Erod, let us know if your upgrade worked and if the marcroblocking has improved.

After going through 50+ pages, I can not seem to find the download to the 540 firmware! I just received my S97 from J&R and it came shipped with 536. From what I hear, it sounds like I should upgrade to 540... is this correct? I'm in the US, but region shouldn't be an issue. Thank you for the link!

-L

Its on the first page!

Originally posted by lido
After going through 50+ pages, I can not seem to find the download to the 540 firmware! I just received my S97 from J&R and it came shipped with 536. From what I hear, it sounds like I should upgrade to 540... is this correct? I'm in the US, but region shouldn't be an issue. Thank you for the link!
-L
That my friend is the current debate.
Perhaps you should try out 536 for awhile and see how you like it.

I just received my S97 and the player shipped with the 536 firmware. I am playing on a Sanyo Z3 projector. I could not stand the macroblocking with the 536 firmware so I decided to give the 540 a chance and see if the improvement was at all noticable.

It is a night and day difference between the 536 and 540 for macroblocking, with my PJ anyway. I did not test a black and white DVD with 536 so I cannot comment on the pink issue some are having with that firmware version. I highly recommend the updated firmware.

can anyone tell me why the green light on the unit for upscaling only lights up with some DVDs even though the settings (1080i) don't change. thanks.

Originally posted by pkaynyc
can anyone tell me why the green light on the unit for upscaling only lights up with some DVDs even though the settings (1080i) don't change. thanks.

That doesn't happen with me. The upscaling lights (there are two of them) are always on. Even if there is no disc in the player, the lights are still on.

Is it possible that your settings are somehow not getting saved?

Originally posted by pkaynyc
can anyone tell me why the green light on the unit for upscaling only lights up with some DVDs even though the settings (1080i) don't change. thanks.
The green lights on mine go out when I switch from HDMI to component.

Originally posted by mdray
The green lights on mine go out when I switch from HDMI to component.

Yeah, well that makes sense. There are 3 green lights - one for HDMI Video, one for HDMI audio and one if you are outputting 720p or 1080i - all of them apply only to HDMI (given that it says so on the front of the unit). So I would expect the lights to go out if you switch to component. But it shouldn't go out if you don't fiddle w/ your settings.

Originally posted by Bruno1453
I have a 25 foot DVI cable with a HDMI adapter with no problems between my Panny S97 to Sharp Z2000.

Bruno,

I just bought this combo (Panny S97 and Sharp Z2000). I have two questions if you don't mind. First, what screen are you using? Second, have you noticed that with Jason's calibration for the S2000 and this forum's suggested settings for the S97 that you seem to wash out shadow detail? I can't see the THX in the THX video test on the Incredibles for example.

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Matt

mkesner - Sent you PM on the settings.

I am using a Carada Classic White 16x9 110 inch screen and I have no regrets. I had a budget in mind and I ended up spending more on the projector so I went cheaper with the screen. I have NO regets about this combo.

Originally posted by rwestley
Erod, let us know if your upgrade worked and if the marcroblocking has improved.

I was able to get the 540 firmware, and it greatly improved my picture. However, it isn't as good as the picture from the Denon 2910 I picked up, which is virtually flawless. Wow, what a picture.

Now is the picture on the Denon $450 better? I've decided it is, but others may not.

I've got an IF7200/Firehawk setup, and the Denon looks fantastic. I'm going to eat the extra money, and keep the Denon.

The s97 is a solid player though, no doubt.

Do you have to use HDMI output to take advantage of the S97's digital noise reduction features? Will DNR work on 480i or 480p component output?

mbaxter- Yes it works on both outputs.

I wonder if Panasonic is still working on another version of the firmware to correct the PAL cropping problem and to improve the picture even more

I also wonder when the S77 will come out and if one can use the firmware on the 97S.

Originally posted by ezecoli2001
I just received my S97 and the player shipped with the 536 firmware. I am playing on a Sanyo Z3 projector.

I could not stand the macroblocking with the 536 firmware so I decided to give the 540 a chance and see if the improvement was at all noticable.

Strange..... I also have the S97 connected to a Sanyo Z3 and have never had a macroblocking problem with any firmware (528, 536 or 540). How are you connected? I use a 10m HDMI cable and view on 720p. If you name a few DVDs which give you macroblocking, I may be able to test my system with the same titles.

Also....how do you have your projector setup? Are you using a standard preset e.g. Creative Cinema or are you using custom settings. I use Creative Cinema but with the Iris set to minimum and the lamp adjusted to the lowest setting.

I have noticed that other users with both Z2 and Z3 projectors comment on how they don't get macroblocking. Is it definitely macroblocking that you are seeing or could it be some other noise or artifact problem.

PAL users:

Please report sw540 720p problem to your local panasonic support, so that we get panasonic to release sw upgrade.

I'm considering buying the S97S, but I read that the S77S is coming in April. What are the differences? Will some of the issues that required the 540 firmware upgrade be addressed on S77S. I read that it won't have the HDMI cable included, but it sounds like it will be roughly $100 cheaper, which I guess, is partially offset by the lack of the HDMI cable. What's the verdict? Buy the S97S or wait for the S77S?

Mlabrinos, The questions you ask can't be answered until the S77S comes out. We are not even sure it will not have a cable or what the real price will be when it is released. There are so many new HDMI players coming out and Sony has some at lower prices. I am speculating that Panasonic may want to meet the compition with even lower prices since this is the only HDMI player announced. We have to wait and see.

I have just searched Google and there seems to be more information coming about the S77S. Some of the prices listed are nearly $100 cheaper and it does seem to have the same specs as the 97S.

http://www.videodirect.com/panasonic/dvd/panasonic-dvd-s77s.html

Does anybody know if Panasonic is working on another firmware upgrade? It would really suck if they got this close to fixing the MB problem and not work on another upgrade to get rid of it.
Then again it could be a fundamental problem with the chip that they can't fix, That would suck even more:( .

Does anybody know if Panasonic is working on another firmware upgrade? It would really suck if they got this close to fixing the MB problem and not work on another upgrade to get rid of it.
Then again it could be a fundamental problem with the chip that they can't fix, That would suck even more:( .

Does anybody know if Panasonic is working on another firmware upgrade? It would really suck if they got this close to fixing the MB problem and not work on another upgrade to get rid of it.
Then again it could be a fundamental problem with the chip that they can't fix, That would suck even more:( .

Oops:) sorry about that triple post.

Time will tell. Since Panasonic is working on the S77 perhaps some energies are being devoted to that player at the present time (if any is needed). Maybe, with any luck, there will be a "unified" S77/S97 firmware that will allow progress to continue.

Just speculating.

Paul

Originally posted by egore
Oops:) sorry about that triple post.

Use the "Delete" post feature!!

It seems that the 77S should be released very soon. Some sites are taking pre-orders at a price about $100 less than the 97S. I do hope you are correct about a firmware that will work on both units.

I've got version 536 of the firmware on my S97. I have some bad macroblocking going on with certain DVDs. A very noticeable example is in "Master and Commander" somewhere around the first 1/4 of the movie when the ship ducks into a fog bank to escape the Archeron, there are several scenes with very noticeable macroblocking. There is one scene especially where the British ship emerges out of the fog. The whole shape of the ship emerges as one big macroblob until it lightens enough for the blocking to resolve.

I've found that the macroblocking can be eliminated by turning on noise reduction. I usually use the 3D-NR option at +1 or +2. The player does not keep this setting, though. I have to set noise reduction each time. Does anyone else have this movie so that they can check to see if they experience the same problem? More importantly, would version 540 of the firmware fix this?

The blocking was so bad I was actually thinking about returning the player, until I saw that noise reduction seemed to stop it.

How to convert dvd to divx, so i can try playing on s97?

Originally posted by uncle_bent
I've found that the macroblocking can be eliminated by turning on noise reduction. I usually use the 3D-NR option at +1 or +2. The player does not keep this setting, though. I have to set noise reduction each time. Does anyone else have this movie so that they can check to see if they experience the same problem? More importantly, would version 540 of the firmware fix this?

Look at page 15 in your owners manual under "AV Enhancer". It explains how to save your settings so that you retain the 3D-NR option you have set.

Thanks mwgordon, I had misunderstood that section. When I read it again carefully I see that it lets you save 3 user settings for audio/video adjustments. I gave it a try and it worked just great. Thanks again.

Does the S77 come with a HDMI cable?

The S77 is rumored to *not* have the HDMI cable.

Paul

We should know about what is included with the S77 in a few weeks. The price of HDMI cables seems to be coming down. I have purchased better ones than came with the 97 for under $10.

So how exactly is one HDMI cable "better" than another?

Originally posted by CkRtech
So how exactly is one HDMI cable "better" than another?

That's a good question. Many people on this forum have not noticed any difference between a $20 HDMI cable and a + $80 monster HDMI. I personally have used both, and can't tell a difference. I returned the monster cable and use the stock HDMI that came with my equipment. So far I have yet to find any articles that explain why the expensive ones are any better than the cheaper ones.

The more expensive cable comes in a more expensive clamshell package that you can only open with scissors in 3 minutes; cheaper ones are just packaged in thin plastic that you can just tear open ;)

I use the stock cable. No issues at all.

Paul

Originally posted by tburton
That's a good question. Many people on this forum have not noticed any difference between a $20 HDMI cable and a + $80 monster HDMI. I personally have used both, and can't tell a difference. I returned the monster cable and use the stock HDMI that came with my equipment. So far I have yet to find any articles that explain why the expensive ones are any better than the cheaper ones.

Expensive (or rather: good) cables differ from cheaper (or rather: bad) cables in one way: Sensibility to length. HDMI is digital which means that either you get a perfect image or you get no image at all, just a blank screen. Even if HDMI is digital, it is still electrical. And you can still influence the signal by introduction "enough" noise. Making the cable longer will result in the same thing. If this happens, you get a blank screen, if only just periodically: dropouts.

