I'm currently using the Zenith 318 upconverting DVD player and the Benq W500 projector upconverting to 108i. The picture is beautiful but in scenes with fast movement (for instance, dance scenes) I find the figures blur rather badly. As the dancers slow down they come back into focus. I'm wondering what the cause of this is and whether the Oppo can display the figures more smoothly and without going so blurry.
Thanks,
Richard

I should mention that the Benq W500 also upconverts. I'm wondering if some interference is occurring between the two

When I'm watching 4:3 material I set set the 970 to a zoom factor of 1.2. Does that mean 1.2 times the diagonal?

Anybody know much about the conversion from SACD DSD to PCM over HDMI? Just wondering what bit rate the 5.1 signal is.

I have come to the "realization" that sending a DSD signal unconverted over HDMI (something the 980 can do) may not "mean" much....as I am likely to do further processing on the signal in the receiver. That would imply that the signal would be converted to PCM at some point...so I suppose it does not matter if the 970 does the conversion or my Onkyo 905.

Anybody want to chime in on this logic...and either shoot if full or holes...or semi agree.. or whatever?

SACD is 24-bit/88.2Khz and DVD-Audio is 24-bit/48Khz~192Khz.

The Onkyo 905 can take DSD over HDMI. In this case, you may notice a slight difference in performance using the DV-980H with DSD versus PCM.

Neuromancer, which chip(s) in any of the Oppos actually do direct DA conversion for DSD? The Cirrus Logic CS4360 literature (http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS4360.pdf) for example makes no mention of DSD, and mentions an input audio sample rate limit of 200 kHz, which is far below native DSD's megaherz-range SR.

(A separate DSP chip does decoding of DSD, but I'm unclear about what happens to the DSD stream afterwards.)

Neuromancer, which chip(s) in any of the Oppos actually do direct DA conversion for DSD? The Cirrus Logic CS4360 literature (http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS4360.pdf) for example makes no mention of DSD, and mentions an input audio sample rate limit of 200 kHz, which is far below native DSD's megaherz-range SR.

(A separate DSP chip does decoding of DSD, but I'm unclear about what happens to the DSD stream afterwards.)
None of the oppo's do direct DSD DA conversion. It's converted to PCM before the DA converter then sent to the analog outputs.

For the HDMI it's converted to 24bit/88.2 PCM. On the 980H it can the same PCM format OR it's simply sent out bitstream to an external DAC.

OK, that's clear now. I was mainly wondering what the analog outs were being 'sent'.

Seems a strange set of options in the 980H...how many AVRs/downstream devices actually have DACs that can convert a
DSD bitstream directly to analog?? Perhaps maybe some ilink-capable ones, but there I expect the DAC only works with the
ilink input...do some of the HDMI 1.2/3 AVRs have such DACs associated with HDMI input?

I just bought my first hi def tv, the lnt4042. i am disappointed with how dvds look with my phillips p642 progressive scan dvd player. does anyone have this sammy or a similar and have used it with the oppo? does the oppo improve the sd movie quality above and beyond what the sammy does?

Pretty much any DVD player will be better than the Philips DVP642.

krabapple--

The Onkyo 875 and 905 should be able to directly convert DSD signals sent over HDMI.

I am fairly convinced that I would not hear enough difference going the 980 DSD over HDMI route vs. my current solution of PCM from the 970 going over the HDMI. 24 bit /88.2 PCM seems fairly high resolution to me.

Thanks. Looks like both Onkyos use the Burr-Brown PCM1796A DAC, which can accept DSD input.

I agree that 88.2/24 PCM is quite high enough spec for any reasonable listener.

I bought the 970 used, it's coming in the mail this week. Anyway, i've got a brand new 56" Toshiba dlp (1080p). In this gargantuan thread, i've read a few times that this player should be set to 720p. Why? Please educate me.

Officer Steve;

I think the settings are related to your other components. I used to run the unit at 1080i into the monitor. Now I run it at 480i over HDMI into my Onkyo receiver. I let the receiver do the upconversion.

People would recommend using 720p instead of 1080i for several reason, with the primary one being that the most important aspect of DVD player back is de-interlacing. For this reason, you want the DVD player to do the de-interlacing. At 1080i the player will de-interlace, scale, re-interlace at 1080i and then your display will de-interlace again. This can increase visual errors associated to macroblocking, banding, aliasing and interlacing artifacts.

At 720p the DVD player does the de-interlacing and half of the scaling. The resulting image can look a little softer, but the end result should be less error prone.

Question regarding those four aspect ratio choices.
On both Sammy and now Mits DLPs', there were/are only two choices for aspect changes, neither doing a 'zoom', just widening the image. On the Oppo, the same thing. All they do is widen the image, none will zoom it to include height.

So, how can I watch a non-anamorphic DVD (I hope that is what it is called) so as to properly fill the screen (and maintain the correct A/R) in both directions???

Use 480p. Set the DVD player to Wide/Auto. Now use the Zoom controls on your display to remove the bars on the top and bottom as well as the sides.

1. Pressing the HDMI button on the remote doesn't allow any changes. Only 1080i. If I press it agian all I get is that 'zero' with the line thru.
2. Can the resolution using component be changed the same way?
3. Where is this "Wide/Auto" in the menu? Under "TV Display" of the four choices, only one makes any difference. The other three have the same effect.
4. I assume you are talking about the zoom on the player since the TV doesn't have any.

Regarding #4, that did the trick in spite of 1-3. Since I don't use their remote, I didn't program that small 'zoom' button into my universal and forgot it was there.

Ok, my bad here............... :o

Separte question; this movie, Emeny of the Stare has two versions on the DVD listed as aangle one and two (in CloneDVD). Playing the orginal disc when I hit the 'angle' button, nothing happens. This is the 2nd DVD I had that appeared to have 'angles', but didn't

What's up with this or is the 'angle' deal just BS since 99% plus don't seem to have it?

1. Pressing the HDMI button on the remote doesn't allow any changes. Only 1080i. If I press it agian all I get is that 'zero' with the line thru.
You can't change resolutions in the middle of disc playback. Press Eject or Stop then the HDMI button twice.
2. Can the resolution using component be changed the same way?
HDMI and component are controlled by the same HDMI button. 1080i HDMI will be 1080i component (note: component will automatically go to 480p when the disc is CSS-encrypted)
3. Where is this "Wide/Auto" in the menu? Under "TV Display" of the four choices, only one makes any difference. The other three have the same effect.
It could also be labeled as "16:9/Auto". I do not use the DV-970HD anymore, so I forget how it is labeled on that product.
4. I assume you are talking about the zoom on the player since the TV doesn't have any.
All HD displays have an Aspect Ratio/Zoom control. You will use this control to "zoom" the entire picture to remove the bars from the sides and top and bottom. I would not use the DVD player's Zoom controls, as there is a major loss of resolution.

HDMI and component are controlled by the same HDMI button. Poorly named button. :( It could also be labeled as "16:9/Auto". There is no "auto". The four choices are:
1. 4:3 Pan-Scan,
2. 4:3 Letterbox,
3. 16:9 Wide,
4. 16:9 Wide/SQZ.
With just about any disc that I tried to use the control, only one or maybe two out of the four make any difference. The other two or three duplicated one another (as in no difference).All HD displays have an Aspect Ratio/Zoom control.Mits and Samsung do not have a 'zoom' control. All either do is expand (stretch) the image horitzontally. I would not use the DVD player's Zoom controls, as there is a major loss of resolution. I have no choice here. Why would there be a loss using the players zoom vs using a zoom on a TV??

Poorly named button. :(
No, as the main purpose of the player is to upscale through HDMI. Component, due to licensing and copyright issues, was pretty much designed to always revert to 480p.
4. 16:9 Wide/SQZ.
Use this option.
Why would there be a loss using the players zoom vs using a zoom on a TV??
The player is using the Zoom functionality of the decoder, rather than de-interlacing and scaling solution. The decoder will process only one field when zoomed, reducing the resolution by half.

Your display, which is processing the decoded image, does not have the same error associated to it. It will processes the Zoom from a two field progressive scan image. This will result in the higher quality zoomed image.

Component, due to licensing and copyright issues, was pretty much designed to always revert to 480p.I forgot about that as I orginally set the player for 1080i.
That 16:9/SQZ was the one I used since that was the only one that worked correctly. The player is using the Zoom functionality of the decoder, rather than de-interlacing and scaling solution. The decoder will process only one field when zoomed, reducing the resolution by half. One would think from that description that the difference would be very noticeable. I made a few A/B teste, but due the the overly long switching time between modes it is almost impossible to visually remember differences between. If there were, it surely wasn't noticeable which doesn't add up.

I find the visual errors to be very pronounced, but I am also the type of person who notices every visual caveat.

I usually don't miss much either.

Someone else want to chime in here.

Guys: No firmware updates for us (is oppo forgot about us?)

There are some beta firmware releases, but none which have reached public state.

what firmware are most of you using? I'm still running the patched version that allows 1080i over component... but am now using the HDMI cable, so that isn't very important for me these days.... Although if the blu-ray shows up for x-mas, I might have to free up the HDMI for that.... but for now... what firmware seems best/stable/most useability/etc.?

4A-0209 is the best firmware that is available.

How do we deal with playing Multisession DVD's? I have a DVD-Data disc that has Divx content with multisession? Any way to play that?

Plus, Is Oppo planning for a multi(HD-DVD and Blue Ray) type of a product in the near future?

From the 970 Manual: I just relooked at this;
If i have a DVD-A and want to just listen to Music>use : DVD-Audio – Play the DVD-Audio portion of the disc with surround audio
If i have a DVD-A that has a video proformace w/ music use: DVD-Video – Play the DVD-Video portion of the disc with Dolby Digital or DTS audio
In other words i need to change the player settings for these two "styles" correct. I do not watch any DVD V, however, would one setting be better for a DVD Movie- i.e. Star Wars, trotk
db

6. DVD-Audio Mode: To select which portion of a hybrid DVD-Audio disc to playback. The options
are:
• DVD-Audio – Play the DVD-Audio portion of the disc with surround audio
• DVD-Video – Play the DVD-Video portion of the disc with Dolby Digital or DTS audio
7.

Plus, Is Oppo planning for a multi(HD-DVD and Blue Ray) type of a product in the near future?

There have been no rumors of such here. Oppo is planning another SD-DVD player, the 983, in a few months, and that is said to be the last one.

-Bill

I think we should start the "rumor". Oppo is going to create the line of machines we want!

DVD-Audio, SACD over HDMI. All high bitrate audio options from blu-ray and HD DVD over HDMI. Machines available at multiple price points, depending on the desired level of video processing (cheap machines with minimal video processing because they have reons or realta or the like in their receivers, better machines for those who want the processing in the Blu Ray/HD DVD player itself.

The market has spoken!

I think we should start the "rumor". Oppo is going to create the line of machines we want!

DVD-Audio, SACD over HDMI. All high bitrate audio options from blu-ray and HD DVD over HDMI. Machines available at multiple price points, depending on the desired level of video processing (cheap machines with reons or realta or the like in their receivers, better machines for those who want the processing in the Blu Ray/HD DVD player itself.

The market has spoken!

Well, I'm no marketing genius, and know nothing of the thinking at Oppo, but: is any hardware vendor making money on HD-DVD or Blu-Ray yet? I haven't heard that they are. What would a machine like that have to cost to be profitable? All that technology has to be licensed, and it doesn't come cheap.

A benefit Oppo has is they have worked out a direct-to-the-consumer sales channel, cutting out the retail middleman. The players would cost double if they were sold in stores.

I've read here that the 983 will be the last one, the swan song for SD-DVD players. We can guess that something else comes next.

