When using the HDMI output for audio, your receiver will be doing bass management. As a result, I'd definitely recommend going with the manual's advise and set everything to "large" (and the sub to "on") so that you only have bass management applied once.

Gonk, quick question: If setting everything to large for the receiver to do your bass management when watching DVDs, will you need to reset everything when you want to listen to DVD-As or SACDs? I presently have everything set for the multi-channel audio, but the audio for movies seems quite nice in that mode.

If you are sending DVD-A and SACD audio to your receiver via HDMI as multichannel PCM, the receiver should be able to apply bass management to the multichannel PCM just as well as it does for Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams (which get decoded to multichannel PCM internally prior to bass management).

Before you change the setting in your Oppo, make sure that your receiver can do audio processing (not just playback) over HDMI.

Case in point - the Panny XR-57 cannot do any processing over HDMI. It plays MCH audio over HDMI just fine, but cannot do anything to the signal (Bass Mgmt, Speaker Delay, apply PLIIx etc.). Not sure how many other receivers have this "feature" (:) ), but I know that several 2006 model receivers (and Onkyo 2007 models lower that SR- 805) cannot apply PLIIx over HDMI).

What is the right answer?

When the HDMI output is connected to an A/V receiver or audio processor with HDMI v1.1 or above specifications, please use the following settings:

* Speaker Setup Page:
o Down-mix: 5.1 CH
o Front Speaker: Large
o Center Speaker: Large
o Rear Speaker: Large
o Subwoofer: On
* Audio Setup Page:
o Digital Output: Raw
o HDMI Audio: Auto

With the above settings, the DVD player will send CD, Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals as raw bit streams to the receiver for decoding. For high resolution stereo or multi-channel audio contents such as DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD, the DVD player will send multi-channel PCM audio signals with the highest available sample frequency and bit numbers to the receiver. Depending on the original audio content, the format could be 44.1kHz - 192kHz, 2 - 6 channels. Setting all speakers to "Large" allows bass management to be handled by the receiver or audio processor.

Sorry for not including it Gonk, but my receiver doesn't accept HDMI, and the player is connected via optical for movies, etc. and 5.1 analog for the multi-channel music discs. How would you recommend setting the player for this configuration since my present receiver can't do bass management with the analog feed. That will be corrected this Fall hopefully if Denon updates their 2807 to HDMI 1.3a.

my receiver doesn't accept HDMI, and the player is connected via optical for movies, etc. and 5.1 analog for the multi-channel music discs. How would you recommend setting the player for this configuration since my present receiver can't do bass management with the analog feed..

I am curious about this, also.

Sorry for not including it Gonk, but my receiver doesn't accept HDMI, and the player is connected via optical for movies, etc. and 5.1 analog for the multi-channel music discs. How would you recommend setting the player for this configuration since my present receiver can't do bass management with the analog feed. That will be corrected this Fall hopefully if Denon updates their 2807 to HDMI 1.3a.
This is close to my configuration, although my processor will provide bass management for the multichannel analog input.

I would stick with using the optical (or coaxial) output for DVD's and CD's, and use the multichannel analog output for DVD-A and SACD only. Unless you have any speakers with unusually deep low end, you should plan on setting all speakers to "small" and the sub to "on." The other settings of note would be "5.1 CH" for Down-mix; "RAW" for digital output; and "None" for HDMI Audio (at least until you get a receiver that supports HDMI v1.1 or higher). The latter setting is not really critical, as it won't hurt anything to allow audio output over the HDMI even if you don't use it.

Are the HDMI and component outputs on the 970 active at the same time?
Can I do HDMI out to my HK247 in for audio and component out for video?
I'm using the hacked firmware for upconversion over component for now since I didn't have an HDMI AVR as I do now.
My projector is component in and I can't get an HDMI cable to it therefore my question.

All outputs are active at the same time. This means that you can use the component and the HDMI interface at the same time.

does anyone know how to use a comcast remote to operate the OPPO

You will need the beta firmware, which adds an option for "Alternate RC Code" that (when turned on) allows the player to accept commands using some common remote codes in addition to the OPPO codes. Using my Comcast remote, codes 081, 082, and 088 worked fairly well (channel up/down was reversed for scropping back/forwards through chapters). Your remote may differ, as our Comcast was Time Warner until recently. If so, try the Toshiba codes.

With the DV-981HD, download and install the 01-0531 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv981hd/dv981hd-firmware-01-0531.html). After the firmware has been installed, enable ALT RC in the General Setup of the DVD player by pressing Setup on the OPPO remote control. Now you can use remote control codes which may be shared with Toshiba, Philips, Marantz, and other DVD manufacturers with your universal remote control.

I know this thread topic is being discussed on another thread- but the topic is leaning more towards 1080P displays.
When I first setup my 970 we just connected the HDMI to my NEC 50 XR5 {not a 1080p display]. PQ was excellent. However just today I connected a good component cable- to see if a difference could be seen [re- ran the Oppo menu].
So far--at 480i component appears better detailed- in TROTK
Black scenes have little more detail and day light scenes look slightly brighter- more details could be seen in the warrior’s armor. I just did in the daytime & I need to do it in the night to get a better picture. However at 720p, HDMI looked a tiny bit better. 1080i-?? Hard to tell. How should I look at this?

I know this thread topic is being discussed on another thread- but the topic is leaning more towards 1080P displays.
When I first setup my 970 we just connected the HDMI to my NEC 50 XR5 {not a 1080p display]. PQ was excellent. However just today I connected a good component cable- to see if a difference could be seen [re- ran the Oppo menu].
So far--at 480i component appears better detailed- in TROTK
Black scenes have little more detail and the over picture in day scenes look slightly brighter- more details could be seen in the warrior’s armor. I just did in the daytime & I need to do it in the night to get a better picture. However at 720p, HDMI looked a tiny bit better. 1080i-?? Hard to tell. How should I look at this?

You should probably calibrate your display for each input seperately to know truly which will be the better picture. Throw in AVIA and calibrate for component and also for hdmi on your display(if you can) and then switch between the two to see if there is a difference.

John

Does anyone know if the Oppo 970/980 or other OPPO machines will play RAM discs? I have a large collection of video on DVD-RAM burned on my Panny EH50 recorder that I would like to play on the OPPO.

Thanks for your help.

DVD-RAM is not supported. If you are into DVD-RAM media, you are pretty much looking at Panasonic players, as Panasonic is the only one still supporting DVD-RAM.

Does anyone know if the Oppo 970/980 or other OPPO machines will play RAM discs? I have a large collection of video on DVD-RAM burned on my Panny EH50 recorder that I would like to play on the OPPO.

Thanks for your help.From the Oppo web site on both the 970 and 980 Features & Spedifications web page --
Compatible with CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW and DVD+R DL* (*Note: Compatibility with user-encoded contents or user-created discs is on a best effort basis with no guarantee due to the variation of media, software and techniques used. For example, Discs recorded on some stand-alone DVD recorders or DVD camcorders may not exhibit smooth playback. ) I don't see DVD-RAM mentioned. :(

I know this thread topic is being discussed on another thread- but the topic is leaning more towards 1080P displays.
When I first setup my 970 we just connected the HDMI to my NEC 50 XR5 {not a 1080p display]. PQ was excellent. However just today I connected a good component cable- to see if a difference could be seen [re- ran the Oppo menu].
So far--at 480i component appears better detailed- in TROTK
Black scenes have little more detail and day light scenes look slightly brighter- more details could be seen in the warrior’s armor. I just did in the daytime & I need to do it in the night to get a better picture. However at 720p, HDMI looked a tiny bit better. 1080i-?? Hard to tell. How should I look at this?

Hi DAB,

I make exactly the same observation using a NEC 42XR4. I have calibrated both inputs using DVE. Resolution patterns show that there is more detail on component and generally I find the component picture has more depth and detail than HDMI. I have been able to do a side by side and definitely prefer Component. I am running PAL.

Perhaps it is a poor implementation of SD HDMI on the NEC? I also picked up during calibration that the SD input signal on HDMI usues the HD colorspace which results in green depression. To fix this you need to ensure that the Oppo is outputting RGB.

From the Oppo web site on both the 970 and 980 Features & Spedifications web page --
I don't see DVD-RAM mentioned. :(
What about DVD+R that has been bookmarked to DVD-ROM when burned? Will that play OK?

What about DVD+R that has been bookmarked to DVD-ROM when burned? Will that play OK?I haven't tried that, so don't know. I recommend either e-mail (service@oppodigital.com) or call Oppo support and I'm sure they will be able to tell you.

DVD+R/RW/DL media that has been burned with a DVD-ROM booktype is supported.

I finally have my hd tv, and am using the oppo for what it is made for, but......it or something in my system is crashing. I have the Oppo HDMI'd into my Denon 2807, which is HDMI'd out to my Mits WD65734. It plays, then if I do anything like go forward in the menu, it crashes. It seems very unstable. I have not downloaded any updates since buying my unit, which has been over a year. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Try flashing it with the latest firmware. All the infomation you need to do it is in this thread and on the Oppo website.

I have a question about the OPPO's sound settings. I have the hdmi hooked up to my projector with the sound going to my amp (which does not have hdmi) via the digital optical connection. Playing through the home theater everything is fine with voice and background sounds well balanced.

My problem occurs when I also hook up my wireless headphones to the "mixed" audio out cables. The sound for ambient noise comes through okay but the vocals are gone. That is, I hear certain sounds that might be considered "surround sound" sources but only lips move with no sound coming from them. I'm loosing voices for some reason. Any suggestions?

Marty, you probably have the sound set for 5.1...are the headphones capable of transmitting that? Try resetting to stereo and see what you get.

It'saMikey, Smarty's suggestiong is a good one and has worked for several people with similar problems. But, the 2807 is daunting from a setup standpoint. Are you sure you have everything "speaking" to one another for the outputs?

I have a question about the OPPO's sound settings. I have the hdmi hooked up to my projector with the sound going to my amp (which does not have hdmi) via the digital optical connection. Playing through the home theater everything is fine with voice and background sounds well balanced.

My problem occurs when I also hook up my wireless headphones to the "mixed" audio out cables. The sound for ambient noise comes through okay but the vocals are gone. That is, I hear certain sounds that might be considered "surround sound" sources but only lips move with no sound coming from them. I'm loosing voices for some reason. Any suggestions?

Set your DownMix to 2.0 Stereo. Likely you changed the DownMix to 5.1 (this will not effect RAW optical and coaxial) which is why you are only getting the Left and Right channels.

Try flashing it with the latest firmware. All the infomation you need to do it is in this thread and on the Oppo website.

Thanks, I thought of that too, and the new disc is on the way from Oppo. My cd burner keeps crashing my computer, so I will wait for their disc to update. Thanks again!

I have a question about the OPPO's sound settings. I have the hdmi hooked up to my projector with the sound going to my amp (which does not have hdmi) via the digital optical connection. Playing through the home theater everything is fine with voice and background sounds well balanced.

My problem occurs when I also hook up my wireless headphones to the "mixed" audio out cables. The sound for ambient noise comes through okay but the vocals are gone. That is, I hear certain sounds that might be considered "surround sound" sources but only lips move with no sound coming from them. I'm loosing voices for some reason. Any suggestions?
I believe that when the "Downmix" mode is set to "5.1CH" the mixed left/right outputs are just a copy of the left/right portion of the 5.1 analog output, which means that you would lose the center dialogue in your case. Since you are using optical output to feed your receiver, I'd recommend setting "Downmix" to stereo so that the mixed analog output really is a downmixed copy of the 5.1. This setting doesn't affect the coaxial and optical outputs, so it won't matter for your regular home theater listening.

Edit: Leave it to neuromancer to get the problem resolved while I was distracted... :)

and leave it to Jim Hef to beat both of us to the punch.

Thanks guys. That did it! I had the thing set to 5.1 so of course the home theater had a full sound stage. But the wireless headphones could not replicate that mix and I was not getting the center, hence, virtually no speaking voices. I switched the OPPO's audio settings to PCM (or whatever that other option is called) and sure enough, my headphones worked and sounded great.

But, now that it is set that way, I will not get the advantage of the 5.1 through the amp. It looks like I will have to remember to enable the OPPO's PCM when I want to listen with the wireless headphones and then enable 5.1 when I want to listen through the home theater speaker system. Seems like there ought to be a better way (like a switch or something) but I don't know of any.

Leave the digital output set to "Raw" (not PCM), but on the speaker setup menu change the "downmix" to "Stereo" - this will allow the player to output an undecoded DD or DTS bitstream to your receiver so you get 5.1 in the home theater while also decoding and downmixing to stereo for the analog output. You can leave it that way forever and both outputs will work the way you need them to.