What "enough" noise is and what "too long" is depends on the cable in question. A good cable quality may work at 30 meters/100 feet. A cheap cable quality will probably not work at more than 5-10 meters or so.

The bottomline is: If you get a picture at all, you're getting full HDMI quality and should just stick with your cable even if it is cheap. If you get dropouts or have problems at higher resolutions etc., you might consider buying a better cable.

This is not different from any other cable using a digital transfer protocol. Take a normal network cable used for a 100 Mbps computer network. You can't just use arbirtrary lengths of it. At some point, problems will occur.

/David

Originally posted by pinkfloydhomer
Expensive (or rather: good) cables differ from cheaper (or rather: bad) cables in one way: Sensibility to length. HDMI is digital which means that either you get a perfect image or you get no image at all, just a blank screen. Even if HDMI is digital, it is still electrical. And you can still influence the signal by introduction "enough" noise. Making the cable longer will result in the same thing. If this happens, you get a blank screen, if only just periodically: dropouts.

What "enough" noise is and what "too long" is depends on the cable in question. A good cable quality may work at 30 meters/100 feet. A cheap cable quality will probably not work at more than 5-10 meters or so.

The bottomline is: If you get a picture at all, you're getting full HDMI quality and should just stick with your cable even if it is cheap. If you get dropouts or have problems at higher resolutions etc., you might consider buying a better cable.

This is not different from any other cable using a digital transfer protocol. Take a normal network cable used for a 100 Mbps computer network. You can't just use arbirtrary lengths of it. At some point, problems will occur.

/David

Perfect image or no image.....not true. I had a cambridge dvd player connected with dvi to my mt200 and I had a lot of "sparklies" (well known artifact)

Where can i buy this dvd player or s97s. I searched on froogle and no one has it in stock. I am looking for a dvd player for my BenQ PE7700 PJ. looking at this one or Sony NS975V or Samsung HD941. Please advice.

Originally posted by lappy4711
Perfect image or no image.....not true. I had a cambridge dvd player connected with dvi to my mt200 and I had a lot of "sparklies" (well known artifact)

Same here. I had problems with mine. Replacing the cable with another of the same didn't help. But upgrading the cable to a high quality cable fixed the problem.

Thanks a lot for this update! That pink has been getting on my last nerves! I, like other has contacted Panasonic and they never heard or firmware, let alone knowing of any update.

The macroblocking is still there, but not as noticable. The pink is still there, but now I have to try very hard to look for it! I can now watch my Star Wars and other discs in their true color as the pink comprimised the color and the picture. Myabe it's just me, but after the update, the picture seems clearer, cleaner, sharper, and the color richer. The picture on a whole looks more like a true HD picture without looking kind of phony like it used to. Maybe it's just me. I think that the pink was always a problem which did not allow for the film's true color to be shown. Now it can be. The player's title screen without the pink stood out from the start.

Now I have to go and watch all of my movies again!

Also: JVC (my TV) had a repairman come as I thought the pink could have been due to the DVI as I saw the same when I had the Samsung player. This guy come into my house without tools and tells me the same thing that I called JVC for! I have not heard from them since. I called, they do not return the call. He made sure that I gave him a copy of the receipt so that he could get paid though! Help these days... And they wanted me to buy an extended warrenty...

Thanks a lot for this update! That pink has been getting on my last nerves! I, like other has contacted Panasonic and they never heard or firmware, let alone knowing of any update.

The macroblocking is still there, but not as noticeable. The pink is still there, but now I have to try very hard to look for it! I can now watch my Star Wars and other discs in their true color as the pink compromised the color and the picture. Maybe it's just me, but after the update, the picture seems clearer, cleaner, sharper, and the color richer. The picture on a whole looks more like a true HD picture without looking kind of phony like it used to. Maybe it's just me. I think that the pink was always a problem which did not allow for the film's true color to be shown. Now it can be. The player's title screen without the pink stood out from the start.

Now I have to go and watch all of my movies again!

Also: JVC (my TV) had a repairman come as I thought the pink could have been due to the DVI as I saw the same when I had the Samsung player. This guy come into my house without tools and tells me the same thing that I called JVC for! I have not heard from them since. I called, they do not return the call. He made sure that I gave him a copy of the receipt so that he could get paid though! Help these days... And they wanted me to buy an extended warranty...

Glad the firmware is working out. Panasonic seems to be making progress so I hope they keep up the good work.

Thanks to Lite Up! for hosting the firmware.

Paul

Hi,
Is there any news on a new firmware version coming up? I've updated my PAL player to firmware version 540 a bit too quickly...
Thnx :)

It seems like the thread is slowing down a bit. I think it is due to the fact that the s97 is getting hard to find in stores, that a shame as this player is the best I have found in a long while especially with this latest frimware update.

Also because people are expecting the S77 any time now.

/David

I've been keeping an eye out for the S77 and haven't seen it in local stores yet.

Paul

alot of people are too busy enjoy this player.

I know I am :)

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
I've been keeping an eye out for the S77 and haven't seen it in local stores yet.

Paul

Paul: Are you going to pick up the S77? The detailed information you provide on other players has been much appreciated.


JCPZero

Depends. If it's an S97 without the HDMI cable and exactly the same in every other way (except for the model number screening on the panel), probably not.

Paul

Hi all,
does anyone know if it's at all possible to downgrade the firmware in the S97 back to version 536?
I was hoping for another version that would solve the pixeldrop problem but it doesn't look promising...
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Originally posted by Aquila_BE
Hi all,
does anyone know if it's at all possible to downgrade the firmware in the S97 back to version 536?
I was hoping for another version that would solve the pixeldrop problem but it doesn't look promising...
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Unfortunately no, it's a one way trip :(

I did the update and still notice the pink, not as much mind you, but its there. I have heard of yellow snow, but pink, come on. ;)

Example movie: Birth, running scene in snow @ beginning of movie.

DVD-S97 VIA HDMI & PT-AE700.

Here is my situation.

New S97 with 540 firmware running 720p to a Infocus 7205 via HDMI to DVI.
HDMI rbg range "standard"
3d dnr +1
brightness +1
contrast -1
other picture settings at 0

Older DVD player Denon 1600 (one chip older on Fararouja) 480p via component.

I was hoping for a better picture. So far I'm a little bit underwhelmed. Not that the picture is any way worse... But not really any better. What are things (or specific scences in movies to look for) I should look for to justify my purchase? What was it that made you guys say "Ok now I'm happy.. just look at that!"

To make matters worse If I keep the S97 my Directv HD box is being booted off of the DVI port to component. I thought about a DVI switcher but didn't feel like spending 300 bucks on that right now.

Joel

For people with a PAL DVD-S97 and firmware 540 with the pixel-drop bug in 750p mode.
I heard of a "recovery disc" that might be available from Panasonic that puts a player back to factory settings. I'd like to know if there is such a disc for the DVD-S97 containing an earlier firmware version.
Does anyone have such a disc or could anyone get hold of one?
I've asked a service center here in Belgium. They're looking into it.

A.

I did the firmware upgrade the other night, and it made a huge difference with regards to macroblocking for me. I had watched Kill Bill vol. I and II pre-firmware upgrade, and the macroblocking was incredibly noticeable in the backgrounds and anime sequences virtually all of the way both movies, quite distracting. I upgraded the firmware that night and then watched 'After the Sunset' last night. Throughout After the Sunset there was maybe only one time (the scene in Henry More's club) where there was even a hint of macroblocking, and it was very minor. I hope this trend keeps up for other movies.

Originally posted by Joel Solid
Here is my situation.

New S97 with 540 firmware running 720p to a Infocus 7205 via HDMI to DVI.
HDMI rbg range "standard"
3d dnr +1
brightness +1
contrast -1
other picture settings at 0

Older DVD player Denon 1600 (one chip older on Fararouja) 480p via component.

I was hoping for a better picture. So far I'm a little bit underwhelmed. Not that the picture is any way worse... But not really any better. What are things (or specific scences in movies to look for) I should look for to justify my purchase? What was it that made you guys say "Ok now I'm happy.. just look at that!"

To make matters worse If I keep the S97 my Directv HD box is being booted off of the DVI port to component. I thought about a DVI switcher but didn't feel like spending 300 bucks on that right now.

Joel

Just watch your favorite movies. The ones where you know what type of picture to expect from certain scenes. With the new firmware update, I just kept the settings a normal except for the sharpness which is at one or two. If the pink was totally out, I would be 100% satisfied.

FYI....the S77 is finally out. You can buy one at ecost, for example.

Originally posted by LiteUp!
FYI....the S77 is finally out. You can buy one at ecost, for example.

Someone needs to tell us what the firmware version is! It would be interesting to see if the S77 uses the same firmware or not.

Originally posted by jvc
If the pink was totally out, I would be 100% satisfied.
I agree. I am hoping for one more firmware update to completely get rid of it!

I was hoping for a better picture. So far I'm a little bit underwhelmed. Not that the picture is any way worse... But not really any better. What are things (or specific scences in movies to look for) I should look for to justify my purchase?

This won't be a helpful response but one thing to remind yourself is that this is, after all, only a $300 DVD player. Think about what that would have bought you 5 years ago. I am at peace with some of the shortcomings pure and simply because this is not an expensive purchase, as compared to the cost of typical "higher end" A/V components. Had this been a $1500 player I would have expected more.

Originally posted by jeffgun
I agree. I am hoping for one more firmware update to completely get rid of it!

I hope that it can go with a firmware update. I hope this is not the reason they came out with the S77. It can't be about a lack of a cable.

