Ok, I messed around some with my panny 900U and oppo tonight and the pic looks horrible on my oppo. So the dvi to hdmi cable could just mess up for no reason? Maybe that's the deal. The pic looks horrible, it looks like standard dvd at like 480i or p to me but I switched back and forth between 720p and 1080i so I know they were set right. I'm really at a loss as my panny and oppo combo looked really good and then I tried out a different player for a couple weeks so the oppo was unplugged and now after using it agian I have artifacts, sparklies, and other eyesores that Definatley weren't ever there before. :(

Try another DVI-HDMI cable if you have one. Your cables could be deteriarating or are picking up interference.

Also, try the OPDV971H on the another digital display device, to ensure that the DVD player has not somehow bit the dust during the time it was not used.

Question: If the native resolution of my display is 480p/1080i, what is the best resolution to upconvert to...720p or 1080i (since, if I'm correct, using 720p will be upconverted by my display to 1080i anyway)?

Question: If the native resolution of my display is 480p/1080i, what is the best resolution to upconvert to...720p or 1080i (since, if I'm correct, using 720p will be upconverted by my display to 1080i anyway)?

Most people say that 720p looks better on their display. Just try both resolutions and use whichever one looks best to you.

with the 970 out the door, will we see a new 971 firmware with any fixes they did for the 970 over the 971?

Yes. And I have heard that it will be available in two weeks. The two fixes I know of are the Subtitle and Angle Mark errors. Don't know what else may be transported over.

okay, just got a new dell 2405fpw LCD monitor. I know there is software out there to do deinterlacing, but I've also heard such great things about the OPPO. So my question is, since my computer will be attached to the LCD anyways, should I just try the software, or should I go with the Oppo? Will there be any difference in picture quality between the two?

With such a small display, the benefits of the OPDV971H over that of a software solution will be very low, unless your software DVD player does not do a good job of de-interlacing or reading 3:2 and 2:2 flags. Most video cards also have specialy software to better perform de-interlacing aspects.

How do i get my Oppo to shuffle play my MP3 discs?

Also, I just converted a .ts file to a .mpg, via the latest version of HDTVtoMPEG2 software, and I'm getting wicked stuttering issues. Any ideas would be appreciated........It doesn't stutter using 'windows media player classic' on my laptop.........so why would it do it on the Oppo?

Stuttering=Audio only, video seems to be ok.................

If you are using the F-0316 firmware, then you will get a stuttering error due to a problem with the A/V Sync fix implimentation. Drop back to the F-0302 firmware. This is in relation to Video.

If the audio is having problems, then it could be an encoding error (wrong bitrate, missing data, and so forth). Weirdly, I have not had audio problems with the OPDV971H.

Another problem I'm getting is when I put my recently burned DVD Data Disc with all my MP3's, it displays "AlbumArt_{random letters/numbers}" This creates quite a nuisance to my file directory during playback. How do I burn discs w/mp3's that don't display or hardcopy these album art small jpgs.? I can't find these album art jpgs. on my hard drive/registry or I'd delete them there, must be an annoying 'media player thing'.

TXP3064W,

More than likely the art is embedded in the ID3 tag. I recommend that you purchase/obtain and EXCELLENT tool for ID3 tags called Tag & Rename. You can easily re-tag files, strip tags, customize tags, etc. with with program. I use it on all of my files and think it is a highly worthwhile purchase, particularly if you like to switch between tagging schemes for different playback points. i.e. car cd's vs. Oppo playback vs. ipod etc...

http://www.softpointer.com/purchase.htm

Regs,
Jeff

I just re-read your message and I THINK it is related to having a particular checkbox turned on in your media player. I think it has to do with allowing WMP to download missing information from your mp3's. The album art JPGs should be located in whichever directory you specified with the "Monitor" button.

Hope that helps.

I still think Tag&Rename is a great thing to buy. :)

Regs,
Jeff

See also...
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/knowledgecenter/howto/AlbumArt.aspx

Regs,
Jeff

Will the oppo play back divx 6 files?

I just got my oppo yesterday so I can now answer my own question :)

Yes, it does play divx 6. Not only does it play them, but you can also toggle through the different audio tracks and subtitles. It does not do divx menus.

It will also play .ogg files. It lets you toggle audio tracks in these too. Does not appear to show subtitles embedded in ogg files, but I only tried one so far.

If an avi file has dolby ac3 audio it will play this too.

I ordered my oppo through http://www.hkflix.com/ (2 free kung fu movies!) and was surprised that not only did I get a DVI-DVI cable AND a DVI-HDMI cable, but also a DVI-HDMI adapter!

Found out how to disregard the AlbumArt_{info crap}, here's the procedure:

My Music (or where your music files are kept) => Tools => Folder Options =>
View Tab => In sub-window call Advanced settings: uncheck Hide extensions for
known types & Hide protected operating syatem files (you will receive a
Warning => Press Yes) => Delete Album Art files.

Do not forget to change your Privacy Settings in Media Player.

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


Hi Jim

I have the Sony SXRD and am running a 6 speaker config through an audioreceiver.

What should I have the Oppo settings for audio at? 5.1?

Lance

If you are using the multi-channel analog output, you will need to change your Speaker Setup preferences from Large to Small. Engale the Subwoofer and change the DownMix to 5.1. Under Audio Setup change LPCM Out from 48Khz to the highest your receiver will allow.

If you are using the optical or coaxial digital audio ouputs, you just need to ensure that the S/PDIF Out is set to RAW.

Try another DVI-HDMI cable if you have one. Your cables could be deteriarating or are picking up interference.

Also, try the OPDV971H on the another digital display device, to ensure that the DVD player has not somehow bit the dust during the time it was not used.

I've been following this thread with interest since I'm a relatively new owner of the Oppo. I have to throw in my two cents about the DVI-HDMI cable.

I haven't experienced any problems with audio sync or firmware bugs. Instead, my biggest problem has been the "juddering" at random moments. I decided to play around with what I could do on my end to alleviate the problem and I went to Best Buy and purchased a Monster DVI-HDMI cable (for testing purposes only you understand). Juddering was noticeably reduced to my eyes by using the higher quality cable. It wasn't completely gone, but most of the worst instances were gone.

Of course, I took the Monster cable back and purchased on online for a fraction o the price.

Anyone else think this is at least a feasible solution that is worth a shot?

If you are using the multi-channel analog output, you will need to change your Speaker Setup preferences from Large to Small. Engale the Subwoofer and change the DownMix to 5.1. Under Audio Setup change LPCM Out from 48Khz to the highest your receiver will allow.

If you are using the optical or coaxial digital audio ouputs, you just need to ensure that the S/PDIF Out is set to RAW.


Thanks..I am using optical out of my receiver and have set to raw. Do I still use 5.1 or stereo?

Lance

The DownMix setting only effects the analog outputs. As long as you set the S/PDIF to RAW, you are good to go.

Instead, my biggest problem has been the "juddering" at random moments. I decided to play around with what I could do on my end to alleviate the problem and I went to Best Buy and purchased a Monster DVI-HDMI cable (for testing purposes only you understand). Juddering was noticeably reduced to my eyes by using the higher quality cable. It wasn't completely gone, but most of the worst instances were gone.

Anyone else think this is at least a feasible solution that is worth a shot? No, the juddering has nothing to do with the cable. It has to do with the Mediatek MPEG decoder. Currently, the best solution is 0316 Beta firmware. What FW version do you have? 0220 is by far the worst offender.

Gary

When oppo gives us the new fixes from the 970 will that beta be public as well or do I have to beg or Blackmail someone for it ;)

No, the juddering has nothing to do with the cable. It has to do with the Mediatek MPEG decoder. Currently, the best solution is 0316 Beta firmware. What FW version do you have? 0220 is by far the worst offender.

Gary

I'm running the 0316 Beta.

The DownMix setting only effects the analog outputs. As long as you set the S/PDIF to RAW, you are good to go.


Big Thank You!

Lance

can anyone tell me what setting would be better for my 1080p samsung set, 720p or 1080i while watching movies??

Hi guys, i have recently purchased a Samsung HL-S5087 HDTV and i am in the market for upconverting dvd player. in your opinions, is oppo the way to go for best bang for the buck? i have also looked at the Philips DVP5960. any comparison between the two? also, which oppo would you recommend that i buy?

can anyone tell me what setting would be better for my 1080p samsung set, 720p or 1080i while watching movies??

Most people find that 720p looks better, but just try both and use whichever one looks best to you.

I did a search of the thread for "thin black line" and didn't find anything so please excuse this question if it has already been asked and answered.

Last night, while watching Sahara (great popcorn flick!) on the Oppo 971, I noticed two very thin horizontal black lines at the top and bottom of the image. These lines are located just a few pixels below and above the black letterbox bands (they are in the movie image). They sort of look like "ghost" lines paralleling the black letterbox bands. Since I had not noticed it before, I assumed it was the DVD. But I later popped in a few other 2:35:1 discs and, sure enough, the lines were there too.

When I first installed the Oppo, I had routed the video (DVI to HDMI) directly to my JVC HD70FH96. But a few weeks ago, I added an Intel Mac Mini as my HTPC and, at that time, changed the HDMI routing so that the Oppo and the Mini went through my Pioneer VSX-72TXV first (giving me the ability to switch between them without having to deal with the extremely slow video input switching of the JVC).

So, my question is... has anyone else noticed these very thin horizontal black lines in the picture area just below and above the letterbox bands? And, if so, were you connected directly to the display or routed through a A/V receiver?

Thanks!

Mark

can anyone tell me what setting would be better for my 1080p samsung set, 720p or 1080i while watching movies??

Depends on how samsung deinterlace 1080i....... If done correctly, then 1080i should be favorable on 1080p native screen than 720p output.

Mark Booth,

There is nothing wrong with your setup. These two lines will be there regardless of routing.

can anyone tell me what setting would be better for my 1080p samsung set, 720p or 1080i while watching movies?? Check out this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7407251&&#post7407251).

Gary

"So, my question is... has anyone else noticed these very thin horizontal black lines in the picture area just below and above the letterbox bands? And, if so, were you connected directly to the display or routed through a A/V receiver?"

I have them also, its routed direct to pj. I'm using "REAL" mode ( 1 to 1 mapping).A while back I called OPPO he said it was related to "underscanning" I think? They were working on it.

Mark

I dont consider this a cross-post since so many of the Site experts who own Oppo units hang out in this thread... if there is anyone who'd like to comment on the following... please do so...

Hey Guys... happy friday!

Here is the situation...

I've been an Oppo owner for quite some time now. I've been using it to feed my Mitsu WD-52525 DLP at 720p through the HDMI input since I've had it. I've always been happy with the picture quality... while I've never felt the way many others have felt, I always chalked it up to my novice'ness.

Ive seen projector owners, plasma owners and DLP owners praise the Oppo for its stunning picture quality... I've spent HOURS calibrating my television and following every hot Oppo tip from the experts on this forum I could get my hands on... and doing this, I've always felt that I was getting the best I could get for the price. I mean, afterall... this is the best sub $200 player on the market and even ranks high with those costing 3-4 times it's price.... according to everyone who knows everything. But I've always felt to myself... (what am I doing wrong?)

Well... a lil while ago Microsoft let out an update that enables the XBOX 360 to output DVDs via VGA to my Television's Native res. (which is 1280x 720)

I have to say that after one look.... I AM BLOWN AWAY. The Xbox360 at 720p is so much better than my Oppo. Are my eyes deceiving me? I am so confused. I dont even use my Xbox for gameplay because I am so bored with games now... so it's not a case of fanboy'ism, I assure you.

I did some A/B comparisons with the same DVDs and the Xbox's image is so much more lifelike... so much more exact. I have worked long and hard to achieve this type of image with my Oppo... but I've never been able to get it to look this good.

I dont know whats wrong... is there someone who can explain this to me? Am I too stupid to realize what a good picture is now?

I would really like a few of the experts to help me with this one. I honestly feel there is something I'm missing.

Thanks.

Mark Booth,

There is nothing wrong with your setup. These two lines will be there regardless of routing.

