The intent of this thread is to provide a place where people can see what DVD players AVS members have paired with various displays (TVs, flat panels, projectors, etc). Many people come here asking for advice on what DVD player works well with a certain display. Hopefully, over time, this thread contain enough information for a starting point for most new people looking here. The success of this thread depends on people entering information. EVERYBODY is encouraged to participate. No expertise is required except for you know the brand and model numbers of your player and TV. :)

Format: The title should contain the brand and model number of the DVD player followed by the same for display. If a scaler is used too, the scaler info comes after the DVD player. Eg. Denon 1600/Pioneer 5050 Panasonic RP91/Iscan HD+/Sony G90

See the next two posts for examples player/tv and player/scaler/tv entries. Posts 4 and 5 will be templates you can copy/paste/quote for creating your own post.

Please feel free add any information after the basic data that you feel may help a prospective user of a player with the other gear.

I will remove any posts that are not appropriate for this thread, ie. questions, comments etc. They should go in other threads - just like they do now.

Also, don't forget to see this thread for DVD player information. I has a great start and will be expanding over time: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=611824

larry

DVD player: Denon 1600
Resolution: 480p
Connection: component
Display: Pioneer 5050 plasma
Calibration: DVE

Comments: xxxxxx

DVD player: Panasonic RP91
Resolution: 480i
Connection: SDI
Scaler: Iscan HD+
Resolution: 1080p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony G90 projector
Calibration: ISF to 6500k

Comments: WOW!

DVD player:
Resolution:
Connection:
Display:
Calibration:

Comments:

------------- If you copy this text below, delete before posting ----------------------
DVD player: should be <brand> <model>
Resolution: 480i, 720p, 1366x768, etc.
Connection: component, SDI, DVI, HDMI, RGBVH etc.
Display: should be <brand> <model> <type> -> plasma, LCD RPTV, LCOS PJ, etc
Calibration: Avia, DVE, VE, none, ISF, my eyes, etc.

Comments: can include DVD player settings, cable types, why you like the setup, minor issues, major issues, etc.

DVD player:
Resolution:
Connection:
Scaler:
Resolution:
Connection:
Display:
Calibration:

Comments:

------------- If you copy this text below, delete before posting ----------------------
DVD player: should be <brand> <model>
Resolution: 480i, 720p, 1366x768, etc.
Connection: component, SDI, DVI, HDMI, RGBVH etc.
Scaler: should be <brand> <model>
Display: should be <brand> <model> <type> -> plasma, LCD RPTV, LCOS PJ, etc
Calibration: Avia, DVE, VE, none, ISF, my eyes, etc.

Comments: can include DVD player settings, cable types, why you like the setup, minor issues, major issues, etc.

DVD player: Denon 2910
Resolution: 480p/576p/720p/1080i
Connection: DVI
Display: Sony HS10 projector
Calibration: DVE, ISF coming soon

Comments: 1080i via DVI is Stunning

DVD player: Denon 1920
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Toshiba MT700 HD2+ 720p Front Projector
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Unfortunately this combo has visible macroblocking. I also found macroblocking with a Panasonic S97 I auditioned for 2 weeks. The 1920 has power on/off issues, is a little loud during playback, and has slightly more noise than the S97. Otherwise it is a nice universal player at its price point. I liked both players, but macroblocking is an unfortunate (and expensive) dealbreaker. Therefore, I'm currrently waiting for a Pioneer 79avi to arrive.

720p looks best killer picture

Connection: Component
Resolution: 480P
Calibration: ISF on Mits, DVE and Avia on 79AVi


After 47Ai, NAD T534 and 2910 I think I found a winner.

DVD player: Ayre DX-7e
Resolution: 480p
Connection: DVI
Display: Fujitsu P50XHA10US 50" plasma
Calibration: DVE, Avia

Comments: I've been extermely pleased with this player and display combo. With the P50, I don't need upscaling so 480p from the Silicon Image deinterlacer fits the bill just fine. Next video upgrade I'll most likely swap out the "progressive/DVI board" in the player for the SDI board option and use that to feed a new fangled video processor/scaler into some yet-to-be-indentified PJ.

DVD player: Oppo Digital DV971H
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI->HDMI
Display: Panasonic TC-22LH1 direct view LCD
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: Virtually artifact free picture. Smooth color gradations. Excellent low-level detail and color reproductions. Minimal macroblock enhance.

DVD player: Panasonic DVD-S97S
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Pansonic TC-22LH1
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: Virtually artifact free picture. Smooth color gradations. Excellent low-level detail and color reproduction. Minimal macroblock enhance.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS975V
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Panasonic TC-22LH1 direct view LCD
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: Mostly artifact free picture. Some bad edits noted, subtitles comb. Accurate color reprodcution hampered by HD/SD color matrix conflict resulting , most notably in reduced green output. Excellent low-level detail. No macroblock enhance.

DVD player: Oppo 971
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI->HDMI
Resolution: 720P
Display: Panny AE-700
Calibration:Avia

Comments: Occassional lipsynch on HK-635 via coax. AE-700 has 81EF filter. Small amount of MB but rarely noticed unless you know where to look for it. Super fast layer change and remote control.

http://gregssentinelpointoccasionaltheater.blogspot.com/

DVD player: Momitsu V880
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI -> HDMI
Display: Panasonic TC-22LH1 direct view LCD
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: Mediocre deinterlacing performance. Artifacts abound: no 3:2, bad edits seen, not motion adaptive. Good color reproduction. No macroblock enhance.

DVD player: Oppo
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI.
Display: Samsung hl-p5674 dlp
Calibration: ISF by Eliab @www.avical.com

Comments: No problems so far, but I wish they wouldn't have messed with the default brightness settings in the previous firmware update. Still, the pq is stunning. YMMV,
b.

DVD player: Pioneer DV-79Avi
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI (12 bit)
Display: Samsung HLP5685W, DLP HD2+ chip, DNIE turned OFF
Calibration: DVE

Comments: No Macroblocking, no audio/video sync issues, wonderful picture (after calibration and after turning off DNIE on the Samsung). I found the remote well laid out and very easy to use. Layer change is sometimes noticeable but faster than my other dvd player, a Samsung HD-841. I also find both 5.1 analog audio and 2 channel analog output excellent on this player.

With DVE, it appears the default "Direct" settings does not pass "BtB" so I followed Carl Sundbom's suggestions on the 59AVi thread. I used "Direct" as base settings on one of the programmable memories and changed IRE from 0 to 7.5. I also set the white level to the left most notch (minimum) and the black level to one notch above minimum. Video was a little bit on the soft side with the DNIE on the Samsung turned off so I compensated by turning the HDMI Details to max and Details to 50% on the Video Settings. These settings gave me a PQ close to HD levels on reference DVDs.

DVD player: Pioneer 59avi
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Scaler: none
Display: Mitsubishi WD-73727, 1080p DLP RPTV
Calibration: DVE

Comments: It's outstanding!

DVD player: Panasonic RP82
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: NEC HT1000
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: The HT1000 has excellent onboard Faroudja processing, but the 480p input from the RP-82 is still a little nicer than the 480i.

DVD player: Panasonic XP-30
Resolution: 480i/480p
Connection: Component
Display: NEC HT1000
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: This is basically a mirror image of the RP-82 and a welcome alternative to the RP-82 which has/had become hard to find or expensive. The XP-30 still remains my primary back up player as I have bought/sold numerous upscaling players for testing and review. The XP-30, although not perfect, presents a very solid image with just a touch of edge artifacts.

DVD player: Panasonic RP91
Resolution: 480i/480p
Connection: Component
Display: NEC HT1000
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: The RP-91 does not have the same jaggie free deinterlacing of the RP-82/XP-30, but it offer a very competitive PQ, perhaps even superior in some respects. The main thing I like about the RP-91, is the range of sharpness and edge detail controls under 480p. These controls offer a very wide range, and can effectively reduce excessive edge enhancement on poorly mastered DVDs.

DVD player: Panasonic RP91
Resolution: 480i
Connection: SDI
Scaler: Iscan HD
Resolution: 1024x768/NEC & 720p/Sony
Connection: DVI
Display: NEC HT1000
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: Adding the SDI output and Iscan deinterlacing/scaling to the RP-91, take the image quality up a notch. There is an apparent reduction in noise as well as boost in color/contrast performance. I have the RP-91 RGB component and SDI outputs routed to the Iscan HD. I then have the choice of sending 480i SDI for the cleanest signal, or 480p component for the use of the RP-91 sharpness & edge detail controls. I find the 480p component feed with sharpness controls in effect, can roll of a great deal of the high end frequencies, but in a manner that produces a smoother & cleaner image thru the Iscan, than the 480p component directly to the projector. It's an awesome combination.

DVD player: Denon 2910
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Display: NEC HT1000
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: The 2910 was a very interesting player. The 1st thing I noticed was the excellent performance of it's 480i component output. Easily the best performance I have seen since the Sony DSP-7000. On the other hand the 480p component was not very good. Switching over to the DVI/HDMI outputs, I could find no advantage to running HDMI versus DVI. Both performed equally well. 480p DVI/HDMI was excellent, with 720p offer better resolution with a touch of Y/C error and edge noise. 1080i was till better with resolution, but with a bit more Y/C error and edge noise. I assume the 2910 has corrected these short comings thru a more recent software update, but I can not confirm. The HT1000 could handle the 1080i signal with easy, while the HS-51 did a better job with 720p. I leave this observation to the quality difference of the scaling engine in the projectors, with the HT1000 being superior. Neither display exhibited macro blocking of any kind.

