.

I, too, was wondering about putting out a 720p signal with 4:3 programs - it always seems to turn it into 16:9 - or maybe it's my projector

Put a disk into the player, then press on the remote:
display(button)>other setting>display menu>4:3 aspect>Auto
and
>Just Fit Zoom>4:3 Standard

Now 4:3 programs will be right. This is true with S-97 connected to Panny700 by HDMI.

Still does not answer the question. PIC MODE ...USER , CINEMA 1 , CINEMA 2 ect. And what panny do you have.

Pic. Mode: Standard with changes shown in my previous post. Color Temp: Normal and Color Mgmt: Off I have the Panasonic TH42PX50U.

Would just like to take a survey. . .

Assuming S97S and Oppo 971H are equivalently priced, which one would you choose based on PQ and why?

After reading tons of postings, my impression is that the Oppo is the slightly better choice if PQ is the main criteria because it's marginally less prone to some undesirable effects (MBE, "pink effect", etc). I am assuming in both cases that you'd use the DVI/HDMI outputs, not component.

I understand the S97S has better audio, progressive component outputs, more picture adjustment/tweaking options, etc. . .but with a Panny plasma (50PHD8UK) I'm thinking Oppo is a better choice.

What do you think?

Would just like to take a survey. . .

Assuming S97S and Oppo 971H are equivalently priced, which one would you choose based on PQ and why?

After reading tons of postings, my impression is that the Oppo is the slightly better choice if PQ is the main criteria because it's marginally less prone to some undesirable effects (MBE, "pink effect", etc). I am assuming in both cases that you'd use the DVI/HDMI outputs, not component.

I understand the S97S has better audio, progressive component outputs, more picture adjustment/tweaking options, etc. . .but with a Panny plasma (50PHD8UK) I'm thinking Oppo is a better choice.

What do you think?

I had both and returned the Oppo because of stutter with DVDs that I burned on three different set top box DVD recorders. I record a lot of movies on my HD DirecTV Tivo and burn them to DVDs and the stutter on the Oppo was awful. After tweaking my Panasonic 42 inch plasma the macroblocking is virtually gone and the S97 is great, in fact I now own two of them.

I have both, Oppo & S97. If you only play R1 dvds, S97 is better. But you will need Oppo to play the non-R1 and/or PAL dvds.

Would just like to take a survey. . .

Assuming S97S and Oppo 971H are equivalently priced, which one would you choose based on PQ and why?

After reading tons of postings, my impression is that the Oppo is the slightly better choice if PQ is the main criteria because it's marginally less prone to some undesirable effects (MBE, "pink effect", etc). I am assuming in both cases that you'd use the DVI/HDMI outputs, not component.

I understand the S97S has better audio, progressive component outputs, more picture adjustment/tweaking options, etc. . .but with a Panny plasma (50PHD8UK) I'm thinking Oppo is a better choice.

What do you think?

Its completely user dependent - in this thread - the general consensus is that the S97 is better.

Your asking what player to choose in a thread dedicated to the Panasonic S97 - what do you think will be the answer?

Buy both - send one home. I tried the S97, 971H, and the 1910, I kept the Oppo 971H.

Its completely user dependent - in this thread - the general consensus is that the S97 is better.

Your asking what player to choose in a thread dedicated to the Panasonic S97 - what do you think will be the answer?

Buy both - send one home. I tried the S97, 971H, and the 1910, I kept the Oppo 971H.
Stimby,

Well, I figured people could be reasonably objective as they probably went through a similar decision process.

I'm actually hoping to be convinced about buying the S97. I have a refurbished Oppo now, and while I think the picture is great, the player is giving me problems now (had to power cycle it to get it to recognize discs, and now it freezes intermittently but often enough to make it a problem), so I'm questioning the build quality/reliabiliy. So either I exchange it for another refurb and hope for the best, spend more to get a new Oppo, or go ahead and switch and get an S97.

Why did you decide to keep the 971H over the S97?

Thanks.

I dont have the 97 but I do have the 77 which gives the same picture quality and has a very similar build. I also had the Oppo originally. I did not care for the construction of the Oppo or the picture. I found it to dark and red after calibration on my Toshiba DLP. I got the 77 and found it to be a better constructed player with a slightly superior build quality. Keep in mind that these players are pretty similar. I found also that the Panny did not have the same audio sync problems I was getting with the Oppo. Just my 2 cents...hope I could help

Stimby,

Well, I figured people could be reasonably objective as they probably went through a similar decision process.

I'm actually hoping to be convinced about buying the S97. I have a refurbished Oppo now, and while I think the picture is great, the player is giving me problems now (had to power cycle it to get it to recognize discs, and now it freezes intermittently but often enough to make it a problem), so I'm questioning the build quality/reliabiliy. So either I exchange it for another refurb and hope for the best, spend more to get a new Oppo, or go ahead and switch and get an S97.

Why did you decide to keep the 971H over the S97?

Thanks.

I bought a new Oppo - as with all refurbished products - there is a higher risk of ending up with a bad product compared to a new one.

When calibrated properly on my display (Samsung HL-R4266W), I had a hard time telling which player was which. Furthermore, niether player exhibited any reliability problems(except for the Denon 1910, which failed to load scratched disks consistently). In this case - the lower price - speed of navigation, and the region free + DivX/Xvid functionality won out.

Secondly, as a Netflix user, I tend to end up playing with many scratched or otherwise damaged disks. In my tests (I used a copy of the well-mastered Incredibles which somehow ended up caught between two very abrasive surfaces), The Denon 1910 was by far the worst performer in the test - refusing to consistently load the disc at all, when it did, it was subjected to horrible blocking and freezing - it wouldn't go past the Menu. The S97 faired far better - while displaying pixelations, managed to get past the menu and go through the first 5 minutes of the movie - it froze their. The 971H managed to go through the entire video - while the disc is unwatchable to the constant pixelization on the screen, it was neat watching it slug through every single scene. According to Oppo - they use a tri-laser loader model renown for it's superb error correction capability; the loader is manafactured by Sanyo.

Thirdly - small children frequent my house - I have lost more then one player due to kids attempting to do chin-ups on my tray. While at first I was worried about the thin tray of the 971H, after accidentally dropping a VHS cassette onto it, I realized that by bending, it didn't snap. I further confirmed my theory by bending the tray until it was almost a perpendicular angle to the player -when I let go, it bounced back. If I applied this force to the tray of any other player, the tray would have snapped - possibly destroyer the loader. Due to an unfortunate incident, a heavy (around 30-40 pound) potted plant fell onto the open tray - it hit the tray hard enough to misalign the rack and pinion gear which controlled the tray. Luckily - due to the inherent flexibility of the tray - the loader was not damaged and the player was quickly fixed.

The last point is that Oppo has one of the most efficent, and some of the most customer oriented support I have seen. They fixed my player, shipping it back using 3 day shipping(I sent the player out on saturday, got it back friday). This was despite the fact it was obviously a case of user error damaging the player.

I bought a new Oppo - as with all refurbished products - there is a higher risk of ending up with a bad product compared to a new one.

When calibrated properly on my display (Samsung HL-R4266W), I had a hard time telling which player was which. Furthermore, niether player exhibited any reliability problems(except for the Denon 1910, which failed to load scratched disks consistently). In this case - the lower price - speed of navigation, and the region free + DivX/Xvid functionality won out.

Secondly, as a Netflix user, I tend to end up playing with many scratched or otherwise damaged disks. In my tests (I used a copy of the well-mastered Incredibles which somehow ended up caught between two very abrasive surfaces), The Denon 1910 was by far the worst performer in the test - refusing to consistently load the disc at all, when it did, it was subjected to horrible blocking and freezing - it wouldn't go past the Menu. The S97 faired far better - while displaying pixelations, managed to get past the menu and go through the first 5 minutes of the movie - it froze their. The 971H managed to go through the entire video - while the disc is unwatchable to the constant pixelization on the screen, it was neat watching it slug through every single scene. According to Oppo - they use a tri-laser loader model renown for it's superb error correction capability; the loader is manafactured by Sanyo.

Thirdly - small children frequent my house - I have lost more then one player due to kids attempting to do chin-ups on my tray. While at first I was worried about the thin tray of the 971H, after accidentally dropping a VHS cassette onto it, I realized that by bending, it didn't snap. I further confirmed my theory by bending the tray until it was almost a perpendicular angle to the player -when I let go, it bounced back. If I applied this force to the tray of any other player, the tray would have snapped - possibly destroyer the loader. Due to an unfortunate incident, a heavy (around 30-40 pound) potted plant fell onto the open tray - it hit the tray hard enough to misalign the rack and pinion gear which controlled the tray. Luckily - due to the inherent flexibility of the tray - the loader was not damaged and the player was quickly fixed.

The last point is that Oppo has one of the most efficent, and some of the most customer oriented support I have seen. They fixed my player, shipping it back using 3 day shipping(I sent the player out on saturday, got it back friday). This was despite the fact it was obviously a case of user error damaging the player.
Thanks Stimby.

I'm going to give Oppo another chance and try out another refurb. After doing more reading, it seems like there are fewer PQ issues overall with Oppo, and more flexibility. I just realized that the Oppo supports DVD+R while S97S doesn't, so that's another plus.

Amazing the abuse you put the tray through!

And you're right about Oppo customer support. They answered my email about exchanging the refurb within an hour or so, even on a Sunday.

Thanks again.

Thanks Stimby.

I'm going to give Oppo another chance and try out another refurb. After doing more reading, it seems like there are fewer PQ issues overall with Oppo, and more flexibility. I just realized that the Oppo supports DVD+R while S97S doesn't, so that's another plus.

Amazing the abuse you put the tray through!

And you're right about Oppo customer support. They answered my email about exchanging the refurb within an hour or so, even on a Sunday.

Thanks again.


I have a Panny S97S and can confirm that it DOES play DVD+R's.

Thanks Stimby.

I'm going to give Oppo another chance and try out another refurb. After doing more reading, it seems like there are fewer PQ issues overall with Oppo, and more flexibility. I just realized that the Oppo supports DVD+R while S97S doesn't, so that's another plus.

