That's surprising, since I purchased the Oppo for use with my Hitachi 57SWX20B and find the picture to be absolutely stunning.

Are you limiting that statement to only RPTVs requiring component input (i.e. no DVI), or is it truly a blanket statement?

I also agree. I originally started with the Panasonic S97 upconverting player and it had too many issues with picture quality. The Oppo is "hands down" the BEST dvd player I've owned! When I asked my question about the Oppo it was intended to be a "tweaking" question. I am continually impressed by the picture I get no matter what setting I use.

Side note: I finally saw the Toshiba HD DVD player in action at the local Best Buy and comparing the picture to what I see using the Oppo with standard dvd's at home, there was nothing that really jumped out at me picture wise. I'm sure using it in my calibrated Home Theater I would see some differences, but not enough to warrant the purchase right now. In fact, I honestly believe that which ever format wins out will become an audiophile upgrade accessory for DVD kind of like DTS is to Dolby Digital.

JesterOC,

Yes, all the Harmony remotes will do what you want. I personally have the 659. It depends on your situation, but it may actually be a better investment than the receiver. I gave my idiot brother my old TV, receiver and speakers when I upgraded my system. Wired it all up, explained how it worked and suggested he get a universal remote to handle the switching. Instead of the harmony I suggested he bought a cheeso one (that still cost quite a bit). In the end they ended up disconnecting the receiver, surround system and ditching the remote because it was "too complicated". I don't want to hijack the Oppo thread with this, but if you have any questions about the Harmony remote feel free to PM me.

Side note: I finally say the Toshiba HD DVD player in action at the local Best Buy and comparing the picture to what I see using the Oppo with standard dvd's at home, there was nothing that really jumped out at me picture wise. I'm sure using it in my calibrated Home Theater I would see some differences, but not enough to warrant the purchase right now. In fact, I honestly believe that which ever format wins out will become an audiophile upgrade accessory for DVD kind of like DTS is to Dolby Digital.

I agree with brinyhenry's statement about the Toshiba HD DVD. Not impressed at all. My Oppo looked better, although I know that they really needed to calibrate the TV. Also, the BB guy told me that he would run it on the Sony, but Toshiba and BB have a contract to only demo the DVD player on a Toshiba HDTV.

The HD-DVD looks stunning, but anything encoded at that resolution will look amazing. One thing to look at when watching a HD-DVD over a DVD is depth of field. Look at objects in the background, rather than mide/foreground. You will see a clear detail difference when you do this (an example is The Last Samurai and the fight sequence where Cruise is on the ground fighting off the samurai. Check out the ferns.)

You will see a clear detail difference when you do this (an example is The Last Samurai and the fight sequence where Cruise is on the ground fighting off the samurai. Check out the ferns.)

Should I try it on my Oppo first? Then check out the HD DVD?

I would. There is a very distinct difference between the two versions of the film. Also check out chapter 3 (I think) where you have shot of the brick walls as Cruise leaves the building. On the OPDV971H the mid and farground is just a muddle of color, whereas the HD-DVD version you can pretty much count each brick.

HD DVD looks best at 1080i, 720p will show very subpar results, and it seems many best buy's have it set at 720p.

I just bought a Samsung DVD HD-860 and Belkin HQ HDMI cable for $200 for the pair.

Based on recommendations here and in the Samsung threads, I have decided to return the Sammy and I purchased the Oppo with inclided DVI <--> HDMI cable for the same price.

Looking forward to it!

Thanks for all of the helpful info here and a very high signal to noise ratio.

I would. There is a very distinct difference between the two versions of the film. Also check out chapter 3 (I think) where you have shot of the brick walls as Cruise leaves the building. On the OPDV971H the mid and farground is just a muddle of color, whereas the HD-DVD version you can pretty much count each brick.

Thanks. If I can get the BB across from my house to play anything but that sad Russell Crow Movie, then I can check it out.

Still, the Oppo will hold us over for a few more years until they are worth the price and the competing formats beat each other up. :cool:

***Edit****Disregard***

Not sure what I did, but a few strands of speaker wire were visable so I took 'em all out and reseated them, I don't use bananas, just the wire stuck in the connectors, and now it's fine. The Matrix just about blew the windows out of MY HOUSE and no PROTECT. Sorry for posting prematurely, I was panic'd
___________________________________________________________

I have a new Oppo as of yesterday. Former DVD was Zenith DVB318.

With the Oppo and no other changes to system, Marantz SR-7500 goes into PROTECT in loud sequences. It didn't do this with the Zenith. I've tried several DVD's, it's the same at least on The Matrix and Domino. Music seems OK, at least I can't turn it up loud enough to make it go into PROTECT. Last night trying to watch Domini, I switched DD/DTS, switched player to 48k/96k/192k. If I played it low enough, it didn't do it. I'm hooked up coax with a quality bluejeanscable new cable, same cable that was on the 318.

What should I look for that could be doing this? I am going to pull the stuff out and look for shorted wire or some such after moving stuff to install the Oppo. I don't know what else to check.

This is a mystery.

Ok, I am brand new to this whole thing so I apologize if my question is "basic".

I am currently in the process of upgrading my home theater system. I have decided on getting the Samsung HLS-5687 that most are raving about. Now that I have decided on what TV I'm getting, I'm moving to the other pieces of equipment I need.

I have read in most places that the Oppo DVD player is the "best", or at least the most highly regarded. I found this thread and after skimming some of the initial pages, I am completely overwhelmed by all of the updates that are listed. Basically I want a DVD player that is going to perform well with my new TV. Can I get the Oppo DVD player and have it perform well out of the box, or am I going to have to try and figure out all of these updates to get it to work. If this is the case, what would others suggest as far as a DVD player that is going to meet my needs.

Thanks so much for the help in advance, this site has been great as I have been researching my new purchases.

Brian

I think it'll be fine "out of the box." Then as you learn, you can experiment, but mine is fine "out of the box" and the default settings are even pretty good. I ran thru the settings menus just to look, but didn't change much. If you have a HDTV that's 16:9 and know how to get video and audio out to your stuff, you'll be fine.

Don't be intimidated by all this "brain dump" stuff. Buy one, plug it in, enjoy.

I think it'll be fine "out of the box." Then as you learn, you can experiment, but mine is fine "out of the box" and the default settings are even pretty good. I ran thru the settings menus just to look, but didn't change much. If you have a HDTV that's 16:9 and know how to get video and audio out to your stuff, you'll be fine.

Don't be intimidated by all this "brain dump" stuff. Buy one, plug it in, enjoy.

Cool, thanks for the tip. I wouldn't mind tweaking it later on, but I want to enjoy the DVD player right away as well.

Brian

I'm thinking about "upgrading" to the Oppo for my Panny AE900 projector.

I've been using my trusty Panny XP-30 DVD player for years, and it has consistently rivaled more expensive players that I've tried.

Will I notice a very large improvement in picture quality with the Oppo via DVI/HDMI vs. the XP-30 via component?

If so, these issues with the Oppo kind of scare me:
1- macroblocking
2- voice synch (or lack thereof)
3- seamless branching problems such as in the beginning of Star Wars (endless loop, right?)

Has anyone encountered these problems with the Oppo paired with the Panny AE900?

Any input would be much appreciated!

I am using the Oppo with the AE900 and I have had great success. No macroblocking, very few voice ysnich problems with the new firmware and the picture is great. The best non HD dvd player for use with the AE900.

Anybody have issues with Toy Story 10th anniversary edition?

(1) I'm getting the angle option icon at several repeating places in the movie when I'm playing with the DTS audio option. I've got the latest firmware with the user operation mod only. (2) When I skip through the FBI warning instead of moving onto the Disney intro, it goes back to the THX moo cow runner.

Just two annoying bugs in a showpiece movie.

The modded fw causes known subtitle and angle icon issues. If you want to get rid se the 0316 fw and put up with the UOPs.

Dave

Subtitle issue already fixed

where would people recommend i go to purchase this dvd player? is there a good website that has it at a reasonable price? thanks for the help.

brian

The HD-DVD looks stunning, but anything encoded at that resolution will look amazing. One thing to look at when watching a HD-DVD over a DVD is depth of field. Look at objects in the background, rather than mide/foreground. You will see a clear detail difference when you do this (an example is The Last Samurai and the fight sequence where Cruise is on the ground fighting off the samurai. Check out the ferns.)

Neuromancer, I definately agree with everything you said. I happen to see a clip of "Batman Begins" which was the first scene with the Batmobile. There was definately more detail that I could see in the road's surface; rocks and cracks in the cement. Although, I do think my Superbit copy of "Spiderman" could compete picturewise with what I saw.

I'm thinking about "upgrading" to the Oppo for my Panny AE900 projector.

I've been using my trusty Panny XP-30 DVD player for years, and it has consistently rivaled more expensive players that I've tried.

Will I notice a very large improvement in picture quality with the Oppo via DVI/HDMI vs. the XP-30 via component?

The XP30 is still a champ. I don't think you'll see a huge difference in terms of picture quality, however the Oppo will give you region-free playback.

I still keep a Denon 1600 (very similar to XP30) as my primary DVD player with the Oppo as secondary.

The XP30 is still a champ. I don't think you'll see a huge difference in terms of picture quality, however the Oppo will give you region-free playback.

I still keep a Denon 1600 (very similar to XP30) as my primary DVD player with the Oppo as secondary.

I agree. I had both players at one time and did A/B comparisons --- the XP-30 was superior.

I'm now using the Toshiba HD-A1 for SD and prefer it to both of these players.

where would people recommend i go to purchase this dvd player? is there a good website that has it at a reasonable price? thanks for the help.

brian

Amazon has it for $199 w/ free shipping and I didn't get charged tax either

Hi all,

I am looking to buy an OPDV971H to feed my IN76 INFOCUS projector.
I live in PAL-land and foud out that the pj delivers a much too soft image when being fed the 576p signal from my cheap DVD player. However, when I switch to 576i the image is A LOT sharper. I don't really know the reason for that.
Can anyone tell me if the 720p signal from the 971H is likely to result in a soft image or will it be razor-sharp in comparison to the result with 576i.

I live in PAL-land and foud out that the pj delivers a much too soft image when being fed the 576p signal from my cheap DVD player. However, when I switch to 576i the image is A LOT sharper. I don't really know the reason for that.

It sounds like your projector has better PAL deinterlacing than the DVD player. Poor deinterlacing can soften the image.

That's surprising, since I purchased the Oppo for use with my Hitachi 57SWX20B and find the picture to be absolutely stunning.

Are you limiting that statement to only RPTVs requiring component input (i.e. no DVI), or is it truly a blanket statement?

- Yes, I was assuming we were talking about a CRT with Component connections only- the Oppo is not very good via its component output...using its DVI output makes a big difference...I have a Zenith DVB318 via Component and Oppo via DVI going into my Samsung DLP- the Oppo produces a much sharper and smoother image- the Zenith looks really 'grainy'....but on my old Toshiba TW40X81 CRT RPTV the Zenith looks better via component compared to the Oppo going into the Tosh via component.

where would people recommend i go to purchase this dvd player? is there a good website that has it at a reasonable price? thanks for the help.

brian

Buying it directly from OppoDigital would be a best bet. They may have refurb unit for less.

Cheers,

- Yes, I was assuming we were talking about a CRT with Component connections only- the Oppo is not very good via its component output...using its DVI output makes a big difference...I have a Zenith DVB318 via Component and Oppo via DVI going into my Samsung DLP- the Oppo produces a much sharper and smoother image- the Zenith looks really 'grainy'....but on my old Toshiba TW40X81 CRT RPTV the Zenith looks better via component compared to the Oppo going into the Tosh via component.

Thanks for the clarification, hsinnnott. A lot of the higher-end RPTVs from the last 3+ years have DVI; I wouldn't want their owners to to dismiss this player out of hand. I absolutely love mine :D

A few random comments from using my new Oppo in the last couple weeks:

Still haven't seen any "judder" on Star Wars, although I did seen some weirdness on a slow pan up while watching "The Village".

In order to see BTB properly with DVE, I have to have Brightness set at +1 on the Oppo. Contrast is set at -1 to see WTW properly.

Another weird thing-I have both DVE and Avia, and I get different end settings while using them. Is it possible one of them is less accurate over HDMI? I notice the DVE disc specifically says NTSC Component on the cover.

Thing do look a tad to light in the black level, but that might because I've been used to crushing blacks a bit on my DV-563A.

Any feedback is welcome.

I've been reading this forum a lot over the last few weeks and just wanted to say thanks guys. I recently purchased the Panny TH42PX60U. When I got the TV I also purchased The Samsung HD950 so called upconverting dvd player. I think the Panny is fantastic. I recently had it ISF calibrated. I was never to happy with the Samsung because I thought the Picture was way to soft. The calibrator from this board mind you said what I my eyes told me all along. He said that I was better off setting the Samsung at 480 and letting the Panny do the scaling. Who wants to hear that they wasted a 150.00. Anyway I got the Oppo yesterday and I must say that this combo is Incredible. With a well calibrated Panny and this player set to 1080i the PQ is excellent. I just finished watching Black Hawk Down, I picked this because it was the first movie I watched on the Samsung. The Oppo performed like a champ just amazing. With that said the Samsung gets put in the closet never to be seen again. Thanks again for bringing this player to light.

Another weird thing-I have both DVE and Avia, and I get different end settings while using them. Is it possible one of them is less accurate over HDMI? I notice the DVE disc specifically says NTSC Component on the cover.

Every device I have ever calibrated using AVIA or DVE give slightly different information in terms of what I get as a final analysis of the test patterns. I find DVE is most accurate (only because there are no quick cheats for changing your settings) but the difference is usually minor, because both produce rather remarkable results.

dt7849,

Welcome to the club.

It seems OPPO is capable to display ID3 tag info when plays MP3 files. Does somebody know how to make it to display cyrillic correctly? Another question, is there possibility to play entire disk or play it entire randomly?

Thanks for the clarification, hsinnnott. A lot of the higher-end RPTVs from the last 3+ years have DVI; I wouldn't want their owners to to dismiss this player out of hand. I absolutely love mine :D

...sorry for initial confusion over my comments...I'd still recommend having the Zenith DVB318 too via component for playing back 'non-anamorphic' DVD's (DVD's that need stretching/zooming)...the zoom on the Oppo is dreadful- the Zenith does it beautifully which is why I have both the Oppo and Zenith both connected to my display.

Every device I have ever calibrated using AVIA or DVE give slightly different information in terms of what I get as a final analysis of the test patterns. I find DVE is most accurate (only because there are no quick cheats for changing your settings) but the difference is usually minor, because both produce rather remarkable results.

On a scale of 1-100, there's about a 5 point difference in brightness on my TV when using the 2 discs. With Avia I might take it down to 42, but with DVE it'smor elike 47-48. To me that's a big difference. And I just had the set ISF'd. Not that it looks bad, but again it just looks a little brighter than I'm used to.

Anyway I'm sure I'll sort it out.

It seems OPPO is capable to display ID3 tag info when plays MP3 files. Does somebody know how to make it to display cyrillic correctly? Another question, is there possibility to play entire disk or play it entire randomly?