-Bill

From the 970 Manual: I just relooked at this;
If i have a DVD-A and want to just listen to Music>use : DVD-Audio – Play the DVD-Audio portion of the disc with surround audio
If i have a DVD-A that has a video proformace w/ music use: DVD-Video – Play the DVD-Video portion of the disc with Dolby Digital or DTS audio
In other words i need to change the player settings for these two "styles" correct. I do not watch any DVD V, however, would one setting be better for a DVD Movie- i.e. Star Wars, trotk
db


6. DVD-Audio Mode: To select which portion of a hybrid DVD-Audio disc to playback. The options
are:
• DVD-Audio – Play the DVD-Audio portion of the disc with surround audio
• DVD-Video – Play the DVD-Video portion of the disc with Dolby Digital or DTS audio
7.

Any DVD movie that you buy or rent (like Star Wars) is DVD-V only. Your Oppo will recognize that and play accordingly, without the need to switch. The switch is only needed for DVD-A discs. They always include a DVD-V version on the same disc. If you set it the switch to DVD-A it will default to the DVD-A stuff whenever you insert a DVD-A. If set to DVD-V it will default the DVD-V version whenever you insert a DVD-A. There may also be different bonus video and music content on the DVD-A and DVD-V parts of the disc.

How do we deal with playing Multisession DVD's? I have a DVD-Data disc that has Divx content with multisession? Any way to play that?

Plus, Is Oppo planning for a multi(HD-DVD and Blue Ray) type of a product in the near future?

Neuromancer, You may be able to shed some light on my question.

How do we deal with playing Multisession DVD's? I have a DVD-Data disc that has Divx content with multisession? Any way to play that?

Plus, Is Oppo planning for a multi(HD-DVD and Blue Ray) type of a product in the near future?
My understanding is that multisession discs are not supported, in which case the solution would be to transfer all of that content onto a new disc and avoid multisession when burning the new disc. If you find yourself routinely playing short bits of Divx content and don't want to keep burning discs, you might try using the 970HD's USB or memory card input instead.

All the information that I've seen suggests that OPPO is not working on (or at the very least not talking about working on) HD/BD at this point, but common sense suggests that they are at least keeping a close eye on developments in those areas. Either way, unless you have a very loose definition of "near future" I don't think we'll be seeing a OPPO HD-format player soon.

That is right, Multi-Session is not supported. It messes up the reading capabilities of the MTK solution.

I just discovered using the HDMI out of this 970, there is considerable 'false contouring' durning dark scenes. I assume that is the correct term as it shows up as either darker ot lighter 'squares' in shadows and nightime scenes.

I tried a 2nd movie which gave me the same results (Halloween & then The Exorcist).
I then tried those same two movies on another player and TV. Both were good there.
Next, I moved that player (Panasonic RP-56) to my 1st set (Mits 57732). Nothing noticeable.
Next, I connected a set of component cables up to the 970 and compared both outputs. The problem was mostly noticeable with just the HDMI feed, though I thought I saw a very slight hint of it with the component, though I haven't confirmed that yet.

Any ideas here?
Before anyone asks, I haven't tried another HDMI cable yet, though I find it hard to believe that would cause this as I never saw any other type of breakup.

I just discovered using the HDMI out of this 970, there is considerable 'false contouring' durning dark scenes. I assume that is the correct term as it shows up as either darker ot lighter 'squares' in shadows and nightime scenes.

Have you calibrated the display for this player and connection type?

-Bill

Exactly how does "callibrating" a display get rid of digital artifacts as these?? :confused:
Other than dropping the black level down to a point that would 'hide' the problem, how can you 'tweak' this out?

The problem isn't this noticeable. The camera seemed to intensify it somewhat (which is good in this case).

Exactly how does "callibrating" a display get rid of digital artifacts as these?? :confused:
Other than dropping the black level down to a point that would 'hide' the problem, how can you 'tweak' this out?

The problem isn't this noticeable. The camera seemed to intensify it somewhat (which is good in this case).

At least try it. Brief notes on calibration discs here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9889995&&#post9889995

-Bill

With all due respect, I have tweaked TVs' since I was 8 years old though admittedly, a 15" Philco (or whatever it was) doesn't exactly qualify as a studio monitor. Lower end studio monitors I did back in the 80s'. ;)

Your link was interesting though. Regarding the 'green tint' issue I had with a Samsung and now a Mits DLP. I thought it was the TVs', but obviously it isn't. Anyway, all that centers around color for the most part. Again, other than 'hiding' the problem, tweaking the set isn't going to get rid of those 'blocks', just hide it more.

The example I posted, is this false contouring or Macroblocking as this was posted elsewhere to be;
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=45320

The HDCP system used by OPPO is fairly aggressive. For this reason, handshaking errors may occur more often with the DV-970HD and the DV-981HD than your other devices.

One of the other issues with comparing it with your cable box is that HDCP is not always active on the Comcast box.

I know your Post is a little old , but can you elaborate on "fairly aggressive" ?

I'm having a heck of a time getting it to Handshake reliably within my system .

I've got a 970HD @ 480i via HDMI to Pioneer '74 receiver , then HDMI to a DVDO HD+ @ 480i , then DVI @ 720p to my PJ . I also feed a PS3 via HDMI @ 720p to the Pioneer '74 receiver , then same HDMI cable to the HD+ then same DVI to the PJ . The PS3 synchs 100% of the time , the OPPO doesn't synch 100% of the time . What I end up doing is turning off the HDCP in the HD+ , wait for the synch and then re-apply .

I'd leave it off except the PS3 won't synch the picture if I do .

I've tried various scenarios turning on different devices first and second etc. and can't seem to find one that works .

Any advice ?

Scott.........................

This issue is coming up again and again. I did Email Oppo HQ. The told me to just unplug the unit's power cord for 20min. Which i have done a dozen time over the last 6 weeks.

Problem: When i push the eject button on the 970. The tray opens and then closes - right away- no stopping and no time to get the CD - in or out. I have to push the button 3-4-5 time, before in will work normally. Anyone else seen this issue? Latest FW including redoing current FW.

Are you pressing the 'eject' button on the remote or on the front panel?

This issue is coming up again and again. I did Email Oppo HQ. The told me to just unplug the unit's power cord for 20min. Which i have done a dozen time over the last 6 weeks.

Problem: When i push the eject button on the 970. The tray opens and then closes - right away- no stopping and no time to get the CD - in or out. I have to push the button 3-4-5 time, before in will work normally. Anyone else seen this issue? Latest FW including redoing current FW.


The tray is broken...send it back for repairs.

This issue is coming up again and again. I did Email Oppo HQ. The told me to just unplug the unit's power cord for 20min. Which i have done a dozen time over the last 6 weeks.

Have you been telling them that it recalls back in when ejecting? What you are describing is their standard reply when people say their trays will not eject.

If it is closing right away then there is something that is stopping the tray from ejecting. This can be a loose cable or guide rail being bent or broken.

Have them recall the player for repair services.

I made a stupid mistake. I was in my Preference Page and changed my TV Type from NTSC (default) to PAL. Yes, I now understand how incredibly stupid that was. Now of course my tv screen is black, and I can't see the menu to correct my mistake. What should I do? Thank you for your time.:confused:

I made a stupid mistake. I was in my Preference Page and changed my TV Type from NTSC (default) to PAL. Yes, I now understand how incredibly stupid that was. Now of course my tv screen is black, and I can't see the menu to correct my mistake. What should I do? Thank you for your time.:confused:

Use a composite or S-Video cable to hookup to TV.
Then try this:
1.Open the tray.
2.Hit Setup.
3.Left arrow once.
4.Down arrow once.
5.Hit Select.
6.Down arrow once.
7.Hit Select.
8.Hit Setup.
9.Cycle the power.

Good luck...

Thank you so much for your time. That worked perfectly!!!!!!!:)

Let me clarify: The tray works perfectly in and out, Then after a week-1-2 or so or several CD it starts the problematic eject open/close routine. It stands alone on it's own platforum w/ vibration pads. and nothing to interfere with the tray movement. It doesn't happen very often. Oppo is about 40min. from my home- I'll bring it down there in a week or so when i have business in the area.
thanks.


This issue is coming up again and again. I did Email Oppo HQ. The told me to just unplug the unit's power cord for 20min. Which i have done a dozen time over the last 6 weeks.

Problem: When i push the eject button on the 970. The tray opens and then closes - right away- no stopping and no time to get the CD - in or out. I have to push the button 3-4-5 time, before in will work normally. Anyone else seen this issue? Latest FW including redoing current FW.

said this:

CURRENT DEFECTS:
Reduced picture size with 720p/1080i -- this is a well-known issue. It is a Media Tek chip problem and will be addressed in a future firmware update.


So - sorry to bother but I really don't want to comb through 194 pages to find out if it was corrected....so how about it? Does the DV-970HD now render a 16:9 picture on 720p?

This has only been corrected through an internal software solution. The disadvantage of this solution is that you can't take advantage of any of the enhancements of the newer firmware, such as gapless SACD playback.

said this:

CURRENT DEFECTS:
Reduced picture size with 720p/1080i -- this is a well-known issue. It is a Media Tek chip problem and will be addressed in a future firmware update.


So - sorry to bother but I really don't want to comb through 194 pages to find out if it was corrected....so how about it? Does the DV-970HD now render a 16:9 picture on 720p?

Yeah just e-mail oppo support and ask for the "vertical compression firmware",they will send you the ISO to burn on CD.
BTW:as was mentioned you lose SACD gapless playback,video noise reduction and alternative remote codes.

said this:

CURRENT DEFECTS:
Reduced picture size with 720p/1080i -- this is a well-known issue. It is a Media Tek chip problem and will be addressed in a future firmware update.


Any estimates when OPPO will issue the official update to correct this without sacrificing other stuff? My 970 has been working good for about a year now (except for this issue).

Any estimates when OPPO will issue the official update to correct this without sacrificing other stuff? My 970 has been working good for about a year now (except for this issue).


What I've read Oppo is not updating the 970 anymore.
I had the firmware fix but I updated because I bought a universal remote,I set my player's output to 480p and let the TV upscale.

Any estimates when OPPO will issue the official update to correct this without sacrificing other stuff? My 970 has been working good for about a year now (except for this issue).

The update is a hack. The chipset was inherently designed with this flaw. OPPO applied a software hack but were non-too happy with the results. Thereby, they never integrated the "fix" to a more robust firmware.

Likely you will not see an update. The reason for this is that OPPO is small. They can't afford to remove people from their other projects to implement a new firmware revision for this inherent hardware error.

Okey Dokey

From what I can ascertain from this 200 page thread!!!, is that the Oppo 970 with the hack is my *best* choice for an up-converting-over-component DVD player (my 2001 Sony CRT HDTV is pre-HDMI).

Amazon seems to have a couple left in-stock so I ordered one today.:)

I know Oppo is a small company... anyway, left the consumidors without support (aka firmware, updates, etc) is an ugly thing. I imagine Oppo won its fame thanks to products like our ones....

Okey Dokey

From what I can ascertain from this 200 page thread!!!, is that the Oppo 970 with the hack is my *best* choice for an up-converting-over-component DVD player (my 2001 Sony CRT HDTV is pre-HDMI).

Amazon seems to have a couple left in-stock so I ordered one today.:)


Honestly I would buy a 980 for $20 more,it's a better player all around.
In fact I'll sell you my 970 real cheap so I can buy a 980. :)

Honestly I would buy a 980 for $20 more,it's a better player all around.
In fact I'll sell you my 970 real cheap so I can buy a 980. :)

And how is moop supposed to hack the 980HD so he can upscale over component?

You can't.