Amazing the abuse you put the tray through!

And you're right about Oppo customer support. They answered my email about exchanging the refurb within an hour or so, even on a Sunday.

Thanks again.

I just burned a DVD+R copy of Master & Commander that I had recorded on my DirecTV HD Tivo STB. Master & Commander is one of the worst movies for macroblocking. The results: the DVD+R plays fine on my Panasonic S97S DVD player at 1080i through HDMI and through 480 component to my Pansonic 42 inch plasma with no stutter, no macroblocking and no lip sync problems. And I have not had to call customer support once or install new firmware unlike the Oppo that I returned. If you like to screw around with firmware updates and talking with customer service and either don't care about stutter or don't record movies to a STB DVD recorder where you are most likely to have stutter problems, buy the Oppo. Otherwise save yourself a lot of head aches and buy the S97S.

What do you prefer with pana s97, 720p or 1080i? is there any notable difference between these resolutions?

I've had a S97 for almost a year and never had any problems. Today I tried watching the movie Ray for the first time and it wouldn't play. I got an error message that says "This type of disc cannot be played. Please insert a different disc."

The DVD is not the problem, I was able to play the disc on my laptop and on a much older and cheaper Samsung DVD player.

My firmware is version 85E540.

Any ideas?

What do you prefer with pana s97, 720p or 1080i? is there any notable difference between these resolutions?

I have an S77, which is kind of a brother of S97. I set it depending on TV native and movie aspect ratio. If near 16:9 I go for 720P because that's the TVs native and it fixes the zoom at FULL. If wider, like 2.35 plus, I go for 480P cause the TV activates other zooms and I can try to fill the whole screen. At 1080i there's no noticeable difference, at least on my Toshiba.

I think you should set it for your TV's native and take notice of the different ratios and how you like them on your screen.

Sorry to those who may get it this that are subscribed. This is a test post to test this thread.

I think the thread works!

Paul

Yes, it appears that Brain dump is dumping again !!!

8000 posts? You must spend a lot of time on your PC

I've had a S97 for almost a year and never had any problems. Today I tried watching the movie Ray for the first time and it wouldn't play. I got an error message that says "This type of disc cannot be played. Please insert a different disc."

The DVD is not the problem, I was able to play the disc on my laptop and on a much older and cheaper Samsung DVD player.

My firmware is version 85E540.

Any ideas?

I think this is because the CD is in the wrong region, check the region for this DVD.

Hello All,

I have a couple of questions regarding my S97 and my Sammy HD-DLP(rear projection). My reason for visiting this thread is because I recently purchased the S97S based on recommendation from the AVS thread for my Samsumg HLR-xxx8W (can't post links yet, sorry).

For me, the macroblocking is at a unsustainable point (for instance, the first scene in the new Harry Potter movie falls apart), and based on what I've read here, I believe I can minimize the effects. I am currently running the S97 at 1080i HDMI, and my HDTV is upconverting to 1080p. I have not changed anything on TV, other than switching between the pre-defined modes (Movie and Standard), which works great, and to me, looks beautiful for normal HDTV viewing.

I have played with the THX Optimizer available on DVDs and made small adjustments to the settings on the S97 (in 'user mode', I think). I do believe I'm making things worse. :rolleyes: For me, the macroblocking in the 'black' areas have a very visible green tint. I can see this macroblocking on the THX Optimizer grey-scale bars. I will be checking my firmware / serial this evening (I just bought the player so I'm guessing it would have the latest, but maybe not) and I may learn the macroblocking can be addressesd with an update.

Question 1:
Is it best to leave my TV at the default 'movie/standard' modes, and then optimize the DVD player settings (with the THX Optimizer), or leave the DVD player in its default state and optimize the TV settings?

Question 2:
Is 1080i/HDMI my best option for my TV that upconverts to the 1080p, or would 720p leave me with the same picture?

Question 3:
From what I gather, the THX Optimizer disk is a basic set for optimization. Are there affordable alternatives?

Thanks!
- Ben

Ben,

Q1: - Best to adjust your RPTV. Some (see the S97 threads) do a one or two click adjustment of the S97's Brightness & Contrast as a final tweek.

Q2: - It's not an up-conversion (1080i to 1080p), just de-interlacing! The up-conversion is being done in the S97 (from the 720 x 480 interlaced on the DVD) to 1080i. 720p might be better, only if your RPTV has a "Native" display of 720p (1280 x 720). Since you didn't include the full model number, I can't tell.

Q3: - The THX optimizer is better than nothing, but not by much. Get a calibration DVD. I recommend the AVIA "Guide to Home Theater" (or the Sound & Vision "Home Theater Tune-Up"), since you appear to be new to display calibration. Both are available from Amazon & others (and they're both done by Ovation Multimedia).

I think this is because the CD is in the wrong region, check the region for this DVD.

No, it is the correct region. I checked that first, and as I said, it works in other DVD players, just not my S97.

Anyone else have ideas as to why I get "This type of disc cannot be played. Please insert a different disc." when playing the Ray DVD?

Q1: - Best to adjust your RPTV. Some (see the S97 threads) do a one or two click adjustment of the S97's Brightness & Contrast as a final tweek.

Q2: - It's not an up-conversion (1080i to 1080p), just de-interlacing! The up-conversion is being done in the S97 (from the 720 x 480 interlaced on the DVD) to 1080i. 720p might be better, only if your RPTV has a "Native" display of 720p (1280 x 720). Since you didn't include the full model number, I can't tell.

Q3: - The THX optimizer is better than nothing, but not by much. Get a calibration DVD. I recommend the AVIA "Guide to Home Theater" (or the Sound & Vision "Home Theater Tune-Up"), since you appear to be new to display calibration. Both are available from Amazon & others (and they're both done by Ovation Multimedia).


Thanks CT_W,

The model number for TV is HLR5078W. So the general advice is to leave the DVD player alone and make the adjustments on the TV. Sounds good to me! Thanks for the Ovation Multimedia recommendation.

- Ben

No, it is the correct region. I checked that first, and as I said, it works in other DVD players, just not my S97.

Anyone else have ideas as to why I get "This type of disc cannot be played. Please insert a different disc." when playing the Ray DVD?

I don't know why this happens but almost exactly one year ago today I wrote a quick post on the exact same problem. I rented DVD, can't remember the title, and I received the exact error message. Played on my other player and at the rental shop no problem.

I suspected the DVD on the shelf was an illegal copy on a poor quality blank.

I don't know why this happens but almost exactly one year ago today I wrote a quick post on the exact same problem. I rented DVD, can't remember the title, and I received the exact error message. Played on my other player and at the rental shop no problem.

I suspected the DVD on the shelf was an illegal copy on a poor quality blank.

Did you have any luck with another copy of the same title?

The DVD I am playing is definitely a legal, facotry, region 1 DVD. It is a double layer DVD, but that shouldn't make a difference. Wondering if I'll have better luck with another copy of this movie (perhaps there is some anomaly with this particular disc making my player choke), but I don't want to buy another and be out the double the cost of this DVD.

I called Panasonic and the moron level one tech told me that there are different kinds of DVD Video and that the newer DVDs may not be compatible with this player. I told him that he didn't know what he was talking about and asked to speak with a higher level tech. The next guy I talked to said that there is only one kind of DVD Video (no duh) and suggested I take my unit in for repair.

I do not have the latest firmware for the S97, but that shouldn't make a difference. I would think that any version of the firmware should be able to play any DVD, there are no "incompatibile" DVDs.

Anyone think updating the firmware may make a difference?

Did you have any luck with another copy of the same title?

I don't believe I immediately rented the same movie as they only had the one copy at that moment and I don't recall if I ever rented the same movie again or not. If it's any assurance to you I have rented Ray twice and they both played fine. This issue has only occurred once out of 100's of movies so whatever the problem is it's very rare which I doubt a firmare upgrade would address.

Hi Paul,
I've found your info very helpful. However there is a question I have for you. I have a Sony
70xbr950 T.V. I am thinking of buying this S97S player and want to know if I can use the HDMI output to a DVI input and connect the audio separately. I'm just learning about HDMI
and just not sure if there will be compatibility issues. I have seen cables with HDMI out and DVI in.
Thanks, Larry

I am thinking of buying this S97S player and want to know if I can use the HDMI output to a DVI input and connect the audio separately.

Yes, it works for me.

Me Too

is the s97 hdcp complient?

I bought this player in Seattle last summer, and have been watching Pal region 0 and region 2 DVDs every since. Wouldn't this be considered region-free? I found that switching from 480i to 480p allows me to watch these films.

I bought this player in Seattle last summer, and have been watching Pal region 0 and region 2 DVDs every since. Wouldn't this be considered region-free? I found that switching from 480i to 480p allows me to watch these films.Did you use the region-free hack (remote from UK)?
What TV do you have? Is your TV PAL compatible?

is the s97 hdcp complient?

Yep.

No hacks involved. I run the picture to a SP4805 using component. I wish I'd kept track of what I did to get this to work... It may be that the Transfer Mode is set to Auto 2 (detect 24fps and 30 fps) along with the 480p setting. I'll try to check tonight.

Does anyone know if the TV Type settings in the setup have an effect on gamma? As per page 1 I know that they have different contrast and brightness settings which with Avia can be accounted for but do the different settings affect gamma at all? Thanks.

moe

Using the 542 firmware I have noticed the following.

Whether playing a PAL or NTSC disc I can only set the display to 625p / 750p or 1125i via HDMI. Should I be able to set 720p and 1080i? Can anyone please help?

Regards

Don

Whether playing a PAL or NTSC disc I can only set the display to 625p / 750p or 1125i via HDMI. Should I be able to set 720p and 1080i?
750p is same as 720p, 1125i is same as 1080i. It's just a different way saying same thing. Marketing peoples often prefer bigger numbers :)

What would be a better option than this player at a similar price point?

I'm looking for a player with better macroblocking, but with similar features (HDMI, upconversion, PS), at a similar price point. Or are there no options in this price range?

What would be a better option than this player at a similar price point?