I think Andy (the russian modder) has perhaps an answer for your question.
Codepage support needed (CP1251 is the "cyrillic" codepage) to display these letters. (a little programming... I don't know if Andy had solved yet in his FW modd or not)
I have the same problem with the special hungarian letters (CP1250)
BTW english is CP1252 (as I know)

your second question: you mean MP3 playback? then I say: yes
You can change folder/filelist (if you have folders on the disc) with "angle" button, and you can choose playback type with "repeat" button single/repeat one/repeat folder/folder/MP3 shuffle/MP3 random.
But I tested it: it works also e.g. by jpeg-s, avi-s (random)

I agree. I had both players at one time and did A/B comparisons --- the XP-30 was superior.

I'm now using the Toshiba HD-A1 for SD and prefer it to both of these players.

I am chomping at the bit... I sure hope Oppo has a HD player in the works. The new player coming out, won't fit my setup, so the next logical step up is HD. Still too new, so waiting to see if Oppo is going to keep up with the technology. I'm sure it will be worth the wait (within reason).

I am chomping at the bit... I sure hope Oppo has a HD player in the works. The new player coming out, won't fit my setup, so the next logical step up is HD. Still too new, so waiting to see if Oppo is going to keep up with the technology. I'm sure it will be worth the wait (within reason).

Nobody knows who will be "the winner of HD format war" (successor of DVD)
(HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, HD-DivX, HD Wmv or a forthcoming unknown new format)
I think (SD) DVDs can "stay alive" for some time because of the wide range of available videos on DVD (much cheaper than the first HD-DVD videos), the pricing of DVD-Writers, writeable DVD media and "popular" authoring & burning softwares.
You cannot see big differences between upcoverted DVD (1080i, 720p) and HD DVD if you have a smaller LCD TV than 40"
Most people don't have 50" displays for watching HD or upconverted videos.

I think Oppo and the other upconverting DVD players has many advantages (PQ, pricing) and they get some time before the HD-war is over...

I love my Oppo on my 102 inch screen, but by Christmas it will probably get moved to the side for HD DVD. As good as it is, it just can't compete with the higher res players on a large screen. If Oppo made an HD model, I would definitely consider it, but I don't think the odds of that happening are going to be anytime soon.

Nobody knows who will be "the winner of HD format war" (successor of DVD)
(HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, HD-DivX, HD Wmv or a forthcoming unknown new format)
I think (SD) DVDs can "stay alive" for some time because of the wide range of available videos on DVD (much cheaper than the first HD-DVD videos), the pricing of DVD-Writers, writeable DVD media and "popular" authoring & burning softwares.
You cannot see big differences between upcoverted DVD (1080i, 720p) and HD DVD if you have a smaller LCD TV than 40"
Most people don't have 50" displays for watching HD or upconverted videos.

I think Oppo and the other upconverting DVD players has many advantages (PQ, pricing) and they get some time before the HD-war is over...

I'm sure this is a stupid question but can I just use a dvd+r/rw to burn the firmware on? I haven't owned any cd-rs in atleast 3-4years. I never really felt the need to buy any when I have atleast 1000 dvd blanks sitting around.

What does the Power Meter actually tell you?

I don't see that the equilaizer(?) or sound fields actually change anything, do they for you?

What are the little "key" buttons used for that are the top part of the remote?

I'm sure this is a stupid question but can I just use a dvd+r/rw to burn the firmware on? I haven't owned any cd-rs in atleast 3-4years. I never really felt the need to buy any when I have atleast 1000 dvd blanks sitting around.


You need to use cd-r or rw.

You need to use cd-r or rw.

ok, thanks. I guess I'll plan a trip up to Best Buy tomorrow.

ok, thanks. I guess I'll plan a trip up to Best Buy tomorrow.

My local convenience store sells 3-packs of CD-Rs for a few bucks. No need to buy a large batch of blank discs if you're only going to use them for a firmware upgrade or two.

I just got the Samsung HL-S5087 (TVA powerbuy, Thank You!) and the Oppo 971.
I am dissapointed in the macroblocking that I am seeing from the player. Now I find out that this is a known issue with the Sammy. Is there any way to tone it down? I have tried 780p and 1080I and they are both equally bad.
My five year old Panasonic player looks better feeding the Sammy through component than the Oppo does through DVI. :mad:

I have the worlds slowest dial up connection so searching this entire thread would take days.

Thanks

I just got the Samsung HL-S5087 (TVA powerbuy, Thank You!) and the Oppo 971.
I am dissapointed in the macroblocking that I am seeing from the player. Now I find out that this is a known issue with the Sammy. Is there any way to tone it down? I have tried 780p and 1080I and they are both equally bad.
My five year old Panasonic player looks better feeding the Sammy through component than the Oppo does through DVI. :mad:

I have the worlds slowest dial up connection so searching this entire thread would take days.

Thanks

Well, you might try not running in 780p....lol....there is a a lot of info at the beginning of this thread on how to reduce mb on your set..

I am dissapointed in the macroblocking that I am seeing from the player. Now I find out that this is a known issue with the Sammy. Is there any way to tone it down? You need a calibration. I have been able to virtually eliminate the macroblocking bug from both of my Samsung DLP's. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7270763&&#post7270763). Remember, though, that you cannot eliminate macroblocking that is recorded on the DVD.

Gary

I just got the Samsung HL-S5087 (TVA powerbuy, Thank You!) and the Oppo 971.
I am dissapointed in the macroblocking that I am seeing from the player. Now I find out that this is a known issue with the Sammy. Is there any way to tone it down? I have tried 780p and 1080I and they are both equally bad.
My five year old Panasonic player looks better feeding the Sammy through component than the Oppo does through DVI. :mad:

I have the worlds slowest dial up connection so searching this entire thread would take days.

Thanks

You will probably not be able to eliminate the Faroudja FLI23xx macroblocking enhancement problem but might minimize it to acceptability with a calibration. An exchange for an inexpensive player without the Faroudja chip is often the only solution to the problem that some Oppo DV971H owners find. The Oppo player is an easy sell or return if you are within the return period. Although the players haven't gotten great reviews, I like the Zoran Vaddis based inexpensive players as an option. The Samsung DVD-HD950 is my favorite if you want a universal player that avoids Faroudja. The HD950 requires calibration as well, but not to minimize macroblocking, to get color and dark scene detail optimized.

Chris

When calibrating my display, do I adjust the contrast and brightness on my display or on the Oppo or both?

When calibrating my display, do I adjust the contrast and brightness on my display or on the Oppo or both?

It's better to calibrate at the display.

When I calibrate at the display for black level using AVIA, I noticed blotchiness in the white area (right half of the sceen). This blotchiness showed up as small blocks that changed contrast depending on what the black level was set to. I could not get them to go away. Is this macroblocking? I set the contrast using AVIA so that the lightest white bar disappeared and I set the black level so the darkest black bar disappeared. What am I doing wrong or is this acceptable?

This is a myth, and I wish people would stop repeating it. I have a "small" 34" HDTV, but the difference between SD and HD on it is striking...

Jason,

You are right and you are also wrong... :eek:

From a purely technical perspective, the HD image is vastly more detailed. From an aesthetic take, it has in my opinion a disturbing tendency to make film look like video. I have seen a side-by-side of "The Last Samurai" in 720p on the OPPO and in 1080i HD next to it. The greater level of detail in the HD image is readily apparent. To my eye, however, the 720p image at a normal viewing distance was the more appealing rendition.

This is simply a matter of taste. The fact remains that there are a few of us that prefer the upscaled image. Now, I will add that when 1080p becomes available, I may change my tune... :D

-Toonces

HD also stores luma and chroma signals at higher resolutions (960x540) versus DVD at (360x240) which helps give a better perceived punch with HD content.

When I calibrate at the display for black level using AVIA, I noticed blotchiness in the white area (right half of the sceen). This blotchiness showed up as small blocks that changed contrast depending on what the black level was set to. I could not get them to go away. Is this macroblocking? I set the contrast using AVIA so that the lightest white bar disappeared and I set the black level so the darkest black bar disappeared. What am I doing wrong or is this acceptable? You're not telling us what kind of TV you have, or which pattern you are using in Avia (there are quite a few patterns that can be used to set black level and contrast). Nevertheless, Avia was not encoded with blacker-than-black information, so you set the black level so that you can just see both bars. Same for the white bars. The blotchiness could be macroblocking, but it could also be a bit of image retention. Try turning "Truelife" ON and see if that helps.

One more thing - the Avia DVD was created with an older MPEG encoder, which means that the patterns are not as clean as the patterns on DVE, so there is a bit of subtle blotchiness in many of the patterns.

Gary

You will probably not be able to eliminate the Faroudja FLI23xx macroblocking enhancement problem but might minimize it to acceptability with a calibration. An exchange for an inexpensive player without the Faroudja chip is often the only solution to the problem that some Oppo DV971H owners find. The Oppo player is an easy sell or return if you are within the return period. Although the players haven't gotten great reviews, I like the Zoran Vaddis based inexpensive players as an option. The Samsung DVD-HD950 is my favorite if you want a universal player that avoids Faroudja. The HD950 requires calibration as well, but not to minimize macroblocking, to get color and dark scene detail optimized.

Chris
Well I did manage to totally eliminate all signs m-blocking. Bought a Samsung HD860. Order of magnitude better PQ than the Oppo.
I really wanted to like this player and can see where it has great potential as long as it is not hooked to a Sammy DLP. Apparently they don't play well together.

I use the Oppo with an HLN617W Sammy DLP and the picture quality is excellent... to say the least.

heh, I just took back a Samsung HD860 without ever using it, in preference to the Oppo, based on reviews here.

I figured that the Oppo has been rated higher and has a solid following among enthusiasts. And, with a $90 HDMI-HDMI cable, the HD-860 costs as much as the Oppo, so I might as well go with the better rated unit.

My Oppo just arrived, and I only had a few minutes to unpack it and look at it. The level of packaging care and professionalism already gives me more confidence. It is packaged like a premium Apple prodcut, and with both DVI and DVi-HDMI cables, it seems more complete. The remote seems of higher quality manufacture, as well.

I am concerned about this macroblocking issue that everyone talks about. Since I have never seen an example of macroblocking, I'm not sure what to look for.

I will be using it with a Syntax Olevia 42" LCD in 1080i.

heh, I just took back a Samsung HD860 without ever using it, in preference to the Oppo, based on reviews here.

I figured that the Oppo has been rated higher and has a solid following among enthusiasts. And, with a $90 HDMI-HDMI cable, the HD-860 costs as much as the Oppo, so I might as well go with the better rated unit.

My Oppo just arrived, and I only had a few minutes to unpack it and look at it. The level of packaging care and professionalism already gives me more confidence. It is packaged like a premium Apple prodcut, and with both DVI and DVi-HDMI cables, it seems more complete. The remote seems of higher quality manufacture, as well.

I am concerned about this macroblocking issue that everyone talks about. Since I have never seen an example of macroblocking, I'm not sure what to look for.

I will be using it with a Syntax Olevia 42" LCD in 1080i.
I think, and I could be wrong, that the only time one will experience the mblocking enhancement is when the TV also uses a Faroudja chip.
I tried calibrating it out but all I got by the time I eliminated the blocking was an odd looking picture. So for me calibration wasn't a solution just a bandaid.
I just bought a 6' HDMI cable from Monoprice for 23 bucks including 2-day shipping.
They also have a smaller gauge cable for around 6 bucks. Don't get caught up in the fallacy of high priced cables are better.

I am concerned about this macroblocking issue that everyone talks about. Since I have never seen an example of macroblocking, I'm not sure what to look for.

I will be using it with a Syntax Olevia 42" LCD in 1080i.

Macroblocking should be less of an issue with a LCD display. You should mainly concern youself with getting the picture to look good, as your contrast and brightness settings will make or break your experience. I have not used their new line of displays, but their 37" and below units had horrible backlight issues in terms of black reproduction. It took hours just to get the thing to not look too washed out or too dark.

Macroblocking should be less of an issue with a LCD display. You should mainly concern youself with getting the picture to look good, as your contrast and brightness settings will make or break your experience. I have not used their new line of displays, but their 37" and below units had horrible backlight issues in terms of black reproduction. It took hours just to get the thing to not look too washed out or too dark.


Thanks for those informative posts, Aztecian and Neuromancer.

I am new to the HD world, and not much of a videophile. But, I have worked in video stores aand seen a lot of movies on a wide variety of equipment.

The 42" Syntax is apparently vastly superior to the 32" and 37" models. In my own side by side, I had no interest in the 37". But, when I saw the 42" next to the Sony Bravia 40" that I lusted after, my decision was clear.

HDTV programming is spectacular on the 42" and black levels, in my space and to my eye, are just fine.

I'll be setting up my Oppo today, so we'll see what I get out of it. My TV does not have the Faroudja upscaler, so perhaps that will be a moot point for me.

Aztecian, is it getting warm yet in the Four Corners area? Which state are you in? I was in Moab last weekend, and it was awesome.

BoulderGeek -

As long as you run a good calibration across your Olivia (AVIA and DVE are the best pro-sumer grade calibration discs) you should be good yo go.

I think, and I could be wrong, that the only time one will experience the mblocking enhancement is when the TV also uses a Faroudja chip.
I tried calibrating it out but all I got by the time I eliminated the blocking was an odd looking picture. So for me calibration wasn't a solution just a bandaid.
I just bought a 6' HDMI cable from Monoprice for 23 bucks including 2-day shipping.
They also have a smaller gauge cable for around 6 bucks. Don't get caught up in the fallacy of high priced cables are better.

So if I use the Oppo at 1080i with a Westy 42" LCD 1080p display which also uses the Faroudja chip macroblocking will be an issue?

Bought a Samsung HD860. Order of magnitude better PQ than the Oppo I'm glad you like the HD860 and that your macroblocking was solved. But "order of magnitude better PQ"? I'm afraid you've been HAD - smoke and mirrors, I tell you! Yours is a classic case of a sadly uncalibrated display. I have a similar Samsung DLP display, and after calibration, the OPPO walks away with the grand prize.

Gary

jtundrea,

Most displays that have the Faroudja chipset only utilize this feature on the analog inputs. It is likely that you will not have inherent issues with macroblocking with a proper calibration. What I find to be the most bothersome feature of LCDs is their relative lack of contrast control, ghosting and image retention issues.

GSB,

It's "I tells you!". The "s" gives it a nice "salt of the Earth" touch.

I think, and I could be wrong, that the only time one will experience the mblocking enhancement is when the TV also uses a Faroudja chip. This is not true at all. Macroblocking has more to do with bit-depth and dynamic range (the number of digital steps available between black and white). Kris Deering has commented on this before too.

I tried calibrating it out but all I got by the time I eliminated the blocking was an odd looking picture. So for me calibration wasn't a solution just a bandaid. If you were left with "an odd looking picture", then your calibration went awry... it wasn't done properly.

Gary

GSB,

It's "I tells you!". The "s" gives it a nice "salt of the Earth" touch.Aaaah... got it! Man, this is the place to get a REAL education!

Gary

This is not true at all. Macroblocking has more to do with bit-depth and dynamic range (the number of digital steps available between black and white). Kris Deering has commented on this before too.

If you were left with "an odd looking picture", then your calibration went awry... it wasn't done properly.