DVD player: Denon 3910
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: The 3910 while like the 2910 in many ways, offered superior 720p/1080i DVI/HDMI improvement. While the 2910 had the increasing Y/C error and edge noise, the 3910 was much cleaner with perfect Y/C. Great image, great performance, great analog audio, great player. No MB on this baby either with my HS-51.

DVD player: Panasonic S97
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: I have so thoroughly enjoyed the RP-82, XP-30 and RP-91, I had great hopes for the S97. Unfortunately the player does not deliver, IMHO. I found the image had a rough & processed look. It's almost like these is a layer of noise which can not be dialed back. I also noticed very minor MB, which may have been related to the noise observation. I chalk this up to the R&D to integrate the new FLI23xx chip set, and the inherent compromises encountered. It seems as we see later generation players implement the FLI23xx, they are doing a better job. Such has been reported with the Panasonic S77, but I have not seen it. I very quickly sold the S97, and dropped back to the XP-30.

DVD player: OPPO 971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Display: Sony HS-51
Calibration: 6500k

Comments: I thought to my self, "what's everyone talking about", when I finally took notice of the OPPO 971H threads on AVS. I had waited long enough, for the more serious software upgrades to be made available, and decided to try the player with the D-1022 update. WOW. The OPPO DVI 480p, 540p, 720p and 1080i are the cleanest signals I have seen, among the combinations mentioned. The OPPO has very low noise, perfect Y/C at all DVI resolutions, and almost non-existent edge noise artifacts. I was expecting to see a wonderful image, but I was not expecting to see an image superior in many ways, to the Denon 3910 or RP-91SDI/Iscan HD combination. The OPPO 971H does appear to roll off just a tiny amount of high frequency at 720p and 1080i, especially with it's sharpness set to LOW or OFF. However, it's an acceptable amount in my view, as it only helps reduce the sharpness and edge artifacts I see all too often in other upscaling players. As I previously noted with 720p/1080i performance comparisons on the HS51, the OPPO 720p works best with the HS-51 as far as proper balance of deinterlacing and resolution reproduction. I have noticed some lip sync errors on a coupe of my kids movies, namely Madagascar. But I'm not clear if it's just a coax issue. I say this because since I switched to the optical 5.1 connection, I have not noticed any lip sync issues. The OPPO 971H is a player worth checking out. It can have MB issues on some displays, but it was clean as a whistle on the HS-51.

DVD player: Denon DVD-3910
Resolution: DVD player output upscaled to 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KDS-R60XBR1 (displays at 1080p)
Calibration: DVE

No apparent macroblocking or lip synch issues. Picture is near HD.

DVD player: Oppo Digital DV971H
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: DVI
Display: Sharp LC-G5C32U LCD
Calibration: Avia

DVD player: Onkyo DV-SP1000
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KD34XBR960 CRT Tube.
Calibration: ISF

Comments: Looks like HD.

DVD player: Denon 3910
Resolution: 720P
Connection: DVI
Display: Hitachi Tx100 LCD projector
Calibration: Avia

Picture is absolutely beautiful. I love the 3910's pq and the image quality of the Tx100. Cant think of any reason to upgrade until PS3 is available for the HD stuff.

DVD Player: Denon 3910 scaling up to 720p
Display: Panasonic AE900 Projector to 110" wide 16x9 screen
Connection: HDMI through Denon 4806 Receiver
Calibration: CKLs settings with a little tweaking with DVE

Comments: I have never seen DVD look better than this period! I sit 11 feet away from the screen and it blows me away. Of course HD is unbelievable but this is the wrong thread for that :) .

Paul

DVD player: Samsung DVD-HD950
Resolution: 720p
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic PT-L500U 720p LCD projector 77" diagonal matte white dark room
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I am happy

DVD player: NeuNeo HVD2081
Resolution: 720p
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic PT-L500U 720p LCD projector 77" diagonal matte white dark room
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I am happy

DVD player: JVC XV-SL600BK modded region free
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony KV-30XBR910
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I am happy

DVD player: Zenith DVB318
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: Component
Display: Sony KV-30XBR910
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I am happy

DVD player: Sony DVD-NS70
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI>DVI
Display: Sony KV-30XBR910
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I am happy


All of the above provide acceptable results for me, I can't imagine being happier and can play every DVD I have owned acceptably somewhere in the house. I have every combination working the way I had hoped although I concede all of my players have shortcomings.

Chris

DVD player Onkyo SP1000
Resolution 720p
Connection hdmi/dvi
Display Optoma H-78dc3 DLP projector
Calibration DVE

Comments: Great audio,Great video,great build quality and problem free
Negatives: Its not Blu Ray

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI>Geffen 2:1 HDMI Switcher>DVI
Display: Sony KF-50WE610, LDC RPTV
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Audio is coaxial to Denon receiver (always). Occasional audio/video synch issues but it is very rare that I experience a problem. I set audio delay on the Oppo to 50 ms and leave it there. Nice clean, noise-free picture. I have sharpness set to 0 on the Oppo and the Sony. I don't use any of the picture enhancement features that the Oppo offers. This looks almost as good as HD programming to my eyes. I don't normally see macroblocking and if I do it's very minor.

DVD player: OPPO Digital OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Display: Panasonic TH-42PX50U and Optoma H78
Calibration: AVIA and DVE

Comments: Very solid video and audio.

DVD player: Denon 3910
Resolution: 720P and 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Qualia 06
Calibration: Avia

Comments: 3910 and Qualia combo is amazing.

DVD player: OPPO 971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI
Display: Samsung HLN4367W DLP RPTV
Calibration: THX Optimizer :)

Comments: No macroblocking and rare audio synch issues. My biggest and just about only gripe is the 25% loss of resolution when viewing classic film 4:3 DVDs in Wide/SQZ Mode. They are my primary viewing. It's not very noticeable in the picture. It's more noticeable in subtitles. Text screens with small print are often unreadable. 16:9 DVDs are beautiful, and almost better than can be expected for a $200 player. Good PAL and (now, with the latest firmwares) AVI playback are a bonus.

DVD player: Pio 79avi
Resolution: 480i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Pioneer 1110 plasma
Calibration: DVE

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS90
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony 50XBR1
Calibration: So far, my eyes. Next is DVE. ISF some time next year.

Very good picture. Some titles have 'noise', but I am unsure if it is the DVD or the player. May be better with calibration. Minor 'shift' issue, but it is easily fixed by adjusting overscan on the TV. Like that I can pillarbox 4:3 content at 1080i. Happy until PS3 comes out.

DVD player: Denon 1920
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony 50XBR1
Calibration: My eyes

Excellent picture on a few titles. Shrek, Monsters Inc look like HD. Other titles like Master and Commander, SW Ep. 3 have too much macroblock enhancing, making them more difficult to watch. Also, 2:35 aspect ratio movies have green blocks in the letterbox area; distracting. Unable to pillarbox 4:3 content at 1080i. This player is going back, or going to a different TV.

DVD player: Oppo Digital DV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI
Display: Samsung HLP4674W DLP RPTV
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: Fantastic picture and sound!
Faroudja macroblock-enhance was initially a problem with this combo, until I properly calibrated my DLP, using the FULL range of available contrast. I used the method documented here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5120358&&#post5120358), which maximizes contrast ratio to the Red output - the color in shortest supply on the Samsung DLP. This method will squeeze out every last bit of contrast that your set can give, while remaining D65 accurate all the way to 100% white. Macroblock-enhance is gone, and the result is absolutely stunning.

Gary

Oppo Digital DV971H / Samsung TXP3064W

DVD: Oppo Digital DV971H
REZ: 540p
Connect: DVI
Display: Samsung TXP3064W Direct View CRT
Calibration: DVE/Avia

DVD player: Pany S97
Resolution: 480/720
Connection: Component
Display: JVC 52Z585 LCOS RPTV
Calibration: ISF

Comments: Initial calibration was done with HDMI - excellent results, but exibits black crush on some disks. No such problems with component. The S97 was to be stop gap player, but it's impressive for it's price. So much so, it's paused the search for my next Hi End player. I did not expect the performance I'm getting from this combo, but I'll give credit where it's due - The ISF makes ALL the difference (as usual)

DVD Player: Pioneer DV79AVi
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: 60'' Sony KDS-R60XBR1 SXRD
Calibration: ISF

Comments: Simply and amazing picture that I am extremely happy with, I would recommend this combo to anyone in the market for a new TV and DVD player.

DVD player: Panasonic DVD-S77S
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: JVC D-ILA HD56G786 RP LCoS
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Good picture. Quite a bit of macroblock enhancing.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS70H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: JVC D-ILA HD56G786 RP LCoS
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Good picture for the price. Picture is shifted or compressed slightly over HDMI with output set to 720p and a little bit more at 1080i.

DVD player: Oppo Dv971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI
Display: Samsung HLN617W DLP RPTV
Calibration: ISF

Comment: Great picture that passes BTB. Black levels were improved after ISF calibration.

dvd player; integra dps-10.5
resolution; 1080i
connection; hdmi
display; panasonic th-42px50u plasma
calibration; avia/dve

looks almost hd no problems so far

DVD player: Denon 2200
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic TH42PA20 plasma EDTV
Calibration: DVE

Comment: Very happy with this combination.

DVD player: Panasonic S97S
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony KDF-E50A10 LCD RPTV
Calibration: none....yet

Comment: I'm new to all this, what the *&!@ do I know. :D Calibrated Display using the suggestions for service menu tweaks. I initially used the HDMI connection, however hdtv is coming tomorrow and I think I'll be using my HDMI input for the DVR. Switched over to component and still enjoying the pic. Thinking about doing the ISF thing.