Thanks Neuromancer. But, to clarify... Is this a known problem with ALL Oppo 971s or just with certain 971 & TV combinations? Or, do other players do it?

We watched Beyond the Sea tonight and the lines were still there but, given the many nightclub scenes, etc., the lines were much less noticeable.

Mark

All 971Hs. It is due to the underscanning. These lines, which are also shown on the left and right side, are clearly visable on televisions which do not have overscanning (such as projectors) or have limited overscanning.

Thanks Neuromancer. But, to clarify... Is this a known problem with ALL Oppo 971s or just with certain 971 & TV combinations? Or, do other players do it?

We watched Beyond the Sea tonight and the lines were still there but, given the many nightclub scenes, etc., the lines were much less noticeable.

Mark



Mark, did you not notice vertical lines on the left and right as well?

Just got my 971 last night. Hooked up the DVI to HDMI cable to my Panasonic plasma and ran a Toslink to my A/V receiver then plugged in the power cord. Put the batteries in the remote. Hit power.....nothing. This is on a Friday night with Oppo just ready to close in five minutes. Great support team. All I had to do is take the batteries out of the remote and hold each button down for three seconds. I can't see why this would work, but it did. I got through the calibration with my AVIA test disk on the input the 971 is running to but haven't got to play a movie yet. TONIGHT! :)

All remote controls run a basic CPU to run their functionality. There is a trigger reset that, about 30% of the time, can bring a dead, or slightly malfunctioning remote, back to life. Their support, luckily, new about this trigger. It just involves that each button be pressed and held for 3 seconds each individually.

Check out this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7407251&&#post7407251).

Gary

Thanks for that link to that post.

Q: What cables should I use while comparing the conversions? Component or DVI/HDMI?

Ok, this one is very strange and I want to see if anyone has seen anything like it....

I picked up a 971 to mate with my new Samsung H710AE. I was wrapping up swapping out DVD players and projectors when I noticed I was having trouble with my remote on my Denon 5800. The receiver was not responding to any remote commands. I changed out the batteries, and still no luck. I spent the next hour or two eliminating potential issues and running through a pretty detailed process of elimination. I have an equipment rack where the 5800 sits in the middle with the 971 underneath.

Basically what I narrowed it down to is if the DVI output on the 971 is active, then my remote does not work on the 5800. As soon as I power off the 971 or pull the DVI cable, then the 5800 remote works again. What is the strangest thing is I had NOTHING connected to the 5800 from the 971, I even put the 971 on a different electrical circuit.

It seems there is some sort of electric or RF field the DVI output is causing that conflicts with the remote sensor (or circuitry) of the 5800. I even moved the 971 out of the rack, plugged it into another plug 3-4 feet away, and as soon as the DVI output became active it broke the remote. If I move the player 6+ feet away from the 5800, then all is well.

Well... is that not strangest thing or what? Any thoughts or help? I am going to send Oppo an e-mail since I may just have a defective unit.

Robert

Thanks for that link to that post.

Q: What cables should I use while comparing the conversions? Component or DVI/HDMI?

DVI/HDMI. Component on the Oppo sort of misses the point.

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

Found it!

I dont consider this a cross-post since so many of the Site experts who own Oppo units hang out in this thread... if there is anyone who'd like to comment on the following... please do so...

I too was a little disappointed with Oppo and my HD72 projector in comparison to my Pioneer DV-578A and X1. I could see with my novice eyes little difference in sharpness. Of all the reading about how HD like the Oppo could output, I couldn't see any of that. I definitively can see how great HD is on my HD72 and it's much better than my X1.

With my recent conversion of my family movies into DVD and my various experiences with software encoders, I suspect the XBOX 360 may be using some more advance algorithm than Faroudja. After all, Faroudja's been out for a while and computer software advances at quite a fast pace. This of course is just my theory with no detail facts to back it up.

Thanks for the response Kin_ng... I have to say that I've done quite a few A/B comparisons over the last couple of days and I have to say that my sentiments do not change. The Xbox 360 coupled with my display over VGA at native 720p produces a fantastic DVD image.

I still think the Oppo is a fantastic player and I absolutely LOVE the level of support the company is willing to give to their consumers. It's truly a Godsend...

I'll be using the Oppo for DivX/XviD material from here on out... :cool:

Mark, did you not notice vertical lines on the left and right as well?

No, I didn't. But my set (JVC HD70FH96) has plenty of overscan so, when I'm watching 2:35:1 movies the image extends beyond the sides.

Next time I've got a 4:3 movie in the player, I watch the left and right edges.

Mark

The DownMix setting only effects the analog outputs. As long as you set the S/PDIF to RAW, you are good to go.

SPDIF running on 0316 beta either doesn't have "enough" audio delay (max is 100ms) or that audio delay still doesn't work completely.

I have set audio delay at 100ms but video is still unable to 'catch up' with the audio. I can't quite tell if setting audio sync to 0ms makes the sync worse or not, because both 0ms or 100ms produce sync problem.

Maybe a delay up to 200ms could provide more 'room' to properly test if the audio delay over RAW is working properly?

Just another post to speak to the beauty of the Oppo. Bought Underworld Evolutions and watched it the other night. Even with all the Night shots and dark shots, the movie was absolutely beautiful, especially in the opening sequence pan away from Marcus.

The 03_16firmware has done a great job, for me, so far with the delay and the clarity of the video.

I hope that all the weird things popping up the last few weeks on the thread are not real problems, but just anomalies.

SPDIF running on 0316 beta either doesn't have "enough" audio delay (max is 100ms) or that audio delay still doesn't work completely.

I have set audio delay at 100ms but video is still unable to 'catch up' with the audio. I can't quite tell if setting audio sync to 0ms makes the sync worse or not, because both 0ms or 100ms produce sync problem.

Maybe a delay up to 200ms could provide more 'room' to properly test if the audio delay over RAW is working properly?

Audio delay only affects the analog outputs.

I switched to the latest firmware about 3 weeks ago and I am noticing ALOT more lip-sync issues. Before it was about 1 in every 30 discs or so. Now it seems to be about 1 in every 4.

Anyone else notice this?

If you are using the analog connection, turn the Delay down to 0, as this is creating an audio delay which was previously not active.

If you are using the optical or coaxial digital audio connections, try switching back to the F-0302 firmware and playback a film which you previously noted audio-sync errors. Not any changes (especially if they are caused by the user - such as using the fast forward controls).

Mark, did you not notice vertical lines on the left and right as well?

Lines are on all 4 sides but hidden on left & right by border, pj has to be zoomed in to see them. Their really hard to see. I had my OPPO 5 months before I noticed them on my 100" screen.

Mark

I posted this in the plasma forum, to no avail....

I have a Pio Elite 1130, and I called Oppo last week to advise on the 970 vs 971 . They recommended the 971. I inquired about macroblocking with the 971, and they said it was a known problem with the panasonic's, but they didn't seem to have much trouble with the Pio's. Given the 50 inch screen size, they said that I would get a better picture with the superior processor in the 971. It is scheduled for delivery tomorrow....and I am left with several questions:

1) Since a pio can process in 10-bit, will I get a better picture if I have an HDMI-HDMI connection (found in the 970, but NOT the 971, which has DVI to HDMI).

2) I remember hearing somewhere that Oppo is scheduled to release an updated version of the 971 (with HDMI, SACD, still with Faroudja, and other improvements) in June/July. Does anybody know anything about this?

3) Do people prefer AVIA or DVE calibration? Where do I get these?

Thanks so much!!

Thanks for the response Kin_ng... I have to say that I've done quite a few A/B comparisons over the last couple of days and I have to say that my sentiments do not change. The Xbox 360 coupled with my display over VGA at native 720p produces a fantastic DVD image.

I still think the Oppo is a fantastic player and I absolutely LOVE the level of support the company is willing to give to their consumers. It's truly a Godsend...

I'll be using the Oppo for DivX/XviD material from here on out... :cool:Tattootearz, I'm sorry to hear you're not getting the best picture from your display. If the Xbox (with a VGA connection) gives a better image, something is sadly wrong. Either your display is not very good with the DVI input, or your calibration is off.

The 971's DVI image is phenomenal on a properly calibrated display.

But bear in mind that a decent calibration usually requires entering the display's Service Menu. On my display, calibrating with the User Menu alone, was no use. Fiddling with the Service Menu is fraught with danger for someone who is unfamiliar with the settings, so unless you are willing to get it professionally calibrated (or learn how to do it from the experts) its not worth poking around.

Gary

1) Since a pio can process in 10-bit, will I get a better picture if I have an HDMI-HDMI connection (found in the 970, but NOT the 971, which has DVI to HDMI).

I believe the DV-970HD is a 8-bit connection, despite being a HDMI interface, due to the MTK chipset being designed around 8-bit architecture. Most displays that do 10-bit decoding will only accept an 8-bit signal to begin with, making this a moot point.

2) I remember hearing somewhere that Oppo is scheduled to release an updated version of the 971 (with HDMI, SACD, still with Faroudja, and other improvements) in June/July. Does anybody know anything about this?

Last I heard that project has been delayed again. Likely will not be released until August or later.

3) Do people prefer AVIA or DVE calibration? Where do I get these?

I prefer AVIA, as I find DVE gives me a much more washed out picture for some reason. Both can be purchased online and locally through places like BestBuy, Amazon.com, and so forth.

Oppo 971 mini review

I'm a previous HTPC advocate, using basically top-of-the-line equipment. After recently switching my projector to the new (virtually silent operating) BenQ 8720, the noise level coming from my HTPC was loud. Very loud. So, I went on the hunt to quiet it down.

After unsuccesfully trying two different "silent" HTPC cases, various cooling methods, and a new video card, I decided to try one of these upconverting DVD players in its place.

After reviewing the forums, I (ofcourse) decided on the oppo.

I got the unit today and plugged it in directly to the projector via the HDMI/DVI cable provided.

I was instantly pleased with the picture... the deinterlacing capabilities are actually better than my HTPC was (quick specs of the HTPC, 6600GT PCI express card, P4 3.2 Ghz, 1GB ram, M-Audio revolution 7.1 sound card, TheaterTek 2.3 software with FFDshow). And the detail at the 720p setting is on-par, if not slightly better than my calibrated and fully tweaked-out HTPC.

Anther thing I love about this option is the NO fuss approach of turning it on, not waiting for a boot-up, and just using it like a glorified TV set top box operation. My wife also loves this since it's much easier to operate than the HTPC.

So, anyone want to buy a used HTPC? :-) ha ha.

Thanks to everyone on this forum for the tweaks and reviews. I haven't experienced any macroblocking yet -- and I popped in Finding Nemo and a few others to watch with a critical eye.

Picture is just gorgeous. Hats off to Oppo for an unbelievable player for an unbelivable price.

Nice review, Joe. It's good to have a point of reference from someone who is intimately familiar with the HTPC realm.

Gary

I posted this in the plasma forum, to no avail....

I have a Pio Elite 1130, and I called Oppo last week to advise on the 970 vs 971 . They recommended the 971. I inquired about macroblocking with the 971, and they said it was a known problem with the panasonic's, but they didn't seem to have much trouble with the Pio's. Given the 50 inch screen size, they said that I would get a better picture with the superior processor in the 971. It is scheduled for delivery tomorrow....and I am left with several questions:

1) Since a pio can process in 10-bit, will I get a better picture if I have an HDMI-HDMI connection (found in the 970, but NOT the 971, which has DVI to HDMI).

2) I remember hearing somewhere that Oppo is scheduled to release an updated version of the 971 (with HDMI, SACD, still with Faroudja, and other improvements) in June/July. Does anybody know anything about this?

3) Do people prefer AVIA or DVE calibration? Where do I get these?

Thanks so much!!1) If the Pioneer employs 10-bit processing ALL the way through, a 10-bit HDMI player could be an advantage. However, some displays advertize 10-bit inputs, but simply truncate to 8-bit internally... Then there would be no advantage to a 10-bit HDMI player.

Another exception... if you send a 480i HDMI signal from a player like the 970HD, and the TV does all the processing, there is no benefit to a 10-bit signal, because the DVD is only 8-bit 480i anyway.