Gary
I knew someone would bring this up. I am not the only one who found the Oppo unacceptable with the Samsung so take that for what it is worth. I do not have access to a professional calibrator either. I tried using the user accessable settings and It was plain that eliminating the mblocking also degraded the PQ. Maybe I was doing something wrong.
Point is I shouldn't have to stand on my head and pray to the ISF Gods for a decent picture when almost any other up-converting DVD player will outshine the Oppo with no tweaking necessary. Even my five year old Panasonic 480I over component was equal to and maybe even better than the Oppo.
I could definitely see the potential in the Oppo but it wasn't worth the struggle to fit a properly sized bandaid to it. The issue only seems to be with the Samsung DLPs and no other brand. I read in one place that it would only be a problem with an 8 bit conversion. Maybe the Sammy really isn't 10 bit????
I even called Oppo and was told that I could maybe calibrate it out but without a professional available I should just return the unit.

Maybe not, "an order of magnitude better" but good enough that my wife, who thinks I see things that aren't there anyway, commented that the new player looked much better to her than the Oppo.

Aztecian,

Which Samsung set do you have? I can vouch for the HLM, HLN and HLP sets all looking very good with the Oppo. The HLR, HLS and any other "newer" models are the poster children for cost-cutting. I've seen the difference myself and heard it straight from one of the most experienced Samsung authorized serviceman in the country. It's my OPINION that any of the DLP chips that use "wobbulation" are also alot more susceptible to the macroblocking. Again, that's NOT a scientific statement... just my opinion based on a few sets I have seen. For whatever that's worth.

Regs,
Jeff, happy Samsung HLP-5685 and Oppo owner

Aztecian,

Which Samsung set do you have? I can vouch for the HLM, HLN and HLP sets all looking very good with the Oppo. The HLR, HLS and any other "newer" models are the poster children for cost-cutting. I've seen the difference myself and heard it straight from one of the most experienced Samsung authorized serviceman in the country. It's my OPINION that any of the DLP chips that use "wobbulation" are also alot more susceptible to the macroblocking. Again, that's NOT a scientific statement... just my opinion based on a few sets I have seen. For whatever that's worth.

Regs,
Jeff, happy Samsung HLP-5685 and Oppo owner

I have the HL-S5087.
I had found a lot of conflicting info on whether the 971 would or would not work with the Sammy DLPs and after reading that the HL-Sxx87 series would be 10 bit and that 10 bit processing should minimize or eliminate the blocking I decided to go for it. Apparently I guessed wrong. Some DVDs it is not noticeable but others such as any CGI film it is distracting. I have a three year old so CGI is a given around here :D
At any rate the Oppo is on its way back to Amazon already.

No worries, Aztec. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you, but hopefully it's replacement will work great for you.

Having a daughter who turned three this past Friday, I know what you mean. I believe I have seen the Shrek movies 1 billion times, Garfield 1 trillion times, Chicken Little a sparce 10 times. We went to see Over the Hedge on Friday and I'm sure that will join the collection when it hits the shelves on DVD. Still, I wouldn't trade it for the world. :)

Did I mention she QUOTES the damn Garfield movie? :(
"Actually... it's liver-flavored"

Regs,
Jeff

...after reading that the HL-Sxx87 series would be 10 bit and that 10 bit processing should minimize or eliminate the blocking I decided to go for it. Apparently I guessed wrong. Aztecian, your thinking on 10-bit processing is correct. So here's what went wrong:

For 10-bit processing to be an advantage, the player, the display, AND the connection must be 10-bit capable. The current OPPO player is DVI (8-bit only) therefore the extra bits in the display are wasted and make no difference. Still, a proper calibration can make the world of difference on such an 8-bit setup.

The ideal situation would be if your TV accepts 480i YCbCr HDMI, and does 10-bit Faroudja upconversion on that input. The upcoming OPPO DV970H would be a perfect fit!

Gary

Jeez,
I tried the 860 on my HLR5667W for 2 weeks, then went to the Oppo 2 weeks ago. The Oppo with a side by side comparo looks much better to me and the wife than the 860. No noticable issues at all. I'm keeping it! I may be lucky and have a reasonably well calibrated HLR from the factory. I only did a quick THX cal.

FWIW, I recieved my Oppo 971H today.

I had terrible solarization/false countouring on both 720p and 1080i. I fiddled with every controllable setting on the TV as well as the DVD player. Only analog out looked acceptable, and then I lost the upscaling.

So, I am returning the Oppo, as well.

For my testing, the Oppo 971 and the Syntax Olevia 42" LCD are incompatible over DVi-HDMI. Please tell me if anyone else has resolved this same issue, or experienced the same thing.

Hi all, I haven't been to this thread for weeks. Does anyone know Oppo's RAW output delay problem has an update or not? Is a new firmware being worked on that is addressing this long-standing problem?

Hi all, I haven't been to this thread for weeks. Does anyone know Oppo's RAW output delay problem has an update or not? Is a new firmware being worked on that is addressing this long-standing problem?
I loaded the Beta version FW316 and had no problems with synch.

All....new to the site, and this thread...but definately not new to the love of Home Theater. I just ordered an Oppo based on the reviews and comments I've read over the past few weeks.

My question is....is there anyone out there using the Oppo's DVI output to an RGB/VGA RPTV? I currently own a Pioneer Elite 710HD which has a stunning picture, but no digital inputs, and no native 720p resolution.

My thought is to use the Oppo, along with a DigitalConnection DVI to RGB converter, to go to the TV at 1080i. I'm replacing a Denon 2800 progressive scan DVD player which went very well with the RPTV and gave me a stunning picture. Of course, I've had both the Denon and the Pioneer for about 5 years now, and have become very used to the high quality video that is produced. Also, in my personal opinion, the picture quality of the Pioneer still blows away many newer digital sets, so I have no intention of parting with it anytime soon.

Any comments/suggestions on using the Oppo with an analog RPTV?

All....new to the site, and this thread...but definately not new to the love of Home Theater. I just ordered an Oppo based on the reviews and comments I've read over the past few weeks.

My question is....is there anyone out there using the Oppo's DVI output to an RGB/VGA RPTV? I currently own a Pioneer Elite 710HD which has a stunning picture, but no digital inputs, and no native 720p resolution.

My thought is to use the Oppo, along with a DigitalConnection DVI to RGB converter, to go to the TV at 1080i. I'm replacing a Denon 2800 progressive scan DVD player which went very well with the RPTV and gave me a stunning picture. Of course, I've had both the Denon and the Pioneer for about 5 years now, and have become very used to the high quality video that is produced. Also, in my personal opinion, the picture quality of the Pioneer still blows away many newer digital sets, so I have no intention of parting with it anytime soon.

Any comments/suggestions on using the Oppo with an analog RPTV?

Oppo use DVI-D, and I don't believe you can convert DVI-D to analog.

Oppo use DVI-D, and I don't believe you can convert DVI-D to analog.

You can using the DigitalConnection DVI to RGB converter.

Oppo use DVI-D, and I don't believe you can convert DVI-D to analog.

You can do this with a transcoder so long as the DVI-D output isn't HDCP encrypted (which the Oppo's is not). However, you do need a transcoder, not just a simple adaptor.

I'm replacing a Denon 2800 progressive scan DVD player which went very well with the RPTV and gave me a stunning picture. Of course, I've had both the Denon and the Pioneer for about 5 years now, and have become very used to the high quality video that is produced. Also, in my personal opinion, the picture quality of the Pioneer still blows away many newer digital sets, so I have no intention of parting with it anytime soon. If you already enjoy high quality video with the analog connections from the Denon and the Pioneer, I don't understand why you would want a new digital player, only to have to convert it to analog.

Gary

Gary,

The Denon is on it's last leg, and the Oppo is capable of playing many more formats that I'm not accustomed to.....and it's only $200.

Plus, I'm new to the whole upconversion thing....the Denon was a nice progressive scan player, but maxed out at 480p. With the Oppo, I'm gaining the ability to upconvert to 1080i, and I'm also getting the Farudja DCDI (?) chip.

FWIW, I recieved my Oppo 971H today.

I had terrible solarization/false countouring on both 720p and 1080i. I fiddled with every controllable setting on the TV as well as the DVD player. Only analog out looked acceptable, and then I lost the upscaling.

So, I am returning the Oppo, as well.

For my testing, the Oppo 971 and the Syntax Olevia 42" LCD are incompatible over DVi-HDMI. Please tell me if anyone else has resolved this same issue, or experienced the same thing.

Your DVD unit itself could be defective. If the memory modules in the DVD unit are not working correctly, this type of artifacting can occur. I have seen one unit which had a lot of false contouring due to a defective DVI board, but I have only seen that once.

After following this thread for months, and buying the Oppo early in that period, it looks like it wasn't the right player for me after all. Given the cost of everything else, though, I don't regret buying it since otherwise I would have wondered if it would have been better than it turned out to be.

My situation is that I have a CRT-based RPTV, and the TV's conversion on the HDMI input turns out to suck, so 480i component is actually better. This is based mostly on the ISF guy's opinion (he was at my house for over 4 hours yesterday), but also on what I saw with my own eyes.

So currently I'm using the Oppo through component, although someday I'll probably replace it with something that's actually good at that, and keep the Oppo just for PAL and other non-region 1 DVDs.

The good news is that despite taking a step backwards technologically, the picture quality is better, and I was happy with it before the calibration. But I feel so non-cutting edge now...

Your DVD unit itself could be defective. If the memory modules in the DVD unit are not working correctly, this type of artifacting can occur. I have seen one unit which had a lot of false contouring due to a defective DVI board, but I have only seen that once.

Hmm, interesting. It definitely looked unhappy on all DVI-HDMI operations.

Oppo was great in issuing me an RMA and pre-paid FedEx return slip. I'd be interested to hear if that was a bad unit.

One person on the Syntax Olevia 42" LCD thread said his Oppo 971 looks great on my same TV. So, something is definitely amiss with one of the components. Eventually it will sort out.

I'm going to try the Sammy 860 on HDMI and see how that looks.

I learned last night that just running SD video in 4:3 looks pretty good and is the same size display as the 32" CRT that I just upgraded from. So, I can limp along with that and HD HBO, IFC, etc.

I loaded the Beta version FW316 and had no problems with synch.

Hi Aztecian, could you clarify a bit? Are you talking about the RAW digital output?

What I need is the ability to control the audio sync/delay speed on the RAW, I hope Oppo is still working on this issue and hasn't given up yet.

Hi Aztecian, could you clarify a bit? Are you talking about the RAW digital output?

What I need is the ability to control the audio sync/delay speed on the RAW, I hope Oppo is still working on this issue and hasn't given up yet.
Yes, raw digital out. I noticed a tiny bit of lag on the first DVD I played (LOTR) so I downloaded the FW316 upgrade and try as I might I could find no issues with A/V synch. I did not try the surround outputs so I can't say whether it was there or not. I did see where individual outputs could be delayed in the set-up though. I would assume that this was to compensate for speaker placement and roomsize.

I'm glad you like the HD860 and that your macroblocking was solved. But "order of magnitude better PQ"? I'm afraid you've been HAD - smoke and mirrors, I tell you! Yours is a classic case of a sadly uncalibrated display. I have a similar Samsung DLP display, and after calibration, the OPPO walks away with the grand prize.

Gary

I also have a Sammy, HL-R5667W (56") DLP and after reading this forum for weeks, bought the OPPO 971H. I calibrated (not from service menu, just standard user settings) and have no macroblocking problems with about 10 DVDs I've tested/watched so far. The DVI output works beautifully at 720p with the monoprice 5x1 hdmi remote switch (also controlled nicely by the Harmony remote).

If I want to see macroblocking all I have to do is:

Look at a highly compressed video feed like DirecTV standard definition.

I compared the output of the OPPO using progressive and dvi. DVI looked "cleaner/crisper". It's not HD, but it is VERY good and obviously better than 480p.

I'm using the latest beta firmware F0316 and am quite pleased.

I don't see any reason that the OPPO and the Samsung DLPs are not a good match.

This may have been commented on earlier gut anyone tried the 971H with the TH50PHD8UK DVI to DVI?

I purchased the 8UK with the DVI board thinking I would connect to the DVI out on me HD Cable STB only to find out the Time Warner does not support HDCP in my area.

Sounds dumb but I'm just looking for a good use of the DVI input.

Thanks

This may have been commented on earlier gut anyone tried the 971H with the TH50PHD8UK DVI to DVI?

I purchased the 8UK with the DVI board thinking I would connect to the DVI out on me HD Cable STB only to find out the Time Warner does not support HDCP in my area.

Sounds dumb but I'm just looking for a good use of the DVI input.

Thanks

The only problem I am aware of is using 480p and the 8UK series does not work correctly as it produces a lot of jitter.

I also have a Sammy, HL-R5667W (56") DLP and after reading this forum for weeks, bought the OPPO 971H. I calibrated (not from service menu, just standard user settings) and have no macroblocking problems with about 10 DVDs I've tested/watched so far. The DVI output works beautifully at 720p...

I don't see any reason that the OPPO and the Samsung DLPs are not a good match. Glad to hear it. Many Samsung owners have had a similar experience.

Gary

I reverted back to the un-modified firmware and am still having problems with Toy Story 10th anniversary. I get the french subtitles, but only the ones translating English text (like a sign or name on a box), not English speaking. It's a little annoying.

Anybody have similar experience?

Yes, raw digital out. I noticed a tiny bit of lag on the first DVD I played (LOTR) so I downloaded the FW316 upgrade and try as I might I could find no issues with A/V synch. I did not try the surround outputs so I can't say whether it was there or not. I did see where individual outputs could be delayed in the set-up though. I would assume that this was to compensate for speaker placement and roomsize.

Where is this FW316? I went to Oppo's site and they only have F-0302 and the previous firmwares.

Where is this FW316? I went to Oppo's site and they only have F-0302 and the previous firmwares.

The link of OPPO - 0316 BETA firmware

You CANNOT reach it with mouse click on "support" of OD-site, only with typing directly the link or click here:
http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_0316_download.html

This is a BETA. The new official FW should have come out on first half of may, but they're still working of it...

Other news:
------------------------------
I will upload a new modd firmware:
The MAIN part modded by Andy (russian modder) and I (Eman) made some re-modds on it.
The modd based on 0220 firmware but has a BBK 965 ARM part - means no "cropping" PQ-issues with DVD or MPEG4 playback!

The DVD-subtitle display had Andy already solved (the older modds had this issue)

And many great new things.
I'll hope I'll upload it on www.opdv971h.com this weekend.

This modd has not only english or chinese menu& OSD language, but russian, hungarian, german etc, too.
More details here if I will upload it.

Eman

I see some past discussion in this thread on writeable media, and how well the Oppo reads it. My new machine (firmware F-302B) is consistent in reading some media types and not others. My old Apex read them all.

Good:
CMC MAG. AE1 (Imation "Video" DVD-R)
RITEK/D01 (Memorex DVD+R DL)

Won't load:
CMC MAG. AM3 (Memorex DVD-R)

I'm guessing (perhaps without reason) that the media ids are more relevant than the product labels. You can see what labels use what ids (it's a confused mapping) at videohelp in the dvdmedia section. (Sorry, I'm new here and the system won't let me post a url yet).

Does the chipset a player uses determine what type of media it handles?

All of my disks are created on a Linux system, using dvdauthor to create the dvd structure, and growisofs to burn them.

I reverted back to the un-modified firmware and am still having problems with Toy Story 10th anniversary. I get the french subtitles, but only the ones translating English text (like a sign or name on a box), not English speaking. It's a little annoying.

Anybody have similar experience?

