Pressing SKIP BACK on SACDs does NOTHING. On CDs, it takes you to the beginning of the track. Pressing twice ("double-clicking") takes you to the previous track (963SA does the same thing on both CDs and SACDs). What is interesting is that if you are on Song #2, triple-clicking takes you to STOP (and double-clicking takes you to the start of Song#1,as expected).

Try the beta firmware if you have not already done so. I know one of the firmware will properly go back a track when using Back and SACD. Or I could be insane, which is equally a possibility.

I would be delighted to pay $175 for this unit with a more "solid"/bigger body and a bigger display. Sometimes, companies make weird compromises when they try to achieve certain price points I have never understood why big and heavy, with a "solid" feel is seen as desirable in an all-digital DVD player. (Certainly, there was an advantage with analog record players).

Possibly for the same reason that monstrously big and heavy cars are prefered by some. They give the impression of power, safety, and "more for the money". In reality, though, for a little less money, my light sport-compact car outperforms most of the heavy-weights in acceleration, braking, cornering, and safety.

I think the 970HD is well constructed, and the super-slim design looks really good in my setup. In fact, I can fit both of my OPPO players in the same space that my "solid" player used to fit. As for the loading tray, when my toddler smacked the OPPO's tray so hard that it hit the shelf below, it flexed effortlessly to absorb the shock. The tray in the "solid" player would have broken in two, or destroyed its rails. Oh, and both of my OPPO players smoke the "solid" player in the performance department too...

Does this player still have the Media Tek chip reduced size problem?

Also, which player has better PQ, this one or the older Oppo DV971H?

Last, how do I know if the Oppo DV971H will have the monoblocking problem on mine or my friend's TV? Is there a list of TVs out there?

Thanks for your time,
WMD

My particular TV, the HP LC2600N doesn't accept 480i over HDMI. I learned this early on when I was configuring a HD satellite receiver to it.

I was suggesting you compare 480i component to 1080i HDMI.

/steve

One quick question: Does this player play VCDs and MP3 discs? I saw MP3 mentioned on the first page but no mention of VCDs.

There is a bug in the 970 I have seen for a while. Has anyone else seen this? My signal path is 480i HDMI.

Please look at the resolution pattern on the ABT disc or the 6.75 MHz patch on an AVIA disc.

When I first power on the player these are gray. If I change the output color format from what it is to the other option (YCbCr 444 or RGB) then I get the detailed lines. When I power the player off and on again, and then return to the pattern it is gray again. I then switch to the other color mode and it is back to distinct lines.

Anyone else experience this?

It seems I have to toggle each time to get the full resolution from the player. This has happeend through several different updates in the player.

When I first power on the player these are gray. If I change the output color format from what it is to the other option (YCbCr 444 or RGB) then I get the detailed lines. When I power the player off and on again, and then return to the pattern it is gray again. I then switch to the other color mode and it is back to distinct lines.

Anyone else experience this?

Don't know if it is related, but I use YCbCr 444 and if I switch HDMI inputs on my switch and back to the Oppo input, it resets to RGB. I think something is getting reset in the player but it isn't getting done completely. I end up toggling the colorspace whenever I turn on the unit and the picture looks better. I thought it was just the colorspace, but now that you mention it, maybe there are PQ differences also.

Stacey and sfhub,

Don't have my player yet, but curious if this bug is present if colorspace is set to "auto" as well?

/steve

Got a 970 + 25' HDMI cable for father's day. Boy did they ever know what I wanted. :) :)

Got a 970 + 25' HDMI cable for father's day. Boy did they ever know what I wanted. :) :)

Nice...Happy Fathers Day :)

I've got two dogs (no two legged children) so all I got was a lick in the face ;)

Try the beta firmware if you have not already done so. I know one of the firmware will properly go back a track when using Back and SACD. Or I could be insane, which is equally a possibility.

I tried. To advance a track in SACD mode, I need to press the down arrow and then Select. To go backwards, use the up arrow and then Select.

There is a bug in the 970 I have seen for a while. Has anyone else seen this? My signal path is 480i HDMI.

Please look at the resolution pattern on the ABT disc or the 6.75 MHz patch on an AVIA disc.

When I first power on the player these are gray. If I change the output color format from what it is to the other option (YCbCr 444 or RGB) then I get the detailed lines. When I power the player off and on again, and then return to the pattern it is gray again. I then switch to the other color mode and it is back to distinct lines.

Anyone else experience this?

It seems I have to toggle each time to get the full resolution from the player. This has happeend through several different updates in the player.

sspears,

Are you using 480i HDMI directly to the display or through a DVDO VP30? I had a similar experience when using a 970HD with a VP30. The AVIA 6.75Mhz circle sometimes becomes blurry. However if I toggle VP30 to component and then back to HDMI without touching the 970HD, the circle restores to fine vertical lines. I did not try switching color mode on the player.

Does this player still have the Media Tek chip reduced size problem?

Also, which player has better PQ, this one or the older Oppo DV971H?

Last, how do I know if the Oppo DV971H will have the monoblocking problem on mine or my friend's TV? Is there a list of TVs out there?

Thanks for your time,
WMD1. Yes, the 970 apparently has Media Tek chip reduced size problem and was discussed earlier in this thread. It will supposedly be fixed in a firmware update.
Disclaimer: I may be wrong!

2. The 971 seems to be generally regarded here as being superior to the 970 in terms of PQ, especially for larger screen sizes.

3. It would probably be easier if you state what TV you have so other owners can say if they see MB from the 971 (different thread) for that TV.

One quick question: Does this player play VCDs and MP3 discs? I saw MP3 mentioned on the first page but no mention of VCDs.

Yes, you can play MP3 and S/VCD files on the DV-970HD.

I tried. To advance a track in SACD mode, I need to press the down arrow and then Select. To go backwards, use the up arrow and then Select.

That would be why my experience is different than yours. The new beta changes the Explorer window so that the Skip buttons no longer control the page functions in the middle of playback. They control track selection.

3. It would probably be easier if you state what TV you have so other owners can say if they see MB from the 971 (different thread) for that TV.

I have an Hitachi 46" RPTV but sooner or later I want to get a projector. Also, one of my friends has a 52" DLP Mitsubishi. How well would the 971 work with these with PQ and MB?

New guy here. I've read this, other forums and web sites for close to 20 hrs over the past 3 or 4 days. Before my eyes fall out and I can't see my new HDTV, can someone point me in the right direction.
I've decide on either the 971 or 970 to send images to my new (arriving tomorrow) Mitsubishi 57731 52" DLP unit. This is their new 2007 model.
Do I need to worry about this 'macroblocking' problem that I keep reading about?
Also, if I need to go the 970 route, how big will the black bars from this reduce size problem of the Media Tek chip be on my new screen? Isn't that annoying?

Thanks

1. Yes, the 970 apparently has Media Tek chip reduced size problem and was discussed earlier in this thread. It will supposedly be fixed in a firmware update.
Disclaimer: I may be wrong!



Maybe this causes the strange 720p quality I see on my HDTV.


Just more FYI: I turned my Oppo on today to play a movie and it locked up and the tray wouldn't open, requiring that I unplug it.

I was calibrating the analog 5.1 audio outputs of the Oppo 970 today and noted that the center channel on the analog out of the 970 seems to be about 5.5 db low. I tested this using the audio pink noise on the VE DVD and used a RS SPL. I found that if I used the channel trim and boosted the center channel by 5.5 db then all the front speakers matched in level. I was motivated to check this as I felt the center channel volume was a bit low when watching DVDs.

Barring any system gremlins in my HT rig, could this be fixed in a firmware update if it is shown to be a bug?

Also, I noticed a small bug when using the THX optimizer audio test on the Pirates and Incredibles disc. I found that the indicator of which speaker is emitting sound skips one speaker ahead of what is actually happening. That is to say when sound is coming out of the left speaker then the center speaker is "lit" on screen. I have not seen this problem with previous DVD players.

-CB

Maybe this causes the strange 720p quality I see on my HDTV.

With the reduced size, you are looking at a image that is slightly small vertically. It should not adversely effect your video.

Barring any system gremlins in my HT rig, could this be fixed in a firmware update if it is shown to be a bug?

If it is a bug, then it will be fixed. Otherwise, start working on your Gremlin vacine.

Also, I noticed a small bug when using the THX optimizer audio test on the Pirates and Incredibles disc. I found that the indicator of which speaker is emitting sound skips one speaker ahead of what is actually happening. That is to say when sound is coming out of the left speaker then the center speaker is "lit" on screen. I have not seen this problem with previous DVD players.

This is the same bug that is in the OPDV971H. It has not been fixed as of yet.

My BBK 988 is now an Oppo 970. I purchased a BBK 988 when I was in Hong Kong in February. I thought it might be the new Oppo since BBK makes the Oppo. It seems that I was correct. It looks just like the 970 but had a few additional features including both DVI and HDMI and it could upscale over component. It had a few bugs similar to the ones on the 971 including the brightness and contrast being off. I dowloaded the Oppo firmware for the 970 to see if it would work on the BBK 988 and I took a chance. It upgraded the BBK to the Oppo 970. As I suspected the BBK bad remote that came with the unit does not work anymore. The remote that I have for the Oppo 971 now works and to make it region free I must use the 970/971 method. I am also sure that I lost upscailing on component with this new firmware. This is not a problem for me since I only use HDMI for the picture output. I feel it was worth loosing a few features that I do not use to get the Oppo fixes.

I bet that someone in the future will hack the firmware on this unit to make the component output upscale for those who might need it.

One question I have regarding set up is do I have to have my speaker set up match the processor/receiver setup? i.e. if my 970 speaker set up to large(L,R,C) small on the rear, should my processor speakers match that as well?

The speaker setup is only needed for the multi-channel analog and multi-channel HDMI (SACD and DVD-A). If you are using the SPDIF (optical or coaxial) these settings are not important.

