I think the "macroblock enhance" appears worse on sets that have issues with false contouring and cutting off low level color (rather than a gradual decline of intensity).

Paul

I noticed today that sometimes when skipping to a new chapter, the audio does not come on for awhile. The problem is random, but repeatable (i.e. the same chapters will have the same delay). In the worst case, I skipped to a chapter and the audio did not start for at least 8 seconds.

Has anyone noticed this? I'm using the Coax output with DD 5.1. I didn't notice the same problem with DTS.

RaveD,
Could it be your receiver? I believe, for example, Harman Kardon receivers drop audio like that.

Originally posted by RaveD
I noticed today that sometimes when skipping to a new chapter, the audio does not come on for awhile. The problem is random, but repeatable (i.e. the same chapters will have the same delay). In the worst case, I skipped to a chapter and the audio did not start for at least 8 seconds.

Has anyone noticed this? I'm using the Coax output with DD 5.1. I didn't notice the same problem with DTS.

That's normal. It takes a while for the receiver to recognize the signal type coming in.

Even ultra expensive equipment like mine have this issue. It's pretty much universal...

Originally posted by GSB
How? Turn the contrast up as high as it can go without clipping whites (or blooming in a CRT). Use a test pattern to do this properly.[/B]
I'm still waiting for DVE to do this properly, but raising the contrast on my JVC D-ILA seems to make matters worse. In fact, the only way I can noticably reduce macroblocking is to turn the contrast down quite a bit, but then it crushes blacks.

Also, when calibrating, how do you decide when to tweak the DVD's controls vs. the TV's controls?

Originally posted by dr150
That's normal. It takes a while for the receiver to recognize the signal type coming in.
True, I'm accustomed to a short (1-2 sec) delay when switching input types (for example from DD 2.0 to 5.1). But in this case it doesn't appear to be the receiver, because it indicates DD 5.1 the whole time. I didn't notice this same delay with my older DVD player.

I just ordered one last night....for grins. Got a FedEx notice about 4 hours ago that it's on the road. Cool! Supposed to be here in about 4 to 5 days. I'll be comparing it against a Pani XP-30 and an Esoteric DV-50s. This ought to be real interesting. The comparison may be a little unfair because the XP-30 uses component video out. The DV-50s has DVI but it's HDCP compliant while my PJ's DVI is non-compliant.....so I use component there also. Since the DVI of Oppo is non-compliant I'll be running it straight into the PJ via DVI. I'll also run each player through the Iscan HD+ for the heck of it. We'll see how it goes.
Javry

Originally posted by wes nance
That's not correct. You can use this with any display, since it is never outputting HDCP.

My 4805 is HDCP compliant, and the OPPO works no problem. You should be good with the OPPO whether your display is HDCP compliant or not.

Wes

Thanks Wes. I stand corrected.
Javry

Well, just got thru watching a movie with my son-Leminy snicket- and i did see 2 or 3 places where on a door and some words on a book it was definately shimmering......no big deal this is a minor issue i feel confident will be resolved....still an awesome player at an incredible price.....

deez, what display are you using? I ask, because I saw tons of motion artifacts with this movie. The white lines in Count Olaf's coat, in particular, were just a wreck of motion on my Hitachi 51S500. Still, I don't blame the OPPO because I've seen this player produce an extremely solid picture. Most recently with Stephen King's "Riding The Bullet". I wish I could figure out why such a small percentage of movies (it seems) look good on this set. I'm growing more frustrated with this because I know this set can perform beautifully. HDNet movies-solid. HDPPV from Dish Network-solid. LOTR trilogy from every DVD player I have-solid. Harry Potter PofA from every player-motion everywhere. LSnicket-same thing. Now YOU mention it looked pretty darn good. Frankly, I'm confused. Anyone else with a similar experience to mine?


OK, I see you're using essentially the same set as mine. Oh the agony!:)

Dudes, compare this 94 score with pioneer 59avi 87 score via hdmi, and then report pls?

I love this player for its all-region, PAL>NTSC converting abilities, and this is where it seems to separate itself from the other low-cost, HDMI/DVI upsampling players.

But my monitor has a native resolution of 540p/1080i, and I'm really concerned about the problems so many seem to have with this player and its 1080i output. Vertical green lines and nothing more? "Rolling" artifacts like a bad UHF signal? Shimmering?

And no progressive or BTB output from the components? And a tad glitchy?

As much as I'd love to have a PAL converting, upsampling player... this one just seems to have too many question marks.

I hooked up my Oppo Digital DVD player yesterday to my Mitsubishi WS-55315 using the DVI cable @ 1080i and hooked up the audio to my H/K AVR7300 using optical out.

The first DVDs I ran through it were The 5th Element (Superbit), The HHGG BBC Television Show, and then the Remastered version of dazed and confused.

The superbit edition of The 5th Element with DTS looked and sounded amazing on the Oppo player. The picture was simply amazing, with no macro blocking and the colors coming through with outstanding vibrancy and clarity (even the reds).

Six times during the movie, the DTS cut out for a second then came back. Could this be a problem with the Oppo playing trying to process such high bitrate content?

I used the HHGG original TV series because it's not a great transfer (from original tapes) and only had a DD 2.0 soundtrack. I put the player first in "WIDE", then on the 2nd episode, "WIDE/SQZ". Both times, the player made the on screen image look incredible. The TV show didn't show it's age because of image quality (although the special effects were a bit primitive) :)

I did not notice any audio delay while watching this movie in 4:3 with a DD 2.0 source.

Finally, I used the remastered edition of Dazed and Confused with, at first, it's DTS soundtrack, then switching to DD 5.1 mid-movie.

I did not notice an audio delay in either film mode, and the DTS soundtrack did not cut out like it did while watching the 5th Element.

Part of me wants to believe that the audio delay (and DTS cutout) others and myself have experienced might be caused during high bitrate scenes in a film, where the servo or mpeg decoder might be stretched to it's limits to decode the information on time.

Thoughts? :)

deez, what display are you using? I ask, because I saw tons of motion artifacts with this movie. The white lines in Count Olaf's coat, in particular, were just a wreck of motion on my Hitachi 51S500. Still, I don't blame the OPPO because I've seen this player produce an extremely solid picture. Most recently with Stephen King's "Riding The Bullet". I wish I could figure out why such a small percentage of movies (it seems) look good on this set. I'm growing more frustrated with this because I know this set can perform beautifully. HDNet movies-solid. HDPPV from Dish Network-solid. LOTR trilogy from every DVD player I have-solid. Harry Potter PofA from every player-motion everywhere. LSnicket-same thing. Now YOU mention it looked pretty darn good. Frankly, I'm confused. Anyone else with a similar experience to mine?

Well, to be honest, I too saw the same artifacts......and it is only with straight lines and text and that has to do with the scaling i believe...it is the fault of the dvd player not the tv because i can put this dvd into my momo and walla...no problems!!!

Well, other than the oppo puts out a 40-60% better picture.....like i first said if we are talking PQ from corner to corner and edge to edge there is no comparison...oppo wins hands down...not to mention the styling, adjustments and oh that fully functional SS and the sound.......and some other stuff too but i want to hold off the literary bj to the oppo corp until i have more time with unit.....lol

Originally posted by Rich Malloy
I love this player for its all-region, PAL>NTSC converting abilities, and this is where it seems to separate itself from the other low-cost, HDMI/DVI upsampling players.

But my monitor has a native resolution of 540p/1080i, and I'm really concerned about the problems so many seem to have with this player and its 1080i output. Vertical green lines and nothing more? "Rolling" artifacts like a bad UHF signal? Shimmering? The 1080i problem currently only affects some displays, and exibits itself in different ways. But if it is a concern, then wait until the firmware has addressed this issue.

Originally posted by Rich Malloy
And no progressive or BTB output from the components? And a tad glitchy? This is primarily a DVI player that has 480i available over component. If you need progressive over component, you'll have to look at other players. What do you mean by glitchy? It does have a few firmware issues to be worked out, but it is a brand new player, and Oppo Digital is doing a fantastic job with the firmware already.

Gary

How is PQ over component cables vs. other highly rated component DVD players?

Can anyone provide the name of a DVD player that has 0 glitches and also puts out a great picture, at a semi-reasonable price (i.e. under $1000)? If so, I want to buy it. I think it's a mythical beast. Just read the threads here and you'll know what I mean.

Originally posted by GFletch
deez, what display are you using? I ask, because I saw tons of motion artifacts with this movie. The white lines in Count Olaf's coat, in particular, were just a wreck of motion on my Hitachi 51S500. Still, I don't blame the OPPO because I've seen this player produce an extremely solid picture. Most recently with Stephen King's "Riding The Bullet". I wish I could figure out why such a small percentage of movies (it seems) look good on this set. I'm growing more frustrated with this because I know this set can perform beautifully. HDNet movies-solid. HDPPV from Dish Network-solid. LOTR trilogy from every DVD player I have-solid. Harry Potter PofA from every player-motion everywhere. LSnicket-same thing. Now YOU mention it looked pretty darn good. Frankly, I'm confused. Anyone else with a similar experience to mine? The white lines moving in Count Olaf's coat is the "shimmering" problem. It affects any high-contrast edges or lines. That should be fixed within the next few updates.

Always bear in mind that many movies are very poorly mastered to begin with. They come complete with moving artifacts of all kinds, and the player is trying to create an HD-like experience even though it has very little to work with.

Secondly, to get the best possible picture, with as little artifacting as possible, you must calibrate your set to this player's output.

Gary

CjayB:
Sounds like you should try the Pioneer 59avi

Originally posted by deez
[B]Well, to be honest, I too saw the same artifacts......and it is only with straight lines and text and that has to do with the scaling i believe... Movement in straight lines and text is the "shimmering" problem. Currently, only high-contrast vertical edges or lines are not rendered quite as smoothly as they should be, and those edges tend to "crawl" as the image moves on the screen. It may have to do with the vertical edge-enhancement. These issues should be fixed within the next few updates.

Gary

Originally posted by WndrBr3d
The superbit edition of The 5th Element with DTS looked and sounded amazing on the Oppo player. The picture was simply amazing, with no macro blocking and the colors coming through with outstanding vibrancy and clarity (even the reds).

Six times during the movie, the DTS cut out for a second then came back. Could this be a problem with the Oppo playing trying to process such high bitrate content? Possibly because of the high bitrate content, but I have never experienced this with other Superbit DTS titles. Unfortunately, I don't have "The 5th Element". Are you sure you can eliminate from the equation, your receiver and the connection to it?
Originally posted by WndrBr3d
Finally, I used the remastered edition of Dazed and Confused with, at first, it's DTS soundtrack, then switching to DD 5.1 mid-movie.

I did not notice an audio delay in either film mode, and the DTS soundtrack did not cut out like it did while watching the 5th Element. That's good to hear.

Gary

Originally posted by dr150
How is PQ over component cables vs. other highly rated component DVD players?

Please search this thread, and you'll see in dozens of posts that the Oppo DVD player is DVI ONLY (as far as progressive/scaling/upconverting). The component output is simply 480i. It doesn't compare to other component outs of other DVD players...cuz all of them scale to 480p at least....period. If you need a component out source, don't buy the Oppo. Conversely, if you need a DVI player, the Oppo is hard to beat at $199...very hard.

Ted

Originally posted by RaveD
...the only way I can noticably reduce macroblocking is to turn the contrast down quite a bit, but then it crushes blacks. Crushing blacks is one of the known methods to reduce macroblocking. Remember that anytime you adjust the contrast, you also have to adjust the brightness (black-level). You are aiming to use the full range of contrast available to you. But if that doesn't produce the results you would like to see, then try some of the other suggestions in Paul Bigelow's macroblocking post on the last page.

A bad disk still shows macroblocking on my DLP. I cannot get rid of it totally, but I have certainly been able to reduce it. I had to pay particular attention to the gamma curve I chose when calibrating my TV. Some curves are designed to artificially boost gamma in the low-to-mid luminance range... horrible for macroblocking! Check your JVC D-ILA manual (or threads on AVSforum) to see how to adjust your gamma curve for the smoothest, most "theatre-like" experience.

Originally posted by RaveD
Also, when calibrating, how do you decide when to tweak the DVD's controls vs. the TV's controls? Good question, and you'll get mixed answers. I leave the player with default settings and adjust the TV. But I suppose the answer is, "trial and error". Whatever produces the best results for you.

Gary

Originally posted by RaveD

Also, when calibrating, how do you decide when to tweak the DVD's controls vs. the TV's controls?

I do the DVD controls when possible, only because I use the same convergence memory/aspect ratio (called anamorphic ntsc) on my Runco for more than the Oppo. If I use the projector controls it affects the other DVD player as well. That's my only reason. It can be debated both ways, probably.

Ted

Originally posted by Xcalibur_255
Contrast ratio isn't really about your range of black to white, but more about the number of shades of grey the display can render in between. Higher contrast ratio yields more shades of gray which produces smoother colors and a more detailed image that has "depth" to it. That doesn't sound right at all. One display, with a 2000:1 contrast ratio, might display 1024 shades of gray, and another, with a 3000:1 contrast ratio, might also display 1024 shades of gray.

Contrast ratio is defined as the ratio of the luminance between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks on a display.

Originally posted by Xcalibur_255
On the other hand, making sure you are using your entire range of contrast is basically making sure you are not crushing your blacks or whites. I'm sure this is what everybody means in reference to performing a calibration to bring your whites just below clipping or phosphor bloom. Yes, this is exactly what we mean. I understand what you're getting at, but the expression, "using the full range of the display's contrast ratio" is also perfectly accurate; if the display is capable of a 3000:1 contrast ratio, then use the entire range of that contrast ratio.

Gary

Originally posted by ted_b
Please search this thread, and you'll see in dozens of posts that the Oppo DVD player is DVI ONLY (as far as progressive/scaling/upconverting). The component output is simply 480i. It doesn't compare to other component outs of other DVD players...cuz all of them scale to 480p at least....period. If you need a component out source, don't buy the Oppo. Conversely, if you need a DVI player, the Oppo is hard to beat at $199...very hard.

Ted

Since I only need 480i, can any of you recommend a better DVD/CD player that's has exceptional bang/buck?

(I don't have any budget limitations, btw....just want great performance for the $$$.....even if the player is $1k+ as long as it's aVERY compelling buy..)

Some positive comments are coming in about the Pioneer 588a. An inexpensive player with Divx, DVD-A and SACD support. There's a thread here discussing it.

If all you need is 480i over component, any DVD player with a decent MPEG decoder (which the Oppo has) will do the job. A low priced JVC, for example, will be fine. However, if you're looking for good 480p performance over component, that's a different story. The Pioneer mentioned above wouldn't be a bad choice.