I'm looking for a player with better macroblocking, but with similar features (HDMI, upconversion, PS), at a similar price point. Or are there no options in this price range?

I suggest the DVD-S97 with firmware 542. Oh, and I think you meant to say "with less macroblocking", not better - Unless you have a need for more macroblocking... :)

I have a new love and it is the Toshiba HD-A1.... I am selling my DVD-S97 (tears are flowing) But it was in a smoke free house with fully upgraded firmware and it is ready for love, Dr. Jones.... Just email me and let me know if you are interested I will email you the price, it will be reasonable as you all know this is one of the finest DVD players around...

email at

eizenga13@hotmail.com

Thanks for the memories!

[QUOTE=eizenga13]I have a new love and it is the Toshiba HD-A1.... I am selling my DVD-S97 (tears are flowing) ...it will be reasonable as you all know this is one of the finest DVD players around...QUOTE]

You know, I would slow down because apparently there are some glitches and complaints regarding the performance of this new Toshiba machine. Check CNET's review and article on the unit.

Some of the bad rap is problems with the HDMI connection and performance, suddenly indicating a communication error. Also the unit has many inputs without practical use, for example, the USB connections won't work with portable memories which could show pictures or video. Unnecessary connections push the price up and for $500 there shouldn't be any kind of communication problems or slow access of the disk, which is another complaint.

Honestly I would wait for a machine with a better review, at least on the HDMI department, and if you could wait more, a dual format player from a quality brand, like Panasonic, would probably be the best to come.

I see where you are coming from but for $500.00 it has one of the best upconverters I have seen at this price point and I have wanted an upconverter for quite some time. Sadly the critics are like most that didn't see the DVD benefits at first. The HD-A1 has upgradable Firmware... So many of these issues will be solved just as the Panasonic S97 and 77 have fixed many-a-problem.

Time will tell but so far I have watched Revenge of the Sith in the upscaler mode and it hasn't looked this good since opening night in a digital theatre... I also checked out Last Samauri and that was mind numbing, no macroblocking, no artifacts and also stellar detail.. I am sold HD-DVD is amazing, and I watch on a 32 1080i CRT by Toshiba through 1080i (DON"T let the machine do the downcoverting that is where a lot of the problems I have heard about are coming from, let your set do the downconversion!!), and it is simply A M A Z I N G... can't wait to watch Serenity HD-DVD tonight, I am a humble person so having this much love for something just takes me back to 1997 all over again!!

I will however, agree with EVERYONE on the aspects of the remote... it is BAD-BAD-BAD, BUT I have a Logitec programable remote and that has fixed EVERY issue I have with the remote, just like I had it setup with the DVD player...

However comparing HDMI out of the Panasonic DVD-S97 and then out of the Toshiba HD-A1 is 1000% Better absolutely PHENOMINAL... It is the best picture ever out of the box for a player in my home.... (and I haven't even ran DVD essentials or Avis on it yet... SIMPLY WOOWW!)

The load time is also a drag as well.... (nearly one whole minute which in Digital world is an eternity!!) HOWEVER that to me seems like a firmware update down the road...

So while I understand what you are saying, I was also a first week Xbox 360 person and play it about 5-10 hours a week minimum and have had none of the issues with that either, perhaps I just treat my stuff right...? who knows but thanks for the CNET review info!!


[QUOTE=eizenga13]I have a new love and it is the Toshiba HD-A1.... I am selling my DVD-S97 (tears are flowing) ...it will be reasonable as you all know this is one of the finest DVD players around...QUOTE]

You know, I would slow down because apparently there are some glitches and complaints regarding the performance of this new Toshiba machine. Check CNET's review and article on the unit.

Some of the bad rap is problems with the HDMI connection and performance, suddenly indicating a communication error. Also the unit has many inputs without practical use, for example, the USB connections won't work with portable memories which could show pictures or video. Unnecessary connections push the price up and for $500 there shouldn't be any kind of communication problems or slow access of the disk, which is another complaint.

Honestly I would wait for a machine with a better review, at least on the HDMI department, and if you could wait more, a dual format player from a quality brand, like Panasonic, would probably be the best to come.

Good thing you don't watch a lot of anime or older TV shows - I am willing to bet that the Toshiba HD-A1 has a poor deinterlacer. ;)

If I had an HD-A1, no question I would keep the S97 - I watch too many TV shows and anime to give up the Faroudja.

Well eizenga13, seems like you got a good machine, which also brought you good luck with that TV. Keep us posted if any issue should appear and with settings info.

Good for you.

In response:

I do watch a lot of TV, but as far as Anime goes I have never watched even a second of Anime, it just never appealed to me (ok the anime porn maybe but none of the rest of it :rolleyes: ) and you are 100% right the S97 Chipset is one of the finest around, NO QUESTION (that is why I own it)

The HD-A1 is great I will certainly keep you updated and if anyone knows someone looking for the s-97 player let me know.

Time will tell but so far I have watched Revenge of the Sith in the upscaler mode and it hasn't looked this good since opening night in a digital theatre... I also checked out Last Samauri and that was mind numbing, no macroblocking, no artifacts and also stellar detail.. I am sold HD-DVD is amazing, and I watch on a 32 1080i CRT by Toshiba through 1080i (DON"T let the machine do the downcoverting that is where a lot of the problems I have heard about are coming from, let your set do the downconversion!!), and it is simply A M A Z I N G... can't wait to watch Serenity HD-DVD tonight, I am a humble person so having this much love for something just takes me back to 1997 all over again!!


[QUOTE=Julio Bro!]

Woe, dude. If you are running this Tosh to a 32" anything, I have a doubt that people with 40"plus monitors should follow your lead. You need a large screen to test the metal of players, to really expose all the pro's and con's. Too early.

I will hop on one for sure when we get a couple of universal players, with the bugs worked out, scoring high reviews. I am guessing 1 year.

Bladerunner

[QUOTE=eizenga13]
Time will tell but so far I have watched Revenge of the Sith in the upscaler mode and it hasn't looked this good since opening night in a digital theatre... I also checked out Last Samauri and that was mind numbing, no macroblocking, no artifacts and also stellar detail.. I am sold HD-DVD is amazing, and I watch on a 32 1080i CRT by Toshiba through 1080i (DON"T let the machine do the downcoverting that is where a lot of the problems I have heard about are coming from, let your set do the downconversion!!), and it is simply A M A Z I N G... can't wait to watch Serenity HD-DVD tonight, I am a humble person so having this much love for something just takes me back to 1997 all over again!!




Woe, dude. If you are running this Tosh to a 32" anything, I have a doubt that people with 40"plus monitors should follow your lead. You need a large screen to test the metal of players, to really expose all the pro's and con's. Too early.

I will hop on one for sure when we get a couple of universal players, with the bugs worked out, scoring high reviews. I am guessing 1 year.

Bladerunner

I don't agree. 32" 16x9 screen is quite crystal and sitting less than 10 feet away is (don't quote me here) close to 60 at 15-20 feet away.... overall The screen is very good, and from what I hear from those with Projectors and large LCD and Plasma(s) they say it is a very fine quality as well, might as well start with a $500 dollar upconverter and Hd-DVD player (I paid $300 for the DVD-S97 when it first came out) for only $200 more it was a steal... I paid close to $550 for my first SD-DVD player in 1997, this to me was a no brainer. But reguardless, check out the HD-DVD forum and that is a good size of people there saying "success" and I agree with them.

Cheers

[QUOTE=Bladerunner1959]

I don't agree. 32" 16x9 screen is quite crystal and sitting less than 10 feet away is (don't quote me here) close to 60 at 15-20 feet away.... overall The screen is very good, and from what I hear from those with Projectors and large LCD and Plasma(s) they say it is a very fine quality as well, might as well start with a $500 dollar upconverter and Hd-DVD player (I paid $300 for the DVD-S97 when it first came out) for only $200 more it was a steal... I paid close to $550 for my first SD-DVD player in 1997, this to me was a no brainer. But reguardless, check out the HD-DVD forum and that is a good size of people there saying "success" and I agree with them.

Cheers

In 97, funny time , I sprang for the flagship Toshiba dvd player and thought that was heaven. You make some good points but I have been drilled with editory and experience that it takes a large good quality monitor/screen to clearly produce "all" of the fine and minute detail and all of the faults however...I am an open minded guy and excited about hddvd/blueray so i'll look close, test drive soon, probably buy and then return one. I really want a universal machine that passes with high scores after the Benchmark tests...that laboratory has been dead on in identifying excellent dvd players...

Bladerunner

This question will be simple for some of you out there. I have the Denon 2807 and a 7.1 set-up. How would you recommend I connect the S97S to the Denon in order to get the best possible 7.1 sound?

I've been reading these forums for a while because I too have gotten the "U70-2" error message on my Panasonic DVD-S97. I was scratching my head for a while and since the labor part of my warranty has run out, I was looking at how to fix the player myself. I found a solution! which hopefully works for some. I think this will work for the Panasonic DVD-S77 also because I'm guessing they use the same parts, but I'm not positive.

The problem is a cheap HDMI connector. I'm a computer engineer and I've worked on electronics before and thought I'd open the player up, have a look. It only involves taking the screws on the sides of the unit and the 3 black screws on the back of the unit out. When I looked at the connector, it looked like some of the connectors, or pins on the HDMI recepticle were pushed in when I plugged the cable in. All I did was put the cable in and then push the connectors back in place.

You'll see that some connectors, gold plated, look as though they are bent and not flush with the plastic part of the connector. Just use a small flat-head screwdriver and push the top of the gold pins back into the plastic part. The trick is you might have to put the HDMI cable in first because the first time I did it, then I put the cable in and the connector pins pushed out again.

This may explain why some people have experienced this problem intermittently, the connection is flimsy. Caulk this one up to poor design on Panasonic's part, causing a lot of unnecessary frustration for people. The player has been working great for me since this fix.

So if all else fails and you are brave enough to open the box, try this solution!

:cool: Mike

I still have the Panasonic 97 for sale... I need to save up a little for the NEW 60" Sony SXRD... (I don't support blu-ray but I DO support this great TV!!!)