DVD Player: Panasoinc S-97 with Firmware # 362 (previously Denon DVD-3910)
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Components
Display: Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK (42" 8th Generation Commercial EDTV Display)
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Proper calibration has toned down macroblocking significanlty; however macroblocking still can be noticed if you look for it on few DVDs/scenes. Excellent picture otherwise. With Denon DVD-3910 with avove connections, there was no macroblocking to my eyes; but severe jaggies/judder were there (especially so on scences with actors having horizontal movements shot by vertically moving cameras). These jaggies/judder are completely gone with Panasonic DVD S-97 and components connection at 480p.

DVD player: Oppo 971H, Neuneo HVD2081 (secondary)
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI -> HDMI, Component (secondary)
Display: Sony KDS-R60XBR1 SXRD (LCOS) RPTV
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I had the Neuneo with my old TV, and bought the Oppo when I got the Sony, to take advantage of the digital input. The Oppo is a better player, but the Neuneo isn't bad-I'm keeping it as a back-up.
I'm quite happy with this set-up.

EDIT:There are some firmware issues with Oppo and LCOS sets. Firmware 1111b causes a shift of the picture to the left. There is no problem with older firmware.

DVD player: Denon 1920
Resolution: 480p/720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KP51WS520
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Unconfirmed on the MB issue. It popped up on the Animatrix (1st Episode) and a few others and thus might be disc dependent. Passes the waving-flag test in DVE, but does ok on staircasing effects. Good example of that is the intro in Desparado when El Mariachi jumps onto the bar while playing the guitar. Power issues are annoying and there is a noticeable layer change. I find PQ is noticeably better than the Sony NS975. Good DVDs like the latest Star Wars Ep. 3 look breathtaking showing deep blacks and amazing detail.

DVD player: Oppo 971
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Display: Visio P50HDMI
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Has to be the budget combo champ! Very happy with this set-up, audio goes via coax to an HK DPR-2005. With the numerous firmware updates to the Oppo, this player just gets better and more flexible. After calibrating with Avia, I've gotten rid of virtually all the macro-blocking. The Visio has very good blacks and good color, though greens can look intense. I also haven't had much of a problem with lip synch. Just finished a LOTR-ED trilogy marathon, what a GRIN :D

DVD player: Denon 3910
Resolution: 720p / 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Scaler:
Resolution:
Connection:
Display: Panasonic AE700
Calibration: DVE / AVIA / Smart III

Comments: I will be adding a scaler/switcher soon, either Key Digital iSync, Key Digital HDMI4x1 or DVDO wp30 or whatever else comes along very soon in the under $2000 catagory. AE-700 has B+W KR-6 filter.

DVD player: Philips 520 (soon to be replaced with a real one)
Resolution: 480i :)
Connection: S-Video, Coaxial
Scaler:
Resolution:
Connection:
Display: LG 32LP1R
Calibration:

DVDp connected through Denon AVR-3806 via HDMI to the display

DVD player: Oppo Digital OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI to HDMI
Display: Sony KDF-E42A10 LCD RPTV
Calibration: THX Optimizer

Comments: Very happy with the picture so far. Noticeable improvement over Sony 480p player below. No noticeable macroblocking. Some ghosting occurs but if you turn TrueLife on, it corrects the problem. Used the 0002 red push fix mentioned in the tweaks thread.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS50P
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony KDF-E42A10 LCD RPTV
Calibration: THX Optimizer

Comments: Good picture. Not quite as good as the Oppo, but a very good player for this TV especially for the price.

DVD player: Sony DVP NS-3100ES
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: Component
Display: Sony 60sXBR1
Calibration: DVE

So far everything is working great, no lipsync issues and the picture is pretty darn good.

DVD player: Toshiba
Resolution: 480i
Connection: Component
Display: Samsung 24" TV
Calibration:None

Comments: Just hooked everything up and adjusted picture to MY liking..

DVD player: Pioneer DV-588AS
Resolution: 480p
Connection: component through HK AVR435
Display: Syntax LT27HV LCD TV
Calibration: None

DVD player: Pioneer Elite 79avi
Resolution: 480i HDMI
Connection: HDMI 79avi>Iscan HD+>720p>HS51
Display: Sony HS51 and Vutec SS
Calibration:Avia, DVE, and thanks to Kris and Byte for sharing greyscale setting

Comments: Great combo. My only complaint is screen sheen sometimes.

DVD player: Denon 2800
Resolution: 480i/480p
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK
Calibration: DVE

I'm still going back and forth between 480i and 480p to determine which looks better. It seems that the player handles some movies better and the display handles others better. I haven't been able to settle for sure, but 480i (which is actually 525i according to the display) seems to be in the lead for over all performance. Picture looks great either way.

Display: Fujitsu 5001 plasma, their first 50", with fixed resolution 1365 x 768
Old DVD player: RP82 (3 years old), set on Video 1
Resolution: 480p, over Component cables
Pros: Picture is solid, beautifully detailed
Cons: Bad performance on video source, layer change very slow

New DVD player: Oppo 971
Resolution: 480p, over DVI (not HDCP compliant). The 5001 will not sync up at 720p, 1080i
Pros: Very satisfying picture, and fewer artifacts for video sources, non-detectable layer change
Cons: Obviously, not being able upscale is a bit of a downside, but I'll keep the Oppo anyway.

Calibration: I had the 5001 professionally-calibrated, twice, both times to my high-def cable box source. For DVD picture, I have altered the settings myself, and I have different settings for cable box, RP82, and Oppo.

DVD Player : Oppo 971H

Resolution : 1080i

Connection : DVI

Display : Hitachi 51S500

Calibration : Avia

Cleanest, most enjoyable picture I've seen from a DVD player in this price range. Passed all torture test scenes known to exhibit macroblocking. Very little audio sync problems with Denon receiver.

DVD player: Oppo DV 970HD
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI via Mono-price HDX-201 HDMI Switcher
Display: Panasonic PT-47x54J CRT RPTV
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Above is my current player as of 6/24/06.
Oppo config is default except for:
TV Display = Wide/SQZ (4:3 content looked too distorted when stretched by this player.)
Colorspace = YCbCr 4:4:4 (RGB setting produced washed out colors and when calibrated with DVE, the red push inherent in the Panny was too obvious) Also, my blacks were now black, not Savannah Green.)

----------------Old Player and config----------------------------
DVD player: Samsung HD-841
Resolution: Original 1080i Now 480i with Black Level ON
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic PT-47x54j CRT RPTV
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Very good. Much better than old Toshiba that was 480i over component. Use optical out to Pioneer Amp. DD5.1 is good but DTS is WOW.

Comments Update: When I first received this player 18 months ago I started with the DVI connection and then after using the hack switched to Component for getting BTB to the panny. I had never tested the 480i input until recently. I played with the 480i resolution and when I set the Sammy blacklevels ON, available only at 480i, the colors improved tremendously. It appears the panny uses the HD color matrix at 1080i and should be using the SD color matrix. The color matrix can be selected at 480p but you can only set the Sammy black level on at 480i.

Basically, this combo needs the Sammy Black Level set to ON and the Panny Color matrix set to SD for great picture quality. Now that I have this figured out, time to get the new Oppo.

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI>Geffen 2x2 HDMI Switcher>HDMI, HDMI
Display: Sanyo PLV-Z3, Sony KV-30HS420
Calibration: ISF on Z3, DVE in Service Menu on the Sony

Comments: At first I calibrated both my CRT and PJ myself with DVE. Then I had an ISF calibrator come in and calibrate my PJ. Such an improvement. Then I realized my CRT was way off as well, so I calibrated that myself, with surprisingly great results. The Oppo has delivered great results on both displays. My only gripe would be that it's so good in fact, I have to try and stay away from bad DVD transfers, LOL. A small gripe admittedly. :D

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI>HDMI
Display: Sony KV-34HS420
Calibration: Avia & Sound & Vision Home Theater Tuneup

Comments: What a super combination. I find that 480p is jumpy and unacceptable. 1080i has what I refer to as a pulse running left to right. 720p is miraculous. Biggest surprise - the audio is unlike anything I've heard before from my HTiB.

DVD player: OppoDigital OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI -> HDMI
Display: Sony KDF-E42A10 LCD RPTV
Calibration: VE

Comments: N/A

DVD player: VInc. Bravo D1
Resolution: 852x480 Pixel Map
Connection: DVI
Display: Infocus SP4805 DLP FP
Calibration: Factory recommended Gain & Offsets plus THX

Comments:
Fantastic PQ
Reference grade image.
A very synergetic combination.
Player should not be allowed to overheat.
Reported hangups and slow loading can be corrected by replacing C1022 1,000uf on PS board. (Bad batch of caps!)
SP4805 RGB Gain (3) = 58 RGB Offsets (3) = 28.5 to calibrate to Bravo 'studio' video levels (16-235)
Only use DVI on this player.
Clumsy remote control.

DVD player: Oppo
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI
Display: Benq 8700+
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Excellent combination with little visible artifacts and only slight shrinkage in 720p aspect (1080i is more in line with OTA and other sources).

DVD player: Panasonic XP-30
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Optoma H31 Projector
Calibration: D65 (thanks to Guitarman's service)

Comments: Returned an Oppo and went back to "old faithful" - works like a charm and looks great.