Leave the digital output set to "Raw" (not PCM), but on the speaker setup menu change the "downmix" to "Stereo" - this will allow the player to output an undecoded DD or DTS bitstream to your receiver so you get 5.1 in the home theater while also decoding and downmixing to stereo for the analog output. You can leave it that way forever and both outputs will work the way you need them to.

Oh Boy! That's it! Works like a charm. Thanks a bunch gonk.

First, the confusion part. I've had the 970HD for about a year, since I got my Sony KV32HS420.
When I first set the thing up, I ran the HDMI cord from the player into the TV but since I have an older receiver, I also ran the analog L and R audio through the TV.
Yesterday, I removed the audio jacks from the TV and plugged them directly into my Onkyo receiver--Video 2.
Here's the part that confuses me: What I thought would happen was that since I went directly into the receiver, into a different input than the rest of my TV setup, that I would have to tell the receiver to use video 2 for dvd audio. I also thought that I would be able to play cds in the 970HD w/o having to turn on TV.
I was wrong on both counts.
I still get dvd audio through the same source choice as the rest of my TV and I still need to turn on TV when playing CDs on the DVD player.
I have the feeling I'm missing something incredibly obvious here, but I can't see it.
Anybody have any insights?

Now, as to the feeling a little cheated part.
From the very beginning, when I was researching upscaling DVD players, I was assured by Oppo and various posters here that a firmware fix was definitely coming to counter the upscaling compression error--technically known as the squashy people syndrome (SPS).

I flashed my Oppo with the beta version of the anti-SPS firmware, but that means that if I want any features included in any of the other firmare upgrades, I'm SOL with the SPS.

So, finally, it turns out that Oppo decides to fix the problem by using a different MediaTek chip in a new machine, leaving those of us affected by SPS out to dry.

I know there's nothing to be done, but I felt the need to vent and I wonder if any other 970HD owners feel the same way.
Thanks.
J

First, the confusion part. I've had the 970HD for about a year, since I got my Sony KV32HS420.
When I first set the thing up, I ran the HDMI cord from the player into the TV but since I have an older receiver, I also ran the analog L and R audio through the TV.
Yesterday, I removed the audio jacks from the TV and plugged them directly into my Onkyo receiver--Video 2.
Here's the part that confuses me: What I thought would happen was that since I went directly into the receiver, into a different input than the rest of my TV setup, that I would have to tell the receiver to use video 2 for dvd audio. I also thought that I would be able to play cds in the 970HD w/o having to turn on TV.
I was wrong on both counts.
I still get dvd audio through the same source choice as the rest of my TV and I still need to turn on TV when playing CDs on the DVD player.
I have the feeling I'm missing something incredibly obvious here, but I can't see it.
Anybody have any insights?

Now, as to the feeling a little cheated part.
From the very beginning, when I was researching upscaling DVD players, I was assured by Oppo and various posters here that a firmware fix was definitely coming to counter the upscaling compression error--technically known as the squashy people syndrome (SPS).

I flashed my Oppo with the beta version of the anti-SPS firmware, but that means that if I want any features included in any of the other firmare upgrades, I'm SOL with the SPS.

So, finally, it turns out that Oppo decides to fix the problem by using a different MediaTek chip in a new machine, leaving those of us affected by SPS out to dry.

I know there's nothing to be done, but I felt the need to vent and I wonder if any other 970HD owners feel the same way.
Thanks.
J

Sony had the same issue exactly with the DVP-NS70H and offered the new improved DVP-NS75H. I understand your frustration, would you just suggest Oppo not make a new player that doesn't have the issue since your feelings are hurt?

Chris

Sony had the same issue exactly with the DVP-NS70H and offered the new improved DVP-NS75H. I understand your frustration, would you just suggest Oppo not make a new player that doesn't have the issue since your feelings are hurt?

Chris
Not so much hurt feelings. But as a consumer, when I do research before purchasing something and am assured something is going to work, I feel like the company has let me down.
As a consumer yourself, what's your reaction when having purchased a product that does not work as expected?
All that being said, I'm very happy w/Oppo and its product in general.
I'll probably buy a new Oppo when I have the dough.
I just feel they should do something for 970HD purchasers--a rebate, a special upgrade price, some sort of trade-in policy, an apology even. Something.
J

I haven't used a 970HD, so I've followed this issue only casually. My understanding is that OPPO didn't feel entirely comfortable with the video performance assicnated with the fix that was developed some time ago, which is why they didn't incorporate it into the core firmware. I can understand the reasoning behind that decision at the same time that I can see the drawbacks resulting from it for users like yourself. That having been said, I recall that there has been some discussion about carrying the fix over to current firmware (Neuromancer mentioned this, as he's apparently been suggesting it to OPPO for some time) so that the "anti-SPS" fix can be available to users who want it without sacrificing benefits of newer firmware. It's not available now, so it doesn't do you any good today, but I don't believe that it has been ruled out.

I haven't used a 970HD, so I've followed this issue only casually. My understanding is that OPPO didn't feel entirely comfortable with the video performance assicnated with the fix that was developed some time ago, which is why they didn't incorporate it into the core firmware. I can understand the reasoning behind that decision at the same time that I can see the drawbacks resulting from it for users like yourself. That having been said, I recall that there has been some discussion about carrying the fix over to current firmware (Neuromancer mentioned this, as he's apparently been suggesting it to OPPO for some time) so that the "anti-SPS" fix can be available to users who want it without sacrificing benefits of newer firmware. It's not available now, so it doesn't do you any good today, but I don't believe that it has been ruled out.
Like you say, I believe that Oppo have been working their collective tushes off trying to solve that problem. I'm glad to hear they're still addressing it.
Not only would it be nice for the company to announce such a thing, it would stave off consumers who might be wondering if they'd been abandoned.

That being said, I'm much more curious about the first part of my original post.
Thanks.
J

First, the confusion part. I've had the 970HD for about a year, since I got my Sony KV32HS420.
When I first set the thing up, I ran the HDMI cord from the player into the TV but since I have an older receiver, I also ran the analog L and R audio through the TV.
Yesterday, I removed the audio jacks from the TV and plugged them directly into my Onkyo receiver--Video 2.
Here's the part that confuses me: What I thought would happen was that since I went directly into the receiver, into a different input than the rest of my TV setup, that I would have to tell the receiver to use video 2 for dvd audio. I also thought that I would be able to play cds in the 970HD w/o having to turn on TV.
I was wrong on both counts.
I still get dvd audio through the same source choice as the rest of my TV and I still need to turn on TV when playing CDs on the DVD player.
I have the feeling I'm missing something incredibly obvious here, but I can't see it.
Anybody have any insights?
By "older receiver" I'm guessing you mean that the Onkyo lacks a digital audio input (coaxial or optical). It sounds to me like the only audio connection from the 970HD to your Onkyo is that stereo analog pair, and that you also have an audio connection from the TV to the Onkyo. Unless you changed "HDMI Audio" to "off" in the 970HD's audio setup menu, the HDMI cable is carrying audio and is thus passing through the TV to the Onkyo. In this arrangement, you would have to have the TV on to get audio to the Onkyo when the Onkyo is set to the input connected to the TV. (In fact, that stereo analog connection that you used to have running to the TV may have been ignored by the TV all along.) You should be able to change the Onkyo to the Video2 input and hear CD playback from the 970HD even when the TV is off. Does that work?

Sony had the same issue exactly with the DVP-NS70H and offered the new improved DVP-NS75H. I understand your frustration, would you just suggest Oppo not make a new player that doesn't have the issue since your feelings are hurt?

Chris


That's kind of harsh response don't you think? I don't see a reason why Oppo doesn't offer a beta firmware that includes the verticle squeeze fix with the most current firmware fixes. The only reason I can think of as to why they haven't offered it is because they don't want to be overt about the issue and lose sales.

By "older receiver" I'm guessing you mean that the Onkyo lacks a digital audio input (coaxial or optical). It sounds to me like the only audio connection from the 970HD to your Onkyo is that stereo analog pair, and that you also have an audio connection from the TV to the Onkyo. Unless you changed "HDMI Audio" to "off" in the 970HD's audio setup menu, the HDMI cable is carrying audio and is thus passing through the TV to the Onkyo. In this arrangement, you would have to have the TV on to get audio to the Onkyo when the Onkyo is set to the input connected to the TV. (In fact, that stereo analog connection that you used to have running to the TV may have been ignored by the TV all along.) You should be able to change the Onkyo to the Video2 input and hear CD playback from the 970HD even when the TV is off. Does that work?
Yup. No coaxial or optical digital audio input. Also yup, analog connection from TV to receiver (video 1).
However, I turned off the HDMI audio and I get no audio from DVD (w/tv on) or CD (w/tv off or on) when I select Video 2 source. I thought I knew some stuff about electronics but I'm feeling like a complete newbie.

OK, with HDMI audio "off" you should get audio from the mixed left/right analog output at all times. A couple things to check are the speaker settings: downmix should be stereo, front speakers should be large, sub and other speakers should be off. Also, just to make sure all the bases are covered, make sure that the audio connection on the back of the 970 is to the mixed left/right and not to some other pair (like the center/sub of the 5.1 analog). At that point, the audio connection to the receiver's Video2 should work.

OK, with HDMI audio "off" you should get audio from the mixed left/right analog output at all times. A couple things to check are the speaker settings: downmix should be stereo, front speakers should be large, sub and other speakers should be off. Also, just to make sure all the bases are covered, make sure that the audio connection on the back of the 970 is to the mixed left/right and not to some other pair (like the center/sub of the 5.1 analog). At that point, the audio connection to the receiver's Video2 should work.
Checked and adjusted as you suggested. Still nothing out of video2 source. There's something that I'm missing somewhere. Don't know what it could be.
Thanks for your help anyway.
J

Sony had the same issue exactly with the DVP-NS70H and offered the new improved DVP-NS75H. I understand your frustration, would you just suggest Oppo not make a new player that doesn't have the issue since your feelings are hurt?

The difference with OPPO is that they have a software solution which can eliminate the vertical compression at the expense of some picture quality (this is a far cry from Sony who vehemently denied any errors) . The disadvantage is that OPPO has not made an updated firmware which includes, at minimum, the SACD gapless playback enhancement.

That's kind of harsh response don't you think? I don't see a reason why Oppo doesn't offer a beta firmware that includes the verticle squeeze fix with the most current firmware fixes.
It takes people to make firmware, and if all of your engineers are working on other projects, then you end up with the inability to create a new firmware release with the vertical compression fix muxed into it.

In all respect, OPPO does not really owe you anything. They are providing a service, under their own provisions, to update their products trough software solutions. They are not required to do so.
The only reason I can think of as to why they haven't offered it is because they don't want to be overt about the issue and lose sales.
This is complete and utter bullshit. OPPO has been very open about this vertical compression error through phone conversations and e-mail correspondences. This is completely different from Sony, who even when strong-armed, would not admit to the problem with the hardware, and would not even provide a solution, even an antiquated one.

OPPO is not being disingenuous with the release of the DV-980H. The DV-980H improves on the DV-970HD in every way. It was not a solution which was devised, a year later, to remove one single error (vertical compression).

I just feel they should do something for 970HD purchasers--a rebate, a special upgrade price, some sort of trade-in policy, an apology even. Something.


Go talk to Sony users who bought the DVP-NS70H and didn't want the vertical compression, or the Sony BDSP1 who bought this piece of tech for $1,000, only to discover months later that a cheaper ($500) BDP-S300 would feature all the same functionality with CD Audio support (see: Pioneer BDP-HD1 and BDP-94HD as well).

These are consumer electronics company. It is their prerogatived to determine what is, and is not, acceptable to the market. They do not owe their customers anything.

These are consumer electronics company. It is their prerogatived to determine what is, and is not, acceptable to the market. They do not owe their customers anything.

I agree with everything said, except the last sentence. They do owe me as far as I am concerned and if I feel they are not doing right by me as a consumer who helped their business grow, they will lose the business.

Now, Oppo does not fall in to that with me. The new unit was not created to fix a bug. They were just smart enough to make sure the bug fix is covered in the new unit. If they had not, then I would have issue with them. Oppo does make the attempt to treat their consumers well.

On the flip side, S--y could care less about anything. They do whatever they want. Eventually they lose customer base to others because of it. I haven't forgotten little things like secretly planting spyware, etc. Not to mention try to get the kind of support response you get from Oppo.

As opposed to Oppo thinking they owe no one anything, I think they know they owe their growth to the customers and try do right by them. IMO.

Dadbart -

My main contention of complaint, which is why I stated what I did, is that OPPO is not liable, financially or otherwise, to recompense their customers for the hardware design of the DV-970HD. It is ludicrous to demand any kind of compensation from OPPO, especially when you consider that the DV-970HD has been on the market for more than a full year.