After watching training day I need the big tv NOW

I still have the Panasonic 97 for sale... I need to save up a little for the NEW 60" Sony SXRD... (I don't support blu-ray but I DO support this great TV!!!)

After watching training day I need the big tv NOW


Boy, are you going to feel foolish later for supporting the next Beta format... ;)

SO what's the verdict on this latest firmware, should I update or not?

I have a S97 hooked on a PT-AE700 projector through a Monoprice HDX-501 5 x 1 HDMI switcher.

When it connected with a 10' cable between the HDMI switcher and the projector, it works but when I'm using a 25' cable, no picture on the screen and the S97 give an error message "bad HDMI connection". All the HDMI cables are premium quality.

Is there something to do for make it work with my permanent 25' HDMI cable ?

Thanks !

Boy, are you going to feel foolish later for supporting the next Beta format... ;)

not really... beta didn't play VHS... HD-DVD plays standard DVD and the HD-A1 looks better on my tv then the Panny... why keep it then?

And without seeing Blu-Ray yet there is no way to say that they have not already shot themselves in the foot with not fully supporting lossless audio and also simply sticking with MPEG2 instead of VC1 technology.... They have bit off FAR more than they can chew if you ask me they got ULTA greedy and it will be their downfall... however this is not the proper forum for this if you would like to continue the HD conversation there is a forum below this one for this type of discussion I hope to see you there discussing these topics. :D

And VHS didn't support Beta either.. for all that's worth (which ain't much).
I would not jump into an HD player now without SACD and/or DVD-Audio support at a minimum. Because I don't want to have multi-disk sources, if I can get by with only one.
Lots of choices for lots of people, that's what makes this 'hobby' fun.

First, thank you all for the truly great info that's on this thread (not to mention the site in general). Whoever thought ONE model of a DVD player would have over 4000 messages? Unbelievable.

Anyway, I just got the S97 from One Call. So far, so good...have it hooked up with the supplied HDMI cable running at 1080i to my Hitachi 51F510 CRT RPTV. Although the Hitachi did a very nice job with de-interlacing /converting my old Toshiba SD-2700's 480i signal to 1080i (or 540p) w/ it's 3:2 movie mode and upscaling circuitry, my current setup definitely looks better...though not by much (a testament to the Hitachi). Black levels and picture detail are more defined but not by leaps and bounds. I set the Contrast to -1 and the Brightness to +2 to pass the BTB and WTW signals. Thankfully, no evidence of macroblocking apparent so far (tried out Master and Commander and saw none)

The current version of firmware/hardware on this unit is 86H364...it was manufactured (according to the label on the back of the unit) in April 2006.

How come Panasonic doesn't advertise that they use the Faroudja chip? Most components that incorporate DCDi seem to like to draw attention to it.

Also, is the chip supposed to get rid of ALL jaggies on video-based material? The Curb Your Enthusiam discs had tons of stair-stepping on my old dvd player and although they are drastically minimized by the S97, they are still present.

One final question: is there a difference between the S97 and S97S? One Call advertised it as the S97S but the actual player says S97.

Thanks again

Rob

One final question: is there a difference between the S97 and S97S? One Call advertised it as the S97S but the actual player says S97.


Rob

I believe that the S is for Silver versus B for Black although I have never seen an S97B.

I have a S97 hooked on a PT-AE700 projector through a Monoprice HDX-501 5 x 1 HDMI switcher.

When it connected with a 10' cable between the HDMI switcher and the projector, it works but when I'm using a 25' cable, no picture on the screen and the S97 give an error message "bad HDMI connection". All the HDMI cables are premium quality.

Is there something to do for make it work with my permanent 25' HDMI cable ?

Thanks !

I run a 30' HDMI cable (Med-quality cable from RAM Electronics) from S97 to AE700 in 720P with no issues at all -- good picture. Did you try removing the switcher to see if that is introducing the problem with long cable runs? If it's not then I got noth'n...

good luck

maxleng,

Use the XP30/RP82s to view the anime!! It's the pleasure !

Sango,

On a different note....for film-based DVD picture quality at component 480p, is the Panasonic S77/97 better than the XP-30? I know the S77/97 has 12 bit, 216 analog to digital, while the XP-30 is around 10 bit 56 I believe.

Also, can someone verify for me....has the pink tint seen in gray been eliminated with the latest firmware on the S97?

Hi David:

The XP30 has a better PQ overall compared to the S97 on component 480. I do note in a way when watching a DVDs, the S97 tends to show certain areas cleaner than the XP30.

The problem is a cheap HDMI connector. I'm a computer engineer and I've worked on electronics before and thought I'd open the player up, have a look. It only involves taking the screws on the sides of the unit and the 3 black screws on the back of the unit out. When I looked at the connector, it looked like some of the connectors, or pins on the HDMI recepticle were pushed in when I plugged the cable in. All I did was put the cable in and then push the connectors back in place.

You'll see that some connectors, gold plated, look as though they are bent and not flush with the plastic part of the connector. Just use a small flat-head screwdriver and push the top of the gold pins back into the plastic part. The trick is you might have to put the HDMI cable in first because the first time I did it, then I put the cable in and the connector pins pushed out again.

This may explain why some people have experienced this problem intermittently, the connection is flimsy. Caulk this one up to poor design on Panasonic's part, causing a lot of unnecessary frustration for people. The player has been working great for me since this fix.

So if all else fails and you are brave enough to open the box, try this solution!

:cool: Mike

I'm having issues with the HDMI connection too.

Couple of days ago I got a Panasonic AE900 projector & the S97. First I connected the S97 using the 1m HDMI cable that comes with it. Everything worked perfectly.

Due to some problems with positioning the equipment I bought a 5m HDMI cable & connected it today but there was no display. I connected the 1m cable back & still no display. I was really worried cuz I couldn't figure out whether this is a fault of the projector or the S97.

Then all of a sudden after several times of "taking out & plugging the 1m cable back in" it worked.
Then I tried the 5m cable back & it worked but now the screen started to flicker. Its like...while the dvd is playing or on the main screen of the player the picture starts flickering like on old crt monitors when you video them.
So I thought the 5m cable is faulty then tried the 1m back & its not working again. I'm still trying to get the 1m cable working by playing around, pushing the cable in, etc.

I opened the player & checked the gold pins of the HDMI connection like cobrasjp14 said. There it was 1 pin bent backwards. So I plugged the HDMI cable & pushed the bent pin forward. Connected the 5m cable from the projector.
It works now but the flickering is still there. I'm going to connect the 1m cable & see.

1m cable works now as well. So is the flickering in the 5m HDMI-HDMI cable due to a faulty cable?

Thanx cobrasjp14 for the pin fix. Panasonic should look in to this cheap HDMI connector. I was thinking of using 1 HDMI cable to my pc & S97. Now I'm not sure thats a good idea cuz if I keep taking out & plugging back the HDMI to the S97 I have to keep pushing the pins forwards. Maybe after some time they might break.

Also, can someone verify for me....has the pink tint seen in gray been eliminated with the latest firmware on the S97?

Perhaps.

I have a TH-50PX500U and an S-97. Several of the artifacts that I see with the player, including pink tints grays and clouds, are in fact either display artifacts or source material artifacts, because I can see them on Comcast from time to time.

A/B comparisons on the player are suspect (what you see vs. what you remember seeing) but I do think MB and pink tint were reduced after updating the firmware. It is certainly not worse.

SO what's the verdict on this latest firmware, should I update or not?Some discussion of this on the S97 firmware thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501352&page=99&pp=30

Go back a couple of pages and read what trekguy has been posting, among a few others. I called Panasonic just this morning about this upgrade. See post #1683 in the FW thread.

S97 was introduced quite some time ago... Is there any word on its successor? ;)

Yea its the Toshiba A1, D1, or XA 1.

Have the S97 hooked up to a new Samsung 5687 via HDMI at 1080i. Great picture, but, there is definately some macroblocking issues. I have the 362 firmware on my unit. Just called Panasonic, and their supposed to be sending me the latest firmware in the mail. I'm assuming it will be 364 based on this thread.

Do you ever feel like your smarter and more knowledgeable than the customer support people?

Have the S97 hooked up to a new Samsung 5687 via HDMI at 1080i. Great picture, but, there is definately some macroblocking issues. I have the 362 firmware on my unit. Just called Panasonic, and their supposed to be sending me the latest firmware in the mail. I'm assuming it will be 364 based on this thread.

Do you ever feel like your smarter and more knowledgable than the customer support people?
Not when you can't use proper grammar. :p :p :p

(Sorry I couldn't help myself.)

Help needed:

I have a panny xp30 and recently updated its firmware to 302. And you know what, the progressive function was LOST afterward the update. I tried the reset sequence and setup afterwards, no luck. The setup menu has the progressive selected, but on the player's LCD panel, the "prog" sign is not shown, and I can tell the picture quality is inferior. Any thought? Thanks.

I just started using this function and thought, "Gee, I could setup some scenes for demo'ing my setup using this!!!" :)

So I 'saved' 4 scenes from different disks and tried it out and it worked!
Though...as soon as you use the memory function to play a 'saved' scene, you erase that info!! So it's just a one-shot deal. :(

Indeed, the manual tells me this but I was wondering if anyone found a way around this. It would be nice if it kept the info for as long as you wanted it to.

-t

Do you ever feel like your smarter and more knowledgeable than the customer support people?

Definitly. I get the feeling their info is very "general" so that they know a little bit about a lot of products.......I don't blame them, it's not their fault.

Some discussion of this on the S97 firmware thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501352&page=99&pp=30

Go back a couple of pages and read what trekguy has been posting, among a few others. I called Panasonic just this morning about this upgrade. See post #1683 in the FW thread.


I've been reading both threads on the 97S and so far, some people have said that the PQ is definitely better but no definitive answer. I wish more people would post what their opinions are after updating from 362 to 364...