You will likely want to use Small for all speakers (even if they are full range) to ensure that the subwoofer handles all audio 100Hz and below.

I bet that someone in the future will hack the firmware on this unit to make the component output upscale for those who might need it.

I am eagerly awaiting for someone to do this.

Btw, way long shot and perhaps a rather silly question, but is anyone aware of a modder/tweaker whom can retrofit a Pio Elite 520HD with a HDMI/DVI?

The speaker setup is only needed for the multi-channel analog and multi-channel HDMI (SACD and DVD-A). If you are using the SPDIF (optical or coaxial) these settings are not important.

You will likely want to use Small for all speakers (even if they are full range) to ensure that the subwoofer handles all audio 100Hz and below.

The way I connected 970 is HDMI to V, analog multi-ch to processor, coaxial digital to processor.

I thought the manual said that multi-ch is required for SACD regardless of SPDIF.

So the question is when I listen to SACD, what do I do with the speaker set up on both 970 and processor?

Thanks.

Ok... we're getting real close. ;)

I've got a Panny 50" 8UK.
There has been talk earlier in the thread about this unit not being as good as the 971H for 'larger' screens.

What's the general concensus about matching this 970HD with my 50" 8UK?

shane
I have the panny 8uk and the new 970hd and it looks awesome!

Hi:

I am considering the 970HD for a 120" diagonal projected image from my Sharp DLP 720P projector. I've read elsewhere in this forum that the 970HD does not work as well on large images. Do you think I will be unhappy? I cannot go with the 971 since my projector does not accept DVI or HDMI, only component input. I contacted Oppo and they indicated that the 970HD now offers component upconversion. Nice...if it works well on a large screen! Thanks!

Steve

Hi:

I am considering the 970HD for a 120" diagonal projected image from my Sharp DLP 720P projector. I've read elsewhere in this forum that the 970HD does not work as well on large images. Do you think I will be unhappy? I cannot go with the 971 since my projector does not accept DVI or HDMI, only component input. I contacted Oppo and they indicated that the 970HD now offers component upconversion. Nice...if it works well on a large screen! Thanks!

Steve


Only upconversion for non-copyprotected dvds. No hack for upconversion of all discs... yet? The Zenith DVB-418 would do the best job of upconversion via component, only no SACD on the Zenith. With the 970h, the Mediatek chip will definately "let it all hang out" on a 120" screen. Don't know exactly how good the 418 would look comparatively. Only way to know for sure is to get both and compare, then send one back or sell it. Good luck in your endever.:)

I got my unit about 2 days ago... looks great so far. I have NOT noticed any reduced size. It must be very small because I don't notice it. By the way I used a monoprice 5-1 HDMI switch with no problems. .... brad

The way I connected 970 is HDMI to V, analog multi-ch to processor, coaxial digital to processor.

I thought the manual said that multi-ch is required for SACD regardless of SPDIF.

So the question is when I listen to SACD, what do I do with the speaker set up on both 970 and processor?

Thanks.

You will want to set your speakers to Small and Subwoofer to On. Ensure that your DownMix is set to 5.1 if you are using the multi-channel outputs, or the HDMI is set to Multi-Channel Audio.

I got my unit about 2 days ago... looks great so far. I have NOT noticed any reduced size. It must be very small because I don't notice it. By the way I used a monoprice 5-1 HDMI switch with no problems. .... brad

The reduced image can be display dependent, and is also very resolution dependent. At 480i/p, there is no error. But at 720p/1080i, you can see a noticeable bar on the top and bottom of your display, depending on the overscan of your display unit.

I see that Reference Audio Mods is now "doing" the 970HD. They make this statement in their "ad": "It was also mentioned that even the Stock Oppo DV-970HD is very comparable to the Stock Marantz SA-11S1 (Retail $3499)". (talking about audio) Before I make any more comments, I think I'll move my 970HD into my audio system and see how it does for 2ch. I've never heard a SA-11S1, but... Although, they never did say who "mentioned" it. :)

larry

Got my 970HD this morning and connected it both by HDMI and component to my Fujitsu P50XHA40US plasma display. The Fujitsu's internal processor, called "AVM II" by the marketing folks, is highly regarded for its ability to de-interlace and upscale 480i signals to the panel's native 1366x768p resolution, so I was anxious to feed it the best 480i signal I could find to see how good a picture I could get.

As a control, I kept my reference Sony 9000ES connected to component 2. From previous testing, 480i component from the 9000ES into the AVM II processor outperformed the two other up 720p upconverting players I previously compared it to: the Oppo 971H and the Sony NS-975V.

I used AVIA to calibrate white level, black level and sharpness for the Oppo at 480i HDMI, 720p HDMI and 480i component, and I re-calibrated the 9000ES at 480i over component. (Fortunately, the Fujitsu has separate input memories, and each input can store 8 sets of settings.)

Sharpness turned out to be the most critical calibration. Picture quality was night and day once I got this right. Out of the box, 480i HDMI from the Oppo was way too sharp, producing noticeable ghost outlines on the horizontal and vertical lines of the AVIA resolution test pattern. The Fujitsu sharpness control has a range of -16 to +16, with 0 being the center. For 480i HDMI, I had to set sharpness to -12 to remove the ghosts. For 480i component, the ghosts were gone at -8. I assume this is an indication of different high frequency response for the two outputs.

I am very pleased with the picture from 970HD. It's better than my Sony 9000ES, which makes it the best DVD playback I've ever seen on this display. My preferred setting by a small margin is 480i HDMI, though I have to say that I could certainly live with 480i component... the pictures are that close in quality. And I feel that either are markedly better than 720p HDMI from this player.

Among the best pictures from any source I currently get on my Fujitsu is "House" on FOX, delivered at 720P delivered by roof antenna connected to an HD DirecTivo. Using that as a benchmark, on a scale of 1-10, here's the best way I can verbalize what I'm seeing:

FOX 720p via OTA is a 10
FOX 720p via DirecTV compressed satellite is a 9
Oppo 970 HD via 480i HDMI is an 8
Oppo 970 HD via 480i component is a 7.75
Sony 9000ES via 480i component is a 7
Oppo 970 HD via 720p HDMI is a 6.5

HD-DVD it ain't, but I have to say that after all this waiting, I'm one happy camper.

/steve

PS: On a scale of 1-10, I'd be curious to know how some of the external scaler owners would rate their SDI mod'd and Oppo 480i HDMI DVD player pictures to what they see from high-quality HD broadcast images. I'm curious how much better a VP30 or other scaler/de-interlacer solution may be than my AVM II.

Steve,

I can't attest to how a VP30 would improve your plasma image.
But my VP30/970 combo I would rate, using your scale, as somewhere between 8 and 9 (10 being excellent HD).

One thing that plasma owners like about VPs is flexible aspect ratio control.

[...]But my VP30/970 combo I would rate, using your scale, as somewhere between 8 and 9 (10 being excellent HD).

Thanks for the feedback. Good to know I'm not that far from "state of the art" with my set-up.

/steve

Thanks for the input.

Steve

I just got my Oppo-970 and was under the impression that i could hook up a 40gig external drive and play .avi and .mpg's on it.That is not happening.After reading the manual you must format the drive using Fat....Not Fat 32,or NTFS (which my drive happens to be).Now I have to delete the partition and setup using an ancient arse Fat file system....OH BOY !!! What a pain.Stll the Oppo is a nice player for the dough I just never saw this coming at me.

So DO YOU or DO YOU NOT have to recalibrate picture settings for this player on the different resolutions? Is this dependent on your TV? If so, what about on a Samsung HLS-6187W for instance? :) I'm happy to say that I finally took the plunge on this player and it should be here later this week! Now I just need to calibrate it! So what's better in general, Avia or DVE?

Would anyone here recommend the new Oppo 970HD for use with a 50-inch, Pioneer Elite plasma (Pro-1130HD)? I thought came across at least one opinion on this thread about it being a better DVD player for smaller displays, and that the optimum scaling seemed to top out at about 37 inches.

If not this Oppo, any recommendations?

Interesting to see that Reference Audio Mods already offering solutions for this player.

I don't think this was ever definitively answered, but I'm curious to know if there is any distance compensation (time delay) available for 5.1 SACD/DVD-A?

sspears,

Are you using 480i HDMI directly to the display or through a DVDO VP30? I had a similar experience when using a 970HD with a VP30. The AVIA 6.75Mhz circle sometimes becomes blurry. However if I toggle VP30 to component and then back to HDMI without touching the 970HD, the circle restores to fine vertical lines. I did not try switching color mode on the player.

Is there a problem with this combo? I was ready to take the plunge until I saw these comments. I want to pair the 970 with a VP30.

Please VP30 -owners occasionally tell/remained member what a vp30 is?- it does help new people fallow our threads.
db

Got my 970HD this morning and connected it both by HDMI and component to my Fujitsu P50XHA40US plasma display. The Fujitsu's internal processor, called "AVM II" by the marketing folks, is highly regarded for its ability to de-interlace and upscale 480i signals to the panel's native 1366x768p resolution, so I was anxious to feed it the best 480i signal I could find to see how good a picture I could get.

As a control, I kept my reference Sony 9000ES connected to component 2. From previous testing, 480i component from the 9000ES into the AVM II processor outperformed the two other up 720p upconverting players I previously compared it to: the Oppo 971H and the Sony NS-975V.

I used AVIA to calibrate white level, black level and sharpness for the Oppo at 480i HDMI, 720p HDMI and 480i component, and I re-calibrated the 9000ES at 480i over component. (Fortunately, the Fujitsu has separate input memories, and each input can store 8 sets of settings.)

Sharpness turned out to be the most critical calibration. Picture quality was night and day once I got this right. Out of the box, 480i HDMI from the Oppo was way too sharp, producing noticeable ghost outlines on the horizontal and vertical lines of the AVIA resolution test pattern. The Fujitsu sharpness control has a range of -16 to +16, with 0 being the center. For 480i HDMI, I had to set sharpness to -12 to remove the ghosts. For 480i component, the ghosts were gone at -8. I assume this is an indication of different high frequency response for the two outputs.