And the bug was not "covered up" in the new firmware. The DV-980H uses a different chipset (once again, this is why everyone keeps bringing up the DVP-NS75H analogy) which does not exhibit this error in hardware. This is a design implementation at the core of the player, and not an aftermarket solution as with the DV-970HD.

Problems with my New Oppo!

I was going to make a new thread about this cause the problem is driving me crazy but I hope someone can answer here just as quick.

Recently Ive noticed a problem with some of my DVDs. Now Ive watched quite a few the past 2 weeks but this problem started with Gladiator Directors cut. It had ALOT of speedup parts that really looked like a quick fast forward. It last maybe a second or 2 but its real noticeable. Kinda like when a cheap movie uses a speedup to make the characters look like theyre moving fast. Now this obviously doenst happen much nowadays but Im seeing it at spots where no fake speedup is needed. Ive noticed it in 2 movies 1 TV show so far.

Problems:
Gladiator DC
X Files S1
Fantastic 4 DC

Now Ive seen alot of things that dont show this problem like Brisco County, Family Guy, Rescue Me, 4 Brothers, The Patriot, etc. But these 3 gave me problems Ive never seen before. It was really bad on Gladiator so I was going to exchange it. After seeing it on other movies though, Im wondering what the problem is.

Any help? It would be greatly appreciated. I have the patch for making the player upconverting with Monster cables and the code to make it region 0

Ive heard that the laser pickup was going bad and needed to be replaced. Does that mean I have to send my damn plyer back? I got it a few months ago from Amazon.

13th--
I'm not an expert on lasers going bad, but I have had some go bad. The major first symptom is skipping wildly because the laser loses tracking. Speeding up doesn't sound like a laser problem, especially if motion is still relatively smooth.
I've had my 970HD and have never seen this effect. If you've only had it for a few months, that seems pretty quick for a laser to go funky.
Can your reproduce the speedup thing at the same spots on the DVDs?
I find it best to contact the people at Oppo. They have great tech support.
J

Yup. No coaxial or optical digital audio input. Also yup, analog connection from TV to receiver (video 1).
However, I turned off the HDMI audio and I get no audio from DVD (w/tv on) or CD (w/tv off or on) when I select Video 2 source. I thought I knew some stuff about electronics but I'm feeling like a complete newbie.

Joel,

Have you thought of trying the mixed audio outputs on the Oppo to say the Video 1 analog inputs of your receiver? Maybe the analog inputs to Video 2 on your receiver could be bad? When you say DVD audio, I believe you are saying the soundtracks off a DVD-Video and not the 2-channel recording off the high-resolution DVD-Audio disc which would really need the 5.1 analog outputs vs. the 2-channel mixed audio ouptuts on the Oppo. Or could it be as simple as bad interconnects? Just trying to add some food for thought on top of what Gonk suggested earlier.

13th-

Is one of the scenes where the camera is zoomed in on Comatus's hand as it's approaching his sleeping nephew? I've noticed it here and on a few other movies. I think it may be due to 3:2 pulldown and or camera movement?

13th-

Is one of the scenes where the camera is zoomed in on Comatus's hand as it's approaching his sleeping nephew? I've noticed it here and on a few other movies. I think it may be due to 3:2 pulldown and or camera movement?

There were so many parts it happened on, I stopped taking note. It happened about 10 times.

I guess I should give them a call. Damn, I dont want to send my player away for god knows how long...

Joel,

Have you thought of trying the mixed audio outputs on the Oppo to say the Video 1 analog inputs of your receiver? Maybe the analog inputs to Video 2 on your receiver could be bad? When you say DVD audio, I believe you are saying the soundtracks off a DVD-Video and not the 2-channel recording off the high-resolution DVD-Audio disc which would really need the 5.1 analog outputs vs. the 2-channel mixed audio ouptuts on the Oppo. Or could it be as simple as bad interconnects? Just trying to add some food for thought on top of what Gonk suggested earlier.
To my great embarrassment, I had plugged the jacks into *COUGH* audio out *COUGH* on the receiver.
However, having rectified that, what I expected to hear was a better, fuller sound field (if I'm using the term correctly) than when I had the audio going through the TV.
By doing A/B tests, I find that the sound through the TV to the receiver provides more background sounds (Battlestar engines, soundtrack, etc.)
The sound that goes directly from my Oppo to the receiver virtually eliminates all those sound details, so I'm still a little confused.
Thanks for you aid though.
J

By doing A/B tests, I find that the sound through the TV to the receiver provides more background sounds (Battlestar engines, soundtrack, etc.)
The sound that goes directly from my Oppo to the receiver virtually eliminates all those sound details, so I'm still a little confused.
What you describe makes me wonder if the downmix (first option on the Speaker Setup menu) is set to something other than Stereo, resulting in the left/right output not getting the entire soundtrack. The sound to your TV was (I believe) going via HDMI before even when the analog cables were connected to it, so it's possible that this would not have been such an issue then. Now that you are using the analog outputs exclusively, I'd recommend starting out by making sure that the Speaker Setup menu as downmix set to stereo, fronts set to large, and all other speakers set to off.

What you describe makes me wonder if the downmix (first option on the Speaker Setup menu) is set to something other than Stereo, resulting in the left/right output not getting the entire soundtrack. The sound to your TV was (I believe) going via HDMI before even when the analog cables were connected to it, so it's possible that this would not have been such an issue then. Now that you are using the analog outputs exclusively, I'd recommend starting out by making sure that the Speaker Setup menu as downmix set to stereo, fronts set to large, and all other speakers set to off.

Gonk,

Agree with you on this one. I suspect the same. The Oppo should be set on stereo in order to mix the 5.1 soundtracks into 2-channel.

The difference with OPPO is that they have a software solution which can eliminate the vertical compression at the expense of some picture quality (this is a far cry from Sony who vehemently denied any errors) . The disadvantage is that OPPO has not made an updated firmware which includes, at minimum, the SACD gapless playback enhancement.

I never updated my DV-970HD with the beta firmware to fix the vertical compression but I am aware that option exists. I still hope an official firmware fix is released for the DV-970HD including all firmware updates and an improved vertical compression fix. I also understand the Sony response to the same problem and prefer the Oppo response which is an effort to fix it and an admission of the obvious, that it exists. Of course the average Sony customer isn't one that communicates online and downloads firmware fixes like the average Oppo customer is and a fix from Sony wouldn't reach but a small percentage of their customers that purchased the player at Best Buy or Target or other local store. DVD players from Sony and all other manufacturers have problems and fixes have been rare, the issue is usually just fixed with the next generation. Oppo is a rare exception to the process.

I don't think Oppo should offer the vertical compression fix officially until it has been improved. The fact it has taken so long must speak to the difficulty with the issue.

Chris

Not so much hurt feelings. But as a consumer, when I do research before purchasing something and am assured something is going to work, I feel like the company has let me down.
As a consumer yourself, what's your reaction when having purchased a product that does not work as expected?
All that being said, I'm very happy w/Oppo and its product in general.
I'll probably buy a new Oppo when I have the dough.
I just feel they should do something for 970HD purchasers--a rebate, a special upgrade price, some sort of trade-in policy, an apology even. Something.
J

To complain that a player without the problem was released before the problem was fixed isn't fair in my opinion and I only pointed out what happened with Sony as another example. To complain that another Beta software version hasn't been released with the vertical compression fix and all other fixes might not be fair either. I don't know if chip memory requirements of the beta vertical compression fix means other official fixes can't be done simultaneously or any other related issues exist precluding having a firmware update with all or most fixes. I have never inquired about the reasons the vertical compression fix hasn't been offered officially. If it is known that Oppo has given up with the vertical compression fix, I hardly blame Oppo, the company has done a great job with the players and I just suggest someone that owns the DV-970HD and can't live with it as is, sell it and get a player they can live with, such as the DV-980HD or other. DVD players have had issues as long as the format has existed and Oppo is the only company I have seen that routinely fixes issues, the other companies often make no effort, especially with the budget line of players.

I have been buying consumer audio/video equipment for 35 years and I have seen so many products released with issues and improved with the next generation or more often sold at a fraction of the price. I just take my chances and expect to need something different soon. I was disappointed this issue couldn't be fixed, otherwise the Oppo DV-970HD is a great player. I just quit using mine for DVD-V, only used it for audio because of that issue.

I hope that Oppo is still working on the vertical compression fix and we will still see an official fix with all updates, but at this time, I no longer believe it can be done. You wouldn't believe how many DVD players I have purchased. I have only purchased one HD DVD player and only one Blu-ray player, if one of those two formats ever become worth owning because a good software selection exists, I hate to think I am going to be buying more of those.

Chris

I hope that Oppo is still working on the vertical compression fix and we will still see an official fix with all updates, but at this time, I no longer believe it can be done. You wouldn't believe how many DVD players I have purchased.
Chris
First, I spoke with an Oppo tech guy the other day about an unrelated issue. Tech guy told me that Oppo won't be working on the vertical squeeze issue anymore. C'est la vie.
I agree with you on all points. I believe that the Oppo folk have done what they could to work around an issue that, as I subsequently learned, results from this particular MediaTek chipset.
Furthermore, to answer Neuromancer, of course I understand that Oppo is not liable for any sort of compensation.
I think that Oppo has been relatively responsive to customers and, in general, make a lineup of great products that provide great value.
To be frank, I'm sorry that I ever brought up the topic. The issue falls under the heading of caveat emptor and, of course, I had the option to return the Oppo w/in the permitted return time if I wasn't satisfied.
I understand all of this. I'm just a consumer who gets frustrated on occasion by the way corporations have been lowering our satisfaction expectations.
Just as in any relationship, business or personal, you choose to continue it or break it off based on any number of factors.
All things considered, I'd purchase the 980H or the 981HD w/o a second's hesitation, regardless of my disappointment towards Oppo not being able to provide a more robust fix to the vertical squeeze issue. They tried. They couldn't do it. End of story.
Lesson learned? Buy a product based on its present capabilities, not because there may be a fix coming sometime in the future.
As a wise guy once said, "'Nuf said. Excelsior!"
J

What you describe makes me wonder if the downmix (first option on the Speaker Setup menu) is set to something other than Stereo, resulting in the left/right output not getting the entire soundtrack. The sound to your TV was (I believe) going via HDMI before even when the analog cables were connected to it, so it's possible that this would not have been such an issue then. Now that you are using the analog outputs exclusively, I'd recommend starting out by making sure that the Speaker Setup menu as downmix set to stereo, fronts set to large, and all other speakers set to off.
Those are my settings.
Also, tried playing a CD in the Oppo w/TV off, then placed same CD in my Sony CD player. Once again, sound fuller and richer. ?????
J

Is the "vertical squeeze" really an issue with you? Until I read that it existed in this Forum, I didn't realize it was happening with the picture! I'm a critical viewer, and still don't consider this a problem. Oppo has a firmware update to resolve it, and will send it to you if you request it, with the caveat that it would slightly reduce the resolution. I'll take the sharper picture and live with the black bars. After all, I thought it was just the difference between 1.85:1 and the 1.78:1 display!

Is the "vertical squeeze" really an issue with you? Until I read that it existed in this Forum, I didn't realize it was happening with the picture! I'm a critical viewer, and still don't consider this a problem. Oppo has a firmware update to resolve it, and will send it to you if you request it, with the caveat that it would slightly reduce the resolution. I'll take the sharper picture and live with the black bars. After all, I thought it was just the difference between 1.85:1 and the 1.78:1 display!
Black bars aren't the issue. I have a Sony 32hs420. On this TV, at least, the vertical squeeze manifests itself as squashy people. As someone else put it, imagine a perfect circle being viewed as a sideways oval shape.
Also, thanks for your kind offer to send me the beta firmware fix, but I have already received it from Oppo and applied it. Even w/the slight resolution loss, the picture at 1080i looks better than the 480p.
Maybe if the screen was larger I'd notice more of a resolution difference, but as I say, not so much.
The tradeoff is that all of the other firmware updates have been overridden, of course.
I haven't done a firmware A/B trial but since I purchased a dvd player that's supposed to do upscaling, I'm sticking with the beta firmware. When I have the dough, I'll get a different Oppo based on its actual performance, not according to firmware fixes that may or may not happen.
Thanks,
J

..........I had the option to return the Oppo w/in the permitted return time if I wasn't satisfied...........What is "the permitted return time"?

What is "the permitted return time"?
You've got 30 days to return it and get your money back.

What is "the permitted return time"?

If done directly from OPPODigital.com, then you have 30-days from which you receive the product to have the unit returned for a refund. OPPO will pay for the return shipping, however your original shipping will not be refunded.