Originally posted by jvc
I hope that it can go with a firmware update. I hope this is not the reason they came out with the S77. It can't be about a lack of a cable.
I think it will. Look what they were able to do with the macroblocking via firmware updates. I think it's just a matter of time (he said with his fingers crossed). :)

Crap, now I'm nervous! I had heard great things about this player so it was on my list of ones to look for when I went to a bunch of stores looking for a new one in anticipation of my Sony 60xs955 arriving Monday. Tonight I found a Panny s97 for $195 on clearance so I got it and when I got home I found this thread talking about all of its problems. I can return it (though I live 1 hour away). What would you guys recommend in place of it? I've heard great things about the Pioneer 588a although it isn't upconverting. I guess the Sony's deinterlacer and scaler is better than most dvd players as many people seem to prefer theirs in 480i mode. I don't even have my tv so it's not like I'm giving up on the panny before trying it but I am concerned because this thread makes it sound like it has a lot of problems.

Please reassure me if this is a decent player!
Thanks!

For PAL users that have firmware version 540:

there is no need to downgrade the firmware of the s97 back to 536 to get rid of the pixel drop bug in 750p mode! I have firmware 540 and I am playing PAL movies without the pixel drop in 750p mode!
The only thing you have to do is go to the Setup menu of your s97, go to the 'Video' tab and set 'Convert from PAL' to 525 (480)p/60Hz (which is NTSC).
Also set 'NTSC disc output' to NTSC in stead of PAL60.
That's all, the pixel drop bug is now gone. And I can see no loss in picture quality playing a PAL movie being converted to NTSC.
...Why didn't we think of this before.... ;)

Greetz,
Aquila

dhauser,

Many people have this player and report a great picture (me included). The only consistent issues, in my view, are:

1. Macroblock enhance -- display dependent / calibration dependent / material dependent. Some people report see it constantly and can't stand it, some people see it rarely (I'm in this group) and can live with it, some people never see it.

2. Light pink tint to low level gray. Improved with firmware updates. Can be a bit of an irritation with B&W movies. Workaround - turn down the display's color.

3. PAL problems with firmware update 540 -- I have no PAL discs so have no experience. Based upon reports, if one uses PAL discs, avoiding 540 might be wise at this time.

Since you have the player, watch some movies and see what you think.

Keep in mind that AVS is an intense stew of video enthusiasts/perfectionists who tend to focus and be very vocal concerning picture defects that many people would not notice or even care about. That's not to discount or deny the defects but *all* players have defects and depending upon the tenacity of the owner any problem can appear to be very large.

Paul

Thanks Paul, that makes me feel better. I was just caught off guard when I logged on last night and saw this thread. I have some dumb newbie questions:

Can you explain macroblocking please? Maybe you just did and it went over my head. What am I looking for when I'm watching?

What is a PAL disk?

Thanks!

dhauser- The s97s is a great 480p player as well there is allot less almost no macro blocking at 480p on my JVC D-ILA. My set does a great job of up converting so I don't use 720p or 1080i. Your Sony will probably do a great job of up converting so you should use 480p to get the best image quality.

Originally posted by Aquila_BE
Also set 'NTSC disc output' to NTSC in stead of PAL60.
That's all, the pixel drop bug is now gone. And I can see no loss in picture quality playing a PAL movie being converted to NTSC.
...Why didn't we think of this before.... ;)

Greetz,
Aquila
Wait a minute... the S97 will convert PAL>NTSC? I thought it could only output PAL, but not convert it!

If this is the case, then this player is suddenly a good deal more valuable for my purposes! Does it do a fairly decent conversion?

Rich,

Aquila has a European model. Ours will only play PAL DVDs (in native PAL mode) if they are region free (unless you buy a special remote from Europe to make it all-region).

If I purchased the European model, would it output NTSC properly and convert PAL>NTSC?

Originally posted by dhauser
Thanks Paul, that makes me feel better. I was just caught off guard when I logged on last night and saw this thread. I have some dumb newbie questions:

Can you explain macroblocking please? Maybe you just did and it went over my head. What am I looking for when I'm watching?

What is a PAL disk?

Thanks!

"Macroblocking" , technically, "Macroblock enhance", can be found within this post (along with a picture of an example):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4569192#post4569192

and the post may be of some assistance when you start to use the player.

PAL is an acronym for Phase Alternating Line, a television standard widely used in Europe. The USA (Japan/Canada/Mexico) has its own standard called NTSC. Basically, we're talking about playing DVD originating from Europe.

Paul

I tried opening the upgrade file so that I could burn it to cd and it's asking me to convert file format from: unsupported format? It's showing word perfect 11 but when I click on it it can't open. What should I open it with?

Thanks!

Also, what calibration dvd would be best to buy....Avia, DVE, other? I don't want to spend a lot ($50 would be great but I could spend $100) since I'm not a tweaker by nature and just want to get a nice picture on my Sony 60xs955.

Thanks!

Hi Rich,

Most PAL discs I know of are region 2 so you would definitely need a multi-region DVD-S97. I had it multi-regioned in the shop. I didn't see them do it but I know it's done with a special remote. Some people also use a Philips Pronto remote which they program manually to send the multiregion hacking IR-codes (I don't know the codes).
My player seems to be doing a great job converting my PAL movies to NTSC. And it also plays NTSC movies in NTSC (without converting them to PAL60).
In the US manual of the DVD-S97, I see that there is no item called "Convert from PAL" (which makes sense as there are no region 1 PAL discs). I don't know if there's a way to make this menu-item available (firmware/multi-region hack?).
So Rich, if you want a DVD-S97 that can play PAL movies and convert them to NTSC, I think you'll have to buy a European one, and have it multiregioned.

Aquila

Originally posted by Aquila_BE
For PAL users that have firmware version 540:

there is no need to downgrade the firmware of the s97 back to 536 to get rid of the pixel drop bug in 750p mode! I have firmware 540 and I am playing PAL movies without the pixel drop in 750p mode!
The only thing you have to do is go to the Setup menu of your s97, go to the 'Video' tab and set 'Convert from PAL' to 525 (480)p/60Hz (which is NTSC).
Also set 'NTSC disc output' to NTSC in stead of PAL60.
That's all, the pixel drop bug is now gone. And I can see no loss in picture quality playing a PAL movie being converted to NTSC.
...Why didn't we think of this before.... ;)

Greetz,
Aquila

hello,
I Can still see the 50->60Hz conversion in camera pans and end credits. The good point is that the picture is alot better than the one with pixel drop. :)

dhauser,

Both DVE and Avia are less than $50 each. Purchasing both will run about $70-$75.

DVE:

-- less expensive
-- has more 16:9 patterns
-- for some, more difficult to navigate
-- has handy RGB filter card
-- has demo material

Avia:

-- more expensive
-- has fewer 16:9 patterns (but more patterns overall)
-- according to many, is easier to navigate
-- has individual RGB filter strips
-- no demo material

Paul

Originally posted by Aquila_BE
Hi Rich,

Most PAL discs I know of are region 2 so you would definitely need a multi-region DVD-S97. I had it multi-regioned in the shop. I didn't see them do it but I know it's done with a special remote. Some people also use a Philips Pronto remote which they program manually to send the multiregion hacking IR-codes (I don't know the codes).
My player seems to be doing a great job converting my PAL movies to NTSC. And it also plays NTSC movies in NTSC (without converting them to PAL60).
In the US manual of the DVD-S97, I see that there is no item called "Convert from PAL" (which makes sense as there are no region 1 PAL discs). I don't know if there's a way to make this menu-item available (firmware/multi-region hack?).
So Rich, if you want a DVD-S97 that can play PAL movies and convert them to NTSC, I think you'll have to buy a European one, and have it multiregioned.

Aquila
Thanks, Aquila! This is a very interesting development, as the only thing lacking from the S97 in my opinion was PAL>NTSC conversion. Are the units otherwise identical, and does anyone know of a retailer selling these units to North American customers?

Best,
RICH.

Ok, so I'm all fired up about the Euro-S97 (the EBS model) and just about to pull the trigger... and I stop and think "am I stupidly overlooking something here, compatibility-wise?".

I mean, can I even plug this into the AC sockets over here?

What stayed my credit card bearing hand was a bout of last-minute wondering along the lines of if this is such a great idea, the best low-cost upscaling player on the market and capable of PAL>NTSC conversion, then why isn't everyone doing it? I simply have to think that this is too good to be true... that this player, for perhaps a variety of compatibility issues, will only work in Europe.

If not, I think we may have the perfect low-cost, all-region/PAL>NTSC converting, upscaling player on the market. Surely, there's a catch...

EDIT: here's the link to this player, just in case it's of help (notice the £20.00 charge to make it all-region): http://www.av-sales.co.uk/html/panasonic_dvd-s97.html

from your link: Power Source AC 230V, 50Hz

that will be an issue. (Probably can accept or be switched to 110V as well but you should confirm with an European owner). (Of course you could get an converter for the power as well).

The physical units are different for example euro units have the SCART connector in the back as well.

Originally posted by Rich Malloy
[/B]

EDIT: here's the link to this player, just in case it's of help (notice the ?0.00 charge to make it all-region): http://www.av-sales.co.uk/html/panasonic_dvd-s97.html [/B]

Originally posted by Starc
from your link: Power Source AC 230V, 50Hz

that will be an issue. (Probably can accept or be switched to 110V as well but you should confirm with an European owner). (Of course you could get an converter for the power as well).
Aquila is the only forum member I know of with the S97EBS -- hopefully you're lurking, Aquila!

If so, do you have any idea whether it can be switched to 110V?

I hesitate to go with voltage converters, assuming that all this stuff about clean power supplies isn't voodoo (and it sure seems to make more sense than many a tweak), as I just don't know what effect this will have on the current that powers the player. If there seem to be too many question marks, I may well buy the N. American S97/S77, and await Oppo's next unit which will likely be just about perfect for my needs.

Don't try this at home but many switching power supplies are "universal" -- that is, support 100-240VAC.

Word of warning:

I DO NOT KNOW IF THE PANASONIC SUPPORTS 100-240VAC.