Is it me, :rolleyes: or does the panny s97 run very (very) hot?? I mean, after watching a movie, pulled the movie out, man was the DVD hot :eek: then I placed my hand over the player, boy was it hot too!! :eek:

Like I said, does anyone else have the same to say about this DVD player?? or is this normal for it to run this hot (granted the weather hasn't dropped below triple digits) but that doesnt mean the DVD player has to either :p

I do find it to be quite warm. Plays fine though. :)

I do find it to be quite warm. Plays fine though. :)

Mine three...been that way since day one and after nearly a year, plays fine.

Mine runs damn hot too.......it's never had a glitch of any sort.

Hmm I never noticed mine running hot, Ill have to feel it next time a play a dvd.

It plays fine, no disk errors or what-not, I just think the player can double up as a heater during the winter months :D

You can set a Panasonic S97 with standard (non-hacked) firmware to be multi-region and RCE-proof using a One For All remote that can send advanced codes. I got the IR code sequence from dcevolution (net with a dot) (thanks, Tom!), and I got the translation of IR code 0xF2 to a One For All code from hifi-remote (com with a dot), both of which have plenty more excellent information.

The region-free code uses a button not on the original remote, a button I believe to be a "Service" button; at least, that's how I refer to it below. I can reproduce it on a One For All remote using the regular Panasonic DVD setup code 490 and advanced code 143 (sent by pressing the Set or Magic button, then the numbers).

Some One For All remote uses four-digit setup codes and five-button advanced codes, so you may have to add leadings zeroes to the codes. Because of this, I recommend double-checking your OFA setup using a nonthreatening advanced code like 117, which is the "1" button on the original remote. If you can use the OFA remote to send that advanced code and get the player to recognize it as the "1" button, you know you're doing things correctly and are okay to continue. When you see the "Service" button below, that's really pressing the Set or Magic button, then the advanced code 143.

To set the player to RCE-proof multi-region (warning: the player resets at the end and you lose all your settings):

Enter, 6, >=10, <<, Service, Audio, 8, 1, Subtitle, 4

To set it to a specific region instead of multi-region, change the last three key presses to #, Subtitle, 1, where # is the region to set. Change them to 9, Subtitle, 1 to set it back to the factory region.

Some have been spreading FUD about this sequence, but I think it's unfounded. If you get into trouble while trying to do the sequence, you can use a reset sequence like "Pause + OSD + Open" (all on the front panel) or something similar, then try again.

Again, this is just the combining of information available from these other, extremely useful sites. No warranty is expressed or implied.

Hi, :)
I've been attacking this for days and it is driving me insane :eek: . I have connected my Panny S97 DVD player directly to my Samusung HL-R6168W DLP via HDMI. At the same time, I also have audio routed to my ONKYO TX-SR603X Receiver via digital coaxial and have no sound. I made sure that COAX1 was assigned to my DVD player. Re-inserted cables. I have followed the instructions in the manual and here is what I put:

HDMI Audio Output--->Off
PCM Digital Output--->(tried off and on with all of the options)
Dolby Digital--->Tried Bitstream and PCM
DTS Digital Surround--->Tried Bitstream and PCM
->Selected Multi-channel setting
->Set speakers to small (I have Aperion 422 system)
->Also tried setting speakers to big, that didn't work.
->When I do a test under the Multi-speaker setting, only my front L and R speakers make a sound.
->No sound from Incredible DVD's when I played.
->I setup my Time warner HD cable box the same way and have surround sound.

Please help me before I smash my system into pieces. :mad: Any take on this Paul? Anyone? :confused:

It looks like everything is set up right. If all else fails, re-initialize your player, disconnect everything and start over. Sometimes its a simple setting or connection that just keeps escaping. I've been there. Did you check the settings on your Onkyo? Shouldn't make a difference, but I always go with the optical cable rather than the coax.

Hi, :)
I've been attacking this for days and it is driving me insane :eek: .

Please help me before I smash my system into pieces. :mad: Any take on this Paul? Anyone? :confused:

Multispeakers is only for DVD Audio (it's analog) ...not for Digital Audio (from your Digital Coax). Change the speakers to two instead of Multi and you should get proper Dolby and DTS from your Video DVDs

Amazing! Thanks for the advice N'Yeti. I changed the speakers to two instead of Multi and the sound came out beautifully! THanks for the advice as well Bri Bri. Now that I have it working, do you guys set the Dolby Digital--->Tried Bitstream or PCM?
DTS Digital Surround--->Tried Bitstream or PCM? What's the difference (sorry newb question). Also, PCM Digital Output---> up to 48,96,or 192?

Assuming that your Receiver/Amp does Dolby (in whatever flavour - 5.1 etc) and does DTS (in whatever flavour - ES etc), put the output to Bitstream. As for the 48, 96, or 192...96 for sure....whether it can do 192 depends what your manual says...

Great info. Thanks again N'Yeti!

Hi,

I read now through the entire S97 Firmware and Brain Dump Threads, and I think I now understand why my 2 weeks ago bought S97 US model does not play any PAL DVDs (which I hoped it did, that was the reason I bought it in US and reading through the above threads I saw confirmation that it does (but only the old models ;-(. But unfortunately I did not read to the end to realize that PAL was blocked by firmware starting April 05.

First I was not sure whether it might be a Region Code Issue only, but the threads taught me that it is not and also neither the PAL Region free DVDs did play, nor did the PAL Region Code 1 ones. It is purely a PAL issue. And it is definitely a S97 issue, because my TV is capable of displaying NTSC and PAL (and NTSC DVDs work perfect, by the way).

The firmware seems to block PAL, although the hardware would allow it. This is what I am getting. Questions coming to my mind now are the following:

1. If hardware is same in EU and US regarding theoretical PAL capability, wouldn't I be able to enable PAL on the US Model, when I flash it with the EU firmware (at the end of the day, S97 in EU supports both, NTSC and PAL)?

2. Did anyone try this already and can share experiences?

3. If proposal in Question 1 is a NOGO, because it would kill the US S97, does anyone know whether someone works on hacking the US firmware, to enable PAL again?

3. If my proposal is total nonsense, do you see any other way of getting my new S97 US Model to show PAL DVDs?

For reference, please see [Post 1785], [Post 1849-55].

Looking forward to your comments!

Amazing! Thanks for the advice N'Yeti. I changed the speakers to two instead of Multi and the sound came out beautifully! THanks for the advice as well Bri Bri. Now that I have it working, do you guys set the Dolby Digital--->Tried Bitstream or PCM?
DTS Digital Surround--->Tried Bitstream or PCM? What's the difference (sorry newb question). Also, PCM Digital Output---> up to 48,96,or 192?

DTS and Dolby are two different schemes for encoding surround information. DTS file compression is less than Dolby. Some DVDs have both systems, most have only Dolby. Some claim to hear a difference. Most of the time I agree, but the difference is certainly not enormous. If a disk has DTS audio as an option I will select it.

PCM (pulse code modulation) is the format used in standard audio CDs. It must be converted to analog either by a DAC (digital analog converter) in the player or or the receiver. In theory the higher the sampling rate, 44.1, 48 etc, the better the conversion, the fewer the artifacts, the lower the noise floor. I must leave it to others to debate the advantages of over-sampling.

Dolby Digital and DTS do not use PCM, but must also go through a DAC to create the multichannel analog signals that are amplified and sent to the speakers.

As you can easily see from the reciever's manual ;) , PCM does not pass any of the digital surround modes. As I understand it, and hopefully someone will chime in if I have it wrong, you must use bitstream to pass a DTS or Dolby D or Dolby EX signal to your receiver.

I use Bitstream. If you select PCM you may have to use one of the two lower sampling frequencies. 192kHz did not work for my SR702 even though the Onkyo manual implies that it will.

For music CDs I can't really assert a consistent hearable difference between the sampling rates. I do hear a difference in the noise levels, but only in the quietest passages and at high gain. On the other hand I do hear a difference when pure audio and direct are selected; the measured difference in noise is small but there is a perceptible difference. I've tried the various surround modes with music, and I always end up back at pure audio, two channel stereo.

First I was not sure whether it might be a Region Code Issue only, but the threads taught me that it is not and also neither the PAL Region free DVDs did play, nor did the PAL Region Code 1 ones. It is purely a PAL issue. And it is definitely a S97 issue, because my TV is capable of displaying NTSC and PAL (and NTSC DVDs work perfect, by the way).


3. If my proposal is total nonsense, do you see any other way of getting my new S97 US Model to show PAL DVDs?

For reference, please see [Post 1785], [Post 1849-55].

Looking forward to your comments!

Interesting, I thought that the S97 passed PAL information but just didn't decode it (so you need a tv that can decode PAL if you're going to see anything) similarly, it passed NTSC information but you needed a tv with an NTSC decoder to see it. Apparently, this isn't the case.

No, it does not. It complains about the disc as soon as the drive is closed.

Hi,
When I play an audio CD via my ONKYO receiver through digital coxial with my TV turned off, the Pana 97 automatically stops the CD from playing within a few minutes. Is there a way to play the audio CD w/o having to turn on my Samsung DLP? (Pana 97 connected directly to Samsung via HDMI) TRying to save bulb life. :) I know there has been a post on this thread about this before, but searching through the 139 pages of past posts, I was unable to find it again. Please help :eek:
THanks

Well I just recently hooked up my Panny S97 (firmware v 41)to my 40" XBR2, and after calibration I noticed very little to almost no macroblocking problems going on. However, I will say this, with my old Sharp Aquos 37LCD4U, macroblocking was HORRIBLE :eek: . I had to turn down the contrast to -1 just remove some of the macroblock coloring going on. Ever since I got this new XBR2, macroblocking magically went away :confused: . I did calibrate by the way.

One question I do have, and I hope someone can help me on this, I thought macroblocking was DVD player dependent, and not TV dependent. I got 2 TV's and one DVD player, but one TV produced more macroblock than the other. :confused: why?? I wonder if it has to do with the gamma settings as well, as I do have my gamma setting to LOW on my XBR2. but I dont know the IRE value obviously :o . Anyone also having this kind of problem?? or rather I should say, CURE :eek:

Well I just recently hooked up my Panny S97 (firmware v 41)to my 40" XBR2, and after calibration I noticed very little to almost no macroblocking problems going on. However, I will say this, with my old Sharp Aquos 37LCD4U, macroblocking was HORRIBLE :eek: . I had to turn down the contrast to -1 just remove some of the macroblock coloring going on. Ever since I got this new XBR2, macroblocking magically went away :confused: . I did calibrate by the way.