By the way, there is no loss using the DVI to HDMI cable included with the 971. The signal is identical to an 8-bit RGB signal from an HDMI player.

3) I prefer DVE, but I still use Avia a great deal. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Gary

1) If the Pioneer truly employs 10-bit processing ALL the way through, a 10-bit HDMI player could be an advantage. Some displays advertize 10-bit inputs, but simply truncate to 8-bit internally.

Gary,

I've always been confused about this and I'm hopeful you can clear it up for me.

Since the DVD only contains 8-bits per color, are the extra bits used simply for error correction? Or do the MPEG decoders in 10-bit players upsample the image data?

In either case, what happens when a 10-bit player is connected to an 8-bit display? Does the player sense this and drop down to 8-bit output? Thx.

/steve

Question. I have an oppo but hardly ever use it because I mostly watch HD programming recorded from Direct.

The other day we had some people over and they wanted to watch Memoirs of Geisha. I popped it in and to me the picture looked terrible.

Is this because it's a poor transfer or is it that I just got used to watching HD all the time? My 70 inch Samsung has been calibrated by Eliab as well as the Oppo. I always hear the folks who own the Qualia 006 that dvds come close to looking like HD.

I really don't have other DVDs to compare with since I packed all my DVDs and didn't bother to unpack them once I saw how nice HD was.

The other day we had some people over and they wanted to watch Memoirs of Geisha. I popped it in and to me the picture looked terrible.

Is this because it's a poor transfer or is it that I just got used to watching HD all the time? My 70 inch Samsung has been calibrated by Eliab as well as the Oppo. What do you mean, "the picture looked terrible"? I watched "Memoirs of Geisha" a little while ago, and the picture was superb. Maybe you have just been spoiled by true HD, or maybe some setting has changed on your OPPO or TV.

Gary

Gary,

I've always been confused about this and I'm hopeful you can clear it up for me.

Since the DVD only contains 8-bits per color, are the extra bits used simply for error correction? Or do the MPEG decoders in 10-bit players upsample the image data?

In either case, what happens when a 10-bit player is connected to an 8-bit display? Does the player sense this and drop down to 8-bit output? Thx.

Steve, the extra bits are not just error correction. It is true that the DVD only contains 8 bits per color, but the deinterlacing, scaling, gamma correction, and other conversions (whether done in the display or the player) can certainly benefit from the extra precision available in 10-bit processing. If the display's output-panel itself is 10-bit capable as well, the picture can look even smoother.

However, if you send 480i HDMI from a player like the 970HD, there is no benefit to sending a 10-bit signal, because the player is not de-interlacing or doing any significant processing (and the DVD is 8-bit 480i, anyway). In that case, the display is doing all the processing, so it should take care of the 10-bit conversions.

To answer your other question: When a 10-bit player is connected to an 8-bit display, the display simply ignores the 2 least-significant bits, so to the display, the player would look like any other 8-bit player.

Gary

So I just picked one of these players up along with a DVI-HDMI cable. I am going to hook this up to a Sanyo Z4.
I have been using a Denon 2900 with a panasonic-300 projector which is was a fairly good setup when I bought it. I guess concern is that I won't be seeing much of a difference, what do you guys think? Does the upscaling make for a big difference?

Great... I just picked up a DV971H for my HL-S6187W, and NOW I see the warnings about DLP sets. Macroblocking isn't anything that's going to hurt my TV, is it?

No, macroblocking won't hurt your TV. It is a visual problem that makes things look blocky or splotchy. I have a DLP set and get no macroblocking problems. I used Digital Video Essentials to calibrate and the picture looks great.

I just got this player..

I am quite disappointed with the result and I am surpised at that, as this is rated very very highly. I am mostly interested in upconverting and divx capability.

I am comparing DVDs to my old JVC player (nothing special), I do not see much difference, if anything Oppo seems to be a little bit worse. But the big difference is in DIVX. I have Philips 642. Compared to 642, picture looks much worse, colors looks washed and it is not the clearest. I reduced Brightness on the player to -3 and also reduced Saturation a little bit, it got better but still no where as good as 642.
I am using 2 year old Sony Grand Wega LCD RPTV. It has been calibrated using the JVC and it looks good, in DVD(JVC), DIVX (642) and in TV. There is one setup for all inputs. So I do not want to calibrate it with OPpo as it will mess up my TV viewing.
Any ideas? Similar experiences?

Should I calibrate using the Video controls of Oppo?

how do you have it hooked up? component?
Javry

ok, good. I watched part of The Cell, and I noticed some really blocky parts, but then I watched Arrested Development Season 2, and noticed none what so ever... Is this something with how old the DVD's are? The Cell is from 2000, and A.D. was from last year. And it seemed to look the best on 480, and not 720 or 1080. And also, I just ordered AVIA from amazon, so I'm hoping that working with that will make a difference on my 6187. Although I heard it's really hard to get good results on DLP's...

how do you have it hooked up? component?
Javry
It is hooked using DVI. TV has also DVI input. Using the latest firmware

Anybody calibrated their player as opposed to their display?

I watched Firewall with Harrison Ford last night. In the darker areas of his suit, dashboard of car at night, there where what appeared to be ghosting images in the black areas..when the scenes changed it seemed to be worse right at the start of a new scene. It was only apparent in the dark areas of the screne..almost like looking at a negative of a picture.

What is that?

I am running the OPPO DVI out to HDMI of my 60" Sony SXRD at 720. It also does it at 1080.

I never saw this before with my Panasonic H1000. Is it the upconversion that causes this?

Thanks..I'm not that technical..(smile)

Lance

ok, good. I watched part of The Cell, and I noticed some really blocky parts, but then I watched Arrested Development Season 2, and noticed none what so ever... Is this something with how old the DVD's are? The Cell is from 2000, and A.D. was from last year. And it seemed to look the best on 480, and not 720 or 1080. And also, I just ordered AVIA from amazon, so I'm hoping that working with that will make a difference on my 6187. Although I heard it's really hard to get good results on DLP's...

I have The Cell, but have not watched it yet on my Oppo. I'll check it out tonight, but I am pretty sure this DVD is not encoded very well since it is 6 years old.

It was not hard at all for me to get good results on my DLP. Only took 20-30 minutes to calibrate it using DVE. For me the most difficult thing was when I first got my DLP and calibrated the component inputs. I had a direct view CRT before and the way you calibrate contrast is different.

Sharpness is easy, just turn it down until you don't see edge artifacts. Color is easy too. Just follow the directions given for matching color boxes by adjusting color and tint. Brightness is set by adjusting brightness until BTB just matches the dithering of the surrounding black. For contrast, use a white to black ramp pattern and turn up the contrast to the point right before it starts clipping white or right before white shifts color.

You can leave all the default settings on the Oppo, but if macroblocking becomes a problem, turn off True Life.

there where what appeared to be ghosting images in the black areas

If you have noise reduction turned on, turn it off. If you still see ghosting, turn on True Life , and make sure noise reduction is still off. When True Life is off noise reduction is automatically set to low. The menu will show it is off, but this is a bug.

I watched Firewall with Harrison Ford last night. In the darker areas of his suit, dashboard of car at night, there where what appeared to be ghosting images in the black areas..when the scenes changed it seemed to be worse right at the start of a new scene. It was only apparent in the dark areas of the screne..almost like looking at a negative of a picture.

What is that?

I am running the OPPO DVI out to HDMI of my 60" Sony SXRD at 720. It also does it at 1080.

I never saw this before with my Panasonic H1000. Is it the upconversion that causes this?

Thanks..I'm not that technical..(smile)

Lance

Reclibrate your display. Your brightness and contrast settings on your television can cause ghosting and image retention, as will turning on sharpness, DNR, and using the other video preferences on the OPDV971H (in fact, just leave everything at Default).

Turn off any enhancers, such as DNR, Dynamic Iris, DNIe, and other enhancers on your display, because they too will cause image retention and ghosting.

Great... I just picked up a DV971H for my HL-S6187W, and NOW I see the warnings about DLP sets. Macroblocking isn't anything that's going to hurt my TV, is it?

No, it will not hurt your dislpay, as drgabber said.

You may want to take a look at the post GSB made about Samsung DLP Macroblocking (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7270763#post7270763). Pay particular attention to the calibration guide.

It is hooked using DVI. TV has also DVI input. Using the latest firmware

Anybody calibrated their player as opposed to their display?

I wouldn't recommend using the player as the source of calibration, as you have no fine tune adjustments. Yes, you have +-10 degrees of freedom, but that is not enough degrees of freedom to properly calibrate, as a single variable off can completely change the overall success of the calibration.

If at all possible, leave the settings on the OPDV971H Default (None and Off for everything except TrueLife) and then use AVIA/DVE/other calibration disc to properly tune your display device to that of the OPDV971H.

yea, The Cell probably isn't encoded very well, if you get a chance to check it out, do it. Even in the Main menu where it says "The Cell" on the bottom right, really bad macroblocking around the letters, actually, everywhere. If you see different, I'd love to know.

I am considering trading down my OPPO with someone who has the 970 model, if I can find someone willing to trade. Reason being is, I was originally looking for a SACD and DVD-A in a DVD player. I notice the 970 does both while the 971 just does DVD-A. From what I read so far in this thread is, I will lose better PQ in the upconversion department with the 970 model. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Any other thoughts on this matter. I figure I could always use my HTPC to upconvert movies if needed.

yea, The Cell probably isn't encoded very well, if you get a chance to check it out, do it. Even in the Main menu where it says "The Cell" on the bottom right, really bad macroblocking around the letters, actually, everywhere. If you see different, I'd love to know.

The older the film, the less likely the encode itself was done well. Most films which predate 2001 will have major noise and macroblocking issues, due to their relatively low bitrate and/or poor encoding. Modern DVD encodes will not suffer as badly, due to enhanced encoding algorithms.

If you have noise reduction turned on, turn it off. If you still see ghosting, turn on True Life , and make sure noise reduction is still off. When True Life is off noise reduction is automatically set to low. The menu will show it is off, but this is a bug.


Thanks everyone..perhaps I should go buy the Toshiba HD dvd player.

I have heard it upconverts with no macroblocking as it does not use the Faroujda chip. OPPO does?

Thanks everyone..perhaps I should go buy the Toshiba HD dvd player.

I have heard it upconverts with no macroblocking as it does not use the Faroudja chip. OPPO does?Perhaps. The Toshiba does not use the Faroudja chip, so there is no macroblock-enhance, but there is also no phenomenal de-interlacing. Macroblocking can often be calibrated out, but bad de-interlacing cannot. Also, OPPO regularly fixes firmware bugs, but Toshiba does not.

Gary

Perhaps. The Toshiba does not use the Faroujda chip, so no macroblocking. But remember: Macroblocking can often be calibrated out, but bad de-interlacing cannot. Also: OPPO fixes firmware bugs, but Toshiba does not.

Gary

oh come now, that is not true...they've (toshiba) already released a firmware upgrade; for a large company like toshiba, i find that remarkable. for a small company like oppo, i expect great customer service/firmware upgrades :)

oh come now, that is not true...they've (toshiba) already released a firmware upgrade; for a large company like toshiba, i find that remarkable. for a small company like oppo, i expect great customer service/firmware upgrades :)

You're quibbling. You have low expectations of Toshiba's product support and high expectations of Oppo. So does GSB. The difference is that Oppo delivers on our expectations.

Dana

(toshiba) already released a firmware upgrade; for a large company like toshiba, i find that remarkable. Quite right, they have released a firmware upgrade, and that is remarkable.

Gary

oh come now, that is not true...they've (toshiba) already released a firmware upgrade; for a large company like toshiba, i find that remarkable. for a small company like oppo, i expect great customer service/firmware upgrades :)

I have had the oppo for a year and just got the new Toshiba HDA1 (and DL the 2 new firmware upgrades) I had a lot of macroblocking with my DLP but i still loved my Oppo( Panic room and Final Fantasy were kinda bad when it came to blocking) After hooking up the Toshiba HDA1 to my display the blocking was all but gone! of course there was still some issues with banding but this has more to due with the DLP and not the player . I tested a few titles and to my shock the Toshiba looked like it did a better job with the upscale ! so the Oppo is now in the bedroom :( On paper the Oppo is a better player but to my eyes the Toshiba HDA1 is best. Oh and as far as HD DVD gos i am VERY happy and cant wait to upgrade from a 720P to a 1080P ! :D

You're quibbling. You have low expectations of Toshiba's product support and high expectations of Oppo. So does GSB. The difference is that Oppo delivers on our expectations.