Yes, exactly, me too.

I reverted back to the un-modified firmware and am still having problems with Toy Story 10th anniversary. I get the french subtitles, but only the ones translating English text (like a sign or name on a box), not English speaking. It's a little annoying.

Anybody have similar experience?

Yes, known bug. This will be fixed in a future firmware. Just turn off Subtitles directly through the DVD's Menu.

I see some past discussion in this thread on writeable media, and how well the Oppo reads it. My new machine (firmware F-302B) is consistent in reading some media types and not others. My old Apex read them all.

Good:
CMC MAG. AE1 (Imation "Video" DVD-R)
RITEK/D01 (Memorex DVD+R DL)

Won't load:
CMC MAG. AM3 (Memorex DVD-R)

I'm guessing (perhaps without reason) that the media ids are more relevant than the product labels. You can see what labels use what ids (it's a confused mapping) at videohelp in the dvdmedia section. (Sorry, I'm new here and the system won't let me post a url yet).

Does the chipset a player uses determine what type of media it handles?

All of my disks are created on a Linux system, using dvdauthor to create the dvd structure, and growisofs to burn them.


I don't know for sure, but it's not likely anything to do with the chipset, but how well it deals with burn/read errors. Memorex media is notoriously bad as they just rebrand whatever they find on the street. Sometimes its ok, more often then not its really bad. So yes, with Memorex its all about the media id. There have been posts with some people having problems with some burning methods (like DVR > DVD burns), but I suspect that isn't the problem in your case as you didn't have problems with all media. There are so many manufacturers rebranding now that its not always easy to find quality media in the store. The Sony discs made is Japan are pretty good, but the ones made in Taiwan are not. Some of it is preference, but my media suggestion is Taiyo Yuden. A few companies rebrand them, but they also produce their own brand.

I don't know for sure, but it's not likely anything to do with the chipset, but how well it deals with burn/read errors. Memorex media is notoriously bad as they just rebrand whatever they find on the street. Sometimes its ok, more often then not its really bad. So yes, with Memorex its all about the media id. There have been posts with some people having problems with some burning methods (like DVR > DVD burns), but I suspect that isn't the problem in your case as you didn't have problems with all media. There are so many manufacturers rebranding now that its not always easy to find quality media in the store. The Sony discs made is Japan are pretty good, but the ones made in Taiwan are not. Some of it is preference, but my media suggestion is Taiyo Yuden. A few companies rebrand them, but they also produce their own brand.


Here's another vote for the Taiyo Yuden discs. Snag the TYG02 discs, as they are manufactured to a stricter QC process. The gang over at CD Freaks recommend Rima as the place to purchase them:

http://rima.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

Hope that helps,
Jeff

I havent been here in some time but just got the new Westy 42 and the Oppo. The Westy looks great with HD, but I have not been impressed with the Oppo at all :) I have it hooked up through DVI (tried 720p/1080i) and tried various films including LOTR. I found that my old Toshiba through component looked just as good! Is there something that Im not getting here?

BTW - Why do wide screen movies still letterbox even at 1080i?

should also add that I have the latest 3.02FW and 1.16FW for the Westy.

I havent been here in some time but just got the new Westy 42 and the Oppo. The Westy looks great with HD, but I have not been impressed with the Oppo at all :) I have it hooked up through DVI (tried 720p/1080i) and tried various films including LOTR. I found that my old Toshiba through component looked just as good! Is there something that Im not getting here?

Ensure that you have done a re-calibration of your display device with a professional grade calibration disc such as AVIA or DVE.

BTW - Why do wide screen movies still letterbox even at 1080i?

There are several types of aspect ratios. If a film has an aspect ratio of 1:77:1 or 1:85:1, then you will not get bars at the top and bottom of your display. However, if the aspect ratio is larger (wider) than 1:85:1 (such as Anamorphic 2:35:1), then you will get bars at the top and bottom of your display.

I havent been here in some time but just got the new Westy 42 and the Oppo. The Westy looks great with HD, but I have not been impressed with the Oppo at all :) I have it hooked up through DVI (tried 720p/1080i) and tried various films including LOTR. I found that my old Toshiba through component looked just as good! Is there something that Im not getting here?

BTW - Why do wide screen movies still letterbox even at 1080i?

Assuming you have your display and player both set at 16x9, only non-anamorphic widescreen and anamorphic widescreen at ratios other than 16x9 should show black bars. Therefore anything with an aspect ratio greater than 1.77:1 will do this, even with anamorphic widescreen. The reason is simple, your display has an aspect ratio of approximately 1.77:1. Anamorphic widescreen with aspect ratios of less than 1.77:1 will show black bars on the side, such as "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". Very few theatrical releases have an aspect ratio of 1.77:1, I can't think of any, but the only ones were probably originally taped in 16x9 HDTV.

Calibrating your display for the Oppo DV971H should result in a better picture.

Chris

Question about auido settings. I have my oppo connected to a YSP-800 using digital out. What should my audio settings be in the oppo menu? I didn't realize I had it on downmix to stereo until the other day. Does this mean that I haven't been getting 5.1 sound even on DVD? I changed it to 5.1 and Dolby pro logic to auto and my divx/xvids sounded horrible. The vocals were really soft and cutting in and out. I couldn't figure out what was wrong until I fooled around with the settings. Then I realized that things sounded "normal" when I had it set to 5.1 and dolby pro logic set to off. When I put dpl to auto or on it sounded funny again.

I tried looking through the owners manual but it's not written very well. Doesn't really tell me what to do with the DOWNMIX setttings, the DOLBY PRO LOGIC settings, or the DOLBY DIGITAL settings. What's the right settings for best sound. I play a lot of DIVX/XVIDs and DVD's. Is there one setting or do I have to change stuff around everytime?

Thanks in advance!

What should my audio settings be in the oppo menu? I didn't realize I had it on downmix to stereo until the other day. Does this mean that I haven't been getting 5.1 sound even on DVD? I changed it to 5.1 and Dolby pro logic to auto and my divx/xvids sounded horrible. The vocals were really soft and cutting in and out. I couldn't figure out what was wrong until I fooled around with the settings. Then I realized that things sounded "normal" when I had it set to 5.1 and dolby pro logic set to off. When I put dpl to auto or on it sounded funny again. Theoretically, the DOWNMIX, DOLBY PRO LOGIC, and DOLBY DIGITAL settings have no effect on the digital outputs, only analog. Don't know much about how they affect DIVX/XVIDs, though.

Gary

Theoretically, the DOWNMIX, DOLBY PRO LOGIC, and DOLBY DIGITAL settings have no effect on the digital outputs, only analog. Don't know much about how they affect DIVX/XVIDs, though.

Gary

I only have the oppo connected with optical out. It definitely affects the divxs when dpl2 is on, didn't mess with the digital settings. Anyone with some insight on the "proper" settings?

Can anyone tell me why a HD signal looks better on a EDTV then a DVD signal? The max resolution of the EDTV is the same as the DVD resolution. HDTV gets down to the same resolution as the DVD on the TV so why does HD still looks better?
Anyone else have the same experience?

Can anyone tell me why a HD signal looks better on a EDTV then a DVD signal? The max resolution of the EDTV is the same as the DVD resolution. HDTV gets down to the same resolution as the DVD on the TV so why does HD still looks better?
Anyone else have the same experience?

HD signal also looks better on a SDTV as well. It's a good example of how poor most SDTV signal is. Actually, HDTV signal on SDTV or EDTV should look as good as the best SD quality DVD title you own.

HD signal also looks better on a SDTV as well. It's a good example of how poor most SDTV signal is. Actually, HDTV signal on SDTV or EDTV should look as good as the best SD quality DVD title you own.


the answer to this is simple:

SD signals were never meant to be displayed larger than 19" diagonal....anyway back to the oppo??

Re: "modded by Andy (russian modder) and I (Eman) made some re-modds on it.
The modd based on 0220 firmware but has a BBK 965 ARM part - means no "cropping" PQ-issues with DVD or MPEG4 playback!

I have tried to burn and use the latest mod uploaded on www.opdv971h.com. I have had no problem updating my firmware using the official updates from Oppo, burning them with Nero - they download and burn as .iso image files and I burn them using "Recorder" > "Burn Image". But I would like to try the "Andy/Eman" mods. They download and "unzip" as .bin image files and after trying 2 methods burning with Nero I can't get my Oppo to recognize them. Obviously I am doing something wrong and would appreciate some guidance from someone familar with these mods. Thanks.

Makes sure you are using Data CD as your Compilation Type, and are have changed your ISO information to ISO 9660 ONLY (Joliet is not supported for the firmware). Also ensure that you are burning the BIN as 935.BIN.

Makes sure you are using Data CD as your Compilation Type, and are have changed your ISO information to ISO 9660 ONLY (Joliet is not supported for the firmware). Also ensure that you are burning the BIN as 935.BIN.

Thanks for the info, I got it to work - "Joliet" was the problem. Now I'll play around with it - I want to test nero mpeg4 playability because it would be nice to have chapters that are not possible in divx or xvid. Thanks again.

I've been trying to burn DL discs for use in the Oppo and finally had success by following the methods in this thread. Originally I used DVDDecrypter to read and write, which didn't work as well as using ImgBurn to write.

I have a couple questions, now that I've created a disc that will only play in my PC and not in the Oppo (by using Decrypter to write), is there anyway to reburn this disc to play in the Oppo?
Is it as easy as re-ripping the disc and burning with ImgBurn?

The discs I am using are TDK DVD+R DL, and are labelled as RW. Which to me means that they are Re-Writable, why are they labelled as such? This can't be.

Why not try ripping the disk with DVDdecrypter and burning with ImgBurn? As long as your PC can read the original disk, ImgBurn should do the rest. I have used DVDdecrypter for a very long time, but recently switched to ImgBurn for DL disks - not a coaster in the bunch.

As the resident expert on this subject, I'll give it a shot... :D

I've been trying to burn DL discs for use in the Oppo and finally had success by following the methods in this thread. Originally I used DVDDecrypter to read and write, which didn't work as well as using ImgBurn to write.

I have a couple questions, now that I've created a disc that will only play in my PC and not in the Oppo (by using Decrypter to write), is there anyway to reburn this disc to play in the Oppo?

Is it as easy as re-ripping the disc and burning with ImgBurn?


Yes, if you have the original DVD and not just your burned copy. DVDDecrypter writes the ISO file and the MDS file based on the info contained in the source DVD. If your burn has the worng layer break info, it will just be repeated. If, however you have the original source, then all should be well on a re-burn.


The discs I am using are TDK DVD+R DL, and are labelled as RW. Which to me means that they are Re-Writable, why are they labelled as such? This can't be.

I doubt that they are rewriteable...but if they are, tell me where you got them so I can buy a dozen or so... :D

-Toonces

Re: "modded by Andy (russian modder) and I (Eman) made some re-modds on it.
The modd based on 0220 firmware but has a BBK 965 ARM part - means no "cropping" PQ-issues with DVD or MPEG4 playback!

I have tried to burn and use the latest mod uploaded on www.opdv971h.com. I have had no problem updating my firmware using the official updates from Oppo, burning them with Nero - they download and burn as .iso image files and I burn them using "Recorder" > "Burn Image". But I would like to try the "Andy/Eman" mods. They download and "unzip" as .bin image files and after trying 2 methods burning with Nero I can't get my Oppo to recognize them. Obviously I am doing something wrong and would appreciate some guidance from someone familar with these mods. Thanks.

So how many people on here use these unofficial firmwares? What's the difference? Are they better?

Also, still looking for "correct" settings for audio setup from my previous post. Aloha!

As the resident expert on this subject, I'll give it a shot... :D

Yes, if you have the original DVD and not just your burned copy. DVDDecrypter writes the ISO file and the MDS file based on the info contained in the source DVD. If your burn has the worng layer break info, it will just be repeated. If, however you have the original source, then all should be well on a re-burn.

I doubt that they are rewriteable...but if they are, tell me where you got them so I can buy a dozen or so... :D

-Toonces

Thanks for all the help. I guess I will have to get back the original to try again.
I am certain the TDK discs I am using are not re-writable. Still I don't know why the discs and my NEC drive carry the RW DVD+R DL logo.

These DL discs are too expensive to be making coasters out of. Does any one have a good online source within Canada for a brand that works well in the Oppo?
These TDK's work out to about $5.50 CDN a piece.

These DL discs are too expensive to be making coasters out of. Does any one have a good online source within Canada for a brand that works well in the Oppo?
These TDK's work out to about $5.50 CDN a piece.

You're welcome on the help... :D

Keep an eye on the Best Buy weekly ads at their website. Their regular price for the Verbatim +R DL media is $59.95 for a 20 disc spindle. I have twice now gotten them for $39.95 on sale...Which is only slightly over $2.00 each with the shipping charge.

IMHO, the Verbatim are the absolutely best DL media out there. My OPPO has yet to spit one out that has been properly burned.

-Toonces

Just placed an order for an OPPO DVD Player just minutes ago. I decided to purchase directly from OPPO. I know Amazon has free shipping but I wanted to make sure I get the latest remote and a new DVD player. My old Apex DVD player died last night. Will be using the DVI out to HDMI input on my Philips Plasma.

I am open to any advice from this establish group of OPPO owners on OPPO settings and will be much appreciated…

Also will I receive the latest updated firmware on the new OPPO or will I need to update it?

Re: "modded by Andy (russian modder) and I (Eman) made some re-modds on it.
The modd based on 0220 firmware but has a BBK 965 ARM part - means no "cropping" PQ-issues with DVD or MPEG4 playback!

I have tried to burn and use the latest mod uploaded on www.opdv971h.com. I have had no problem updating my firmware using the official updates from Oppo, burning them with Nero - they download and burn as .iso image files and I burn them using "Recorder" > "Burn Image". But I would like to try the "Andy/Eman" mods. They download and "unzip" as .bin image files and after trying 2 methods burning with Nero I can't get my Oppo to recognize them. Obviously I am doing something wrong and would appreciate some guidance from someone familar with these mods. Thanks.

The last modd on www.opdv971h.com is only by Andy!

This is the last 0220 based Andy - Eman v2 BETA modd!
0220 - Andy - Eman V2 BETA modd.zip (http://www.m4p.hu/pub/index.php?dir=&file=0220%20-%20ANDY%20-%20EMAN%20V2%20BETA-english.zip)

(has now only 1 menu&OSD language - english only)

Unzip this one and burn it with nero as ISO-IMAGE. (100% works!)
I'm sorry but I haven't upload IT yet to the mentioned Oppo-modd site.

I had asked Andy to fiy some visual bugs (during the mp3 playback) and then I'll upload the final release of it.

This has my visual modification: backgr., browser, nicer fonts on every part (menu, OSD, MPEG4-Subtitles), some nicer icons (e.g.: play, pause, stop) or DTS logo, DVD-logo, or VCD-logo
(and I don't know how do you care about MPEG4-subtitles, but this modd can display up to 70 characters in a row BUT the subtitle character limit is about 125chr/MPEG4-sub - in 4 rows!!)

These last part is my basic re-modd of the 0220 based Andy vK2 modd!

Enjoy the modd firmware!