Paul

Paul,

The gotcha to this power conversion thing is usually the 50Hz vs. 60Hz issue. A lot of devices say they can support 100-240VAC, but they do not mention they MUST have 60Hz (or 50 Hz). I have blown a few powered subwoofers in Europe because of this (big bellowing poofs of smoke flew out...LOL!).

Agreed. The frequency rating must be considered and met, still, many switching power supplies meet the frequency rating as well: 50-60Hz.

In any event, if the full capability of the S97 power supply cannot be determined, use a voltage converter to be safe.

Paul

It almost seems do-able. Does anyone think it's not advisable to get the European unit and a voltage converter?

(My experience with voltage converters is limited to a beard clipper and a European vacation back in college... I'm basically no more savvy than those electrician friends of Kramer's on Seinfeld who referred to outlets as "the holes"!)

Hi guys,
I've just had a look in the manual and it says the following:
Power supply:
UK, Australia and N.Z.: AC 230-240 V, 50 Hz
Others: AC 230 V, 50 Hz

A power converter seems in order here ;)

Regards,
Aquila

Would one of these work?: http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?catalog7_0.html

It seems that the wattage is the only thing that really distinguishes the inexpensive from the costs-as-much-as-the-player expensive -- how much wattage would I need to ensure safety/quality, etc.?

And does this fix the 50/60 Hz discrepancy?

these don't fix the 50/60 Hz discrepancy but like mentioned before you might be ok running it with 60Hz and not getting any negative side effect.

But there is no guarantee if you look at their FAQ they claim that stereo equipment is ok with this .. FAQ (http://www.dvdoverseas.com/voltage_converterfaq.htm)

There are expensive UPS/converters which do convert that as well but then again the price is well above the players.

The US player on the back says 110V 60HZ 17Watt. This means even the smallest they have would work for you (100W). Don't forget to get a different cable as well (plug won't fit, but there are US cables fitting the back if you don't want to use a plug adapter).

After writing all this I decided to have a closer look what is actual inside the S97 US version. I'll post the picture tomorrow but the board seams to be the same for 110/220 just maybe some components or settings.
Fuse in power supply is 125V 1.6A.

Here is what I would do (not sure if this is workable). Just get a replacement powersupply for an US S97 (repair shops?) and exchange it with the European version. It might be slightly more expensive but you will end up without any issues about the 50/60Hz.



Originally posted by Rich Malloy
Would one of these work?: http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?catalog7_0.html

It seems that the wattage is the only thing that really distinguishes the inexpensive from the costs-as-much-as-the-player expensive -- how much wattage would I need to ensure safety/quality, etc.?

And does this fix the 50/60 Hz discrepancy?

Originally posted by Starc
After writing all this I decided to have a closer look what is actual inside the S97 US version. I'll post the picture tomorrow but the board seams to be the same for 110/220 just maybe some components or settings.
Fuse in power supply is 125V 1.6A.
Are you trying to determine whether the US model has the same PAL>NTSC conversion capabilities... and we just haven't figured out how to enable it?

Here is what I would do (not sure if this is workable). Just get a replacement powersupply for an US S97 (repair shops?) and exchange it with the European version. It might be slightly more expensive but you will end up without any issues about the 50/60Hz.
That's an interesting idea, as well.

I hesitate to pursue these options myself, as I'm well and truly ignorant in these areas. I'll be the guy with the tiny mushroom clouds going off in his audio rack!

Last night I pulled out all my PAL discs just to determine how much is worth spending on what is essentially a stopgap player. A relatively small percentage of my total collection, to be sure, but on the other hand some much-loved discs in the group (Santa Sangre, Repulsion, Ozon Boxset, etc.). I think the current Oppo model has simply too many remaining issues to work out, and as I'm into hi-res audio the lack of an HDMI output is also a rather large mark against it. Moving up to the Denon 3910 is too costly. As of now, I'm thinking of adding the S97/77 for NTSC dvds, and keeping my current player in the loop for PAL... and hopefully the next Oppo (or player tbd) will emerge in the Fall/Winter as a second stopgap until the Blu-Ray/HD-DVD horizons become clearer. (Total price about $450, and a better value for me at this point than a $900 Denon 3910.)

Paul,

Can you update the first page of this thread (and the Brain Dump thread) with this info from Aquila_BE:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5559467#post5559467

I think you can replace the 540 warning to Euro/PAL owners with this information.

no I was trying to figure out if the S97 has indeed a different powersupply for 110V or if it is the same circuit and can be switched over. The swap with an US model powersupply is four screws and one flat cable. Opening up the case is almost more work then switching the supply. (assuming nothing else is different :-) ).

For just playing pal it is way to much trouble ... I just use my 318 for that and most ceapo player will do it as well (Pioneer DV-588A-S comes to mind). Are you sure your display can't play 50HZ PAL? Some US displays can ... of course you would still need the region free mod.

Originally posted by Rich Malloy
Are you trying to determine whether the US model has the same PAL>NTSC conversion capabilities... and we just haven't figured out how to enable it?

Man you cannot get a straight answer anymore. I phone in talk to tech support regarding the DVD-S97 and get one answer and I email tech support and get a different answer.

Thank you for your e-mail. To check your current firmware version: press
and hold the "Pause"and "Open/Close" buttons on the front panel of the
player, then aim the remote at the unit and press the "7" button on the
remote. We have not heard of a "pink push" problem and do not have any
firmware upgrade for this. Firmware 85E536 is for Macroblocking and firmware
85E540 corrects video edge that is not centred on some LCD projectors. If
your unit has firmware that is older than 85E540, you can have it updated at
our Toronto Factory Servicentre at this location. Our address is 5770 Ambler
Drive, which is at Dixie Road & Hwy. 401 in Mississauga.

Sincerely,
Customer Care Centre
Panasonic Canada Inc.

Originally posted by Starc
no I was trying to figure out if the S97 has indeed a different powersupply for 110V or if it is the same circuit and can be switched over. The swap with an US model powersupply is four screws and one flat cable. Opening up the case is almost more work then switching the supply. (assuming nothing else is different :-) ).

For just playing pal it is way to much trouble ... I just use my 318 for that and most ceapo player will do it as well (Pioneer DV-588A-S comes to mind). Are you sure your display can't play 50HZ PAL? Some US displays can ... of course you would still need the region free mod.
Oh, I see... and yes I think this is too much trouble simply to play PAL.

My monitor (Panny 53x54) won't display PAL unfortunately, but my cheapo Tosh SD4900 does an acceptable job of converting. The picture is certainly not as good as the Oppo (or Momitsu, etc.), but it should hold me over until the... well, I suspect Oppo's next unit will have all the features I'm looking for minus some of the bugs that plague the first one. Right now, I'm mostly keen on finding the best upscaling player in the low price range, and I keep coming back to the S97/77.

In fact, I think I'll purchase the S77, even with the question marks about its performance/firmware as compared to the S97. It's not simply rebadged, I don't think, as the dimensions and weight are somewhat different... but I'm hoping it performs at least as well as the S97. Does anyone think I'm taking too great a chance here, assuming too much about the S77?

I'm really curious what the difference int he S77 is. Hopefully, when someone gets one, they can open it up and see if the internals are identical.

There is a chance they just changed some components like power supplies, disc drive, etc to get more of them out, maybe went with larger suppliers.

Post removed. Please resize your images before you ise them on the site. That image was WAY to large.

Also...This thread was not started to be about power supplies.

I hate to be a party pooper but I had subscribed to this thread to keep abreast of S97 firmware news, not European power supply discussion. Maybe you guys could start a new thread for this stuff?

Took my S97 to Panasonic in Mississauga(Canada)and waited about 15 minutes for them to upgrade to the 540(Mine had the 528 built Sept 04)hopefully will notice much less pink tint and Macroblocking.

That picture is huge and doesn't belong in this discussion - please remove it.

LiteUp!,

Done! The first post of this thread has been updated and includes a link to the FAQ thread. The FAQ thread was updated to remove the specific firmware info a while ago and just has a link to this thread. Dual maintenence is a bear.

Thanks and thank you Aquila_BE for the good detective work!

Let's try to keep this thread focused on discussion pertaining to the firmware.

The S97 FAQ/Brain Dump thread is huge but that what it's there for and I do try to keep the first post updated with any new discoveries (excepting firmware).

Paul

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
LiteUp!,

Done! The first post of this thread has been updated and includes a link to the FAQ thread. The FAQ thread was updated to remove the specific firmware info a while ago and just has a link to this thread. Dual maintenence is a bear.

Thanks and thank you Aquila_BE for the good detective work!

Let's try to keep this thread focused on discussion pertaining to the firmware.

The S97 FAQ/Brain Dump thread is huge but that what it's there for and I do try to keep the first post updated with any new discoveries (excepting firmware).

Paul

I think that you should still have the warning for PAL users, because 540 upgrade still comes with a trade in the picture quality(that is for PAL users). The problem is PAL->NTSC (50->60Hz) conversion. It can be seen in camera pans and end credits. E.g. the end credtis do not roll as smoothly as without conversion.

Thanks juhis,

It is done.

Paul

Originally posted by Dale Pickle
I hate to be a party pooper but I had subscribed to this thread to keep abreast of S97 firmware news, not European power supply discussion. Maybe you guys could start a new thread for this stuff?
My apologies, Dale. That certainly would have been a more appropriate place.

For those of you that haven't seen this yet, Kris Deering at "Secrets" gave a preview of coming results (supposed early next week) of players he is reviewing with new firmware.

Here is the link to his post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5581015#post5581015

The S97 with 85E540 firmware is really sitting up there with the big boys now. It does have a beautiful picture and great noise reduction features.

Another firmware upgrade is still needed. I like the 97, I just find the image to be very noisey, even using the NR features, and the macroblocking doesn't help. It's on it's way, but right now I still consider the RP82 to be the better player, at least on my display.