My point.;)

I had to reset my receiver last night. Afterwards, I was playing with some of the devices. I experimented with settings beyond 480i (my receiver has a reon, so generally I let the receiver do the upscaling and line doubling). Anyway, with higher settings, the picture tuned an ugly pink purple. Any thoughts on what might be going on?

Could be a handshake error. Try changing the Colorspace settings on the player to see if this improves your performance.

Try turning Off your television, receiver, and DVD player. Turn on the display, then receiver, then DVD player and see if the picture resolves correctly.

I know Oppo is a small company... anyway, left the consumidors without support (aka firmware, updates, etc) is an ugly thing. I imagine Oppo won its fame thanks to products like our ones....

Not sure Oppo is a small company, aren't they the US sub of BBK? (one of the biggest consumer electronics companies in China, in fact I think BBK had Arnold (our Gov) as a spokesperson some years ago). I am an Oppo fan but not because they are a little upstart, BBK is a massive entity.

They are privately owned. They work close with BBK for their manufacturing, but in terms of man power, they are very small.

They are privately owned. They work close with BBK for their manufacturing, but in terms of man power, they are very small.

Interesting, I wonder if their status has changed (when I spoke to them years ago they told me they were a wholly owned sub of BBK, this when the 971H first came out).
I have not kept up since then, though I do enjoy my Oppo's and look forward to seeing what the next release brings to the table.

Anyone else having problems with playing backup copies (Made with DVD Xcopy by 321 Studios, which is now extinct). I have the latest firmware from Oppo. The unit just displays "No Disc" and refuses to play ...
I love the PQ on this unit over component.

Hi all;

Just wondering if anybody else has had problems with green lines and screen flashes with using their 970 over HDMI? I am wondering if I am seeing some kind of hdcp artifact? Or possibly a color space error (rgb vs other settings?).

Update: unit is going in to Oppo for service. Probably a power supply board issue.

s&g:

My 970 will not play home made DVD-Audio discs (I had put some audio wav files into DVD audio format using trial versions of a u-lead product).

The same disc plays just fine on a Denon 2900.

Just something about certain home made discs and the 970, I suppose.

I have never tried home-made DVD-Audio discs, so I do not know how compatible they will be with the player.

Green lines and screen flashes is likely a defective cable. If you lower the resolution to 480i or 480p do the same errors occur?

I know your Post is a little old , but can you elaborate on "fairly aggressive" ?

I'm having a heck of a time getting it to Handshake reliably within my system .

I've got a 970HD @ 480i via HDMI to Pioneer '74 receiver , then HDMI to a DVDO HD+ @ 480i , then DVI @ 720p to my PJ . I also feed a PS3 via HDMI @ 720p to the Pioneer '74 receiver , then same HDMI cable to the HD+ then same DVI to the PJ . The PS3 synchs 100% of the time , the OPPO doesn't synch 100% of the time . What I end up doing is turning off the HDCP in the HD+ , wait for the synch and then re-apply .

I'd leave it off except the PS3 won't synch the picture if I do .

I've tried various scenarios turning on different devices first and second etc. and can't seem to find one that works .

Any advice ?

Scott.........................

Anyone...?
Has anyone tried Oppo's 3 x HDMI Switcher ? I wonder if that would help ?

Scott................:confused:

Neuromancer--

I have a spare cable and can try it. 480i works ok with the current cable.

Anyone...?
Has anyone tried Oppo's 3 x HDMI Switcher ? I wonder if that would help ?

I have been using the HM-31 for several months now and have no complaints.

I have a spare cable and can try it. 480i works ok with the current cable.

Likely the cable then. Replace it and see what happens.

I need to be clear on this[ just was looking through th manual; Speaker distances
I can set my 5.1 speaker distance in my Denon 3803- which i have-
so i should set my 970 distance to-0- on all speaker[LCR & S~12' REARS~6&5']. I use the 970's channel trim level and Denon extended In(direct). or match 970 & Denon distance the same?

Yes, i have RS SPL & AVIA, but i was thinking is there a 2 step processing going on here?
For 5.1 analog SACD/DVDA , dB setting are one level and for cable TV dB for each speaker level is a different dB setting.

Many receivers will not apply distance settings or channel trim settings to the multichannel analog inputs, meaning that the player has to handle that instead. If the 3803 is that way, then you would want to have the distance settings set the same in both the player and receiver. The trim settings might also work that way, although I'd probably find a calibration disc and double-check them just to be sure.

I have been using the HM-31 for several months now and have no complaints.

That's nice , but will it address the problems I outlined in my Post ? The original Post was a quote from you to begin with i.e. aggressive HDMI handshaking . I was asking if you or anyone felt that the HM-31 solved those problems with the Oppo DVD Players ?

Scott.................:confused:

Well it's a sad day because the 970 is no longer available except on eBay.
When you click to buy the 970 at www.oppodigital.com it takes you to the 980.

If the 970 is a collector's item then maybe somebody will buy mine for big bucks and I can get a 980 :)

Just want to see the DSD light go on with SACD playback through the Onkyo.

OK guys, need some help.

I just setup my system this weekend. I am running the 970, digital coax out into a Theta Gen 8 preamp dac. I have set the oppo to raw with no other settings.

Playback on regular cds great, but no sound on hybrid sacd. Now i must mention the Gen 8 cannot decode sacd but it should play the hybrids.

Any ideas?

OK guys, need some help.

I just setup my system this weekend. I am running the 970, digital coax out into a Theta Gen 8 preamp dac. I have set the oppo to raw with no other settings.

Playback on regular cds great, but no sound on hybrid sacd. Now i must mention the Gen 8 cannot decode sacd but it should play the hybrids.

Any ideas?
I have almost the same problem except I have the 981 set-up to play the SACD's through the six analog cables. My problem is further complicated with the installation of the latest FW. I believe I did NOT have that problem prior to that FW. OK Neuromancer you are the Oppo guru do you have any answers, please?
Thanks

OK guys, need some help.

I just setup my system this weekend. I am running the 970, digital coax out into a Theta Gen 8 preamp dac. I have set the oppo to raw with no other settings.

Playback on regular cds great, but no sound on hybrid sacd. Now i must mention the Gen 8 cannot decode sacd but it should play the hybrids.

Any ideas?

Make sure you do not have SACD Priority set to Multi-Channel in the settings unless you are using HDMI or 6 channel analog.

OK guys, need some help.

I just setup my system this weekend. I am running the 970, digital coax out into a Theta Gen 8 preamp dac. I have set the oppo to raw with no other settings.

Playback on regular cds great, but no sound on hybrid sacd. Now i must mention the Gen 8 cannot decode sacd but it should play the hybrids.

Any ideas?
The only way that you'll get any signal out of the coaxial or optical outputs with SACD is by setting the SACD priority to CD - at which point, you're not playing an SACD anyway because you are playing the hybrid CD layer. The default for SACD priority is multichannel, so you'll need to open the disc tray (to make sure no disc is active in the player), enter the setup menu, and change SACD priority to CD.

The only way that you'll get any signal out of the coaxial or optical outputs with SACD is by setting the SACD priority to CD - at which point, you're not playing an SACD anyway because you are playing the hybrid CD layer. The default for SACD priority is multichannel, so you'll need to open the disc tray (to make sure no disc is active in the player), enter the setup menu, and change SACD priority to CD.
gonk:
Thanks; I followed your instructions religiously>BINGO:o You get the game ball:D
Again thanks!

The only way that you'll get any signal out of the coaxial or optical outputs with SACD is by setting the SACD priority to CD - at which point, you're not playing an SACD anyway because you are playing the hybrid CD layer. The default for SACD priority is multichannel, so you'll need to open the disc tray (to make sure no disc is active in the player), enter the setup menu, and change SACD priority to CD.

TY sir, works like a charm.......

Hello all

Just purchased the Oppo DV-980H. I am using HDMI to my Panny plasma TV, and want to use the digital co-ax audio output to my Onkyo receiver.

As per the manual, I set Digital output to 'Raw', HDMI Audio to 'LPCM' and Down-mix to 'LT/RT'. However, the audio is always routed to the TV - whether I'm playing DVDs or audio CDs. How do I get the audio sent to my receiver - for
both DVDs and audio CDs? (The receiver is in a 5.1 configuration)

thanks in advance
j.b

If you are using coaxial digital to the Onkyo, you can set the HDMI Audio to "off" - the receiver will use the coaxial cable.

If anybody wants to purchase a 970 unit, let me know. Still has warranty. I am going to purchase a 980 (interested in DSD over HDMI).

If you are using coaxial digital to the Onkyo, you can set the HDMI Audio to "off" - the receiver will use the coaxial cable.
I did try setting the HDMI Audio setting to Off.

This turned off the TV audio, but no output from the Onkyo receiver either. I guess I need to play around with the Onkyo settings now. Any ideas?

thanx
-j.b

I did try setting the HDMI Audio setting to Off.

This turned off the TV audio, but no output from the Onkyo receiver either. I guess I need to play around with the Onkyo settings now. Any ideas?

thanx
-j.b
The HDMI Audio setting does not affect the optical and coaxial digital outputs. If the Onkyo went silent as well, are you sure that you're using the coaxial cable for audio at the Onkyo? The behavior you describe sounds like what would happen if routing HDMI to the receiver and then to the TV.

I did try setting the HDMI Audio setting to Off.

This turned off the TV audio, but no output from the Onkyo receiver either. I guess I need to play around with the Onkyo settings now. Any ideas?

thanx
-j.b

Could it be your running audio coax from the TV to the Onkyo instead of the Oppo to the Onkyo?

Could it be your running audio coax from the TV to the Onkyo instead of the Oppo to the Onkyo?
Joe it could be possible but most TV's use optical instead, I think? The other possibility is the coax NOT assigned properly on the Onkyo receiver to the Oppo. I have a Denon rcvr. connected the same way-coax which is assigned to my 981 Oppo. The TV internal mute is on.

I am sending my 970 in for service to Oppo. So I should be getting back a fully inspected machine or a refurb.

If anybody wants to purchase this unit, let me know. Still has warranty. I am going to purchase a 980 (interested in DSD over HDMI).

What's DSD? What are the benefits of DSD do over HDMI?

DSD is a method for sending the native SACD (hi res audio) stream from the Oppo directly to the receiver. Actually DSD (direct stream digital) is the actual encoding mechanism for SACD audio. The 970 decodes the DSD signal and sends it over HDMI as PCM.

The 980 is on its way. The 970 will soon be on ebay unless anybody here makes a bid! **the 970 has some upscaling over component features as I understand it that are not on the 980 **

New to this forum, and not too savy in the technical field. Recently purchased an OPPO 970 on eBay. In order to enjoy its' up-converting features, is it necessary to burn a copy of the my encrypted DVD's (i.e. store bought DVDs) on my computer, using a DVD burning program? By following this, will the copies I make of my store bought DVD's be "up-converted" to 720P? I am using HDMI connection from the DVD player to my plasma.

New to this forum, and not too savy in the technical field. Recently purchased an OPPO 970 on eBay. In order to enjoy its' up-converting features, is it necessary to burn a copy of the my encrypted DVD's (i.e. store bought DVDs) on my computer, using a DVD burning program? By following this, will the copies I make of my store bought DVD's be "up-converted" to 720P? I am using HDMI connection from the DVD player to my plasma.

That's one way.

Or, you can modify the firmware with this utility: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356

-Bill

wmcclain,

Thanks for the quick response! I'll try burning my DVDs first as my brother-in-law can supply me with DVDs and has a burning program. But I will keep the firmware idea in consideation. Much thanks!

flashing the player with the patched firmware is the preferred way to enable upconversion. Burning a de-CCS'd DVD is a pain...

jeff

So with the patched firmware I can up-convert to say 720p over HDMI? and I can still run my audio & video over the HDMI correct? Anyone have this patched firmware? I would make it myself but only have a Mac at home... thanks!