I am very pleased with the picture from 970HD. It's better than my Sony 9000ES, which makes it the best DVD playback I've ever seen on this display. My preferred setting by a small margin is 480i HDMI, though I have to say that I could certainly live with 480i component... the pictures are that close in quality. And I feel that either are markedly better than 720p HDMI from this player.

Among the best pictures from any source I currently get on my Fujitsu is "House" on FOX, delivered at 720P delivered by roof antenna connected to an HD DirecTivo. Using that as a benchmark, on a scale of 1-10, here's the best way I can verbalize what I'm seeing:

FOX 720p via OTA is a 10
FOX 720p via DirecTV compressed satellite is a 9
Oppo 970 HD via 480i HDMI is an 8
Oppo 970 HD via 480i component is a 7.75
Sony 9000ES via 480i component is a 7
Oppo 970 HD via 720p HDMI is a 6.5

HD-DVD it ain't, but I have to say that after all this waiting, I'm one happy camper.

/steve

PS: On a scale of 1-10, I'd be curious to know how some of the external scaler owners would rate their SDI mod'd and Oppo 480i HDMI DVD player pictures to what they see from high-quality HD broadcast images. I'm curious how much better a VP30 or other scaler/de-interlacer solution may be than my AVM II.

Steve,

Great comments. Since you own a Fujitsu P50XHA40US, I put even more weight on your findings. That is a great set. In my opinion a reference other plasma designers should aspire to.

Please VP30 -owners occasionally tell/remained member what a vp30 is?- it does help new people fallow our threads.
db

VP30 is the latest and greatest scaler from dvdo. It is a very nice device. It has definitely improved my HT.
http://www.dvdo.com/pro/pro_isvp30.php

I just hooked up my Oppo 970hd tonight, which was a big improvement over my previous DVD player. The minor issues I was having with DVDs with the VP30 seem to be all player related. I am very happy with the setup now.

DR

Would anyone here recommend the new Oppo 970HD for use with a 50-inch, Pioneer Elite plasma (Pro-1130HD)? I thought came across at least one opinion on this thread about it being a better DVD player for smaller displays, and that the optimum scaling seemed to top out at about 37 inches.

If not this Oppo, any recommendations?

You might want to do a search of this thread with "Pio Elite 1130" as the keyword.

You may see one of my posts on my impressions of this combo, here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7809913&&#post7809913

LIY

You might want to do a search of this thread with "Pio Elite 1130" as the keyword.

You may see one of my posts on my impressions of this combo, here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7809913&&#post7809913

LIY

Thanks Liy. So how do you go about setting the second HDMI input on this Pio Elite 1130 to operate at 480i? This HDMI input would be used for the Oppo DVD Player.

A VP30 is very nice video scaler from DVDO (Anchor Bay Technolgies). Since a VP30 scales video, a clean unprocessed signal is the best input. This leads to using 480i from a DVD player via: SDI inputs, HDMI, component. SDI (MPTE 259M) is considered the cleanest signal with the least processing, but typically requires a modified player that taps into the MPEG stream from the decoder chipset. Clean HDMI is what the 970 is very good at. Component being analog is the last choice.

A reason to use a scaler is to drive a display at a resolution that matches the display's native rate in an attempt to by-pass a potential poor internal scalers in the electronics of the display (TV, plasma, projector, etc.).

If you are using an analog display device, you will not want to go with the OPDV971H, as it is designed for digital displays only. The DV-970HD will be the better player, especially once someone hacks the unit to allow for component based upconversion of all material (not just non-CSS discs).

OK, Here is my situation, any and all help greatly appreciated. I am buying an OPPO no matter what. But which one? I need to play my English PAL disks onto my 27" analog TV. So, the discs being PAL requires the 971, but the analog TV will require the 970. Is 27" so small that the 2:2 cadence issue doesnt manifest itself visually with the 970? Then there is the issue that perhaps in the future I may purchase a digital TV and the 971 would be the better option. But for now, do I have a choice, must I get the 970 because of my analog TV with my PAL discs? The 971 has component output, so why would you say it is designed for digital displays only?

I have also read that these players will not output progressive scan using the component outputs, which is not desireable for us analog TV people.

Would anyone here recommend the new Oppo 970HD for use with a 50-inch, Pioneer Elite plasma (Pro-1130HD)? I thought came across at least one opinion on this thread about it being a better DVD player for smaller displays, and that the optimum scaling seemed to top out at about 37 inches.

You may want to feed the plasma a 480i signal and let the display do the de-interlacing and scaling, as the Elite series are highly regarded for their internal de-interlacing and scaling.

I think another person on this thread used that combo at 480i and was very happy with the results.

OK, Here is my situation, any and all help greatly appreciated. I am buying an OPPO no matter what. But which one? I need to play my English PAL disks onto my 27" analog TV. So, the discs being PAL requires the 971, but the analog TV will require the 970.

Because you are using an analog display, you will get no benefit from the OPDV971H. Film 2:2 Cadence is only done through the DVI output on the OPDV971H, which means that the analog outputs will look exactly like that of the DV-970HD in terms of the de-interlacing of PAL films.

In this situation, I would go with the DV-970HD, as the analog outputs are far and beyond that of the OPDV971H.

I really appreciate all you guys. Based on many of the recommendations I read here I went ahead and ordered a 970 last week. Arrived today. I tell you it's an excellent dvd player, heh, but you already knew that.

I have it hooked up to my Sony KD-34XBR960 and WOW. I'm using Blue Jeans HDMI cables by the way, I get a 60 percent discount on Monster stuff at work, and I got a 12 foot and 4 foot length for less than I would have paid for one 2m in the Monster. Needless to say, the picture is remarkable. I've been burning discs all afternoon trying new things to playback on it, and I've been rewatching my collection to see what she can do. Superbit discs look amazing. Underworld especially. It's sooo deep and dark, but the detail never gets lost in the shadows. And among the heavy blue filters that are used, reds, and greens still pop out with great clarity. I also love how rain looks, as opposed to the blocky mess I'd grown accustomed to on previous dvd players. Anyway, I'm just another of many giving this one a BIG thumbs up.

I just wanted to thank you guys for making the decision so much easier.

Thanks Liy. So how do you go about setting the second HDMI input on this Pio Elite 1130 to operate at 480i? This HDMI input would be used for the Oppo DVD Player.

You do not have to "set" the Pio Elite to 480i. You need to set the Oppo to output at 480i (very easy to do, but I believe the default was 480p, so it does need to be changed) by pressing the "hdmi" button on the Oppo remote, stopping when you see "480i" displayed on your screen. The Pio Elite will automatically detect this setting.

I think you will be blown away by the quality of dvd picture you receive from this relatively inexpensive dvd player. :D

(BTW, my Pio is set to "Pure" contrast at 33, brightness 1, color 3, sharpness 0, 1, or 2 - depending upon my mood, 2:3 pulldown at "Standard").

LIY

Could anyone give a comparison between the oppo and the great Panny xp50.Ive been using that player for over 3 years with my pioneer 433cmx plasma and love it but i might be missing something.I only have component or svideo with the 433 plasma thus component needs to be my players output.Would like to buy some pal concert discs and upconversion through component sounds exciting but this could all be just smoke blowing if the player does not put out better pq than the xp50.

Received my 970 player also. Works like a charm.
I used to be a 971H user, and I'll keep it for further use on a larger screen if I get any :) or a projector.
Actually, the 970 displays a real sharper picture on HDMI than the processed 971's one : not more detailed tho, but sharper and clearer in a way. Adopted the 480i over HDMI as my display can make the consistent de-interlacing and scaling work. But honnestly, so far (didn't test that much) I noticed no kind of difference between 720p and 480i. Perhaps cause of my NEC 42" plasma good work through DVI ;) -(yeah, using the HDMI > DVI cable provided by Oppo).

Setup are basically the same on all screens except new features mentionned : usb, card reader, a Gamma seclector, Hue also and some HDMI audio setups. Brightness, Color, ... seem to be exactly the same as on the 971. No need for any adjust.

As a final point, Happy I am.
Works fine and very sharp with no lame effect over HDMI 480i, better than the Farudja processing I'd say, for sure, for me.
No problem on 2:2 pulldown issue.

And thus, many thanxs to Neuromancer who helped on my decision.

Cheers !

I'm currently using a coaxial digital audio connection and I've got the 970HD set to output 96khz, which my Yamaha receiver supports. The Yamaha is only reporting receipt of 48khz, however.

I wonder if this is because my video DVDs are capped at 48khz? Or is there a bug in the Oppo?

Thanks for any feedback.

/steve

Hi,

Has anybody compared the Oppo to the Yamaha 5750? The yammie has upsampling of CD audio and was rated quite highly in audio sound. Anybody have any guesses on how they would sound?

Marlon

I'm currently using a coaxial digital audio connection and I've got the 970HD set to output 96khz, which my Yamaha receiver supports. The Yamaha is only reporting receipt of 48khz, however.

I wonder if this is because my video DVDs are capped at 48khz? Or is there a bug in the Oppo?

Thanks for any feedback.

/steve The only audio I have sent at 96Khz via coax is a specially made DVD+Audio (not DVDA) formatted disc. I made it with some software that upsampled CDs to 96Khz (didn't make any difference that I could hear). There are some discs made, IIRC, with 96Khz PCM. I think I still have the disc around and could try it in the 970HD.

larry

You may want to feed the plasma a 480i signal and let the display do the de-interlacing and scaling, as the Elite series are highly regarded for their internal de-interlacing and scaling.