MY METHOD TO AVOID "unknown disc" by upgrading Oppo with a modd firmware:
- install WinISO
- open with WinIso the ORIGINAL FIRMWARE (this ANDY-EMAN modd based on 0220 original, so open 0220 original.iso)
- delete the 935.BIN file
- click add, then browse and select the modd file (e.g. 935.BIN , NOT 935.bin - ONLY WITH CAPITAL LETTERS OK!)
- save the file e.g. as: AndyVK2MODD.ISO
- burn it with nero as ISO IMAGE.
- "reset to defaults" BEFORE (AND AFTER) UPGRADE!
- upgrade the Firmware via CD
- ENJOY IT! IT IS REALLY WORTH UPGRADING! :)


Eman

I encoded a DVD I had ("Must Love Dogs") to nero digital and the video was excellent (dvd chapters were included in the nero recode and worked well). However, the audio was so disappointing I don't think that it is worth having chapters - I think I'll stick with auto Gordian Knot and XviD. The only way I could play the nero digital encoded audio through my receiver was using the analog out (couldn't get optical out to work) and the sound was slightly hissy, even when just through the TV's speakers. To me, the sound of a movie is almost as important as the video quality. Does anyone have any experience/success with nero digital and its audio played on the Oppo? Thanks.

P.S. Edit: Thanks "Eman77" for the latest "firmware" update - I burned and installed it with no problems. Nice opening screen; my wife especially liked it :) Unfortunately it didn't make any difference with the audio problem. Still hoping someone has a suggestion.

Just curious to know....... Has oppo made (or attempted to make) any recent progress with the faroudja chip an macroblocking. I see that panasonic has giving up with their s77.,,,,,, Also, any word on a more recent firmware upgrade since the last one used for the shootout test.... If so what does it do.

does the oppo player have pan and scan for 4:3?

does the oppo player have pan and scan for 4:3?

Andy had modified the firmware (see above: Andy-Eman modd):
The most of 4:3 and 2,35:1 (anamorphic widescreen) videos works with "4:3 Pan&Scan" mode with keeping the right aspect ratio.

Eman

Eman, just curious... why did you guys choose to mod the 0220 FW rather than the 0316?

...Has oppo made (or attempted to make) any recent progress with the faroudja chip an macroblocking. I see that panasonic has giving up with their s77...OPPO has probably also done as much as they can. The Faroudja chip seems to have a hardware bug that cannot be fixed with firmware. Nevertheless, the macroblock-enhance bug only affects certain display types, and this bug can be very nearly eliminated with proper calibration. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7270763&&#post7270763).

The latest (and best) firmware to use is 0316 Beta. There have been many fixes since the last SECRETS test.

Gary

What did the 0316 beta firmware fix?

When I tried out the Oppo, it gave me an unusually soft image....almost looked blurred on reference patterns, in fact. In addition, I experience juddering (Star Wars crawl text, for example). Other upscaling players (Denon 3910, Sony ES) I've didn't cause these problems like this. My display is a 57" Sony CRT RPTV which is ISF'd.

I would try the Oppo again if the firmware could fix these problems.

Just placed an order for an OPPO DVD Player just minutes ago. I decided to purchase directly from OPPO. I know Amazon has free shipping but I wanted to make sure I get the latest remote and a new DVD player. My old Apex DVD player died last night. Will be using the DVI out to HDMI input on my Philips Plasma.

I am open to any advice from this establish group of OPPO owners on OPPO settings and will be much appreciated…

Also will I receive the latest updated firmware on the new OPPO or will I need to update it?DodgeViper, welcome to the club. Refer to this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6722751&&#post6722751) for OPPO settings. The first post in this thread will help you identify what firmware you have, and how to update it if necessary.

Gary

When I tried out the Oppo, it gave me an unusually soft image....almost looked blurred on reference patterns, in fact. The OPPO does not artificially sharpen edges like some other DVD players. By comparison, it might appear softer, but the OPPO has every bit as much detail (in resolution patterns too). If you prefer edge enhancement, you can always turn up the Sharpness control, but it spoils the OPPO's beautiful picture. Without the artificial sharpening, the OPPO's picture is incredibly film-like.

Another thing to keep in mind... your CRT may be softening edges a little more than other displays, so maybe that's why you prefer a player with a sharpened image.

Gary

I experience juddering (Star Wars crawl text, for example). The 0220 FW introduced juddering due to an aggressive audio-sync scheme. The 0316 FW fixed that problem and still provides good audio sync. The juddering on the Star Wars text crawl is a different issue, which is very rarely seen. The 0316 beta firmware improved it, but has not fixed it entirely. It appears to be a Mediatek issue, and Mediatek is evidently looking into it.

0316 combines the 0220 and 0302 fixes. See the release notes on OPPO's site.

Gary

does the oppo player have pan and scan for 4:3?

Yes, the OPDV971H supports 4:3 Pan and Scan.

has a BBK 965 ARM part - means no "cropping" PQ-issues with DVD or MPEG4 playback!

Does this mean a fix to the loss in wide/squeeze mode for 4:3?

I bought an Oppo a couple of weeks back and have the following issues with it.

1. A few pixed wide black bar at the bottom of standard 16:9 dvd material. I have to zoom to 1.2 to get it to cover the whole screen.

2. I was looking for a feature that scales up a 2.39:1 letterboxed movie to vertically fill a 16:9 screen. I can use zoom but that the PQ loss is very apparent with that.

3. Not satisfied with the sound output - I expect a richer sound (note I am using coxial digital out to my receiver) and my previous toshiba produced much better sound that the Oppo. Any inputs on how to improve this?

4. I tried to follow the faq to check for the firmware version, but the OSD button does not bring up any 'batch' notation on the screen. Am I missing someting?

I thought that I would try this forum for any inputs that I can try before returning it.

Thanks for any help.

The last modd on www.opdv971h.com is only by Andy!

This is the last 0220 based Andy - Eman v2 BETA modd!
0220 - Andy - Eman V2 BETA modd.zip (http://www.m4p.hu/pub/index.php?dir=&file=0220%20-%20ANDY%20-%20EMAN%20V2%20BETA-english.zip)



Does this version have the subtitle fix? I tested Toy Story with Andy's mod and it worked.

I bought an Oppo a couple of weeks back and have the following issues with it.

1. A few pixed wide black bar at the bottom of standard 16:9 dvd material. I have to zoom to 1.2 to get it to cover the whole screen.

The OPDV971H naturally underscans. This can be a behavior of both your television and the OPDV971H not overscanning their image.

2. I was looking for a feature that scales up a 2.39:1 letterboxed movie to vertically fill a 16:9 screen. I can use zoom but that the PQ loss is very apparent with that.

There is no Zoom and Crop, or Stretch feature on the OPDV971H.

3. Not satisfied with the sound output - I expect a richer sound (note I am using coxial digital out to my receiver) and my previous toshiba produced much better sound that the Oppo. Any inputs on how to improve this?

This can be something that is very subjective. Many users have noticed a change in audio quality (for the better) whereas some reviewers noted a mediocre experience.

4. I tried to follow the faq to check for the firmware version, but the OSD button does not bring up any 'batch' notation on the screen. Am I missing someting?

If you pressed Eject then OSD, you should have received an information window at the bottom of your screen. If this did not appear, then you have an older firmware release. Please download the latest firmware and try again.

3. Not satisfied with the sound output - I expect a richer sound (note I am using coxial digital out to my receiver) and my previous toshiba produced much better sound that the Oppo. Any inputs on how to improve this?

Draw a ring around the edges of all your DVDs in green marker. This way, even though the digital 1s and 0s transmitted from the disc to your player will be the exact same 1s and 0s that any other DVD player would send to your receiver by coax digital cable, now they'll be Greenified 1s and 0s, which sound better.

i just got a HP-S5053 50" Samsung Plasma tv. i have a regular Zenith progressive scan dvd player. So now it seems i need to get an upscaling dvd player.

Should I go with the OPPO? It will give me a better picture than a Sony etc.? All i want to do is watch dvds to the best of my tv's ability. can you tell me why I should go for the OPPO over a cheaper one? I'm really clueless when it comes to this plasma tv stuff and just want somebody to tell me what to buy lol. I've read that I will have to match the player output to the native resolution on my tv's display somehow, that would be 1080 to 1080 correct and how do I do that?

the best place to buy the OPPO is Amazon?

Thank You for helping a newbie!!!

Draw a ring around the edges of all your DVDs in green marker. This way, even though the digital 1s and 0s transmitted from the disc to your player will be the exact same 1s and 0s that any other DVD player would send to your receiver by coax digital cable, now they'll be Greenified 1s and 0s, which sound better.

Actually, I tried drawing the ring with a yellow marker since to my ears the yellowfied 1s and 0s sound better. But alas, I had the same problem. Strange why I have to crank up my receiver's volume when I hear the same Yellowfied bits on the Oppo as compared to my 5 year old basic Toshiba....but then I don't have much knowledge in the intricacies of the Greenified or Yellowfied bits... :D

Actually, I tried drawing the ring with a yellow marker since to my ears the yellowfied 1s and 0s sound better. But alas, I had the same problem. Strange why I have to crank up my receiver's volume when I hear the same Yellowfied bits on the Oppo as compared to my 5 year old basic Toshiba....but then I don't have much knowledge in the intricacies of the Greenified or Yellowfied bits... :D

When I installed the 220 firmware I lost levels on my analog outs but I have used both digital optical and digital coax and both work extremely well. The levels on different devices are never exactly the same.

I prefer the blue marker it gives the music a more somber feel.

Eman, just curious... why did you guys choose to mod the 0220 FW rather than the 0316?

Andy's first modd based on 1022.

He had modded the 0302 (only UOP-"free").

The original 0220 has PQ issues. I think it was a hard work to implement the BBK 96S ARM (as basics) to the 0220 modd firmware. He don't want to modd the 0316 firmware (this is a Beta and and I think it's not a full "solution")
Andy made (BBK965 ARM can solve the A/V sync problems - but I don't know if its better or not as 0316 original, I have never A/V syync bugs with any firmware: orig or modd)

OppoDigital has "a pressure": the not official releasing of 0316 BETA shows me - they're ON THE WAY to make a better official firmware than ever.
They promised on march to release on may a long avaited fw with A/V sync, solutions for audio problems (on digital out) and many more...

This long awaited firmware hasn't been released yet...
I think if OD will upload it to the site and Andy will modd it if it's necessary...
He won't modd the 0316 (it's just a "half time" to the new official firmware)

Eman

Not satisfied with the sound output - I expect a richer sound (note I am using coxial digital out to my receiver) and my previous toshiba produced much better sound that the Oppo. Any inputs on how to improve this? Come on ssen, if you are using the RAW digital output on both players, neither of them will alter the sound in ANY way. They simply pass the digital bits on the DVD to the receiver for decoding. Have you checked the receiver settings to see that the decoding is IDENTICAL for both players? It is very easy to miss a small setting that can have a big impact on the sound.

Gary

Does this version have the subtitle fix? I tested Toy Story with Andy's mod and it worked.

Yes, it has. This 0220-Andy-Eman V2 beta modd has already the subtitle fix.
It's based on 0220 - vK2 modd of Andy (v2K is not released on www.opdv971h.com, I got from Andy in private message)

THE FULL FEATURE LIST of 0220-Andy-Eman V2 beta modd will be released soon here!

Eman

Slickyv, it looks like if your spdif output is set to PCM the oppo will do the downmixing for you. I don't know anything about your receiver, but you should set your output to RAW.

OPPO has made a new homepage. Refresh your webbrowsers.

I've recently had my Oppo start doing something odd. It's about 2 months old. I press "Stop", whether once or twice, and whenever I press eject the disc is still spinning (or the eject command is making it spin up) So it spins around a few times as the tray is coming out which of course ain't great for the discs.

Oppo recommended a firmware upgrade, but I seem to have the latest version. MVer: 05.00.01.07 Batch: F-0302B Any ideas before I might have to send it back?

Thanks...

I've recently had my Oppo start doing something odd. It's about 2 months old. I press "Stop", whether once or twice, and whenever I press eject the disc is still spinning (or the eject command is making it spin up) So it spins around a few times as the tray is coming out which of course ain't great for the discs.

Oppo recommended a firmware upgrade, but I seem to have the latest version. MVer: 05.00.01.07 Batch: F-0302B Any ideas before I might have to send it back?

Thanks...

Could be a mechanical error with the MTK chipset, as the same chipset handles the loader instructions. If the instructions are not being interpreted, or sent correctly, to the loader, then the disc will not be slowed down when you go to eject it. You can produce the same results if simply unplug the unit from the power outlet, or Power on the front panel (remote properly slows it down).

I've recently had my Oppo start doing something odd. It's about 2 months old. I press "Stop", whether once or twice, and whenever I press eject the disc is still spinning (or the eject command is making it spin up) So it spins around a few times as the tray is coming out which of course ain't great for the discs.

Oppo recommended a firmware upgrade, but I seem to have the latest version. MVer: 05.00.01.07 Batch: F-0302B Any ideas before I might have to send it back?

Thanks...

Mxcrules,

You don't really have the latest firmware which is the 3.16 Beta. More info at post 5602 (and elsewhere) summarized below.

"The link of OPPO - 0316 BETA firmware

"You CANNOT reach it with mouse click on "support" of OD-site, only with typing directly the link or click here:
http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h...6_download.html

"This is a BETA. The new official FW should have come out on first half of may, but they're still working of it..."

Dana

Mxcrules,

You don't really have the latest firmware which is the 3.16 Beta. More info at post 5602 (and elsewhere) summarized below.

"The link of OPPO - 0316 BETA firmware

"You CANNOT reach it with mouse click on "support" of OD-site, only with typing directly the link or click here:
http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h...6_download.html

"This is a BETA. The new official FW should have come out on first half of may, but they're still working of it..."

Dana


I would try it, but the link says "old page not found".

I would try it, but the link says "old page not found".

F-0316 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_0316_download.html)

I bought an Oppo a couple of weeks back and have the following issues with it.

...

2. I was looking for a feature that scales up a 2.39:1 letterboxed movie to vertically fill a 16:9 screen. I can use zoom but that the PQ loss is very apparent with that.

...

Thanks for any help.

I haven't tried it yet, but try the 4:3 Pan&Scan function of Andy-Eman modd V2 BETA.
It MAYBE works by your 2,39:1 movie (it keeps the RIGHT aspect ratio, even if it's NOT a 4:3-video BUT works not with all videos! I don't know the reason but you should try it)
I had tried it before with 4:3 or 2,35:1 videos. MOST of the cases it works and helps.

Eman

The OPDV971H naturally underscans. This can be a behavior of both your television and the OPDV971H not overscanning their image.

Is there any way to avoid this without using zoom? Are there any settings that I can tweak to fix this?

I am using a Panasonic plasma 42PX60U for the display.

I haven't tried it yet, but try the 4:3 Pan&Scan function of Andy-Eman modd V2 BETA.
It MAYBE works by your 2,39:1 movie (it keeps the RIGHT aspect ratio, even if it's NOT a 4:3-video BUT works not with all videos! I don't know the reason but you should try it)
I had tried it before with 4:3 or 2,35:1 videos. MOST of the cases it works and helps.

Eman

Eman,

Does it mean that a 2.35:1 movie will be vertically stretched to fill the 16:9 display eliminating black bars without losing any side part of the image?