One question I do have, and I hope someone can help me on this, I thought macroblocking was DVD player dependent, and not TV dependent. I got 2 TV's and one DVD player, but one TV produced more macroblock than the other. :confused: why?? I wonder if it has to do with the gamma settings as well, as I do have my gamma setting to LOW on my XBR2. but I dont know the IRE value obviously :o . Anyone also having this kind of problem?? or rather I should say, CURE :eek:

MB and mosquito noise are a function of the source disc, player, and display. anyone of them can contribute or make the problem worse.

Hi,
When I play an audio CD via my ONKYO receiver through digital coxial with my TV turned off, the Pana 97 automatically stops the CD from playing within a few minutes. Is there a way to play the audio CD w/o having to turn on my Samsung DLP? (Pana 97 connected directly to Samsung via HDMI) TRying to save bulb life. :) I know there has been a post on this thread about this before, but searching through the 139 pages of past posts, I was unable to find it again. Please help :eek:
THanks

If you are using an SPDIF coax connection to the TV, add a second audio connection direct to the receiver's CD in, using the S97 optical out?

How BIG is the Panasonic DVD-S97S? The specs I read say 16.5 inches deep. That seems a bit large for a DVD player. The one I have is only 12 inches. If it's 16.5, it's too deep for my 15 inch cabinet.

Thanks.

Well I just recently hooked up my Panny S97 (firmware v 41)to my 40" XBR2, and after calibration I noticed very little to almost no macroblocking problems going on. However, I will say this, with my old Sharp Aquos 37LCD4U, macroblocking was HORRIBLE :eek: . I had to turn down the contrast to -1 just remove some of the macroblock coloring going on. Ever since I got this new XBR2, macroblocking magically went away :confused: . I did calibrate by the way.

One question I do have, and I hope someone can help me on this, I thought macroblocking was DVD player dependent, and not TV dependent. I got 2 TV's and one DVD player, but one TV produced more macroblock than the other. :confused: why?? I wonder if it has to do with the gamma settings as well, as I do have my gamma setting to LOW on my XBR2. but I dont know the IRE value obviously :o . Anyone also having this kind of problem?? or rather I should say, CURE :eek:

Where can I get the latest firmware version for this players? Also, how can I tell which firmware does it currently have?

thanks in advance for your replies

CRuss, I measure 17 inches wide by 10 inches deep. Mine is the North American version.

Thanks. Now I feel better about ordering it. Sounds like a quality piece of equipment.

Does anyone know what this model is called in Australia?

Thanks
Ben

In AUstralia its called S97 also.....

Im wondering if the firmware update files are the same for ALL units worldwide, or are there different firmware files for Australian models vs european or US???

A few quick questions:

1.) Do most of you suggest running with AV Enhancer off (on a calibrated set)? Or Auto?

2.) Does it hurt anything (rest of the audio) to turn Dialogue Enhancer on, or is this not recommended?

Thanks!

2.) Does it hurt anything (rest of the audio) to turn Dialogue Enhancer on, or is this not recommended?

Thanks!

All Dialogue enhancer does is make the center channel louder, so no, it doesn't hurt the rest of the audio.

Thanks. Anybody care to tackle #1?

Thanks. Anybody care to tackle #1?

try it both ways and see what you like...it's all personal preference. I do all my adjustments on the display...so i turn that stuff off on the s97

I have all those features turned off...AV enhance, any noise reduction features, depth enhancers etc... I reckon they're all useless.

If you have a quality display, and are using quality DVD's, then a quality player such as the S97 don't need any assistance in getting a good picture.

I have all settings to either normal, or off. I even set it to 576i rather than progressive, as I find it gives a much smoother and much sharper image with no edge ringing etc..

My personal opinion anyway..

Thanks much. I've played with it a bit and honestly, it looks pretty good both ways. On the current DVD I'm playing with (Doctor Who Box Set), I have to say it looks *slightly* better with AV Enhance on, but maybe I need to play with some other settings. Appreciate the advice!

Where can I get the latest firmware version for this players? Also, how can I tell which firmware does it currently have?

thanks in advance for your replies

READ PAGE 1

Is there any way to turn off or disable the illuminated strip on the loading tray??

Thanks
Ben

Is there any way to turn off or disable the illuminated strip on the loading tray??

Thanks
Ben

I just checked my unit and the blue light in the tray goes out a few seconds after it closes. I don't recall if I did anything during set up but the answer may be on page 17 of the instructions, Others tab, FL Dimmer.

Anyone have a problem with the S97 having pixelation after about 30-40 minutes into the movie?

Last night I watch a movie on the S97 and about 30 minutes into it the movie, it starts messing up the video and audio, basically making it unwatchable. I went upstairs and finished watching the rest of the movie on an el cheapo dvd player and it worked fine... So, it's not the disc. Any suggestions? The disc felt a little warm but other than that, nothing different. I've watch a ton of movies before and it was fine but now it seems to be doing it to all of them recently...

Thanks for any info...

Anyone have a problem with the S97 having pixelation after about 30-40 minutes into the movie?

Last night I watch a movie on the S97 and about 30 minutes into it the movie, it starts messing up the video and audio, basically making it unwatchable. I went upstairs and finished watching the rest of the movie on an el cheapo dvd player and it worked fine... So, it's not the disc. Any suggestions? The disc felt a little warm but other than that, nothing different. I've watch a ton of movies before and it was fine but now it seems to be doing it to all of them recently...

Thanks for any info...

I don't think you can completely eliminate the disc. It's possible that the 97 may be more sensitive to scratches and dust than the cheapo player. That being said, I have not seen any of that type of pixilation on my 97.

I hope somebody can help (I've done a search):

When I first used the S97, it was putting a small thin black bar across the top and bottom, which made the picture a little smaller. When I bought a new receiver (Panasonic XR70 to XR57, so I don't think it's the receiver, just that some setting was reset), the picture appears totally full screen. I sit pretty close to TV, so I prefer previous size. How to do?

I feel this is probably same issue: the DVD picture often ("The Office," "Midnight Cowboy") first appears in the center of the screen w/ 2" black border all around -- the picture will be displayed this way anywhere from five to ten seconds -- and then the player resizes it to full screen. I'm sure it's the player that's doing this, as the time delay feels like the S97 is "thinking" and just about to resize the picture/ only a matter of time. With the border, the picture is clear; with the full-resizing, it's awful and blurry, like it's "blown up" to fit the screen. (Even if I pause it on the smaller screen, it will resize.)

Thanks...it's driving me crazy...

You may like to verify the picture handling settings for 4:3 on your TV (if it's a widescreen TV) as well as on S97S (including settings for digital zooming).

sellis16,

movies have different aspect ratios (1.78:1, 1.85:1, 2:35:1 and so on) so there will be inconsistencies between movies. Try the suggested settings in the first post of this thread. The S97 does have an auto aspect ratio/zoom feature. Check page 11 and 15 of the S97 manual.

Paul

You may like to verify the picture handling settings for 4:3 on your TV (if it's a widescreen TV) as well as on S97S (including settings for digital zooming).

Thanks -- it's a 42 plasma (Dell W4201C) and the settings on that are minimal. I don't know how to "verify" picture handling settings on the S97, that's why I'm asking. (Not trying to sound like a jerk, I just don't know what the means, exactly.) The S97 has a ton of settings, and poorly explained in manual.

sellis16,

movies have different aspect ratios (1.78:1, 1.85:1, 2:35:1 and so on) so there will be inconsistencies between movies. Try the suggested settings in the first post of this thread. The S97 does have an auto aspect ratio/zoom feature. Check page 11 and 15 of the S97 manual.

Paul

I'll give it a look. I have been all through the manual and tried dozens of settings...I'll check your recs, inlcuding the first post, thanks. I was hoping someone had been through same thing, b/c it's starting to feel like some magic combo makes it right.

Thanks -- it's a 42 plasma (Dell W4201C) and the settings on that are minimal. I don't know how to "verify" picture handling settings on the S97, that's why I'm asking. (Not trying to sound like a jerk, I just don't know what the means, exactly.) The S97 has a ton of settings, and poorly explained in manual.

What I meant was to check on TV and DVD player how you have setup displaying of 4:3 image. Currently I am traveling for a week - otherwise I would check my settings or manual and tell you exactly what settings to look for. Look at Paul's first post on this thread as he also suggested - he has mentioned/explained various settings there. Mostly it looks like your display as well as DVD player are fine; just some menu setting (either on TV or on DVD player) is causing this problem.

sellis16, the settings on first post give the sequence of the menu items to select to get to the desired setting. The number of settings for the S97 are quite extensive!

Check the zoom setting as well. I've seen this behavior with it set to "Auto" and the "Setup" menu's Video incorrectly set to 4:3 (on a 16:9 TV).

Paul, good to see you back.

Since you have experience with both. In terms of just 'PQ'. How would the S97 stand up to the Oppo 971??? In your opinion.

Very interested in that player, but I don't know if it would give me $200 worth of 'PQ' over the Panny.

Are you saying you own the S97 and are considering the 971? Considering their hardware, the PQ should be nearly identical between the two. I experienced much less macroblocking on the S97, but there have been firmware updates to the 971 after I owned both players. Unless there's a specific feature you need on the 971, it's a very lateral move and a big waste of money.

The thought 'crossed' my mind to sell my S97. But I figure the PQ would be the same and its only fractions better at layer changes and things of that sort. But thought I would ask someone who has seen both.

Otherwise i'm perfectly happy with the Panny.

sellis16, the settings on first post give the sequence of the menu items to select to get to the desired setting. The number of settings for the S97 are quite extensive!

Almost forgot to come back and say thanks -- this did the trick, and it looks great now.

sellis16,

You're very welcome! Enjoy the S97!