Please search this thread, and you'll see in dozens of posts that the Oppo DVD player is DVI ONLY (as far as progressive/scaling/upconverting). The component output is simply 480i. It doesn't compare to other component outs of other DVD players...cuz all of them scale to 480p at least....period. If you need a component out source, don't buy the Oppo. Conversely, if you need a DVI player, the Oppo is hard to beat at $199...very hard.



Hmmm.... this is interesting.....how about 480i out to a scaler???? Like what im saying is how good is the 480i out???? Reason i ask is i would be tempted to purchase a bls-3000 scaler to see if i can get an even better picture!!!!

New firmware has been posted to fix the tray closing problem that a few people have experienced. Here are the details...
Thanks...I'll give that a shot.

Originally posted by deez
Please search this thread, and you'll see in dozens of posts that the Oppo DVD player is DVI ONLY (as far as progressive/scaling/upconverting). The component output is simply 480i. It doesn't compare to other component outs of other DVD players...cuz all of them scale to 480p at least....period. If you need a component out source, don't buy the Oppo. Conversely, if you need a DVI player, the Oppo is hard to beat at $199...very hard.



Hmmm.... this is interesting.....how about 480i out to a scaler???? Like what im saying is how good is the 480i out???? Reason i ask is i would be tempted to purchase a bls-3000 scaler to see if i can get an even better picture!!!!

If you're gonna buy a scaler, then buy my SDI-modded A10! :)

SDI is the best way to go cuz it bypasses all mpeg decoders, etc and is somewhat (slightly) analogous to a digital out for an outboard audio DAC.

You bring up a legit question, though. How clean is the Oppo 480i output for tv-based and outboard scalers? Like evaluating a transport for a cd-based system I would think it's no big shakes due to its small power supply, flimsy tray design, etc. Just speculating.

Ted

Originally posted by ted_b
SDI is the best way to go cuz it bypasses all mpeg decoders, etc

SDI doesn't bypass the MPEG decoder. SDI, DVI, and HDMI all take the video signal directly from the MPEG decoder and deliver it to the display (or scaler), bypassing the digital-to-analog conversion. The MPEG decoder is still a crucial part of any DVD player's design.

About lip-sync - I've watched many movies in the last few weeks, and not noticed a single case of bad sync until tonight... but then I discovered it wasn't the player!

While watching "The Flight of the Phoenix", I noticed bad sync in the middle of chapter 2, so I replayed the scene over and over, selecting both the DTS and the DD5.1 tracks. The bad lip-sync was perfectly repeatable, so I tried the component and composite connection... it was there too! I tried another player... same thing. The problem is evidently on the DVD (only for a brief section).

The point is: Always check the source thoroughly before you blame the player for lip-sync. Firstly, many movies have voice-overs done in the studio, so the speed and timing of the dialog could be off, and secondly, the soundtrack could be badly synchronized during the DVD transfer process.

Gary

if you are looking for a componenet standalone dvd player and are looking for the best in componenet and dont wanna pay for it through the nose..you wanat a mid range denon...the comonenet is just amazing on say a 2900 series!!!
almost as good as what i use the same player for in sdi!!!
just the best...
sorry poepl i knwo thsi is a oppo thread but then again i own both (in differnt rooms!!!) but one is better than the other,,,but then again the oppo offers other things taht the denon does not!!

Martin

Originally posted by Josh Z
SDI doesn't bypass the MPEG decoder. SDI, DVI, and HDMI all take the video signal directly from the MPEG decoder and deliver it to the display (or scaler), bypassing the digital-to-analog conversion. The MPEG decoder is still a crucial part of any DVD player's design.

I'm sorry, I meant to say it bypasses the video dac, and comes directly off the mpeg decoder; duh. Thanks. Regarding DVI vs SDI, SDI is best for dvd because it's closest to what's stored on the disc (8bit 4:2:0 is output as 4:2:2). DVI is 8bit 4:4:4, HDMI offers 12bit which is great for new HD video formats but not much use for DVD (except as a DVi look alike with audio). DVI/HDMI has HDCP copy protection when the disc is copy protected which means it'll only work if all the path is HDCP compatible including the scaler and the display (thanks cybersoga).

Anyway, Josh is right about the mpeg decoder issue, but I maintain that SDI is the purer vehicle for good ole 8 bit dvd. Sorry to hijack this thread; just had to respond to Josh's inference that SDI and DVI were equivalent.

Ted

HDMI offers 12bit which is great for new HD video formats but not much use for DVD (except as a DVi look alike with audio)

Not true. This is the preferred method since 10 and 12 bit video processing essentially eliminates the banding typical of 8 bit video processing. It is easily demonstrated when you see it too.

more bandwith with hdmi...

thnak you tedb for the specs on dvi and sdi!!! it is a nice thing to know...

i also knew abou the analog to digital bupasses that sdi brings to the table...but again if this is done properly it shouldnt be a problem...but then again some players butcher this whole process and give everyone a headeach when watching movies!!!

anyhow

Martin

Like i said before, is the oppo capable of multi video out??like 48oi to scaler to display and dvi to display at same time???talk about heaven in pixeland!!!lol

Anyway, i have tested several disca:shrek2, sharktale, badboys2(awesome video transfer) and i have noticed shimmering effects around long vertical lines and text and very close lines(shrek 2:on shreks womans dress in the brown straps it just seems to turn into a small blob).....but these are very minimal abnormalties that i hope will be fixed with a firmware.

In the end,i still would recommend the oppo without hesitation and compared to my momo its PQ still outshines the momo....in my first post i stated that the oppo didnt blow away the momo...well i could be wrong as everytime i put a dvd in that i have not watched on the momo but really studied on the momo, i find myself amazed at the oppos clarity , sharpness and depth of field!!!! I mean wow, are there any denon owners who have both who could post there observations on the 2 players side by side???I guess thats a different thread..........
ps-One thing the oppo does blow away the momo in is sound clarity.......not to mention that the remote does not interfere with my pioneer elite receiver.....I guess im pretty ghey for this player...haha

Originally posted by ted_b
Please search this thread, and you'll see in dozens of posts that the Oppo DVD player is DVI ONLY (as far as progressive/scaling/upconverting). The component output is simply 480i. It doesn't compare to other component outs of other DVD players...cuz all of them scale to 480p at least....period. If you need a component out source, don't buy the Oppo. Conversely, if you need a DVI player, the Oppo is hard to beat at $199...very hard.

Ted

If I only need 480i, doesn't the Oppo player's performance stand out above the competition still?

Or are you saying that the Oppo's 480i performance is less than similarly priced competitors?......

(I don't care about 480p as my TV doesn't support it)

Originally posted by dr150
If I only need 480i, doesn't the Oppo player's performance stand out above the competition still?

Or are you saying that the Oppo's 480i performance is less than similarly priced competitors? I'd say the Oppo's 480i component performance currently levels with the competition. In it's favor, it has zero chroma bug, a seamless layer change, extremely fast menu navigation, PAL support with PAL to NTSC conversion, and plays all kinds of disks, including DVD-Audio. However, the color saturation is a little too high on red and green, and it does not pass blacker-than-black (not an issue on digital display panels because it doesn't crush above-black). Oppo may be able to fix those problems via firmware - then 480i component performance might stand out above the competition.

Gary

Originally posted by GSB:

However, the color saturation is a little too high on red and green, and it does not pass blacker-than-black (not an issue on digital display panels because it doesn't crush above-black). Oppo may be able to fix those problems via firmware - then it might stand out above the competition.



WOW......I thought this player passed blacker than black......i just calibrated it with DVE and had to set the brightness via player to +2 to get it to pass but it did....are you saying that it wont pass BTB in 480i only??? Please explain, thanks

Originally posted by deez
Originally posted by GSB:

However, the color saturation is a little too high on red and green, and it does not pass blacker-than-black (not an issue on digital display panels because it doesn't crush above-black). Oppo may be able to fix those problems via firmware - then it might stand out above the competition.



WOW......I thought this player passed blacker than black......i just calibrated it with DVE and had to set the brightness via player to +2 to get it to pass but it did....are you saying that it wont pass BTB in 480i only??? Please explain, thanks

It wont pass BTB via component, Pases BTB on DVI

cheers

cool.......i must say that OTB the OPPO's colors seemed more "Eye-Popping??" And now that i have it set up via DVE it is not as eye popping but seems more real i guess would be the words for it ?? anyone else experience this?

Out of the box, the picture over DVI could be "eye-popping", or it could be a little dull - it depends entirely on the setup of your display.

For the best results, and before making any player comparisons, you must calibrate your display to each player's output. An ISF calibration is, of course, the best way to get everything spot-on. But if you're doing it yourself, the most essential calibrations, using Avia or DVE test-patterns, are: gamma, D65 gray-scale, contrast (white-level), brightness (black-level), color saturation and hue. Then you could experiment with the other display "enhancements", like MPEG NR, sharpness, etc. I always turn them off.

The reason? We are aiming for film-like accuracy, with smooth, yet highly detailed images. The picture will not scream with TORCH-MODE vibrancy, boosted gamma, artificial sharpening, and over-saturated colors (all of which look unnatural, and add artifacts to the image).

As you evaluate your results by playing your favorite DVD’s, always bear in mind that image artifacts, banding, over-sharpening, over-saturated color, and color casts (e.g. Matrix=green), may be recorded in the source material (intentionally or unintentionally), so view a bunch of good quality movies to establish an average. Look particularly for scenes and skin-tones that are lit with bright daylight around midday.

For a list of "reference grade" DVD's to evaluate your player, see this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=372989). Bad DVD transfers get voted off the list. That includes DVD's with distracting compression artifacts (like macroblocking), edge enhancement, noise, etc.

Gary

Use What Dreams May Come to set color saturation ;)

While individual results will vary from display to display (depends upon the internal sub-whatever settings of the display) I find that the center of each of the Oppo's settings (except sharpness) to be optimum.

Paul

Originally posted by whitefox
Just got mine in last week. Enjoying the hell out of it. However, when viewing divx files of 4:3 material (tv shows) thru DVI at 720/1080, I see the material gets stretched. Switching to WIDE/SQZ does nothing to fix this. Could this be added to Oppo's wishlist? I'd like to be able to see divx 4:3 mateial without things getting stretched. Btw, my display is Panny AE500.

Ok, with divx/xvid files, I see that switching to 480p fixes this problem. With my Panny AE500, if I switch to 720/1080, then I can't select 4:3 mode on the projector. I can only switch when I have 480p active on the player.

However, I'd like to see a firmware that addresses and updates divx support. I see that when I fast-forward and then hit play, sound is off. I have to hit pause and then unpause to get sound back. Also, I see overscan on the divx image. I watch some fansubs and I could see subs being cut off at times.

As with my Panasonic LCD display, at 1080i the display locks into wide mode.

Paul

Originally posted by whitefox
Ok, with divx/xvid files, I see that switching to 480p fixes this problem. With my Panny AE500, if I switch to 720/1080, then I can't select 4:3 mode on the projector. I can only switch when I have 480p active on the player.

However, I'd like to see a firmware that addresses and updates divx support. I see that when I fast-forward and then hit play, sound is off. I have to hit pause and then unpause to get sound back. Also, I see overscan on the divx image. I watch some fansubs and I could see subs being cut off at times. OK, I've noted these, but I need clarification...

Overscan is a display issue - the whole image is sent to the display, but some of that image is hidden by the physical edges of the display. On a projector, you must mean pixel-cropping. If that is the case, what resolution is the Divx file? Is it an unusual resolution, not supported by the Oppo, or are all Divx files being cropped?

Please could you provide more detail, and examples if possible, to make it easier for Oppo Digital to reproduce the problem. Also, I don't know how fansubs work. Are you sure its the player cropping them, or could it be bad subs? Are the subs contained as text for the player to superimpose, or are they already superimposed on the Divx image? Can you provide an internet link to a small demo Divx file that has such subs?

Gary

For those who may be interested, I asked Oppo Digital if they planned to produce of version of their excellent DVD player that is capable of progressive output (480p) over component. For all its qualities now via DVI, I need the ability to do 480p over component which requires a hardware change. I received the following reply:

"Our parent company has over 20 DVD player models so the original design of the OPDV971H was intended to support upscaling via DVI only as a special model. Yes it was an "oversight" that we plan to correct in our upgrade version of the player which is scheduled to release in 2H05. You are right it has to be done via hardware changes. "

In the mean time, you may be interested in Oppo's other little player, the DVD-DL317 Mini DVD Home Theatre system (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdl317.html), complete with small speakers and 480i and 480p component out.

I tested it myself, and it worked extremely well. It is a compact top-loader, designed for a small space like a bedroom, but it did exceptionally well when connected to my main theatre system. It uses the same high-quality audio DAC and the same Mediatek MPEG decoder chip with no chroma bug, a seamless layer change, extremely fast menu navigation, PAL support with PAL to NTSC conversion, and plays all kinds of disks. It has digital and analog audio outputs, DTS and DD5.1 decoding.

Gary

Originally posted by GSB
OK, I've noted these, but I need clarification...

Overscan is a display issue - the whole image is sent to the display, but some of that image is hidden by the physical edges of the display. On a projector, you must mean pixel-cropping. If that is the case, what resolution is the Divx file? Is it an unusual resolution, not supported by the Oppo, or are all Divx files being cropped?

Please could you provide more detail, and examples if possible, to make it easier for Oppo Digital to reproduce the problem. Also, I don't know how fansubs work. Are you sure its the player cropping them, or could it be bad subs? Are the subs contained as text for the player to superimpose, or are they already superimposed on the Divx image? Can you provide an internet link to a small demo Divx file that has such subs?

Gary

The subs are superimposed (burned on) with the image. I don't have anything small to show; I'll see if I can edit the video down to something manageable. I'm still checking it out with other files to see if it's just these particular files or if I see this on all. I don't know much about pixel cropping so I' m not sure if there's something I can do to improve the image or not.

How wee the speakers in the all in one? Given their price range etc. of course.

BB

Hmmm... I'm at a friend's house right now setting up this player to his tv and was testing a few discs.

I thought I read this player is regionless out of the box... or is there a hack?

Playing my region 3 discs, all it says is wrong region and won't play. Or was I wrong? Thanks for any ideas!

The latest shipment of units are not. My unit came region free 4/15 timeframe. To change to region free mode do this:

• Press Setup on remote control to access the setup page
• Enter 9210 on the remote
• A secret menu will pop up
• Select 0 to 6 in region code (0 is region free)
• Press Setup on remote again to exit

I ordered my Oppo on Saturday, through Amazon.com, with Standard Shipping.
This evening I received a FedEx Ground Pre-Shipment email notice, with a delivery date of May 9th.

So far, so good!