Well just got a refurb 970 for audio use, dvd audio. and the unit I got hang up 3 times while playing dvd audio. Called them up and they have a replacement on the way. I went with a new 980 this time. Cant' wait

Black bars aren't the issue. I have a Sony 32hs420. On this TV, at least, the vertical squeeze manifests itself as squashy people. As someone else put it, imagine a perfect circle being viewed as a sideways oval shape.
Also, thanks for your kind offer to send me the beta firmware fix, but I have already received it from Oppo and applied it. Even w/the slight resolution loss, the picture at 1080i looks better than the 480p.
Maybe if the screen was larger I'd notice more of a resolution difference, but as I say, not so much.
The tradeoff is that all of the other firmware updates have been overridden, of course.
I haven't done a firmware A/B trial but since I purchased a dvd player that's supposed to do upscaling, I'm sticking with the beta firmware. When I have the dough, I'll get a different Oppo based on its actual performance, not according to firmware fixes that may or may not happen.
Thanks,
J

Thanks, I guess I can quit hoping then. Nice summary of your opinion and I certainly can't fault you at all. I absolutely love the DV-980H and the only issue I can think of now is the fact that bass management with DVD-A doesn't work as I would like. Set speakers to small and nothing is routed to the subwoofer output from DVD-A 2.0, 4.0 and 5.0 discs. Not a big issue for me, but I understand that Oppo and Mediatek are working on a fix so if that is an issue for you, I will keep you posted.

Chris

The DAP on the DV-970HD, DV-981HD and the older OPDV971H do not support 96Khz and 192Khz bass management. This is a deficiency of the hardware.

I haven't done a firmware A/B trial but since I purchased a dvd player that's supposed to do upscaling, I'm sticking with the beta firmware. When I have the dough, I'll get a different Oppo based on its actual performance, not according to firmware fixes that may or may not happen.
Thanks,
J

Is your card reader and USB still working? When I installed the VCF firmware these stopped working.

Is your card reader and USB still working? When I installed the VCF these stopped working.

The Vertical Compression fix disables the USB/Card Reader due to a bug.

Well just got a refurb 970 for audio use, dvd audio. and the unit I got hang up 3 times while playing dvd audio. Called them up and they have a replacement on the way. I went with a new 980 this time. Cant' wait

They sent out a new one to you before receiving yours?

I bought mine from Amazon but I have to contact Oppo. Im dreading having to send it off for repairs to be long gone for a month or more... sigh...

They sent out a new one to you before receiving yours?

I bought mine from Amazon but I have to contact Oppo. Im dreading having to send it off for repairs to be long gone for a month or more... sigh...

Email them. Ask. I bought my first 971 from Amazon, had trouble, wrote to Oppo, they sent me a replacement immediately and a prepaid return label for the original.

-Bill

The DAP on the DV-970HD, DV-981HD and the older OPDV971H do not support 96Khz and 192Khz bass management. This is a deficiency of the hardware.

So no fix is possible in your opinion? I know it currently isn't supported but again hoped a firmware fix might address the issue. It seems odd that DSD converted to 88.2kHz PCM does allow bass management. Maybe the difference between 88.2kHz and 96kHz is greater than I would think, at least regarding this issue.

Chris

From what I understand about the error, it is a bandwidth limitation at the higher sampling rates that will be will be impossible to fix this through software. I am willing to be surprised, but I doubt it.

SACD is always sampled at 88.2Khz, which is low enough for the system, apparently, to apply proper bass management.

Email them. Ask. I bought my first 971 from Amazon, had trouble, wrote to Oppo, they sent me a replacement immediately and a prepaid return label for the original.

-Bill

Wow, thatd be awesome! Im going to email them now but I wanted to drop by and add that I forgot to mention another problem Im having.

The player continually freezes on me. Sometimes when trying to skip to a certain chapter, sometimes when I first turn it on, it wont open the player door and freeze, its frozen and turned black when trying to forward.

Now that I think about it, this player is giving me alot of problems.

Wow, thatd be awesome! Im going to email them now but I wanted to drop by and add that I forgot to mention another problem Im having.

The player continually freezes on me. Sometimes when trying to skip to a certain chapter, sometimes when I first turn it on, it wont open the player door and freeze, its frozen and turned black when trying to forward.

Now that I think about it, this player is giving me alot of problems.

There might be some fluff interfering with the laser. Pick it up and give it a good shaking. Try blowing compressed air through the loading slot.

-Bill

There might be some fluff interfering with the laser. Pick it up and give it a good shaking. Try blowing compressed air through the loading slot.

-Bill

Oh yea, Ive done the blowing, but never thought of shaking it, guess I can try that. But would stuff on the laser make it freeze and keep the door from opening when turning on the power?

Im currently registering the player on Oppos site, but they want the serial number. I cant find it on the player as its not clearly labeled. Would it be the one underneath the bar code?

Well I heard back from Oppo and thats some great customer service. But I dont like what they said:

"We will need to recall this player for inspection and repair servicing. The freezing is something that is likely associated to a defective decoder chipset.

The fast-forwarding is something that we have seen with Divx and PAL media, but not with over the counter NTSC media.

A return shipping label and authorization will be issued to this e-mail address before 6:00PM PST."

Does that mean I have to send my unit into them just for repair? My player isnt that old, if theyre just going to repair I shoulda just waited and gotten a refurbished one. If this is a recalled item I would have thought that they would send me another. Guess Im not that lucky. Damnit!

If your player is older than 30-days old, it will be recalled for repair servicing. There are few exceptions.

Im currently registering the player on Oppos site, but they want the serial number. I cant find it on the player as its not clearly labeled. Would it be the one underneath the bar code?

The serial number is the one that appears underneath the barcode. It starts with "VD0".

The 13th Warrior -- From what I've read on the Oppo threads, their turn-around is very fast (unlike some other manufacturers). I wouldn't worry about the hassle - you won't be without a player for long.

Oppo had to replace the loader in my 970 and it took less than three weeks. Shipped to them on 2/20 using their FedEx Label, they received it on the 27th. They shipped it back on 3/1 and I received it on 3/7. Most of the turn around time was shipping. If you are closer to them than Chicago you should have a quicker turn around.

I' ve been using the 970 for several months. Excellent performence. Lately I am unable to get the center channel output for speech when playing a dvd movie. I do get center channel for the previews, special features, but not the movie itself. The sound system works in every case except for this one issue. The sound system works for television, etc. It's not the dvd because I get normal audio performence on another machine.

Wierd, huh!

Any advice, ideas? Thanks!

Why has oppo dropped the support page with firmware from the oppo 970 area on web site?

I' ve been using the 970 for several months. Excellent performence. Lately I am unable to get the center channel output for speech when playing a dvd movie. I do get center channel for the previews, special features, but not the movie itself. The sound system works in every case except for this one issue. The sound system works for television, etc. It's not the dvd because I get normal audio performence on another machine.

Wierd, huh!

Any advice, ideas? Thanks!
How do you have the player connected to your surround receiver? I'd generally recommend optical or coaxial output with "Digital Outpuit" set to "Raw" - which would make it real difficult to lose the center channel.

Why has oppo dropped the support page with firmware from the oppo 970 area on web site?
Still there for me.

Just checked and its not there .When I click on the oppo970 I get the page with it and no support topic listed

Just checked and its not there .When I click on the oppo970 I get the page with it and no support topic listed
http://oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd_support.html

Why has oppo dropped the support page with firmware from the oppo 970 area on web site?

It is the first item on the list. It goes: DV-970HD DVD Player | OPDV971H DVD Player | DV-980H DVD Player | DV-981HD DVD Player | LT-201/LT-2007 LCD TV/DVD Player Combo

When you click the DV-970HD image there is a tab which says Support. This is the Support and Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd_support.html) website.

I' ve been using the 970 for several months. Excellent performence. Lately I am unable to get the center channel output for speech when playing a dvd movie. I do get center channel for the previews, special features, but not the movie itself. The sound system works in every case except for this one issue. The sound system works for television, etc. It's not the dvd because I get normal audio performence on another machine.

Wierd, huh!

Any advice, ideas? Thanks!

If you are connected through the television or a two channel system, ensure that your DownMix is set to 2.0 Stereo.

If you are connected through a receiver with multi-channel analog input, set your DownMix to 5.1 Stereo and ensure that the Center is On.

thanks

So, no more firmware updates from Oppo, with the new product line?

There are currently no planned new firmware releases for the DV-970HD at this time.

It was reported a few months ago in Stereophile that the 970 truncates 24-bit digital sources at its S/PDIF outputs.

Does anyone know

1) if it does the same via HDMI

2) how the 981 compares in this regard

I've had an email in to Oppo about #1 for some weeks, but no reply so far. Neuromancer, perhaps you can get an answer?

HDMI is 24-bit.

The DV-981HD and DV-980H are the same.

And check your spam filters. OPPO, unless it is the weekends, responds within 24 hours.

Can someone please recommend the optimal audio settings (in the Oppo audio setup)when going though an Onkyo SR600 receiver?

Can someone please recommend the optimal audio settings (in the Oppo audio setup)when going though an Onkyo SR600 receiver?
The SR600 (http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR600&p=f&class=Receiver) does not have HDMI, so for DVD's and CD's you'll probably want to use a coaxial or optical digital connection, in which case the setting of note under Audio Setup is "Raw" for "Digital Output" (which is the default). If you want to listen to SACD's and DVD-Audio discs, you'll want to hit the Speaker Setup page and make sure a few things are set: "Down-mix" to "5.1CH", "Small" for all speakers, and "On" for the subwoofer (assuming you have a 5.1 setup - if not, you'll want to set any speakers your system doesn't have to "Off"). After that, you'll need to connect the multichannel analog output to the SR600's 5.1 analog input (labeled "DVD").

Thanks for your response gonk.

So basically, if all I will be using it for are DVD movies (DD and DTS), I use the default settings? I'm using an optical digital connection.

What I was confused about was the speaker settings. Under my receiver, I have all speakers set to "small". Looking at your recommendations, they should be set to "small" in the Oppo as well?

And if I'm only watching DVD movies (no SACD's or DVD-A), should it be in "down-mix" or "5.1"?

Sorry for my confusion, but in my opinion, the Oppo choices are confusing...never had this problem with my old Panny player (XP-30).

So basically, if all I will be using it for are DVD movies (DD and DTS), I use the default settings? I'm using an optical digital connection.
Bingo. You're good to go with the default setting. The receiver will take care of all audio-related issues.

What I was confused about was the speaker settings. Under my receiver, I have all speakers set to "small". Looking at your recommendations, they should be set to "small" in the Oppo as well?

And if I'm only watching DVD movies (no SACD's or DVD-A), should it be in "down-mix" or "5.1"?
The "Speaker Setup" menu is necessary because the 970HD offers a multichannel analog output and onboard decoding of Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, and SACD. That analog output's associated decoding requires the player to know your system's specific needs - hence the downmix and large/small/off settings for speakers (so it knows if you have all of those speakers and how you need to handle bass management for the ones that are present). The thing to keep in mind, though, is that those settings only apply in certain cases: multichannel analog output, and multichannel PCM output via HDMI. If you aren't using either of those audio outputs, you can simply ignore those settings entirely. The optical output is passing the digital audio data straight from disc to receiver, without any decoding that would cause the player to look at those settings. (Sure, the decoding is still happening and audio is being sent to the multichannel analog output, but you're not using that output so there's no need to worry about it.)
Sorry for my confusion, but in my opinion, the Oppo choices are confusing...never had this problem with my old Panny player (XP-30).
Oh, it's confusing - you've got plenty of company in that regard - but it's a confusion that can arise with any player that offers onboard decoding with multichannel analog output. The XP30, on the other hand, offered only a digital output and stereo analog output, so it didn't have to include any of this stuff in the player's setup menu.

Thanks for all your help! I appreciate it.

so for DVD's and CD's you'll probably want to use a coaxial or optical digital connection, in which case the setting of note under Audio Setup is "Raw" for "Digital Output" (which is the default). If you want to listen to SACD's and DVD-Audio discs, you'll want to hit the Speaker Setup page and make sure a few things are set: "Down-mix" to "5.1CH", "Small" for all speakers, and "On" for the subwoofer (assuming you have a 5.1 setup - if not, you'll want to set any speakers your system doesn't have to "Off"). After that, you'll need to connect the multichannel analog output to the 5.1 analog input (labeled "DVD").