I asked oppodigital about this issue, in order to know whether they were planning to incorporate such a feature in future releases (which Samsung's dvd have), this is the response I had:

"There are no current plans to impliment a Stretch feature ala Samsung's EZ View functionality in the OPDV971H as this time, as the video degredation far outweighs the benefits of such a feature. We are looking into using the Faroudja chipset for all zooming, and if we are able to do so, then this feature may be added into firmware."

It you and Andy incorporate this feature it would be great! :)

Thanks
SBforero

Eman,

Does it mean that a 2.35:1 movie will be vertically stretched to fill the 16:9 display eliminating black bars without losing any side part of the image?

...
It you and Andy incorporate this feature it would be great! :)

Thanks
SBforero

My experiences:
4:3 works NOT by me with official firmwares if I want to eliminate horizontal black bars. It works with the modd firmware (by the most of the 4:3 videos - no black bars)
By the 2.35:1 videos (anamorphic widescreen) works 4:3 PS as follows: the 2,35:1 will be "panned & scanned" as if were a 4:3 video. The aspect ratio of 2,3:1 will be kept but (as I remember) you can see horizontal black bars, BUT they are SMALLER than you would use the original 2,35:1 without this feature.
The side of the 2,35:1 video will be "cutted" on the left & the right side, but for me is not unsettling.

I WANTED TO HELP BY DEVELOPING THE FIRMWARE:
I KNOW A REAL-PRO GUY WHO COULD DO MUCH MORE YOU CAN IMAGINE BUT NOBODY CARES IT BY OD ! HE HAD BEEN ALREADY WORKING FOR AN OTHER COMPANY AS DEVELOPER!
(FIRMWARE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIATEK BASED FIRMWARES! Such things you mentioned, but A/V sync, audio out bugs, etc, too.)

Eman

F-0316 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_0316_download.html)


Thanks, got it from Oppo too, those guys are quick!

The Oppo DV970HD had been officially released today!

-
Has no upconvert function on digital video out by CSS protected videos
I think it has NOT the Faroudja FLi2310 upconverter! (maybe I'm wrong but NOT MENTIONED there)

+
USB, CardReader
Component upconvert
50 dollar cheaper
SACD-playback support (because of Mediatek MT1389EE chip, 971 has FE not licensed but hardware could be support it)

Eman

I bought a OPDV971H player a bit more than a month ago because I wasn't sure when the HDMI player was going to be released.

Someone tell me that it was worth spending the extra $50 for the Faroudja chip...

(fwiw, have people reached a conclusion about the OPDV971H's best picture in 1080i or 720p regardless of monitor's native resolution? i have an HP 1080p display and naturally have been feeding it 1080i from the Oppo.)

I think it has NOT the Faroudja FLi2310 upconverter! (maybe I'm wrong but NOT MENTIONED there)

It uses the MTK1389EE for decoding and the MTK1392 for de-interlacing and upscaling.

I got my OPPO 971 yesterday, and am using it with a Westy 32W6 TV. The video quality looks great, but have noticed two things:

1. There is a small black vertical bar on the right side of the screen. This can be seen even with the blue startup screen when there is no disc loaded. Is this due to underscan of the Oppo, or is it due to the display?

2. The sound is connected to an Onkyo receiver using the digital coax; the output format for sound is set to RAW in the Oppo. For some reason, the sound, especially dialog is softer than it was using an el-cheapo Philips player. So, I have to jack up the volume to hear the dialog properly, and this increases the sound from sub, which is a pain since I live in an apartment and cannot have too much bass. I am really puzzled by this since ideally there should not be any difference in the sound...

Is there any way to avoid this without using zoom? Are there any settings that I can tweak to fix this?

I am using a Panasonic plasma 42PX60U for the display.

There is no setting which can effect this, aside from using a service menu and manually adjusting your overscan on your plasma to compensate.

One thing you should do is ensure that you are using 720p, to rule out the possibility that this is a decoding error associated to running at a resolution that is not properly support by your Panasonic plasma.

I got my OPPO 971 yesterday, and am using it with a Westy 32W6 TV. The video quality looks great, but have noticed two things:

1. There is a small black vertical bar on the right side of the screen. This can be seen even with the blue startup screen when there is no disc loaded. Is this due to underscan of the Oppo, or is it due to the display?


I have similar issue, only for me the black bar is on the bottom. I use a Panasonic plasma 42PX60 for display. I can only fix it using a 1.2 zoom that degrades the PQ.

I do not see this with the blue startup screen though - nor with the break-in dvd that I use to break-in my plasma. I see this only on the standard 16:9 dvd material.

I sent out a mail to their service asking if this can be fixed without using the zoom, but have not got any reply yet.


2. The sound is connected to an Onkyo receiver using the digital coax; the output format for sound is set to RAW in the Oppo. For some reason, the sound, especially dialog is softer than it was using an el-cheapo Philips player. So, I have to jack up the volume to hear the dialog properly, and this increases the sound from sub, which is a pain since I live in an apartment and cannot have too much bass. I am really puzzled by this since ideally there should not be any difference in the sound...

That is exactly the same issue that I have - I have to crank up the receiver (Yamaha in my case) volume compared the cheap Toshiba player that I was using before Oppo. When I asked about this on this forum, I was told that I am having a 'placebo' effect and the same bits are going out from the player etc. etc. ;)

I think one reason for this is probably it does not have any feature such as 'dialog enhancer' that enhances the center channel sound - my old Toshiba had this.

I can live with the sound, but cannot live with the black bar. I have decided to return it and try a Sony NS75H instead.

ssen,

The volume output of the digital connections is lower than other DVD players I have used, but once I have dialed the audio into the proper volume (usally +5dB more) I could hear no discernable difference between this player and my previous DVD player.

What the other posters were nagging you on in the placebo effect of using quality interconnects or comparably higher quality digital audio outputs, as these are unsubstantiated claims. An excerpt from GSB's post: if you are using the RAW digital output on both players, neither of them will alter the sound in ANY way. They simply pass the digital bits on the DVD to the receiver for decoding. The contention is that there should be no difference since all the decoding is being done by the same device (your receiver), not that there is a difference.

i was thinking about getting this player. I also have the new panny 50 incher and if there is a black bar on the 42 incher, who knows how pronounced it will be on mine.

I also want to have excellent clarity in the center channel...anyone know if this can be fixed with a firmware update?

i was thinking about getting this player. I also have the new panny 50 incher and if there is a black bar on the 42 incher, who knows how pronounced it will be on mine.

What series plasma display do you have? I have a 50U series and have had no issues with the OPDV971H.

I also want to have excellent clarity in the center channel...anyone know if this can be fixed with a firmware update?

This seems to be subjective, as other members of this forum have not complained (at least overtly) about their audio quality. I for one have not had sound issues, but I spent hours properly calibrating my sound stage.

ssen,

The volume output of the digital connections is lower than other DVD players I have used, but once I have dialed the audio into the proper volume (usally +5dB more) I could hear no discernable difference between this player and my previous DVD player.

What the other posters were nagging you on in the placebo effect of using quality interconnects or comparably higher quality digital audio outputs, as these are unsubstantiated claims. An excerpt from GSB's post: if you are using the RAW digital output on both players, neither of them will alter the sound in ANY way. They simply pass the digital bits on the DVD to the receiver for decoding. The contention is that there should be no difference since all the decoding is being done by the same device (your receiver), not that there is a difference.

I understand the points raised by the other posts. But the issue that I am facing is this. In my old Toshiba, when I would use the 'dialog enhancer' feature, I would get definitely louder center channel sound (there is definitely no placebo effect here). So, logically, that would mean that the player is altering the sound in some way before sending it out to the receiver - since I did not touch any controls of the receiver when I did that.

That is why I raised the issue. In both cases, I am using the same coaxial digital out link to the receiver.

In any case, can you post some tips on how to 'dial the audio into proper volume' as you have done?

Thanks for your explanations.

I also want to have excellent clarity in the center channel...anyone know if this can be fixed with a firmware update?
If you are referring to ssen's concerns about the difference between his Toshiba (which had a "dialogue enhancer" feature) and the 971, I think there are other issues involved. No DVD player should be altering the digital audio bitstream at all - either to enhance it or otherwise - because the signal is simply passed from disc to output for the receiver to deal with. It should be the receiver's responsibility to properly decode the audio, not the player. Audio enhancements performed by a player normally only affect the analog audio output.

In my old Toshiba, when I would use the 'dialog enhancer' feature, I would get definitely louder center channel sound (there is definitely no placebo effect here). So, logically, that would mean that the player is altering the sound in some way before sending it out to the receiver - since I did not touch any controls of the receiver when I did that.
This confuses me a bit - what Toshiba player was it? As I just posted a moment ago, I hadn't ever been aware of players manipulating the digital bitstream. The Toshiba may be doing something along these lines, but it would be the first time I've heard of it.

ssen,

The easiest solution for audio calibration is to by a SPL meter and use DVE or other disc which can generate some form of consistent audio (usually white noise). Many receivers have built in programs which do this automatically when use an external microphone.

What you will do is sit at your listening position and use the SPL meter to adjust each channel one by one to a pre-determined decibal level (I wouldn't recommend anything above 75dB, as you will be physically in the room doing the calibration). The ultimate goal is to produces= a uniform white noise sound level. Subwoofers are the trickiest, as they mainly involve you listening to the audio and figuring out what cross over frequencies and overall volume you want to use.

If done properly, if you are sitting in the listening position (sweetspot) you should not beable to hear a dominent audio channel when sending a white noise signal.

If the Toshiba had a "dialog enhancer" it is likely that the DVD player is doing the audio decoding, rather than your receiver. If this is the case, then there will be a difference in audio quality between the two players, as it is likely that the Toshiba is artificially increasing the center channel trim to increase its sound output, and therefore, clarity.

If you find the OPDV971H does not have the same center channel impact, you can artificially increase the center channel by adjusting the channel trim settings on your receiver. Depending on your receiver, this setting will either effect all inputs, or just the input you use for your DVD player.

i have the Panasonic TH-50PX60U tv. I am just curious if i will have problems like other people

I am curious as well. Anyone with the Toshiba 51HX84 have any experience with this DVD player?

In my old Toshiba, when I would use the 'dialog enhancer' feature, I would get definitely louder center channel sound (there is definitely no placebo effect here). So, logically, that would mean that the player is altering the sound in some way before sending it out to the receiver - since I did not touch any controls of the receiver when I did that. Ssen, as Neuromancer said, if you use a feature like a "dialog enhancer", the digital bitstream is no longer RAW - it has been decoded and altered by the Toshiba.

So I'm not sure why you complained that you had to turn up the volume on the OPPO, when you used a feature to boost the volume on the Toshiba.

Gary

No DVD player should be altering the digital audio bitstream at all - either to enhance it or otherwise - because the signal is simply passed from disc to output for the receiver to deal with. It should be the receiver's responsibility to properly decode the audio, not the player. Audio enhancements performed by a player normally only affect the analog audio output. You are correct. Perhaps ssen's Toshiba converts the RAW stream to PCM after decoding it and "enhancing" it.

Gary

I also want to have excellent clarity in the center channel...anyone know if this can be fixed with a firmware update? No firmware fix/update is necessary. The OPPO's RAW digital output is as good as any other player's.

Gary

If the audio output is set to raw, then the options for the next menu item regarding PCM stream (48K/92K/??K) (sorry I forget what the last number was) does not matter, right?

yes, those options are designed for LPCM (Linear PCM) output through the Digital and analog connections.

so what is the difference between our 971 model and oppo's new 970 model...i haven't been to oppo's site yet, just read about it on engadget.

so what is the difference between our 971 model and oppo's new 970 model...i haven't been to oppo's site yet, just read about it on engadget.

The DV970HD does not have a Faroudja chipset, has a HDMI output, features 480i/576i digital transport, has SACD support, has a 4-in-1 media and 1.1 USB connection, and supports 480p (possibly 1080i upconversion) through the component outputs.

I have a MAJOR problem. I was watching serenity tonight and I can't get the disc to eject now. When I press the eject button (on the player or the remote) the tray won't come out. It happily just sits there saying the tray is open when it isn't. Press it again and it loads the disc.

firmware 316 btw. Anyone have any ideas how I can fix this?

You are correct. Perhaps ssen's Toshiba converts the RAW stream to PCM after decoding it and "enhancing" it.

Gary

Yes, I had to go back and take a look at the settings that I was using. The model is SD-1800. To make the dialog more intelligble, I was setting the Audio out to be PCM. So, it was not BitStream which I believe is what RAW is in case of the Oppo.

Initially I was setting the audio out of the Oppo to be PCM - so That is why I had to boost the volume, since to my ears the dialog was not as clear. After I got the inputs from this forum, I set it to RAW, and it is much much better.

Sorry for causing any confusion.

Another curious question: does this have a built-in DTS decoder? The specs on their web-site says that, but I could not see any settings.

As a side note regarding the horizontal black bar in the bottom, the support suggested that I check if the resolution is either 720p or 1080i and if that does not fix it, try a different DVI-HDMI cable. Other than that there is no way to change the overscan and underscan principles of the OPDV971H (which was already stated here by another member). They said that they are working with MTK and Genesis on this issue, but have not been able to fully remove the error.

The black bar is thicker when I set it to 720p or 1080i, and much thinner when I set it to 480p. But it is still there. I do not have another cable, so I cannot test that. I'll have to try a different brand of player, but I liked the player - the PQ is pretty good.

I have a MAJOR problem. I was watching serenity tonight and I can't get the disc to eject now. When I press the eject button (on the player or the remote) the tray won't come out. It happily just sits there saying the tray is open when it isn't. Press it again and it loads the disc.

firmware 316 btw. Anyone have any ideas how I can fix this?

Disconnect the OPDV971H from the power source for no less than 15 minutes. Plug it back in and try again.
Try moving the OPDV971H to another power source.
Use a little force on the front of the tray (like with a credit card) to see if you can't get the front spools to catch the bottom of the tray, as the tray could be slightly off of its track.

Another curious question: does this have a built-in DTS decoder? The specs on their web-site says that, but I could not see any settings.

Yes, the OPDV971H has a built in DTS decoder. In order to take advantage of the internal decoder of the OPDV971H, you will need to use the multi-channel analog outputs, as the digital outputs (when set to PCM) is Stereo only.

The black bar is thicker when I set it to 720p or 1080i, and much thinner when I set it to 480p. But it is still there. I do not have another cable, so I cannot test that. I'll have to try a different brand of player, but I liked the player - the PQ is pretty good.

This could be related to pixel clocking errors. Try, for diagnostic purposes, the D-1111B firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_1111_download.html) to see if the bar is there. If not, then the bar is a by product of the pixel clocking changes OPPO made to their DVI output in order to get proper PAL/50Hz signal response.

The volume output of the digital connections is lower than other DVD players I have used, but once I have dialed the audio into the proper volume (usally +5dB more) I could hear no discernable difference between this player and my previous DVD player. Neuromancer, I'm sure you meant, "The volume output of the analog connections is lower than other DVD players I have used".

Gary

Tonight, out of interest, I used an SPL meter to compare the volume levels of the 971 with 3 other DVD players.

All of the players were set to their "RAW" (or "Bitstream") outputs. To be thorough, I tested their optical and coax digital outputs, and I measured all 6 channels with the SPL meter.

The volume levels on all 4 players were identical. To be sure, I also tried playing with the "Channel trim" and "Volume" controls on the 971. They had no effect whatsoever on the digital outputs.