Originally posted by LiteUp!
The latest shipment of units are not. My unit came region free 4/15 timeframe. To change to region free mode do this:

• Press Setup on remote control to access the setup page
• Enter 9210 on the remote
• A secret menu will pop up
• Select 0 to 6 in region code (0 is region free)
• Press Setup on remote again to exit

LiteUp! thanks for the blazing fast reply.

I was on the way out of his house and just remembered to test the region free capability. I didn't have time to go surfing through the thread again...

I got it fixed and he's watching the korean animated film Strange Days as we speak.

Thanks again!

Originally posted by GSB:

Out of the box, the picture over DVI could be "eye-popping", or it could be a little dull - it depends entirely on the setup of your display.


Thank you for the info.........Im well aware of the this fact and I too am looking for realistic film-like images which im happy to report this player delivers.......i have calibrated my display with DVE and i feel im close to 6500k(allthough soon i will be sure) and my color decoder is within 3%.....now it took me about an hour to recalibrate my display but it was worth it!!1and guess what??my brightness is at 51 and my contrast is at 15!!!!

man im loving this player and soon i will have my geffen switche and i plan to do a more thorough comparison between the momo and the oppo but i allready know the oppo has a way better picture and the more i use the higher my regard for it goes up...

Hi GSB-

OK, I've noted these, but I need clarification...

This was about DivX files still playing with bad AR. I was suspicious of this statement about the firmware upgrade from the beginning:

Supports multiple aspect ratios for DivX AVI files, including: 720x480, 720x576, 704x480 704x576, 352x240 and 352x288

This seems to imply that the Oppo people think that AVIs get resized as do DVDs (16:9 or 4:3), whereas they are usually 1:1 and should only get scaled. All resolutions should be supported. I never had this problem with the Bravo D1, and every other Mediatek based DVD/MPEG-4 player out there does it right. So, 1.33:1 AVIs (such as, for example, 512x384 or 640x480) over DVI 720p (in my case) in WIDE or WIDE/SQZ mode are being stretched horizontally to fill the widescreen Samsung DLP, making everyone look fat and short. They should have pillar bars. 2.35:1 AVIs (such as, for example, 640x272) are stretched vertically to fill the screen making everyone look tall and thin, whereas bars should be set above and below to maintain AR. The only ones that play with correct AR are the ones meant to fill the screen, such as those at 640x352.

As mentioned earlier, there is a workaround for 1.33:1 AVIs, but I have yet to find one for 2.35:1 AVIs. The new firmware upgrade did nothing to improve AVI playback, and for many of the AVIs in my collection it's pretty much useless. I appreciate the work Oppo has done and is doing to improve the player, but the AVI bad AR situation still needs more work.

Hi I watch PAL dvd's on a projector.

Sync Subtitle to Frame Bug

Although Kris tested this, I wonder how it can be that with pal discs this seems to be not working correct, I can clearly see it. (Is this a consequence of 2:2 pull down failing?)

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

Aware of the 2:2 pull down bug, I wonder what is it that requires a hardware change since many other players have an "auto x" mode that enables 2:2 pulldown in the genesis chip.

For PAL countries the 2:2 seems a requirement (and the 971 would score even better!)



PAL

Originally posted by chirpie
I got it fixed and he's watching the korean animated film Strange Days as we speak.

I believe you mean "Wonderful Days".

"Strange Days" is a live-action film starring Ralph Fiennes.

Originally posted by Josh Z
I believe you mean "Wonderful Days".

"Strange Days" is a live-action film starring Ralph Fiennes.

LOL, yeah, Wonderful Days. Well, it's been almost two years since I saw it.

Still am impressed by how little that movie was made for.

Originally posted by vjren
Hi I watch PAL dvd's on a projector.

Sync Subtitle to Frame Bug

Although Kris tested this, I wonder how it can be that with pal discs this seems to be not working correct, I can clearly see it. (Is this a consequence of 2:2 pull down failing?)

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

Aware of the 2:2 pull down bug, I wonder what is it that requires a hardware change since many other players have an "auto x" mode that enables 2:2 pulldown in the genesis chip.

For PAL countries the 2:2 seems a requirement (and the 971 would score even better!)



PAL

2:2 is a requirement for PAL most of the time. The subtitle issue is probably because of the lack of 2:2 support. Those subtitles have to be de-interlaced as well. The MPEG decoder can start and stop them at the appropriate frame but they still have to be shown in the same cadence as the film.

Ok thanks Kris,

Now with your understanding of the genesis, could it be that 2:2 is still possible on chip like other models have too (denon and panasonic) or is it a legit statement that it needs hardware changes?

(Like do you need to enable a pin on the genesis from the outside instead of controlling a register on chip, thus making it impossible)

Otherwise we could render this model unsuited for PAL countries (although it does look very good IMO)

I do not know if that is possible by a software update but it would be although, like S97, Oppo includes a function of adjustment like the mosquito NR to improve bad transfer DVD.

Originally posted by Brandon B
How wee the speakers in the all in one? Given their price range etc. of course. Click the link I gave. It shows the left/right speakers and the sub-woofer. The speakers stand about 15-18" high, so sound output is a little limited, but not bad for a bedroom. Connected to a receiver and external speakers, the sound is awesome - through either the digital or analog connections.

Gary

Originally posted by manono
This seems to imply that the Oppo people think that AVIs get resized as do DVDs (16:9 or 4:3), whereas they are usually 1:1 and should only get scaled. Thanks, I'll let Oppo know. Please be aware that their work on the zooms and AVI support was cut short by people getting impatient for the last upgrade. The DVD zooms interact with the AVI zooms, making it really tricky for the engineers to fix.

Gary

Ok-I love my Oppo, but it I'm having a problem with it that is really frustrating me. I'm posting to see if anyone else has the same problem, and possibly knows why it's doing this.

Ok, just so everyone knows, this started when I upgraded to the newest firmware (April 13 ver.). So, I'm fairly certain thats the reason, but just want to get some feedback to make sure.

What happens is when I turn it on and push the tray eject button, it closes the tray just a couple seconds after opening (almost lost a finger a couple of times :D ). Then the screen goes blank and the unit is unresponsive. My only fix for now has been to madly try and put in the movie I want to watch and then restart it with the movie in there-then it loads and plays fine. This problem seems to be intermittent, but occurs a majority of the time I try and put a disc in.

Help!?

Originally posted by mlogan24
Ok-I love my Oppo, but it I'm having a problem with it that is really frustrating me. I'm posting to see if anyone else has the same problem, and possibly knows why it's doing this.

Ok, just so everyone knows, this started when I upgraded to the newest firmware (April 13 ver.). So, I'm fairly certain thats the reason, but just want to get some feedback to make sure.

What happens is when I turn it on and push the tray eject button, it closes the tray just a couple seconds after opening (almost lost a finger a couple of times :D ). Then the screen goes blank and the unit is unresponsive. My only fix for now has been to madly try and put in the movie I want to watch and then restart it with the movie in there-then it loads and plays fine. This problem seems to be intermittent, but occurs a majority of the time I try and put a disc in.

Help!?

Go back a couple pages and there is a new firmware that fixes this problem. It was discussed in this thread- did you read the thread or do a search?

Wes

Originally posted by mlogan24
Ok-I love my Oppo, but it I'm having a problem with it that is really frustrating me. I'm posting to see if anyone else has the same problem, and possibly knows why it's doing this.

Ok, just so everyone knows, this started when I upgraded to the newest firmware (April 13 ver.). So, I'm fairly certain thats the reason, but just want to get some feedback to make sure.

What happens is when I turn it on and push the tray eject button, it closes the tray just a couple seconds after opening (almost lost a finger a couple of times :D ). Then the screen goes blank and the unit is unresponsive. My only fix for now has been to madly try and put in the movie I want to watch and then restart it with the movie in there-then it loads and plays fine. This problem seems to be intermittent, but occurs a majority of the time I try and put a disc in.

Help!?

There is a post a couple of pages back that has the newest (April 24th) firmware. It is simply your update, MINUS the code for the tray. Seems some players are having tray issues and this will fix it (i.e uninstalls the tray codex). Dunno if it's your tray issue they talk about, but I'd check if I were you.

Edit: Oops, beaten by a minute or two...sorry. (It's post #1500 you're looking for, dated 4-29)

Ted

Can the Oppo read MP3s off of a DVD?.......

Good question....lol 4.7 gigs of music but how would it sound??generally , mp3 files sound crappy on cd/dvd players....i just ordered 4x1 dvi switcher from geffen...i hope that i can use it on my non-hdcp dvd players...anyone know if you can go non hdcp on hdcp compliant video switcher?

ps- this oppo continues to delight and amaze me...there is not a better dvd player than this at any price......yea i said it ....lol

Actually mp3's at 320 sound surprisingly good.

Originally posted by GSB
About lip-sync - I've watched many movies in the last few weeks, and not noticed a single case of bad sync until tonight... but then I discovered it wasn't the player!

While watching "The Flight of the Phoenix", I noticed bad sync in the middle of chapter 2, so I replayed the scene over and over, selecting both the DTS and the DD5.1 tracks. The bad lip-sync was perfectly repeatable, so I tried the component and composite connection... it was there too! I tried another player... same thing. The problem is evidently on the DVD (only for a brief section).

The point is: Always check the source thoroughly before you blame the player for lip-sync. Firstly, many movies have voice-overs done in the studio, so the speed and timing of the dialog could be off, and secondly, the soundtrack could be badly synchronized during the DVD transfer process.

Gary

I got my Oppo last week, and while the picture quality has been great, I've been seeing a lot of lip-sync problems. At least 80% of the things I've watched have had very obvious problems. I don't think it's the disks becasue I've watched them before on an old Sony player with no issues.

Some of the disks with problems are Shakespeare in Love, Moulin Rouge, Love Actually, Valmont... the list goes on. Am I doing something wrong or have I got a bad player?

The DVD is hooked up to a Samsung HLP-4674W through DVI, and the audio is going from the 'mixed' audio out into the TV. I've tried stopping and restarting the player but it doesn't seem to make a difference. The sync is out again straight away. Sometimes it just fades in and out of sync on its own.

So far, I've only been able to watch a couple of things all the way through without problems, so obviously the player will have to go back unless there's a solution.

Am I missing something obvious?

I checked the firmware and it has the latest version already installed.

Thanks,

Pete.

I got my Oppos today, three days after ordering it, good job. Good packaging and very nice build for a $200 player.

I am using it with the supplied DVI cable to a Sony Grand Wega 950 XBR RPTV. I checked and it has the latest firmware.

I have a Cambridge Audio Azure player running component, and a non-working Panny RP-82.

The picture is sharper and possibly more saturated than the Azure.

I get 480p in, but it's quite fuzzy. 1080i looks very good, but there 'might' be motion artifacts on some material. The problem is 720p.

On 720p the picture is shifted to the right about two inches and a bit of a blue bar shows on the bottom (could be underscan?). Is there a fix for this?

Am I right in assuming that the DCDi chip won't be working optimally at 1080i because it's not progressive? I would think that 720p is the ideal rez for my set. To my eyes it might have less motion artifacts. It has the same detail as 1080i, but might be slightly softer (not a problem on my set).

Originally posted by petec43
I got my Oppo last week, and while the picture quality has been great, I've been seeing a lot of lip-sync problems. At least 80% of the things I've watched have had very obvious problems. I don't think it's the disks becasue I've watched them before on an old Sony player with no issues.

Pete.

I don't think you have a bad player. About half the CDs I have played on the Oppo have had "slight" lip sync problem. I hit the STOP then PLAY buttons and the problems goes away and typically for the rest of the movie.

My NeuNeo HVD208 did not exhibit this problem (though its image quality is not in the same class as the Oppo).

For me, I am not sweating the lip-sync problem. It is easy to clear. I would prefer that it is not attributed to just poorly mastered material. My hunch is this is a problem that can be addressed through a firmware fix (IMHO). I would rather that Oppo had some awareness of the issue and eventually provided a patch for it.

Cheers,
Mark

Originally posted by tuckers
I got my Oppos today, three days after ordering it, good job. Good packaging and very nice build for a $200 player.

I am using it with the supplied DVI cable to a Sony Grand Wega 950 XBR RPTV. I checked and it has the latest firmware.

I have a Cambridge Audio Azure player running component, and a non-working Panny RP-82.

The picture is sharper and possibly more saturated than the Azure.

I get 480p in, but it's quite fuzzy. 1080i looks very good, but there 'might' be motion artifacts on some material. The problem is 720p.

On 720p the picture is shifted to the right about two inches and a bit of a blue bar shows on the bottom (could be underscan?). Is there a fix for this?

Am I right in assuming that the DCDi chip won't be working optimally at 1080i because it's not progressive? I would think that 720p is the ideal rez for my set. To my eyes it might have less motion artifacts. It has the same detail as 1080i, but might be slightly softer (not a problem on my set).

On most displays, especially analog ones (like my Runco pj) one needs to realign with timings that are new. On my 720p setup the picture was significantly shifted left and I needed to use an alignment pattern (Avia, DVE) to shift and do slight blanking. No big deal, but if you have no other "memories" then other inputs, like your cable picture may now be geometrically/aligned wrong.

Ted

Originally posted by tuckers
Am I right in assuming that the DCDi chip won't be working optimally at 1080i because it's not progressive?

Yes and no. In order to upscale a DVD image to 1080i, the signal has to be deinterlaced, scaled, and then re-interlaced. The scaling process is performed on whole frames, not individual fields.

Originally posted by deez
i just ordered 4x1 dvi switcher from geffen...i hope that i can use it on my non-hdcp dvd players...anyone know if you can go non hdcp on hdcp compliant video switcher?

Yes, it will work just fine. The switcher just passes through the HDCP handshake if it's present, but there's no problem if it's not.

Originally posted by wes nance
Go back a couple pages and there is a new firmware that fixes this problem. It was discussed in this thread- did you read the thread or do a search?

Wes

I have read the thread and I did do a thread specific search for 'tray', but the problem described in that post didn't seem to be exactly what I am experiencing (my player does not completely shut itself down, more like goes into a standby mode-the play and stop buttons remained lit up blue; they don't stay lit when powered down), but after messing with it more, I think my problem is that simple. Thanks for the direction.

What is oppo, return exchange policy?

Yes, it will work just fine. The switcher just passes through the HDCP handshake if it's present, but there's no problem if it's not.


Thanks.......Now with this switcher, I will be all dvi-no hdcp all the way.....well , besides my comcast/motorola box. Now, i just have to get another dvi unit to fill up the 4th spot......lol....cant have an empty hole...haha...bad taste i know...

Originally posted by petec43
I got my Oppo last week, and while the picture quality has been great, I've been seeing a lot of lip-sync problems. At least 80% of the things I've watched have had very obvious problems. I don't think it's the disks becasue I've watched them before on an old Sony player with no issues.