I second this. The Mediatek upconversion and de-interlacing is really nothing to write home about, IMHO. I see lots of jaggies at 720p HDMI on my 50" Fujitsu that I don't see at all when I feed the Fujitsu 480i either over HDMI or component. Even if your Pioneer's de-interlacer is only 75% as good as the Fujitsu's, I believe you'll get a much smoother picture than if you ask the 970HD to de-interlace and upconvert.

If you're still not happy with the results at 480i, I'd definitely go with the 971H's Faroudja upconversion and de-interlacing for a 50" or bigger display, which is what Oppo recommends as well.

/steve

Does this player have auto play option? By this I mean when you insert the DVD it goes directly to the movie? My current LG does this. Saves so much time loading the disk.

I was calibrating the analog 5.1 audio outputs of the Oppo 970 today and noted that the center channel on the analog out of the 970 seems to be about 5.5 db low.

Barring any system gremlins in my HT rig, could this be fixed in a firmware update if it is shown to be a bug?


I contacted Oppo and they very quickly checked the output levels on their bench and confirmed that all channels are outputing the same levels.

I rechecked all my connections and swapped cables for testing and everything remained the same. I am starting to conclude that the difference I am observing is due to sensitivity/efficency differences between the front speakers/amp (Martin Login Aerius i's/McCormack DNA .5 SE) and the center (Martin Logan Cinema/Outlaw M200 Monoblock). I've sent an email to Martin Logan for their comments.

The Oppo customer service was very responsive and reinforces my belief that they are serious about providing great products and service.

-CB

Steve, does oppo state"best result" for a 50" is the971 vs, 970. Or do they state any thing larger that a 50+" best would be 971, I have a the 970>50" necxr5- just curious how much better one over the would be.-- just using this 970 as a hold over untill HD's come out...
db

If you're still not happy with the results at 480i, I'd definitely go with the 971H's Faroudja upconversion and de-interlacing for a 50" or bigger display, which is what Oppo recommends as well.

/steve[/QUOTE]

got my oppo 970 last night. set it up with my panny 50px500u and yamaha ysp-800. 480i + HDMI to panny. optical audio out to yamaha.

pluses: picture is terrific!!! had bought & returned the 971 a few months earlier because of macroblocking issues & not liking the soft picture too much. but this one is a keeper! wife asked if we were watching hd!! amazing picuture quality! also chapter skip and other operations are very fast! great for the really impatient like me :D

minuses: after i used the "info" button on the remote to display the "time remaining" on the movie, i could not get it to go away...no matter what i did! i had to finally shut down & restart the dvd player to make the time remaining display go away! that sucked!

got my oppo 970 last night. set it up with my panny 50px500u and yamaha ysp-800. 480i + HDMI to panny. optical audio out to yamaha.

pluses: picture is terrific!!! had bought & returned the 971 a few months earlier because of macroblocking issues & not liking the soft picture too much. but this one is a keeper! wife asked if we were watching hd!! amazing picuture quality!

minuses: after i used the "info" button on the remote to display the "time remaining" on the movie, i could not get it to go away...no matter what i did! i had to finally shut down & restart the dvd player to make the time remaining display go away! that sucked!

Same thing happened to me. Hit the OSD button lower on the remote and you can get rid of it that way. It's not intuitive. I think Oppo should address this. /steve

Steve, does oppo state"best result" for a 50" is the971 vs, 970. Or do they state any thing larger that a 50+" best would be 971, I have a the 970>50" necxr5- just curious how much better one over the would be.-- just using this 970 as a hold over untill HD's come out...

Are you using the 970HD to upconvert to 720p HDMI? Or the NEC internal scaler being fed by 480i HDMI or component?

If you're using the 970HD to upconvert to 720p, are sitting within 10-12 feet of a 50" screen and have normal 20/20 vision, my guess is you're going to see jaggies and you'll be better off with either the NEC scaler or the 971H. I believe this is the intent of Oppo's recommendation as well.

/steve

And thus, many thanxs to Neuromancer who helped on my decision.

Glad I could help. Now where is your retraction of my Sugar Tax?

Does this player have auto play option? By this I mean when you insert the DVD it goes directly to the movie? My current LG does this. Saves so much time loading the disk.

There is no automated Auto Play. However, you can directly access the film if you press Stop then Menu on the remote control. This will bypass all menus and drop you down into the main feature.

Any chance there can or will be a hack that allows this player to support usb 2.0 and can detect NTFS filesystem instead of the old fat? Just curious as this was the main reason I bought this player.Thanks,NHT4LIFE

Steve, I am still playing around with the setting. Currently the 480i>HDMI with the 970 picture set to sharp- appears better, but that was only one nights setting- on one DVD.
The NEC50xr5, has reported very good scalier. I have set tv to HDMI to high and 1080i(it only gives me 540p & 1035i as the other chooses) all based on other xr5 owners reviews.
However, I did quickly, yesterday for 4min. play Return of the king-battle scene (bright daylight)
And I was hard pressed to see a critical difference, between-720p&1080i.
db

minuses: after i used the "info" button on the remote to display the "time remaining" on the movie, i could not get it to go away...no matter what i did! i had to finally shut down & restart the dvd player to make the time remaining display go away! that sucked!

If you press the "Info" button, you will just want to press the "Info" button again to get rid of that window.

If you press the "OSD" button, the only way to remove this information is to keep pressing "OSD" until it says "Display Off".

I have not had problems with either of these two functions.

Any chance there can or will be a hack that allows this player to support usb 2.0 and can detect NTFS filesystem instead of the old fat? Just curious as this was the main reason I bought this player.Thanks,NHT4LIFE

No hack for USB 2.0 as it is hardware limited.

FAT is currently only supported. Don't know if FAT32 or NTSF is within the specifications of the decoding chipset.

I received my 970HD yesterday. On my Panasonic 42px50u, the picture is gorgeous, even at 480i. At 1080i (the resolution I decided on) details seem a little sharper. This player surpasses my old Sony DVD/SACD changer by leaps and bounds. I can't imagine there being much of an improvement with the 971, since the 970HD gives me almost HD quality as it is. I now get a picture from DVDs that I don't have to be ashamed of.

If you press the "Info" button, you will just want to press the "Info" button again to get rid of that window.

If you press the "OSD" button, the only way to remove this information is to keep pressing "OSD" until it says "Display Off".

I have not had problems with either of these two functions.

Display off didn't work for me. Had to switch to OSD button. Haven't upgraded my f/w yet tho. /steve

FYI. Just got this back from Oppo service in reference to my question earlier in this thread about why my receiver is only showing receipt of 48khz after I configured my 970HD to output 96khz via RAW S/PDIF:

When using the coaxial or optical didigtal audio outputs and the S/PDIF
is set to RAW on the OPDV971H, the LPCM Out does not effect the audio
stream, as the bitstream from the DVD is being sent straight to the
receiver for decoding. Your receiver will do what ever internal
conversions are required to produce a proper audio signal.

If you change the S/PDIF to PCM, then the LPCM Out settings will be
reflective on your receiver, but your audio will be 2.0 (Stereo) only.

The LPCM Out also effects the multi-channel anlog outputs, as this too
utilizes the DVD player's internal decoders for audio.

Steve, I am still playing around with the setting. Currently the 480i>HDMI with the 970 picture set to sharp- appears better, but that was only one nights setting- on one DVD.
The NEC50xr5, has reported very good scalier. I have set tv to HDMI to high and 1080i(it only gives me 540p & 1035i as the other chooses) all based on other xr5 owners reviews.
However, I did quickly, yesterday for 4min. play Return of the king-battle scene (bright daylight)
And I was hard pressed to see a critical difference, between-720p&1080i.
db

The output resolution (480i, 1080i, etc.) is set by the player and not the display, so I'm not sure what those XR5 settings you listed mean.

Noticed you have Oppo sharpness set to "high". I have it set to "off" and I still had to crank sharpness way down on my Fujitsu. If you don't already own one of them, I would recommend buying either the AVIA or Digital Video Essentials DVDs and adjusting your brightness, contrast, color and sharpness using their calibration techniques.

/steve

There were early reports of people using the 970 to input hdmi 480i directly into projectors and not using external video processors. I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced better images as opposed to using the 971 and upconverting.

I'm currently using the 971 and running my projector (SIM2 ht300e) pixel to pixel and wonder whether there will be an improvement inputting hdmi 480i and processing the signal in the projector.

There were early reports of people using the 970 to input hdmi 480i directly into projectors and not using external video processors. I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced better images as opposed to using the 971 and upconverting.

John,

It's a hard to generalize on what the results will be. Everyone's experience will be different, depending on the quality of the built-in scalers in their projectors or displays compared to the Faroudja circuitry in the 971H.

Unfortunately, unless someone else reports in who has your particular combination of equipment, you won't know unless you try it.

/steve

Yes, you're right Steve. At this price I might as well just get one and check . :)

I'm using an analog Toshiba 57HX81 display requiring the 970's component outputs and from what I've read probably as good of a player available for the price (under those circumstances) especially with anticipated future upgrades and hacks. Could new owners comment more on their first hand experiences of the 970's ability to play PAL disc?

I tried. To advance a track in SACD mode, I need to press the down arrow and then Select. To go backwards, use the up arrow and then Select.

Thanks Jeffhdz for the work-around. I spoke to Oppo today. They are aware of the bug. Will be addressed in a future firmware...

Noticed you have Oppo sharpness set to "high". I have it set to "off" and I still had to crank sharpness way down on my Fujitsu. All CE displays enhance sharpness ootb at neutral settings. The un-video-educated like it that way. :) It's not a player issue, typically, at neutral settings.

larry

All CE displays enhance sharpness ootb at neutral settings. The un-video-educated like it that way. :) It's not a player issue, typically, at neutral settings.

I had player sharpness "off" and P50XHA40 panel sharpness at "0" on a scale of -16 to +16, and the Avia resolution screen pattern was way too ghosted. To clean up the ghosts, I had to set 480i HDMI sharpness to -12. 480i component sharpness came in at -7. It made a night and day difference in the picture.