In other words, when set to "RAW", all DVD players simply pass the digital bitstream on the DVD to the receiver, untouched.

Gary

Neuromancer, I'm sure you meant, "The volume output of the analog connections is lower than other DVD players I have used".

Gary

The volume control affects the analog outs and the PCM output. Turning the volume down from full reduces the resolution of the PCM output by shifting bits down. The OPPO's volume should be set full up.

It (meant Oppo 970) uses the MTK1389EE for decoding and the MTK1392 for de-interlacing and upscaling.

Thanks. This info is very useful.
More features are very great. (SACD, cardreader, USB 1.1, component upscaling)
But if I want great PQ, 971 is much more better than 970!

Player with MT1392 upscaler I could buy it for almost the half price in Europe.
(e.g. Toshiba DTH252E with the same MTK upscaler for 90 dollar)

But I'm very happy with my Oppo 971! I don't wanna buy an other player for watching DVD-videos!

If I didn't have one I would buy Oppo again!

Eman

The DV970HD does not have a Faroudja chipset, has a HDMI output, features 480i/576i digital transport, has SACD support, has a 4-in-1 media and 1.1 USB connection, and supports 480p (possibly 1080i upconversion) through the component outputs.

thanks neuro, seems like a step forward...making the model number more confusing :)

hope secrets does a full revieww.

Neuromancer, I'm sure you meant, "The volume output of the analog connections is lower than other DVD players I have used".

Gary

Don't be putting words into my mouth. The "volume output" (can't think of a better word at the moment) is lower on the OPDV971H as compared to my other electronics. However, this is not unusual.

My Xbox360, for instance, usually hovers around 25dB.
PS2 usually needs to be at 18dB
Cable box is anywhere between 15dB (HDTV channel) and 35dB (SD channel).
The OPDV971H is usually 18dB (DTS) and 10dB (DD).
Previous DVD player was usually 15dB for DD.

This is all through a Pioneer Elite VSX54TX. What could be happening is that my previous players were doing decoding on their end, and sending that decoded audio to the receiver, which would make my observations moot on a DVD to DVD player comparison.

thanks neuro, seems like a step forward...making the model number more confusing :)

hope secrets does a full revieww.

Although it is a step forward (SACD an HDMI) it is a step back (poorer de-interlacing and scaling). For OPPO, the loss of picture quality outweighs the improvements, which is why it is a lower model.

More feature-laden with less video performance. For most consumers, it will still be a nice universal player at a very attractive price.
For me, very pleased with my 971, and not about to give it up until HD DVD becomes a better alternative, but a nominally priced mod for SACD on the 971 would be nice.

Don't be putting words into my mouth. The "volume output" (can't think of a better word at the moment) is lower on the OPDV971H as compared to my other electronics....

What could be happening is that my previous players were doing decoding on their end, and sending that decoded audio to the receiver, which would make my observations moot on a DVD to DVD player comparison. Ah, now that makes more sense! Thanks for the clarification.

Gary

I understand the points raised by the other posts. But the issue that I am facing is this. In my old Toshiba, when I would use the 'dialog enhancer' feature, I would get definitely louder center channel sound (there is definitely no placebo effect here). So, logically, that would mean that the player is altering the sound in some way before sending it out to the receiver - since I did not touch any controls of the receiver when I did that.

That is why I raised the issue. In both cases, I am using the same coaxial digital out link to the receiver.

In any case, can you post some tips on how to 'dial the audio into proper volume' as you have done?

Thanks for your explanations.

Why don't you just raise the center volume a couple DB for the DVD input. SO it sounds the way you like it I think many people do this anyway.

Why don't you just raise the center volume a couple DB for the DVD input. SO it sounds the way you like it I think many people do this anyway.

This can be problematic if your receiver does not have settings which are indipendent of each other. That is, if you raise the center channel on your DVD player input, will it also raise the center channel on your television input as well? Many receivers have "dumb" settings which are applied to all inputs, which could make another application too noisy.

OPPO has updated their webpage with a simple OPDV971H comparison to the DV-970HD (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_compare.html).

it would be nice if in the future you could connect a hard drive to that usb interface and the oppo would present a simple gui for selecting movies off that hard drive.

i've come to the conclusion that i only want to watch hd material, but for the kids a simple gui to playback movies stored on a hard drive would be great and it would be one less video connection to be made.

OPPO has updated their webpage with a simple OPDV971H comparison to the DV-970HD (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_compare.html).

Very interesting (and honest) comparison. I like the Oppo Recommendations section, esp. the warning for DLP owners.

Very interesting (and honest) comparison. I like the Oppo Recommendations section, esp. the warning for DLP owners.
I read that, but I don't understand the reason for the DLP warning.

I read that, but I don't understand the reason for the DLP warning.

You really need to read this thread about DLP calibration. DLP users are very prone to macroblocking errors. Do a quick search for "DLP +macroblocking" and see what you get. It is a major concern.

I read that, but I don't understand the reason for the DLP warning. DLP is particularly susceptible to the macroblock-enhance bug, probably due to insufficient bit-depth. Until now, DLP displays have used 8-bit processing and an 8-bit PWM scheme on the DMD mirrors. When uncalibrated, DLP likely uses even fewer digital bits (steps) between black and white. This contributes toward false-contouring (banding in smooth gradients) and macroblocking. The sequential color strobing technique may worsen it too.

Some of the latest DLP models advertize 10-bit processing and 10-bit DMD's, but to take advantage of it, the player and the connection would have to be 10-bit capable as well. A DVI connection is only 8-bit, so the 971 may cause macroblocking on 10-bit displays too.

However, it is important to note that the macroblock-enhance bug can be greatly suppressed or even eliminated with proper calibration - using the FULL 8 bits of dynamic range. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7270763&&#post7270763). The results are spectacular.

OPPO has talked about a replacement for the 971, which would boast 10-bit processing and a 10-bit HDMI output. For me, and many others, it would be the holy grail!

Gary

OPPO has updated their webpage with a simple OPDV971H comparison to the DV-970HD (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_compare.html).

You have to admire OPPO for posting that comparison. I can't think of anything similar from any manufacturer in the past, and they post it right at initial release of the new product!The sad part is that it looks like I'll have to keep another player in the rack for SACD. Sure would like to see what they could come up with at a significantly higher price point.

Joe

You also have to admire OPPO for their incredible achievements in producing the new player. I was astounded by the number of firmware defects they fixed in such a short time. The firmware must have been a terrible headache for them, yet they pulled the rabbit out of the hat. They also found a fix for the subtitle and angle icon bugs. We will likely see these fixes in the 971 too.

Gary

Well stated, Gary. Also great explanation of DLP/Macroblocking. With all the experts around here answers are found!

The 971 has to be the highest value piece of AV gear I have purchased in over 30 years. After all those years and I hate to think of all the $$$'s that is quite remarkable. I have cables that cost 4X the price of admission to the 971, and I do not consider myself on the lunatic fringe (just have needed some Long cables in the past)

Thanks to all at the best enthusiast forum on the net.

Joe

I don't know why I was under the impression... seems I read it here somewhere... but I thought the 971 upconverted to higher resolutions over component video too. I just received my 971 today and am wonderfully impressed by the PQ. But, while looking over the manual earlier tonight I notice a little paragraph at the top of page 9 that clearly states that when using component (and S-Video, or composite) video output, the Genesis/Faroudja video processor is not used, and that SD will be displayed. Like I said, this was news to me.. Is this true, or is this a misprint? This is not problematic for me since I intend to use the DVI port anyway, but am curious.

redjr...

They also found a fix for the subtitle and angle icon bugs. We will likely see these fixes in the 971 too.Gary

Is it coming soon?

I wouldn't complain, but I have a 2 year old who demands to watch Toy Story every day.

As far as admiring OPPO, I am a true believer. When I get a smaller HDTV for the bedroom/toy room in the next year, I'm definitely picking up the HDMI player, don't need to look at the competition. I know they'll fall short.

I'm also eyeing their 20" LCD.

I don't know why I was under the impression... seems I read it here somewhere... but I thought the 971 upconverted to higher resolutions over component video too. I just received my 971 today and am wonderfully impressed by the PQ. But, while looking over the manual earlier tonight I notice a little paragraph at the top of page 9 that clearly states that when using component (and S-Video, or composite) video output, the Genesis/Faroudja video processor is not used, and that SD will be displayed. Like I said, this was news to me.. Is this true, or is this a misprint? This is not problematic for me since I intend to use the DVI port anyway, but am curious.

redjr...

The component output is 480i only, as the Faroudja chipset is only connected to the DVI board.

The component output is 480i only, as the Faroudja chipset is only connected to the DVI board.

Shucks!

Thanks.

redjr...

The component output is 480i only, as the Faroudja chipset is only connected to the DVI board.

As someone who has read every post in this thread - over a period of a year and more of course - I want to compliment Neuromancer, GSB and all the other contributors who patiently and courteously answer the same questions over and over. It is no fault of those who ask the frequently asked questions of course. But, I've observed some other threads where wise cracks and rude responses seem to be the order of the day.

Three cheers for civiilty. And competence in this thread. Thank you.

Dana

As someone who has read every post in this thread - over a period of a year and more of course - I want to compliment Neuromancer, GSB and all the other contributors who patiently and courteously answer the same questions over and over. It is no fault of those who ask the frequently asked questions of course. But, I've observed some other threads where wise cracks and rude responses seem to be the order of the day.

Three cheers for civiilty. And competence in this thread. Thank you.

Dana

Dana,

Just to be clear... the search function on AVSForum has a lot to be desired. I did indeed search several variations of the topic and never got the hit I was looking for, so I asked my question. I know the very mention of a 'repeat' question strikes at the very core of popular forums and those individuals that read and reply to almost every comment. My thanks too, for the friendly reply by Neuromancer, instead of the smart-ass reply usually encountered in many other forums. One last point. Just because a question is asked, doesn't mean it has to be replied to - even by those that know it's a repeat topic.

Sorry, it's late and I'm tired...

redjr...

Thanks for the pointer to the 970 v. 971 comparison page ... a bit confused about the "For Use with External Video Processors or Scalers" section. Granted that a native 480i over HDMI would be the preferred feed into an external processor, but I'm a little confused why Oppo flat out states that "no" the 971 is not appropriate for use in this scenario? I'd expect a "maybe," or "yes but not ideal."

Given that the Oppo has as superior a deinterlacer as many say, what would be the issue with sending a 480p over DVI out to the scaler?

Thanks for the pointer to the 970 v. 971 comparison page ... a bit confused about the "For Use with External Video Processors or Scalers" section. Granted that a native 480i over HDMI would be the preferred feed into an external processor, but I'm a little confused why Oppo flat out states that "no" the 971 is not appropriate for use in this scenario? I'd expect a "maybe," or "yes but not ideal."

Given that the Oppo has as superior a deinterlacer as many say, what would be the issue with sending a 480p over DVI out to the scaler?

I'm tired also, someone, help out.

As someone who has read every post in this thread - over a period of a year and more of course - I want to compliment Neuromancer, GSB and all the other contributors who patiently and courteously answer the same questions over and over. It is no fault of those who ask the frequently asked questions of course. But, I've observed some other threads where wise cracks and rude responses seem to be the order of the day.

Three cheers for civiilty. And competence in this thread. Thank you.

Dana

Not all of us have dedicated 6 months or more to these threads. It is best to inform, rather than reply with the typical "Gosh, it has been asked many times before! Do a Search!". That is not constructive, and just wastes time. Forums are place for people to gather information, and there is no better information than a live response.

And I thank you for your kind words. Money donations welcome *cough*.

Given that the Oppo has as superior a deinterlacer as many say, what would be the issue with sending a 480p over DVI out to the scaler?

Like any device, you want to feed the best signal you can to be processed. For a scaler, you want to provide it with pretty much the RAW MPEG video stream that is contained on the DVD player.

A DVD player which is outputting a progressive image is a DVD player which is applying filters to the video stream. Every filter used "molests" the original intent of the MPEG stream, to the point where you can pretty much negate the high end filtering aspects of the external scaler.

In the case of the OPDV971H, you are processing the feed first through a Faroudja chipset, which will apply its own cadence and pulldowns, motion adaptive de-interlacing, CUE removal and maintanence, DNR, and a plathera of other enhancers. And this is just a progressive alteration. Now, this "enhanced" version of the MPEG information is now sent to another processor (external scaler) which will apply even more filters and enhancers. This long chain of alterations is not ideal.

Ideally you want to feed the scaler the cleanest stream as possible, to allow the scaler to do what is was designed for: high end filtering. A clean transport will ensure tha best possible scaling, which will in turn increase the video fidelity of the final displayed image.

So, OPPO isn't saying that you shouldn't do it, they are saying that there are better options available that will produce much better results.

Three cheers for civiilty. And competence in this thread. Thank you. Agreed. Civiilty and competence in forums is rare. I don't stick around for long in threads or forums where members resort to rudeness and mudslinging.

I too, have been very impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable exchanges here. No matter what our level of experience, we can always learn new things. Openly sharing knowledge is mutually beneficial and makes learning fun.

Its nice to know that our efforts are appreciated.

Gary

You really need to read this thread about DLP calibration. DLP users are very prone to macroblocking errors. Do a quick search for "DLP +macroblocking" and see what you get. It is a major concern.
I had begun reading this thread, but 190 pages takes a while to wade through. And not knowing what is pertinant to the issue, I didn't know what to look for. I'll do the search you suggested and then come back if I have additional questions.

In my day job I do R&D on realtime image processing for industrial QA and QC. As a hobby I do video editting, so I understand a little about much of what is being discussed; hopefully a bit more than the average person. I do know the importance of calibration and my new Samsung HL-S5688 will be calibrated when it first arrives, then recalibrated a week or two later after the bulb settles down.

DLP is particularly susceptible to the macroblock-enhance bug, probably due to insufficient bit-depth. Until now, DLP displays have used 8-bit processing and an 8-bit PWM scheme on the DMD mirrors. When uncalibrated, DLP likely uses even fewer digital bits (steps) between black and white.
I believe you are implying the clipping that would happen at either end (black or white) with the contrast and brightness (and/or gamma curve or other settings) set wrong.

This contributes toward false-contouring (banding in smooth gradients) and macroblocking.
Understood. This is why my set will be calibrated.

I guess my question is should I avoid the OPPO 971 for a well calibrated 10-bit DLP? And that is something I still don't know. Possibly no one knows ... yet.

Some of the latest DLP models advertize 10-bit processing and 10-bit DMD's, but to take advantage of it, the player and the connection would have to be 10-bit capable as well. A DVI connection is only 8-bit, so the 971 may cause macroblocking on 10-bit displays too.
If that was true then it would be seen with any technology -- DLP, plasma or LCD -- that uses an 8-bit DVI connection.

However, it is important to note that the macroblock-enhance bug can be greatly suppressed or even eliminated with proper calibration - using the FULL 8 bits of dynamic range. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7270763&&#post7270763). The results are spectacular.
OK, good to know.

OPPO has talked about a replacement for the 971, which would boast 10-bit processing and a 10-bit HDMI output. For me, and many others, it would be the holy grail!
And while they're at it, bring it in for no more than $220! :D I'll be right there in line to buy one.

Not all of us have dedicated 6 months or more to these threads. It is best to inform, rather than reply with the typical "Gosh, it has been asked many times before! Do a Search!". That is not constructive, and just wastes time. Forums are place for people to gather information, and there is no better information than a live response.