The "Speaker Setup" menu is necessary because the 970HD offers a multichannel analog output and onboard decoding of Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, and SACD. That analog output's associated decoding requires the player to know your system's specific needs - hence the downmix and large/small/off settings for speakers (so it knows if you have all of those speakers and how you need to handle bass management for the ones that are present). The thing to keep in mind, though, is that those settings only apply in certain cases: multichannel analog output, and multichannel PCM output via HDMI. If you aren't using either of those audio outputs, you can simply ignore those settings entirely. The optical output is passing the digital audio data straight from disc to receiver, without any decoding that would cause the player to look at those settings. (Sure, the decoding is still happening and audio is being sent to the multichannel analog output, but you're not using that output so there's no need to worry about it.)

Gonk, that pretty much mirrors my config using the 970 and a Yamaha RX-V595. I wasn't aware that the 970 did DTS decoding as my Yammie does not. Bonus :)

However, I do have a question about the SACD decoding. I'm actually new to SACD and only own 1 disc so I really have no other discs to use for comparison. The bass is almost non-existant on my SACD copy of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" through the 6 analog connections, while bass is so much more pronounced on DVDs with a digital coaxial connection. I have read many on-line reviews of this title and most say how good the bass sounds although I cannot hear it.

My system is calibrated for DVD playback through the Yammie on the digital input. Is this config bypassed when using the analog inputs?

Yes, bass management in your receiver is bypassed when using the 970HD's multichannel analog output, as is much of the other speaker setup. As a result, you may need to check on a few settings in your 970HD's "Speaker Setup" menu. Make sure all speakers are set to "small" and the sub to "on" (which will give you bass management at the player), but then also get some test tones and check the speaker calibration ("Channel Trim") at the player - it's possible that you need to kick the sub channel up some so that the output matches what you get when using the Yamaha for bass management.

You know, I typed DTS before, but come to think of it I don't know that I've ever tried it (I've meant to a few times, but my main surround mode test disc doesn't have any DTS on it) - and OPPO's documentation doesn't say anything about DTS decoding. I may have been wrong on that. I'll double-check tonight...

Gonk, that pretty much mirrors my config using the 970 and a Yamaha RX-V595. I wasn't aware that the 970 did DTS decoding as my Yammie does not. Bonus :)

However, I do have a question about the SACD decoding. I'm actually new to SACD and only own 1 disc so I really have no other discs to use for comparison. The bass is almost non-existant on my SACD copy of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" through the 6 analog connections, while bass is so much more pronounced on DVDs with a digital coaxial connection. I have read many on-line reviews of this title and most say how good the bass sounds although I cannot hear it.

My system is calibrated for DVD playback through the Yammie on the digital input. Is this config bypassed when using the analog inputs?

Many systems have an issue with LFE level being too low via multichannel analog (input, or via PCM HDMI input. It's described here.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748147


In your case, if your Yamaha is calibrated for DVD playback via digital input (rather than calibrating to receiver test tones), I'm going to guess that means you calibrated channel levels to a Dolby Digital setup disc. I'm also assuming the channel level calibration applies to the analog inputs too. If so, then when you play SACD, the LFE (subwoofer) channel is going to be ~10 dB too low, because DD and DTS LFE always get a 10 dB *boost* on playback (it's part of DD spec, and also common in DTS; also used in DVD-Audio).

In other words, when you play DD discs, via digital , your receiver 'sees' an LFE that has been set -10dB low in the mixing studio (see various threads for why this is done) and automatically applies +10dB to the LFE bring it back up to the correct level. When you calibrated to a DD disc, you set your subwoofer channel to sound good when the LFE had already been boosted by 10 dB. So when you send a signal that does NOT get boosted (SACD), it stays 10dB down relative to your calibrated level.


One possibly solution is to go into the Oppo channel level menu, and set the Subwoofer channel to max (+10). That will certainly help the SACD playback. My only question is what it will do to DTS playback in your system (since uyou use analog for that). I don't know if the Oppo applies the 'auto' 10dB boost to DTS LFE when decoding -- it should -- if so, then it will be 10 dB too LOUD if you also set the channel level slider to +10. You can check this by playing DTS discs and SACDs, and seeing if bass is anemic in both. If not, you'll have to go into the Oppo channel level menu whenever you switch from SACD to DTS (set subwoofer slider to max for SACD, and to neutral for DTS).


(There's further complications if you have your Oppo doing bass management first.
Then the required boost can be something more, or less, than 10 dB depending on where in the process the bass management occurs. )

There is no "auto" or "bass boost" functionality on the DVD player. So the Channel Trim settings are universal to all audio contents.

Yes, bass management in your receiver is bypassed when using the 970HD's multichannel analog output, as is much of the other speaker setup. As a result, you may need to check on a few settings in your 970HD's "Speaker Setup" menu. Make sure all speakers are set to "small" and the sub to "on" (which will give you bass management at the player), but then also get some test tones and check the speaker calibration ("Channel Trim") at the player - it's possible that you need to kick the sub channel up some so that the output matches what you get when using the Yamaha for bass management.

You know, I typed DTS before, but come to think of it I don't know that I've ever tried it (I've meant to a few times, but my main surround mode test disc doesn't have any DTS on it) - and OPPO's documentation doesn't say anything about DTS decoding. I may have been wrong on that. I'll double-check tonight...

I pretty much figured that it was bypassed. I have tried BOTH the large & small speaker set-up and large did sound better, even with the sub channel kicked up on the small setting. I am not comfortable with the large setting because I do not have full range mains, so that is out.

I can also check a DTS disc when I get home tonight.

In your case, if your Yamaha is calibrated for DVD playback via digital input (rather than calibrating to receiver test tones), I'm going to guess that means you calibrated channel levels to a Dolby Digital setup disc. I'm also assuming the channel level calibration applies to the analog inputs too. If so, then when you play SACD, the LFE (subwoofer) channel is going to be ~10 dB too low, because DD and DTS LFE always get a 10 dB *boost* on playback (it's part of DD spec, and also common in DTS; also used in DVD-Audio).

In other words, when you play DD discs, via digital , your receiver 'sees' an LFE that has been set -10dB low in the mixing studio (see various threads for why this is done) and automatically applies +10dB to the LFE bring it back up to the correct level. When you calibrated to a DD disc, you set your subwoofer channel to sound good when the LFE had already been boosted by 10 dB. So when you send a signal that does NOT get boosted (SACD), it stays 10dB down relative to your calibrated level.

This is what I was afraid of. :(

I may have to re-calibrate using the internal test tones because calibration on the Yammie is across the board. Maybe this way I can make the adjustment at the sub itself. I would hate to have to compromise between the DD setup and the SACD setup in order to make both sound "acceptable" as I am quite happy with the sound of my DD setup.

With my older Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX receiver I always just manually increased the subwoofer output on the receiver. The thing I loved about that receiver was that there was a dedicated button on the remote control which allowed you to adjust the channel trim of the output signals. A lot of new receivers require that you go through some kind of OSD, making on the fly changes annoying.

There is no "auto" or "bass boost" functionality on the DVD player. So the Channel Trim settings are universal to all audio contents.

If the Oppo 970 decodes DD and DTS for analog output *without* applying a +10dB LFE boost...it must expect the AVR to do it. Is this certainly the case?

With my older Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX receiver I always just manually increased the subwoofer output on the receiver. The thing I loved about that receiver was that there was a dedicated button on the remote control which allowed you to adjust the channel trim of the output signals. A lot of new receivers require that you go through some kind of OSD, making on the fly changes annoying.

The Yammie doesn't even have OSD. This makes it even more difficult for changes. Plus, I keep the settings "locked" to prevent accidental changes by wife/MIL who STILL don't know how to work the remote. :D

What I am saying is that setting the channel trim to +10dB occurs on all sources decoded by the player, and is not specific to a single source (say, only applying a channel trim to DVD-Audio and SACD sources, and leaving the standard The DD and DTS "+10db" boost as is).

Ah, I understand now (I've also amended my previous post to ask the better question).
That's how I thought the Oppo trims worked...anything that isn't output as bitstream is affected by the channel trims (so, that means, anything that comes out of the analog panel, and any PCM output digitally)

It would be nice if it could apply specific trim settings (like modern receivers usually have a separate trim setting for PCM bass boost).

Yes, that makes much more sense.

Many systems have an issue with LFE level being too low via multichannel analog (input, or via PCM HDMI input. It's described here.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748147



Very informative thread. I was able to figure out what I needed to do to make SACD & DVD playback work together.

One possibly solution is to go into the Oppo channel level menu, and set the Subwoofer channel to max (+10). That will certainly help the SACD playback. My only question is what it will do to DTS playback in your system (since uyou use analog for that). I don't know if the Oppo applies the 'auto' 10dB boost to DTS LFE when decoding -- it should -- if so, then it will be 10 dB too LOUD if you also set the channel level slider to +10. You can check this by playing DTS discs and SACDs, and seeing if bass is anemic in both. If not, you'll have to go into the Oppo channel level menu whenever you switch from SACD to DTS (set subwoofer slider to max for SACD, and to neutral for DTS).

(There's further complications if you have your Oppo doing bass management first.
Then the required boost can be something more, or less, than 10 dB depending on where in the process the bass management occurs. )

Based on this info, and the info in the above referenced thread, I adjusted the trim levels in the Oppo (-6db for the L, C, R, L Surround, & R Surround and +10 for the SW). and changed the LFE setting in my Yamaha from -18dB to 0dB. This pretty much balanced out the SACD playback to where it sounded good with an acceptable amount of bass using the 6 analog inputs on the Yammie (BTW, where can I get an SACD calibration disc?).

Side note: Gonk, the 970 does decode DTS. :D

After listening to SACD for a while, I switched to DVD via the digital coaxial connection and did not seem to notice any change from my original calibration. However, I did not get a chance to check it with an SPL meter and calibration disc.

So far, all seems good. Thanks for all of the input and help.

Glad to hear that you got DVD-A and SACD going.
Side note: Gonk, the 970 does decode DTS. :D
Cool. :D

Just to make sure -RE; the above threads -you are talking about: SACD/DVD-A play back using HDMI. [not 6Mch analog cables] it could confuse some who are reading halfway through the start of the thread.
**because with the OPPO970 controlls the SACD/dvd-A> 6Mch analog cable setup- speaker settings-- Extend In. and at least my A/V coaxial cable >controls the DVD/comcast speaker settings ****
And once i set the channel trims either 6Mch anolog or coaxial> no changes need to be altered for proper play back.

This pretty much balanced out the SACD playback to where it sounded good with an acceptable amount of bass using the 6 analog inputs on the Yammie

After listening to SACD for a while, I switched to DVD via the digital coaxial connection

How do these quotes confuse anyone?

Just ordered 970HD. I wonder if I need to update firmware when it arrives..

Just ordered 970HD. I wonder if I need to update firmware when it arrives..

You shouldn't if you ordered it from Oppo, but maybe so if you ordered from Amazon. Oppo sends out their players with the latest firmware version available.

You shouldn't if you ordered it from Oppo, but maybe so if you ordered from Amazon. Oppo sends out their players with the latest firmware version available.

Damn, I ordered from Oppo. Uh, well, and it is free shipping from amazon..

Why not get the 980H? It's only $169 from amazon with no tax or shipping charges. 1080p and USB 2.0 is enough reason for me! Oh, but wait, there's more... (see the forum!).

I returned my refurb 970 when I found out about the 980, and it only cost me $40 difference, even after losing the initial shipping (and with the good refurb price).

Why not get the 980H? It's only $169 from amazon with no tax or shipping charges. 1080p and USB 2.0 is enough reason for me! Oh, but wait, there's more... (see the forum!).

I returned my refurb 970 when I found out about the 980, and it only cost me $40 difference, even after losing the initial shipping (and with the good refurb price).

I just emailed to Oppo to cancel my order. It was $161 from Oppo and $169.99 for 980H from amazon. Definitely a better deal.

I just emailed to Oppo to cancel my order. It was $161 from Oppo and $169.99 for 980H from amazon. Definitely a better deal.

Now of course you know that Oppo sells refurb 981HDs for $195 shipped on fLeaBay. ;)

Now of course you know that Oppo sells refurb 981HDs for $195 shipped on fLeaBay. ;)And 970HD's for under a buck twenty....I got one and really couldn't tell that it was a refurb..looked brand new and all the accesories looked unused.

I just emailed to Oppo to cancel my order. It was $161 from Oppo and $169.99 for 980H from amazon. Definitely a better deal.

Where do you see $161 from Oppo for the 980H? It's $169. Are you in the USA?

Where do you see $161 from Oppo for the 980H? It's $169. Are you in the USA?

I meant $161 for 970HD, but I cancelled that order. Yes, I'm in US.

jgido759

Thanks very much for your very informative post. I finally got acceptable bass with the 970hd sacd playback using your equalization settings for analog multichannel audio...It is like discovering a new dimension!