DVD-S97 / KDL-V40XBR1

DVD player: Panasonic DVD-S97
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KDL-V40XBR1 (LCD flat panel)
Calibration: THX Optimizer + My eyes

Comments:
At its best, the picture quality was stunning - subjectively near HD detail, a sense of depth, richly varied color palette.
Even low-grade non-anamorphic sources were coaxed into delivering stellar performances. A scrapbook scene in "Hilary & Jackie" delivered rich colors in a pasted photograph, while newspaper clippings were sharp and highly readable.
Other material fared more poorly. Some scenes in "Vertigo" (non-anamorphic) seemed lacquered or fogged over with persistent visual noise.
Now I truly know what Macroblocking is, thanks to this player/display combo: it's a startlingly dominant effect in shadows, low-lit foregrounds - even the default page before the DVD loads.
Narrow vertical banding ("jail bar" effect) also filled what should have been solid dark shapes in scenes which otherwise did not call for extreme performance and should not have presented display challenges.
After 3 days' viewing a dozen representative DVD favorites plus some rentals, I reluctantly returned the DVD-S97 to reseller. Although PQ was outstanding at its peak, both the MB and vertical banding were exceedingly prominent flaws, too noticeable to ignore, ruining numerous scenes.
Liked: highly customizable viewing experience (contrast, sharpness, color, brightness, resolution, 4x3 "shrink," etc.). May border on excess choice for some, however (where do I set my player's benchmark, so I can tweak the display?).
Disliked: a meandering menu design made it difficult to know whether (and where) you retained those custom viewing choices you worked so hard to define.
Disliked: zoom scaled poorly, distorting image to the point of being unusable.
Disliked: no "eject" button on remote.
Disliked: poor bookmark support disregards viewer's wish to easily return to last viewed scene. If you stop viewing to check the DVD menus, then return, the player always restarts from chapter 1. If you eject a DVD without remembering to manually mark "memory," the player always starts the reinserted DVD from chapter 1. (Limit: I believe there were 5 or 6 manual memory positions available.)

DVP-NS70H / KDL-V40XBR1

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS70H
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KDL-V40XBR1 (LCD flat panel)
Calibration: THX Optimizer + My eyes

Comments:
This is the player I used to replace the DVD-S97 described above.
Macroblocking is cured.
Vertical banding ("jail bars") are cured.
Upconversion delivers subtle but noticeable enhancement, remarkably impressive with reference and high quality DVD transfers - richly detailed, fresh. Poorer transfers are compromised but generally still highly viewable.
Scenes noted above ("Vertigo") which DVD-S97 fogged with persistent visual noise played better on DVP-NS70H. So did a tracking shot where a lighted door suffered from unintended "claymation" effect on DVD-S97, but not here.
Customizable viewing experience: pre-sets, plus one manually adjustable custom setting. Retains your choices indefinitely until you update.
Limited zoom, useful only for reference or temporary close viewing.
Good bookmarking support (1 per DVD) automatically returns to last viewed scene if you stop to view menus or temporarily eject DVD. Automatically retains bookmark for 5 most recently viewed DVDs.
Both DVP-NS70H and DVD-S97 offer several slow- and fast-speed modes with audio support. Both support a quick-repeat of the last few seconds.
I am not experiencing the "Sony DVP-NS70H Shift Issue" with this player/display combo - or else it is too subtle to notice.
Liked: DVD-NS70H remote includes a 30-second speed-skip forward, great for speeding past warning and studio pages if supported on individual DVDs. Specifications indicate DVD-S97 offered a skip-foward in its menus but I don't recall having found it so I conclude it was not as friendly.
Liked: thumbnail page generates a chapter menu on-the-fly.
Disliked: upon inserting a DVD, go do something else while the player takes its time to load it into memory.

DVD player: Rotel RDV-1050
Resolution: 480i
Connection: Component
Display: Loewe Aconda 38" Direct View CRT
Calibration:Avia & DVE
Comments: Great picture with accurate color and detail. The RDV-1050 was a significant improvement over the previous Panasonic RP-91 -- in particular, the RDV-1050 presented much more accurate color and detail in dark areas than the RP-91. There are also fewer artifacts during fast motion. I haven't seen and have a hard time imagining a better combination for this size of display.

DVD player: OPPO OPDV971H
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI-HDMI
Display: Sony 30xs955
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Great PQ, no mircoblocking and no audio sync problem from the OPPO using toslink cable to receiver.

DVD player: Panasonic DVD-S97S
Firmware: 85E540 (original 85E528)
Resolution: 1080i from S97S
Audio: Digital Out to receiver (do not use HDMI audio or DVD D/A audio) via Optical
Connection: HDMI->DVI with Gefen 2x1 DVI Switcher in the loop
Display: Pannasonic Commercial 1366x768 50" Plasma Display Panel TH50PHD6UY
Calibration: DVE

Comments:
Based on many comments I've read, I believe I am in the minority to say that this setup is great. Macroblocking - noticeable, if you really look for it hard and it is mostly source dependent (e.g., compression rate and mastering). Vast majority of the time, I do not notice it at all. The images from S-97 is significantly superior to the 480p signal via component that my DVR provides (Panasonic DMRE80H, which I also use for non-anamorphic DVDs). The DVI port on the PDP is shared with HD satellite receiver, hence, the switcher.

While nothing really competes with OTA HD sports feed (e.g., football, basketball) and some HDNet original material, S-97 is a great player for what it is. I am fully satisfied with this setup.

DVD player: Denon 2900 component 1, Denon 2200 component 2.
Resolution: 480P
Connection: Component
Display: Sony GWIV 50WE655 LCD/RP with HDTV.
Calibration: HDMI input (HDTV) and component inputs.
ISF calibrated by Chad Billheimer (included install of ND filter)

Comments: PQ is phenominal in both HD and DVD since the ISF calibration. The installation of the neutral density filter has increased black level beyond my expectation. For anyone who has the SONY LCD/RP without the dynamic iris feature I highly recommend the installation of a ND Filter, this will increase your viewing experience immensely.

DVD player: Sony NS999ES
Resolution: 480P
Connection: Component
Display: Sony 34XBR800 with HDTV connected.
Calibration: ISF

Comments: The only thing I can say is I wish all TV's where able to put out black
levels like CRT's.

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI --> HDMI
Display: Toshiba 34HFX84
Calibration: DVE for DVD; INHD & HDNet for HDTV

Comments: I tried all output formats and felt the 1080i was the best choice. MB has only been consistently noticed on Finding Nemo. The disc has been severly used (kids favorite) so it may just be due to the condition of the disc. Further calibration and tweking has eliminated all issues (beside the Nemo one). If anything, picture seems a little too dark at times.

DVD player: Denon DVD-2900
Resolution: 480i
Connection: Better Cables Silver Serpent 2m Component
Display: Sony Grand Wega IV KDF-60"
Calibration: Avia

Comments: I first had the DVD-3910 and really wanted to keep it, but the cost and macroblocking issues I had turned me to the 2900. Brand new at less than half the cost, no macroblocking, NO layer change. PQ is incredibly satisfying. PQ looked identical to this member's eyes between the 3910 and 2900. Only negative is I get the dreaded 'jaggies' at 480p, therefore, running 480i with no 'jaggies' is my default resolution. :cool:

DVD player: Panasonic XP-30
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony KP-57WS520
Calibration: ISF by Chad Billheimer

Comments: Excellent player. I've tried several other players with this display: Sony 975, 70, and the Toshiba 592, but the XP-30 delivers a more pure, filmlike image. The upscaling with the above mentioned players gave either severe green depression or heavy red push. The Toshiba gave macroblocking.

DVD player: Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI/DVI adapter
Display: Hitachi 51UWX20B RPTV
Calibration: Avia (see comments)

Comments: I bought this unit for the purpose of being a player that can do justice to movies and music until the HD format war runs it's course. Compared to my old unit (Pioneer Elite DV-05) this player is in every way superior, which is to be expected. Every aspect of measured performance has improved across the board. 1080i upconversion through the digital inputs is much superior to the component connection, IMO. Note that I have entered the service menu on my RPTV, and eliminated red push, but have not had the set ISF'd. Still, I believe I am getting just about all I can obtain from my set without the grayscale, convergence, and focus being professionally calibrated. Sonically, the player handles anything thrown at it, but is best enjoyed with an I-LINK connection with a compatible receiver (I have the Pioneer Elite VSX-74txi). When connected this way the player can obtain a level of transparency that compares favorably with top-of-the-line receivers and entry-level seperates. Build quality on this player is WAY above what you would get at a cheaper price point. I am very excited about getting an appropriate display to match this players's performance. Highly recommended.

Z

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS975V
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI
Display: Sharp LC-45GD7U
Calibration: Thanks to Dave Harper

Comments: It looks pretty fantastic to me

DVD Player : Denon 1920
Resolution : 720P
Connection : HDMI w/DVI adapter
Display : Sony KV-34HS510 CRT
Calibration : DVE and Avia

Comments : Had a Panasonic s97, but replaced with the Denon for better sound and slightly less noisy picture. Denon is pretty nice on this display.

DVD player: Oppo 971H
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI to HDMI
Display: Sony KD-34XS955
Calibration: Digital Video Essentials

Comments: I got my Oppo today thanks to many great reviews. I had a Sony DVP-NS70H and an LG LDA-511. The Oppo is better than both of those. Great picture out of the box, all I did was set it to 1080i, saturation and brightness to +1, contrast to +3, everything else is at 0 or off. I have my TV picture mode set to "Standard" and the Clear Edge VM set to "High" since turning up the sharpness on the Oppo created a strange effect. Excellent picture, best player you can get for $200, by far.