Originally posted by sbro
Took my S97 to Panasonic in Mississauga(Canada)and waited about 15 minutes for them to upgrade to the 540(Mine had the 528 built Sept 04)hopefully will notice much less pink tint and Macroblocking.

I picked up a S97 for c$289 from BestBuy today (May 8, 2005); the firmware build was also 528 and it was also built in September 2004. I downloaded the 85E540 firmware upgrade, burned it to CD, and it installed fine. I'm very pleased with the S97 and wish to thank all the posters on this site that helped me find a DVD player that meets my needs at a very reasonable cost. Updated firmware to 85E541, it took about 3 minutes (see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5064953#post5064953); so far I don't see any difference between 540 and 541. Updated firmware to 542.

Hi guys,

I burned the update file (without the folder) on to a DVD-R and the player states that the type of disc is not supported. I know it can play DVD-R (I have tried others of the same brand) does it make a difference that I used a DVD rather than a CD to burn the file onto?

By the way, I am referring to the unzipped file. Thanks for the help in advance.

You must use a CD...not a DVD.

Cable Q: HDMI-DVI

Guys:

Considering these HDMI-DVI cables for my setup. Non-monster, therefore wondering if anyone used any of these and how were their impressions. Two links:

- Link 1
- Link 2

Both on eBay. Your input shall be appreciated!

Edit: Seems that I cannot put the links. Just check these item Numbers: 5771634313 and 5771491425

Hi Paul,

Regarding the macroblock enhance issue; in your 'Panasonic DVD-S97S FAQ / Brain dump' thread, you posted an example using a picture of "Ben Hur" - taken right before the MGM lion appears. Which version of firmware were you using for this picture? It would be interesting to see improvements in the same picture after each version of firmware. Did you post any "after firmwware update" pictures of the same scene (I may have missed them)? Perhaps even more interesting would be a comparison of the same scene using an s77 & 's97 with 540 FW'. I realize, of course, you'd have to get your hands on an s77.

S97 get a Secrets 91 score with 85E540 firmware:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=122

Macroblocking is completely gone on the component outouts and barely noticeable on HDMI.

We already knew that didn't we.... ;)

Pau

Yep.....it's an excellent player.

gturner,

That picture was done with the original 528 firmware. Did not take a picture with 536. A picture with 540 may be of some use, however, keep in mind the 528 picture was with the display mis-calibrated to get the macroblock enhance to register with the camera and be somewhat easy to see. At the time, many people had not even seen or knew what the macroblock enhance was -- it was/is kind of hard to describe with words. So what is seen in the picture is sort of a "worst case" scenario with brightness and contrast boosted -- in reality with a properly calibrated display, even at 528, it was much less visible than what is seen in that picture.

The issue is display, material, and calibration dependent, so individual results will vary.

Recreating the original conditions for the first picture might be difficult as I do not remember the display's settings when the picture was taken.

Paul

Macroblocking is completely gone on the component outouts and barely noticeable on HDMI.

It's still seen pretty easily on the newest firmware via HDMI out. It's nowhere near as bad as the Zenith 318 I had, but it's still there. What bothers me more is the noisey image. I'm hoping for one more good firmware update to fix the remaining issues. Maybe I'll hook it up via component at 480p and see how things look and compare to my RP82.

The 540 firmware is a big improvement through HDMI. It has been said many times before that the amount of macroblocking you see will depend on the display you use.

Hi everyone.. great forum and thread.. i really hope someone can help me out with a few questions i had..

1.. i wanted the best quality (picture-wise) upconverting dvd player out there (for less than $350-ish anyway) to hook up to a panasonic ae-700u projector via hdmi and i thought the s97 was it.. but is the s77 supposed to be better? i didnt think so considering the 'lower' model number and the fact that its cheaper.. so i dont know if i bought the right one or if i should have went with a completely different player or brand or watever.. can someone please comment on this because i still have about a week or 2 to cancel my order

2.. how big of a deal is this whole macroblocking issue that i keep reading about.. some are saying this player has great picture quality and its unbeatable and i've heard others say that the MB stuff makes it look really crappy.. so im confused (as mentioned above.. it will be on that projector so i'll want to take advantage of the upconverting obviously)

3.. where can i download the latest firmware and for those of you have installed it.. does it fix these issues??

thanks in advance for all your help everyone

1. Don't know of anyone who has really compared the S97 with the S77

2. The problem varies from display to display, material to material, calibration to calibration. The way to know for sure is to buy the player (after making sure there are return privaleges)

3. First post of this thread contains the firmware info and some results.

Paul

I just get my S97 from J&R with a build date of April 2005. The firmware is 360 (checked 3 times). Is this the original firmware (I can't find the # of the orig. in the first post), or something else? If so, what (current firmware on S77?)?

Apparently the Firmware on the S77 is 349.

It seems that there may be a new updated firmware that is shipping with the new build date of players. I wonder what the differenceces are in the firmware for the 77 and 97 players. No the task is to get the new firmwares to see if any more improvements have been made.

Robert,

For the S97 the original firmware was 528 the first patch was 536, the second patch was 540.

So your S97 has 360?

Paul

Paul-

Yes, mine is 360. Anyone with any tests or DVDs you want me to run, please post. My display does not have MBing. If you look at the S97 brain dump thread, you can read my comparison between the S97 and the Pioneer DV-59AVi.

Bob

360? Did Microsoft take over Panasonic?:D I wonder if there is any enhancements to that version over 540. What we need is two things: 1. Someone to get their hands on that firmware, and 2. Some one to test it on their S97 while they can still return it if it bombs!

Any takers?:eek:

The firmware plot thickens!

I wonder if the April build has any board revisions or any (speculating) FLI-2310 chip revisions.

Paul

Patrick TX just got his new S97 from Vanns and it has 85E540 in it.

What was the build date of the unit Patrick received from Vanns?

March 2005.

It seems from the posts that the firmware on the 97 was changed for the April builds.

Oh Men! March 2005, 540 and April 2005, 360. Are we going up or down? which version is newer? Look like someone mission is continue. Where is Sango by the way.

IMPORTANT!
My full firmware # is 86H360, not 85E like the other S97 Firmwares.

Also, according to the S77 thread, the Full Firmware # is 86B349.

85 and 86. B, E and H. I'm confused.

Anyone know for certain if the updated Secrets DVD Benchmark review of the s97 was with 536 or 540?

Thanks.

See this post I just made (from data in the Panasonic Service manual):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5651673#post5651673

Secrets used 540

Ok I just ordered the S77 and it should be here early next week. Because there is so little info on the S77 out, should I just assume that it will be set up like the 97? Also, did all the software and/or firmware upgrades that were added to the 97, initially implemented into the 77? Or will it need its own upgrades? And when and if it does, how do you go about getting them? Im a little new to this, as I have been using my Xbox as my DVD player for the past few years lol.

Robert,

Has the zoom feature been improved with firmware 360? The zoom feature on previous S97's is one of the unit's sore spots.

EVT-

Oddly, I just checked it tonight. Yes, it is much better, though not great. On the old one I found going to even 1.01 screwed up the picture. Now you can get to a much higher number before it begins to blur (in the 20s). I'll check it out more tomorrow.
Bob

If the weather holds out this weekend, I should get my outdoor installation done sometime between tomorrow and Monday. I'll let you know what I receive.

If the weather holds out this weekend, I should get my outdoor installation done sometime between tomorrow and Monday. I'll let you know what I receive.
OK, can we assume the new AVS software posted this to the wrong forum? :confused:

Robert, you're correct.

The scores for the S97 currently reflect with the 540 firmware, even thou it wasn't mentioned explicitly. The last time I saw it, which was like 2-3 months ago, it was in the 80s.

I think the original score was 86.

Paul

I remember that it was, in fact, 86. It's good to have this player again.

I just received my S97 from J&R. It has an April, 2005 build date and has the 360 firmware. Has anyone determined what changes, if any, there are as compared to the 540?

Nicholas B

Another 360 owner! Not certain what all the differences are but Robert Whitehead indicated that the zoom function was improved.

Paul

This is interesting. I wouldn't mind having another firmware upgrade - Things are MUCH better on my end from the original firmware on the player, however is seems like their are a few *minor* tweaks that would make it just right.

Does anyone have a FAQ which talks about specific movies on the S97 and changes in their looks across the different firmware? I know that some macroblocking issues/other artifacts are display-dependent, however it would be nice to have a document which somewhat tracks the changes that have been made and improvements (or even losses of quality) among different discs.

360 layer change is very fast. Barely noticeable.

I wonder if this new hardware/firmware s97 w/April 2005 build date menas that Pan is not discontinuing the S97 afterall, but was just clearing out the older versions before releasing the new one.

Robert,

Could vary well be. Or maybe production was suspended for a bit while the S77 was ramped up.

The trick is to how to find a April 2005 S97 at a B&M store.

Paul

Robert,

I understand you had a previous version of the S97, what firmware did you have at the time?

I'm asking because you note that the layer change is faster. I'm just wondering if it's faster than firmware 540 as that was already under a second whereas the original 528 was about a second and a half. One of the movies I've always used is Gladiator as it has a noticeable pause in chapter 14 during the layer change; with 528 I noticed it more than 540 but even with 540 it is still noticeable; you wouldn't by any chance have this movie as a reference point would you? Otherwise let me know what movies you've tried on where you notice an improvement so I can compare.

With respect to the zoom feature, I notice that when I zoom non-anamorphic dvd's the picture seems to get softer; however, the zoom rate is about 1.33:1 at that point. Do you still see a significant degradtion on the new firmware? Again I'm wondering whether the upgrade is relative to firmware 528 or firmware 540.

Essentially, the reason I"m wondering is I still have a window of opportunity to return my S97 as my 30 day return period is not over. While these issues aren't huge I would particularly like to have the ability to zoom non-anamorphic dvd's and retain relatively good quality. My Zenith 318 did a significantly better job in this regard.