/steve

Has anyone played a PAL movie yet with the 970-HD? I know it is not expected to have a good picture (for reasons detailed in earlier posts), but I am curious to hear of actual results. Is the pq acceptable, good or even excellent? I bought the 971, primarily for better PAL performance, and I wonder if I made the right decision.

Has anyone played a PAL movie yet with the 970-HD? I know it is not expected to have a good picture (for reasons detailed in earlier posts), but I am curious to hear of actual results. Is the pq acceptable, good or even excellent? I bought the 971, primarily for better PAL performance, and I wonder if I made the right decision.

I have the 970 and have tested it with a PAL disc I recently purchased. I bought the great movie Until the End of the World by the German director Wim Wenders. I have had this on VHS forever but was hoping to buy it on DVD. Unfortunately, the DVD has never been released in the US. A deluxe German edition was released and I finally bought that version. The capability to make the 970 region free came in handy for this disc.

Anyway, I watched part of the first disc and it appeared to look fine. I am not sure what the PAL 2:2 Cadence issue looks like so if someone wants to tell me what to look for I will recheck. My initial test viewing seemed fine and I cannot say I was bothered by any issues.

-CB

I don't think this was ever definitively answered, but I'm curious to know if there is any distance compensation (time delay) available for 5.1 SACD/DVD-A?

Am I asking a tough question? Surely someone is using the analog outputs of this player :confused:

There is a distance delay setting on the DV-970HD which is based on delaying the channels in relation to the listening position and the front speakers. Please check the Advance User Guide (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-adv-setup-guide.pdf), in particular Page 17.

Anyway, I watched part of the first disc and it appeared to look fine. I am not sure what the PAL 2:2 Cadence issue looks like so if someone wants to tell me what to look for I will recheck. My initial test viewing seemed fine and I cannot say I was bothered by any issues

You may see tearing, combing, and aliasing due to the inability to do a proper Film 2:2 Cadence.

Okay, this thread has really got me interested. I have a Panny AE900 and wonder if the 970HD is right for it. I currently use a Sony NS3100ES and the picture and sound is great. However, I am getting an occasional dropout with SACD and a strange digital pop from some DVDs (even on my 2nd 3100).

So, will the 970HD be right in my case? And, is the SACD sound pretty sweet? It sure is on my particular Sony model. So, is this Oppo that good???

There is a distance delay setting on the DV-970HD which is based on delaying the channels in relation to the listening position and the front speakers. Please check the Advance User Guide (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-adv-setup-guide.pdf), in particular Page 17.

I see on page 13 where distance delay is discussed. However, there is no mention to if these settings are applicable to only DD/DTS or DVD-A/SACD as well.

Would someone be able to test for me?

I believe it is better than the Pio players. I still prefer the image from the RP91/82 via SDI. The Oppo is a lot faster in terms of responsivness though.

Are you including the 59/79 (as a transport) in this or only the Pio budget players?

Thanks.

could anyone help me decide? my display is a Sammy DLP -- model HL-P4663W. i originally wanted the 971 for the better video processing. however, since it is a DLP i was then steering toward the 970 as i learned of the macroblocking issues that the 971 has with certain DLP sets.

does anyone have the 4663W and can comment if it gets the macroblocking with the oppo 971?

should i just get the 970?

could anyone help me decide? my display is a Sammy DLP -- model HL-P4663W. i originally wanted the 971 for the better video processing. however, since it is a DLP i was then steering toward the 970 as i learned of the macroblocking issues that the 971 has with certain DLP sets.

does anyone have the 4663W and can comment if it gets the macroblocking with the oppo 971?

should i just get the 970?

One factor that steered me away from the 970 is that it doesn't have an audio sync delay function. If you have a Samsung DLP and run your digital audio straight to your receiver, you will have slight lip sync issues (I noticed it on mine). I too was worried about the 971 and macroblocking. So neither Oppo would have worked for me, unless I was willing to calibrate the 971 and set it up to work properly and minimize macroblocking (too advanced for me). I ended up getting a cheap Panasonic DVD-S52 which doesn't do much for the picture, but does have up to 100 ms of audio sync delay. Good luck...

Hi, I've been lurking around this forum for a while and finally pulled the trigger on the dv-970hd due to all the good reports that I have read. Just got it today and hooked her up, and had door opening failure right ootb. Tried power cycling a couple of times by pulling the plug, still no joy. Sent e-mail to oppo support but nothing so far. So my question is--Has anyone had this problem before and is there an easy fix or am I going to have to send this puppy back for replacement. Thanks in advance for any assistance. First time poster -Lewg

I just auditioned the 970HD with a few SACDs of mine and quickly came to the conclusion that its SACD playback (at least for me) is worthless. Why? Because it's not gapless. During Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, the player inserted about a second gap between the tracks. This is always my worst nightmare when it comes to digital audio playback; it's the reason I'm still clutching to my Rio Karma instead of replacing it and its failing hard drive with a trendy new iPod. I'll never understand why hardware manufacturers can't get this right. Anyone who 's ever listened to Abbey Road, DSOTM, and countless other pop and classical albums where tracks flow seamlessly into one another would know that artificial gaps between tracks are unacceptable. Can anyone verify this problem exists with DVD-Audio as well? I'm very disappointed in the audio playback at this point and really hope this can be remedied by a firmware upgrade soon. Otherwise I guess I'll have to chalk up SACD playback on the Oppo as a novelty feature and stick to my Sony SACD changer.

Hi, I've been lurking around this forum for a while and finally pulled the trigger on the dv-970hd due to all the good reports that I have read. Just got it today and hooked her up, and had door opening failure right ootb. Tried power cycling a couple of times by pulling the plug, still no joy. Sent e-mail to oppo support but nothing so far. So my question is--Has anyone had this problem before and is there an easy fix or am I going to have to send this puppy back for replacement. Thanks in advance for any assistance. First time poster -Lewg

Disconnect the DV-970HD from the power supply/cord for 15 minutes. The longer, the better.
Reconnect it again.
Try another power source, if possible.

If you still have problems, open the unit up and inspect the insides. See if any of the cords have come loose, or if the tray has come off its tracks.

One factor that steered me away from the 970 is that it doesn't have an audio sync delay function. If you have a Samsung DLP and run your digital audio straight to your receiver, you will have slight lip sync issues (I noticed it on mine). I too was worried about the 971 and macroblocking. So neither Oppo would have worked for me, unless I was willing to calibrate the 971 and set it up to work properly and minimize macroblocking (too advanced for me). I ended up getting a cheap Panasonic DVD-S52 which doesn't do much for the picture, but does have up to 100 ms of audio sync delay. Good luck...


is the delay something that can be fixed via a firmware release?

if all else fails, i was also thinking of getting a Panny S52 like you did. it could just be a temporary holdover until the new Denon's come out in september. i've had my eye on getting a high quality universal player like Denon for a while, and i might as well wait until the new models come out to get one. i can stick the Panny or Oppo in the bedroom and keep the Denon in the living room.

If you have a Samsung DLP and run your digital audio straight to your receiver, you will have slight lip sync issues (I noticed it on mine).


Not on mine it doesn't.



Yoshi,

I have the HLP5685w and the 970 looks great. :)
I also have the Denon 2910 and it (like the 971) has the Faroudja MB problem.
My guess is your model would show MB from the 971.

Audio playback:

1) Do not use the Mixed Mode output. Use the Front Left/Right.
2) The volume control is by default somewhere in the middle, use the remote control to turn the volume to the max (loosing resolution at lower volume)
3) Need to break in the player at least 30-40 hours if not more.

To use as LPCM transport

* Turn off the HDMI multi-channel digitla audio out, then you can adust the LPCM from 48Khz to 96 or 192Khz.

Hi,
I have been following this thread as closely as possible for the past couple of days. I'm pretty set on buying the Oppo, but I just wanted to get seomthings straight.

1. What is this issue about resolution and picture size? Something about when upconverting to 720P, 1080i, the image shrinks? I probably completely misunderstood there, but that's what I thought. So I'm getting a smaller picture size from upconverting? Is there anyway around that for now? I suppose I can just let the TV do the scaling. Is this problem common, ie do all the players have it? And is this important for 32 inch TVs?

2. I just read about this in the last post. I just read about how the DVD player should have a break-in period of 30-40 hours. How do you break in a DVD player? This is the first time I heard anything like this.

By the way, I'm not a very technical person, though it's very easy to just look up stuff on the internet as I go along anyway. I can understand most of the terminology, but I would appreciate it if you don't overwhelm me with acronyms and such.

Thanks in advanced!!

I just auditioned the 970HD with a few SACDs of mine and quickly came to the conclusion that its SACD playback (at least for me) is worthless. Why? Because it's not gapless.

Ya, I had an HK DVD47 for a breif time. It played SACD's, and I would presume DVD-As fine. However, when it came to DTS-Audio discs it would put in the same "gaps" you refer to between songs. It made of mess of my "On Air" DTS disc (as well as others). So, back it went.

My Sony DVP NS3100ES plays SACDs and DTS-Audio discs beautifully (with exceptions noted in an earlier post). I guess this Sony is the one I'll keep.

I still would like to know why the 970HD is not recommended for front projector use though. Not right for a Panny AE900 owner, huh?

I have a question about using the 970 with my Vizio 42HD plasma. Since the 970 cannot output at the native resolution of my plasma, am I better off simply feeding it 480i? I set it to 720p, and it looked pretty good (at least with LOTR), but I know it still has to do some conversion to get that 720p to 768p. Is there less work to take a 720p signal to 768p than there is to take a 480i signal to 768p?

I have to say though, I played Sasha and Digweed's Delta Heavy and it looked like crap on both my Sammy HLP and my Vizio plasma. Could just be crappy DVD though. I'm wondering if I should keep the 970 for the plasma and go with a 971 for the Sammy DLP.