DVD player: Pioneer 79avi
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic 42PWD6UY Plasma
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I am very happy with the 79avi. I just recalibrated my plasma with settings on the 79avi set back close to the default settings. I found I was changing settings to suit different DVDs and by doing this was negating my initial calibration settings. I have to learn to set it and forget it! I also found the 79avi thread to be very helpful with great advice from 79avi owners. With the settings as they are now I find the PQ to be excellent and SQ from CD, SACD and DVD-A via i-link to my 74txvi to be outstanding.

Bill

DVD player: Panasonic S688 (S77/S97 version available in China)
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sanyo Z4 FP
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Very good, excellent de-interlacing without any macroblocking. Z4 setup is still in progress due to it's extensive adjustability.

DVD player: Zenith 318DVB
Resolution: 720P
Connection: Component
Display: Sanyo Z3
Calibration: Avia and using Rone and Jeremy Settings (6500K)

Comments: Very sharp and I honestly could not ask for a better image via DVD

DVD player: Zenith 318DVB
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: Component
Display: Mits WS65807
Calibration: ISF 6500K

Comments: Looks awesome!

DVD player: Denon 1600
Resolution: 480p
Connection: component
Display: Panasonic PT500U LCD Projector (115" screen)
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Awesome picture at 12' viewing distance

DVD player: Integra DPS 8.3
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component Video (BNC)
Scaler: None
Display: InFocus Screenplay 4805 projector w/ 106" Draper screen
Calibration: Eyeballed it

Comments: This DVD player has a GREAT picture! I have tried using the 480i output, but the 480p gets better results. This may vary with different displays, depending on the deinterlacer, but the deinterlacer in the DPS 8.3 is definitely better than the Faroudja FLI2310 that is built into the InFocus projector. I have tried many different DVD players, and I would have to say that this is one of my favorite non-upconversion players. Hard to beat for around $1000.

DVD player: LG LST-3510A with built-in DVD player
Resolution: 480p/720p/1080i
Connection: DVI/HDMI
Scaler:
Resolution:
Connection:
Display: Philips 30PW8420
Calibration: Avia

Comments: This combination produces wonderful clarity. I keep the tuner set on 1080i, as my CRT won't display a 720p signal, and 480p is too grainy. The improvement over 480i and an anolog display is still stunning after six weeks of enjoying this new technology. I also bought a Harmony 676 remote to pull together the Philips TV, the LG tuner, and our Sony STR-DE635 receiver. It's a great setup which the family really enjoys.

DVD player: Oppo DV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: Included DVI-HDMI Calbe
Scaler: None
Display: Sony KDF-E42A10 (LCD RPTV)
Calibration: AVIA and settings from members posted on AVS Forums

Comments: WOW... this dvd player+tv is an awesome combo, and for the price of the player, included cables, AMAZING cust support... it CANT get any better.

Does anyone here have a recommendation for a fairly inexpensive DVD player with HDMI (<= $200) that works well with the Philips 37PF7230A 37" LCD? I was going to go with the Sony DVP-NS70H, but there are several posts in this forum that discuss picture-shift issues with that one.

Thanks,

Rerics

DVD player: Denon DVD-2900
Resolution: 480p
Connection: component
Display: Panasonic TH-42PX50U
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Calibration has been a bit of a confusing chore for me, and I think eventually I'll have to get an ISF calibration from a pro. If I had understood better the importance of having different picture settings for different sources I might've gone with a different display.

I'm pretty happy with this combination, the Denon was an "upgrade" from the Pioneer 563a, although I can't say I saw a significant improvement. I think there is a slight reduction in picture noise and an increase in shadow detail, but it isn't a night and day difference (the lack of layer change, however, was a huge improvement, and my Pio has been buggy lately). They are both many steps above the DVD playback of my LG DVD recorder and some kind of drugstore cheapy model (Sylvania, maybe) I recently viewed at a relative's home.

I'd be curious to hear from any owners of my display if they've seen a significant difference between excellent component video performers and any of the higher-end upconverting HDMI players (59avi, 3910, etc.). I never did try out any of the Faroudja players to see if I would indeed have a macroblocking problem.

Player: LG-511
Resolution: 1080I
Connection: component or HDMI, using component
Display: Hitachi 32Udx10s(crt)
Calibration: Personal.

PQ is AMAZING. The LG-511 by default will only send 480 via component if a HDCP dvd is played. Thanks to "hacks" found here you can easily send 720p/1080I. Macroblocking is turned off. No artifacts at 720p/1080I.

DVD player: Denon 1910
Resolution: 480i
Connection: component
Display: Sony 50" SXBR
Calibration: Forum recommended calibrated setting by vanrobson

Comments: Best picture I've ever had. Originally had hooked up through dvi-hdmi cable, but showed mb and green push. Once connected through component, all problems went away, no difference in picture quality. Sony has a superb built in scaler. :)

DVD player: Momitsu v880
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI
Display: Sanyo Z2 (720p native LCD projector) with Carada 106" BW screen
Calibration: THX

Comments: No complaints about the Z2 or the Carada screen, both great products. The non-motion adaptive is the thing that bothers me most about the Momitsu... though I don't notice problems with this often, I do sometimes, and that bothers me. It's also poorly responsive to the remote, and the included remote sucks. I use a Harmony, and have tweaked the settings with some minor improvement. I also leave the Momitsu on 24/7 (power on/off is the biggest issue with remote response for me). There is a slight, just noticeable, layer change that almost annoys me. There is very slight edge enhancement that you can sometimes see if you really, really, really try. Build "quality" is severely lacking. I've never had any problems with the loader, but many others have.

Why do I tolerate this machine??? Once the movie starts, the picture is stupid good... that's why. 1:1 pixel matching. Beautiful colors. No macro block. Plays older 4:3 movies perfectly. PAL is no problem. Region, ha, what region! Despite the Momitsu's flaws, I love my setup. After ~2+ years now, it's STILL the "display of choice" for my family, friends and neighbors. It's sometimes hard to believe that this thing of beauty is is available to me, in my house, whenever I want.

And that's a pretty cool feeling.

Player: LG-511
Resolution: 1080I
Connection: component or HDMI, using component
Display: Hitachi 32Udx10s(crt)
Calibration: Personal.

PQ is AMAZING. The LG-511 by default will only send 480 via component if a HDCP dvd is played. Thanks to "hacks" found here you can easily send 720p/1080I. Macroblocking is turned off. No artifacts at 720p/1080I.

Player: LG 511
Resolution: 720P/1080I (still deciding)
Connection: component or HDMI, using component
Display: Hitachi 57F710A (CRT-RP)
Calibration: Personal

PQ is very darn close to my old set up. Waiting for Avia dvd to try and hit that sweet spot.

DVD player: Pioneer Elite 79AVi
Resolution: 480i
Connection: HDMI
Scaler: Gennum VXP (Anthem Statement D2)
Resolution: 1080p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony Ruby VPL-VW100
Calibration: ISF, iris tweak, uniformity, RCP correction to color standards

Best image I have ever seen. And I've seen all the best 9" CRT projectors out there (G90, Marquee 9500 LC...). But after a real professionnal calibration (not OOTB tough) the Ruby is unbelievable, particularly with the Gennum VXP processing for 480i and 1080i sources (inverse telecine and per-pixel motion adaptive deinterlacing for both resolutions). This projector was made for 1080p. But it needs alot of tweaking...

DVD Player: Sony DVP-NS3100ES
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony R50XBR1-SXRD
Calibration: AVIA Home Theatre Guide

Even my wife comments how much more enjoyable watching movies are with our new home theatre. Granted, our prior HT consisted of a 17 year old 27" Sony Trinitron and an 8 year old Sony DVP-S330. But for my wife to consistently comment on how much it's a more "theatre like experience" is significant.

DVD Player: Marantz DV-7600
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK
Calibration: Bruzzi FAQ. ISF in 2 weeks.

Comments: No issues with Macroblocking. PQ is fabulous.

DVD player: Oppo 971
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI
Display: Mits WS55315
Calibration: DVE

Very Nice Picture!

DVD player: Sony DVD-NS75H
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KDL-32S2000
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Picture looks great! :)

DVD player: Oppo Digital 971H
Resolution: 720P
Connection: DVI
Display: Infocus SP4805
Calibration: Avia, DVE & Infocus 4805 engineer Bob Williams magic DVI Gain & offset numbers

Comments: Very satisfying image, actually stunning image. Occasional lipsync issue. The best $200 SD DVD player in terms of overall performance.

DVD player: VInc. Bravo D1
Resolution: 852x480 Pixel Map
Connection: DVI
Display: Infocus SP4805
Calibration: Avia, DVE & Infocus 4805 engineer Bob Williams magic DVI Gain & offset numbers.

Comments: the best noise free DVD image I have ever seen. Just stunning. Couldn't ask more out of SD DVD. I thought my Oppo was the player to beat till I tried 1:1 pixel mapped Bravo D1. Picture quality to die for. I now know why Infocus engineer Bob Williams uses the Bravo in his lab with Infocus PJs. This player has PS and loader issues. I had to replace the loader and a cap in the PS board. The picture is worth all the research and mod time I put into it.

DVD Player: LG lda 511
Resolution: 1080i
Connection:component
Display: Toshiba 65h82
Calibration: AVIA Home Theatre Guide

Comments
Input the "hacks" to the 511. 1080i through component on every dvd I've tested.PQ is very impressive for an upscaling dvd player.

DVD player: Samsung HD845
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KV34HS420 -> CRT
Calibration: none

Comments: I am not sure what settings to use...I have been playing around with HDMI, and Component cables with 720p, and 1080i settings...they all look about the same.