Hello,

I just received a firmware update for my S97 (manuf. Sept. '04) from Panasonic.

The CD contains the file DVDPUPDT.FRM with a date of 3/3/2005 3:47PM and size 4,098KB.

Questions:

1) Is this the 540 release?
2) If it is 540, do you recommend upgrading from 536 which I currently have?

I've read that some of you regretted upgrading to 540 because of a loss in image quality.

Thanks in advance,

Posty

Hard to say. The date is about two weeks later than the 540 that is available (assuming that the date wasn't merely changed).

Under what circumstances was it obtained from Panasonic?

Any other info with the file?

The decision to update is left to the owner. The first post of the thread contains some info about 540. There is no way to revert back, except, possibly, a visit to a repair shop at owner's expense.

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for the reply.

I obtained the software upgrade after calling Panasonic's service center, per the
advice in this thread that said I should do so if I had version 528.

In the interim, I downloaded version 536, which I'm happy with.

I opened the upgrade file in WordPad and searched for "54" and found 540 twice and 548 once, so I'm inclined to think it is version 540, but this may not be a valid assumption.

Posty

I just used the utility "BeyondCompare" to compare the 540 file listed here with the upgrade file I received and it found 12 sections that were different.

Posty

Sorry about my number of messages.

I compared the 536 release found here with what I received from Panasonic and BeyondCompare found only 1 section that was different, so it's probably version 536 that they sent me.

The difference was in the first line of the files, and only 2 characters were different. These were the 2nd and 3rd characters following the first "@" char.
The 536 had two block characters resembling "00" while my CD file had "J<".

18,899 lines matched.

Posty

Posty, I know this is totally OT, but I just wanted to applaud your efforts to discover what version your update is. I used BeyondCompare all the time to see what lines are being added to my registry files in Windows whenever I install new software. It's a great little piece of software.

Could one of you guys with the 86h360 firmware please check, if the S97 plays
PAL DVDs in 750p/50 correctly?

That really would by of great help, 'cause mine's producing the infamous Pixel Drop Error!

Thank you very much!!!

SteveG DE

I'm afraid I don't have a TV that supports HDMI, so I can't comment on the upscaling yet.

But, this upgrade has improved the performance of the player SIGNIFICANTLY. I have the European version and the sticker on the back says it was manufactured September 2004. Sure enough, it wasn't upgraded since. I called Panasonic UK and they were, of course, useless - they told me that to find out what version I was using, I'd have to send it back to them. The block noise was concerning me to the point that I was considering sending the player back - everything had a sort of "pattern" over it on dark scenes. The 540 upgrade has fixed all the problems I had with this player and I'm now going to keep it. I'll report any PAL problems if I encounter them.

I just received my S97 built April 2005 Firmware 86H360. I'm having some color problems. Skin tones seem too red, can't seem to adjust for it. Does anyone know if there is a new firmware for the April 2005 units? I'm going to contact Panasonic on Monday to find out.

Has calibration and decoding performance been checked with Avia? Sometimes over red skin tones indicates that the color is simply adjusted too high.

Paul

I realize that te s97 doesn't normally play DVD+R but has anyone had any luck with a specific firmware getting them to play? I recently bought +R DL discs but can't get them to play.

Mine w/540 plays DVD+R burned at 4x just fine. I haven't tried DVD+R 8X or DVD+R DL at all. Sorry.

I realize that te s97 doesn't normally play DVD+R but has anyone had any luck with a specific firmware getting them to play? I recently bought +R DL discs but can't get them to play.


Hi! Check the last of this thread : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=463025&page=175&pp=20&highlight=Panasonic+S97

Because I'm having the same problem. And the DL disc I have made plays in an older JVC DVD.

I own the Panny S97 with the April 05 build date and the H360 firmware and like it just the way it is.
No macroblocking using component and it is not seen as long as i use DVI at 480p only.
Anything else,720p ,1080i and the macroblocking is clearly there.
The problem must be connected with how the faroudja chip scales.
This player passes all the tests on the HQV dvd .
There is no chroma delay etc.
I now just use it to deliver 480i to an DVDO ISCAN HD+ thru component and output it at 1080i over DVI and let the ISCAN do the scaling, Best combo I have seen yet.
Beats other players I have owned: Denon 3910,Pioneer 59avi,Oppo,Zenith DVB-318,momitsu V-880,Denon 5910 (equals it!)

I realize that te s97 doesn't normally play DVD+R but has anyone had any luck with a specific firmware getting them to play? I recently bought +R DL discs but can't get them to play.


Sure it does. Mine plays DVD+R and DVD+R DL no problem. Make sure you use good media like TDK, Tayo Yuden or Verbatim. Do not use crap like Ridata or some other.

I realize that te s97 doesn't normally play DVD+R but has anyone had any luck with a specific firmware getting them to play? I recently bought +R DL discs but can't get them to play.

Absolutely check your media. My S97 has played everything I put into it. My other player is a different story. CKNA is right about one brand being better than others.

Absolutely check your media. My S97 has played everything I put into it. My other player is a different story. CKNA is right about one brand being better than others.

Ditto. I use Verbatim DVD+R in my S97 with no problems.

Guys, I solved my problem with the S97 don't playing DL. With the help of fljoe and CKNA I have succesfuly made a backup that plays with the S97. Here is what I use. I have a Plextor PX-716A, DVD Shrink, DVD Decripter, Nero 6.6 and Ridata double layer.

Here is fljoe suggestion: use DVD Decrypter to rip the disk in ISO Read mode and then use ISO Write mode to burn the disk.

Here is CKNA suggestion: Do not use DVD Shrink. There is a problem how it rips DL discs. That is why it will not play passed DVD Menu. All Panasonic players behave the same if you use DVD Shrink. Use DVD Decrypter and DL discs will play perfectly.

But I have a question for CKNA and mwgordon. Where can you get TDK, Tayo Yuden or Verbatim media. Thanks.

I get mine at Sams Club. You can buy them on-line too. Try NewEgg.com.

I might have one available in the next few days.April 05 build date with the H360 firmware.No y/c delay.10 hours use. skc143@comcast.net

Guys, I solved my problem with the S97 don't playing DL. With the help of fljoe and CKNA I have succesfuly made a backup that plays with the S97. Here is what I use. I have a Plextor PX-716A, DVD Shrink, DVD Decripter, Nero 6.6 and Ridata double layer.

Here is fljoe suggestion: use DVD Decrypter to rip the disk in ISO Read mode and then use ISO Write mode to burn the disk.

Here is CKNA suggestion: Do not use DVD Shrink. There is a problem how it rips DL discs. That is why it will not play passed DVD Menu. All Panasonic players behave the same if you use DVD Shrink. Use DVD Decrypter and DL discs will play perfectly.

But I have a question for CKNA and mwgordon. Where can you get TDK, Tayo Yuden or Verbatim media. Thanks.


You can get Tayo Yuden or Verbatim from rima.com. They have genuine Tayo Yuden. TDK and Verbatim can also be bought from Best Buy. Unfortunately so far only Verbatim offers DL discs. Hopefully Tayo Yuden and TDK will have them soon.

I've been away from the forum for many months but am now ready to upgrade my firmware to 540. I can't find the link anymore. Can someone please give me a hint?

Thanks

I realize that te s97 doesn't normally play DVD+R but has anyone had any luck with a specific firmware getting them to play? I recently bought +R DL discs but can't get them to play.

The problem is not with your player (or even your +R discs). You need to tell your DVD burning software to "Set Book Type to DVD-ROM for DVD+R discs". That should solve your problem with both regular and DL +R media.

I've been away from the forum for many months but am now ready to upgrade my firmware to 540. I can't find the link anymore. Can someone please give me a hint?

Thanks

No hint, it's in the FIRST message of this thread.

Here is an example of the PAL pixel shift problem. If someone has here some good connections to forward this, please feel free to do so.

From the first post of this thread:

For PAL users that have firmware version 540 (thanks to Aquila_BE):

There is no need to downgrade the firmware of the s97 back to 536 to get rid of the pixel drop bug in 750p mode! I have firmware 540 and I am playing PAL movies without the pixel drop in 750p mode!

The only thing you have to do is go to the Setup menu of your s97, go to the 'Video' tab and set 'Convert from PAL' to 525 (480)p/60Hz (which is NTSC).

Also set 'NTSC disc output' to NTSC in stead of PAL60.

That's all, the pixel drop bug is now gone. And I can see no loss in picture quality playing a PAL movie being converted to NTSC.


Did you try this?

The only thing you have to do is go to the Setup menu of your s97, go to the 'Video' tab and set 'Convert from PAL' to 525 (480)p/60Hz (which is NTSC).

Also set 'NTSC disc output' to NTSC in stead of PAL60.

That's all, the pixel drop bug is now gone. And I can see no loss in picture quality playing a PAL movie being converted to NTSC.

Did you try this?
Yes, of course. BUT: I can see the "microstuttering" caused by the 50 Hz -> 60 Hz framerate conversion (PAL material showed using NTSC video format).

Yes, there was no noticeable image (video-) -quality degradation, but I really can't watch the framerate speed-converted video.

Much (I mean much) better, at least for me, is to use the scaler inside the Panasonic AE-700 projector and 625p mode (PAL progressive, 576 visible video lines). So the projector scales the progressive PAL to it's native 720p (or 750p, it is the same resolution but different names, hence: "750p" and "720p" , other is the real total lines, ohter is for visible lines).

I'm happy to report that the scaler in AE-700 is really good, I don't miss the S97 faroudja scaler (it is not much difference) and I'm using HDMI for video transfer of course. I like this situation better than compared to using previous firmware and native resolution (750p) in S97. Why? -> because there is so much less macroblocking in firmware 540. So I prefer less MB and use AE-700 scaler than more MB and using S97 scaler.

Well, I hope that somday there will be an update, but I'm happy with my setup now, and enjoy watching films :)
And considering the near future, there will be bluray or hd-dvd or whateverm You name it. So the S97 will do fine until the high definition devices arrive.