Dana

i don't want to derail the oppo thread, but i actually have high expectations of toshiba...i'm just amazed that such a large company is delivering...i'm sure if they weren't "betting the company" on this hd dvd format, they might not be so responsive...although, they did ultimately refund everyone's money in the past for their failed LCOS TV...

I have had the oppo for a year and just got the new Toshiba HDA1 (and DL the 2 new firmware upgrades) I had a lot of macroblocking with my DLP but i still loved my Oppo( Panic room and Final Fantasy were kinda bad when it came to blocking) After hooking up the Toshiba HDA1 to my display the blocking was all but gone! of course there was still some issues with banding but this has more to due with the DLP and not the player . I tested a few titles and to my shock the Toshiba looked like it did a better job with the upscale ! so the Oppo is now in the bedroom :( On paper the Oppo is a better player but to my eyes the Toshiba HDA1 is best. Oh and as far as HD DVD gos i am VERY happy and cant wait to upgrade from a 720P to a 1080P ! :D

i haven't upgraded the firmware lately, nor used the oppo for that matter, but it has its purpose in my rack...to play divx/xvid files.

i don't have any MB issues on my Qualia 006, but the upconversion of the toshiba player is indeed outstanding, quite to everyone's surprise.

I think the reason why the Toshiba HD player looks good is because it uses several Silicon Optic chips.

Actually, the Toshiba HD player uses a Broadcom MPEG/AVC decoder and has an Intel processor in it. No Silicon Optix in there that I am aware of...and I have seen the inside of both of them. ;)

Link to the MPEG decoder here. (http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=801423)

If at all possible, leave the settings on the OPDV971H Default (None and Off for everything except TrueLife)
Clearly I haven't been paying attention to this thread for too long. :) Wasn't the original recommendation to turn everything off, including TrueLife? When did that change?

Clearly I haven't been paying attention to this thread for too long. :) Wasn't the original recommendation to turn everything off, including TrueLife? When did that change?

It was common that people would turn Off TrueLife since it had the capability of reducing macroblocking. However, with the current firmware revisions, turning TrueLife Off will default DNR to Low, despite the user selecting Off.

Actually, the Toshiba HD player uses a Broadcom MPEG/AVC decoder and has an Intel processor in it. No Silicon Optix in there that I am aware of...and I have seen the inside of both of them. ;)

Link to the MPEG decoder here. (http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=801423)

The Samsung BD-P1000 also uses the Broadcam 7411 chipset. Should be interesting to do a side by side comparisson of the two units, to see which one was implimented better. But that is for a whole new forum.

Thanks for the correction about the chip.

I wouldn't recommend using the player as the source of calibration, as you have no fine tune adjustments. Yes, you have +-10 degrees of freedom, but that is not enough degrees of freedom to properly calibrate, as a single variable off can completely change the overall success of the calibration.

If at all possible, leave the settings on the OPDV971H Default (None and Off for everything except TrueLife) and then use AVIA/DVE/other calibration disc to properly tune your display device to that of the OPDV971H.

OK I actually managed to do the calibration without messing up my HDTV viewing. (It turns out that there was 3 video modes where you could set it and the the set would remember which mode each input has). So after doing that, my DIVX performance is the same as my Philips 642, which is what I expected.

I still do not see any quality difference of upconversion in DVDs though. (Using both players Resume function, I am switching same DVD between Oppo and my old JVC). I used Starwars III for comparison. My TV (Sony Grand Wega RP LCD, Canadian version of KE50WE610) is known to have a very good scaler. Is it possible that is the reason I do not see any difference? Anybody here who is using this player with Sony 3. generation Grand Wegas? Do you see a significant imrovement in picture quality?

I do not have Truelife ON. Will this make a huge difference?

Thanks for your help...

(Originally posted in another Oppo thread and moved here)

I've burned the ISO image (F-0316) above and wanted to get some feedback before I proceed.

I'm interested in this firmware because I'm getting a weird dot-crawl/glitter/shimmering of white pixels in the 540p, 720p and 1080i modes.

If my lvm-42w2 (1080p westinghouse) screen could be divided vertically up into sixths in 540p and 1080i modes the entire 3rd vertical section suffers from this dot crawl:

| | |X| | | |

However in the 720p mode it shows up only in the 5th vertical section from top to bottom as well:

| | | | |X| |

I currently have firmware F-0302b and from what i've read a shimmering bug would've been fixed by this firmware. Maybe I am experiencing a different shimmer bug. I've switched from dvi 1 and 2 and even over to hdmi and the bug is still there. Changed from video 1 to video 2 processing and no luck either. Tried changing picture settings in the dvd setup and that didn't help either.

480p output does not show this problem over dvi connection or dvi to hdmi connection, however another funny thing i noticed is the picture isn't streched/filled using the dvi connection but is using the hdmi ?!? weird.

Anyways, i'm not going to settle for 480p with a 1080p monitor.

Any suggestions/questions/comments before I try to update the firmware and try to solve this weird issue?

Thanks,

Josh

Castaban, I have a similar TV (55WE655 or something like that). The difference to me was very noticable between the Oppo and my previous JVC. Are you using the DVI/HDMI connection? Are you using the 720p or 1080i resolution? As a side note, you wont be able to get rid of the red push on that set without getting in the service menu.

Castaban, I have a similar TV (55WE655 or something like that). The difference to me was very noticable between the Oppo and my previous JVC. Are you using the DVI/HDMI connection? Are you using the 720p or 1080i resolution? As a side note, you wont be able to get rid of the red push on that set without getting in the service menu.
I think 655 is a 4. generation, but my understanding is very similar to my TV. I am using 720p, as that is closes to native resolution. I got into the service menu and adjusted red push, but that is the only thing I did in the service menu.

What kind of differences have you seen? I am trying to see whether I should keep the new player or not and I have only a few days to decide

I'm interested in this firmware because I'm getting a weird dot-crawl/glitter/shimmering of white pixels in the 540p, 720p and 1080i modes.

There are two likely candidates for this error: Bad cabeling and bad DVI output.

One thing you can try doing is using a seperate pair of cables, or more preferably, another display device for diagnostic testing. If 480p is showing no artifacting, then it is likely that the bandwidth for the higher resolutions is not properly transporting accross the cable to the television.

Additionally, this can also be a problem of the DVI output itself. This is why I recommended trying another display device, to rule out the possibility that the OPDV971H is malfunctioning.

Also ensure that you have done a proper calibration on the display, as artifacting (sparkles) can be caused by improper brightness and contrast settings.

I guess its a subjective thing. To me the picture looks much sharper, more depth to the picture. It has the sharpness and clarity of an HD broadcast, just without the added detail. Of course it varies by content too...some movies/dvds look about the same while some look much much better. Personally I think the oppo shines the brightest on CG movies. If you have everything setup correctly and it doesn't look any better to you then its probably not much of an upgrade. It could be that your JVC is much better than mine. I had no complaints about mine until I got the Oppo, but it was a very low end model.

Also, is your screen really 720 native? Mines 1080 native, but the picture looks better in 720p.

last night i watched another dvd and it looked much better. Good colors, sharp. Not quite HD, but you could tell it was because of the lack of detail. I guess Memoirs of a Geisha was just a bad transfer.

jeffs2,
Thanks for your reply.
Did you actually go into the service menu or did you do a User Menu calibration?
Also do you have Truelife on?
I am have everything turned off in Oppo, 0 values for Video.
What do you mean by CG movies (I don't know what CG means). Can you give me some movie titles where you see big difference?

My display is 768 native. Most LCDs are. I almost 100% yours is, too.
Sorry for the barage of questions...

I guess its a subjective thing. To me the picture looks much sharper, more depth to the picture. It has the sharpness and clarity of an HD broadcast, just without the added detail. Of course it varies by content too...some movies/dvds look about the same while some look much much better. Personally I think the oppo shines the brightest on CG movies. If you have everything setup correctly and it doesn't look any better to you then its probably not much of an upgrade. It could be that your JVC is much better than mine. I had no complaints about mine until I got the Oppo, but it was a very low end model.

Also, is your screen really 720 native? Mines 1080 native, but the picture looks better in 720p.

I suspect that's because it's easier to scale a 480 up to 720 than 1080. Not near as much interpolation going on.

redjr...

CG means computer Generated movies like the Pixar movies. Star Wars 3 also has alot of CG.

I don't mean to bring up something out of the blue but I don't have time to read through all 196 pages hehe.

I was wondering how everyone has solved the Oppo lip-sync problem. I just got my player a few weeks ago and I notice on movies with lots of dialogue the words just seem to be a little off with the lips.

What are the best solutions? In the oppo menu I set the lip-sync all the way to 10 to help a little.

Download and install the F-0316 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_0316_download.html).

Castaban,
Yes, I did go into the service menu. Like you however I didn't really change anything but the one setting to fix the red shift problem. The rest of my calibration was done through the regular menu. I don't remember if I have true life on or not, I think I might because the Sony's have no macroblocking problems and I think I turned it on to prevent any ghosting.

The only movie I did a side by side comparison on was the Appleseed remake (2004) which is all computer graphics. Advent Children looks really good too. Non-CG movies/shows look sharper to me, but the difference isn't as drastic. 'Taken' for instance looked as sharp as an HD broadcast just without the detail. So much so that I noticed film grain that I didn't notice on my JVC. Of course 16:9 content looks better than 4:3.

Your right about my native res. I was sure I looked it up and it was 1080, but apparently not. Maybe that's why 720p looks better :)

Personally I think the oppo shines the brightest on CG movies. If you have everything setup correctly and it doesn't look any better to you then its probably not much of an upgrade. It could be that your JVC is much better than mine. I had no complaints about mine until I got the Oppo, but it was a very low end model.



Any movie that has been re-mastered into HD or has been digitally re-mastered, to me, looks absolutely beautiful with the Oppo. CG movies are almost 3 dimensional and the more I am forced to watch Finding Nemo with my daughter, the more detail I notice...like the texture of the teacher's skin, or the scales on the sharks.

How can I tell which firmware my 3 week old 971 has?

How can I tell which firmware my 3 week old 971 has?

Just "open" the disc tray and press "OSD" button. If you have an older FW version (than 1022) you cannot see anything.
If it's newer then it will be displayed on the bottom of the screen.
(other solution: press "setup" then 9,2,1,0 - you can check the FW version and also the region code - you can change the region code here if you want and then "select")

Hi all!
I've just purchased the Oppo after reading this thread (especially thanks to Pual's very extensive thread although I must say that most of the content is too techical for me)
I would be grateful though on a recommendation of an suitable (but value for money like the Oppo) projector/display to take advantage of the OPPO's capabilities. One requirement is that I would need this projector to have a universal AC supply (again, like the Oppo). Thanks all. Vincent

Just "open" the disc tray and press "OSD" button. If you have an older FW version (than 1022) you cannot see anything.
If it's newer then it will be displayed on the bottom of the screen.
(other solution: press "setup" then 9,2,1,0 - you can check the FW version and also the region code - you can change the region code here if you want and then "select")Thanx. Are there discrete codes for ON and OFF?

Jim-

No discretes on the 971 as the player truly shuts off when in standby mode. Play and other trick commonly used will not power up the oppo when off. I simply power switch min off my receiver. You can email oppo from their site, and ask for a discrete firmware update. If could be done but will require a firmware change that makes the existing power toggle code be a power on only code, then the firmware could add a power off code that would be ignored if the player is off, but would turn it off if its on.


So no there is no code, yes oppo could add it but it would require a firmware change.

Jon

So no there is no code, yes oppo could add it but it would require a firmware change.

Worse than that: it would require all new hardware.

OPPO doesn't play AVI recorded by digital camera. It's really disappointing. I have casio camera and Windows media player plays recorded AVIs out of the box. I didn't install any codecs. However OPPO just skipping such files. I do not think that OPPO has performance problem, because camera itself can play recordings and it has certaily less powerful processor.