DVD player: Denon DVD-3910
Resolution: 720P
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony HS-50 + colour filter (Lee Filters 109 LIGHT SALMON)
Calibration: DVE, AVIA, ColorVision Spyder2PRO

Comment:
1 Best resolution achieved on screen test material is 720P for my setup. Other settings, including 1080i, are less sharp. There is no difference between HDMI RGB and Y Cb Cr. I am using Y Cb Cr.
2. Sharpest image on DVD screen resolution test material is achieved by setting the the Denon's horizontal and vertical enhancement to "0". Sharper looking DVD movies can be achieved by setting these above zero, but these can produce very visible artifacts like jerky background images of tree leaves and grasses. My current setting on both horizontal and vertical enhancement is "2"
3. The HS-50's image aspect ratio cannot be changed when using HDMI signal from the DVD-3910. When viewing 4:3 DVDs I have to use the DVD3910 component output to allow the projector to squeeze the image back to the correct aspect ratio.
4. When using the DVD player's component connection, I have to set the DVD-3910 HDMI /DVI output to OFF. Otherwise, the projector image is slightly fuzzy. Not sure where the problem is coming from because my component routing to my projector is via my Denon 3805 AVR and this connection also includes my high-definition set-top box and the image from it is pin sharp.
5. Macroblocking is very visible when the projector is misadjusted for brightness (overall and for each colour) and gamma. On my current projector settings, it is not an issue.

DVD player: Oppo DV971H
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: Included DVI Cable
Scaler: None
Display: RCA HD50LPW42 (DLP RPTV)
Calibration: DVE

Excellent images considering this is a native 720p set and I am forced (by RCA) to send 1080i in (good scaler in TV). LOVE this player, especially how it handles DIVX/XVID files.

DVD player: Sony DVP S9000ES
Resolution: 480p
Connection: component
Display: Samsung LN S4051 LCD
Calibration: Avia

Comments: Had the set for 3 weeks and am still adjusting it (and me).

97% of the disks look excellent however, when microblocking rears its head it is ugly. MB appears to be disk dependant such as Zathura or Breakfast at Tiffanys and is worse when sitting off axis (more than 60d). The 480i setting produces a very soft color appearance while the 480p is vibrant with excellent detail. On most new DVD's the picture is so good that I cant justify replacing it with a better SD unit - waiting for the HDDVD/BR issues to get resolved.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NC85H
Resolution: 480p or 720p (still deciding which looks better)
Connection: HDMI to DVI blade
Display: Panasonic PWD428UK plasma
Calibration: DVE & THX Optimizer

Comments: This is my fourth DVD player I have tried with the Panny and it is a great player for the price. Both the video and audio are great and I have not found a disk it doesn't like.

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI->DVI
Display: Westinghouse LVM-37w3
Calibration: THX optimizer, GetGray

Comments: 16:9 material is very fine; it's hard to believe that 720 x 480
standard definition DVDs contain so much detail. Non-anamorphic letter-boxed
disks are less impressive, and are surrounded by a large black border; some,
but not all, can be adjusted by using "fill" mode on the monitor. 4:3 material
is of variable quality, but that is the nature of these sources. I see many
old movies and I'm not complaining.

The display had a high-frequency whine when new, but I am noticing this less
with time. The DVI and HDMI ports give the same picture quality with the
Oppo. I like the dedicated port-selection and backlight buttons on the remote.

Viewing distance: 7-8 feet. I probably would have been happy with a 720 or 768
display, but within my budget, and given I wanted a 37", this 1080 display was
competitive with other models.

I have experimented with the Oppo video processing options, but usually turn
them all off for viewing.

PAL->NTSC conversion: I have tried only two PAL disks. The conversion is not
as good as a native format, but I give it a strong "B". The player can be made
multi-region via a code with the remote.

Oppo makes no claims for the quality of the analog outputs on the 971: all the
goodness is in the DVI port. That port will produce, and the Westinghouse
accept, 480p, 540p, 720p and 1080i. 720 looks the best to me. 1080i begins to
show a softness on motion, although the still test patterns are very clear.

I would like to see 1080p output available for this player, so that all
scaling could be done in one step. Currently the player scales to 720 and the
display scales this to 1080.

In my collection of home-made disks, I found one media code that would not
load: "CMC MAG. AM3", a type of Memorex DVD-R.

Oppo wish list:
(1) Non-anamorphic letterboxed titles should be scaled to full screen width.
(2) 1080p output.
(3) Not essential, but fun: allow resolution switching without stopping DVD
playback.

Westinghouse wish list:
(1) Please don't break. I suspect I'll have to ship it to get it serviced.

Overall: this is my first progressive and upscaling player, and my first
widescreen display. Happy? I'm delirious.

DVD Player: Oppo 970HD
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: SONY 60 XBR1 SXRD

Great combo and a near HD picture. Just installed yesterday, Master & Commander, LOTR look great. Prefer 1080i over 480i.

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI->HDMI
Scaler: None
Display: Sony KD-30XS955
Calibration: DVE

Comments: I was previously using my Xbox and Xbox Media Center's software-based solution to upconvert my DVDs to 1080i on this display. It was good, but the OPDV971H is great... and then some. I couldn't be happier with the picture. No audio sync problems as I'd read about with this player. Running vivid, noise-free, and rock-steady at player's 720p setting (difference between 720p and 1080i in picture quality was negligible for me, and the latter had pronounced flicker). TV calibration is as follows, for those who don't want to spend time calibrating this set to make it purr with the Oppo 971. :)

Mode: Pro
Picture: 52
Brightness: 42
Color: 31
Hue: G1
Sharpness: 26
Color Temperature: Neutral
Edge Enhancement: Off
Red Push: Monitor

DVD player: Oppo OPDV971H
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: DVI->DVI
Scaler: None
Display: Westinghouse 37W3
Calibration: DVE

This is one great upconverting DVD player and LCD panel combo. I've had both for about 2 weeks now. I'm very happy with both the player and panel. WMV-HD content played thru my HTPC looks absolutely stunning on the W3.

The Oppo seems to need to 'boot' up before the buttons on the front panel work. I power it on and press the open button, and I always have to push it twice. A minor annoyance, but still I'm pleased with the performance with my Westy.

redjr.... :)

DVD player: Oppo DV-970HD
Resolution: 480p, 1080i
Connection: component, HDMI
Display: Sony KP-57WS520 (57" CRT RPTV)
Calibration: ISF'd and fully calibrated, DVE, Avia

Comments: Outstanding image and excellent value. The upscaled image at 1080i (and 720p) does have slight vertical compression which is supposed to be fixed in a future firmware update. No issues with 480p. The performance of the component 480p reminds me a lot of the Panasonic XP-30 I used to own. On any rate, this player outperforms other more expensive players I've tried.

I did manage to do A/B comparisons with this player and the Oppo 971. Despite calibration, I saw macroblocking on the 971. In addition, the image was a bit softer. The 970 has a sharper, more defined image which I prefer - and no macroblocking since it doesn't use the Faroudja chip.

DVD player: Samsung DVD-HD960
Resolution: upscaled to 1080p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Samsung HL-S5687w DLP
Calibration: DVE

After comparisions, I chose the HD960 over the Oppo. Both the player and the display use the Faroudja chip, and I have experienced no macroblocking. I also like the EZ Fit mode on the Samsung, that allows you to scale a 2.35:1 display to fill the entire 16:9 screen if you so desire. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't, since you do chop off a little on each side of the frame, but it is nice to have the option. After experimenting, I elected to let the DVD player do the upscaling to 1080p and send the display its native resolution.

Calibration was a bit of a challenge. I have a large and very bright room with a 20' wall of uncovered windows during the day, but it is quite dark at night, with only minimum ambient lignting. Since I usually only watch the DVD at night, I really have two very different environments: bright room for daytime regular viewing, and dark room for night time DVD viewing. I decided to calibrate with DVE at night for the DVD settings, and tweak them for the daytime lighting conditions. That seemed to do the trick.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS75H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: DVI
Display: Akai PDP-4294
Calibration: Digital Video Essentials

Comments: I first started out with the Bravo D1, this is an excellent player if you can overlook it's faults. My problem is the inabilitiy to play some recorded DVD-R disks. Hoping that replacing the capacitor in the power supply would cure this I performed the replacement and still have the same issues.

Tried the HDMI enabled TOSHIBA SD-K860, and was disappointed with freezing and green pixels splattering the screen intermittantly. I was also unable to calibrate it properly with the DVE disks for contrast. Not sure if this was due to the HDMI to DVI cable or what but I returned it.

Currently the Sony DVP-NS75H is being used with the same HDMI to DVI cable and there is no problems, picture is excellent and it has played DVD-R disks too. The manual even states that it will work with a HDMI to DVI cable. This one is a keeper.

DVD player: Pioneer DV 363
Resolution: 480i
Connection: component
Display: Infocus Screenplay 4805
Calibration: Digital Video Essentials

Comments: I am happy. I have them since october 2004. Cheap dvd player with a very good proyector. Now I would like to go for a new dvd player that blow me away. Best chances for Bravo D1; cons.: inability to play some recorded DVD-R disks and need a 50' dvi cable (sparklies, signal loss??).

DVD Player- Philips 5960 Upconverting
Display Sharp LC37D40U
Connection HDMI
Calibration DVE (waste of money for me, I took some settings off a review, changed them slightly, and then later did the calibration. They ended up almost exactly the same, so close it's hard to tell the difference!)

Comments- In 1080i upconverted mode, DVDs look very good, much better than at 480P. I switched back and forth between 720P and 1080i, and finally decided that 720P looked ever so slightly better, only noticable on close ups. Skin texture was slightly sharper.