I've been toying with the idea of using my projector's scaler rather than the panny's though both use the 2310 faroudja scaler. Would it make more sense to input the panny signal at 480i rather than 480p or is there likely to be much difference?

I've been toying with the idea of using my projector's scaler rather than the panny's though both use the 2310 faroudja scaler. Would it make more sense to input the panny signal at 480i rather than 480p or is there likely to be much difference?

The best answer is try all combinations and see. With the NEC HT1100 the answer (for me at least) is yes. NEC's "Sweetvision" scaling is better than the Panasonic scaling even though both use the Faroudja chip.

If you go to the Panasonic Japan website and use the bablefish translator, you can find the S97 and other DVD player firmware updates. I downloaded the April 5th one "Picture quality improvement of progressive image output /HDMI image output" and inserted it in my DVD and, after about 2 seconds, it showed "good". When I checked the numbers, I ended up with the same firmware number that was available through this site.

I can't post the address here because I have less than 5 posts but, if you do a search with Google for UPDATE_S97.exe it will guide you to the webpage and you can use bablefish to translate it for you.

Deb

Consider yourself lucky. I don't think it's been established that the firmware on the Japan Panasonic site is for worldwide use.

Paul

This is the 540 firmware that has been posted as you stated. I wonder if there is any newer firmware available?

Consider yourself lucky. I don't think it's been established that the firmware on the Japan Panasonic site is for worldwide use.

Paul

I found it through: Customer support --> Software Download Summary and Download Service of Firmware (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fpanasonic.jp%2fsupport%2fdvd%2fdownload%2 ffw%2fplr%2fs97.html)

On the U.S. site they only give the firmware for the DVD Recorders (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vDownloads?storeId=15001&langId=-1&page=DVDFirmware)

Hopefully, they will eventually add the firmware for the DVD players.

Deb

I found it through: Customer support --> Software Download Summary and Download service of firmware.

Deb
Here is the actual website that Deb is referring to: http://panasonic.jp/support/dvd/download/fw/plr/s97.html

Here is the actual website that Deb is referring to: http://panasonic.jp/support/dvd/download/fw/plr/s97.html
I haven't tried this before, but here goes. This is a SnagIt copy of the Bablefish translation of the Japanese website above. Please, no flames if this doesn't work out.

CLICK HERE---> Panasonic Japan (http://home.comcast.net/~pastorjim01/SnagIt/pan_s97.gif)

You may have to enlarge this picture to read it properly. I noticed that when I put my cursor on it, there was a symbol to enlarge that appeared on the bottom right of the picture. Anyone know if there's a way to actually include a graphic within a post?

I've compared the firmware version 540 (from the link in the first post) and this versino form the Panasonic site. They are different. I think this can be a newer version as the date is April 5th and if I remember correctly, 540 was dated in Feb.
Anybody has tried the new firmware? What is improved? Have they fixed the pixel-drop problem with PAL?

This warrants investigation.

It was investigated, somewhat, last April:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5438457&&#post5438457

Paul

The one on the Japanese website is for their players so it wouldn't work on the US models.

It was investigated, somewhat, last April:

Paul

Okey.... so let's take a look.

I've opened the 3 files (540 and 536 and also the one form Japan) in my hex editor. It is interesting to compare the header of these files to see the differences:

Version 536
00000020h: 44 56 44 53 59 53 20 20 50 08 45 00 18 02 00 00 ; DVDSYS P.E.....

Version 540
00000020h: 44 56 44 53 59 53 20 20 50 08 45 00 1C 02 00 00 ; DVDSYS P.E.....

Japanese version:
00000020h: 44 56 44 53 59 53 20 20 50 08 44 00 1C 02 00 00 ; DVDSYS P.D.....


Now, as you can see the version of the firmware is written in Hex at offset 2C and 2D. So version for the files are 0218h (536), 021Ch (540) and 021Ch (540).
It seems that this Japanese firmware is indeed version 540. There is also one other difference and that is letter E and D that I think reflects the 'E' in version number you see on the LCD (like in 85E540).

So in summary, it seems to be the same 540 firmware but for the Japanese market.

Well, it is not a total wast of time however: do you want to go back from version 540 to 536? Simple! modify the version number in the firmware file to something higher than what your DVD player has, and it will accept the file :cool:

Bought the s97 two days ago from Magnolia Hifi in Best Buy, build is April 2005, it has firmware 000001? What firmware is this?? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

alefsin:

Yup that's true, or you have the firmware to have the version override so it will override reguardless if the version on the unit is newer on the unit. This would be a better alternative than making the numbers go higher while this way will make the number change to what it's suppose to be.

----

ntc432 :

I don't believe the versino check has been done correctly. It looks like an hour check to me.

Sango

I have the S77, that I bought about a month ago. Does anyone know if there are any firmware versions that I can upgrade to make the picture any better?

Well I did this, press Setup, go to Display and then press the Display button, then in the bottom corner it says Firmware #: 000001, is that right?

Well I did this, press Setup, go to Display and then press the Display button, then in the bottom corner it says Firmware #: 000001, is that right?
You should send your player to Kris at secret to evaluate this new firmware?

may be now it will surpass S77 and oppo for ratings!

Well I did this, press Setup, go to Display and then press the Display button, then in the bottom corner it says Firmware #: 000001, is that right?

Still doesn't look correct. Perform is the PAUSE + OPEN (on unit) + 7 (on remote) way. It will display on the LCD itself.

Oooh okay thanks, now it says 86H360, is this the most recent or should I change it to the 540? thanks alot for the instruction.

NTC432. You have the newest firmware and the newest chipset. You can't change it to 540. The April build has the newest firmware. I would love for Krs of secrets to test the
April builds and compare them to the 77 and the 97 with 540 firmware.

Does a 77 with 540 firmware exist? I thought the first ones shipped with the 360.

The 77 and 97S built after April 2005 can not use the 540 firmware. They use a new chipset. The 360 is actually newer than the 540 it is numbered differently because of the hardware change.

Guys,

Please see this post I made some time ago:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5651673&&#post5651673

86H360 is newer than 85E540...but they are for different hardware and not compatible. The internals of the "new" S97 are similar to the S77 with the new Faroudja FLI2310LF.

If Best Buy out here gets the new S97s I will "rent" one and compare it to my existing S97.

The FLI2310-LF isn't new (newer production run, maybe), here's a picture used for the FAQ thread, taken by JKA/V the day One Call received the September 2004 build player:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=4573617&fullpage=1

Am I missing something?

Paul

Paul,

I am thinking a silent rev. of this part. The hardware in the April S97 is different.

Ah! OK, I understand. I guess no one's been able to compare circuit boards or get a recent/revised Service Manual. Hmm....

Paul

It's most likely changed on the daughterboard itself. Someone's got to be the tester and physically swap the two between the units to see if they'll work.

I have a March 2005 build S97. I just noticed that at 720p going into an IF7210 the image does not fill the full screen (like the Oppo). There is a black border around the whole pic. Using the Overcan: Zoom control on the 7210 eliminates the problem, and, with it, 1:1 pixel mapping. HDTV material fits the screen perfectly. Has anyone else experienced this problem with the "new" S97?

Incidentally, I hooked up a Pan RP82 going 480i component and cold swear the pic was much better than the S97. (And it filled the full screen). I couldn't A/B them as my S97 is on its way to Kris Deering for testing.

Yeah my S77 does the same thing for older movies in Widescreen. I can zoom it out, but I lose the top and the sides of the pic, and like you said, the PQ is horrible. I actually put the same DVDs in my xbox and it looked better on it...kinda strange, and I dont know how to fix it. Do you know if there is any way to do what you did to a Toshiba DLP so that the picture will fit the whole screen. All I did was adjust the settings on the player itself...to no avail of course. The best I could get was to change it to European Vista (I think) and that stretched the pic out and up.

Robert, I have the same problem with an older S97 and a Toshiba MT700 projector. I use it at 480p to ease the macroblocking anyway, so it's not a big deal to me.

O.K., maybe I missed it, but does someone have a URL where European v540 firmware can be downloaded? I've found U.S. firmware and Japanese firmware from this thread, but can't seem to locate this version.

What are the chances this would load in a U.S. spec machine (without rendering it inoperable)? From what I can gather from the thread, this version has the otherwise missing ability to convert from PAL to NTSC. Combined with one of those region-free remotes mentioned elsewhere, this sounds like a possible way to create a "universal" player out of the S97.

Anyway, I'm willing to try it, if someone can point me to the firmware and I don't hear too many responses of "it will never work" (though if you don't think it will, please post that too)!

Since the European S97 would also have a SCART connector, wouldn't it be correct to assume it would have a different output board inside?

O.K., maybe I missed it, but does someone have a URL where European v540 firmware can be downloaded? I've found U.S. firmware and Japanese firmware from this thread, but can't seem to locate this version.

What are the chances this would load in a U.S. spec machine (without rendering it inoperable)? From what I can gather from the thread, this version has the otherwise missing ability to convert from PAL to NTSC. Combined with one of those region-free remotes mentioned elsewhere, this sounds like a possible way to create a "universal" player out of the S97.

Anyway, I'm willing to try it, if someone can point me to the firmware and I don't hear too many responses of "it will never work" (though if you don't think it will, please post that too)!

The firmware is the same for all units. There is no European firmware. The firmware is coded to recognize internal model number and then it loads features for US, European or Japanese model.

zeitgeistsfo,

If I recall, both the 536 and 540 in this thread originated from European sources.

Paul

Since the European S97 would also have a SCART connector, wouldn't it be correct to assume it would have a different output board inside?

Haven't seen the inside of a European S97 but other players I've seen sometimes has the unpopulated SCART section right on the same board.

Paul

I have found the biggest difference between older S97 and newer. Newer S97 does not play PAL anymore just like S77. It is blocked. Also due to this fact remote region hack does not work on newer units.