And I thank you for your kind words. Money donations welcome *cough*.

Thank you!

redjr...

First of all GREAT THREAD! I've read through the whole thing and there is a lot of really good info. I ordered my oppo through HK Flix(2 free kung fu movies!) and hope to get it either tomorrow or next week. The FAQ in the first post seems to have almost everything known about the player. Could the info on the 0316 firmware be added to the FAQ? 0316 seems to fix all the major issues that the player had.

A couple of questions:

The only issue I have read about with the 0316 firmware is mpeg file playback. I'm assuming this just means issues with mpeg files burned straight to DVD or CD. Does this also affect VCD/SVCD playback? What issues are there with playing mpeg files? Won't play at all, sync issues, interlacing problems?

The other question I have is about divx and xvid. Does the oppo properly scale the video on these files? For instance if I have a file that has a resolution of 640 x 360 will it scale it to full screen on my widescreen hdtv? I currently have a Philips DVP642 and it always displays widescreen files letterboxed. To get the correct aspect ratio and to get the content to fill the screen, I have to set my TV to 4:3 mode then zoom it. This cuts off external subtitles because it shows subs low on the screen where the bottom letterbox bar is located.

Thanks for all the other great info!

As someone who has read every post in this thread - over a period of a year and more of course - I want to compliment Neuromancer, GSB and all the other contributors who patiently and courteously answer the same questions over and over. It is no fault of those who ask the frequently asked questions of course. But, I've observed some other threads where wise cracks and rude responses seem to be the order of the day.

Yes, they really deserve kudos for their patience. Take a look at the flat panel section of the forum: there are newbies who just create new threads without even looking at existing threads on page 1 or 2 which have pages of information about the very models that they are considering; in these cases it is inevitable that someone loses his cool and gives a rude response.

Anyway, coming back to the subject, it is suggested in the first post of the thread that Truelife setting be turned off. Is this feature similar to the DNIe of Samsung? How is Truelife detrimental to the output PQ?

The only issue I have read about with the 0316 firmware is mpeg file playback. I'm assuming this just means issues with mpeg files burned straight to DVD or CD. Does this also affect VCD/SVCD playback? What issues are there with playing mpeg files? Won't play at all, sync issues, interlacing problems?

With my experience, S/VCD was not effected by the error. Only stand alone MPEG files were problematic. However, I did not do extensive testing, so i can't guarantee similar results.

With MPEG files you will get interlacing errors, as well as random slow down and speed ups. This is a direct mirror of the DivX error that exhibited itself in the F-0220 firmware.

The other question I have is about divx and xvid. Does the oppo properly scale the video on these files?

OAR should be working correctly with DivX files, as it is being scaled based off of the resolution. I have not done much testing with out of spec DivX resolutions, but my 4:3, 16:9, and 2:35:1 films are scaled properly.

Is this feature similar to the DNIe of Samsung? How is Truelife detrimental to the output PQ?

TrueLife is a color enhancer that is designed to make the image more "real". However, turning TrueLife On/Off in most cases will not show any difference in video quality, though some users have noted that TrueLife, when set to On, can cause macroblocking responses.

OAR should be working correctly with DivX files, as it is being scaled based off of the resolution. I have not done much testing with out of spec DivX resolutions, but my 4:3, 16:9, and 2:35:1 films are scaled properly.

Ok, cool. One other question about divx/xvid-will the oppo correctly display files with non-square pixels? For example, a 640 x 480 file can be set to play back at either 4:3 or 16:9 depending on flags that are set during encoding. My DVP642 chokes on these.

Ok, cool. One other question about divx/xvid-will the oppo correctly display files with non-square pixels? For example, a 640 x 480 file can be set to play back at either 4:3 or 16:9 depending on flags that are set during encoding. My DVP642 chokes on these.

I have not tried any non-square pixel encodes. One thing you can do is make a small clip (3 megs or so) and send it to OPPO. They can then test it on their units and report their results.

Hmm... if the oppo correctly handles the aspect ratio flags in divx, something really cool could be done.

It might be possible to watch 2.35:1 video at higher resolutions than what anamorphic DVD's allow. You could take HD video of 2.35:1 material, crop out letterboxing bars if present, then resize it to 720 X 576 PAL, and encode it as 2.35:1.

This would show almost 40% more lines of resolution than an anamorphic NTSC DVD of the same material.

I just ordered the 971 and will be running HDMI to Sony 60" SXRD.

Any recommended settings? Links?

Thanks!

Lance

Lance,

Most people will leave the OPDV971H at defualt, or turn Off TrueLife if they want a little extra anti-macroblocking insurance.

Lance,

Most people will leave the OPDV971H at defualt, or turn Off TrueLife if they want a little extra anti-macroblocking insurance.


Thank you!

Lance

Problem with that is with truelife off image retention is much more apparent.

First of all GREAT THREAD! I've read through the whole thing and there is a lot of really good info. I ordered my oppo through HK Flix(2 free kung fu movies!) and hope to get it either tomorrow or next week. The FAQ in the first post seems to have almost everything known about the player. Could the info on the 0316 firmware be added to the FAQ? 0316 seems to fix all the major issues that the player had.

A couple of questions:

The only issue I have read about with the 0316 firmware is mpeg file playback. I'm assuming this just means issues with mpeg files burned straight to DVD or CD. Does this also affect VCD/SVCD playback? What issues are there with playing mpeg files? Won't play at all, sync issues, interlacing problems?

The other question I have is about divx and xvid. Does the oppo properly scale the video on these files? For instance if I have a file that has a resolution of 640 x 360 will it scale it to full screen on my widescreen hdtv? I currently have a Philips DVP642 and it always displays widescreen files letterboxed. To get the correct aspect ratio and to get the content to fill the screen, I have to set my TV to 4:3 mode then zoom it. This cuts off external subtitles because it shows subs low on the screen where the bottom letterbox bar is located.

Thanks for all the other great info!
\

There are still image processing issues that occur with the 0316Beta (although it I still have it loaded). The 0316Beta introduced a random problem with DVD's recorded on two different standalone recorders. This is a problem with jittery picture or the strobe lite affect. The 0316beta did reduce a stuttering problem that I had with one of my recorders (Emerson), this was not a problem with my Pioneer standalone. The random jittery motion affects DVD's from both recorders. It is fixed by pausing and restarting. It is aggravated by FF or reversing or pausing. This hasnt happened on any commercial DVDs.

As I said, I decided to keep the 0316beta loaded.

Rick

I finally got around to loading the 0316 beta and it seems to have partially alleviated the problems I was having with the video speed getting wacky on non-commercial discs, presumably (but not for sure) created on standalone recorders. But there are still enough problems with that and with jerky motion that I'm going to have to keep one of my old players hooked up to watch those discs. It's a drag, but unless they really work that out in another firmware upgrade, my Oppo will be for commercial discs only.

Lance,

Most people will leave the OPDV971H at defualt, or turn Off TrueLife if they want a little extra anti-macroblocking insurance.

Surprisingly, it seems to me that if I turn on TrueLife the MB in the horizontal black bars and possibly other areas on the display when playing a 2.4:1 dvd is better than otherwise. So is this something normal?

Not normal, but nothing has really been substantiated on the actual reduction of macroblocking with TrueLife Off. People claim to see a difference, but it is something that is not measurable.

This is my first foray into HDTV, and upconverting DVD players. I just bought a Sammy-6187, And was looking at the Oppo, since I've read so much about it here. But my question is... I know it upconverts normal dvds, but if you have a divx version on a DVD-RW, or whatever, does it convert that too? And will it read abunch of DIVX files off a DVD-RW? Thanks.

This is my first foray into HDTV, and upconverting DVD players. I just bought a Sammy-6187, And was looking at the Oppo, since I've read so much about it here. But my question is... I know it upconverts normal dvds, but if you have a divx version on a DVD-RW, or whatever, does it convert that too? And will it read abunch of DIVX files off a DVD-RW? Thanks.

I have never tried DVD-RW, but on all DVD+R and DVD-R I have used for DivX or XviD, my Toshiba 37HL95 LCD TV tells me that the Oppo is outputting 1080i.

And, yes it will read "abunch" of DivX/XviD files on one DVD.

... And will it read abunch of DIVX files off a DVD-RW? Thanks.Yes it will. In my case, the 971H was able to read DivX files from any media I've tried.

haha... "abunch", oops. Anyway. Then I'm probably gonna go ahed and purchase the Oppo. But I have one more question. If an upconverting DVD player has the ability to take a normal DVD and output it at 1080i, and I know it's not technically HD, why don't they have a device that you can hook up your SD cable, after the box, and before it goes into the cable, that upconverts the signal to 1080i? Since SD looks bad on a HDTV??? Or do they? Just curious.

Will the oppo play back divx 6 files?

...why don't they have a device that you can hook up your SD cable, after the box, and before it goes into the cable, that upconverts the signal to 1080i? Since SD looks bad on a HDTV??? Or do they? Just curious.
They do. They're called video processors.

Go here to check 'em out:

http://www.dvdo.com/index.php

Cheers! ;)

haha... "abunch", oops. Anyway. Then I'm probably gonna go ahed and purchase the Oppo. But I have one more question. If an upconverting DVD player has the ability to take a normal DVD and output it at 1080i, and I know it's not technically HD, why don't they have a device that you can hook up your SD cable, after the box, and before it goes into the cable, that upconverts the signal to 1080i? Since SD looks bad on a HDTV??? Or do they? Just curious.

That's essentially what my HD settop cable box does (A Scientific Atlanta 3250 HD in my case).

Dana

it would be nice if in the future you could connect a hard drive to that usb interface and the oppo would present a simple gui for selecting movies off that hard drive....

There is, or was... it was called a Sampo, Model 631CF. It was unqiue in the fact that the DVD drive inside used the standard IDE interface. Many people over the years attached HDs and it functioned as you described - allowing you to playback movies from the HD. I have one.

redjr...

Having just installed the Oppo 971 over the weekend, I'm curious about one thing... Is it best to match the output resolution (DVI switch on remote) to the native resolution of your TV, or leave it set at 1080i. I have a 1280 x 768 panel, and I can't tell much difference between the 1080i and 720 setting. I would have to give the edge however to the 720p setting.

What's happening here? It seems to me the output resolution of the Oppo should match as closely as possible the native resolution of my display - to minimize any unnecessary upscaling/downscaling conversion processing being done by both the Oppo and/or my TV. Is that a correct assumption? Flaws in my logic?

BTW, I'm using DVI-HDMI from the Oppo to my TV.

redjr...

Ideally you will want to use the resolution which is the closest to your natives resolution. However, depending on the design of the internal scaler of your display device, you may want to feed it a signal which is out of spec, and let it do the scaling (such as the Panasonic TH-42PX50U being designed for 1080i, rather than 720p, like most plasmas).

Additionally, if the internal scaler/de-interlacer of your display are well designed, you may not see a difference between 720p and 1080i, as the televisions de-interlacing and scaling (at 1080i) is matching the OPPO's abilities (at 720p).

Hey guys, I had my oppo unplugged for a few weeks and just switched back to to it and for some reason the image on my oppo seems off to me. I'm using the DVI to HDMI and watching it on a panny 900U projector. I have the setting on the player set to 720P. The pic has sparklies in it and moving sparklie things on light objects. I don't remember this being there before. Is there some settings I need to turn back off or tweak some things in the player?? Also, when having the player in 480P the pic is fine but when putting it at 720p or 1080i there is yellow all the way around the edges of the screen, any idea on this? Are there firmware upgrades I can get?

Your cables are likely not efficient. Try another set of DVI-HDMI cables and try again.

Ideally you will want to use the resolution which is the closest to your natives resolution. However, depending on the design of the internal scaler of your display device, you may want to feed it a signal which is out of spec, and let it do the scaling (such as the Panasonic TH-42PX50U being designed for 1080i, rather than 720p, like most plasmas).

Additionally, if the internal scaler/de-interlacer of your display are well designed, you may not see a difference between 720p and 1080i, as the televisions de-interlacing and scaling (at 1080i) is matching the OPPO's abilities (at 720p).

Neuromancer,

Thanks for your comments. You confirmed my suspicions. In all honesty, I haven't watched enough on it yet to give a critique of the Oppo's ability, but the 720p setting seems to be working fine. However, I have noticed superior PQ on my 720p panel on HD channels broadcasting in 1080i, so I would guess my TV does a good job at scaling higher res content down to 720p. The IQ is first rate.

redjr... :cool:

...However, I have noticed superior PQ on my 720p panel on HD channels broadcasting in 1080i, so I would guess my TV does a good job at scaling higher res content down to 720p. The IQ is first rate.

redjr... :cool:
This is both funny and ironic. ;)

My 1080i set gets better PQ when I feed it 720p from the Oppo.

Who ever said HD would be easy? :D

^ Same here. 720p from my OPPO looks marginally better on my 1080p (60" SXRD) TV vs. 1080i.

^ Same here. 720p from my OPPO looks marginally better on my 1080p (60" SXRD) TV vs. 1080i.

I can't say for sure, but that's likely related to the Genesis/Faroudja scaler/deinterlacing used in the Oppo. Not all HDTVs use it. I've noticed that the red hues on my Polaroid were pronounced using the 1080i output and more lifelike using 720p, so I've stuck with 720p - the native resolution of my TV. It's not easy, but sure is fun! :D

redjr...

Surprisingly, it seems to me that if I turn on TrueLife the MB in the horizontal black bars and possibly other areas on the display when playing a 2.4:1 dvd is better than otherwise. So is this something normal? It sounds as though your display needs a calibration. You should not be seeing macroblocking in the black bars of a widescreen movie - those bars are supposed to be black, not dark gray.

Gary

It sounds as though your display needs a calibration. You should not be seeing macroblocking in the black bars of a widescreen movie - those bars are supposed to be black, not dark gray.

Gary

Thanks, Gary.

MB also appears on the blue Oppo splash screen too, is this another indicator that I should calibrate the display?

There will be some blocking on the OPPO logo, as the image itself is like only 32kb. What you are seeing is bad compression (usually) and not macroblocking.

^ Same here. 720p from my OPPO looks marginally better on my 1080p (60" SXRD) TV vs. 1080i.


YES. yes, yes. I agree. I've been fiddling for 2 mos now and 720p is best with the Sony SXRD. I want to believe that the 1080i feed is best, but in reality it's not.

The SXRD must do a better job at handling a progressive feed instead. Which is confusing since the SXRD's deinterlacer is supposed to be really good. Maybe going from 720p to 1080p is an easier conversion for the SXRD than 1080i to 1080p?

I donno, It just looks alot better at 720p.

Maybe going from 720p to 1080p is an easier conversion for the SXRD than 1080i to 1080p?

I donno, It just looks alot better at 720p.Yes, 720p is a much easier conversion for a 1080p set. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7407251&&#post7407251) for the reasons.

Gary

My analog outs are not working anymore. Has this happened to anyone before? I hooked my multichannel outs to my STB and it works fine so I know that it is the Oppo player and not my receiver. Any thoughts?

My analog outs are not working anymore. Has this happened to anyone before? I hooked my multichannel outs to my STB and it works fine so I know that it is the Oppo player and not my receiver. Any thoughts?

I hate to state the obvious, but have you cheked the set up menu to make sure that nothing has changed in the audio section?

-Toonces... ;)