The DVD is hooked up to a Samsung HLP-4674W through DVI, and the audio is going from the 'mixed' audio out into the TV. I've tried stopping and restarting the player but it doesn't seem to make a difference. The sync is out again straight away. Sometimes it just fades in and out of sync on its own.

Am I missing something obvious? Pete, I also have an HLP-4674W. Firstly, did you know that the HLP-4674W has a slight video lag to begin with, so if there is any lag in the source material, or the player, the effect is cumulative. Secondly, if the lip-sync fades in and out on its own, then its not the player. Thirdly, 90% or more of the lip-sync issues I have seen, I can attribute to the DVD. If I play the same scene over again through the composite/component connection, or on another player, I see the issue again. Is it possible that you just never noticed the sync before, but now you're looking out for it?

The point is: Always check the source + display thoroughly before you blame the player for lip-sync.

Gary

Please note that the latest firmware update has addressed this issue by eliminating the variability of the error, and providing an audio delay feature on the analog audio outputs to compensate for any constant delays.

The lip-sync issue we are concerned about, happens intermittently (and very seldom), but once it is triggered, it does NOT correct itself. You can correct it manually by rewinding or stopping the DVD, then resuming play. If you rewind the scene and see it again in the same place, chances are very high that the problem is on the DVD. If the sync problem comes and goes during a movie, the problem is almost guaranteed to be on the DVD (bad voiceovers, etc).

Bear in mind that the brilliant picture an HD set displays when hooked to this player, makes it easier to notice lip-sync problems that you never noticed before. Also, some HD sets, like DLP, have a small video lag that adds to any lag coming from the DVD and player, so the cumulative delays from the DVD, the player, and the display can make lip-sync problems suddenly very obvious.

Please! If you notice a lip-sync problem, you can be a tremendous help if you do two things:

Make absolutely sure that the DVD isn't at fault.
Rewind the scene, and check it carefully... If the bad sync recurs in the same place, it’s probably on the disk. Some DVD's are notorious for bad sync (like "Moulan Rouge" and "Phantom of the Opera"). You can double-check, by playing the scene through the component or composite connection, or trying another player, preferably on the same display. If someone says, "I paused a bunch of times and it went away", that doesn’t help much, because some soundtracks wander in and out of sync all the time. Also keep in mind that DVD "Special Features" are often known to have badly recorded sync.

If the DVD isn't at fault, tell us which DVD and where you saw the problem.
Certain scenes on certain DVD’s tend to trigger such a problem more easily. If the problem was definitely the player, (especially if the problem is fairly repeatable), then please post the DVD title/ chapter/ time. Also mention how you verified that the DVD was not the problem. By the way, you will find lip-sync complaints on nearly every single TV and DVD player thread. Faroudja equipment seems particularly susceptible because it buffers about 4 video frames, which introduces a considerable delay. The OPPO certainly does have a problem, but the broadcast and DVD industry as a whole, is riddled with lip-sync issues. See this site (http://lipfix.com/technical_details.html), which details some of the reasons why. It has a link to an excellent Pixel Instruments white paper (http://www.pixelinstruments.tv/5ProfesArticles/Lip%20Sync%20Errors%20-%20A%20Short%20Tutorial.pdf) on the causes of lip-sync error within the broadcast system. Be sure to read that paper... the problem is far more complex than you would imagine! Our only hope is that HiDef DVD will address this issue, but judging by current HDTV broadcast content, it may continue to be a problem for a long time to come.

Gary

I received my Oppo yesterday 480p and 720p worked fine, but like some others here 1080i has a slowly rolling sync bar. I have a Toshiba 51H83 and was afraid this might happen. I've connected about four other DVI devices to this monitor and had no problems.

I'm curious as to when Oppo may have a fix for this issue. If they were going to address this problem within the next 30 days, I'd keep the player. However on the off chance they can't fix this problem I don't want to get stuck with a player that will not feed my Toshiba at its native resolution. So my dilemma... return and buy again once the problem is solved, or keep it and hope for a fix sometime in the near future.

I have a Zenith 318 and it has a very nice picture at 1080i over component. Despite the rolling picture I'm certain the Oppo is even better yet... especially in regard to PAL to NTSC conversion. The Oppo at 720p DVI can't match the Zenith at 1080i on my set.

Brian C. A.K.A. "CHIP"

I have a Toshiba 51H83 and was afraid this might happen

I have the EXACT same RPTV (Tosh 51H83) and have definitely removed my finger from the trigger on this DVD player, unless this issue is being addressed.

bwcrx, do you see a noticeable improvement from 480P to 720P? I have a Panasonic RP-82 and am currently feeding the Component out at 480P. Tell us if there is a difference with going over the DVI at 480P and 720P?

Also...GSB, any word if this issue is being worked on in the next firmware?

TFADMIN

Wow... I wonder why this rolling line happens with the Toshiba sets? I wonder if it is related to the H83/H84 line problem those sets have for all images?

I am using the Oppo at 1080i via DVI output but am using a DVI to RGB/VGA converter between it and my HDTV.

Guys,
You have to explain something to me. Now don't get me wrong. I ordered this player also. But it hasn't arrived yet. That should happen t'morrow [see previous post]. I'm a little perplexed though. Most of the players that get "high mark" reviews in Secrets are indeed top notch players. I've had both the RP-82 and the XP-30 in my system based on Secrets reviews and I never had any mechanical problems or anything like that with them. I could focus all my attention on simply whether the player was producing the PQ that Secrets said it could.

I just scanned back through the posts in this thread and man.......all I read is about one faulty player after another. I realize that Oppo is doing everything they can to fix the probelms. But shouldn't those things get taken care of BEFORE the unit hits the street? And is it possible that Secrets may have spoken a little too soon about this player. Afterall, it probably produces a great picture in some cases. But I would think that when a player gets a rating like the one Secrets gave this player, it's ability to replicate what the reviewers saw during their review should be the least of our worries.

I guess what I'm asking is: Is the PQ on this player soooo good that it's actually worth putting up with all the mishaps I'm reading about in this thread? Because if it is, that PQ must really be something. Just my thoughts.
Javry

jarvy,

it's been said earlier in this thread, but it needs to be said again.

a majority of people who buy this player will not have any issues or problems that have been reported here. most of the issues are hardware specific (DVI incompatability) or happen randomly (audio sync issues).

the only reason people are being sticklers on the issues that HAVE come up is because this player has been picked apart down to the microscopic level.

this player should fall under normal buying logic. read the reviews, if they're positive, give it a shot. if it doesn't work out for you for one reason or another, take it back.

Javry:

I am very picky and i dont and havent experienced any of the lip-sync issues or macroblocking. This player is as advertised or better....199.00 us for a dvd player that is as close to hd as you will get. IMO, if you were to put all dvd players thru the same amount of scrutiny as the OPPO has been thru(and continues to go thru!!), you would find the same if not more "issues" with those units also. As for the players PQ it is second to none.period. I am continually shocked as to the quality of pictures/film/video this unit reproduces!!!!

When you get your player plug it in and do not focus on all the so called issues with this player...im not minimizing real issues :just ones that arent there....

This is my list of issues that bother me about the oppo:

1. Slight...and i mean slight shimmering.....vertical lines only.
2.That i cant buy 100 of these units and sell them for 1200.00$ each!!!!lol


My advice bro: dont buy one buy 2!!!!llol

Originally posted by deez
Javry:................ IMO, if you were to put all dvd players thru the same amount of scrutiny as the OPPO has been thru(and continues to go thru!!), you would find the same if not more "issues" with those units also. As for the players PQ it is second to none.period. I am continually shocked as to the quality of pictures/film/video this unit reproduces!!!!
..............My advice bro: dont buy one buy 2!!!!llol

Now, Deez.....u d'man! That last statement actually had me crackin up. Seriously though.......both yours and WndrBr3d's points are well taken....and the chill pill has been officially swallowed. Heck, now I can't wait to get the darn thing in here! Ahh we HT nuts....what a fickled crew eh?

.......and since my previously foul attitude has now been adjusted upward, I am shamefully compelled to let my pesterment continue with a few more dumbass questions:

1. Are any of you guys running this unit through an Iscan HD or HD+? I'm just curious as to whether one is even needed.

2. Has anyone compared the unit to the 5910 [A1XV]? I've also heard good and bad about this unit as well....although mostly good.

3 How does 480p on this unit compare to 720p [DVI]? These days I tend to favor 480p over just about anything, eventhough the native on my PJ is 720p.
Javry

F.Y.I. Secrets has posted it's results for the OPPO.

Check hometheaterhifi.com

SCORE: 94 (THRU DVI)

Only the Denon 5910 has a higher score!

Originally posted by JETZ
F.Y.I. Secrets has posted it's results for the OPPO.

Check hometheaterhifi.com

SCORE: 94 (THRU DVI)

Only the Denon 5910 has a higher score!

god damn ur slow. it's like 2 weeks old, LOL

Originally posted by bwcgrx
I received my Oppo yesterday 480p and 720p worked fine, but like some others here 1080i has a slowly rolling sync bar. I have a Toshiba 51H83 and was afraid this might happen. I've connected about four other DVI devices to this monitor and had no problems.

I'm curious as to when Oppo may have a fix for this issue. If they were going to address this problem within the next 30 days, I'd keep the player. However on the off chance they can't fix this problem I don't want to get stuck with a player that will not feed my Toshiba at its native resolution. So my dilemma... return and buy again once the problem is solved, or keep it and hope for a fix sometime in the near future.

I have a Zenith 318 and it has a very nice picture at 1080i over component. Despite the rolling picture I'm certain the Oppo is even better yet... especially in regard to PAL to NTSC conversion. The Oppo at 720p DVI can't match the Zenith at 1080i on my set.

Brian C. A.K.A. "CHIP"

I have the same problem as you (Toshiba 57H83). One thing that I've found is that the OPPO using DVI at 720P on my display, is significantly better than either the Momitsu deluxe or the Zenith 318 upconverted image. That's one of the many reasons why I've decided to hold onto my OPPO. Also, on the Toshiba displays, you may get the jail bar pattern using 1080i (this is not fixable as far as Toshiba is concerned). I too am hoping for a fix.

Originally posted by GSB
The Faroudja lip-sync issue we are concerned about, only happens over DVI, and happens very seldom. It is intermittent and unpredictable. If you can rewind the scene and see it again in the same place, chances are very high that the problem is on the DVD. Test it through the analog connection, or in another player and see.

Bear in mind that the brilliant picture an HD set displays when hooked to this player, makes it easier to notice lip-sync problems that you never noticed before. Also, some HD sets, like DLP, do have a small video lag that adds to any lag coming from the DVD. Do a thorough re-evaluation of the disk and your display before blaming the player.

None of us have conclusively proven that this player is causing the lip-sync issues described in this thread... I have not seen a single post giving a solid example where this issue occurred.

Here is a challenge to everyone:
Please! if you see lip-sync problems, rewind the scene over and over and make absolutely sure that it is not the disk. Play the scene through the component or composite connection, or try another player, preferably on the same display. If the problem was definitely the player, especially if the problem is fairly repeatable, then note the DVD title/ chapter/ time, and post it here.

We cannot get this fixed without adequate proof. And we don't want to blame Oppo for something that isn't their fault. If we can't prove it, I'll have to take it off the defect list.

Gary

OK, I've just had the lip-sync problem again. This time I was watching the 'Beneath The Surface Feature' on 'The Hunt for Red October' DVD. I'm not especially picky, but it's really noticeable. My wife didn't know anything about the lip sync problems and the first thing she said when she watched the first DVD I put into the OPPO (Moulin Rouge) was 'why doesn't the sound match up?' I hope I've just got a bad player, becasue other than this issue I love it.

I switched to SVIDEO and the sound is fine. I also watched the same DVDs on a laptop though the PC input of the 4674 and the sound is perfect on that too, so I really don't think it's the discs themselves or even the TV.

Pete.

Originally posted by VideoInSF
I have the same problem as you (Toshiba 57H83). One thing that I've found is that the OPPO using DVI at 720P on my display, is significantly better than either the Momitsu deluxe or the Zenith 318 upconverted image. That's one of the many reasons why I've decided to hold onto my OPPO. Also, on the Toshiba displays, you may get the jail bar pattern using 1080i (this is not fixable as far as Toshiba is concerned). I too am hoping for a fix.

I have that same problem with the Toshiba 50H13. I'm hoping for a 1080i fix in the next firmware because I could see an improvment on my screen at 1080i over 720p even with the picture rolling slowly. I also get jail bars at 720p that I couldn't see at 1080i.

Cliff

I swear I have read about Moulin Rouge lip sync problems with at least a dozen players now???
I gotta go and rent that flick some day just to see for myself.

As for problems, someone will have some with every player regardless of the cost.

Well, I have the center white line problem on my TV just watching SD TV. It's also somewhat noticeable in scenes that have a lot of white in them while playing a DVD over component.

I've heard a lot of talk about jail bars, but I haven't seen them yet, fortunately. ANyway, back to the Oppo, Is there really that much difference from Component 480P to DVI 720P on a Toshiba RPTV?

TFADMIN

I have not noticed any Mits CRT complaints with this player so I did pull the trigger. I will be using it with DVI BUT I may be able to run it also 480i component through an ADS HD1500 1080i scaler. So I am very curious to A/B that set up. If indeed I hit a movie with a sync issue I hope I can kick over to the external converted componet image as a back up. Has anyone ran this unit 480i through the most popular HD+scaler to do a similar comparison?

GB

Okay... I've just this evening calibrated the Oppo to my Toshiba 51H83.

One note, I had to turn up the brightness on the Oppo one notch in order to see the black bars on Avia’s contrast test pattern.

First impressions:

480p: Well it is better than the Zenith 318 here. The zenith has a substantial amount of chroma delay though. I can't say I'm terribly impressed, I really feel that my Kenwood 5700 looks better. I'd put some fault the Toshiba's upconversion which I've come to not like but the Kenwood still looks better at 480p component. Not a very sharp or detailed picture here.

720p: This is more like it. Very close overall to the Zenith at 1080i. I've actually only noticed macroblocking in some of the night scenes in "Incredibles" . I've never really had any real issues with macroblocking on the Toshiba though. There is some edge ringing and jaggies on high contrast, narrow edges. I turned down the detail adjustment on my set all the way which helped to minimize the issue. I'd sum it up and say that the Zenith has the smoother picture and the Oppo has the more vibrant ever so slightly more 3D image.

1080i: I'm quite certain that with the exception of the edge ringing the Oppo with beat the Zenith. I can't say for sure that this is the case though. That big black horizontal bar is way to distracting to make anything other than just a general analysis.