EDIT found the pre-patched 4A-0111 firmware on the link provided, I will try this tonight :)

You can always upconvert through HDMI at up to 1080i to a HDCP compliant display. You only need to hack the firmware to allow for component based upconversion or HDMI upconversion to a non-HDCP compliant display.

You can always upconvert through HDMI at up to 1080i to a HDCP compliant display. You only need to hack the firmware to allow for component based upconversion or HDMI upconversion to a non-HDCP compliant display.


I have an Sony E2000 I am not sure if the HDMI is HDCP compliant, the oppo shows it is converting to 720p (best for my set) but I guess if i checked the set info on what is coming in that would give me the info I need correct? Ill check when I get home I guess.

If you are connected with HDMI and you hit HDMI on the OPPO remote, and the resolution states 720p, then you are upconverting to 720p.

I have an Sony E2000 I am not sure if the HDMI is HDCP compliant, the oppo shows it is converting to 720p (best for my set) but I guess if i checked the set info on what is coming in that would give me the info I need correct? Ill check when I get home I guess.
The HDMI port is HDCP compliant.

I would like to bring the following issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12330946#post12330946) to the attention of Oppo 970 users. In his posting Dale Adams explains why some videoscalers experience a loss of resolution when using the Oppo's 480i/576i HDMI output. This is a funny bug of the Oppo. If this is also happening to you, please inform Oppo support and ask for a fix!

I would like to bring the following issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12330946#post12330946) to the attention of Oppo 970 users. In his posting Dale Adams explains why some videoscalers experience a loss of resolution when using the Oppo's 480i/576i HDMI output. This is a funny bug of the Oppo. If this is also happening to you, please inform Oppo support and ask for a fix!


Unfortunately Oppo has discontinued the 970 and I doubt we will see a firmware update.

Cycle through the resolutions. I know there was an error with the DV-970HD and some scalers (such as the VP50) with component and resolution loss. Cycling through the resolutions once resolved this issue. Don't know if it applies to HDMI, however.

What I've read Oppo is not updating the 970 anymore.
So much for OPPO's super-duper support. They knowingly were selling a product with a bug, then they gave up because the product is discontinued and the company is small, oh, oh, I am almost crying. This smells like a class action suit.
I had the firmware fix but I updated because I bought a universal remote,I set my player's output to 480p and let the TV upscale.
Right, I did the same, switched to 480p and let my TV do the upscaling. The whole upscaling hoopla of OPPO players is overrated, especially when not talking about Faroudja-equipped models. Seriously, does anyone think that a Mediatek chip can upscale better than a flat-panel TV? Hardly.

Also, I got a Silicon Optix test disk and it turned out, that my Panasonic plasma TV processes 3:2 cadence as good as the OPPO player if not better. It also locks onto static interlaced frame quicker and displays every single line unlike OPPO that takes couple of seconds to lock on.

So all in all I am sort of half-happy with my OPPO 970, I like it for clean DVD playback and for Divx/PAL/multiregion capability, but I could have all or most of these features for one third of the price. I bought the Toshiba HD-A2 player in Wal-Mart for $98. For some reason Toshiba generiously leaves the huge portion of the DVD market to OPPO and the likes by not playing DivX nor PAL nor multiregion DVDs. On another hand if the Toshiba player did all that, I would have thrown the OPPO out. Instead, I use two players. OPPO still lives.

I would like to bring the following issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12330946#post12330946) to the attention of Oppo 970 users. In his posting Dale Adams explains why some videoscalers experience a loss of resolution when using the Oppo's 480i/576i HDMI output. This is a funny bug of the Oppo. If this is also happening to you, please inform Oppo support and ask for a fix!


Hello.

I have a vantage HD video processor and oppo 970hd. Actually and whatever 970hd firmware, I have a big issue in 480i / 576i HDMI (in 480p / 576p / 720p and 1080i there is no issue :eek:)

I have reported this issue to oppo digital but without result.

Regards

:eek::(

So much for OPPO's super-duper support. They knowingly were selling a product with a bug, then they gave up because the product is discontinued and the company is small, oh, oh, I am almost crying. This smells like a class action suit.

Go cry me a river in the Sony NS-75 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=639621). Sony replaced the NS-75 with the NS-77 to plug up the holes which were inherent to that chipset design.

A company does not owe its customers anything. Quid pro quo dictates that they should (no support = no return sales), but there is nothing in the purchasing agreement between the customer and the manufacturer which states that all known and unknown errors need to be addressed before a product is discontinued and no longer supported.

Seriously, does anyone think that a Mediatek chip can upscale better than a flat-panel TV? Hardly.

It can depending on the display. I have used the DV-970HD at 480i, 480p, and 720p on the Panasonic Th-42PX50U and there is a noticeable difference at each resolution, with 720p having less aliasing. However, these differences in quality diminish tremendously as you step away from the display. In this case, sitting 6' or more marginalized the difference in performance of the de-interlacing and scaling characteristics of the player.

Cycle through the resolutions. I know there was an error with the DV-970HD and some scalers (such as the VP50) with component and resolution loss. Cycling through the resolutions once resolved this issue. Don't know if it applies to HDMI, however.Sometimes this works, sometimes it does not work. It seems this has to do with some random initialisation issue. Dale's posting could explain all observed behaviour.

Dale's posting is conjecture on how the 480i is transported. Neither ABT or OPPO knows exactly how the MTK solution is transporting (doubling or scaling) 480i.

I did set my HDMI Audio to OFF on the Oppo and output to RAW

I tried both coax and optical cables from the Oppo digital out to the Onkyo.
No luck, the Onkyo's still silent.

I've done the assignments - DVD to Coax (and later DVD to optical), but no
luck.

The Onkyo's a TX-SR500.

btw, if I connect using analog cable from the Oppo to the Onkyo's analog (L/R) inputs, I get sound off the Onkyo. I can use the Onkyo's Dolby capabilities to generate 5.1 output, but am I getting the whole quality out
of the DVD in this case?

thanx
-jb

Dale's posting is conjecture on how the 480i is transported. Neither ABT or OPPO knows exactly how the MTK solution is transporting (doubling or scaling) 480i.OK, but Dale's latest explaination (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12353908#post12353908) sounds pretty convincing to me. I asked Oppo on their position on this issue. Normally Oppo is very quick to reply but this time the response is delayed. It is -of course- very well possible other Oppo -or even other MTK- players have the same issue.

I did set my HDMI Audio to OFF on the Oppo and output to RAW

I tried both coax and optical cables from the Oppo digital out to the Onkyo.
No luck, the Onkyo's still silent.

I've done the assignments - DVD to Coax (and later DVD to optical), but no
luck.

The Onkyo's a TX-SR500.

btw, if I connect using analog cable from the Oppo to the Onkyo's analog (L/R) inputs, I get sound off the Onkyo. I can use the Onkyo's Dolby capabilities to generate 5.1 output, but am I getting the whole quality out
of the DVD in this case?

thanx
-jb

I do remember having to power off and then on my RCA AV after changing assignments for the changes to take affect. Might give that a shot.

I did set my HDMI Audio to OFF on the Oppo and output to RAW

I tried both coax and optical cables from the Oppo digital out to the Onkyo.
No luck, the Onkyo's still silent.

I've done the assignments - DVD to Coax (and later DVD to optical), but no
luck.
Do you have any other sources connected via a coaxial or optical cable? If so, you could hook the 970HD up to that source's input on the Onkyo and change to the appropriate input. If you get sound in that case, it would confirm that the 970HD is working properly. If you didn't get sound in that case, it would suggest a problem with the 970HD itself. You could also reverse that by connecting some other device to the same digital input that you have the DVD source set up for (in place of the 970HD) and see if that works.

Also, there is a setting mentioned on page 28 of the SR500's manual for an Audio Selector control that offers "analog", "multich", or "auto" - it appears that this needs to be set to "auto" for a digital input to work.

btw, if I connect using analog cable from the Oppo to the Onkyo's analog (L/R) inputs, I get sound off the Onkyo. I can use the Onkyo's Dolby capabilities to generate 5.1 output, but am I getting the whole quality out of the DVD in this case?
You are not getting the optical audio output with the left and right analog audio connections.

OK, but Dale's latest explaination (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12353908#post12353908) sounds pretty convincing to me. I asked Oppo on their position on this issue.

It is convincing. But the problem is he is assuming that the MTK is doing a scaling rather than a doubling. If both OPPO and ABT can't say "yes, it is definitely doing that" then is is conjecture.

What I am saying is that officially, none of the parties have confirmed the error.

Normally Oppo is very quick to reply but this time the response is delayed. It is -of course- very well possible other Oppo -or even other MTK- players have the same issue.

If they do not know what is causing the error, they can't give you a definite answer. Your delay in communication is either due to the Support sending the e-mail to Tech for a response, or was lost somewhere in the ether. If Tech can't give a good answer, Support can't either. In these cases, you usually get the "we have contacted our technical engineers to investigate the error" type of responses.

But the problem is he is assuming that the MTK is doing a scaling rather than a doubling. If both OPPO and ABT can't say "yes, it is definitely doing that" then is is conjecture.Oh nonsense. If all the hard data (and it is hard data) points to a single conclusion then why call that 'assumption' or 'speculation'? And, by the way, I'm not assuming that MTK is doing anything. (Although I agree with you that it's most likely the MTK chip doing it.) What I'm saying is that somewhere inside the Oppo 970, the interlaced SD HDMI output is created not by double-clocking the original 720 pixel/line image data as the EIA/CEA-861 spec requires, but rather by horizontally scaling that to 1440 unique pixels/line. That's an obvious conclusion if you look at the data and know anything about scaling and what a double-clocked signal looks like. If you were using a DVD with a PLUGE pattern and weren't seeing blacker than black data coming out of the player's HDMI port (after directly capturing and examining the digital data from the player) would you call it speculation that the player was somehow clipping or suppressing signals lower than black?

What I am saying is that officially, none of the parties have confirmed the error.I certainly can't argue with you there. I wouldn't include ABT in the list of 'parties' though. They have nothing to do with what the Oppo 970 does internally. You need Oppo or Mediatek to comment.

- Dale Adams

For what its worth, I have a post on the Onkyo 905 forum related to firmware issues. The only stable release for the 905/970 pair for me is MVer: 05.00.01.07 Batch: 3A-0916, 3A-0919
Release Date: September 22, 2006 .

Normally Oppo is very quick to reply but this time the response is delayed.FYI: Oppo's response was not delayed. The delay was entirely my error due to an email address blunder. Sorry!

In their reply Oppo acknowledges the issue, are working with ABT, but as yet do not acknowledge the interpretation of Dale's hard data wich point to 720 to 1440 horizontal scaling.

Oh nonsense.

All I am saying is that you shouldn't "count your chickens until they hatch." I have no technical expertise to rebut or confirm your findings. My entire post, as stated several times already, is to state that OFFICIALLY none of the parties involved (ABT, OPPO - and by extension MTK) can tell you what the cause of the error is. Without an OFFICIAL response, it is speculation. Concrete speculation, but speculation non-the-less.

You are asking OPPO to buck the responsibility for something that they can't concretely isolate.

I certainly can't argue with you there. I wouldn't include ABT in the list of 'parties' though. They have nothing to do with what the Oppo 970 does internally. You need Oppo or Mediatek to comment.

ABT becomes one of the parties because:
a) they are a scaling solution provider which could benefit from properly flagging this error and correcting it (note: the VP50Pro does not have this error)

b) they have been a long time OPPO partner and have bundled the DV-970HD with their products for the past year and a half. It is in their interest to help OPPO fix this error.

c) they are a third party which can verify the problem and proposed solutions.