Could any generous soul send me through email S97 old firmwares?

I need versions 362 and 364, as 366 doesn´t look as good as I thought on my setup.

Tom´s modified firmwares would be very welcomed as rapidshare has deleted almost all of them (except 366a).

Please send them to abrahaoaidar at gmail.

Thanks in advance.

Could any generous soul send me through email S97 old firmwares?

I need versions 362 and 364, as 366 doesn´t look as good as I thought on my setup.

Tom´s modified firmwares would be very welcomed as rapidshare has deleted almost all of them (except 366a).

Please send them to abrahaoaidar at gmail.

Thanks in advance.

Current download urls are posted here in the s 97 firmware thread here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8717307#post8717307 post #1987

On a DVD that has both DTS and Dolby Digital (such as War of the Worlds or Fantastic Four), how do you make the player select DTS?

Audio button on remote.

On a DVD that has both DTS and Dolby Digital (such as War of the Worlds or Fantastic Four), how do you make the player select DTS?

I think that Waldorfsalad means that you can bring up the language option from your DVD and select from there...

Of course, normally you would select Audio Options for the DVD from the onscreen selector (you know, the one that usually says something like [Play] [Chapter Selection] [Audio/Language] [Special Features]

I'm wondering if I'm the only one here who has the following setup:

S97 R1/NTSC original h/w (currently w/ 542a FW)
+
|
HDMI / 720P
|
+
Sammy HLN/46

When I pop in a PAL disc (R0, or whatever, doesn't matter) the conversion gives me lots of image tearing. If you've never heard of image tearing, basically it means the image frame data can't be generated fast enough for synchronizing (synchronising) with the vertical scan, which results in two partial frames being displayed in one refresh instance. This gives the impression of the image 'tearing'... I know there are fewer frames in PAL than NTSC (24 vs. 29.94), but doesn't the s97 do some pull-down for me?

Anyone?

Hey guys ;)

because of differences about site updating policies with the admin of dcevolution.net I have moved to a new forum to discuss issues and exchange knowledge about my existing enhanced firmware releases for Panasonic devices.

You can find the new forum at:

www.xperience.podzone.net/panasonic/forum

Registration is required to access the forum content.

Please note that this is only about support for existing firmware releases !

Have fun ;)

Tom

I purchased a Panasonic DVD S97S in August of 2005 when I also purchased a Panasonic HD Plasma 50" screen. I have noticed for the last couple of months that when viewing most DVD's, the facial tint changes colors to various shades of pink and red while viewing the movie. Can you explain why this may be happening and any suggestions on how to maintain the correct facial color ?

I purchased a Panasonic DVD S97S in August of 2005 when I also purchased a Panasonic HD Plasma 50" screen. I have noticed for the last couple of months that when viewing most DVD's, the facial tint changes colors to various shades of pink and red while viewing the movie. Can you explain why this may be happening and any suggestions on how to maintain the correct facial color ?

You've checked your cables?
Pull them out and plug them back in just in case oxidation has built up.
-t

thanks...I'll give it a try.

s97s connected to Sony 50 in projection with HDMI cable provided with s97s.
The tv doesn't see it but I know the tv's HDMI works because that's how the cable box is connected. Connected s97s with s-video to see on screen menus and made sure the HDMI was turned on. When I check the HDMI status in the s97s menu it says it's not connected.

Any suggestions will be appreciated

s97s connected to Sony 50 in projection with HDMI cable provided with s97s.
The tv doesn't see it but I know the tv's HDMI works because that's how the cable box is connected. Connected s97s with s-video to see on screen menus and made sure the HDMI was turned on. When I check the HDMI status in the s97s menu it says it's not connected.

Any suggestions will be appreciated

The S97 hdmi connection is not the most robust one. I have to mess a little with the cable from time to time to get my projector to sync.

Thanks,
It was the cable connection on the s97s.

I have an issue with DD 5.1 being passed through HDMI (50Px500u plasma) properly. I have had it working for one day but then it stopped.
I also don't understand why the sound test does not work properly either through the Toslink receiver connection or the HDMI > TV TOslink > receiver.
I am running stock 364 firmware. TV Toslink (RF source) to receiver works perfectly with DD 5.1 as does DvD Toslink direct to receiver, btw.

I read previously that firmware version 362 would play Pal discs if they were region-free. However, I can't get them to work on my S97. I know the discs are OK because I got them to work on another dvd player. Any suggestions?

The American bought S97 with 3xx firmware will not play PAL discs. Only the older models that take the 5xx firmware will do so. Foreign bought S97's with 3xx firmware will output PAL. None of them will convert PAL to NTSC. 5xx and 3xx firmware is not interchangable.

I've read in the S97 manual that it has an Auto off feature, but I don't see anything about a screensaver. Could any of you tell me if the S97 has a screensaver that kicks in when you have the unit paused for a certain length of time?

I've read in the S97 manual that it has an Auto off feature, but I don't see anything about a screensaver. Could any of you tell me if the S97 has a screensaver that kicks in when you have the unit paused for a certain length of time?
I don't remember ever seeing a screensaver on mine but it does shut itself off.

I don't remember ever seeing a screensaver on mine but it does shut itself off.

Must be a long timer! Mine has been left on overnight and was still powered up the next afternoon!
-t ;)

Must be a long timer! Mine has been left on overnight and was still powered up the next afternoon!
-t ;)

Maybe it has to be optioned on - I have had both of my units for a year and can't remember if I had to option it or not but it works for me.

I just bought a Panasonic S52 and I purchased component cables for it but my DVDs are only being displayed in 480p. Do I need to get an HDMI cable to reach 1080i with my DVDs?

I just bought a Panasonic S52 and I purchased component cables for it but my DVDs are only being displayed in 480p. Do I need to get an HDMI cable to reach 1080i with my DVDs?Yes, upconverting is available over HDMI only.
Btw, here's a link to the S52 owner's thread...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=665559

Yes, upconverting is available over HDMI only.
Btw, here's a link to the S52 owner's thread...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=665559

Not only that, it is said that resolution with component cables is not 100%. To get the full spec, it's necessary to use HDMI.

Quick question - will this DVD player play an mp3 audio disc that is burned on a DVD-R instead of a CD-R? Thanks!

I just bought a Panasonic S97 from Bestbuy (Magnolia) for $79.99.
It is a clearance item but it only show up when you ask them to check in store.

tmtang64 :)

Can I ask a simple question here? Does the Multi Remaster audio work for you? Isn't it supposed to upscale 44.1 or 48 Khz to 96 when switching it on? I have Toms 366B and it doesn't work for me but I am sure it had worked for me once with some previous firmwares when I had tried it.

Hi, sorry to ask this here but I don't see another experienced thread. Is there a thread like this for the Panasonic S77? I have questions.

Yes, IIRC, there is an S77 owner's thread (can't remember if it was called a "brain dump" thread though) but I haven't seen it in a long time so it make take some searching to resurrect it. As the S77 is so similar to the S97 (I have an S77 and also had an S97 also) S77 owners hang out in here so it probably wouldn't hurt to post your questions here. I would be happy to try and answer them.

OK WaldorfSalad, my first question regards this situation. My Toshiba 52HM84 HDTV has 2 video sources, a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD cable box and the Panasonic S77 DVD player. Both units connected to the only HDMI input, thru an Octava 3-1 auto switch.

The box can go from 480i to 1080i. At 480 and the TV at NATURAL, a 4:3 image appears with bars at the side; the same happens for a 4:3 program at 1080i. The image then can be stretched by the TV.

With the S77 it's different. Watching a Star Trek Voyager 4:3 episode at 1080i the TV automatically goes to NATURAL, but in a stretched fashion, like watching at FULL. This is with the player at 4:3 standard and TV with Auto Aspect OFF. I tested for 16:9 and 4:3 displays at the player with the same results, also tested with 4:3 material from other DVDs.

So, why the S77 makes for an stretched 4:3 image at 720P/1080i? This happens with the S97 too?

Change the video tab in the player settings on the S77?

OK WaldorfSalad, my first question regards this situation. My Toshiba 52HM84 HDTV has 2 video sources, a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD cable box and the Panasonic S77 DVD player. Both units connected to the only HDMI input, thru an Octava 3-1 auto switch.

The box can go from 480i to 1080i. At 480 and the TV at NATURAL, a 4:3 image appears with bars at the side; the same happens for a 4:3 program at 1080i. The image then can be stretched by the TV.

With the S77 it's different. Watching a Star Trek Voyager 4:3 episode at 1080i the TV automatically goes to NATURAL, but in a stretched fashion, like watching at FULL. This is with the player at 4:3 standard and TV with Auto Aspect OFF. I tested for 16:9 and 4:3 displays at the player with the same results, also tested with 4:3 material from other DVDs.

So, why the S77 makes for an stretched 4:3 image at 720P/1080i? This happens with the S97 too?First make sure you set up for 16:9 TV in Setup menu. Then Display button on remote --> Display Menu --> 4:3 Aspect: Set to Auto. Try also Shrink. See page 17 of manual. Also, make sure Just Fit Zoom is set properly. See page 14 of manual. Can use Zoom button on remote for this.

It was and is for 16:9, tested for 4:3 with same results. I'll test using Auto and Shrink. Hmmm...haven't you notice this with your players, do they show the lateral bars?

OK, setting Aspect to Auto produced a 4:3 standard image with black bars at the sides. When applying 1080i the image looked better, no stretch. But using the TV's stretch with this signal worked like doing a kind of zoom with wavy distortions when panning. I suppose this is the TV's fault.

Anyway, got what I was looking for, but liked better the Normal aspect with 480P and TV stretch. It's more...balanced, without wavy distortions. I wonder why?

Thanks WaldorfSalad.

Now, the second question. Are the S77 firmware updates/upgrades worth the trouble?

OK, setting Aspect to Auto produced a 4:3 standard image with black bars at the sides. When applying 1080i the image looked better, no stretch. But using the TV's stretch with this signal worked like doing a kind of zoom with wavy distortions when panning. I suppose this is the TV's fault.