OPPO doesn't play AVI recorded by digital camera. It's really disappointing. I have casio camera and Windows media player plays recorded AVIs out of the box. I didn't install any codecs. However OPPO just skipping such files. I do not think that OPPO has performance problem, because camera itself can play recordings and it has certaily less powerful processor.

What becomes a problem is what format the AVI is. Although DivX and XviD use the extension AVI, they are not interchangeable terms. For example, Indeo by Intel is also saved as AVI, but this codec is not supported outside of personal computers.

Run a program such as GTools to see what codec, resolution, and bandwidth your digital camera is encoding the files at.

File resolution is also important, as the OPDV971H has a maximum decode resolution of 720x480 pixels. If the pixel count is beyond this, then the OPDV971H will not playback the films.

Has anyone else had any problems with dvd .mp3 playback with the oppo? I made a dual layer dvd .mp3 disc and on a couple albums you can hear all kinds of weird sounds and distortion over the songs. I know its not the disc or a bad burn because they play fine in my pc and my old Sony dvd player.

Any word on a new beta with the subtitle and angle fixes?

It is supposed to be released this week, most likely around Friday.

Has anyone else had any problems with dvd .mp3 playback with the oppo? I made a dual layer dvd .mp3 disc and on a couple albums you can hear all kinds of weird sounds and distortion over the songs. I know its not the disc or a bad burn because they play fine in my pc and my old Sony dvd player.

Have not had this problem with my DVD unit. If you copy the files on the disc then transfer it to another disc (CD or DVD) and play those on the OPDV971H, do you get the same error?

Have not had this problem with my DVD unit. If you copy the files on the disc then transfer it to another disc (CD or DVD) and play those on the OPDV971H, do you get the same error?

No. I guess the oppo just cant handle the layer break or something. Ive noticed the only albums that do it are after the layer break. Its like you can hear the song on the first layer at the same time as the song on the second layer, just not as loud. Its like its playing in the background or something and it doesnt happen on all of the albums on the second layer just 2 that Ive found so far. I can play movies on DL media just fine.

I purchased an Oppo DV971H and I am using a Panasonic TH50PX50U Plasma HDTV. When using the Oppo's up-conversion feature to 720p I am seeing Green Lines Flashing across the screen every so often. I am curious if anyone has been seeing this problem with the Oppo and same TV as a compatiblility issue or is it a problem with my TV.

Try another pair of cables. Additionally, if you are running through a switch or receiver, try to connect directly to your Panasonic Plasma.

I have seen this error under two circumstances on the TH-42PX50U. The first was due to bad cabeling, and the second was due to bad switching through a Denon AVR3806.

Try another pair of cables. Additionally, if you are running through a switch or receiver, try to connect directly to your Panasonic Plasma.

I have seen this error under two circumstances on the TH-42PX50U. The first was due to bad cabeling, and the second was due to bad switching through a Denon AVR3806.
Oppo has sent me another set of cables and also tried a different DV971H DVD player. Both instances ended up as the same result with the green lines flashing on the screen.

I also tried the same cables and dvd player on a friends 42" Hitachi Plasma TV and the unit worked great. I also tried the player and same cables on a newer model Panny TH42PX60U and no Green lines flashing on the screen. I'm just worried that it might be a TV issue and I want to get it repaired while it is still under Warrenty.

If anyone is still on the fence about this particular player. Let me throw my 2 cents into the pot. I have had this player for three days now, and it is a perfect fit for my Toshiba 51H83. 1080i looks schweet. No lipsynch problem so far with 8 movies and a crapload of Barney DVD's.

TFADMIN

If anyone is still on the fence about this particular player. Let me throw my 2 cents into the pot. I have had this player for three days now, and it is a perfect fit for my Toshiba 51H83. 1080i looks schweet. No lipsynch problem so far with 8 movies and a crapload of Barney DVD's.

TFADMIN

Also looks great with my 133" screen and BenQ 7700. Have an old firmware and haven't changed simply because I can't see any problems.

Condolences on having to deal with the "crapload" of Barney. At least your watching DVD sources. Back when I suffered it was VHS. I can still hear those awful songs playing in my memory.

Joe

If anyone is still on the fence about this particular player. Let me throw my 2 cents into the pot. I have had this player for three days now, and it is a perfect fit for my Toshiba 51H83. 1080i looks schweet. No lipsynch problem so far with 8 movies and a crapload of Barney DVD's.

TFADMIN

I bought it the week after I got my LCD panel. Only played a couple of DVDs thru it. Then I ended up returning my panel and am presently waiting to take delivery on a new Westy. That's scheduled for 6/29. :( Once that arrives, I'll have a whole more testing to do with it!

redjr...

The 971 has a new remote right? I've done searches and can't find the definitive word. The pics from their site appear to show a different remote from the original. If it's new and better than the original, this just might be back on the list of must haves!

I'm wondering, I've read from some of the MB based threads that a big part of the MB problem is that with the current 971 the DVI connection is 8bit. As the new version of the 971 that hopefully will be released in 3 mos or so will be the same unit with HDMI support (which is 10bit) will that eliminate MB on DLP that support 10bit HMDI input? Supposedly my HLS6187 does....

If so one would think that the new Samsung 960 would be MB free with the new HLS line of DLPs as it is HDMI. However I have read a post or two of HLS owners complaining of MB with the new 960.

The 971 is now on its third (and by far the best) remote. Go to the first page of the thread for link to Oppo advising how to order the new remote.

Is there are prefference as to using coaxial or optical cables for sound. What I mean is: Is the Oppo especially good with one or the other?

I'm wondering, I've read from some of the MB based threads that a big part of the MB problem is that with the current 971 the DVI connection is 8bit. As the new version of the 971 that hopefully will be released in 3 mos or so will be the same unit with HDMI support (which is 10bit) will that eliminate MB on DLP that support 10bit HMDI input? Supposedly my HLS6187 does....

If so one would think that the new Samsung 960 would be MB free with the new HLS line of DLPs as it is HDMI. However I have read a post or two of HLS owners complaining of MB with the new 960.

Most displays, even if they are designed to do 10-bit, usually only accept 8-bit, and do an internal 10-bit conversion. So, in theory, you will want to use a 10/12-bit connection, but in most applications, there will be no difference between a 8-bit and 10/12-bit signal, as the destination device will only read 8-bits.

Is there are prefference as to using coaxial or optical cables for sound. What I mean is: Is the Oppo especially good with one or the other?No difference, but that may depend to some degree on your receiver.

Gary

Hi all,

I have an issue with the Oppo971H and its DVI output.

I have it connected via DVI to my Pioneer plasma MXE 433, and can only get a 480P picture in reduced size in the center of the screen.
Every other output I choose via the DVI button on the remote comes up as 'out of range' on the plasma.
Previous to this machine, I was happily using a Yamakawa player (until it died last week) with DVI output at 720P with no problems.
Could it be the Oppo DVI output isn't enough for the plasma to recognise?

Any help would be gratefully recieved!

If the MXE is anything like the CMX in the US, you will not beable to obtain anything higher than 480p, as the television was designed with PC resolutions, not HDTV resolution, in mind when they programmed the DVI input.

If the MXE is anything like the CMX in the US, you will not beable to obtain anything higher than 480p, as the television was designed with PC resolutions, not HDTV resolution, in mind when they programmed the DVI input.

Thanks for the info.
But how would that explain my watching dvds through the DVI 720P output of my previous player?

Any chance the Oppo will do a fix via a firmware?

Try the D-1022 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_1022_download.html) and see if the previous firmware does not solve your problem, as the pixel clocking is different between the two firmware.

Try the D-1022 Firmware and see if the previous firmware does not solve your problem, as the pixel clocking is different between the two firmware.

Thanks for the advice. It's exactly what Oppo suggested.
I installed this older firmware and the DVI output is still 'out of range', with the 480P still postage stamped.
I've mailed Oppo again, and perhaps they could find an older still firmware??

All firmware dated D-1022 and below uses the same pixel clocking. All firmware after this time. uses a different pixel clocking. I am unaware of a firmware which exists that allows for the proper playback on your MXE/CMX series.

It may be worth it to contact Pioneer and see if they can't give you their frequency and sync settings, as this will help the OPPO engineers decipher what is causing the errors.

Hello, I have just read some replies to Daliah-Lavi´s post.

I have just got my OPPO delivered, and It seems that I do have the same problem with my Sharp PG-M20x projector.

I cannot cycle the different resolution settings with the DVI button on the remote control. It will only show the 480p resolution, the others are interpreted by the projector as "no signal"

Can anyone comment on this findings' Many thanks guys!

s

Hello, I have just read some replies to Daliah-Lavi´s post.

I have just got my OPPO delivered, and It seems that I do have the same problem with my Sharp PG-M20x projector.

I cannot cycle the different resolution settings with the DVI button on the remote control. It will only show the 480p resolution, the others are interpreted by the projector as "no signal"

Can anyone comment on this findings' Many thanks guys!

s

I had the same issue with mine hooked up to a Philips 30PW9110D. Oppo, at the time, sent me a beta firmware, had me install it, and once installed, hold the "STOP" button on the unit until "new RC" appeared. That fixed everything. You could try that with the F-0316 firmware.

Anyone else have suggestions bbeforegiving up?

[QUOTE=jedurocher]I had the same issue with mine hooked up to a Philips 30PW9110D. Oppo, at the time, sent me a beta firmware, had me install it, and once installed, hold the "STOP" button on the unit until "new RC" appeared. That fixed everything. You could try that with the F-0316 firmware.

Anyone else have suggestions bbeforegiving up?[/

Hey JD many thanks,

hopefully the guys at OPPO come up with a similar solution. My player has the very latest FIRMWARE installed, I may have to change it

You can try the D-1022 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h_firmware_1022_download.html) as well. But it is likely a limitation of your display.

I had the same issue with mine hooked up to a Philips 30PW9110D. Oppo, at the time, sent me a beta firmware, had me install it, and once installed, hold the "STOP" button on the unit until "new RC" appeared. That fixed everything. You could try that with the F-0316 firmware.

Anyone else have suggestions bbeforegiving up?


Would you believe that the customer service at OPPO cannot help?

it seems that being the Sharp PG-M20x a native 1024x768 resolution projector, the DVI output cannot play anything better than 480p! since all other resolutions are out of spec. for the Faroudja Chip

Can you tell me where did you download the FIRMWARE F0316 and what is your projector´s resolution?

thanks JD!
s

I picked mine up at their store in MV. They let me order it in the store at a little computer they had set up and were really helpful.

I am still on the fence about the player, the image quality is superb but I am going to do a side by side comparison on my projector between the oppo and my HTPC before I make my final decision.

Is there a way to check on the player how many hours it's been used?

picard1506,

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

The Faroudja chipset is bound by the resolutions set to it. If you look at your projector's user manual, there are no DVI resolutions which support 720p (1280x720) or 1080i (1920x1080) as the projector was designed for multimedia presentations (PC applications). There is nothing OPPO can do in this situation, as the chipset in the DVD player and the chipset in the projector don't have proper support for each other.

Is there a way to check on the player how many hours it's been used?

None. But that would be a good feature now that I think about it.

Thanks a lot,

Your answer was really clear and precise. I did not find that information on my manual before asking, sorry

...at least I do have true digital 480p now... By the way the people at OPPO did answer very fast. Thanks to them too

s

I just ordered a 971 refurb. Any good reason not to? :) It still has the one year warranty and it's cheaper.

I just ordered a 971 refurb. Any good reason not to? :) It still has the one year warranty and it's cheaper. None that I can think of! Its a great deal on a great player!

Gary

I have spent quite some reading up to page 26 of this thread and thought...let's see how far this goes, 198 pages!

Gary, I see you have been active from day one. I commend you for that and although I haven't bought one yet, I appreciate the efforts from all of you.

I find in very interesting to follow the developments but now seeing just how much more I have to read I am weary of doing so.