Hopefully this is a problem which can be fixed through firmware.

Brian C. A.K.A. “CHIP”

Originally posted by TFAdmin
I have the EXACT same RPTV (Tosh 51H83) and have definitely removed my finger from the trigger on this DVD player, unless this issue is being addressed.

...GSB, any word if this issue is being worked on in the next firmware? The 1080i issue (with certain displays) is at the top of the defect list. I don't know how simple it will be to fix, therefore I have no idea of the timeline.

Gary

Originally posted by petec43
OK, I've just had the lip-sync problem again. This time I was watching the 'Beneath The Surface Feature' on 'The Hunt for Red October' DVD. I'm not especially picky, but it's really noticeable. My wife didn't know anything about the lip sync problems and the first thing she said when she watched the first DVD I put into the OPPO (Moulin Rouge) was 'why doesn't the sound match up?' I hope I've just got a bad player, becasue other than this issue I love it.

I switched to SVIDEO and the sound is fine. I also watched the same DVDs on a laptop though the PC input of the 4674 and the sound is perfect on that too, so I really don't think it's the discs themselves or even the TV. Pete, the HLP4674 specifies an A/V sync tolerance close to the limit of the broadcast-industry standard. Now see my next post.

Also, did you know that the HLP's DNIe and DNR "features" can add to the delays? Try turning them OFF.

Gary

More important info on lip-sync:

The broadcast-industry standard specification for A/V sync tolerance is often accepted as 60ms (2 frames). In a normal lip-sync situation, that kind of delay is usually not too distracting.

However, many HD displays already specify a tolerance close to that limit. So, when an up-converting player also specifies such a tolerance, and the DVD itself adds another tolerance into the mix, the cumulative effect of all three can be dramatic, pushing the total well over the 60ms standard, and making it much more noticeable.

Currently there is no industry standard to address cumulative effects like this. That should be remedied in the new HD-DVD standards, but SD DVD is doomed to A/V delays. This issue has been noticed on many up-converting player/display combinations, not just the Oppo.

The only fix is to buy a receiver (or player) with an audio delay feature to compensate. But even then, the delays change from one DVD to the next (as many have noticed with "Moulin Rouge"). Perhaps we could ask Oppo to provide a firmware audio delay feature, but I don't know if that is even possible on this player. It may require another hardware memory buffer.

Gary

Originally posted by GSB
Pete, the HLP4674 specifies an A/V sync tolerance close to the limit of the broadcast-industry standard. Now see my next post.

Also, did you know that the HLP's DNIe and DNR "features" can add to the delays? Try turning them OFF.

Gary

I'm sorry, I don't buy that. I'm not talking about delays that are close to any limit or a frame or twos difference. I'm talking about the sound having stopped coming out of the speakers and the actors mouth still being open on the screen. At least half a second delay.

If it's DNIe or DNR realted, why does it work OK when watching the same DVD through the PC input?

I've proved to my own satisfaction that there's a problem with my OPPO. I can only assume that I've got a bad unit because I don't think it's a problem that anybody could live with. It looks like I'm watching badly dubbed foreign movies the whole time.

I'll try re-installing the firmware, and if that doesn't work, I'll send it back for a replacement.

Pete.

Originally posted by petec43
My wife didn't know anything about the lip sync problems and the first thing she said when she watched the first DVD I put into the OPPO (Moulin Rouge) was 'why doesn't the sound match up?'

The DTS track on Moulin Rouge is known to be out of sync with the video. This is a problem with the disc mastering, not the DVD player. Try the Dolby Digital track on the same disc and see if you also have a problem there.

Do these lip sync problems happen with component video connections or just via DVI?

Just got finsihed setting up the Oppo with VE on my Mits WS55315 and I must say I am very impressed. I watched several movies clips including Monster Inc, Star Wars I , II, Top Gun , and Fast & Furious (known as a rough and heavy voice dubbed movie) and I see nothing but perfection. I am using the Coaxial Digital output (always prefered that to optical). I expected to see a soft picture with anti-alaising issues or jaggies but really in contrast I had a very clear and sharp picture without artifacts. Blacks are excellent as this player steam rolled BTB.
I also agree they could have designed a tougher looking tray but I do not see it being an issue. Other than that the design is solid. It does not feel cheap at all. Even in the box the unit is actually stored in a cloth nap sack that has Oppo silk screened on it vs. just plastic or foamy paper. They over glued the new pop up info card on the unit but I left it on there because it will not be seen and years down the road may make a better Ebay picture.
I can only speak for Mits CRT with DVI input on the back. I would think most good CRT projos would yield similar results but I see a few Toshiba people not satisfied. If you are using a Sammy with DVI out (tried it the other day) trash it. This player walks all over it for PQ.
Last... I agree that players are going to get torn on apart on avs no matter what but for $200 this is worth a try. I also recieved it in 3 days.

What could improve this player? I would have paid $249 if it could do 480p, The windows media HD format, photo card reader and lastly an input for component/s-vid/composit and the ability to use its technology to upscale via an aux input on the back (line input). That would have knocked it out of the park!

GB

Greenbud,

So far, I am with you all the way. :)

Copying and pasting the same message to different threads is called spamming, greenbud.

Hmmm.

If you think that your post would be important to members in more than one thread at a time, I'd post it in its'entirely in the most important one, and then link to it in all the others.

Just go back and edit your other posts with the link so as not to piss off the folks who might object for whatever reasons only they know???

Hope that helps with your future postings. :)

I thought the idea was to keep threads merged to focus on topics/reply. There was 2 Oppo threads & a recent DVI output topic so rather than re-type my info or start another thread I posted it to both. What difference does it make? Now I have added a wasted reply OFF TOPIC TO AN OFF TOPIC SPAM COMMENT which wasted space...so this is really not worth bringing up unless your board..no need to reply. I know what spamming is.

GB

greenbud, I enjoyed reading your comments.

Gary

Originally posted by merc
Do these lip sync problems happen with component video connections or just via DVI? Only DVI - its a Faroudja deinterlacing & scaling issue.

Gary

Originally posted by petec43
I'm sorry, I don't buy that. I'm not talking about delays that are close to any limit or a frame or twos difference. I'm talking about the sound having stopped coming out of the speakers and the actors mouth still being open on the screen. At least half a second delay.

I've proved to my own satisfaction that there's a problem with my OPPO. I can only assume that I've got a bad unit because I don't think it's a problem that anybody could live with. It looks like I'm watching badly dubbed foreign movies the whole time.

I'll try re-installing the firmware, and if that doesn't work, I'll send it back for a replacement. Pete, did you properly read the post I recommended? I know that the Oppo contributes to the problem, and a new one isn't going to fix it. The Faroudja processor is known to add video delay when it has to deinterlace and upscale the image. But when you combine that with your DLP's delay, and the known bad sync on the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack, you have a recipe for major lip-sync problems.

As I explained earlier, the 60ms (2 frames) broadcast-industry sync tolerance is not easily noticed in a normal lip-sync situation. But exceed that tolerance, and people immediately begin to notice it.

Half a second delay is an exaggeration. Worst-case Faroudja delay has been measured at around 200ms (less than a quarter second). Still, that is more than 3x the tolerance limit, so it is very easily noticed. The Panasonic S97 has an audio delay feature to compensate, and we hope Oppo can do this with firmware too.

Originally posted by petec43
If it's DNIe or DNR realted, why does it work OK when watching the same DVD through the PC input? DNIe and DNR also add their processing times into the mix, pushing the TV's delay a bit closer to it's spec limit. Because your PC does not introduce any delays, and the DLP delay is within tolerance, the lip-sync is not noticed. But introduce a Faroudja player into the mix, and the delay is immediately noticed, because their tolerances ADD.

Try playing "Moulin Rouge" on a different player, using the component input of your DLP (thus allowing the TV's Faroudja processor to do its work). Connect the audio through a receiver. Turn up the TV's sound too if you like, and listen to the echo... that's Samsung's "fix"... delaying the audio coming out of the TV speakers to compensate. There's even a service-menu setting for sound delay on your TV. That alone, proves conclusively, that your TV does have video delays.

Read the Video delay on the HLN Samsung DLP (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=295677&perpage=20&pagenumber=1) thread, discussing the huge lip-sync issues that Samsung has had with their Faroudja TV's and players! The HLP4674 thread has mentioned this problem numerous times too.

Gary

Where is the best place to purchase the Oppo?

Please read the first post in this thread.

Originally posted by jbaracelona
Where is the best place to purchase the Oppo?

There's only a few choices and they're all listed here: http://www.oppodigital.com/wheretobuy.html

Prices are all the same so take your pick.

Thanks Tom

What could improve this player? I would have paid $249 if it could do 480p, The windows media HD format, photo card reader and lastly an input for component/s-vid/composit and the ability to use its technology to upscale via an aux input on the back (line input). That would have knocked it out of the park!

LOL!!!

Add in a wifi/ehternet for streaming or playing movies from pc and i would go to 399.00$ us no problemo......Tomorrow, i will have my switcher and i planned on doing comparisons between my oppo and momo[momitsu for short]even though i can guarantee that the oppo does indeed blow it away.......there i said it!!!

The streaming thing would be a good one as well:)

Oppo what are you waiting for?

LOL.yea get this done by tomorrow call it the oppo2!

Hi,
We are beta-ing a 4/30 firmware and it seems to resolve the 1080i compatibility issue with certain TV/display.

The general release should within the next few days.

Fantastic news!

On some displays, it does not sync 1080i period! rendering it pretty useless imho.

Thank you extremephono...is anything else new/fixed in this firmware as well?

Originally posted by Extremephono
Hi,
We are beta-ing a 4/30 firmware and it seems to resolve the 1080i compatibility issue with certain TV/display.

The general release should within the next few days.

Well then, there may be hope for me yet! I sure hope this is being tested on a Toshiba though, as their DVI Inputs are pretty finicky, much to my chagrin! :p

TFADMIN

Hello,

The issue, in part, is that the "1080i" signal from the Oppo with previous firmware is actually 540p not 1080i. Some believe these resolutions are one and the same, not true.

My Panasonic display cannot properly handle a 540p signal -- 1080i, no problem. The update results in a true 1080i signal. People who have no issue with 540p may decide to keep the firmware at current levels, people with 1080i needs may be pleasantly surprised. There is a hint of jitter at 1080i now seen with still titles but that issue may vary from display to display and from scene to scene.

Zoom is also improved, the steps work properly now.

Paul

Paul, have you seen any improvement in the 'shimmer' issue with the 4/30 Beta FW?

This is verrry interesting. This could explain the shimmering problem. The signal is still being processed by the sets internal scaler? In my set, the scaler is only bypassed when receiving 1080i. Hmm, does this sound logical? Anyone have the shimmering effect while sending 480p to a 480 native Mits or 720p to a 720 fixed panel?

That's not the problem. I have a 720p native LCD front projector (Sanyo Z2) and I send it 720p from the Oppo. I still see the problem. I posted a link to this a while back with some pics of the issue.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5515784#post5515784

v300v10

I've only started analyzing the 4/30 update. Basically it was to perform a quick check to verify the fix. I should have more information this evening.

GFletch

Very logical, the main reason for my wanting 1080 is because as much as I love the Panasonic TC-22LH1 1080i picture, the display is a bit disappointing at 480i/p. So, everything input into the display gets upconverted to 1080i and visual bliss!

Paul

Just to be certain, the 1080i fix, for me, wasn't to resolve a shimmer problem but basically an issue with the display turning the picture into something that looked like 120p with horrible horizontal resolution.

My take on this is that some displays do discern the difference between 540p and 1080i.

Paul

Originally posted by LiteUp!
That's not the problem. I have a 720p native LCD front projector (Sanyo Z2) and I send it 720p from the Oppo. I still see the problem. I posted a link to this a while back with some pics of the issue.


OK, so scratch that theory. I should have remembered my own observations from last night's comparisons with my Pioneer. The shimmering effect is there with both players. L Snickett being the test disc (The less than stellar single disc version). The shimmering is less pronounced on the Pioneer and I think that's the reason I didn't notice it. The operative word with the Oppo is ENHANCE. Along with enhanced PQ comes enhanced junk when fed junk. Then again that's what you guys have been trying to tell me all along. ;)

Sorry, I was not trying to imply the issues were connected. Rather just asking if the 4/30 release did anything to address the shimmer issue.

Sweet!!!

OPPO's commitment to support is even better than momitsu!!

Anyway, i hope with next fw they give the option to turn of edge enhancement and fix the shimmering issue.....that would pretty much complete the player i think!!

Let us know paul asap my brudder!!!

Agreed. Oppo is doing a bang up job. Working on results.

Paul

hope i get to see my xs955 in 1080i mode soon

This beta release addresses the 1080i signal only. Previously, 1080i wobbled pretty badly on my Samsung DLP, now it is working perfectly.

Nothing else changed, except that the tray-close on power-down feature has been removed due to complaints of random tray closing, and the 1.2x and 1.3x zooms have been unhidden in Wide mode (they were hidden in the last public release, simply because they were, and still are, incomplete).

Gary

Tel me please, 971 firmwares is compatible with BBK 985s? Sombody has try to flash it?
Sorry for my english :)

Hey guys,
Anyone have on of these players hooked up to a hdtv crt(tube) I have been told I would not benefit from this player. Have a Q50 with a 2200 chip
and there is a very noticable difference in the pq in my Toshiba 36hf73. My tv also scales to 1080i. The oppo looks great but all the post are from people who have fixed pixel displays. Had a Samsung hd931 and was not impressed with the pq through the DVI. Too much black crush and most transfers looked to grainy. I was impressed with the computer generated movies though. Just wondered if anyone had any personal experience with this player and a crt. thanks joseph

Originally posted by nothru22
I called renaldow on this in another thread but the Oppo has the SAME EXACT amount of macroblocking as any other player with the 2310 chip in it except the Panasonic S97. If your TV can show it and it bothers you, then it's bad. I tested six DVD players in December on my Hitachi 51 inch CRT RPTV and the macroblocking was identical to the Panasonic S97 (pre-firmware update) and Denon 1910. I did not see macroblocking on the Toshiba V-592 but it did have one of the worst pictures I've ever seen, so I suspect it was faulty (it was like trying to watch a projector in daylight and I couldn't adjust it out.)

I think I know what thread you're talking about, it was on another board right? Where you admitted you had never used an Oppo or seen one function. Right.

From the Secrets Shootout:

When I used my standard A Bug's Life test, the player did show signs of the macroblocking bug but it isn’t as bad as some other players such as the Teac Esoteric UX-1 or Samsung HD-1000.