I trust in OPPO DIGITAL to fix the 480i/576i issue.

Regards

All I am saying is that you shouldn't "count your chickens until they hatch." I have no technical expertise to rebut or confirm your findings. My entire post, as stated several times already, is to state that OFFICIALLY none of the parties involved (ABT, OPPO - and by extension MTK) can tell you what the cause of the error is. Without an OFFICIAL response, it is speculation. Concrete speculation, but speculation non-the-less.Sounds like we have an issue of semantics, then. I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

(note: the VP50Pro does not have this error)Not so. You can duplicate the same problem with the VP50Pro. The Pro has the ability to select either the even or odd pixel, and selects the even pixel by default. This is controlled by a simple reprogramming of a single register bit. If you select the even pixels then the image is correct. If you select the odd pixels then you get exactly the same problem you randomly see on the VP50 and VP30. The only difference is that it's deterministic in the Pro as to which set of pixels you get.

And it's not really an error on ABT's part, although it is an unintentional bug which makes the real problem visible. The EIA/CEA-861 spec says the the pixel data is double-clocked. It does not specify whether the receiver should select the even or odd pixel, which makes perfect sense because they're supposed to be identical.

- Dale Adams

Not so. You can duplicate the same problem with the VP50Pro. The Pro has the ability to select either the even or odd pixel, and selects the even pixel by default.

Sorry I did not elaborate on this contention. This comment was directly related to why ABT can be a partner for OPPO in resolving this, as they can easily resolve the issue through firmware if they deemed it so.

they can easily resolve the issue through firmware Now that's speculation. :D

- Dale Adams

It is. And you have a PM.

Interesting reading the last posts and glad to see that Oppo are doing something.

I haven't experienced any resolution loss/problems with 480/576i via HDMI myself, using hacked firmware i created with the patcher, on the last released, though to be honest i haven't used the Oppo a lot.

This is a bit off-subject, so please forgive me, but this board and it's postings have been very helpful in building a great a/v system for me.

Has anyone tried one of these?

http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/ATLONA-HDMI-TO-DVI-DIGITAL-AUDIO-CONVERTER-p-17065.html

I'd like to send the HDMI output from my Oppo 970 (including SACD and DVD-A) via PCM (2 channel) to my PS Audio DLIII dac. This seems like the best way to separate the digital audio from the video.

I'm currently using the Coax straight out of the Oppo 970 to the PS Audio dac, but I can't do that with SACD or DVD-audio. I'm hoping that since the 970 can convert both to PCM and send them over HDMI to an HDMI processor, that this converter may allow me to send the PCM to my dac.

What do you think?

I recently posted that I needed assistance with uploading the firmware patch for the OPPO 970 onto the DVD. Well, I was able to upload it successfully (through everyone's help here and through downloading firmware and instructions from OPPO's site). This is probably a dumb comment, however, I hate to say that I don't notice much of a difference watching my store bought DVD's in 480P or 720P/1080i?

I recently posted that I needed assistance with uploading the firmware patch for the OPPO 970 onto the DVD. Well, I was able to upload it successfully (through everyone's help here and through downloading firmware and instructions from OPPO's site). This is probably a dumb comment, however, I hate to say that I don't notice much of a difference watching my store bought DVD's in 480P or 720P/1080i?

Stop the DVD player, press the HDMI button until it shows 720p or 1080i, press Play and you'll see a difference.

And for anyone else, I have instructions in my .sig for uploading the firmware, and how to patch the latest firmware.

I hate to say that I don't notice much of a difference watching my store bought DVD's in 480P or 720P/1080i?

Differences are subtle. It depends on how well your display scales the DVD image vs having the player do it. They do the same thing, but probably slightly differently.

-Bill

That makes sense (re: TV's ability to upscale itself vs. DVD player doing the job). The firmware that is available above will upconvert copy-protected material via component connection. Since I am running my HDMI cable (supplied by OPPO) directly to the TV and not component cables, the up-converting should be complete no? Thanks again guys! Learning something all the time.

That makes sense (re: TV's ability to upscale itself vs. DVD player doing the job). The firmware that is available above will upconvert copy-protected material via component connection. Since I am running my HDMI cable (supplied by OPPO) directly to the TV and not component cables, the up-converting should be complete no? Thanks again guys! Learning something all the time.

Right. If you are using HDMI you don't need the hacked firmware. The official firmware gives you the choice of 480i, 480p (NTSC), 720p and 1080i over HDMI. Try them all and see which you like the best.

For best results, use a calibration disc. Brief comments here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9889995&&#post9889995

-Bill

Perfect! Thanks for the quick response Bill. I do have DVE that I used for my TV settings.

Hello can someone tell me if I did this right. I downloaded the 613AMOD from the oppo site and extracted files to a folder on my desktop. I then opened up DVD Decrypter and selected the 613AMOD.iso file and set mode to iso write then clicked on file/write and burned a disk with a 935.bin file on it. I also tried Nero express burn image or saved project and got the same 935.bin. My 970 comes in tomorrow will this disk with the 935.bin work?

Yes, this should work on your player.

Hello can someone tell me if I did this right. I downloaded the 613AMOD from the oppo site and extracted files to a folder on my desktop. I then opened up DVD Decrypter and selected the 613AMOD.iso file and set mode to iso write then clicked on file/write and burned a disk with a 935.bin file on it. I also tried Nero express burn image or saved project and got the same 935.bin. My 970 comes in tomorrow will this disk with the 935.bin work?

don't bother with the 613AMOD.iso. Crometus' 970MFT tool patches the latest firmware. more info here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356).

Quick question for the Oppo experts here. Just got my first LCD flat panel display. I can't get the Oppo to go to 1080P? My set supports 1080P. Just curious if I'm doing something wrong or if 1080i is all I can get? I'd also like to know what is the "best" upsale resolution to set it to? It seems like the picture is actually better at 720P then 1080i. I haven't calibrated the set yet. I just pulled it out of the box and as it was set from the factory it seems pretty good. The set is a Vizio VW47LF.

Thanks,

Bill

Quick question for the Oppo experts here. Just got my first LCD flat panel display. I can't get the Oppo to go to 1080P? My set supports 1080P. Just curious if I'm doing something wrong or if 1080i is all I can get? I'd also like to know what is the "best" upsale resolution to set it to? It seems like the picture is actually better at 720P then 1080i. I haven't calibrated the set yet. I just pulled it out of the box and as it was set from the factory it seems pretty good. The set is a Vizio VW47LF.

Thanks,

Bill

The 970 and 971 do not have 1080p. The 980 and 981 do.

When I was using a 971, I liked 720p better than 1080i also. Partly it depends on how well your display handles those resolutions; it varies.

-Bill

Hello,

I am the proud owner of the DV-970 HD and I am using in conjunction with a Pioneer (PDP-507CMX) commercial display. The video processor card in the display is the Key digital (KD-PC2) card which is a higher end processor card capable of processing video signals at 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. I am also using the Onkyo 805 receiver as my HDMI switcher so the only thing that is actually connected to the TV is the Onkyo receiver via the video output HDMI output slot.

My question is what resolution should I set the OPPO DV-970 at 480i,480p,720p or 1080i. I have it currently set at 480i which is by my understanding Native resolution of a DVD so a pure unprocessed signal is passed through so my Key Digital card can process the signal.

I am not sure if this is correct, can you please give me your thoughts. Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Richard

Set it to 480p.

Set it to 480p.
Lamet,

I am a newbie to all of this so I was hoping you could explain the benefit of setting the OPPO player to 480p vs 480i. If set it to 480i the player would pass the signal in its native form and then my Key Digital card would do the rest.

Is there an added benefit of having the signal set to 480p?

Thanks for the help.

Anyone know of a place where I can still get a new 970? Amazon has refurbs but I was hoping to find a new one for my father-in-law for Christmas. I've had mine since May and I love it.

Thanks.

Since it's been replaced by the 980H, I don't think that there are any more new ones at this point. You could give OPPO a call and ask them, though.

Lamet,

I am a newbie to all of this so I was hoping you could explain the benefit of setting the OPPO player to 480p vs 480i. If set it to 480i the player would pass the signal in its native form and then my Key Digital card would do the rest.

Is there an added benefit of having the signal set to 480p?

Thanks for the help.


I would think the only reason to set it to 480p would be if the Oppo's deinterlacing is better than the Key Digital card's. I don't know if that's true, maybe lament knows something we don't?

I think refurbs and used are what you'll find. My unit it at oppo right now, and the odds are I'll be getting a refurb back. Then the unit is off to ebay, as I have replaced it with a 980 (I like seeing the three letters OSD come up on the display with SACD material).

I would think the only reason to set it to 480p would be if the Oppo's deinterlacing is better than the Key Digital card's. I don't know if that's true, maybe lament knows something we don't?
that's what I was thinking. You'd have to compare the two and decide which does a better job upconverting.

I still need to compare how well my HD-A3 upconverts compared to my 970.

Anyone know of a place where I can still get a new 970?

Call OPPO. They sometimes have DV-970HD Refurbished units which they can sell as a phone order.

Anyone know of a place where I can still get a new 970? Amazon has refurbs but I was hoping to find a new one for my father-in-law for Christmas. I've had mine since May and I love it.

Thanks.

How did your search work out?

Hey guys. I am using the 970 and was wondering if a firmware upgrade is necessary. I connect via HDMI but I had an issue with a DVD I burned using ImgBrn. ImgBrn verified the disc and I watched it on my computer using AVS DVD player with no issues but when I watch the movie on my OPPO 970 it starts to freeze up around the last chapter.

Current Firmware version: 05.00.01.07 Batch:3A-0919

Hey guys. I am using the 970 and was wondering if a firmware upgrade is necessary. I connect via HDMI but I had an issue with a DVD I burned using ImgBrn. ImgBrn verified the disc and I watched it on my computer using AVS DVD player with no issues but when I watch the movie on my OPPO 970 it starts to freeze up around the last chapter.

Current Firmware version: 05.00.01.07 Batch:3A-0919
The latest firmware fixes SACD issues only. The version you have is fine. It might be how you burned the DVD. Maybe try Nero?

The latest firmware fixes SACD issues only. The version you have is fine. It might be how you burned the DVD. Maybe try Nero?
No Nero...

No Nero...
You could download the trial just to see if it was ImgBurn that was not burning correctly.

You could download the trial just to see if it was ImgBurn that was not burning correctly.
Downloading Nero 8 Trial now...

Also, I was using cheap DVD+R so I switched to a high class DVD-R and will post back with the results. I think its the media...

Has anyone had any problem to control OPPO DV-970HD DVD player HDMI-connected to Onkyo 605 using Onkyo remote control? I've used code 1224 (the only provided in the Onkyo Manual) and have been able to switch ON/OFF the player but no other functions. Any suggestions?
Thanks

One suggestion would be to use the "ALT RC code" function added in the newest beta firmware (available here (https://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-4a-0209.html)), turn that function on in the 970HD's menu, and then use one of the generic DVD player codes (I'd start with Toshiba codes) to control it.

Hi Oppo experts,

Please advise me how I can check which firmware version is installed in my Oppo 970?
Thanks a lot for your help.

Press Eject.
Press OSD.

Your Batch number is the firmware version.

Press Eject.
Press OSD.

Your Batch number is the firmware version.

I bought a new 970 direct from Oppo a little over a year ago and just looked at my firmware number for the first time:

1A-0526

Is that pretty old? I use HDMI input and listen to sound with my LCD TV's stereo speakers (and occassionally with my 5.1 Audio receiver via an optical connector). I do not use it for anything other that watching upverted DVDs once or twice a month.