Have the unofficial firmware updates been sent to Oppo to incorporate them into their own? What has changed from say...page 25 to now? A very brief summary would be helpful. I'll reread the first page and continue from page 25 if need be. Heck it's a good read anyway.

Drew

What has changed from say...page 25 to now? A very brief summary would be helpful. I'll reread the first page and continue from page 25 if need be. Heck it's a good read anyway. A lot of ground has been covered in this thread, and I wouldn't try to read it all. Much of it discusses firmware defects and wishlists that have already been addressed by OPPO. Many people have made a very valuable contribution, and this has resulted in making a fantastic player even better.

Paul has done a great job of keeping the first post up to date. With the help of everyone else, Paul and I have kept the defect/wish list current, so you can learn most of what you need, right there. If there is anything else you need to know, ask us, and we'll help you, or point you to a post that can.

Gary

Only reason not to is if you know you will be returning it.

I am still on the fence about the player, the image quality is superb but I am going to do a side by side comparison on my projector between the oppo and my HTPC before I make my final decision. Look very carefully at de-interlacing performance, particularly with poorly-encoded movies. To help you make the decision, check out this excellent post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7818283&highlight=htpc#post7818283) by Joe Przybylski.

Gary

Is there anyone that has a Panasonic TH50PX50U and an Oppo DV971H up-scaling DVD player that is having a compatibility issue with Green Lines Flashing while up-converting to 720p?

I have tried everything except trying to replicate it on another Panny TV with the same size and same model number. I have call Oppo and they are telling me that they cant replicate the issue. But I tried another cable that the sent me, another replacement Oppo DV971H dvd player, tried the same DVD player on a Hitachi Plasma TV, bought higher quality cables, and im also running it straight to the TV not through a receiver or a switch. I also bought another brand up-scaling DVD player. And everything I tried I got the same results GREEN LINES flashing on the screen periodically. So If you have the same TV and DVD player and not having this problem please tell me how to fix the problem.

If there is anything else you need to know, ask us, and we'll help you, or point you to a post that can.

Gary

I'll take you up on the offer. ;)

I just started reading about the rave reviews this dvd player is getting and I'm wondering if it would be better than my current non-upscaling dvd player (Pioneer Elite DV-45A).

Would the Oppo be a good replacement for my Pioneer Elite (besides the obvious upgrade of the upscaling)? Or, would a higher-end upscaling dvd player be a better replacement?

TV: Panasonic 50" Plasma (TH-50PX60U).

Thanks, in advance!

I'll take you up on the offer. ;)

I just started reading about the rave reviews this dvd player is getting and I'm wondering if it would be better than my current non-upscaling dvd player (Pioneer Elite DV-45A).

Would the Oppo be a good replacement for my Pioneer Elite (besides the obvious upgrade of the upscaling)? Or, would a higher-end upscaling dvd player be a better replacement?

Thanks, in advance!

And your display device is?

Hi

I need a new DVD player and it seems as though everyone really likes the Oppo 971h on this board. I also noticed that the Samsung 960 seems to be a favorite, especially with the 1080p feature. Has anyone compared these two with regard to best picture quality?

Being that I have a regular plasma (1080i or 780p) the 1080p feature may not be enough to make me go Samsung if the picture quality of the Oppo is better.

Any suggestions which to buy?

Would you believe that the customer service at OPPO cannot help?

it seems that being the Sharp PG-M20x a native 1024x768 resolution projector, the DVI output cannot play anything better than 480p! since all other resolutions are out of spec. for the Faroudja Chip

Can you tell me where did you download the FIRMWARE F0316 and what is your projector´s resolution?

thanks JD!
s

I do not have a projector. Mine is a CRT. My comments were based on my TV's original inability to recognize anything other than 480p. Once I installed the update, which was about 3 months ago, it has worked ever since. Others and Oppo may be correct in that it is a display issue.

I see that Neuromancer responded about your projector as well. I am sorry to read that you probably will not be able to use the Oppo. It is a great player.

Sorry I could nt be of more help or got your hopes up. It was something to try, but if Oppo says it cannot be done...they are pretty good about those things.

And your display device is?

Sorry, Panasonic 50" Plasma (TH-50PX60U)

Would you believe that the customer service at OPPO cannot help?

it seems that being the Sharp PG-M20x a native 1024x768 resolution projector, the DVI output cannot play anything better than 480p! since all other resolutions are out of spec. for the Faroudja Chip

Can you tell me where did you download the FIRMWARE F0316 and what is your projector´s resolution?

thanks JD!
s


That statement from Oppo doesn't seem to go along with this review at ProjectorCentral:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/sharp_m20x.htm

"The PG-M20X handles most of the widely used video systems including NTSC, NTSC 4.43, PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL 60, SECAM, and the DTV formats 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. It also takes DVI Version 1.0, but does not function with DVI Version 2.0 copy guarded equipment."

The review did say however:

"The PG-M20X is capable of producing some amazingly high quality images, especially with 480i and 480p component inputs. With these inputs you can boost color intensity a bit and create some truly vibrant images."

"The PG-M20X takes RGB, component video, and DVI, all through a single DVI port. The balance of the small connection panel offers one S-video port, one composite RCA, one audio jack for on-board audio, and a USB port. So be aware--connecting a 3-RCA component video source like a DVD player is not straightforward. You need a 3-RCA to DVI cable, or a 3-RCA to 15-pin D-sub with a separate DVI to 15-pin D-sub adaptor, neither of which comes with the unit (order them from your dealer along with the unit). You can also use a standard S-video cable if you wish, but make that a temporary solution until you get the component input squared away. Component input produces the better picture."

Now if the review is correct and Component produces the better picture, the Oppo 971 appears to be the wrong DVD player for that projector since that appears to be a weak point on the 971.




John

Hi All,

I am new to this so bear with me. After reading thru all the post I decided to purchase the Oppo 971 to go along with my Fujitsu 42 HD. Upon receiving the player I quickly hooked it up via the dvi however after playing such dvds as Sharktales, Monsters Inc I noticed that my old JVC progressive player had a better picture. My question is are their anyone in this forum who have dealt specifically with the Oppo and Fujitsu display? Your help is greatly appreciated.

I am new to this so bear with me. After reading thru all the post I decided to purchase the Oppo 971 to go along with my Fujitsu 42 HD. Upon receiving the player I quickly hooked it up via the dvi however after playing such dvds as Sharktales, Monsters Inc I noticed that my old JVC progressive player had a better picture. My question is are their anyone in this forum who have dealt specifically with the Oppo and Fujitsu display? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Your problem (which is a nice one to have) is most likely that the combination of the JVC 480p and the AVM processor in your Fujitsu is producing better results than the Faroudja DCDI in the 971H. With your particular display, I would suggest returning the 971H to Oppo and getting a 970HD instead.

I'm using a 50" Fujitsu (40 series), and getting quite good results with the 970HD outputting 480i and 480p over component and HDMI. Results of all combinations are excellent, with 480p HDMI or component getting a slight edge because the Mediatek chip de-interlace deals with ICP better than the AVM II processor does.

If you go the 970HD route, leave sharpness "off" on the player, and make sure you calibrate your display sharpness using Digital Video Essentials. I had to set mine at -14 (out of -16 to +16). Getting sharpness right made a night and day difference in the picture quality.

/steve

Interesting, how much info. to digest in an attempt to buy only one player and not have to return it.

Steve, I have a 57S700 (1.5ry old analog HD rptv) and a 7yr old Sony (something or rather) non progressive DVD player and I think I have a very good picture. The internal processing of the RPTV is doing a decent job.

But, that's 7yrs ago and I'm sure I can get a better picture today. As it is now, I have my HTPC (not quite finished configuring it) on the one DVI connection and the DVD player on the component.

Does the 970HD make more sense for me as well? Picture quality is what I am after so if there is a better way beyond the 970 I'm interested.

i have been chasing after all the upconverting player threads and (for reasons I do not understand) I have read that I may not benefit so I'm also back to square one with researching this thing. :eek:

Thanks,

Drew (questing for that 'stunning' picture)

That statement from Oppo doesn't seem to go along with this review at ProjectorCentral:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/sharp_m20x.htm

John, the problem is that the reviewer is talking about component based HDTV. If you click on the Projector Central Product Page (http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sharp_PG_Series-Notevision_PG-M20X.htm), you will see that under compatability "HDTV: No". The manual itself for the Sharp also talks about HDTV support, but if you look at the specifications sheet which outlines supported resolutions through the D15 and DVI input, there is no native support for any of the HDTV resolutions.

OPPO is correct in their assumption in accordance to the OPDV971H compatability.

[...]I have a 57S700 (1.5ry old analog HD rptv) [...]

Drew,

I'm not that familiar with your model, but if it has the Sony "DRC" circuitry, which does a fine job upscaling SD, you may see subtle but noticeable improvement with either player, depending on how you connect them. I had a top of the line Sony 9000ES hooked up to my Fujitsu before I got my 970HD and, on a scale of 1-10, I rate the 970HD PQ about an 8 and the 5- or 6-year old Sony about a 7. (On that same scale, I rate broadcast HD a 10, and DirecTV HD a 9.)

If you get a 971H, connect it to your set's DVI or HDMI connector and use the player's Faroudja processing to de-interlace and upscale to 720p... the best way to use this player, IMHO. Its performance via component connection is not worth the price.

If you want to try the 970HD, don't use it to upconvert on a display your size. It's scaler is not as good as the 971H's. I would try it the way I recommended above to compgeek. I don't think you'll get better 480i or 480p performance from any other player out there, regardless of price.

The only question is whether the Faroudja upscaling in the 971H is better than your display's upscaling. If not, the 970HD may be the way to go. Fortunately, Oppo has a 30-day return policy. :)

/steve

Drew,

If your television is designed with a great internal scaler, then the DV-970HD will be the better alternative because it will produce a sharper image. However, if your television is not well designed in the internal scaling and de-interlacing, then you will want to use the OPDV971H, as it will not have any aliasing artifacts, will reduce video and film noise, and will handle cadences better than the DV-970HD.

Upon receiving the player I quickly hooked it up via the dvi however after playing such dvds as Sharktales, Monsters Inc I noticed that my old JVC progressive player had a better picture. My question is are their anyone in this forum who have dealt specifically with the Oppo and Fujitsu display? Your help is greatly appreciated. compgeek, bear in mind that the difference you are seeing, may have nothing to do with the OPPO-Fujitsu combo. If the display has not been properly calibrated to the new player, the picture could look bad no matter which player you pick. Basic calibration is ESSENTIAL to get the best out of any player and/or display.

Gary

Is there anyone that has a Panasonic TH50PX50U and an Oppo DV971H up-scaling DVD player that is having a compatibility issue with Green Lines Flashing while up-converting to 720p?

So If you have the same TV and DVD player and not having this problem please tell me how to fix the problem.

I've the Panny TH-37PX50U/Oppo 971 combo and had not experienced any "green line" issues for the few weeks I was converting to 720p.
Subsequent to that, however, I've been using 1080i exclusively to great effect.

It may be worth trying as a fix for your issue...
(Perhaps, like myself, you'll find the 1080i image on your Panny more impressive anyway)

Best of luck.
Peter

The 50U series was designed around 1080i input, so it would not be too surprising that you enjoy 1080i more than 720p.

John, the problem is that the reviewer is talking about component based HDTV. If you click on the Projector Central Product Page (http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sharp_PG_Series-Notevision_PG-M20X.htm), you will see that under compatability "HDTV: No". The manual itself for the Sharp also talks about HDTV support, but if you look at the specifications sheet which outlines supported resolutions through the D15 and DVI input, there is no native support for any of the HDTV resolutions.

OPPO is correct in their assumption in accordance to the OPDV971H compatability.

Here are quotes from some of the User Reviews:

"Personal Experience
UPDATE: I got this projector a year ago and is still chugging along. Initially, I was bothered by the rainbow effects but after getting a HTPC as my DVD player it eliminated those effects and now I am enjoying 720p cristal clear images 86" wide. Everyone has been very impressed with the image quality and it is worth putting up with the sometimes quarkiness. It is a nice little projector. My next plan is to get HD and take advantage of the projector's DVI technology. Can't wait. "


"Personal Experience
Outstanding picture quality, especially using PC DVD at 720p. Reds are a little soft, but not so much to complain about. No visible rainbow artifacts. Razor sharp image at 8' wide on a regular wall. Zoom range requires a fairly significant distance between screen and projector so check this out before purchase. No pixellation of text like LCD units I have used. Highly recommended. "






Are they mistaken?