Yes, there are some issues. Most can be gotten rid of and I think that quote from the review shows that it definitely does not have the same amount of macroblocking as other players. You need to realize that macroblocking is something that is often mastered on the DVD itself and will be there consistantly no matter what player you're using. This is not the player's fault, it is the studio's. We also have very different TV's, the varying technology hides/shows macroblocking differently.

If I were to see the exact same amount of macroblocking on every disc, I may tend to agree with you. But I don't. I see bad discs as bad discs, and good discs with beautiful pics. Other people that have actually used the player are saying the same thing. This player has some issues, but what you're talking about is a relatively minor one.

Anyone have on of these players hooked up to a hdtv crt(tube) I have been told I would not benefit from this player. Have a Q50 with a 2200 chip
and there is a very noticable difference in the pq in my Toshiba 36hf73. My tv also scales to 1080i. The oppo looks great but all the post are from people who have fixed pixel displays. Had a Samsung hd931 and was not impressed with the pq through the DVI. Too much black crush and most transfers looked to grainy. I was impressed with the computer generated movies though. Just wondered if anyone had any personal experience with this player and a crt. thanks josephJoseph,
I am using this player with a CRT based Pioneer 643HD5 HDTV and I am very happy with its' video performance so far. Also, although I do not have a DVI/HDMI input on my HDTV, I am using a DVI to RGB converter between the players(at 1080i)DVI output and my HDTVs RGB/VGA input. When a 1080i signal is recieved, my HDTV just passes it right to the CRTs for display.... and that display is very nice indeed and better than my Denon 1600 at 480p and my Zenith 318 at 1080i(component). Although I didn't do an A/B yet, I'd guess that I would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the Oppo and my Denon 3910 for PQ.

Oh and BTW, CRT HDTVs don't seem to suffer(as much?) from some of the MB issues as other type displays.

The jaggedness seen with certain curved/diagonal lines remains present.

Macroblock enhance is:

1) Display dependent
2) Calibraton dependent
3) Material dependent

A display prone to artifacts (false contouring, for example), coupled with jacked-up display/player settings, coupled with a poorly mastered low bit rate disc is a recipie for easily visible macroblock enhance.

#1 people are going to be stuck with for a while, #3 is the way it is (or wait for a new "special edition remaster"), #2 is something that *can* be addressed: calibrate accurately to DVE or Avia.

Paul

Originally posted by theroys88
Hey guys,
Anyone have on of these players hooked up to a hdtv crt(tube) I have been told I would not benefit from this player. Have a Q50 with a 2200 chip
and there is a very noticable difference in the pq in my Toshiba 36hf73. My tv also scales to 1080i. The oppo looks great but all the post are from people who have fixed pixel displays. Had a Samsung hd931 and was not impressed with the pq through the DVI. Too much black crush and most transfers looked to grainy. I was impressed with the computer generated movies though. Just wondered if anyone had any personal experience with this player and a crt. thanks joseph

I have read this thread since post 1 - thanks for all the helpful info - and as a result, I bought the Oppo with the latest firmware a couple of weeks ago to replace a Bravo D2, the primary attraction over the D2 being a Region Free player out of the box. (Apparently, this will be no longer the case with future Oppo shipments but Region easily adjusted nonetheless.) I have it hooked up via DVI to a Sony 34XBR910, a CRT 1080i capable HDTV. The Bravo D2 PQ was very good. The Oppo PQ is outstanding. :)

Dana

I have only seen flashing pink splotches on Mt. Doom in Chapter 26 of Disc 2 of Return of the King Extended on three players: the Panasonic S97 (firmware 526), the Oppo 971, and the Denon 1910. On all three it was identical, I could've superimposed them over each other. On the Denon 1815, HK 22, HK 25, and on my HTPC Mt. Doom was brown with no signs of movement. Ditto for the sky over the tower of Mordor at the beginning of chapter 22ish.

So far, I have seen some minor if not at all MB on my DVE calibarted diplay[hitachi 57s500] and that was in the beginning of Gladiator during the short orangish-brown background where they were showing text explaining the conquests of the romans during introductions. and it was slight ......so slight that if i didnt know what to look for and i wasn't very close to screen searching for it, it would go unnoticed.

Maybe someone can post the best display and material for this unit.
I do believe even with all the strides in micro-display technology, the good ole crt wins again!!!! hahahahaha

How about blotchy ,uneven skin tones

Saw an earlier post with a Hitachi RPTV (51S500) noting the Oppo was a "terrible match" with the Hitachi @1080i. My experience has been exactly the opposite with a 57S500 + the Oppo hooked up via a cheap (Ebay) 15' DVI cable. Spent a scant 10 minutes doing a cursory calibration with DVE, my only complaint is with the sharpness setting doing unwanted EE. Need to spend additional time finding the right settings between the player and TV sharpness controls. Movies viewed thus far include Incredibles, ATOC, Around the World in 80 Days, and Apollo 13. Admittedly not a ton but I am failing to find any major issues with this player and am very pleased with it, especially given the price.

So for those of you worrying about macroblocking and other issues on their Hitachi RPTV, my advice is to check it out for yourself. If it doesn't work out, Oppo does have a 30 day return policy and there is always Ebay if outside that window.

I just bought one this morning and will be picking it up in Mountain View this afternoon. I have tried many different players, but just can't justify the $$ given the way things are changing. I was alctually looking for another XP 30 when I stumbled across the DVD benchmark review this morning.

Cant wait to plug it into my NEC Plasma.

I have both the XP-30 and the Oppo. Slight edge on PQ for the Oppo as long as you're using DVI and want anything other than 480i. Huge edge to the XP-30 on flexibility and stability. Also, you can get 480p through component.
Javry

Hitachi 57S500 here. Got the Oppo because I was looking for an inexpensive backup dvd player (have a Denon 2900 as my main) and also because it does PAL > NTSC conversion, something my 2900 couldn't do (or not correctly at least, screen is shifted downwards losing a good 10-15% of the screen and any subtitles). Don't have many PAL discs just a recent one I got, Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance by Park Chan Woo, forced to watch it on my PC when I got it last week but with the Oppo I can watch it on my S500 ! =) Its not totally perfect conversion as I noticed some flickering and ghosting (might not be the correct terms but there are picture abnormalities) but its definately watchable and better than losing the bottom of the screen.

Just got it last night and played with it a bit, don't see much of an improvement between 480i and upscaling but wasn't expecting much as I have an analog display. Watched Saving Private Ryan DTS, Collateral, and Kung Fu Hustle so far (region free out out of the box, hell yeah!), all looks really good. Nothing to complain about other than the remoteand the fact that I'd love to buy this for my family and recommend it to friends but they all have older sets w/o DVI =\ Oh and what I've read before concerning the differences between Faroudja and the Silicon Image chipsets seems to be true. Picture is great but seems to lack the depth / 3D feel to the picture my Denon picture puts out. Not saying the picture looks flat but from watching scenes back to back on both the Oppo and Denon, theres something definately different and missing IMHO. CUE aside and some sync problems with subtitles I believe, the 2900 still kicks butt. Lastly, on the audio side, I know its a digital connection (coaxial for both) and its been discussed before but I swear the 2900 puts out a fuller, slightly faster and slightly more detailed sound *shrug* I did notice that with the Oppo, however, dialogue is a bit more clear and understandable.

I've been spoiled by my 2900 and needed another great dvd player for the home but didn't want to spend too much. The Oppo fits the bill exactly.

Originally posted by Nesto
............... Lastly, on the audio side, I know its a digital connection (coaxial for both) and its been discussed before but I swear the 2900 puts out a fuller, slightly faster and slightly more detailed sound *shrug* I did notice that with the ......................

I have the same issue with the Oppo. When it comes to video, both the Oppo and the XP-30 are by and large at the top of the heap. When I switch over to my Esoteric DV-50s, The audio takes a huuuggge step forward. Now, the PQ coming out of the DV-50s ain't no slouch by any means......but in a true tie-breaker, I'd have to give it to the Oppo. However, the comparison is a little unfair to the DV-50s because with the Oppo, I'm going DVI straight from the player to the PJ. With the DV-50s, I have to go component to an HD+ and then DVI to the PJ [the DVI output of the DV-50s is HDCP compliant but the DVI input of the PJ is not and they won't talk to each other]. I keep wondering what the PQ would be if I were going DVI straight from the DV-50s to the PJ.

I haven't tried running the Oppo through the HD+. Has anyone out there tried it yet?
Javry

Sigh....this player is a great buy but because it is so good we have to find something wrong with it...lol

Originally posted by ZDS
Tel me please, 971 firmwares is compatible with BBK 985s? Sombody has try to flash it?
Sorry for my english :)

No and yes.

You can flash Oppo firmware in the BBK 985S BUT your remote control will NOT work properly.

I am working on a merge between the Oppo and BBK firmware, but the setup for Scart interfece and the "Q-Play" are still lost somewhere.

BTW: I have a BBK 985S flashed with a modified Oppo firmware.

BR

javry,

I've run the Oppo through the HD+ to a front projector. This will be a non-informative post because other than saying "it works fine" it's been long enough ago that I can't remember anyting definitive about PQ. I'll hook it up that way again and re-form some opinions.

I've got both the Oppo and a XP-30 with SDI in my rack. I've got an Algolith Mosquito that keeps the Oppo from being my number one player. Which is a shame because I really prefer the operation of the Oppo. The XP30 component>Mosquito>HD+ looks better to my wife and I than XP30 SDI>HD+. XP30 component>Mosquito>HD+ looks better than the Oppo DVI>projector. The Mosquito makes the difference. Our last A/B test was the Oppo over component using the Mosquito to do the A/B switching. The XP30 gets the nod. The Oppo image over component was a little ruddier in flesh tones and slightly less detailed. For example, in Spiderman 2 in the street scene outside the theater the brick and mortar of the buildings were sharper and more defined with the XP30.

How much extra money do you have to spend to get a DVD player with better 480i Picture Quality over component?

What's the next big fix/feature that needs to go to the top of the list?

Sound/picture adjustment or sync?

Paul

Paul, the next big thing that needs to be fixed is a solution to the shimmering problem. I think its the edge enhancement that we need to have the option to turn off?

I've had the Oppo since January, and I'm absolutely loving it, except for this problem.

BTW, I have a Samsung 5674W DLP. (Calibrated with Avia and DVE).

Thanks for all you do for this forum!! You and GBS!

I second that.

Sharpness and shimmering - possibly even related.

Gary

Originally posted by javry
Originally posted by Nesto
... Lastly, on the audio side, I know its a digital connection (coaxial for both) and its been discussed before but I swear the 2900 puts out a fuller, slightly faster and slightly more detailed sound *shrug* I did notice that with the Oppo, however, dialogue is a bit more clear and understandable.
I have the same issue with the Oppo. When it comes to video, both the Oppo and the XP-30 are by and large at the top of the heap. When I switch over to my Esoteric DV-50s, The audio takes a huuuggge step forward. Gentlemen, that is NOT true if you are using your digital audio connections for CD or DVD-Video soundtracks. There will be ABSOLUTELY no difference in sound quality from player to player, unless you accidentally set up one of the players incorrectly. As long as you select "Raw" for the SPDIF output mode, the DVD player does nothing to the digital audio information coming off the disk, except to pass it to the receiver. The receiver is then responsible for decoding, demultiplexing (splitting into separate channels), digital-to-analog conversion (DAC's), bass management, channel delay, and amplification without distortion.

Nothing can happen to the digital signal coming from the player, unless you change the output mode to PCM. A bad optical/coax cable would cause drastic drop-outs, pops, or other catastrophic audio failures. For a fair comparison, make sure the receiver is using the same settings for both players (no DSP modes, etc). Also make sure you select the same audio track on both players - if one is playing DTS and the other DD, obviously there will be a big difference!

As for LPCM tracks, make sure you have set the player to output the highest bit-rate your receiver can support (the Oppo's default is 48kHz, but set it to 96 or 192kHz if your receiver supports it).

The analog audio output is a different story... the player does the decoding, demultiplexing, D-to-A conversion, bass management, channel delay, and preamplification, so there will be a difference from player to player. The Oppo does really well with analog audio, but in a truly high-end listening room, a few players sound better due to more expensive components and superior engineering.

Gary

Originally posted by RuggeroF
No and yes.

You can flash Oppo firmware in the BBK 985S BUT your remote control will NOT work properly.

I am working on a merge between the Oppo and BBK firmware, but the setup for Scart interfece and the "Q-Play" are still lost somewhere.

BTW: I have a BBK 985S flashed with a modified Oppo firmware.

BR

Can you sand me modified firmware? What differencse with original? If original 985 remote control do not work properly, can i use universal RC (kameleon 6)? And fig s nimi s Q-Play & scart, i don't use it.

Best regards ZDS, denis@sakhniro.ru

P.S. Many people from forum.ixbt.com will be grateful for the similar information. You do not visit forum.ixbt.com?

I agree as well....as i have no sync issues........need to keep same adjustments but make off an option as well. When will new firmware be out paul?

I would agree that the shimmer issue is of higher importance since that seems universal to all players.

I have noticed the audio sync issue as well though, so I'm hoping for a fix to that soon. I noticed that the audio is just slightly ahead of the video (I believe I remember reading earlier in this thread that the delay is a byproduct of the Faroudja processing). I’ve been able to get it close by resetting the delay time on my receiver, but that has caused my TV/HDTV audio to be just a hair later than the video now. A setting to buffer the audio output would be outstanding.

Other than that, I couldn’t be happier with this player and am committed to sticking it out based solely on Oppo’s commitment to communicating with its customers and working to make this an even better player.

Cliff

The latest firmware is now available on the Oppo Digital support page.
OPDV971H Hot Fix Release May 7, 2005

OPPO OPDV971H DVI DVD Player Firmware Release Notes
Version: OP971-2-0430 Release Date: May 7, 2005

Dana

If anyone has experienced lip sync problems on their DVD players, please help us all by visiting the thread listed below and contributing your information.
LIP SYNC PROBLEM DATA COLLECTION (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=537705)

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this project. :)

I must be missing something, Where is the Hot fix May 7th update on the Oppo site. It still lists the April firmware update.

Sorry the Browser Cache had to be cleared.

Thanks.

rwestley, look here:

http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_support.html

It is at the top of the page. If you still don't see it, try clearing your browser cache.

Yup, that's the site. Thanks F300!

I could only find it when I went through the Extremephono link.

Does the Oppo have an Audio Lip Sync problem?

Joe,

The Oppo can exhibit an audio synchronization problem. It seems to vary with disc , length of continuously play, pausing and stopping the movie, etc. In my experience it doesn't become ridiculously out of sync (seconds) but just enough to become annoying.

Everyone,

Agreed about shimmering and sharpness.