Anyway, got what I was looking for, but liked better the Normal aspect with 480P and TV stretch. It's more...balanced, without wavy distortions. I wonder why?

Thanks WaldorfSalad.

Now, the second question. Are the S77 firmware updates/upgrades worth the trouble?AFAIK, there are NO firmware updates for the S77. I have an S77 but have so far been unable to find a firmware update for it. I have also asked the question before on this forum and no-one else seems to know of one either. I've even tried applying an S97 firmware update but no success.

I think I have a paper with a site with firmwares for many players, including the S77. The point is if it would be of some good or could it be too risky.

What settings do people use for the audio multi re-master function? What frequency and dB increase do people use...or should I leave it off. Similarly, do I even need to turn the Dolby Pro Logic II feature on when connecting my S97 to my AV receiver via Optical Cable? Thanks in advance.

No readers?

What settings do people use for the audio multi re-master function? What frequency and dB increase do people use...or should I leave it off. Similarly, do I even need to turn the Dolby Pro Logic II feature on when connecting my S97 to my AV receiver via Optical Cable? Thanks in advance.

I only listen to CDs and DVDs. I have not used the feature because it seemed a bit bizarre. I am not at all clear how it could restore frequencies lost during recording other than interpolation or by some use of the Reed Solomon error correction coding.

This seems to be a feature for use with the analog outputs on the player. The manual is ambiguous when it says that the feature may not work via a digital connection.

Perhaps I will experiment a bit this evening.

Depending on the source material and whether you have a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 system you may want to use Pro Logic 2 or 2x to process the bitstream.

Dolby ProLogic 2 creates faux surround channels from 2 channel sources
http://www.dolby.com/images/consumer/technology/PLII-process-flow.gif

Dolby PL2X creates 6.1 or 7.1 sound from any source.

DD is 5.1 (or more accurately may be have up to 5.1). DD EX DVDs have 6.1 sound tracks.

I have a 6.1 system...so it looks like I'll leave the Pro Logic II feature enabled for older movies that only had 2-channel audio. I agree with you about the multi re-master system. I'm not sure how to set it up, so it is off for now. Just curious if I was missing out on something by not enabling it and configuring it. My receiver supports up to 96kHz sampling. I'm assuming that I'd put some setting like 192kHz to try and capture that spectrum but for now I haven't tried anything. Any advice is appreciated.

Is there a shortcut to change the group on an dvda?

When you push directly on an number from the remote control, you jump to that specific track. But when i want to change group in stead of track, i need to do some aditional handlings...

First push [display] then push [right arrow] then push [up or down arrow] then push [enter]

Does someone know a shorter way to change groups? (and or a way to do this job without having to watch the tv-output?)

Some cheap-ass dvd-players has a special button to push before pushing a number and that should change the group in stead of track... Bu i can't find something simular on my S97...

Tia,
Ejorne

Is there a shortcut to change the group on an dvda?




Nobody ???

I have a S-77 that I use with a JVC-HDILA projection TV.

My problem is that every time I play a DVD I am getting sound thru the digital coax to my receiver and know it is playing, but I get no picture from the player. The 3 indicator lights right next to the power button on the S-77 are not lit.

I have to unplug the HDMI cable on the back of the player and then replug it in for the picture to display and the video indicator lights then come on to signal that I am getting output.

Any idea what is wrong?

I have a S-77 that I use with a JVC-HDILA projection TV.

My problem is that every time I play a DVD I am getting sound thru the digital coax to my receiver and know it is playing, but I get no picture from the player. The 3 indicator lights right next to the power button on the S-77 are not lit.

I have to unplug the HDMI cable on the back of the player and then replug it in for the picture to display and the video indicator lights then come on to signal that I am getting output.

Any idea what is wrong?

First check that the HDMI setting in the DVD is for video only; also check if the TV has a similar setting and set it for video only. Make sure other settings are correct, like for widescreen display, and resolution. Then try a change in the order things are switched; try turning the TV on and switching to the HDMI input first, then turn on the DVD player.

This way the TV (receptor) is ready and standing-by for a signal, then the player (source) provides it.

I don't know what else could be tested here. It could be a problem with the cable or a defective HDMI connection. Compatibility shouldn't be the issue as a friend has also a JVC with an S97 and works fine.

What's the scoop on the DVD-S97S and firmware? I bought mine back in 2005. Are there any firmware upgrades I should do to improve PQ? If so, where can I get it? Thanks.

yes...there are firmware updates available. go to this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501352

Sorry to bump this thread, but I just want to vent a bit. It really irks me that there are no firmware updates for the S77. Panasonic was fairly quick to release one for the S97 IIRC which greatly reduced the macroblocking issue. What's so different about the S77 that they can't do the same with it? Why are they unwilling to support their next highest-end DVD player? Just really sucks that S77 owners get the shaft.

Hey Guys

I feel a little emabarrassed asking this question as I have read the manual top to bottom and I think the manual is not really comprehensive.

I am outputting HDMI into HD1 projector. I am unable to or know how to change the output res from the panasonic via hdmi.

The PJ shows the signal as being 576p.

Please advise.

Thanks
Ben

Hi.
Press "display" on the remote.
Scroll down to and select "other settings"
Scroll down to and select "display"

I think!!! :eek:

I have a 6.1 system...so it looks like I'll leave the Pro Logic II feature enabled for older movies that only had 2-channel audio. I agree with you about the multi re-master system. I'm not sure how to set it up, so it is off for now. Just curious if I was missing out on something by not enabling it and configuring it. My receiver supports up to 96kHz sampling. I'm assuming that I'd put some setting like 192kHz to try and capture that spectrum but for now I haven't tried anything. Any advice is appreciated.

Hey,

The ProLogic 2 (PLII) on the DVD player only works if you have 5.1 analog outputs hooked up to your amp. In fact none of the options that show up in that sub-menu work through the digital output.

If you have a 6.1 amp just use the PLII as a surround sound option on your amp. The amp will auto covert any 2 ch source to 5.1. PLIIx as stated previously will also create a surround back channel i.e. auto covert any 2 ch source to 6.1.

The multi remaster basically boosts frequencies that normally are lost during MP3, Dolby Dig, DTS and WMA compression formats. It detects the file and boosts the "lost" frequencies accordingly.

The S97 also upsamples in the digitial domain and outputs it via the digital outputs (coax and optical o/p only - NOT HDMI). That is 44.1KHz to 88.2, 48KHz 96KHz, etc and so make sure you set the max freq. in the setup menu to 96Khz as it will try to upsample to 192Khz and your amp as stated by you only supports 96Khz.

I don't think the upsample works great as I believe in sticking to the orignal for greater sound accuracy. But let your ears decides, sometimes it sounds better - sometimes not.

Note: the upsample does not work digitally if HDMI audio is turned on.

Hey,


The S97 also upsamples in the digitial domain and outputs it via the digital outputs (coax and optical o/p only - NOT HDMI). That is 44.1KHz to 88.2

Note: the upsample does not work digitally if HDMI audio is turned on.


Do you mean that upsample does not work with HDMI or do you mean something else?

Because my s97 is connected only thru hdmi to my sa-xr700 (before to my sa-xr57) and the upsample does work on both receivers.

44.1 becomes 174.4.

But i don't use the remaster option because i think the unchanged sound sounds better...

...I feel a little emabarrassed asking this question as I have read the manual top to bottom and I think the manual is not really comprehensive....


Don't be embarrassed. I've had this player for 2 years and am continually confused by the manual. For example on page 14, it describes the available output modes for upscaling video via HDMI. This is under the heading "Other Settings" and the subheading "Video Output Mode". However I couldn't find anywhere where Panasonic describes how to access these menus.

Then after reading Mdray's post, I see at the top of the manual page it says to press the "Display" button...I thought that instruction only related to the menus listed directly below it, not the rest of the page...

Oh well, when I get home tonight I need to go start pushing buttons again.

Hi Everyone,

I am re rehashing this thread because I have a chance to get this player for $90. I know it's over 2 years old and a jillion improvments have been made to the overall industry but sometimes old products still hold their own.

I also have a Denon DVM 3700 (bought in 2000) that is way old and will most likely be transfered to a music only DVD changer. And a Philips 3400 player/recorder (2007) that I got because I thought I broke the Denon. It had a jammed DVD way inside but I managed to get it out and reallign the tray...

I was using the past DVD player (Denon) with an upper end 1995 Mitsubishi 27 Tube TV and it worked just fine.

I have just got into the HD game and picked up a 42" Plasma (720p) I figure 12 years with the 27" was long enough ;)

I don't want to spend a ton of $$ on a DVD player especially since Blu-Ray is almost at an affordable level. I'd rather just ride out the time with what I have. Or spend $100 on something in the meantime.

Any thoughts appreciated.

PS: I've been scanning this forum over the past few days and I have to say there's some great info out there from the masses! Thanks!

John

I don't want to spend a ton of $$ on a DVD player especially since Blu-Ray is almost at an affordable level.

I bought an HD DVD (A2) player because it was down to $239 on Amazon.com. Nice player for the price. My old player was an S97S. I don't miss it much, though it did have a one or two features that "made my life a bit nicer", but I think the HD DVD player can do at least one of the things I thought I was missing, just haven't discovered exactly how to yet but I'm pretty sure I know how to now and will try it soon.

One thing I love about the S97 is the "compressed time" feature, that can play at up to 1.4x normal speed but still have the audio track in pitch and understandable. It's been a great way to speed through slower parts of movies. Does the A2 HD-DVD player have the same feature?

One thing I love about the S97 is the "compressed time" feature, that can play at up to 1.4x normal speed but still have the audio track in pitch and understandable. It's been a great way to speed through slower parts of movies. Does the A2 HD-DVD player have the same feature?

As far as I know it doesn't (at least I haven't ran into it yet). I thought that was a cool feature but I never used it much so I don't really miss it.

The time compression feature does work, but I never used it (for watching).

The time compression feature does work, but I never used it (for watching).Sorry, I don't understand...you mean this feature "does work" on the Tosh A2 HD-DVD player?

My mistake, I meant for the S97.

Good morning Paul-

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