For less than 70 bucks for the 5960, including tax, I'm very happy with it, especially after I recently did the firmware upgrade to solve the HDMI DD issue the 5960 had.

DVD player: Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI through switched Sony STR-DG800 A/V Receiver (w/digital coaxial audio)
Display: Samsung TX-R3079WH 30" Slim-Fit CRT
Calibration: None

DVD player: (2) Sony CX995V 400-disc Upconverting DVD players
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: (1) HDMI through switched Sony STR-DG800 A/V Receiver w/digital coaxial audio; (2) Component video (also switched) through same A/V Receiver w/digital optical audio
Display: Samsung TX-R3079WH 30" Slim-Fit CRT
Calibration: None

Comments: Sometimes I sigh about HD-DVD films not being as super-clear as some broadcast HDTV shows, but then again, perhaps it's an issue of shooting directly onto video vs. shooting on celluloid film.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NS71HP (costco version DVP-NS75H)
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony KDS-55A2000 SXRD
Calibration: own settings

Comments: This combination of player and display is amazing. There may be some better players out there, but the sony was a good deal and I'm gonna buy blu ray eventually. Overall, Very pleased with my set up!

DVD player: Pioneer Elite DV-45A
Resolution: 480p
Connection: component (Monster Video 3)
Display: Toshiba 42HDX82 RPTV
Calibration: Used settings suggested on this site a few years ago and they still look great to me. I might do DVE soon but since I am planning to move to a larger DLP next year I will likely wait.

Comments: I am fairly satisfied with this combo and people who come over to watch stuff really seem to like the picture. However, I am currently looking to get the Oppo DV970HD and sell off the DV-45A. I will use the "modified" firmware to get 1080i out of the component outs until I upgrade to an HDMI display.

UPDATE: I sold my DV-45A and got the Oppo DV-970HD. My current set has a DVI input so I used an HDMI-DVI adaptor and I am getting 1080i that way. So far so good. Highly recommend Oppo. Great service.

DVD player: Yamaha dv-s5950
Resolution: upconvert 1080i, 1366x768 ?
Connection: component
Display: Samsung 2352w lcd
Calibration: My eyes

Comments: This dvd player works great. Use region-free code on another site. Picture quality is much better than my JVC,Panasonic and cheap Cyberhome progressive players. Tried using HDMI cable from player to tv but my lcd can't decode the signal? Drove me nut since my lcd can display 1366x768 as a native resolution. Haven't been able to solve this problem because i don't have a clue why :( . Seemed like nobody on this forum has the same problem.

DVD player: Pioneer 588A
Resolution: 480P
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic 4UY ED Plasma 42”
Calibration: VE and eyes

Comments: I have been loving this setup. No chroma bug, no macroblocking, NICE smooth PQ, colors POP without being unrealistic looking. The Pio is a bit noisy – this might be an issue if you have an open cabinet setup. Load times are a bit longer than I would like, but the layer change is close to nothing. I have seen some HD sets with setups that looked far worse than mine and others that didn’t look a lot better in HD at my seating distance (9 feet) than my ED setup.

In addition to this setup I have had: Older Toshiba, JVC, Sony changer, Harmon Kardon, Panasonic RP91, and an “x-wave” player I got as a freebie. Only the Harmon Kardon (DVD-25) was as good as the Pioneer (which I sold to “upgrade” to the Sony Changer – my most bonehead HT move ever.) The Panny was too "harsh" on my display and I hated it.

Universal playback of DVD-A and SACD is a bonus of the Pio too, and awesome.

DVD player: Toshiba HD-A1
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: Component
Display: Loewe Aconda 38" Direct View CRT
Calibration: AVIA and DVE

Comments: The SD image from the HD-A1 is very impressive. To be honest with a 10' or greater sitting distance it is sometimes difficult to see the difference between high quality SD DVDs and HD DVDs with a 38" display.

Dvd player: Pioneer 520h (used as both player & recorder)
TV: Sony KDL-V40XBR1
Connection: component

Have been looking to upgrade to a separate player, so if anyone has a recommendation for a player that fits this tv well, please feel free to advise.

DVD player: Sony DVP-NC80V
Resolution: 480p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony KD-34XBR960

Comments: Looks great in 480p. 5 disc carousel is nice, especially for TV series and multi disc movies al la LOTR, but not necessary. I also have the DVD Player input (Video 5) set to Cinemotion. Lots of cables just for the player, though! Component video and stereo audio to TV, optical and 6-channel direct to Yamaha receiver (have to use the 6-channel for SACDs.) Just wish I had more time to watch it!

Edit: Also have the Sony RDR-GX330 as my DVD recorder running 480p via Component. Looks good, but not as good as the NC80V. Given the choice, would definitely watch movies on the NC80V every time.

DVD player: LG DN191H
Resolution: 720p
Connection: Component
Display: Sony VPL-HS51A projector on 100" diagonal screen

Comments: I have watched 3 complete movies on this player and a few clips from other DVD's and it looks great. My old Kenwood Soveriegn player was freezing up on me and I had been using an old Sony with S-video and this is much better. The image upscaling seems to be working great and I have not noticed any issues with DVD's not being upconverted since I am on component, but I am sure that will happen unless I can get codes to disable the HDCP.
Also, start-up is fast, but teaching my Pronto remote to learn the remote commands has been difficult as some commands take the first time and others seem like the Pronto can't learn.

Edit: I found out that the movies I thought I was watching in 720p were actually 480p instead, since the disc was encoded with HDCP. I purchased a long HDMI cable and now have it hooked up with 720p and the picture is better than it was with the 480p over component. I will be playing with everything more and switching back and forth until I get the new HDMI cable run permanently.

DVD player: Denon 3910
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony SXRD 50" XBR1 (ISF calibrated)

Comments: While this combo can look great on well transfered DVDs, badly transfered DVDs like Superman Returns look like poop. Very bad video noise (a constantly moving green cloud) on dark or black scenes. Underwater scenes have banding.
I expected this expensive combo to be a knockout but it has been very diappointing on certain DVDs.
Make me look forward to trying a HD-DVD player as the 3910/SXRD combo may not be a match made in heaven.

DVD Player: Oppo DV-981-HD
Resolution: 1080P
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sharp LC-42D62U
Calibration: My eyes..for now


Comments: This is a big jump over my Toshiba 42H81 (480P). I wish that the Sharp would have had audio leveling. I am so use to having it. The picture is the best I have seen. No banding at all.
I bought the Oppo dvd player from what I have read on the forums here, and it is the only piece of a/v equipment purchased without playing with it first.

DVD Player: JVC XV F80BK/SANYO DWM 3500/SONY DVP NS 71HP
Resolution: 480i/480p/720p/1080i
Connection: Component/HDMI
Display: Hitachi 65F59
Calibration: Custom

Picture quality with JVC-480i/p- Good [Component]
Sanyo-480i-OK [Component]
Sony-480i/p-OK, 720p- Poor, 1080i- Poor [HDMI/Component]

DVD player: Panasonic S-97
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Panasonic 50Px500u plasma
Calibration: Avia, DVE, my eyes

Comments: Only issue I have is getting HDMI DD 5.1 to pass through HDTV Optical output to the receiver. Works fine direct to receiver.
Great PQ with quality DvD's. :)
Also good using 480p and 720p.

DVD player: Panasonic DVD-S52S
Resolution: Upconverted 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Samsung HP-S4253 Plasma
Calibration: My eyes.

Comments: I am happy with this setup. The Panny S52S is a great inexpensive upconvert player with excellent PQ. I was surprised by how sharp and clean the upconverted 1080i image is compare to the 480p image from my 4 year old Panny DVD player. For a good quality DVD, it can be very close to HD.

DVD player: Zenith dvb-318
Resolution: Upconverted 1080i
Connection: Component
Display: Jvc AV-30W777
Calibration: DVE

Comments: This setup has great picture quality. About or near the quality of the movies on HD tv stations. It does my dvd collection great justice until I upgrade to Blu-ray or Hd-dvd.

player - sony dvp sn75h
tv - sony kdp57ws655
connection hdmi
resolution 1080i
thx optimizer

very happy with this combo, no macroblocking as yet. my only gripe is that the player is silver and my receiver and rack are black.

DVD player: Denon DVD-2910
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Samsung HL-S5086W
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Looks beautiful; no artifacting, macroblocking, etc.

DVD player: Philips HTS6500 (HTIB)
Resolution: 480i,480p,720p,1080i,Auto
Connection: HDMI
Display: Mitsubishi WD-57731 DLP 1080P
Calibration: none

Great picture. Hard to tell if 720P or 1080i is better, but it seems 720p has a slight edge.

DVD player: Oppo 970HD (Refurb)
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Samsung HL-S5687W
Calibration: DVE, Eliab's Starter Settings, Iris Off, Gamma 0, Overscan Off

Comments: Wow, what a difference over previous 480i player. Very impressed with depth, colors

DVD player : Sony DVP-NS75H
Resolution : 1080i
Connection : HDMI
Display : Hitachi 51F59A CRT RPTV
Calibration : Self-done using tips from Mr Bob, SM tweaks posted by other F59 owners, THX Optimizer, INHD Tune-Up. Hope for a real Mr Bob cal later this year.


I know many here --as well as manufacturers--now find CRT RPTV to be dinosaur tech. But this set, once semi-calibrated by me with lots of help from others, looks absolutely gorgeous and I'd put it up against ANY other HDTV type out there. Sony NS75H, to my eyes, puts out a lovely picture @ 1080i. Better than the Panny p scan DVD via component that preceeded it.