I swear US Panasonic management is a bunch of dumb people. All their players should play and convert PAL instead of blocking it all together.

May 2005 Build date.

firmware:86H360

Yes they did. There is no special European firmware....it is the same as US (85E540). The only special firmware is for tge Japanese units (which is 85D540). Use the 85E540 firmware and all is fine for US or Euro.

zeitgeistsfo,

If I recall, both the 536 and 540 in this thread originated from European sources.

Paul

I have found the biggest difference between older S97 and newer. Newer S97 does not play PAL anymore just like S77. It is blocked. Also due to this fact remote region hack does not work on newer units.

I swear US Panasonic management is a bunch of dumb people. All their players should play and convert PAL instead of blocking it all together.

Just curious, did you perform the region check to confirm it?

The unit should display XYZ???.

X = Region No.
Y = P: PAL / N: no PAL
Z = N: NTSC / 6: PAL60
? = No informtion reguarding numbers, just ignore them.

Just curious, did you perform the region check to confirm it?

The unit should display XYZ???.

X = Region No.
Y = P: PAL / N: no PAL
Z = N: NTSC / 6: PAL60
? = No informtion reguarding numbers, just ignore them.

Where would it display these settings?

When performing the region check function, it will be displayed on the LCD on the unit. I've mentioned about how to do it in one of my posts in the forum.

May 2005 Build date.

firmware:86H360

Well guys I am testing a Brand new S97 with May 2005 build date, and S77 with April 2005 build with firmware(86B349) that is different from S97 firmware!!

Oh man!! They look so identical. S97 may be a bit heavier! may be with new gutts now!looks way better as far MB was concerned than what I had before with 36 and 40 firmwares!!

My new S97 has firmware:86H360.

Any idea? does these new units have new Hard and software gutts!!

I am just trying to be too picky to give an edge to S97!

BTW!! I thought drawer mechanism was more quieter and smoother in S77?

I wish they would have fixed open/close on RC too!! Is there any alternative button(like Yamaha S2500 where consistent STOP will open/close tray) that can do that function???

zoro,

Any Panasonic DVD player remote that has an open/close button on it will work for the S77/S97 as well. You can use that to program your universal remote.

If you read my earlier post about the "new" S97, I did lay out their firmware number scheme which does tell you that the "new" S97 does have new hardware:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5851625&&#post5851625

zoro,

Any Panasonic DVD player remote that has an open/close button on it will work for the S77/S97 as well. You can use that to program your universal remote.

If you read my earlier post about the "new" S97, I did lay out their firmware number scheme which does tell you that the "new" S97 does have new hardware:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5851625&&#post5851625


Thanks, seemed like, I got lucked out, not keeping the older one!

Seems like it. Can you take the cover off of your new S97 and take some high quality digital pictures? I'd like to do a closer comparison with my older S97 (Sept. 2004). If you can, PM me and I'll give you my email address to send them to.

zoro,

Where did you buy your new S97?

**************!! They are sold out again!

ABT

I was in a Best Buy ,Magnolia HT today. They had a demo of the S97.They said 3 days to get them in. I said how much? $399.99 I said No thanks.

I just "upgraded" from a Panasonic DVD-RP62 to a DVD-S97; the latter was a June 2005 build, so presumably has firmware version 86H360. (I don't know how to check.)

It took me a while to figure out how to switch to 480p over component. Even so I have not seen noticeable improvements vs. the RP62.

In the current DVD Benchmark, the S97 (older version with 85E540) is rated numerically lower than the S77, but has the better written review.

The S77 has firmware version 86B349 while the new S97 has firmware version 86H360. There are also posts observing similar hardware, which is expected. So...

1. Does the new S97 perform (purely as a DVD player) similar to the S77?
2. If so, is the new S97 (86H360) "worse" than the old S97 (85E540)?

Then again, if I have not seen noticeable improvements in the new S97 over the RP-62, maybe I should not be obsessing about this.

Just curious, did you perform the region check to confirm it?

The unit should display XYZ???.

X = Region No.
Y = P: PAL / N: no PAL
Z = N: NTSC / 6: PAL60
? = No informtion reguarding numbers, just ignore them.

I tried region hack few times. I put in region 2 NTSC disc. It says it can't be played wrong region. If I put region 0 PAL disc it says that this type of disc can't be played.

When performing the region check function, it will be displayed on the LCD on the unit. I've mentioned about how to do it in one of my posts in the forum.

Can you please provide a link? I could not find it by searching. Actually, search did not work at all (took a few minutes just to finally receive a message that search is not working!).

As I understand to change the region settings (aka region hack) you need a service remote, right? Anybody has entered the codes in the Harmoney database?

From my understanding, there is no actual remote hack unless the special one is being used.

For the region display it's - It's PAUSE + OPEN (on unit) + 6 (remote).

For instance it displays #PNZZZ (which the older S97 does), it means it does play PAL - as long as the disc is R#.

Kris is in the process of reviewing the "new" s97.

Holy crap, the 360 S97's will not play region cracked PAL discs? True or false?

Kris is in the process of reviewing the "new" s97.


Is it with new hard and software gutts? firmware 60?

I bet it will outscore oppo and S77!

nothru22:

Could be true but no one has posted the region display output using the new S97s yet, which is the answer we're looking for.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I noticed CKNA updated his post by adding the additional sentence of mentioning it doen't play PAL R0 - now we just need the region display output. Most likely it's a #NNXXX want to confirm this with the 360 owners.

I have an Region 1 April ’05 build S97 with firmware 86H360..

region check reports 1NN213

When I insert a Region 0 PAL disk (Ring) the display says “NOPLAY” and onscreen “This type of disk can not be played please insert another disk”

That BITES. I have a 540FW unit that I just ordered a chipped remote for today. I gotta have my Asian cinema! My new PJ (Optoma H78DC3) is able to play NTSC and PAL. I can't wait to snag some more R2 PAL titles. On another note, I have seen no macroblocking with the S97 & Optoma (FINALLY).

I have an Region 1 April ’05 build S97 with firmware 86H360..

region check reports 1NN213

When I insert a Region 0 PAL disk (Ring) the display says “NOPLAY” and onscreen “This type of disk can not be played please insert another disk”

Same here! May BUILD DATE 1NN213!

That narrows down the gap between S77 and S97!~

Holy crap, the 360 S97's will not play region cracked PAL discs? True or false?

True. PAL playback is blocked in firmware. Needs a chip to enable it.

nothru22:

Could be true but no one has posted the region display output using the new S97s yet, which is the answer we're looking for.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I noticed CKNA updated his post by adding the additional sentence of mentioning it doen't play PAL R0 - now we just need the region display output. Most likely it's a #NNXXX want to confirm this with the 360 owners.

Unfortunately I do not have the player anymore so I could not tell you what the display says.

It looks like new S97 is exactly the same hardware wise as S77 with firmware that has more features.

To me though the new version has less features as it does not play PAL without hardware hack.

If everything goes right we will enable PAL to NTSC conversion for older US S97 just like Euro version.

The newer S97 will not have it, as firmware is different and does not have it at all.

This really is stupid of Panny. Glad I got my S97 a while ago & was able to make it regionfree via the DVDChips remote.

Of course, Panny also stopped RP82 production at the height of its popularity. :rolleyes:

I don't think that this PAL issue compares to the RP82 debacle at all. In the big picture, the percentage of people that need to play PAL natively in Region 1 is miniscule. That being said, I'm with you!

Unfortunately I do not have the player anymore so I could not tell you what the display says.

It looks like new S97 is exactly the same hardware wise as S77 with firmware that has more features.

To me though the new version has less features as it does not play PAL without hardware hack.

If everything goes right we will enable PAL to NTSC conversion for older US S97 just like Euro version.

The newer S97 will not have it, as firmware is different and does not have it at all.


So what you saying? is that Europen version did do PAL to NTSC conversion too, While US version was doing PAL NATIVE only?

So what you saying? is that Europen version did do PAL to NTSC conversion too, While US version was doing PAL NATIVE only?

That is correct. However conversion only is done on prgressive output and not on S video.

As I said before Panasonic US management is dumb even after they chaged some of it few months ago. I guess they did not change enough.

I've been sitting on a brand new s97 for a while now. I haven't used it because I currently don't own a set with HDMI inputs(I own a Mits WS55807) and I want to wait until I get my new Samsung 6768W so I could get the best pic quality from the player(didn't want to spoil the experience by using it via component with my Mits). I did, however, open the box to look at the date that the player was manufactured in order to figure out the firmware version. It's September 2004 so I'm assuming that it's the original 528 firmware in there. I was actually quite relieved to find the older date since I plan on making the player region free. My question for s97 owners is...If the macroblocking isn't an issue with my new Samsung, is it worth upgrading the s97 to 540? I recall reading that upgrading to 540 causes a slight loss in PQ. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

I found a thread here at the Secrets (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2898) forum about firmware v541. Anyone know about this version of the firmware? Anyone tried switching?

Any idea when Kris will speak Re this REVISED version of S97?

I found a thread here at the Secrets forum about firmware v541. Anyone know about this version of the firmware? Anyone tried switching?
Interesting development. I downloaded the file in case it disappears. I'd try it on my S97, but I don't want to risk it especially since I have a PAL capable, regionfree unit. Anyone else want to be a guinea pig? ;) :D

I would guess that it would still play PAL disks since the link seems to have come from
Germany. I checked the properties and it states that it was created on July 4th.

I would suggest downloading before the link breaks.

I don't have time to try it today since I have to go out immediately.

Kris has my March 2005 build S97 and is currently ripping it apart.

Hello all you S97 owners.
Is there any news of an updated firmware to 540?
I have it, but preferred 536, and I know you can't reverse flash the firmware. Once
it's done, you can't go back, unfortunately.

Thanks in advance (hopefully!) :)