Would updating it to 4A-0111 provide any improvments in my situation? My only complaint is the unit's tray open button is slow to respond and there may be a bit more black bars at the top and bottom of my HD WS LCD screen for some formats than my other DVD player ...... they don't list my current version on Oppo's website, so I can't determine the improvement history timeline.

Thanks

I would update. What you have is pretty much the original firmware release.

Downloading Nero 8 Trial now...

Also, I was using cheap DVD+R so I switched to a high class DVD-R and will post back with the results. I think its the media...
It was the media...

Press Eject.
Press OSD.

Your Batch number is the firmware version.

Thanks, but when I perform this simple 2-steps operations nothing happens: tray is out, on Oppo display "OPEN", on TV (HDMI-connected through Onkyo 605) blue screen with OPPO logo.

Thanks, but when I perform this simple 2-steps operations nothing happens: tray is out, on Oppo display "OPEN", on TV (HDMI-connected through Onkyo 605) blue screen with OPPO logo.
Weird, works fine for me...

Thanks, but when I perform this simple 2-steps operations nothing happens: tray is out, on Oppo display "OPEN", on TV (HDMI-connected through Onkyo 605) blue screen with OPPO logo.

Are you pressing the OSD button located on the remote control (in the lower left hand corner) as step 2?

Are you pressing the OSD button located on the remote control (in the lower left hand corner) as step 2?

Sure, I can't see any OSD button on the player and only one on the remote. I've tried to press those 2 button one by one then simultaneously with the same weird result.:mad:

Anyone know where I can pick up a new/used DV-970? Been looking and I am not having any luck.

Thanks

Anyone know where I can pick up a new/used DV-970? Been looking and I am not having any luck.

ThanksEbay:D
Seriously Ebay has six of them!

Ebay:D

I don't see any at ebay. [Woops. It depends on how you search; there are quite a few].

There is one in the AVSForum classifieds:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=685

-Bill

Grabed one from ebay. Wish I would have seen the classified ad before I pulled the trigger on Ebay. Thanks for the help.

Anyone know where I can pick up a new/used DV-970? Been looking and I am not having any luck.

Thanks

I've got a 970 that I bought new over a year ago and just updated successfully the latest Firmware from the very original version that first released. It works faster now with the power on and eject buttons.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and suggestions.

BTW, I noticed that a lot of people are looking for new or used 970's ... why is that? Is the new Oppo replacement Model 980H worse or better?

Thanks again!

BTW, I noticed that a lot of people are looking for new or used 970's ... why is that? Is the new Oppo replacement Model 980H worse or better?

Thanks again!


Because the 970 is the only DVD player(when hacked) that can upscale pressed DVD's over component.
BTW:to the poster that wants to update their 970,you have to use a CD-R not a DVD-R.

Because the 970 is the only DVD player(when hacked) that can upscale pressed DVD's over component.
BTW:to the poster that wants to update their 970,you have to use a CD-R not a DVD-R.

Thanks .... Right now I use my LCD TV's single HDMI input for my Oppo and the TV's Component input for my cable company's HDTV DVR. However my cable company just swapped my older DVR with a new unit that "officially" supports HDMI.

Although I personally can not tell any difference in PQ between my cable DVR when input via HDMI or Component on my little 32" LCD TV, I still may switch inputs to put my Oppo 970 to Component and put my cable on HDMI since I use my DVR much more than my 970 Oppo.

Can I assume the 970 Oppo hack is a "modified" FW (that I can find by doing a simple search on the forum here)?

Thanks again!

The 970 is the only silver Oppo player w/ HDMI.
The 970 build quality seems higher than the 980.
It's a little cheaper and the 980 sound quality improvements should be inconsequential over HDMI. The 980 USB upgrade is not considered a big deal.
People are looking for used deals on th 970.
The 970 has no macroblocking.

The 970 needs it's firmware updated Feb 2007. I don't like Beta firmware, but the guest room I have the 970 would be nice w/ the remote codes updated.

Thanks Oppo.

The 970 has no macroblocking.

Could you please expand on what "no macroblocking" means as compared to the 980?

Also, what is it about the remote codes that you'd prefer updated?

Thanks for the help.

It was in comparison to the 981 not the 980.
W/ the firmware update you can take regular remote and put in codes for Toshiba, Zenith and NEC, b/c most of these companies do not have Oppo in their preset codes.

It's a great addition that I can't think of many companies doing, but it's still stuck in the beta firmware of the 970.

Also, they were kind of sloppy on the 981 firmware that is current. The setup menu (bottom right) looks like a 4 year old did it MS Paint, but thats simply aesthetics.

The 970 has no macroblocking.

Okay thanks, but I am still unclear about what is meant by the above quote?

"The 970 has no macroblocking"

I appologize if my question is somewhat stupid .... I'm not too technical.

Okay thanks, but I am still unclear about what is meant by the above quote?

"The 970 has no macroblocking"

I appologize if my question is somewhat stupid .... I'm not too technical.

Macroblocking is an mpeg2 compression artifact. It's mastered into the disc. Some player chip sets enhance the artifact on certain types of displays, making it more visible. It is often reported with Faroudja-chip players like the 971 and 981 on DLP and plasma displays. Much less common on LCD. The 970 and 980 use different chips and do not have the macroblocking issue.

The 980 is an upgrade of the 970. It adds 1080p, USB 2.0, and fixes a vertical compression error.

On the other hand, you lose the ability to hack the firmware to allow upconverting of copy protected discs over component. And the case is a different color.

-Bill

Bill ... Thank you very much for the clear and concise help regarding macroblocking, etc .... George

Can anyone direct me to the latest firmware spot for the 970. Is this the firmware that will up convert over component for me or is the firmware just cleaning out the bugs.

Thaknks

C1

Can anyone direct me to the latest firmware spot for the 970. Is this the firmware that will up convert over component for me or is the firmware just cleaning out the bugs.

Thaknks

C1

Official firmware here: http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd_support.html

This does not allow upcoversion of copy-protected discs over component. For that you need the utility described here: http://www.lament.us/oppo/ and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356

-Bill

Thanks for the help.


C1

Can anyone direct me to the latest firmware spot for the 970. Is this the firmware that will up convert over component for me or is the firmware just cleaning out the bugs.

Thaknks

C1

Or, even easier, see message 135 of 05/29/07 at:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356&page=5

Or, even easier, see message 135 of 05/29/07 at:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356&page=5

not to be any more pedantic, but there's a direct box.net link to the tool in Crometus' thread (linked from my .sig) so you don't have to go through all the rapidshare crap.

It turned out that the main board on my 970 had gone bad...which had caused all of the green flashing problems that I was experiencing. It was not the hdmi cables.

All of the plugging and unplugging the 970 while I tried to figure out the problem (and then plugging and unplugging the 980 that I was experimenting with) may have contributed to the fact that two of the four hdmi ports on my receiver are now dead.

So it looks like the receiver is now off to the shop...boo hoo.

What really surprised me is that the repaired 970 was much more reliable with my receiver than the 980...go figure. So the 980 went back to Oppo.

I really could not hear the difference between the DSD output from the 980 (as decoded by the receiver) versus the PCM outputs at 88 khz from SACD and 96 khz from DVD audio using the 970 (with the HDMI set at 1080i).

I did confirm that at lower hdmi resolution settings the PCM output is reduced to 48 khz with DVD audio (did not check SACD but assume it would go to 44 khz).

The newly repaired 970 puts out a gorgeous picture.

Okay, I received my 970 and before I install the firmware I want to know what version is currently loaded. Does it have to be hooked up to the TV or can I get it on the screen of the player, or should I even care as I am going to flash it anyway!

Thanks


C1

You need to connect the DVD player to a display. You will then press Eject then press OSD. Your Version number is your firmware revision number.

I will do that then. Thanks. I did find the directions for the 613A mod an it spells it all out there for me also.

Thanks again

C1

Over the weekend I watched Pirates of the Caribbean III on this machine. Set it to 480i over HDMI, and let the Reon processor in the receiver do the upscaling. Overall this was a great picture and sound. However, from time to time I noticed a slight jerkiness in the picture. Do you think this was from the DVD mastering itself; or something introduced by either the 970 or the receiver? Sound was continuous.

Over the weekend I watched Pirates of the Caribbean III on this machine. Set it to 480i over HDMI, and let the Reon processor in the receiver do the upscaling. Overall this was a great picture and sound. However, from time to time I noticed a slight jerkiness in the picture. Do you think this was from the DVD mastering itself; or something introduced by either the 970 or the receiver? Sound was continuous.

This sounds more like a hardware issue.

Hi all,

Is it worth it to purchase a used DV-971H for $50 or stick with the Sony NS77?

Is the faroudja chip a big improvement over the Sony for upconverting?

I have the Bravia 40S3000 and only can do 720p/1080i

Hi all,

Is it worth it to purchase a used DV-971H for $50 or stick with the Sony NS77?

Is the faroudja chip a big improvement over the Sony for upconverting?

I have the Bravia 40S3000 and only can do 720p/1080i
Oppo 971H thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=491306&highlight=971). :)

I recently bought a Samsung LN-T3242H TV right after Christmas with a October build date. My HDMI cables from Mono Price just arrived and I hooked up my Oppo 970HD DVD Player via HDMI directly to the TV from the DVD Player. I have unfortunately noticed that many movies don't output any sound to the TV, particularly any older movies that have mono audio tracks. Rebecca Criterion & Silip Daughters of Eve had no sound all the way through, but would through my receiver via optical/digital coax. I can pop in other movies with Dolby & DTS and the audio will come through on the TV. Can anyone help me with this, or have any of you experienced something similar? I've never had the player hooked up via HDMI before, and never had any sound issues when it was connected to my old CRT.

I recently bought a Samsung LN-T3242H TV right after Christmas with a October build date. My HDMI cables from Mono Price just arrived and I hooked up my Oppo 970HD DVD Player via HDMI directly to the TV from the DVD Player. I have unfortunately noticed that many movies don't output any sound to the TV, particularly any older movies that have mono audio tracks. Rebecca Criterion & Silip Daughters of Eve had no sound all the way through, but would through my receiver via optical/digital coax. I can pop in other movies with Dolby & DTS and the audio will come through on the TV. Can anyone help me with this, or have any of you experienced something similar? I've never had the player hooked up via HDMI before, and never had any sound issues when it was connected to my old CRT.Sorry I don't have any direct experience to share other than to strongly recommend you call Oppo tech support. This sounds (no pun intended) like an issue they either should have seen before or be able to get you an answer quickly.

I recently bought a Samsung LN-T3242H TV right after Christmas with a October build date. My HDMI cables from Mono Price just arrived and I hooked up my Oppo 970HD DVD Player via HDMI directly to the TV from the DVD Player. I have unfortunately noticed that many movies don't output any sound to the TV, particularly any older movies that have mono audio tracks. Rebecca Criterion & Silip Daughters of Eve had no sound all the way through, but would through my receiver via optical/digital coax. I can pop in other movies with Dolby & DTS and the audio will come through on the TV. Can anyone help me with this, or have any of you experienced something similar? I've never had the player hooked up via HDMI before, and never had any sound issues when it was connected to my old CRT.

I had a similar issue using HDMI to my Plasma panel.. I found that in the audio setup that HDMI audio had to be set to "Auto" or "On" in the audio setup page. Also the downmix should be "stereo" as well. I hope this helps.

Does anyone know where I can find a Oppo 970 player for sale? Also is it easy to hack for upscale over component? And if this is considered taboo forgive my ignorance.

You may find it used on eBay or Craig's List.

You can find information about hacking the firmware at DV-970HD Upconversion Patch (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356) thread.

You may find it used on eBay or Craig's List.

You can find information about hacking the firmware at DV-970HD Upconversion Patch (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=832356) thread.