BTW, the Sammy will not accept 480i through the HDMI input. It will through the component inputs, but I didn't experiment with those.

Thoughts?

-Tony

thanks oink,

you have reaffirmed me toward the 970. any ideas anyone as to when Amazon will carry it?

i want free shipping!

Steve L- i did some work last night on CAL. post in the NECxr5 threead. I haven't finish reviewing 480i--
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7870925#post7870925
or #3423

thanks oink,

you have reaffirmed me toward the 970. any ideas anyone as to when Amazon will carry it?

i want free shipping!Request Amazon to carry this DVD player (I did) using the following link...
http://www.amazon.com/o/subst/stores/catalog-builder/index.html

Steve L- i did some work last night on CAL. post in the NECxr5 threead. I haven't finish reviewing 480i[...]

I did some more work as well. I downloaded the latest 970HD firmware, which, among other things, modifies the default component contrast setting, so I went back to my calibration disks. I used Digital Video Essentials this time and came up with some interesting results.

I decided to just focus on 970HD 480i HDMI and 480i component. Contrary to my previous calibration post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7859365&&#post7859365), the multiple DVE resolution screens led me to identical HDMI and component sharpness settings... -14 (out of -16 to +16). I guess this disproves my previous supposition that the 970HD's digital and component high frequency response differed.

Here's where I need some feedback from you "pros", however.

When I watch the "Restaurant" clip in the DVE Audio Video Reference material (Title 17, Chapter 2, I believe), the 480i HDMI and component pictures now look virtually identical from about 6 feet and 12 feet away from my 50" Fujitsu plasma. If I didn't know which input was active, I couldn't honestly determine if I was watching 480i digital or component.

On the "Model with Chip Chart" clip (Title 17, Chapter 6), however, the 480i HDMI appears to be "noisier" at 6 feet away. The increased noise is apparent in the large gray patch above the color scale. That being said, though, I don't know if what I'm seeing as "noise" might just be film grain!

If it's film grain, great! This would mean that 480i digital from the Oppo is delivering more detail than component, which is what I would expect.

If it's "noise", however, then it's being introduced somewhere in my digital signal chain... player circuitry, HDMI cable or display circuitry.

Either way, I'm nitpicking, and I can happily live with 480i component from this player if it does turn out to be noise, but I'm wondering if any of you pros who may be familiar with that clip have an opinion on whether it is or isn't? Thx.

/steve

I would rather but the Player from a fourm member and Supporter, Mike SRC owns
Surf Audio and he has contributed to this fourm with great information. The few extra dollars for shipping are worth it to me.

Steve,
Do you have NR turned off on your analog input on the P50? The default is on, at least on my P50. The P50s have aways did a good job with component input. Without test patterns it is not very easy to tell, if at all, what input is in use when using decent gear. I used a XP30 for quite a while with great results. Did you check to see if the P50/40 filters the ICP from 480i input? The red triangle on the one Snell and Wilcox test pattern on DVE.

larry

Steve,
Do you have NR turned off on your analog input on the P50? The default is on, at least on my P50. The P50s have aways did a good job with component input. Without test patterns it is not very easy to tell, if at all, what input is in use when using decent gear. I used a XP30 for quite a while with great results. Did you check to see if the P50/40 filters the ICP from 480i input? The red triangle on the one Snell and Wilcox test pattern on DVE.

Good pick-up. Larry! I had 3-D NR on "min" for component and "off" for HDMI, so that was the difference. The two inputs are now virtually identical, so I may just stick with component so I don't have to wait for the annoying HDMI/HDCP handshake message to clear the screen.

I think I know which Snell and Wilcox pattern you're talking about. It's the one at Title 15, Chap 7, right? I see the red triangles, one upside down touching the other. Not sure what to look for, but the red triangles look just like the blue ones below it. The Fujitsu has a "chroma transient" filter under "detail enhancement" under the "precision" menu. I've got it set to "off". Putting it "on" has no effect on the red triangles, but will cause CUE on the color patches at the bottom of the screen, so best left off, IMO.

/steve

Audio playback:

1) Do not use the Mixed Mode output. Use the Front Left/Right.
2) The volume control is by default somewhere in the middle, use the remote control to turn the volume to the max (loosing resolution at lower volume)
3) Need to break in the player at least 30-40 hours if not more.

To use as LPCM transport

* Turn off the HDMI multi-channel digitla audio out, then you can adust the LPCM from 48Khz to 96 or 192Khz.
I was using the mix output and wasn't too impressed with the sound but at least I was getting audio out. I switched my analog cables to the Front Left/Right RCA's. My volume was up but I got no audio out. Anyone know why that is? No, I didn't have "mute" on. I checked setup and didn't see anything obvious.

Change your DownMix to LF/RF and try again.

Change your DownMix to LF/RF and try again.
Neuromancer,

Thanks but that's not it either. Any other ideas?

Howe

Dance around in a circle and flap your arms 20 times.

Are you going through a receiver or a television for the audio?
Are you using the HDMI output for audio at all?

Dance around in a circle and flap your arms 20 times.

Are you going through a receiver or a television for the audio?
Are you using the HDMI output for audio at all?
I am going straight out from the OPPO to a stereo system for the audio.

I am connected to my display via HDMI and as a reality check, sound is comming out through the TV's speakers if I want it to.

Does this shed light? I already did the circle dance. ;)

I was using the mix output and wasn't too impressed with the sound but at least I was getting audio out. I switched my analog cables to the Front Left/Right RCA's. My volume was up but I got no audio out. Anyone know why that is? No, I didn't have "mute" on. I checked setup and didn't see anything obvious.

Which volume was up? The receiver volume, or the Oppo remote control volume?

Which volume was up? The receiver volume, or the Oppo remote control volume?
Steve,

Hmmmmm.....now its working. Don't know why. I did try a lot of things. Of course, one wants to know "why" as much as getting it to work.

Thanks to Steve & Neuromancer for suggestions.

Howe

Good pick-up. Larry! I had 3-D NR on "min" for component and "off" for HDMI, so that was the difference. The two inputs are now virtually identical, so I may just stick with component so I don't have to wait for the annoying HDMI/HDCP handshake message to clear the screen.

I think I know which Snell and Wilcox pattern you're talking about. It's the one at Title 15, Chap 7, right? I see the red triangles, one upside down touching the other. Not sure what to look for, but the red triangles look just like the blue ones below it. The Fujitsu has a "chroma transient" filter under "detail enhancement" under the "precision" menu. I've got it set to "off". Putting it "on" has no effect on the red triangles, but will cause CUE on the color patches at the bottom of the screen, so best left off, IMO.

/steveI don't remember the title/chap of the pattern and atm I'm not near my HT. Left of center is a red triangle, (can't remember if 2 touching at points) an and below is a blue triangle (or 2). The side edges of the red triangle at 480i on my P50 via HDMI are not straight, they are jaggy (get up close). Switch to 480p and they are about perfect, the deinterlacer fixes it up.

larry

Hello, I'm new and have read thru all the whole thread on the 970. Has anyone had any experience with the new Toshiba 42hp66 42" plasma(going to get one soon)? Or even the 50hp66 50"? I currently have a Philips dvp642 dvd player.

Would I notice any difference between the 2 players on only a 42" size?

Is the Divx/Xvid playback PQ as good as the Philips dvp642? Most files you d/l are not at the 720x480 resolution. Would this be a problem?

Thanks!

The side edges of the red triangle at 480i on my P50 via HDMI are not straight, they are jaggy (get up close). Switch to 480p and they are about perfect, the deinterlacer fixes it up.

I wouldn't call the edges of my red triangles jaggy... they're not that bad. However, the inside isn't as solid a red as the 970HD ouputting 480p or 720p. The Mediatek de-interlacer seems to be doing a better job with ICP than the Fujitsu AVM II.

I may now have to run some new calibrations this week-end at 480p. Who knows, maybe the best combo for me might be Mediatek de-interlacing coupled with AVM II scaling? It never occurred to me to test this combination.

Nice problem to have, though. I'm very pleased with where I am now, so anything better will be a bonus.

/steve

Is anyone running a Panasonic AE900 with the Oppo DV-970HD? Just wondering if it would be a sharper picture then the 971H would provide?

The image will be sharper, but you will be losing some de-interlacing accuracy in the form of aliasing, as well as more general noise in the picture.

Is the Divx/Xvid playback PQ as good as the Philips dvp642? Most files you d/l are not at the 720x480 resolution. Would this be a problem?

The DivX support is as good as the Philips DVP642.

The maximum resolution is 720x480, but you can use any resolution below this threshold.

I received my 970 on Monday. After a few days of playing I have noticed one item. If this is supposed to be the perfect player for scalers, then they need to change how 4:3 ratio disks are played. Right now, you can choose an aspect ratio (2 4:3 modes and 2 16:9 modes). If you choose one of the 16:9 modes the DVDO VP30 thinks all content in 16:9 and you can not do certain tasks like the new panorama NLS. I would really like a mode where the oppo senses the mode and just sends the native aspect ratio automatically so I can let my scaler do all the heavy lifting. My DirecTV H20 allows this.

DR

If this is supposed to be the perfect player for scalers, then they need to change how 4:3 ratio disks are played. Right now, you can choose an aspect ratio (2 4:3 modes and 2 16:9 modes). If you choose one of the 16:9 modes the DVDO VP30 thinks all content in 16:9 and you can not do certain tasks like the new panorama NLS. I would really like a mode where the oppo senses the mode and just sends the native aspect ratio automatically

That's what the Wide/SQZ setting does, though be warned that this mode loses resolution.

I think you have some misunderstanding about how DVD works. ALL DVDs, whether 4:3 or 16:9 have the exact same resolution, 720x480 pixels. Since DVD pixels are not square, ideally you want to use the display (or video processing) to apply the appropriate stretch to control the picture geometry. If you're sending a 480i signal to the iScan VP30, the VP30 should be able to enforce full aspect ratio control.