I have an Anthem D2 and an Oppo 970 hooked up with hdmi. When I skip tracks on sacd, the sound takes 3 seconds into the song to kick in. It does not do this for regular cd's. I am running 4A-0111 on the Oppo.

Any ideas?

Thanks

John

Try updating to the beta firmware.

Try changing your HDMI from Auto to LPCM to see if the synchronization is not faster.

Yes, try the beta. (God your quick Neuromancer :))

Can someone please tell me what settings are used for both video and audio when connected to HDMI 1.3 receiver and 720p PJ? For instance, do I set HDMI to "ON" or LPCM in audio setup menu? What about sharpeness, brightness, gamma and color space setting. Thanks.

If you are not using the HDMI interface for audio, then you will want to turn it to Off.

I usually leave these settings at Off/None/0 except when I need a little extra help turning brightness and contrast.

If you are not using the HDMI interface for audio, then you will want to turn it to Off.

I usually leave these settings at Off/None/0 except when I need a little extra help turning brightness and contrast.
I will be using HDMI for audio. I wanted to know if I should select LPCM option. I need to select this if I want all the audio decoding to be done with my Onkyo 805, right?

BTW, I am only going to use it for PAL, 4:3 NTSC and cd playback. My primary player is going to be the XA2.

If you are going into a device which can decode Dolby Digital and DTS, then you will want to leave it at Auto. Otherwise, set it to LPCM.

Thnks you, Neuromancer.

Why doesn't Oppo reduce the price of the 970?
I mean why would anybody buy the 970 when you can get the 980 for $20 more?
Don't get me wrong,I own a 970 and I think it's a great audio player but I don't get Oppo's marketing strategy.
I know why they keep control of distribution...so they have price control.
Come on Oppo let the free market decide the price.

Ok my rant is over....

Why doesn't Oppo reduce the price of the 970?
I mean why would anybody buy the 970 when you can get the 980 for $20 more?
Don't get me wrong,I own a 970 and I think it's a great audio player but I don't get Oppo's marketing.

It fits a niche market. Those who want 480i output the Oppo is perfect. Why pay more for something you're not going use. Not to mention the 970 was out before the 980 so it was the first cheap 480i HDMI option we had that worked. I'm sure it will be phased out in favor of the 980.

Oppo doesn't have "sales". They offer great products at great prices. I know it wouldn't be a typical sale, but more like a clearance. I don't remember exactly how they did the 971 model. I think a good idea is to put 'em on fLeaBay to the highest bidder. They already sell refurb 970s and 981s there.

OPDV971H was sold at 199.00 until everyone ran out of stock. The only "sales" OPPO has is when it comes to refurbished units being sold below the cost of new players.

Yup. I got my 970 refurb., and it's perfect.:D
Kudos to Oppo.

shane

Now I would like Oppo to offer an ultimate player...blu-ray, hd dvd, sacd, dvd-audio, 480i over hdmi. And of course for a low low price!

It fits a niche market. Those who want 480i output the Oppo is perfect. Why pay more for something you're not going use. Not to mention the 970 was out before the 980 so it was the first cheap 480i HDMI option we had that worked. I'm sure it will be phased out in favor of the 980.

Now I would like Oppo to offer an ultimate player...blu-ray, hd dvd, sacd, dvd-audio, 480i over hdmi. And of course for a low low price!

And a Memory Stick slot like the 970 has so you can show pictures on your TV or projector. With the 980, you have to buy a separate device to show pictures........the 970 allows a really trick slide show. :D

Which connection gives the best sound quality from CD playback, HDMI or SPDIF or analog? Thanks.

HDMI and S/PDIF shoudl be no different, they're just passing digital bits.*

As for digital vs analog, try them both and see which sounds better. Ideally they should sound the same.


(* the only potential difference I know of is if you are passing 24-bit material , the S/PDIF truncates it to 16, while the HDMI does not, assuming you don't apply any processing in the player)

It appears that OPPO Digital is out of stock of the DV-970HD. They are redirecting all sales to Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000GT5FK0/oppodigital-20/).

It appears that OPPO Digital is out of stock of the DV-970HD. They are redirecting all sales to Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000GT5FK0/oppodigital-20/).

Wow, that was fast.

Just for kicks, I asked Oppo if they had plans to get into high-def video:

"We are not at this time looking into producing a HD-DVD or a Blu-Ray players. The reason for this is that we feel that neither of these hardware designs are mature enough to be considered by OPPO, as we run our operation under the motto of "making a mature product better". It is a distinct possibility for the future, but that will likely not be for a year or more."


So, like me, it looks like they're waiting out the HD/BluRay war ;)

Paramount and Dreamworks aren't helping the HD arena either.

So, like me, it looks like they're waiting out the HD/BluRay war ;)agreed

Paramount and Dreamworks aren't helping the HD arena either.agreed

Just for kicks, I asked Oppo if they had plans to get into high-def video:

"We are not at this time looking into producing a HD-DVD or a Blu-Ray players. The reason for this is that we feel that neither of these hardware designs are mature enough to be considered by OPPO, as we run our operation under the motto of "making a mature product better". It is a distinct possibility for the future, but that will likely not be for a year or more."


So, like me, it looks like they're waiting out the HD/BluRay war ;)

I look forward to the day when I purchase my dual format OPPO High Def. player for $200.

When that day comes, I will be 2 years older than I am now.

Jessshhhh! I may be taking my "dirt nap"! :eek:

http://stereophile.com/hirezplayers/507oppo/index5.html
http://stereophile.com/hirezplayers/507oppo/index5.html

I just came across this article.
It way too tech for my head, but if you just read the last 2 paragraphs, Atkinson, states the 970 is only delivering
16bit and not true 24 bit.


What does this really mean to us?

Yes, we've been over this.

It means that if you have any true 24-bit audio sources that can be passed via optical or coaxial digital, they are truncated to 16 bit. (And from what I understand, that's truncated, not dithered). The only such sources I know of are some HDAD discs by Classic records, or home-made 24-bit discs like Atkinson used (commercial DVD-A can't be passed via optical or coax because of DRM restrictions).

[EDIT: turns out that the stereo DVD-A tracks often can be passed...whether the sample rate and bit depth remain intact, I don't know]

The audible upshot of this *might* be some artifacts during very quiet parts of music.

However, Oppo confirms that the HDMI digital output of a 24-bit source, is 24-bit. So your DVD-A (and converted SACDs) are passed as 24-bit via HDMI.

(Analog output is presumably '24-bit' too.)

Sorry, i missed that discussion section. Using 6 cableMC analog.
i looked at the Claaaic records- site. interesting but i wish they talked about how their product was made or more info. can i play a HDAD on my player [that kind of info]? I have been purchasing some very fine HiRez DVD-As from aixrecords.com/

google is your friend

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=11902695

Classic Records’ ‘DAD’ titles were first introduced six years ago using DVD-Video technology, the discs employed two-channel 96kHz 24-bit PCM, at the time an unprecedented resolution for a consumer delivery format. The new dual-sided ‘HDAD’ discs feature the same DVD-Video compatible 96/24 content, but on the reverse, now also include a DVD-Audio alternative that enables the company to re-release existing titles and extend their portfolio using a 192kHz 24-bit delivery medium.

A DAD disc should play in any player that can handle 96/24. Same with HDAD as long as the player can handle 192. If not they are probably played in downsampled form (e.g, 48 kHz). THe Oppo can do both of the higher sample rates. Since neither uses MLP encoding or copy protection, DVD-A playback capability is not strictly required (though the Oppo can do that too) and they can be passed digitally. However, as noted in Stereophile, over optical/coax digital from the Oppo 970, the wordlength will be truncated from 24 to 16 bit.

Btw the 'advantages' of 192 vs 96khz sampling are at best extremely dubious and at worst entirely fictitious.

Hello.

I use my 970HD with the latest firmware. This version does not work very well with my scaler (lot of noise in the picture with HDMI 576i). I would like to back at the original firmware to check if this problem still exists.

Is it possible ? If it is, where can I found the ISO file of the original firmware.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards
alex_t :)

Hello.

I use my 970HD with the latest firmware. This version does not work very well with my scaler (lot of noise in the picture with HDMI 576i). I would like to back at the original firmware to check if this problem still exists.

Is it possible ? If it is, where can I found the ISO file of the original firmware.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards
alex_t :)



http://oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd_support.html

I'm retarded :)

Reason: retardation
ROTFL
:)

Cannot tell whether this has been raised, but I have found that since using the region hack to watch British DVDs, I haven't heard any more popping when listening to SACDs. I originally had problems with some pops on SACDs, and Oppo suggested unplugging the HDMI cable (I am listening via 5.1 audio), which was a pain. Have not noticed any in the short time since un-regionalizing.

Has anyone experienced "clicking" sounds in the middle of disc playback, while stopped, paused, or at the DVD's menu? I have an OPPO DV-970 w/ a Mitsubishi WD-52725 DLP TV. Please advise.

The only time that you should hear any clicking or popping errors is if the audio signal is being lost then re-obtained, or if you are changing resolutions.

Hello.

I use 970hd with 576i HDMI (PAL DVD) and external scaler vantage HD. There is a thin black line on each side of the screen, near borders.

Result is the same with an other 970 firmware.

Moreover, with an other DVD player these lines disappear.

regards
alex_t

Before I contact Oppo I thought I'd post here to see if has experienced a freeze up and found an easy fix.

My player completely freezes-up if I leave it with a disc inserted for awhile (like say more than 30-minutes)... does this most of the time and doesn't matter whether I turned the player off or not. Once it freezes it won't respond to anything I try to do on the remote or the player itself. The only solution I've found so far is unplugging it and plugging it back in. I've only had this player about 3-weeks and its done this probably 10 times. Anyone have a clue as to what the problem is?

monomer, did you buy it NEW 3 weeks ago??... from Oppo or Amazon? Does it have the latest firmware revision? If not, try updating the firmware. If it already has the lastest firmware, you could try re-flashing it again with the latest firmware.

also, when you unpug the player- leave it unplugged for~5 min.

Thanks you guys...
Yes it had the lastest Version (something, something 111) and I also tried flashing the lastest beta (something, something 0209)... either way, no joy... same problems freezing. However, whenever I've unplugged the unit its only for about 15-20 seconds, so I'll try longer next time.

I just checked the purchase confirmation and its really been just over a month... purchased on Aug 10, if I'd known about the 980 coming I'd have waited and paid the extra $20... oh well...

I just heard back from Oppo support and they basically told me the same things... flash to lastest beta, wait 15-MINUTES before plugging back in, blow in some compressed air... if none of these things work send it in for repairs (they will take care of the shipping but I'd be out my DVD/SACD etc player for a while... bummer).

Again, thanks for your responses... it is appreciated!

Ask them if you can do a return and buy the 980 instead. They may say yes... can't hurt to try.

I use 970hd with 576i HDMI (PAL DVD) and external scaler vantage HD. There is a thin black line on each side of the screen, near borders.

How large are the boarders? If you throw down a test pattern, are you clipping the sides at all?

970HD just arrived, so set up time tonight.

I'm in Australia so I guess the region code is first priority.

I'll be connecting to a Sanyo Projector via component, although I just found out it Has DVI. Still, my receiver doesn't have HDMI input or output. I have the iso so should get 720p hopefully.
I may try the HDMI>DVI but would I get any improvement out of a projector that is only really 720p capable?
I guess my sound settings should all be small for my 5:1 setup, but won't the receiver alter that? I have an auto-setup microphone that sets up the speakers.
What should I do with my receiver settings? Which one overrides?

Thanks

If you are sending an audio signal to your receiver using optical or coaxial with a S/PDIF setting of RAW, then all the audio and speaker preferences will not effect the audio, as your receiver is doing all the audio decoding.

You will likely have a better picture with DVI as the component interface will revert to 576p when the video is copyprotected. Beyond that, you will not need to worry about double processing (Digital to Analog; Analog to Digital) so you should see a slight reduction in errors, particularly banding.

I took a quick look at the 980 specs. It was not clear to me if it also passes 480i over hdmi.

Looks like a nice feature to pass SACD DSD signals undecoded through the HDMI. My receiver is actually capable of handling this. So I wonder...has anybody compared SACD sent via PCM over HDMI (the 970 way) vs. direct bitstream over HDMI to the the receiver (the 980 way)?

Yes, the 980H passes 480i over HDMI.

There has been some discussion of DSD vs. PCM output of SACD, but I don't think there's been much of a definitive answer in this regard. Not having tried it myself (since it's a moot point with DVI switching in my processor), I would suggest that results will vary based on the receiver used to do the DSD decoding, since in some cases you may end up with the DSD being decoded to PCM in much the same manner that the 970HD, 980H, and 981HD do it.

The SACD DSD capable receiver that I have is the Onkyo 905.