John

John,

OPPO is going off of the specifications of the manual, and the specifications do not list HDTV support through the DVI input. It could very well be there, but there is nothing backing this up in terms of official acknowledgement.

One thing to note is that each user is using a PC as their DVI source. The PC can support vertical and horizontal refresh rates which are not built into the HDTV specifications. For this reason, you can get a PC response that does not translate to a set top content device, as they are running out of spec.

How is the Oppo at 540p?

The OPPO's 540p output looks perfect on my Samsung DLP.

Gary

I see you guys saying use your TV's scaler or the DVD's scaler. How do you chose between them? The only settings I have are on the TV and it's either 540P or 1080i. 1080i looks a tad better but it was so close it took me forever to see any kind of difference.

BTW, my TV is a 46" Hitachi and a Denon DVD-910.

John,

OPPO is going off of the specifications of the manual, and the specifications do not list HDTV support through the DVI input. It could very well be there, but there is nothing backing this up in terms of official acknowledgement.

One thing to note is that each user is using a PC as their DVI source. The PC can support vertical and horizontal refresh rates which are not built into the HDTV specifications. For this reason, you can get a PC response that does not translate to a set top content device, as they are running out of spec.


I see what you mean Neuro. That makes sense.

John

In an earlier post, someone mentioned that Oppo is planning on releasing a newer version of the 971 that also plays SACD's. If that's true, I'm returning my newly bought 971 and waiting for that. Any truth to this?

In an earlier post, someone mentioned that Oppo is planning on releasing a newer version of the 971 that also plays SACD's. If that's true, I'm returning my newly bought 971 and waiting for that. Any truth to this?

I spoke to Oppo the other day about this...the new 971 is coming later in the fall. However, other than having HDMI, it sounds like the new 971 won't be much different than today's model.

Steve L and GSB thanks for the response. The player has yet to be calibrated. I will certainly do it tonight. One other question, I have my fujitsu panel set for 720p what would be the best setting for the oppo 480, 720 or 1080. By default it always goes to 1080?

Thanks again for all your help.

Steve L and GSB thanks for the response. The player has yet to be calibrated. I will certainly do it tonight. One other question, I have my fujitsu panel set for 720p what would be the best setting for the oppo 480, 720 or 1080. By default it always goes to 1080?

Thanks again for all your help.

We should really take this post over to the 970HD thread.

You don't actually set the panel's resolution. It adapts to the resolution you feed it from the DVD player or set top box.

I personally like 480p over either component or HDMI from the 970HD into my 50" Fujitsu. The MediaTek de-interlacer does a better job dealing with ICP (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_2/dvd-benchmark-special-report-chroma-bug-4-2001.html) than the AVM II processor.

/steve

Thanks Steve,

My question about what setting I should use actually pertain to the 971 which I currently have. My mistake about the panel setting, I should have said the set top box is set to 720p and what should I put the 971 resolution at. I am thinking about getting the 970 if it gives me a better picture due to the lack of a faroudja chip. If think this discussion should be moved I will gladly do so.

In an earlier post, someone mentioned that Oppo is planning on releasing a newer version of the 971 that also plays SACD's. If that's true, I'm returning my newly bought 971 and waiting for that. Any truth to this?

This project has been dalyed time and time again. It was originally a February release, then May, and now "Fall".

I see you guys saying use your TV's scaler or the DVD's scaler. How do you chose between them? The only settings I have are on the TV and it's either 540P or 1080i. 1080i looks a tad better but it was so close it took me forever to see any kind of difference.

BTW, my TV is a 46" Hitachi and a Denon DVD-910.

Nothing?

Nothing?

well, I can tell what I was told when I asked the same question (i.e. there's no cut and dry answer) - and the bottom line is, try it both ways and see which one you prefer.

If 1080i produces the better picture, then you will want to use 1080i. Most users will recommend 540p because it reduces the amount of de-interlacing steps, and completely eliminates a re-interlacing step.

But really, whatever looks best to you is the best resolution.

What about the first part?

"I see you guys saying use your TV's scaler or the DVD's scaler. How do you chose between them?"

Is it the Progressive and the Interlaced switch? If so, my DVD is set to progressive. Does this mean I am using the DVD's scaler?

Sorry for all the dumb questions but I just set it up to the best pic I could get at called it a day.

I'll just cut and paste what Steve L said in the DV-970HD forum:

If the picture looks better to your eyes at 480i or 480p then at 720p or 1080i, your Hitachi scaler is doing a better job.

Along those same lines, if the picture looks better at 480p than 480i, then the Oppo de-interlacer is doing a better job.

Most DVD players only offer progressive (480p) or interlaced (480i, DVD's native resolution). The OPPO player being discussed here offers 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. That allows users to set the player to the display's native resolution (which would mostly likely be 1080i on your display).

Don't forget 540P and 576P for PAL!!!
60 AND 50hz!

Does anyone know when the new firmware will be released? Some earlier post indicated it might be released by the end of this week.

Does anyone know when the new firmware will be released? Some earlier post indicated it might be released by the end of this week.

I haven't read all the posts --- what's it supposed to be fixing/enhancing?

What about the first part?

"I see you guys saying use your TV's scaler or the DVD's scaler. How do you chose between them?"

Is it the Progressive and the Interlaced switch? If so, my DVD is set to progressive. Does this mean I am using the DVD's scaler?

Sorry for all the dumb questions but I just set it up to the best pic I could get at called it a day.

Is your tv a crt or dlp/lcd/plasma?

DLP, LCD, and Plasmas are fixed pixel displays. If you have a 720p native lcd for example, any resolution you feed it that isn't 720p will be scaled to 720p by your display. If you feed your display a 720p signal, it does not need to do any scaling.

So if you feed this display 480p from the Oppo, the display will scale it to 720p. If you set the Oppo to 720p output, the Oppo will do the scaling to 720p and the display will do nothing.

It's supposed to fix the "subtitle" and "angle mark" issues. Like a junky, I need my latest firmware and tweek fix.

Has anyone else run into this one yet?

I have an AVI file that's 3.56 GB (a DivX video, to be precise), and I burned it to a DVD-R (mixed Mac/PC volume - ISO 9660) and slapped it into the Oppo.

In the Oppo, it shows up as 2 files, both named the same (even after each name scrolls - I've got the F-0302 firmware installed). One will play, the other one won't. The one that plays will play 'til the 1:49:01 mark, and then stops and goes back to the main menu. The total time (as reported by the Oppo) is 3:14:35. If you work the numbers, 1:49:01 is a hair over 56% of the way through the video (on a timewise basis). If you divide 2 GB into 3.56 GB, it's slightly more than a hair over 56%.

My theory is that it can't handle single files larger than 2 GB (32-bit signed quantity), so it treats them as being 2 separate "files" and the only one that will play is the one with the first 2 GB of the data in it - with the meta-data telling it how long (3:14:35) it is, and other info needed to decode and play it. But the 2nd "file" only has video/audio data in it, no meta-data; so it can't grok it and says "Unknown Format" when I try to get it to play.

Anyone else run across this? I've reported it to Oppo Support. There's quite a few larger-than-2-GB AVI/DivX files out there, so I really hope they can fix this one.

Isn't it it very easy to split the file with Virtual Dub?

Has anyone else run into this one yet?

I have an AVI file that's 3.56 GB (a DivX video, to be precise), and I burned it to a DVD-R (mixed Mac/PC volume - ISO 9660) and slapped it into the Oppo.

In the Oppo, it shows up as 2 files, both named the same (even after each name scrolls - I've got the F-0302 firmware installed). One will play, the other one won't. The one that plays will play 'til the 1:49:01 mark, and then stops and goes back to the main menu. The total time (as reported by the Oppo) is 3:14:35. If you work the numbers, 1:49:01 is a hair over 56% of the way through the video (on a timewise basis). If you divide 2 GB into 3.56 GB, it's slightly more than a hair over 56%.

My theory is that it can't handle single files larger than 2 GB (32-bit signed quantity), so it treats them as being 2 separate "files" and the only one that will play is the one with the first 2 GB of the data in it - with the meta-data telling it how long (3:14:35) it is, and other info needed to decode and play it. But the 2nd "file" only has video/audio data in it, no meta-data; so it can't grok it and says "Unknown Format" when I try to get it to play.

Anyone else run across this? I've reported it to Oppo Support. There's quite a few larger-than-2-GB AVI/DivX files out there, so I really hope they can fix this one.

Yeah...i've noticed that on some files but wasn't sure what the file size limit was....

Isn't it it very easy to split the file with Virtual Dub?

Depends. If the avi file uses vbr audio then the audio in the file will likely be out of sync. You would need to uncompress the audio and then recompress it. At least that's what I've seen when I experimented with it.

Isn't it it very easy to split the file with Virtual Dub?"VirtualDub is a video capture/processing utility for 32-bit Windows platforms (95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP)"

Looks like I'll need to install Boot Camp and XP SP2 (or Parallels Workstation) on my MacBook Pro if I want to see just how easy it is ;)

I've the Panny TH-37PX50U/Oppo 971 combo and had not experienced any "green line" issues for the few weeks I was converting to 720p.
Subsequent to that, however, I've been using 1080i exclusively to great effect.

It may be worth trying as a fix for your issue...
(Perhaps, like myself, you'll find the 1080i image on your Panny more impressive anyway)

Best of luck.
Peter
I thought that the plasma's are only 720p and not 1080i. was I wrong about that.
Also, I finally tried the oppo on another Panny TH-50PX50U and i didn't see a problem with the green lines. As soon as I took it home and tried it on my TV same green lines. I was wondering if the problem is that the cables could be picking up some noise from my other cables or can it be that the TV's HDMI input could be a little loose. As i was nudging the cable at the input, i would momentarily lose picture for a second.

Also, I noticed (twice now) that while watching a movie, the picture went blurry then about 1 min came back into focus. Has anyone else had this problem or could it be my connection.

Would a loose HDMI input either cause momentarily blurriness and green lines? Please respond I'm getting quite frustrated with my equipment. I need to resolve this isssue.

Thank You In Advance.

A cable could be the problem, but since OPPO replaced the cable (and the player) for you I would guess its not the cable. Noise could be an issue if the cable is not properly shielded, but the OPPO HDMI to DVI cable is triple-shielded so again that might not be the problem.

I guess the HDMI input board of your TV may be the source of the problem. As for the blurry picture, the PX50U series is known to be blurry at 720p. You can check my finding in the LCD/Plasma forum http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=680320

I thought that the plasma's are only 720p and not 1080i. was I wrong about that.

The 50U series was designed around 1080i for some reason or another. You will see a much sharper image at 1080i than 720p when you feed it into that series.

I haven't read all the posts --- what's it supposed to be fixing/enhancing?

Fixed Subtitles - no more unwanted subs; proper desired subs
Fixed Angle Mark - some films would cause the Angle Mark to trigger without user invitation.
Enhanced Audio Syncronization - The A/V Fix in the F-0316 will be included.
Enhanced MP3 playback - while playing back a MP3 file, the Skip keys will now Skip to the next track, rather than Page the screen.
Added Resolution Indicator - Like the DV-970HD, one press of the DVI button will show the resolution. Two presses will change resolutions. LCD screen will also show resolution.


There are some other fixes here and there, but I can't remember them all.

When will the new firmware be released?

"VirtualDub is a video capture/processing utility for 32-bit Windows platforms (95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP)"

Looks like I'll need to install Boot Camp and XP SP2 (or Parallels Workstation) on my MacBook Pro if I want to see just how easy it is ;)... and for now, looks like that's my only hope. Oppo support got back to me (quickly, natch):

"This is a well documented error due to improper UDF decoding. We are working on a solution, but do not know when it will be available." :(

Guess I'll know not to burn any > 2 GB AVI files from now on until they fix it ...

Has anyone else run into this one yet?