Thanks, is there much difference between the 970 and the 971? Seems to be more 971's around.

flap--

as I understand it, if you want to upscale over component, the 970 is your baby.

OPDV971H does not support component based upconversion. It does support upconversion through DVI (non-HDCP), however.

Depending on your preference, the OPDV971H is a better solution do to higher end de-interlacing and scaling. However, this processing will appear to soften your image.

Yesterday I emailed Oppo and asked about the firmware status for the 970HD. Here is their response:

"There have been several firmware designed as Official releases for the DV-970HD, but several bugs have pushes these back to beta only. Right now we are working on fixing a 480i bug. Once this is fixed, a final Official firmware will be released."

It is great news that they are still working on another release. I feared that firmware support for the 970 had already been stopped.

...I feared that firmware support for the 970 had already been stopped.
It seems that Oppo is one company that will commit resources to further all their products, not just those that are current. Great customer service!

It seems that Oppo is one company that will commit resources to further all their products, not just those that are current. Great customer service!

Yes, oppo digital has a very, very good customer service.

I trust in oppo digital :)

regards

I had a similar issue using HDMI to my Plasma panel.. I found that in the audio setup that HDMI audio had to be set to "Auto" or "On" in the audio setup page. Also the downmix should be "stereo" as well. I hope this helps.

Exactly the solution I needed. Thanks alot I appreciate it.


Also its good to hear Oppo is still working on firmware for this terrific DVD Player.

Does anyone know what the remote code is for the Oppo 970? I'm trying to program a Sony receiver remote to handle everything, and Oppo isn't listed in their manual.
Thanks.

I have a 970 with the mod to allow upscaling over component. I am using the 1080i resolution. I haven't used this player much so I can't narrow down a pattern yet, but when I turn the player on using the on button from the remote or the player itself, I get no image. Just a blank screen. It's like it loses sync. If hit the 'HDMI' button, which obviously switches to the next resolution, the image comes back. If I turn the player on by hitting 'play' on the remote or player, I don't lose the image.

Anyone seen this before?

Chris

Does anyone know what the remote code is for the Oppo 970? I'm trying to program a Sony receiver remote to handle everything, and Oppo isn't listed in their manual.
Thanks.

I doubt you will find any Oppo code supported by Sony. I used the beta firmware at Oppo's site that that allows alternate remote codes for the Oppo.

http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-4a-0209.html

I have a 970 with the mod to allow upscaling over component. I am using the 1080i resolution. I haven't used this player much so I can't narrow down a pattern yet, but when I turn the player on using the on button from the remote or the player itself, I get no image. Just a blank screen. It's like it loses sync. If hit the 'HDMI' button, which obviously switches to the next resolution, the image comes back. If I turn the player on by hitting 'play' on the remote or player, I don't lose the image.

Never had this happen.

This might deserve it's own thread, but I wanted to pass along a "Wow" to Oppo Digital Customer service who turned around my DV-970HD player in less than a week with fully prepaid fedex postage both ways.

My player stopped reading disks after about 9 months of extremely heavy use (Baby einstein videos that were just left "on" day/night) and Oppo turned it around after 1 diagnostic email and reply.

This experience will make me a return customer for Oppo Digital well into the future for all of their new products.

My wife, baby and I can't say enough about how we were treated!

The Fishferbrains family

I've searched this thread but can't find a definitive answer to this question: How do I connect the Oppo 970 to my Yamaha HTR-6090 in order to listen to a full-fledged HDCD? My understanding is that the HDCD must be decoded by the Oppo as the Yamaha doesn't do it via HDMI or optical/coax? Therefore, my guess is that I need to use analog hookup. That leads to 2 other questions. Which outputs do I use on the Oppo, Mixed or R/L? And which inputs on the Yamaha, multi-channel input or DVD input (and then select analog instead of HDMI when playing)? And, finally, what audio settings should I use on the Oppo to ensure correct HDCD decoding?

I know I could try all the possible connections myself, but I recently underwent back surgery and don't want to crawl behind my equipment stack more than once if I can help it.

I'm currently enjoying SACD and DVD-A via hdmi and love this combination, but recently acquired a few HDCDs and feel like I'm not hearing everything I should.

How do I connect the Oppo 970 to my Yamaha HTR-6090 in order to listen to a full-fledged HDCD?

I contacted Oppo with this question recently, and they said that you have to use the analog outputs from the 970HD in order to utilize the built-in HDCD decoder. So it sounds like your assumptions are correct. You need to connect a good old fashioned analog stereo audio cable from the "Mixed" outputs of the player to a "CD" or similar analog input on your receiver. If you feed your receiver via HDMI or SPDIF, then you will only get the full HDCD resolution if your receiver has a HDCD decoder (and I don't think your Yamaha does). I don't think any particular settings are needed in the Oppo to enable HDCD decoding on the analog outputs, it should be automatic.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Has anyone done an A/B between SPDIF/analog with a HDCD to see how much difference the HDCD decoding makes? This might be fun to try.

Spocko;

Actually with my receiver your experiment won't work. Both of my receivers have HDCD built in....so the digital output would still enable HDCD encoding.

In general, I think HDCD is pretty subtle. Not like DVD-Audio or SACD, where the differences can be pretty evident (and can also be almost negligible, depending on the source material).

Ensure that your discs are actually HDCD encoded. I have seen many HDCD SACD and HDCD discs which do not actually contain a HDCD signal.

I've searched this thread but can't find a definitive answer to this question: How do I connect the Oppo 970 to my Yamaha HTR-6090 in order to listen to a full-fledged HDCD?

Use the analog connection. By any other method, the decoding needs to be done in the AVR. And very very few AVRs offer HDCD decoding these days.


My understanding is that the HDCD must be decoded by the Oppo as the Yamaha doesn't do it via HDMI or optical/coax? Therefore, my guess is that I need to use analog hookup. That leads to 2 other questions. Which outputs do I use on the Oppo, Mixed or R/L?

Either one, but only use the multi channel panel if output is not set to Dolby Pro Logic II surround. You don't want to apply any such processing.

And which inputs on the Yamaha, multi-channel input or DVD input (and then select analog instead of HDMI when playing)?

Probably doesn't matter what input. And yes, you want to select that analog input.

And, finally, what audio settings should I use on the Oppo to ensure correct HDCD decoding?

Since all HDCD releases are two-channel , it shouldn't require any special settings. Just avoid any digital 'processing' of output in the player, which might turn off HDCD decoding.

I know I could try all the possible connections myself, but I recently underwent back surgery and don't want to crawl behind my equipment stack more than once if I can help it.

I'm currently enjoying SACD and DVD-A via hdmi and love this combination, but recently acquired a few HDCDs and feel like I'm not hearing everything I should.

You probably are. HDCD doesn't really make that much difference; the majority of the 'difference' is in the usual mastering things: different EQ, levels, tape choices -- differences that manifest in any pair of remasters. On a minority of HDCDs, a 'peak extension' option has been enabled, which can change the dynamic range by a dB or three, which could result in audible improvement.

I contacted Oppo with this question recently, and they said that you have to use the analog outputs from the 970HD in order to utilize the built-in HDCD decoder. So it sounds like your assumptions are correct. You need to connect a good old fashioned analog stereo audio cable from the "Mixed" outputs of the player to a "CD" or similar analog input on your receiver. If you feed your receiver via HDMI or SPDIF, then you will only get the full HDCD resolution if your receiver has a HDCD decoder (and I don't think your Yamaha does). I don't think any particular settings are needed in the Oppo to enable HDCD decoding on the analog outputs, it should be automatic.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Has anyone done an A/B between SPDIF/analog with a HDCD to see how much difference the HDCD decoding makes? This might be fun to try.

HDCD has been implemented in software for some time now, and relatively recently, an intrepid coder managed to reverse engineer most of its attributes, resulting in a bit of software called hdcd.exe (see hydrogenaudio.org (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30999&hl=peak+extension) for details). Using hdcd.exe, I've decoded and ripped all my HDCDs as 20-bit wav files. I can then compare them to rips of the same CDs, in undecoded form, using my ears and wav analysis software.

In the vast majority of cases there is just an overall level change -- the equivalent of just turning the volume up or down -- but in a minority of cases, a change in dynamic range. This is because HDCD mastering allows an option called 'peak extension' to raise the peak level relative to average level. Hdcd.exe has a nice feature that adds a note in output if CDs use peak extension. These are the ONLY ones in my experience, likely to show an 'inherent' difference, rather than just a simple level change.

Note too, that even if NO hdcd encoding was actually employed, a CD may still trigger the 'HDCD' flag in a player. This is because just USING the Keith Johnson hdcd A/D mastering gear -- which at the time was state of the art -- , sets the flag to yes.

All my music files are stored on a server as FLAC files, so I get around the whole disc decoding issue by having already stored the files as DECODED tracks. I only bothered to do this for the ones that used peak extension.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem?

Just recently when playing a dvd I get no sound from the movie or menu of the movie but I get an extremely loud high pitched noise through my speakers. If I turn off the oppo and turn it back it on there is no problem with the sound anymore.

I have the 970 hooked up hdmi to my Anthem D2. Any ideas?

Thanks

John

HDCD has been implemented in software for some time now, and relatively recently, an intrepid coder managed to reverse engineer most of its attributes, resulting in a bit of software called hdcd.exe (see hydrogenaudio.org (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30999&hl=peak+extension) for details). Using hdcd.exe, I've decoded and ripped all my HDCDs as 20-bit wav files. I can then compare them to rips of the same CDs, in undecoded form, using my ears and wav analysis software.

In the vast majority of cases there is just an overall level change -- the equivalent of just turning the volume up or down -- but in a minority of cases, a change in dynamic range. This is because HDCD mastering allows an option called 'peak extension' to raise the peak level relative to average level. Hdcd.exe has a nice feature that adds a note in output if CDs use peak extension. These are the ONLY ones in my experience, likely to show an 'inherent' difference, rather than just a simple level change.

Note too, that even if NO hdcd encoding was actually employed, a CD may still trigger the 'HDCD' flag in a player. This is because just USING the Keith Johnson hdcd A/D mastering gear -- which at the time was state of the art -- , sets the flag to yes.

All my music files are stored on a server as FLAC files, so I get around the whole disc decoding issue by having already stored the files as DECODED tracks. I only bothered to do this for the ones that used peak extension.

HDCD also used a compression system, kind of like analog CX-Noise Reduction, that compressed low-level sounds during encoding and expanded them on playback to give extra resolution - 18 to 20-bit of 'equivalent' resolution. Peak Extension as well as the low-level compression/expansion were both optional. Also, HDCD, during encoding, switched Anti-Aliasing filters 'on-the-fly' to give the best match to the actual music - this could give the 'impression' of better high-frequency response, even though 20k was still all that was present. The encoded control-bit signaled to the decoder which filter was being used at each instant so it could modify the decoding - this was present on EVERY HDCD title and the engineer had no control over it. ALL HDCD titles have it.

In the VERY early days, HDCD also had a 'synthetic' high-frequency generator/synthesizer - different high-frequency patterns, above 20-kHz, were stored in the HDCD decoder and could be added back during decoding to give greater high-frequency extension. During encoding the HDCD encoder analyzed the original full-bandwidth signal above 20-kHz and selected the stored HF signal that best 'matched' the original - this was then signaled to the decoder via the hidden control signal. I think only the very first few HDCD demo's had this on them and I don't know if any consumer decoders were ever released with the process. It's clearly spelled out in the HDCD patent.

If you have an HDCD capable receiver and play an HDCD encoded CD via digital out, then it should decode, otherwise it means your CD player is changing the bitstream on its way to the receiver. ALL players with a digital output should correctly pass the HDCD signal - if not, they are changing the PCM signal off the disc in some way. Some players have digital volume controls which WILL destroy the HDCD signal. It will decode, but not in HDCD.