DVD player: OPPO Digital DV-981HD
Resolution: 1080p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony Bravia KDL-46V25L1 (46" 1080p LCD flat panel, same as KDL-46V2500)
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: Spectacular picture and sound! No macroblock-enhance, just pure performance. The OPPO does equally well with NTSC and PAL movies.
My KDL-46V25L1 Settings here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8978770&&#post8978770).

Gary

DVD player: Denon 3910
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Hitachi 51F710 - 51" RPTV
Calibration: DVE

Comments: Audio and video are both outstanding. I'm done upgrading. For a while <g>...

-RW-

DVD Players
Sony DVP-NC85H through hdmi
Panasonic DVD-F87 through componet
Jaton PSD7611K through componet
LG LRA-516 through componet
LG LGDVB418 through componet
LG LDA-511 Through componet
Display Insignia NS-27HTV
Reciever Kenwood VR-507
I know this sounds like an ungodly mix but it works very well for me-say what you want about my Insignia tv but the picture after I tweaked it is to die for. What are all the dvd players for you ask? I use each one for a different type of viewing.

DVD player: Linn Unidisk 2.1
Resolution: 480p
Connection: DVI
Display: Fujitsu P55XHA30W Plasma
Calibration: Avia, DVE, my eyes

Comments: No issues almost HD like image quality. :D

DVD player: Oppo 981
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI >HDMI
Resolution: 720P
Display: Sony xsrb1
Comment: My Sony tv does not accept 1080p on Oppo 981. So i set 720p and the picture is awesome (of course it can't compare to BD or HD-DVD) and it blows my sony dvd NS3100ES away, in term of color and picture quality. I want to enjoy the dvd collection i have until BD is going down a bit.

DVD player: Oppo DV-981HD
Resolution: 720P
Connection: HDMI/M1-DA
Display: InFocus Screen Play 4805 projector
Calibration: Eyeballed

Comments: Very satisified with the quaility of picture. Seems to have an issue displaying PAL discs when DVD is set to Auto. I now have it set to NTSC

Marantz DVD/Pioneer Display

DVD player: Marantz DV6001
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Pioneer 5071
Calibration: by eye

Comments: Color and sound are outstanding, newer DVDs look as good as HD TV broadcasts.

DVD player: OPPO DV-981HD
Resolution: 1080p
Connection: HDMI
Display: MITS WD65732 DLP
Calibration: Self (without AVIA/DVE) based on AVS 732 tweaks thread

Comments: Holy Macroblocking Batman!!! OPPO customer service responded: the DV-981HD will produce major macroblocking enhancement errors which completely negate any of the high-end video processing of this player. Thought I might be able to better calibrate my way out of the errors, but given OPPO's response, I returned it today. Soooo, the DVD player search continues. Perhaps the OPPO 970? Stay tuned.

DVD player: rp91&s97
Resolution: 480p-720p
Connection: component&hdmi
Display: panny 42th75u plasma
Calibration:dve

Comments excellent pictue on all outputs use the rp 91 to upgrade older movies,s97 for all others

DVD Player: Denon DVD-1930
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Panasonic PTAE900
Calibration: DVE

DVD player: Oppo DV981-HD
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: Digital Coaxial
Display: Sharp LCD LC-32PX5M

Comments: Great!

DVD player: Marantz DV6001
Resolution: 720p/1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Philips 32PW9551

Comments: Great picture, stunning color!

DVD player: Sony NS77H
Resolution: 1080P
Connection: HDMI
Display: Toshiba 46LX177
Calibration: Eyeball

Comments:
Very very nice upconverting DVD player. Combined with the 120HZ refresh rate of this TV and it's reduce judder capabilities, and the pictures I'm getting from regular TV's are so sharp it looks like I'm looking out my window. The DVD player works well with a Panasonic 42inch plasma as well.

DVD Player: Yamaha DV-S5860
Resolution: 480P
Connection: Component
Display: Panasonic TH-42PX75U
Calibration: Cinema w/ a normal color temp.

Comments: The player does an excellent job of deinterlacing:) Makes me second guess buying an upconvert.

DVD Player: Samsung DVD-M301
Resolution: 480i
Connection: component
Display: Sharp Aquos 42D64U
Calibration: None

Comments: Lots of artifacts on live action movies. Animated (Pixar) movies are much clearer except for the moving parts. Most movies just look horrible. Tried S-video first and then component, neither provided a great picture.

DVD player: Oppo 980hd & Toshiba XA-1KN
Resolution: 1080p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony 60" SXRD XBR 2
Calibration: UMR

Comments: No issues with the Oppo...the picture is stunning for an up converting SD player...The Toshiba provides the best HD-DVD picture I have ever seen....but slow to boot up and eject...The Toshiba is good at up converting...but to my eyes the Oppo does as well if not a little better on some titles..

Mac

DVD player: IODATA Linkplayer2
Resolution: 480i,p 720p, 1080i
Connection: component
Display: SONY KD36xs955 direct view crt
Calibration: none

Comments: Mostly used at 1080i for streaming recorded ATSC files on the wired network. For DVDs must view at 480i as I have updated firmware; this is superb on my display as I invoke the SONY's DRC controls set for cinemotion (upscaling). Although upscaling is blocked for commercial DVDs with latest firmware; many others have flashed to previous fw which will upscale. Speed control on the DVD (f, slow, v slow); I leave at default. The zoom modes accomodate a 4:3 HDTV very well w 1080i in.

DVD player: IODATA Pro-HD Kuro-Obi (SRDVD-100U)
Resolutions: 480i,p 720p, 1080i, 640v480, 800x600, 852x480, 1024x768
Connection: DVI-RGB
Display: RCA MM36100 direct view crt
Calibration: none

Comments: As above post , mostly used for streaming recorded ATSC files on the wired network, but for this display I use the analog out of DVI at 800x600. For DVDs I must view using component out at 480i; however with an HDCP display (commercial DVDs will not output over DVI without HDCP display) it would output up to 1080i as above over the DVI out. Don't watch many DVDs on this setup due to the need to switch and lack of upscaling on the display so scan lines are distracting, but its nice to have a built in RGB transcoder in a DVD player for those with older analog displays.

DVD player: Oppo 983hd/ Denon 2900
Resolution: 1080i/480p
Connection: HDMI>DVI/component
Display: Mits 55WS-813
Calibration: ISF

DVD player: Oppo DV-981HD
Resolution: 720p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Panasonic Viera plasma TH-42PV700
Calibration: DVE, THX Optimiser

Overall much happier with my latest set-up. I was previously running a Denon 1920 into a Panasonic 32" LCD. I had the on/off issues with the 1920 as others have noted in these forums. The LCD I thought was very good but I wanted something bigger with greater HDMI connectivity and the Panny plasma fit the bill. Here in New Zealand you can get Panny LCDs up to 37" but I decided to go bigger and plasma was the best solution so upgraded to a 42" Panny Viera plasma. As far as plasmas go, I would only consider Panasonic or Pioneer and, for the price, decided that Panasonic was better value for me.

My Oppo is having some issues playing some of my PAL discs on the recommended Video 2 setting, which can be annoying. PQ with the Oppo is very good, though my Panny will only handle 720p so I can't really see what the Oppo is truly capable of. That said, for NZ$400 I'm confident that it's performance easily matches some of the more expensive players.

:D

DVD player: Oppo 983/Toshiba A35, A2, XA1/Pioneer 410k
Resolution: 1080i
Connection: HDMI
Display: Samsung HP-S5053 1366x768 Plasma
Calibration: DVE

They are all nice players. I haven't done major comparisons between any of them. Just going off memory after running each player for a short period of time. (Atleast a couple weeks, minus the Pioneer, it was a gift to my Dad. Just gave it a trial on my setup.)

The A2, XA1 and Pioneer are pretty much equal on my setup. The A35 was slightly better. Better colors, just a picture I prefer over the XA1, A2, Pioneer. Slightly sharper. The Oppo is clearly better than all the others, as it should be! It isn't much sharper than the A35, just a little. However the picture is SO clean. It really is a pleasant picture. On the Toshiba's, it was hit or miss depending on every movie how the picture turned out. With the Oppo, most DVD's look nice, very few look bad. Many look incredible!

I really love the Oppo! I highly suggest it if you have a large collection of DVD's and can justify the cost... and a large enough screen to take advantage of it. Anything smaller than my 50" and I don't think it would be worth it.

DVD player: Sony DVP-CX995V 400 disc Changer
Resolution: 720P
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sharp LC46D64
Calibration: AVS Forum Members settings

Comments: I"m not a video file by any means but I have been very impressed with the PQ of the Sony through HDMI. With the help of AVS forum members posting their settings for the Sharp I am very happy with this combo.

DVD player: Sony DVP-CX995V 400 disc Changer
Resolution: 720P
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sharp LC46D64
Calibration: AVS Forum Members settings

Comments: I"m not a video file by any means but I have been very impressed with the PQ of the Sony through HDMI. With the help of AVS forum members posting their settings for the Sharp I am very happy with this combo.

for a list of my equipment please see 'public profile' after clicking on my user name at left of screen.

DVD player: OPPO Digital DV-983H
Resolution: 1080p
Connection: HDMI
Display: Sony Bravia KDL-46V25L1 (46" 1080p LCD flat panel, same as KDL-46V2500)
Calibration: DVE / Avia

Comments: A/V Nirvana! Unparalleled performance for the money. Handles NTSC and PAL material extremely well. Here's my DV-983H Review (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13348563#post13348563).

Gary

Ok thanx for best picture of killer