I have an AVI file that's 3.56 GB (a DivX video, to be precise), and I burned it to a DVD-R (mixed Mac/PC volume - ISO 9660) and slapped it into the Oppo.

In the Oppo, it shows up as 2 files, both named the same (even after each name scrolls - I've got the F-0302 firmware installed). One will play, the other one won't. The one that plays will play 'til the 1:49:01 mark, and then stops and goes back to the main menu. The total time (as reported by the Oppo) is 3:14:35. If you work the numbers, 1:49:01 is a hair over 56% of the way through the video (on a timewise basis). If you divide 2 GB into 3.56 GB, it's slightly more than a hair over 56%.

My theory is that it can't handle single files larger than 2 GB (32-bit signed quantity), so it treats them as being 2 separate "files" and the only one that will play is the one with the first 2 GB of the data in it - with the meta-data telling it how long (3:14:35) it is, and other info needed to decode and play it. But the 2nd "file" only has video/audio data in it, no meta-data; so it can't grok it and says "Unknown Format" when I try to get it to play.

Anyone else run across this? I've reported it to Oppo Support. There's quite a few larger-than-2-GB AVI/DivX files out there, so I really hope they can fix this one.


This isn't unique to Oppo or even dvd players. Other stand alone (computer hard drive style) multimedia/DivX playback devices have the same limitation.

When will the new firmware be released?

They were hoping two weeks ago, but they have been waiting on final firmware. The problem is that the engineer teams are working on two firmware at the same time (DV-970HD and OPDV971H), so their resources have been very thin.

Yeah...i've noticed that on some files but wasn't sure what the file size limit was....



Depends. If the avi file uses vbr audio then the audio in the file will likely be out of sync. You would need to uncompress the audio and then recompress it. At least that's what I've seen when I experimented with it.

Instead of "VirtualDub", I use "NanDub" to split .avi files with vbr audio. You should be able to find the latest version via "Google".

Hi All:

I am considering an Oppo 971 for my newly acquired Optoma HD72 DLP projector. Any thoughts or issues? How well does this combination work? Any other upconverting DVD players to consider that will work well with the HD72? I was looking at the Sony DVP-NS75H as a cheaper alternative to the 971.

Thanks in advance!

If the Optoma HD72 is anything like my H78, then you will be very happy with the results you get from the OPDV971H.

Is lip sync an issue with the 971?

It has been pretty much eliminated in the F-0316 firmware.

Any side effects with F-0316?

MPEG-2 videos (MPEG and MPG) may play back irregularly.

Do we know yet if the Faroudja folks are offering OEMs a new solution that may address lip synch and macroblocking problems? Or is Oppo planning to use the same 971H Faroudja circuitry for the upcoming replacement?

/steve

Both unknown.

Any side effects with F-0316?

David,

I get intermittent jerky playback of DVD's recorded on two different standalone DVD players. It usually occurs after I fast forward through a commercial or a rewind. To fix I have to pause, sometimes more than once.

I havent noticed any problems on commercial DVD's. I also havent noticed any lipsync errors after the installing the 0316.

The jerky playback is aggravating, but DVD's from one of my standalone recorders used to have a subtle (well maybe not too subtle), stuttering problem almost constantly (every 2-3 minutes). The 0316 Beta FW seems to signaificantly improved playback from that recorder (at the expnecse of the intermittent jerky playback.

Rick

I should be good since all I watch are commerical DVDs.

I've been enjoying my 971 for a long time now - first with the Sanyo Z2 and now with the Optoma HD72 in a 120" 2.35:1 constant height setup. Simply outstanding player. Couldn't be happier, and I tried many other upconverting solutions (HTPC, RP82, Bravo D1) before settling on the Oppo.

So I recommend the 971 to a buddy of mine and I see he has a nice newly designed remote with glow in the dark buttons! That was my only gripe - the remote. Mine is all black and in a light controlled room is near impossible to find the right button. I've memorized a couple of the critical ones, but man that new one is nice.

Is it possible to get the newer remote seperately?!

I believe Oppo will send one to you, for free. Check their webpage

Thanks! Finally found it. Only $5 for shipping. That'll work!

Mike

I've been playing around with the 1080i mode and some Superbit DVDs and I've managed to tweak the system to what seems to be the optimum settings for my display. However, in sampling through my collection I've come across a few DVDs that cause the TV to lose the picture signal. The screen will suddenly freeze and then go bonkers before finally resetting itself and moving on as if nothing happened. This has happened before on the 30th Anniversary Planet of the Apes edition, and most recently with Conan the Barbarian.

I've not experienced one dropout with 720p mode, so I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions as to why 1080i would exhibit this behavior.

Thanks!

Try a shorter cable or a different cable, as either the cable is defective (dropping bits), or the DVI signal is weak (from the DVD unit).

Is it possible that DVD is scratched or dirty?

I received my refurb 971 yesterday. I put in a few demo discs and I was very impressed with this unit. I once tried the 971 a while back and found it too soft; however, this time around that's not the case so much. Yes, the picture is a bit softer than my Sony 3100ES, but not by much at all and the Oppo looks very filmlike and smooth; a nice clean image, as well.

However, I did see a little bit of macroblocking on The Empire Strikes Back....(the scene was the red walls in the background are when Lando, Boba Fett, and Vader were talking right after they got done torturing Han Solo). The red walls showed some artifacting NOT present on my 3100ES.

I've heard Panasonic did some things to alleviate macroblocking on the S97 since it uses Faroudja too.....anything from Oppo about fixing this?

Has anybody else noticed aliasing with PAL discs? I was watching a PAL disc last night, "Black Books series 3", and noticed aliasing in many places. It looked like it was shot on video, so I have to assume it was playing back in a video mode. Does this aliasing have anything to do with the PAL to NTSC conversion dropping lines of resolution from 576 to 480? I suppose that would make sense.

Also, Oppo should really rename the 540p mode. I've owned the 971 since last August, and have never once tried the 540p mode before... because I thought it was lower resolution - higher than 480p, but below 720p. For whatever reason, I decided to look at the different modes in close detail last night, and was surprised that the 540p mode was producing a sharper image than 720p. I haven't been using 1080i because of an annoying flicker on my CRT, mostly noticeable on dark scenes. Anyway, only after looking through some posts here do I discover that 540p mode is actually 1920x540p, which explained the increase in sharpness over 720p. Oppo would be wise to also reorder the DVI resolution sequence... 480p -> 720p -> 540p (should be called something else) -> 1080i. Would be less confusing, I think.

Greg,

Last night I couldn't get 540p top show up selecting the DVI button on the remote...(I have a CRT RPTV)...only 480p, 720p, and 1080i came up. There was a blank screen in one of the selections (maybe that was 540p??).

David,

The blank screen could have been the 540p mode; perhaps not all TVs accept that particular resolution (it certainly is an odd resolution that I've never heard of before). The way Oppo has it set up, the sequence goes 480p -> 540p -> 720p -> 1080i. So if it was in between 480p and 720p, that's probably what happened.

Greg,

Last night I couldn't get 540p top show up selecting the DVI button on the remote...(I have a CRT RPTV)...only 480p, 720p, and 1080i came up. There was a blank screen in one of the selections (maybe that was 540p??).

Double check your service manual, but I think that most CRTs do not accept 540p as an input. I have a Philips 30PW9110 CRT and I know that my TV does not accept a 540p input.

Yeah, I don't think my set accepts 540p.

I've heard many CRT RPTVs do accept it, despite it not be documented. However, it's a no-go with my Sony.

Yeah, I don't think my set accepts 540p.

I've heard many CRT RPTVs do accept it, despite it not be documented. However, it's a no-go with my Sony.

I have heard the same thing. In fact my CRT RPTV accepts 540p. Although I still prefer the 1080i output from the Oppo.

brinyhenry,

What brand do you have?

I am currently using Blue Jeans Cable's DVI cable, not the Cable Oppo supplied. Any comments on Blue Jean's Cable versus Oppo DVI cable? Blue Jeans' look better quality (thicker, more robust), but you never know.
Should I use the cable supplied by Oppo instead?

brinyhenry,

What brand do you have?

Panasonic 47WX53

I am currently using Blue Jeans Cable's DVI cable, not the Cable Oppo supplied. Any comments on Blue Jean's Cable versus Oppo DVI cable? Blue Jeans' look better quality (thicker, more robust), but you never know.
Should I use the cable supplied by Oppo instead? Neuromancer dissected his OPPO cables and found them to be of exceptionally high quality. Its a waste of money to buy other cables, unless you need longer runs.

Gary

Wish the Oppo DVI-HDMI cable was three feet longer. :(

Are Monoprice cables of similar quality?

Wish the Oppo DVI-HDMI cable was three feet longer. :(

Are Monoprice cables of similar quality? Yes, Monoprice cables seem to be very good. OPPO also offers longer lengths on their website. Check them out.

Gary

I've been enjoying my 971 for a long time now - first with the Sanyo Z2 and now with the Optoma HD72 in a 120" 2.35:1 constant height setup. Simply outstanding player. Couldn't be happier, and I tried many other upconverting solutions (HTPC, RP82, Bravo D1) before settling on the Oppo.
120 inches?! Good to hear that the OPPO still rules!

Gary

What is the max upscaling through the component cables? I am seriously looking into buying this player. I know it says up to 1080i but is that only with DVI?

Can you control the 971 or even the 970 with a denon remote...say the 4306

EM3, the 971H upscales via DVI only. Try the OPPO 970HD for good component upscaling.

Gary

I received my refurb 971 yesterday. I put in a few demo discs and I was very impressed with this unit. I once tried the 971 a while back and found it too soft; however, this time around that's not the case so much. Yes, the picture is a bit softer than my Sony 3100ES, but not by much at all and the Oppo looks very filmlike and smooth; a nice clean image, as well.

However, I did see a little bit of macroblocking on The Empire Strikes Back....(the scene was the red walls in the background are when Lando, Boba Fett, and Vader were talking right after they got done torturing Han Solo). The red walls showed some artifacting NOT present on my 3100ES.

I've heard Panasonic did some things to alleviate macroblocking on the S97 since it uses Faroudja too.....anything from Oppo about fixing this? David, the Panasonic reportedly softens the picture even more to mask the macroblocking. The best cure for macroblocking is a proper calibration. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7270763#post7270763).

Gary

Can you control the 971 or even the 970 with a denon remote...say the 4306

If the remote control is a universal learning remote control, then yes (as you will teach it each command one by one).

If the remote requires a 3 or 4 digit manufacturers code, then no (as there are no manufacturer codes for OPPO products).

Neuromancer dissected his OPPO cables and found them to be of exceptionally high quality. Its a waste of money to buy other cables, unless you need longer runs.

Gary

Any comment on Blue Jean's Cable stuff though? Is that also very good?

(See I already had the cable before I bought Oppo, already hooked up to my STB. STB is using component now. I am wondering whether to go trouble to replace it with Oppo cable, as it is a little bit of mess of cables there)

Blue Jeans is high quality cable. I would say if not better should be at least as good as the OPPO cable. there is no need to replace it.

Blue Jean's cables are very good quality. But for the most part, unless you are going for a very long run, MonoPrice.com or OPPO cables will be the better alternative, as they are cheap and effective.

If the remote requires a 3 or 4 digit manufacturers code, then no (as there are no manufacturer codes for OPPO products).

One-for-All remotes offer support for Oppo players. Code 1224 for the original "silver" 971H remote or code 1525 for the latest remotes (or the 970HD, which uses the same frequencies). You'll have to upgrade the remote by phone to download these codes, however (it's free).

That is true, but his Denon remote is not an One-For-All.

Has anybody else noticed aliasing with PAL discs?

Have you tried going into the settings and using "Video 2"?
It helped me when I noticed this on PAL discs.

Have you tried going into the settings and using "Video 2"?
It helped me when I noticed this on PAL discs.

Yes, I have it set on Video 2, but thank you just the same.

Is 540p better or worse than 720p?

Anyway, only after looking through some posts here do I discover that 540p mode is actually 1920x540p, which explained the increase in sharpness over 720p.

Is this true? Is 540p giving you increased resolution over 720p?