How about this top three:

1. Shimmering
2. Sharpness/edge enhancement
3. Provision for audio sync

Paul

This firmware works!

My Sammy 5674W can now use 1080i without any problems:)

Thanks Oppo and Extremephono!!

Paul, yes that's the right order, at least for me!

Thanks Paul,
I know you have spent much time in this thread and others. I have a Bravo D1 which produces a great picture as far as I am concerned. I am no expert by any means. My display is a Yamaha LPX500, which is not HDCP. I am also comfortable with it. I am considering purchasing the Oppo as insurance, because it's DVI is also compatible with the Yamaha. I am not sure if has the same type of DVI cable connection as the Bravo. I appreciate all the info. you have contributed to this forum. Thanks again

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
How about this top three:

1. Shimmering
2. Sharpness/edge enhancement
3. Provision for audio sync

Paul

1. Definitely
2. Yes, specifically, either turn off or make adjustable the TrueLife enhancement, as well as the CCS.
3. Yes

Originally posted by jbaracelona
I am not sure if has the same type of DVI cable connection as the Bravo.

Yes, it does. No problem using the same cable.

Thanks Mike

Just an FYI to Toshiba owners out there....

I upgraded my Oppo with the new 1080i hot fix firmware and I now get a excellent 1080i image on my 51H83. No more rolling sync bar!!!

Image is excellent. Going head to head with Zenith now. Still have edge ringing/shimmering, other than that though nice detailed pictures.

One thing I've found is that I've had to increase the brightness and contrast controls on the Oppo itself to keep from having crushed blacks. Most players have no internal level controls so I'm not quite used to having to jockey back and forth between the DVD player controls and the Monitor's controls while calibrating.

I kind of like the idea of the player itself being the baseline and the monitor being adjusted around it. Although having said all that, it is nice to have some adjustment in the player too.

Brian C. A.K.A. "CHIP"

1080i issue with sync resolved...

Now that is what I call fast for a fix!

Samsung TX-P3271HX & TX-P3071WHX

Now if we could just get a fix for the shimmering and verticle edge detail/sharpness I would be one happy man.

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
What's the next big fix/feature that needs to go to the top of the list?

Sound/picture adjustment or sync?

Paul

The %$?%/? shimmering AND the lipsynch issues. I tried to enjoy my second movie with my new Oppo yesterday and I had these two problems BIG TIME with my 4805 PJ !!!

Are these really to be resolved within the next 26 days with the next firmware or if I should call for a RMA right now ?

Did it fix, 1080i no show on sony GW4s?

I still only get link to the 4/13 firmware!!!

anyway, ill wait for next FW because of the edge/shimmering is my main focus of concern......

Can I get help?

Is it possible to record a HD program, then send it to my DVD recorder and make a DVD? Will this work considering the copy protect? I have a Scientific Atlanta 8300 Hd.

If you have no answer, please point me in the right direction please! (I realize this isn't the right forum.)

Thanx in advance.

Originally posted by Cricricri
The %$?%/? shimmering AND the lipsynch issues.
It may be something like EE ... before you know what it is, you never notice it. I don't see the shimmering, but the lip-sync drives me crazy. I would rate this as the highest priority. Possibly once I get my dedicated HT build in our new house, shimmering may be a bigger problem for me. But, right now, the sync issue crops up a few times in many films. I just watched Phantom of the Opera, and it happened 3 or 4 times ... very noticeable. A couple of those times, it took three or four times of stop/start to get it righted. Very frustrating.

I've upgraded to the newest firmware to fix my Toshiba 1080i problem and WOW! Switching to 1080i from 720p was a big step for my display (Tosh 50H13).

At 720p I got:
Jail bars
Lots of obvious macroblocking

1080i cleared all that up and this is now one of the best DVD pictures I have ever seen.

Cliff

It's good to hear that the 1080i signal is working as it should for the Toshiba displays.

One more defect fixed! I'll post the updated list.

Gary

I still hear everyone complaining about lip-sync, but not a single person has offered a solid example where this issue occurred.

If you see it occur in "Phantom of the Opera", or anywhere else, note the chapter and time. Also note which audio track you were listening to (DD2.0/DD5.1/DTS5.1), and make absolutely sure that it is not the disk. Rewind the scene and see if it is repeatable, play it through the component or composite connection, or try another player, preferably on the same display.

Without adequate proof, we cannot get this fixed.

Gary

I'm still learning about these things, but I think the shimmering is related to uneven response in the upper end. If I bring up the Avia Sharpness pattern, I can see (on my 51S500) the rightmost video burst has alternating levels of brightness. Almost exactly every other line is brighter. As I looked at it I thought, this would probably shimmer if it moved horizontally. I started pulling out other DVD players in my home and they all had even intensity in that area. I began to notice with regularity that my set had trouble with the same scenes, but in various degrees. Skyscrapers (hate these damn things on low bitrate movies), the white lines in Count Olaf's coat in L Snicket, Bug's rug in Monster's Inc., the wood texture of the floor in H Potter POA (when the monster book goes after him). These are mostly higher detail vertical lines. I discovered only the Oppo shimmers with these textures. With the other players, the scenes are more like a subdued wavering motion as the camera pans or shifts. This is a lot less annoying because it doesn't draw your attention. Anyone else with similar experiences?

Originally posted by GFletch
I'm still learning about these things, but I think the shimmering is related to uneven response in the upper end. If I bring up the Avia Sharpness pattern, I can see (on my 51S500) the rightmost video burst has alternating levels of brightness. Almost exactly every other line is brighter. Yes, I think you're pretty close. A perfectly vertical high-contast line, when moving, fluctuates between higher and lower brightness levels, supporting your every-other-line theory. That is, every other line on the test-pattern... but it's more like every 3rd or 4th line on a 1280x720 pixel grid. A line that is slightly tilted off the vertical shows vertical stripes of brighter and darker levels. Did you notice the moire in the Avia resolution patterns? It is much more pronounced on the Oppo, and is caused by the same defect.

I already sent photos of these anomalies to Oppo's engineers. Liteup! deserves the credit for the Oppo/Panasonic comparison photos he took, which prompted me to do my own investigations too.

Gary

I updated the defect list and moved it to the end of the thread today.

FIXED:
Vertical edge enhancement from the Mediatek MPEG decoder chip. Sharpness could not be turned "Off".
Shimmering, moiré and jaggedness of vertical lines (caused by the Mediatek chip's vertical edge enhancement).
Audio delay options to compensate for accumulated video delays in the player, the display, and/or the source disk.
Faroudja's "Cross Color Suppression" feature could not be turned OFF via menu.
Faroudja's "TrueLife Detail Enhancement" feature could not be turned OFF via menu.
The angle-mode icon could not be turned OFF via menu.
Support for 540p DVI resolution.
Gary

Was about to purchase Samsung HD941 (and live with the problems) until I started reading about the OPPO. I was interested in SACD/DVD-Audio. Any chance OPPO will add SACD decoding via firmware as they did with DVD-A? Or is that not possible?

Recommendations?

Originally posted by dmcdayton
Any chance OPPO will add SACD decoding via firmware as they did with DVD-A? Or is that not possible? Not possible, I'm afraid.

Gary

Gary, great work on the new Defect List and Wish List. Thanks a million.

I would add HUE adjustment to the Wish List since it is still part of the feature list on the Oppo website, though it is not really important to me personally.

Would it be possible to add X-Y scaling to the feature list, that was offered with the Malata N996 and other Malata players? This was a great feature no one else (except for a Malata clone) has ever offered.

Thanks GSB.

Any future models announced by OPPO with SACD by any chance?

Great work Gary.

What would happen if everything in the Oppo was fixed? A "giant killer" of epic proportions?

Paul

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
What would happen if everything in the Oppo was fixed? A "giant killer" of epic proportions?

Paul

We'd have nothing left to talk about. :D

Gary,

What are the chances of adding custom resolutions for fixed pixel devices (i.e. plasma). 1280x768 would be nice.....

marty

OPPO said the Faroudja chipset is not able to do custom resolutions. Maybe on the next player. . .

Wes

Since I can't burn cd's right now, Oppo sent me a firmware cd to cure the drawer problem. CD arrived in a few days, update went flawlessly as described in the directions, and the drawer closing issue is resolved. Cool.

Anyone getting hum through the sub? Using optical or coax from the digital out, I'm getting humming from my sub which drops out depending on what the player is doing, it's not constant like you'd expect from a ground-loop.

Originally posted by Jack Gilvey
Since I can't burn cd's right now, Oppo sent me a firmware cd to cure the drawer problem. CD arrived in a few days, update went flawlessly as described in the directions, and the drawer closing issue is resolved. Cool.

Anyone getting hum through the sub? Using optical or coax from the digital out, I'm getting humming from my sub which drops out depending on what the player is doing, it's not constant like you'd expect from a ground-loop.

Yes, I am. Although powered subs (and I have two) are always susceptible to ground-loop hum, this one surfaced only when I added the Oppo into the system, and is intermittent, as Jack reports. I am gonna check all the typical culprits but thought I'd post and support Jack in his claim.

Ted

Originally posted by f300v10
rwestley, look here:

http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_support.html

It is at the top of the page. If you still don't see it, try clearing your browser cache.

I looked and only saw latest firmware is april 13th. I went to Oppo digital
and extremephone websites and still could not find it. I got mine last week
and firmware is op971-2-0412. I compared this with a Panasonic S77 and
noticed that it was a bit harsher around the edges of objects against a
bright background. The Pana S77 has menu for type of TV: plasma, LCD,
RPTV which seem to soften these edges on my Sony GWIII LCD RPTV. However, I'm going to keep the Oppo & return the Pana because it is cheaper
and it plays DivX.

my dvd player shut down while flashing. my player doesnt work. what can i do

Originally posted by ginome
my dvd player shut down while flashing. my player doesnt work. what can i do

contact oppo support. you can probably replace it under warranty.

thanxz. i just thought there was a way to rest it to its original settings

I've been reading about the lip sync issues and I'm trying to understad if they are more frequent if you scale the image to 720 or 1080 over the DVI and less so if you only use the Oppo to output a 480/576 progressive signal without scaling it?

I would also add something in the wish list.

The player does not recognize and display some of language names either in the subtitles and audio tracks.

For example, in my R4 Brazilian version of LOTR, the DVD has English, Spanish and Portuguese audio tracks and subtitles. The firmware recognizes and displays "English"and "Spanish", but do not display "Portuguese".

Yes, I am. Although powered subs (and I have two) are always susceptible to ground-loop hum, this one surfaced only when I added the Oppo into the system, and is intermittent, as Jack reports. I am gonna check all the typical culprits but thought I'd post and support Jack in his claim.
Let me know what you find out. Very weird, the hum stops completely when I hit "Pause", or while audio is muted when skipping chapters, picks right back up when play resumes.

What do find your optimum settings are for: brightness, sharpness, color.... on your display. Just curious to see if they are relatively close on different tv's.

BTW, I have a Sony LCD and I'm by far not an expert, but I haven't experienced any of the problems some are describing.....macroblocking, shimmer, etc. Also, my eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be....maybe that's a good thing....:)

Larry

Originally posted by simone
I compared this with a Panasonic S77 and
noticed that it was a bit harsher around the edges of objects against a
bright background.
Hopefully this will be fixed in a forthcoming firmware update. It's really the only remaining issue that makes the Oppo slightly inferior to other Faroujda-based players like the S97/S77, and it should be a simple fix to either disable these features or put them into the menu.

Originally posted by CJayB
I would add HUE adjustment to the Wish List since it is still part of the feature list on the Oppo website, though it is not really important to me personally. OK.
Originally posted by CJayB
Would it be possible to add X-Y scaling to the feature list, that was offered with the Malata N996 and other Malata players? This was a great feature no one else (except for a Malata clone) has ever offered. It may not be possible with the Faroudja chip.

Gary

Originally posted by simone
I looked and only saw latest firmware is april 13th. I went to Oppo digital and extremephone websites and still could not find it. Clear your browser cashe. Here's the link for the latest:
http://www.oppodigital.com/OPPOFirmwareHotFix0430.htm

Gary

Originally posted by ginome
my dvd player shut down while flashing. my player doesnt work. what can i do Flashing an electronic device with new firmware is a touchy process.

WARNING! If you don't follow Oppo's instructions EXACTLY, you could kill the player. There is no reset!

Make sure that the CD you burn is good before you try reflashing the player. Burn at a slow speed to avoid possible problems. If the player reports a problem half-way through, DO NOT POWER OFF. Check the disk (and the instructions) and keep trying until the player has accepted the firmware.

If the player becomes unresponsive, you'll have to contact Oppo. If it was user error, they have no obligation to replace it, but they have been extremely reasonable so far. If you are an electronics wizard you may be able to recover with the method that RuggeroF found, in his post below.

Everybody, please be very careful!

Gary

Originally posted by RuggeroF
The player does not recognize and display some of language names either in the subtitles and audio tracks.

For example, in my R4 Brazilian version of LOTR, the DVD has English, Spanish and Portuguese audio tracks and subtitles. The firmware recognizes and displays "English"and "Spanish", but do not display "Portuguese". Oh dear. I'll add this to the list.

Gary

Originally posted by GSB
Clear your browser cashe. Here's the link for the latest:
http://www.oppodigital.com/OPPOFirmwareHotFix0430.htm

Gary

Thank you Gary for your pointer. It seems that I'm not affected by this hotfix so
I'm going to wait for the next major release. Hopefully, it will correct the harsh edges effects. I should add that the Oppo has more shadow details around
Bruce Willis face in The Fifth Element when he carries the girl to see the priest
the first time, comparing to the Pana S77.

What about Nero Digital decoding on the Oppo? Is it possible through software fixes? I thought that Nero Digital is also MPEG4 like DivX? Maybe
Nero Digital is proprietary MPEG4 format?

I have a HLP5063W and have just read all 86 pages of this thread and initially everyone loved the OPPO 971H. CNet, and Secrets Of Home Theatre rated it great. However, the later pages describe quite a few bugs.

So, is the OPPO971H still the best affordable upconvert to buy, or should I continue to wait until maybe the 2nd gen OPPO or someone else to comeout with a better one than the OPPO971H?

I was ready to order one based on the early pages of this thread, but am now a little reluctant based on the later pages and based on the fact that I can only buy one online.

I know that I can't keep putting off for a better product that may comeout in the near future, so please advise.

Two things to remember Aggie: One is that anything this hot gets picked apart. If you've read some of the Denon threads just as many issues are found in there and those players are far more expensive. It's impossible to produce a product at any price that satisfies every whim for every person. The Oppo offers tremendous value for it's price and the present bugs don't change that. I have ordered one myself. Point two is that we are not very far away from the next-gen disc format breaking and there will be lots of spiffy new players out there that will still play DVD, so a cheaper competent player like the Oppo is perfect until that "Perfect" next-gen player comes along for you.