According to it user manual, if the Onkyo 905 does any processing on the DSD bitstream -- that is, if it's in anything other than 'Pure Audio' or 'DSD direct' modes -- it does a DSD->PCM conversion.

It's odd that I don't see the SACD logo on the Onkyo literature; I would think that if it actually decoded raw DSD, it would sport one. Maybe that's only for devices that physically read SACD discs?

DSD direct mode would imply conversion of the DSD bitstream without an intermediate PCM conversion step.

I would be unlikely to buy a 980 just for that capability...what I really want is a machine with 480i over HDMI, DSD bitstream output over HDMI, blu-ray, and dvd.

We can all imagine new toys!

Edit

Edit

Why so sad?

If you are sending an audio signal to your receiver using optical or coaxial with a S/PDIF setting of RAW, then all the audio and speaker preferences will not effect the audio, as your receiver is doing all the audio decoding.

You will likely have a better picture with DVI as the component interface will revert to 576p when the video is copyprotected. Beyond that, you will not need to worry about double processing (Digital to Analog; Analog to Digital) so you should see a slight reduction in errors, particularly banding.

Thanks for that. I changed my receiver settings to small for all speakers and I think it sounds better (optical 5:1). I did the hack and region change. It was very good. I watched 'Return of the king' and the Dolby Digital was great and picture was much better. I think my DVD was PAL because changing settings using the HDMI button brought up 50Hz. I was not able to get a picture at 720p but it looked great at 1080i on component. My projector does not display input resolution, so I can't tell what it is, but I'm assuming that you are saying that I will be getting 576p. I thought the hack allowed more on component, certainly the picture improvement was huge. Before the hack the output was limited to 480p.
I love the keyboard button too :).

If you are sending an audio signal to your receiver using optical or coaxial with a S/PDIF setting of RAW, then all the audio and speaker preferences will not effect the audio, as your receiver is doing all the audio decoding.

You will likely have a better picture with DVI as the component interface will revert to 576p when the video is copyprotected. Beyond that, you will not need to worry about double processing (Digital to Analog; Analog to Digital) so you should see a slight reduction in errors, particularly banding.

Thanks for that. I changed my receiver settings to small for all speakers and I think it sounds better (optical 5:1). I did the hack and region change. It was very good. I watched 'Return of the king' and the Dolby Digital was great and picture was much better. I think my DVD was PAL because changing settings using the HDMI button brought up 50Hz. I was not able to get a picture at 720p but it looked great at 1080i on component. My projector does not display input resolution, so I can't tell what it is, but I'm assuming that you are saying that I will be getting 576p. I thought the hack allowed more on component, certainly the picture improvement was huge. Before the hack the output was limited to 480p.
I love the keyboard button too :).

If you are sending an audio signal to your receiver using optical or coaxial with a S/PDIF setting of RAW, then all the audio and speaker preferences will not effect the audio, as your receiver is doing all the audio decoding.

You will likely have a better picture with DVI as the component interface will revert to 576p when the video is copyprotected. Beyond that, you will not need to worry about double processing (Digital to Analog; Analog to Digital) so you should see a slight reduction in errors, particularly banding.

Thanks for that. I changed my receiver settings to small for all speakers and I think it sounds better (optical 5:1). I did the hack and region change. It was very good. I watched 'Return of the king' and the Dolby Digital was great and picture was much better. I think my DVD was PAL because changing settings using the HDMI button brought up 50Hz. I was not able to get a picture at 720p but it looked great at 1080i on component. My projector does not display input resolution, so I can't tell what it is, but I'm assuming that you are saying that I will be getting 576p. I thought the hack allowed more on component, certainly the picture improvement was huge. Before the hack the output was limited to 480p.
I love the keyboard button too :).

If you are sending an audio signal to your receiver using optical or coaxial with a S/PDIF setting of RAW, then all the audio and speaker preferences will not effect the audio, as your receiver is doing all the audio decoding.

You will likely have a better picture with DVI as the component interface will revert to 576p when the video is copyprotected. Beyond that, you will not need to worry about double processing (Digital to Analog; Analog to Digital) so you should see a slight reduction in errors, particularly banding.

Thanks for that. I changed my receiver settings to small for all speakers and I think it sounds better (optical 5:1). I did the hack and region change. It was very good. I watched 'Return of the king' and the Dolby Digital was great and picture was much better. I think my DVD was PAL because changing settings using the HDMI button brought up 50Hz. I was not able to get a picture at 720p but it looked great at 1080i on component. My projector does not display input resolution, so I can't tell what it is, but I'm assuming that you are saying that I will be getting 576p. I thought the hack allowed more on component, certainly the picture improvement was huge. Before the hack the output was limited to 480p.
I love the keyboard button too :).

Hi,
Just received the DV-970HD. I have it setup via component into my Phillips HD Component only set. My set doesn't have HDMI, which was why I went with this player.

At 480i the picture is great, at 480p the picture is great; but at 1080i, I start to get digital artifacts and sort of a hazing effect. Doesn't happen all the time but I've tried it on a couple of discs and its pretty consistent.

I thought it might have been what the manual says about the "picture rolling" problem but that doesn't seem to be the case. The player is set atNTSC.

I'm wondering if anyone else has seen this problem? Could it just be my component cables?

Do you have the modified firmware installed on the Oppo that allows upconversion via component? It won't properly upscale at 1080i through component without that firmware.

I do have the modified firmware loaded on the player to support 1080 component out over CSS discs.

The other thing I noticed was that when the player is stopped and I switch over to 1080i even with no disc in, and go into setup I get some lines on my screen from just doing that! That doesn't happen in 480i or 480p.

Ensure that you are using the HD Component input. Many CRT displays have only one Component input which can actually accept a HD signal.

The set I have is a Philips 30pw850H. It has 2 sets of component inputs. I have one going to my cable box which is receiving an HD signal; I'll have to check the other set and see if its capable.
When the Oppo is stopped and I hit the HDMI button to go up to 1080i I do get a signal and my Philips set does say 1080i on it, also with the Oppo logo on screen.
I'm going to swap the Component inputs later today and see what happens and also swap the component cables that I'm using for my cable box and use those on my Oppo. Hopefully I'll get some answers by doing all that and testing the Oppo.

I look forward to the results.

This is what I found:
Both component input jacks are HD capable. I plugged my cable box in my 2nd component jacks and all my HD channels were in 1080i. So that solved the case if only 1 set of component jacks was HD.

I tried different component cables on the Oppo; actually used the one from my cable box because those have worked fine. But no luck there.

I tried the Oppo with both sets of component cables on both sets of inputs and still no good.

So I think while I have the time I'm going to spring for a replacement.
I'm going to try flashing the roms and seeing what that does. I can tell if there is a problem in 1080i mode because when I go into setup its there are black lines around all options...so I don't even need to apply the hack to see if there is a problem.

I've googled like crazy to see if this is a problem anyone else has experienced and haven't found any, so I'm going to assume its the player.

I have the weekend to try a few more things so if anyone has anymore tips write them to me.

Thanks

I have a 30pw850H in my bedroom. I used to have a 970 hooked up to it and don't remember ever having a problem with 1080i over component. I do not have the 970 hooked up to it now and it'd be a complete PIA to even try because I can't get to the input jacks very easily. I wish I could help otherwise. I do remember some kind of setting in the menu, where you could switch the res of the tv between progressive and 1050i. I can't remember why it was even an option and, when I would switch it back and forth, there didn't seem to be any change in the picture. So you could maybe try that.

I thought I was lost on all this but did some searching and found this:
---------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepdog111
Okay. After reading a lot of the posts, I went ahead and got the 970HD player. After i set it up and selected the 1080i feed, i sat back and waited for the excellent picture to begin. Unfortunately, it wasnt as good as hoped. I have a Mits CRT HD tv and when i put it on 1080i, i get a bunch of lines sporadically(sp) going through the picture. Kind of like the lines you see in old black and white movies or even the stuff that you see in the movie theaters. When i back it down to 480p, i dont see those lines. Has anyone had this happen before. Am i hosed. Anything i can do to correct it.

Thanks,

Steve
I had a similar problem with my Toshiba RP HDTV. In 1080i the picture became unstable (but not in 480p). I think it has been noted that the 970 component output is too hot. Turning down the Brightness (-3) in the setup menu fixed the problem for me. I did try lowering Contrast first but it didn't seem to have an effect. After that I recalibrated with AVIA and PQ is great.
---------------

After setting the brightness to -3 the problem has gone away! Basically what they were describing was also what I was seeing.
That thread is on page 162 I believe. So far so good.
I'm hoping this continues to be good because I was almost to the point of doing an exchange. Gonna keep my fingers crossed on this.
Thanks guys.

Good to here you did get it worked out. Nice job on the research too.

What happened to the 970HD modded firmware thread? I have someone who is interested but I lost the disk I created for mine and can't find the thread now..:confused:

EDIT: wrong url, oops, hold on...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356

Do you mean this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356)?

Do you mean this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356)?

Gotcha by a nose Gonk ;):D:p:)

:) - Too quick for me...

Need some help with my problem:

I posted a while back that this was happening:
Recently Ive noticed a problem with some of my DVDs. Now Ive watched quite a few the past 2 weeks but this problem started with Gladiator Directors cut. It had ALOT of speedup parts that really looked like a quick fast forward. It last maybe a second or 2 but its real noticeable. Kinda like when a cheap movie uses a speedup to make the characters look like theyre moving fast. Now this obviously doenst happen much nowadays but Im seeing it at spots where no fake speedup is needed. Ive noticed it in many different movies (old/new, anamorphic/non, etc) as well as TV shows and their bonus features, so Ive noticed it on EVERYTHING. Also everything is a R1 disc.

I sent the DVD in for service and from the day fedex picked it up to the day I recieved it back, took only 10 days. Im happy about that, but now the problem is appearing again. They told me with their service receipt they "couldnt not duplicate the problem but the replaced the unit (different SN) and upgraded firmware to 4A-0111. Passed standard inspection." Im a bit weary that its a whole new unit as I had put that patch on my old player to allow 1080i through component. This new player has that patch.

I was told (by another forum member) it could be the laser pickup eye giving out but since Oppo told me they replaced the unit it cant be that same problem, what are the odds of that? So can anyone please help me out here with some other thoughts or solutions? If you need more info details let me know. I really hate watching movies with this speedup problem.

The problem becomes how easily it is to engage this error. If it occurs sporadically (ie. randomly), the technician who handled your player may not have been watching it at that moment, or the error did not replicate itself on the disc(s) used for testing the player.

Agreed. Sometimes it happens throught the whole movie (IE Gladiator), sometimes just once in the movie. Either way what does that say the problem could be???

If it was the unit, they at least replaced it. The likeliness of the error occurring should be nonexistent.

But it is existent

Maybe it's the tv? Are you running the hdmi directly to the tv?

No Im going through component, using the patch, to make it 1080i. Ive tried it on other TVs and it looks fine, Ive also tried other players on this TV and they looked fine. Its something it seems no one can figure out.

Sorry to here this Warrior. Definately sounds like some kind of handshaking problem between the Oppo and your tv. Good luck.

But it is existent

Try asking OPPO for the "dropped frames" beta firmware and see if that does not resolve your issues.

I have some "homemade" dvd audio discs that were created using some u-lead software. They play just fine on my Denon 2900...but are not recognized by the Oppo 970. I have the latest firmware.

Anybody else experience something like this?

Do you get a No Disc or Unknown Disc error?

What media are you using?

Try asking OPPO for the "dropped frames" beta firmware and see if that does not resolve your issues.

Would a frame issue cause the speedup? I'll email Oppo to see if they can send that to me. Incase they dont answer this question though, would a new firmware patch overwrite the patch Im using to allow 1080i through component?

Neuromancer--No, actually it reads the disc as dvd audio (the light comes on); but nothing plays.

The media is basic DVD+R (Phillips I think). As I mentioned before, the discs play just fine on the Denon 2900.

Does is show up as 00:00:01 on the front panel of your player?

Do store bought DVD-Audio discs works?

Would a frame issue cause the speedup?
It doesn't hurt to try.
would a new firmware patch overwrite the patch Im using to allow 1080i through component?
And yes, it would overwrite your current firmware. You will lose component based upconversion of CSS-encrypted media.

Ahh, so I'l have to chose what I want. Bummer.

I just had a guy over to service my TV and he was able to fix a problem I was having. However he has to come back later for further service. I was testing some stuff out and I noticed this:

The DVD movies are losing image in their regular anamorphic view. It loses about an inch or 2 from the left and right side and about 1/2 an inch on the top and bottom. The reason I know is cause I zoomed out on the Oppo to the 1/2 size and theres alot of image to the left and right cut. I never noticed before but am I suppose to be missing image from the left and right in regular anamoprhic view? I need to know so I can have this fixed when he comes back. Are we allowed to post pics? I took some to show but Im not sure how to post them.