DTS added HDCD to the specification for Coherent Acoustics - it didn't incorporate Peak Extension or the low-level compression/expansion, but it did use the changeable Anti-Aliasing filters, to give 'extended' high-frequency performance... Pacific Microsonics came out with a chip that would do both DTS and HDCD together and Analog Devices modified their SHARC chip to handle it to. Kenwood's Sovereign line of receivers could do both DTS and HDCD filtering together. Some DVD-Audio's also had HDCD enabled on them too, in the same way as DTS. I have one DVD "Music Disc" that is HDCD encoded - if you have a player that will output the 20-bit, 96k signal via SPDIF, it can be HDCD decoded with a decoder like the Kenwood. It's just the high-frequency filters that are switched, but it makes a nice, subtle difference on playback. Pioneer's first DVD players and their LD/DVD combi-players would output the hi-rate signal over SPDIF and Coax - even if the disc was copy-protected. I don't know if Pioneer's current players still have that wonderful feature or not.

I have a 970 with the mod to allow upscaling over component. I am using the 1080i resolution. I haven't used this player much so I can't narrow down a pattern yet, but when I turn the player on using the on button from the remote or the player itself, I get no image. Just a blank screen. It's like it loses sync. If hit the 'HDMI' button, which obviously switches to the next resolution, the image comes back. If I turn the player on by hitting 'play' on the remote or player, I don't lose the image.

Anyone seen this before?

Chris

I got my hacked 970 hooked up last night to my Mitsubishi 55011..same thing happens...I didn't know hitting the resolution button would bring it up...I'll have to see if that works on mine..I'm running it thru a JVC 3x1 component switcher with a HR-20 D* receiver and a x-box 360...BTW...my old Mit's 55" CRT hasn't looked as good in a long time..I am well pleased...

Mac

I'm still scratching my head on this one. If I set the Oppo to 720p, it doesn't have the problem. 1080i does.

I need to spend more time with this and see just what is going on. I thought at first maybe it was my Audio Authority component switcher. Now I'm not so sure.

Chris

I just tried to change my 970 settings. when the 480p screen shows up- correct sizing & lettering, but with 720p &1080I the oppo blue background screen only shows the 0p &0i
the other parts-72 & 108 are off of the viewing screen.
and the 480i lettering is complety off the screen.
It is way over streched. and the Oppo logo is over streched i can't remmbered how to bring this back to normal.
i zoomed to see if this was the issue- no.
tx
db

Ensure that there are no Zoom or Aspect ratio controls on your television at the upscaled resolutions.

Try turning Off then On the player when set to 720p or 1080i to see if that does not resolve a proper picture.

Neu- Brain dead here.... Thanks, that was it- thought i had the correct TV aspect ratio. but it was in anamorphic setting which messed it up.
db

Most displays disable the Zoom/AR controls at 720p and 1080i, but older CRTs and all projectors don't give a damn about resolution restrictions.

Glad to hear that it was just a Zoom/AR mishap.

HDCD also used a compression system, kind of like analog CX-Noise Reduction, that compressed low-level sounds during encoding and expanded them on playback to give extra resolution - 18 to 20-bit of 'equivalent' resolution. Peak Extension as well as the low-level compression/expansion were both optional. Also, HDCD, during encoding, switched Anti-Aliasing filters 'on-the-fly' to give the best match to the actual music - this could give the 'impression' of better high-frequency response, even though 20k was still all that was present. The encoded control-bit signaled to the decoder which filter was being used at each instant so it could modify the decoding - this was present on EVERY HDCD title and the engineer had no control over it. ALL HDCD titles have it.

There is some question, though, as to whether modern software implementation of the HDCD 'chip' (e.g., by Windows Media Player) actually use the anti-aliasing control bit. And much question as to whether it makes any audible difference.

As for low-level signal compansion, IIRC, for those HDCDs which appeared to have no peak extension, in every case I tried (several) I could level-match the undecoded and (software) decoded output, and the two files would null out in an invert/mixpaste. This would not have been the case if compansion of low-level sections was in use and being recognized. If anyone knows of a case where low-level compansion was definitely used, please let me know so I can check it out.



In the VERY early days, HDCD also had a 'synthetic' high-frequency generator/synthesizer - different high-frequency patterns, above 20-kHz, were stored in the HDCD decoder and could be added back during decoding to give greater high-frequency extension. During encoding the HDCD encoder analyzed the original full-bandwidth signal above 20-kHz and selected the stored HF signal that best 'matched' the original - this was then signaled to the decoder via the hidden control signal. I think only the very first few HDCD demo's had this on them and I don't know if any consumer decoders were ever released with the process. It's clearly spelled out in the HDCD patent.

If you have an HDCD capable receiver and play an HDCD encoded CD via digital out, then it should decode, otherwise it means your CD player is changing the bitstream on its way to the receiver.

Yup, and by the same token, the HDCD encoding is preserved in accurate digital rips of an HDCD disc.


ALL players with a digital output should correctly pass the HDCD signal - if not, they are changing the PCM signal off the disc in some way. Some players have digital volume controls which WILL destroy the HDCD signal. It will decode, but not in HDCD.

What people (Oppo owners particularly) would like, is a to be able to pass the DECODED signal digitally, so that it could then be delivered without D/A/D conversion to AVR room correction, bass management, etc. That, AFAIK, has never been implemented.

DTS added HDCD to the specification for Coherent Acoustics - it didn't incorporate Peak Extension or the low-level compression/expansion, but it did use the changeable Anti-Aliasing filters, to give 'extended' high-frequency performance... Pacific Microsonics came out with a chip that would do both DTS and HDCD together and Analog Devices modified their SHARC chip to handle it to. Kenwood's Sovereign line of receivers could do both DTS and HDCD filtering together.

Several Harman-Kardon AVRs had HDCD decoding as a feature too, a few years back. So did the Musical Fidelity X-DAC outboard DAC.

Some DVD-Audio's also had HDCD enabled on them too, in the same way as DTS. I have one DVD "Music Disc" that is HDCD encoded - if you have a player that will output the 20-bit, 96k signal via SPDIF, it can be HDCD decoded with a decoder like the Kenwood. It's just the high-frequency filters that are switched, but it makes a nice, subtle difference on playback.

The only DVD-A disc I've ever heard of that might be HDCD encoded is 'Pet Sounds'. What others?

Pioneer's first DVD players and their LD/DVD combi-players would output the hi-rate signal over SPDIF and Coax - even if the disc was copy-protected. I don't know if Pioneer's current players still have that wonderful feature or not.

Enforcement of digital transmission restriction in DVD-As is patchy....occasionally the 96/24 or 192/24 stereo DVD-A mix (and the mono mix, in the case of Pet Sounds) can be output via optical or coax, at native rates.

I have a 970 with the mod to allow upscaling over component. I am using the 1080i resolution. I haven't used this player much so I can't narrow down a pattern yet, but when I turn the player on using the on button from the remote or the player itself, I get no image. Just a blank screen. It's like it loses sync. If hit the 'HDMI' button, which obviously switches to the next resolution, the image comes back. If I turn the player on by hitting 'play' on the remote or player, I don't lose the image.

Anyone seen this before?

Chris

re-apply your firmware and it should fix it.

re-apply your firmware and it should fix it.
Have you had this problem?

Chris

Does anyone know how to check the total playtime that the 970 was used, or if it is even possible. I was looking at ended auctions on ebay to see what a used 970 sold for. I came across a listing where the guy said you could check the total playtime, but I can't seem to find this info anywhere. It was item #190192735669 if you are curious.

Thanks

No, there is no service menu which will show you the amount of time a player has been in use.

Looks like used 970s go nearly for what they originally sold for. Kind of surprises me.
Now that my system is fairly stable I am mulling over whether I should sell mine and go up to a 980 (for the DSD output).

Lately I am in a mode where if things work...I have second thoughts about the upgrade process. Too many glitches lately have come from that route!

Looks like used 970s go nearly for what they originally sold for. Kind of surprises me.
Now that my system is fairly stable I am mulling over whether I should sell mine and go up to a 980 (for the DSD output).

Lately I am in a mode where if things work...I have second thoughts about the upgrade process. Too many glitches lately have come from that route!

Can anyone explain why the 970's have held their price? .... I bought one new direct from Oppp late last year about a month before they offered their new line of products and was thinking I should have waited.

However, on the bright side, with the newest non-beta firmware, my 970 works fine (I use HDMI input).

The 970's have held their price in large part because they are the only player OPPO has built that can be hacked to provide upscaled video output via component video, which is handy for folks whose HDTV's lack an HDMI or DVI-HDCP input.

The 970's have held their price in large part because they are the only player OPPO has built that can be hacked to provide upscaled video output via component video, which is handy for folks whose HDTV's lack an HDMI or DVI-HDCP input.

That and the fact they are a great player to begin with...;)

Mac

That and the fact they are a great player to begin with...;)
Well, yeah, there's that too... ;)

The 970's have held their price in large part because they are the only player OPPO has built that can be hacked to provide upscaled video output via component video, which is handy for folks whose HDTV's lack an HDMI or DVI-HDCP input.
Or for those who prefer component. ;)

Chris

Does anyone know if the component output is still active if you have and HDMI cable plugged in too? I'd like to send video to two screens? Thanks.

Excellent post. I still can't make a purchase decision, though. I wish there was one card that was clearly the leader.

Does anyone know if the component output is still active if you have and HDMI cable plugged in too? I'd like to send video to two screens? Thanks.

All outputs are live at the same time. You can use component to one display then HDMI to another display without an issue.

Neuromancer, Thanks for the info.
I must have some issue with my pre/pro since I can't seem to send the component signal to the kitchen TV via Zone 2.

The HDMI and Component resolutions are the same if you are playing back anything that is not copyright protected. Otherwise the output will be 480p.

Would I get 480i via component output if I set the output to 480i or is the output fixed at 480p? Thanks.

If you set the player to 480i then the component and HDMI outputs will be 480i only.

480p is the maximum resolution when looking at a copyrighted disc over component.

The HDMI and Component resolutions are the same if you are playing back anything that is not copyright protected. Otherwise the output will be 480p.
Thanks, good info!

Component up grade.
I am planning to sell or give my 970 away in the next few weeks. I have been using the HDMI cable>plasma. But I will not know if the future owner will use HDMI or need to watch movie via component. Should I just do the firmware up grade fix for component up converting?- just to make it more user friendly, Any issues I will face keeping my setting the same until I remove the 970- any setting I should change first?. I didn’t read any issues just do not want a headache for no reason. {Moving up to the 983}
Tx
db

You can't hurt the player by performing the HDCP/Component hack, so why not?

http://www.box.net/shared/ak0jg6gbc
I believe this is the correct site.
i have burn a disk twice- each time the tv shows-- unkown disk
and just sit there
Am i doing some wrong

DAB, you have a PM.

Good info guys. Thanks.

I just want 480i output to let the pre/pro do the scaling and interlacing since it'll do a better job.

I just want 480i output to let the pre/pro do the scaling and interlacing since it'll do a better job.Please note that if you plan to use 480i HDMI there is a pending issue (explained here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12330946#post12330946) and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12353908#post12353908)). Net result using some scalers is loss of resolution. According to this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12764872#post12764872) post Oppo's still working on this.

Please note that if you plan to use 480i HDMI there is a pending issue (explained here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12330946#post12330946) and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12353908#post12353908)). Net result using some scalers is loss of resolution. According to this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12764872#post12764872) post Oppo's still working on this.


Good info. Thanks. Will this still occure with 480i over component? Thanks again.