Originally posted by Xcalibur_255
Two things to remember Aggie: One is that anything this hot gets picked apart. If you've read some of the Denon threads just as many issues are found in there and those players are far more expensive. It's impossible to produce a product at any price that satisfies every whim for every person. The Oppo offers tremendous value for it's price and the present bugs don't change that. I have ordered one myself. Point two is that we are not very far away from the next-gen disc format breaking and there will be lots of spiffy new players out there that will still play DVD, so a cheaper competent player like the Oppo is perfect until that "Perfect" next-gen player comes along for you.

Thanks for the advice!

According to the oppodigital website, the 971H supports DVI-I. I maybe mistaken, but I think my Sammy HLP5063 supports DVI-D.

Am I correct about the Sammy's? Anyone?

If so, then will the OPPO DVI-I work with the DVI-D?

What is the difference between DVI-I and DVI-D or any other DVI types?

I am ready to order an OPPO but need to make sure that it will work with my DLP?

DVI-I has 4 extra pin for component video(Not digital) both cables have the same pin configuration for the digital side of the connector. I am using a DVD-D cable from my OPPO to HDMI of the Benq7700 it works fine.

Not all the bugs you read about are on all the OPPO units, most of these problems only show up on certain projectors. They are PJ specific!!!!! I have had none of the problems(bugs) listed out hear except one, I could not sync up to my 7700 at 1080I and OPPO sent me within hours a firmware up date that is meant to solve the problem I was having on my PJ. Some other brands have had no 1080I problems.

I found it vary unusually for a company to respond so quickly to problems on so many different projectors with solutions aimed sometimes at specific brands. GREAT job in my book and I hope OPPO can maintain that level of service!!!!!

Originally posted by GSB

WARNING! If you don't follow Oppo's instructions EXACTLY, you could PERMANENTLY kill it. There is no reset!

If it won't flash again, you'll have to contact Oppo. If it was user error, they have no obligation to replace it, but they have been extremely reasonable so far.



Actually you can upload the firmware via serial interface in the last case.

You can find detailed procedure at http://mtz.softpedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=2

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TexasAggie
According to the oppodigital website, the 971H supports DVI-I. I maybe mistaken, but I think my Sammy HLP5063 supports DVI-D.
Am I correct about the Sammy's? Anyone?


I have the Oppo running into my Sammmy HLN5063 and it works great via DVI. Just plug and play so shouldn't worry. I got the Oppo to replace my Bravo D1 and am tremendously pleased. The criticisms such as EE and macroblocking are minor on my system. I've never seen much macroblocking and the EE/sharpness issue is not a huge problem and will hopefully be addressed via firmware in the future.

The one thing to definately be aware of is the warm up issue with Sammy's and the Oppo. It takes a few minutes for the image to stabilize via DVI if turning the player on cold. Oppo can fix this with a capacitor change but I imagine that new units have the fix already (anyone confirm?)

What astonishes me is that there have been 3 new firmware releases since Jan...that's a rarity and shows their commitment to making and supporting a good product. Definately a buy in my mind.

-C

Originally posted by checklst

Not all the bugs you read about are on all the OPPO units, most of these problems only show up on certain projectors. They are PJ specific!!!!! I have had none of the problems(bugs) listed out hear except one, I could not sync up to my 7700 at 1080I and OPPO sent me within hours a firmware up date that is meant to solve the problem I was having on my PJ. Some other brands have had no 1080I problems.

I found it vary unusually for a company to respond so quickly to problems on so many different projectors with solutions aimed sometimes at specific brands. GREAT job in my book and I hope OPPO can maintain that level of service!!!!!

Is anyone using the Oppo with a Panasonic AE700 projector?

Is that a trouble-free combo?

Originally posted by RuggeroF
Actually you can upload the firmware via serial interface...

You can find detailed procedure at http://mtz.softpedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=2 RuggeroF, very interesting, but you have to be an electronics wizard to accomplish the task. Still, it could be a big relief for some.

Gary

Originally posted by TexasAggie
...will the OPPO DVI-I work with the DVI-D? I am ready to order an OPPO but need to make sure that it will work with my DLP? Oppo has published that, even though the connector is DVI-I, the signal is DVI-D only. The Oppo is a great combination for Samsung DLP's, except for macroblocking, which can be minimized by calibrating the set properly.

Gary

Originally posted by clumeng
The one thing to definately be aware of is the warm up issue with Sammy's and the Oppo. It takes a few minutes for the image to stabilize via DVI if turning the player on cold. Oppo can fix this with a capacitor change but I imagine that new units have the fix already (anyone confirm?) All new Oppo's have the hardware fix.

Gary

I am continually amazed at how much heat this thread is geting....every time i check my email i have a response on this thread.

AVWH,

Many people are using this player and the Panasonic S97 with no macroblocking on the Panny AE500/700 and Sanyo Z2/Z3. There is no fear using any Faroudja FLI2310-based player with these projectors. It is a great combination.

Originally posted by AVWH
Is anyone using the Oppo with a Panasonic AE700 projector?

Is that a trouble-free combo?

Originally posted by wensteph
javry,
................. The XP30 component>Mosquito>HD+ looks better to my wife and I than XP30 SDI>HD+. XP30 component>Mosquito>HD+ looks better than the Oppo DVI>projector. The Mosquito makes the difference..............

well, I have to ask: If you had to make a decision between the Oppo and the XP-30, am I correct in assuming you would rather keep the XP-30 than the Oppo? Would you still make the same decision if the Mosquito had DVI/HDMI? I'm just asking because at some point I've got to start narrowing some of this stuff down. It's getting a little crazy.
Javry

Originally posted by Jack Gilvey


Anyone getting hum through the sub? Using optical or coax from the digital out, I'm getting humming from my sub which drops out depending on what the player is doing, it's not constant like you'd expect from a ground-loop.



It is possible that the hum is caused by both Oppo and Subwoofer both not grounded (2-prone AC plug). Without having a proper ground reference, there will be hum.

Originally posted by javry
well, I have to ask: If you had to make a decision between the Oppo and the XP-30, am I correct in assuming you would rather keep the XP-30 than the Oppo? Would you still make the same decision if the Mosquito had DVI/HDMI? I'm just asking because at some point I've got to start narrowing some of this stuff down. It's getting a little crazy.
Javry

One needs to consider the fact that the Oppo has many other benefits, such as seamless layer change and DivX files and that a SDI modded XP-30 and a HD+ costs considerbaly more then the Oppo.

It is possible that the hum is caused by both Oppo and Subwoofer both not grounded (2-prone AC plug). Without having a proper ground reference, there will be hum.
If that were the case, would the hum stop when I hit "Pause"? As I mentioned, I wouldn't expect ground-loop hum to behave like that. It's as if the hum is part of the digital signal sent by the Oppo over Toslink, it mutes when the output is muted.

Originally posted by deez
I am continually amazed at how much heat this thread is geting....every time i check my email i have a response on this thread.

The Oppo performs quite well, doesn't cost much, is getting better and better with each firmware update. Other players might get this much attention, if the manufacturer gave those users as much attention as Oppo is giving us -- but, apparently, they don't.

The Momitsu held some promise as a "volksplayer" and succeeded to some extent, but the Oppo is getting better by leaps and bounds -- and we have a real chance to mold this player into something truly special.

Assuming that Oppo is learning from this experience (and taking notes), their next player could be a real showstopper.

Paul

Yes im sure it will......and i look forward to the next and final firmware......

Originally posted by javry
well, I have to ask: If you had to make a decision between the Oppo and the XP-30, am I correct in assuming you would rather keep the XP-30 than the Oppo? Would you still make the same decision if the Mosquito had DVI/HDMI? I'm just asking because at some point I've got to start narrowing some of this stuff down. It's getting a little crazy.
Javry

I prefer the Oppo, but with the Mosquito the XP-30 offers the better picture mainly because of its color rendition over component. If I did not have a Mosquito I would use the Oppo. If the Mosquito had digital imputs I would use the Oppo.

I'm not really sure what I want to do. My two sources are a D* HDTivo and DVD player. Right now I'm enjoying HD so I watch that more than DVD's. Since the Mosquito is only used for DVD's, that's a fair amount on money sitting there not being used. I sometimes give thought to selling the Mosquito and HD+ to free up funds to get a Dragonfly when its released. That would give me a processor with some of the Mosquito noise reduction ability in a box with digital inputs. I hesitate to sell the HD+ because iScan will have a new model later this year and they usually offer a good upgrade package. There is no doubt that the Mosquito is a great product that definitely gives that last marginal improvement in PQ we all chase. Whether it is worth the cost is the question.

For clarification, the reason I don't run the HDTivo component through the Mosquito is because the HD+ only processes HD signals through the DVI input and I have yet to be able to get 1:1 mapping to my pj over the HD+ analog passthrough output. I know I'm supposed to be able to, but I haven't figured out how.

Originally posted by RLReady
...the lip-sync drives me crazy. I would rate this as the highest priority... the sync issue crops up a few times in many films. I just watched Phantom of the Opera, and it happened 3 or 4 times ... very noticeable. A couple of those times, it took three or four times of stop/start to get it righted. Very frustrating. I rented "Phantom of the Opera" tonight, and selected the only English soundtrack (DD5.1). The lip-sync was indeed bad in a few places, and it seemed to come and go. So I nailed down 2 really bad spots: Time 00:02:11 (auctioneer’s gavel) and 00:13:11 (Minnie Driver yelling at the management). I rewound those scenes over and over, and the bad sync was perfectly repeatable.

So I tried the Oppo's component and composite outputs, with the same display. The sync was identical. Next, I tried the DVD in a Pioneer 480i player with component output, again with the same display. The sync was identical. Lastly, I tried the DVD in a new Broksonic 480i/480p player, connected to an old Toshiba CRT TV. You guessed it… the sync was identical… and it made no difference whether I used the optical audio output to my receiver, or whether I relied on the composite connection to transmit the audio to the TV speakers (along with the video).

Case closed on "Phantom of the Opera". The lip-sync problem is not coming from the Oppo - it’s on the DVD - again!

RLReady, "...three or four times of stop/start..." simply got you to a place on the disk where the sync was OK.

Gary

I cannot get the oppo to connect to the hdmi port on my sony 34xbr960. has anyone gotten this conecction to work with this player, or any digital connection at all to work with this tv?

You probably need to disable HDCP on your TV. Also, make sure you have the latest firmware in your Oppo (0430 release):

http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_support.html

Watch the last two Batman movies and you'll see that Shumaker movies have trouble with voice sync when they do dubovers.

Originally posted by LiteUp!
You probably need to disable HDCP on your TV. Also, make sure you have the latest firmware in your Oppo (0430 release):

http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_support.html

Why would do you have to disable HDCP since according to Oppo:

Q: Does OPDV971H support HDCP compliant digital video displays?
A: Yes, the OPPO OPDV971H does support HDCP compliant displays.

http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_FAQ.htm

Jon.

Posted this question yesterday in a different Oppo thread, but that thread seems to have died off...

So here goes on this much livelier thread:

Was checking out this player on the Extremephono website and saw this feature listed in a table:

" Upsampled digital S/PDIF output"

The table said "YES" for the Oppo, and "NO" for the Denon 1910, 2910, 3910, Samsung 941 and Zenith DVB318. Now, I know all these players can output DD5.1 or DTS 5.1 bitstreams over their S/PDIF, so this must mean something else.

Anyone know what this means?

Here is a link: http://www.extremephono.com/Oppo_DV971.htm

Thanks,

Sooke

When I had the player it had the option of outputting everthing at 96 khz I think, maybe that's what it means.

I believe it is referencing the sampling rate of the digital bitstream. On the Oppo you have the choice of 48 KHz, 96 Khz, and 192 KHz. You should choose the rate that is compatible with your audio receiver/processor and not anything above what your receiver can handle. Also, if the disc is encoded at say 48 KHz, you will only be able to output the same.

Originally posted by MikeK614
I cannot get the oppo to connect to the hdmi port on my sony 34xbr960. has anyone gotten this conecction to work with this player, or any digital connection at all to work with this tv?

Get the newer firmware referred to in LiteUp's post. HDCP is only an issue if the source is HDCP compliant, not the display. An HDCP compliant source will only work with an HDCP compliant display, but if the source is not HDCP, there shouldn't be a problem with the display.

Does an HDCP compliant display TRY to communicate with a non-HDCP source?

It doesn't try to do anything. It's on the receiving end of the HDCP "handshake", so that's why a non-HDCP source will not be a problem.

Thanks Mike.

So, IIUC, the HDCP compliant device only sends out anything at all if the source contacts it first. Right?

Originally posted by Epicurus
I believe it is referencing the sampling rate of the digital bitstream. On the Oppo you have the choice of 48 KHz, 96 Khz, and 192 KHz. You should choose the rate that is compatible with your audio receiver/processor and not anything above what your receiver can handle. Also, if the disc is encoded at say 48 KHz, you will only be able to output the same.

That would be the conventional wisdom.....if their website didn't say "upsampled digital bitstream". The whole reason for the question is that Oppo seems to imply that it has a unique upsampler (says Denon 3910 can't do this) that takes, say, 48k discs and sends out 96k. I will experiment with it tonight, but it could be just a language/translation issue.

Ted

The whole reason for the question is that Oppo seems to imply that it has a unique upsampler (says Denon 3910 can't do this) that takes, say, 48k discs and sends out 96k. I will experiment with it tonight, but it could be just a language/translation issue. In my experience, that upsampling is of variable benefit depending on the system it is used.... Sometimes, no upsampling sounds best anyway?

Originally posted by merc
In my experience, that upsampling is of variable benefit depending on the system it is used.... Sometimes, no upsampling sounds best anyway?

Oh absolutely. There are hundreds of debates about the benefits and downsides of upsampling, oversampling and NOS (non oversampling) DACS. My point was not to debate, just to clarify the question about whether the Oppo even has the capability. If it does, we'll debate it later.:)

Ted

Sounds good Ted.

In the meantime, why on earth does the non-HDCP Oppo have ANY Lip sync problems at all which are not repeatable due to the Disc being played?

Now that's a good topic we need to discuss NOW, IMO. ;)

Originally posted by merc
Thanks Mike.

So, IIUC, the HDCP compliant device only sends out anything at all if the source contacts it first. Right?

I look at it like this. The HDCP source only wants to "talk" to displays that know the secret handshake (HDCP) and no one else. The HDCP display knows the secret handshake, but will talk to anyone and display what it's sent. ;)

So.... does an HDCP Compliant Display... send any backward signals at all, to a source which doesn't ask it to do so?

Anyone know about this stuff... ?