Thanks for all the help.

Sounds like typical overscan on your tv.

Neuromancer:

Store bought DVD Audio discs play just fine.

Sounds like typical overscan on your tv.

I totally forgot about that. With having to get my TV fixed, getting my Oppo back, Im going through everything with a fine toothed comb.

Store bought DVD Audio discs play just fine.

Could be a compatibility error with the disc media or the burning software. Try sending OPPO a sample and see what they do not reproduce.

I was going to purchase the 980h but the thread on here said it fails 2:2 cadence for PAL discs, and using this player for PAL discs is my primary use.

Does this player do PAL okay? The 2:2 cadence okay?

I have a Pioneer plasma so I can feed it 480i via HDMI and let the screen scale if that helps anyone answer the question.

fixed

I was going to purchase the 980h but the thread on here said it fails 2:2 cadence for PAL discs, and using this player for PAL discs is my primary use.

The DV-980H is going to handle PAL better than the DV-970HD. If you are using a scale of 1 to 10, the DV-970HD would be a 1, the DV-981HD would be a 10, and the DV-980H would be a 5. The DV-980H handles well, but not great.

Im finally getting around to emailing Oppo after a busy weekend and while I do the email I am wondering some things.

I sent my original player with the 1080i through components firmware upgrade and recieved a different player with the same upgrade, how can this be? Its going to 1080 as it always has but I didnt install the upgrade on this player. Ive read that you have to press a button on the TV remote to see the displayed image res, but I have NO such button. The player display and screen both say 1080i though.

Also when I switch from 480i to 480p the image of Oppo load screen looks great, 720 looks snowy as my tv doesnt support 720, BUT my 1080i Oppo screen is warped, fish eyed, with the convergence all messed up, the red, blue and orignal colors are distorted. Whats the deal with this? Is there a way to post pics? I took a pic to show you guys.

Im also looking for the site that had instructions on how to install a firmware upgrade but I cant find it, can someone point me the way?

The player could be set to 1080i, but the firmware itself could be a different firmware release.

Additionally, if OPPO knew you were using a hacked firmware, they could apply the same firmware that was previously installed on your player. You can confirm your firmware revision by pressing Eject then the OSD button. Your Batch number is your firmware revision.

Here is the link to the DV-970HD HDCP/Component Hack (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356) thread.

Im not sure if Oppo knew I was using the hacked firmware, I didnt tell them but heres what my OSD shows:

Mver: 05.00.01.07
Batch: 4A-0111

I never saw what this was before I sent the player in so I have no idea of the difference. I also dont see any instructions with the zip, just the 970FMT.exe and when I try to open it, the computer doesnt recognize it. Im basically a dunce when it comes to this so Im stumped at the moment.

I also heard back from oppo and they sent me an attachment and told me:
Please try the attached firmware release. "After completing the firmware installation, Turn Off then On your DVD player.

Does your display accept 1080i through the HDMI interface? If you are using the component interface, are you using the HD component interface?"

It looks like I have to tell them about the firmware as I dont have HDMI, but Im not too sure what the component interface is. Im guessing the attachment is the dropped frame patch.

So do I tell Oppo of the firmware hack or will that void my warranty?

Again this is my problem that I really wish someone could help me on or inform me how to post pics so you guys can see. My DVD player’s picture is warped when on 1080i as opposed to 480p. The entire picture is bowed and warped, movies are unwatchable and I don’t know how to fix it. When I switch to 480p (or 480i) the picture looks perfect. On my old player the 1080i looked great. A few weeks after getting my repaired player I was watching a DVD movie when a power surge hit. The TV image was damaged but a repair man came and fixed it, it looks fine now. However the oppo 1080i image is the only thing left damaged. I addressed this to the repair man and he said it was the player. This could be the reason to my dropped frame rate as the problem really kicked it when this warping occurred. As you can see this is a big problem which is why I continue to mention it. SOrry to bear a heavy load Neuro but all the help is appreicated.

Im not sure if Oppo knew I was using the hacked firmware, I didnt tell them but heres what my OSD shows:

Mver: 05.00.01.07
Batch: 4A-0111

All repaired units ship with the latest Official Firmware release re-installed onto it. Thereby, your unit (replaced or not) with the 4A-0111 Firmware (Official; non-hacked) installed.

I also dont see any instructions with the zip, just the 970FMT.exe and when I try to open it, the computer doesnt recognize it. Im basically a dunce when it comes to this so Im stumped at the moment.

You will download a file called "DV-970HD Firmware Modification Tool 1.2.zip" from the link previously mentioned. You will then use an unraring program like WinRAR to extract the files into a folder. You will then download an *.ISO from OPPO's website or e-mail and use the same unraring program to extract the "935.BIN" file. Load 970FMT.EXE (note the requirements on the previous link) and follow the onscreen prompts.

You will then use a burning program to master the modified "935.BIN" file to a ISO 9660 ONLY Non-Joliet DATA CD. You will then flash your player with this CD.

Im not too sure what the component interface is. Im guessing the attachment is the dropped frame patch.

Component - Green, Blue Red. If you are using these cables, then you have to use the hacking software to allow for component based upconversion. Otherwise, your player will always default to 480p when actually playing back copyrighted DVDs.

Ive tried it on other TVs and it looks fine.

I'm sorry, but your statement logically shows that it is your TELEVISION, NOT your oppo.

I'm looking for a DVD player to pass 480i via hdmi to my Onkyo 875 (uses Reon chip) which will upscale to 1080p to my display. Is this Oppo a good choice?

My main use will be for DVD's and an occasional CD. Probably won't use all the other functionality of this player. Should I buy this or will I get the same video quality from a cheaper player than can transport 480i via HDMI? Thanks.

I would recommend the DV-980H. It improves on the DV-970HD design in every way and is only 20 dollars more expensive.

That, or purchase a refurbished DV-970HD for $119.00.

Thanks for the reply. Do you have to call Oppo for the refurbs? I don't see them listed on the website. My only issue is these are the the far extreme end of what I want to pay. If I go any higher, I will probably go with a hi-def player. I'd rather wait until the format war sorts itself out or combo players come down in price though.

You have to call OPPO for refurbished units. They also sell them on eBay as well if they have stock.

Well, after some consideration, I am going to order the 980. I will use it on my primary display (Sony KDS-60XBR2) and move it to my secondary display (JVC HD-56FH97) in a year or two when I am ready for HDM. Thanks for your input.

Apologies for the duplicate post (also posted in the hacked firmware thread), hope someone can help, thanks...

Hi, since this is an active thread on the 970HD I thought I'd post here. I live in Hong Kong and bought a BBK988 a while ago. Internally it's almost the same as the Oppo 970HD except that the BBK has a DVI output and also a karaoke function with Mic input.

It's still under warranty and I took it to the service centre with a couple of issues:

1. The servo appears to be noisy. Do other owners experience this?
2. When playing DVDs, it can be seen that the playback will appear to pause for a fraction of a second, on a regular basis. This can most easily be seen when the movie is doing a "smooth panning scene" such as the scene in Lord of the Rings I where the boats are travelling past the huge statues. The DVD plays fine in my PC, it's the original DVD not a copy.

Wonder if #2 is a firmware issue - can anyone advise? If so, it apears BBK don't provide firmware updates via the internet. So I can attempt to get updated firmware via the service centre but no guarantee that they will have it either.

No matter whether I can get BBK firmware or not, I know I can use the Oppo 970HD firmware (official or the hacked one from here). However I will lose the function of the remote control. I suppose what I will need to do is:
- extract the existing BBK firmware with MTKTool and find the RC_RemoteTab section to get the codes
- replace the codes in the Oppo firmware
- update the firmware via CD in the usual manner

Anyone can confirm that would be the way to go, and whether the firmware might fix the "pausing" problem, please let me know, thanks.
Graham

I currently purchased the Oppo DV-970 HD from Amazon and I should be receiving it within the next couple of days. One of the reasons I bought it, besides the great reviews, was that it had a USB port and was capable of handling most file types. However, depending on who posts something, and I'm sure something has already been posted since I didn't read all 190+ pages, can the USB drive access a USB flashdrive and play files such as avi. on them? Also, can you hook up an external USB hard drive and play files from that including avi.? Thanks.

I think the 970 looks for FAT32 not NTFS.

Either way, I could not get it to play video from an extern HDD drive (I was looking to create a cheapo version of my TVIX).

It does seem like only having the 1.1 USB could be the problem as well. I was trying to make a movie/music/photo library that would be directly connected the the TV. Hooking my PC right up to the tv is probably the only option. Does anyone know if it would work with the 980HD with the USB 2.0?

I have been able to use HDDs up to FAT32 60GB on the DV-970HD. However, the playback is too slow for DivX and XviD use. MP3 is fine.

The DV-980H will support larger HDDs (I have used up to 120GB) and with much faster playback.

I have never gotten a divx avi to play back without problems on the 970HD via the USB port whether it was on a hard drive or a flash drive. has anyone gotten this to work? it seems like a failed feature.

It works, but playback will be very choppy on the USB/Memory Card interface on the DV-970HD.

It works, but playback will be very choppy on the USB/Memory Card interface on the DV-970HD.

I kept hoping there would be a firmware release to solve this, but so far.. nothing. any hints on improving the buffering issue/ transfer speed?
I wouldn't be adverse to hacks ala the early APEX stuff. hardware or software.

Development for (and indeed manufacturer of) the 970 HD seems to have ceased, so I wouldn't get my hopes up for any more firmware.

I kept hoping there would be a firmware release to solve this, but so far.. nothing. any hints on improving the buffering issue/ transfer speed?

It's an inherent issue with the design of the DV-970HD. The USB/Memory Card interface and buffer is too small for the playback of hi-bitrate media, such as DivX and XviD. Audio and picture files are less intensive, and do not have the same errors associated to their playback.

I've looked everywhere in the instruction manual and setup menu for the DV-970HD for the instructions to set the output resolution on the 970 to a fixed 480i to my Integra 8.8 A/VR. The 8.8's Reon video processor de-interlaces and outputs at 1080p to the monitor.

I think that this can be done with the 970 but can someone tell me how to go about it please? Thanks.

Press Eject then the HDMI button until 480i appears on the front panel or the upper left hand corner of your display.

Is the 980HD capable of handling video from a flashdrive or external hard drive?

It should do a better job than the 970HD because it has a USB 2.0 port vs the the USB 1.1 of the 970. If you check the 980 thread I think you will see that people have had a much better experience playing movies on flash media and HDD using the USB port with the 980HD.

Press Eject then the HDMI button until 480i appears on the front panel or the upper left hand corner of your display.

Thanks for that. :) I really must be getting senile in my older years :o........I finally found the info on page 19 in the owner's manual.

It should do a better job than the 970HD because it has a USB 2.0 port vs the the USB 1.1 of the 970. If you check the 980 thread I think you will see that people have had a much better experience playing movies on flash media and HDD using the USB port with the 980HD.

Except with a computer, you can play the movies from a USB1.1 slot without problems, so the upgrade to USB2.0 alone does not guarantee smooth playback. Oppo would have had to write thier firm ware in a way to specifically enable the transfer rate necessary to get the job done, and the chipset would have to be designed with streaming movies via USB in mind. These are what was lacking in the 970HD, not merely the USB1.1 limitation.

Well I have to say I bought the 980HD and I am very happy with it. I hooked up an external 500GB Hard Drive with an external power source and it works great. So far I only tried running several files such as 1GB .avi files which work. I think they require a 5 second buffer or something. I want to try a 720P 8GB movie file tonight to see how well that works. However, at one point when changing the HDMI display, the sound stopped working on my tv which got me pretty worried. After I unplugged the tv and let it sit for a minute or two i plugged it back in and the sound was back on. Weird.... I wanted a DVD player that could basically be a Media Center with all of my movies, music and pictures and this is definetly a great system.

I have a 970 and I play mostly PAL dvd's.

I recently purchased the Silicon Optix HQV benchmark dvd for pal to test the Oppo connected to a NEC plasma.

When outputting 576i to the NEC I noted that the 2:2 cadence was recognised using the component output but not over the HDMI output? This does not make sense to me.

I know the Oppo does not handle 2:2 pulldown and I am of the understanding that this is only relevant if the de-interlacing is done in the Oppo and therefore I should not be experiencing this anomaly?

Am I maybe missing something with the way the signal is output over component vs HDMI?

I can confirm that the NEC does have the ability to detect 2:2 pulldown.

I will be greatful if someone in the know can help me out with this one.