My Oppo 970 came in yesterday… Hooked it up to my Sony 40” XBR LCD via HDMI, and all I can say is Wow, what a picture.

My search - for a sub-$200 DVD player with a clean, sharp picture - is over.

I have tested out several other DVD players at home in this price range (Sony DVP-NS75H, Samsung DVD-HD960, Panasonic DVD-S52) and the Oppo tops them all IMO.

The difference was so noticeable even my wife commented how good the Oppo picture was (and normally she doesn’t notice or even care about these things).

So with my family room TV setup complete, I can now move on to some other projects around the house. (Like the basement home theater ;) )

That's what the Wide/SQZ setting does, though be warned that this mode loses resolution.

I think you have some misunderstanding about how DVD works. ALL DVDs, whether 4:3 or 16:9 have the exact same resolution, 720x480 pixels. Since DVD pixels are not square, ideally you want to use the display (or video processing) to apply the appropriate stretch to control the picture geometry. If you're sending a 480i signal to the iScan VP30, the VP30 should be able to enforce full aspect ratio control.

Thanks for the comments, I will change the from wide/sqz to wide and let the scaler do the work.

DR

I need some advice on setup. I just received my 970. I also have a 971. My two displays are a Sony KDE50-XBR950 plasma in the family room and a 32" Westy LCD in the bedroom.
I have a DirecTV HD DVR and a Toshiba HD DVD sharing a 2-1 DVI switcher into the Sony. The 971 is hooked up to the Westy.

I felt that I needed a another player for the Sony when I needed to pop in a CD or a DVD for the kids, or PAL discs. The HD DVD takes too long to boot up. I'm trying to figure out which Oppo to which display. For now, I'm going to use component input for the Sony for the Oppo, DVI input on the Westy.

So which Oppo would be best for which display with these connections? I know I should probably experiment and find out for myself, but the way my system is hooked up, it is difficult to switch things around, so I wanted some advice before I started.

I need some advice on setup. I just received my 970. I also have a 971. My two displays are a Sony KDE50-XBR950 plasma in the family room and a 32" Westy LCD in the bedroom.
I have a DirecTV HD DVR and a Toshiba HD DVD sharing a 2-1 DVI switcher into the Sony. The 971 is hooked up to the Westy.

I felt that I needed a another player for the Sony when I needed to pop in a CD or a DVD for the kids, or PAL discs. The HD DVD takes too long to boot up. I'm trying to figure out which Oppo to which display. For now, I'm going to use component input for the Sony for the Oppo, DVI input on the Westy.

So which Oppo would be best for which display with these connections? I know I should probably experiment and find out for myself, but the way my system is hooked up, it is difficult to switch things around, so I wanted some advice before I started.

Your Sony has an excellent internal scaler. I would send it 480i or 480p over component from the 970HD. 480i will allow the Sony to de-interlace, 480p will use the Mediatek de-interlacing in the Oppo. See which one you prefer.

Of course, make sure you use Avia or DVE to calibrate, especially sharpness.

/steve

.

Of course, make sure you use Avia or DVE to calibrate, especially sharpness.

/steve[/QUOTE]

Which...as far as Avia is concerned, means pretty much turn sharpness to 0.

I just hooked up the 970HD, everything works except I get not sound at all from the 5.1 outputs. I made sure I have the mult. ch. in set on my receiver and NOTHING. I have the 970HD set the down-mix mode to 5.1. Also, is there an actual test tone when you are at the channel trim? There's no sound either. Does anyone have any suggestions?

-Vic

I have a 970 hooked up to a new Panasonic Plasma TV and would like to use the Panasonic remote to control basic functions on the DVD player. The Panasonic manual shows over 70 different DVD manufacturers and the codes to enter into the remote to enable it to control them. However Oppo is not included in the list. Are the 970 IR codes similar to those of another manufacturer so that I can use that to set the remote? (The remote is non-learning)

Welcome, Bellch. Good question. If nobody here answers, try emailing Oppo. Their support is very good and you should get an answer one way or another.

larry

I just received my 970 and have only breifly viewed one title. Switching HDMI modes, 480i looked best on my Sony WE42 LCDRP. 720p looked soft, 1080i had visible artifacts. The Oppo was much faster than my older Panasonic RP62, and looked better than the Panny component output of the same title. I also found the Oppo remote easier to negotiate than the Panasonic.
I was a bit dissapointed at the upconversion, but maybe other titles will look better. I'll have more time to play later.

I'll keep the 970 because 480i over HDMI means I can keep my two digital video sources digital all the way to my set.

Does the 971 do 480i over HDMI?
In the HDMI mode does 480p mean I'm using the MediaTek scaler?

[...]
Does the 971 do 480i over HDMI?
In the HDMI mode does 480p mean I'm using the MediaTek scaler?

No, I believe the 971H only supports 480p (maybe 720p) and above over DVI (to HDMI).

In 480p on the 970HD, you're using the MediaTek de-interlacer, but your display is doing the scaling. This combination should actually give you very good results.

Remember to calibrate using Avia or Digital Video Essentials before you draw any conclusions, however.

/steve

Thanks Steve, I'll try the 480p tonight.
As it stands my set is calibrated using GetGrey, and checked against the Sound & Vision Mag version of Avia, and the TXH Optimizer.... of course that was all from the Panny RP62... which has a Faroujia chipset in it, for what it's worth.

I'll go through the calibrations when I have another 2 weeks to spare. :)

I just hooked up the 970HD, everything works except I get not sound at all from the 5.1 outputs. I made sure I have the mult. ch. in set on my receiver and NOTHING. I have the 970HD set the down-mix mode to 5.1. Also, is there an actual test tone when you are at the channel trim? There's no sound either. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I was using the mix output and wasn't too impressed with the sound but at least I was getting audio out. I switched my analog cables to the Front Left/Right RCA's. My volume was up but I got no audio out. Anyone know why that is? No, I didn't have "mute" on. I checked setup and didn't see anything obvious.Yes, I have experienced this problem. There is indeed sound on the analog outputs, but it is 40dB lower than normal, so you have to crank the receiver volume WAY up to hear anything. None of the menu settings made any difference at all. The only fix was reflashing the latest firmware. That restored all outputs to normal levels. Bizarre.

Gary

I have a 970 hooked up to a new Panasonic Plasma TV and would like to use the Panasonic remote to control basic functions on the DVD player. The Panasonic manual shows over 70 different DVD manufacturers and the codes to enter into the remote to enable it to control them. However Oppo is not included in the list. Are the 970 IR codes similar to those of another manufacturer so that I can use that to set the remote? (The remote is non-learning)

Like the OPDV971H, there are no universal remote codes which work with the DV-970HD. As such, you will have to use the remote controlled supplied by OPPO, or purchase a universal learning remote control.

I'll go through the calibrations when I have another 2 weeks to spare. :)

Your prior calibration will only apply to the RP62. It should only take 5-10 minutes to do basic Avia black level, white level and sharpness (very important!). You can leave the tint, color level and geometry calibration to another day.

Before you begin Avia, I would be sure the Oppo video settings are at default (especially sharpness "off") and set your Sony RP to "cinema" or "movie" mode, if you have a setting like that and your room lighting allows you to use it.

/steve

Yes, I have experienced this problem. There is indeed sound on the analog outputs, but it is 40dB lower than normal, so you have to crank the receiver volume WAY up to hear anything. None of the menu settings made any difference at all. The only fix was reflashing the latest firmware. That restored all outputs to normal levels. Bizarre.

Gary

When I beta tested the 970HD, the volume would reset to 0 everytime I update the firmware. It was then fixed to reset to 16, and just before product release OPPO fixed the problem and firmware upgrade now resets volume to 20. If you experience no analog audio, please check the volume control on the OPPO remote.

When I beta tested the 970HD, the volume would reset to 0 everytime I update the firmware. It was then fixed to reset to 16, and just before product release OPPO fixed the problem and firmware upgrade now resets volume to 20. If you experience no analog audio, please check the volume control on the OPPO remote. Ah, now that sounds like a logical thing to check. The analog sound had worked fine the day before, so perhaps someone had inadvertently pressed the volume button while watching DVD movies.

Gary

When I beta tested the 970HD, the volume would reset to 0 everytime I update the firmware. It was then fixed to reset to 16, and just before product release OPPO fixed the problem and firmware upgrade now resets volume to 20. If you experience no analog audio, please check the volume control on the OPPO remote.


Yes, I made sure the volume wasn't all the way to 0. It read 20 and I still got no volume. I will try later tonight and crank the volume up on the receiver. How do you reflash the firmware?

-Vic

You will want to access the Firmware DIY Instructions (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-1a-0526.html) webpage and download the ISO image. Use this ISO image to burn a ISO CD. Put the CD in your DV-970HD and press play. Let the unit run for 2 minutes and then try playback again.

480i looked best on my Sony WE42 LCDRP. 720p looked soft, 1080i had visible artifacts.

I'm still a little confused....

In 480p on the 970HD, you're using the MediaTek de-interlacer, but your display is doing the scaling. This combination should actually give you very good results.

I thought that you only fed the 480i to an external scaler... how does 480i, or p for that matter, look "better" than 720, if that is the native resolution of your set?

I thought that you only fed the 480i to an external scaler... how does 480i, or p for that matter, look "better" than 720, if that is the native resolution of your set?

DVDs start with 480i data that must be de-interlaced and upconverted to your display's resolution whether you use an external scaler or not. The 970HD has a very good de-interlacer but not the best scaler out there. Chances are the display's scaler will do an equal or better job getting the de-interlaced data up to its native resolution.

/steve

Can anyone comment on the drive noise of the Oppo's? I know this may seem rather nit-picky... but loud dvd drives are deal breakers for me personally.

Thanks.

The drives are very quiet on the Oppos.

Who makes the drive on the 970HD? Samsung?

I am not sure by it may be Sanyo.

Yes, I meant Sanyo. I thought I had heard that earlier. Can anyone confirm?

I have Hitachi 53UWX10B 53" which does not have hdmi or dvi input only component.
I have heard so many good thing about oppo 970 and 971.
which unit will be best for my old hitachi tv?
My next question is regarding upsampling, would i be able to up convert via component on back up copy of my dvd movies.
i am not sure my question make sense but Thank you very much in advance for your help

I have Hitachi 53UWX10B 53" which does not have hdmi or dvi input only component.
I have heard so many good thing about oppo 970 and 971.
which unit will be best for my old hitachi tv?
My next question is regarding upsampling, would i be able to up convert via component on back up copy of my dvd movies.
i am not sure my question make sense but Thank you very much in advance for your help

The 970HD offers better component output than the 971H.

Yes, you should be able to upconvert back-up's over component on the 970HD, but you may still find that 480i or 480P over component from the 970HD looks just as good as upconverted, depending on the quality of the Hitachi de-interlacer and scaler.

I would calibrate first using AVIA or Digital Video Essentials and then compare all resolutions before you decide which to use.

/steve

thank you very much Steve

how do i find out how good the Hitachi deinterlacer and scaler are?

thanks again Steve,
I currently own philips 642 DVD player, which is not bad , how much improvement would i get from oppo 970. I just bought 642 about 6 months ago.

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

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

I'm not familiar with your Philips player, so I can't comment.

/steve

Thanx again.
looks like , I just have to oder it find out like you mention. I wonder any bodyelse have info on my hitachi and philips642. I just don't want to spend more money if i don't have to.
how much different of PQ between these two.

thanx again

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I was able to locate the problem and it was not an issue with the Oppo at all. Whenever I engaged my receiver's mult. channel input, it would shut off all additional processing, while at the same time shutting off its 12 volt trigger out. This would shut my outboard amp. I didn't notice it the first few times, but I noticed it last night. So, this morning I tried it by not using the trigger out and manually turning on the amp. The 5.1 out works perfectly and I already balanced the speaker volume levels.

-Vic

Yes, I meant Sanyo. I thought I had heard that earlier. Can anyone confirm?

It uses the same Sanyo loader which is contained in the OPDV971H.

thanks again Steve,
I currently own philips 642 DVD player, which is not bad , how much improvement would i get from oppo 970. I just bought 642 about 6 months ago.

The Philips DVP642 is a very noisy (picture wise) DVD player. Additionally it suffers from CUE (chroma) errors, has Y/C Delay errors, and does not properly switch between Film and Video 3:2 Pulldown.

The DV-970HD will be a nice step up.

DVDs start with 480i data that must be de-interlaced and upconverted to your display's resolution whether you use an external scaler or not. The 970HD has a very good de-interlacer but not the best scaler out there. Chances are the display's scaler will do an equal or better job getting the de-interlaced data up to its native resolution.

/steve

I have a Sony 42inch LCD-RP - KDF-E42A10 and I can confirm that this display's scaler does a better job than Oppo's scaler, but Oppo's de-interlacer does a better job than the display's (quick review on Page 25).

So, I have decided to set the Oppo at 480p over HDMI. Also, sound on the TV over HDMI works perfectly (for the 1-2 hours of kids video watching every day - a 1 year-old and a 4 year-old don't need to listen to HT sound!!!!). When I want HT sound, I just turn the TV vol to 0.

For those of you with digital connections to audio receivers that have an "audio delay" function, I know this setting will be different for different combinations of hookups, resolutions, displays and receivers. In case it may be helpful to anyone, however, here's what I came up with for my particular equipment mix:

I used the audio demo found at Title 17, Chapter 5 of Digital Video Essentials.

When using either 970HD component or HDMI video out at 480p to my Fujitsu P50XHA40US, I need to set my S/PDIF connected Yamaha 2500 to 4ms of audio delay. (I think I actually need something just under 4.5 ms, but the Yamaha only allows integer settings.)

I tried using the DVE "circle sweep" test pattern that beeps every time the line hits 12 o'clock, but my brain just can't process it correctly. It seems fine whether I have no delay or up to 10ms delay. It's easier for me to read lips. :eek:

/steve

What Audio DAC's does the 970HD use for it's multichannel audio output? Cirrus Logic? Burrs? Crystal?

I've noticed that the YC delay (AVIA) is virtually perfect using 480p HDMI to DVI in on a Sony Ruby. Better than the other settings on the Oppo, and better than a Sony 975, Pany S97 and the Toshiba HD A1. This has been the most notable improvement/difference between the players I've noticed. Edges are much better defined.
I could never get the 6.75MHz resolution pattern to show properly using 480i over HDMI to the Ruby...always gray, or showing only half the true number of lines. DVI works fine.
Paul

What Audio DAC's does the 970HD use for it's multichannel audio output? Cirrus Logic? Burrs? Crystal?
From Oppo:
"We are using a MTK chipset to handle the audio. It is rated at 24-bit/192Khz.

The video on the DV-970HD is 8-bit/108Mhz."

shane

Well, OPPO is really trying to downplay their utilization of the Ciirrus Logic DAC, as it has a bad reputation in the audio world, so it is not surprising that they just say they are using the MTK chipset.

I just took the plunge and ordered one from Mike. Will I be able to use HDMI for audio only (I have to use component for video) going to a Denon 3806, rather than running 5.1 analog cables for DVD-Audio/SACD?

Using the MTK chipset for audio? Uhmmm I guess I shouldn't expect this to have the greatest fidelity with DVD-A/SACD then.

I've never heard of a player using a single chipset for mpeg decoding, de-interlacing, and hi-res audio all in one. Can't be the greatest...

What about the digital output for DVD's? Any idea on jitter or how it sounds generally?

And an 8-bit Video DAC? :( This isn't making much sense to me, I just don't see how it's such a hot player with these specs. Someone care to clarify?

Was about to order one, but now I'm having second thoughts.

Using the MTK chipset for audio? Uhmmm I guess I shouldn't expect this to have the greatest fidelity with DVD-A/SACD then.
{...}
And an 8-bit Video DAC? :(

Was about to order one, but now I'm having second thoughts.

I can't vouch for the audio... yet. I'm waiting on a new Yamaha 2600 that will allow me to try out HDMI audio for the first time.

I can say the video performance at 480p is first-rate, however. I believe the 970HD's video performance alone is worth its relatively low price, even if it means you have to buy a dedicated audio player to go along with it.

With a 30-day return policy, you've got nothing to lose except your time to hook it up and try it out. :)

Just my $.02.

/steve

I had to disagree on the audio quality side. In the digital domain, as long as the processing is using the correct algroithm and the implementation of the IC is correct, it does not matter much if you use a single IC for all functions or a whole bunch of ICs. In fact if too much chips are used you have to worry about PCB layout for clock skew for high speed digital signals. Within a single IC it is much easier to handle high-speed signals. All-in-one is not a bad thing in the digital domain.

On the analog side, Cirrus Logic DAC is not know as an audiophile grade component, i.e. no Burr-brown here. However it also depends on how the whole system design is done. The analog filters after the DAC play an important role in audio quality. I think in this area the 970HD is not bad at all, at least much better than most players in its price range (and better than OPPO's own 971H too).

The OPPO CSR must have made a mistake with the video DAC. According to my knowledge it is 12-bit 108MHz, as all other players using the same video DAC list it that way (Philips 5960 and Sony NS75H for example). Besides it is hard to find an 8-bit video DAC these days.

How do you think the Oppo 970HD would compare to the Yamaha S657 in terms of analog audio output? I would have my money on the Yamaha based on specs.

It uses Crystal Semi-Conductor DAC's. However I've read a few reviews which rate the audio jitter as very poor. On a bit of a side note I've been told by some that the digital audio output on every player sounds identical... but I've read some articles concerning jitter, is it true that all digital output sounds the same?

I would suspect the Oppo has it beat for video @ 480p, although they use the same type of video chipset (MTK) however, different versions.

I really wish the Oppo 970HD was posted on Secrets(hint, hint, Kris! :D), this would probably put the nail in the buying coffin for me because I suspect it'll get a perfect or near-perfect score. If anyone feels they can give me some reasons to convince me to buy it prior to seeing secrets reviews feel free ;)

My hand is on the trigger... should I pull it?

[...]
My hand is on the trigger... should I pull it?

Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis... life's too short! :)

You really have nothing to lose except your time and a few $$ for shipping, if it turns out the 970HD doesn't fulfill your expectations.

/steve

Just wondering what success people have had with USB flash drives. I've successfully used a Transcend USB2.0 128MB drive and played back mp3 and Divx files. The drive is formatted as FAT32.

128MB doesn't cut it for playing big files (e.g. typically 350 MB for TV shows) so I bought a 2G Corsair Flash Voyager. I can't get Oppo to recognize it. The Oppo tries to read the drive but gives up and shows a message 'No USB' on the screen.

I've tried formatting as both FAT and FAT32. I've also tried to keep it simple by having just a single mp3 file. It simply refuses to read it. The drive works fine in my PC and I've also tried it out on the mp3 player in my car (it has a USB port on it).

I had thought it was a conflict because the drive is USB2.0 and the Oppo only supports USB1.1. USB2.0 is supposed to be backward compatible and I couldn't find any specs that indicated that there should be a problem - the difference in specs is more about transfer speeds. The Transcend drive is also USB2.0 and it works fine with the Oppo.

Curious if anyone else had this problem or been able to get their Oppo to work with larger flash drives?

Cliff

How's the Oppo via the component output? I ask because the 971 can only do 480i over component and secrets didn't test it.

I would be using the component output, should I still go with this player or are there better options for us component users?

The 970 will output 480p over component, as well as upconvert unprotected content.

How's the Oppo via the component output? I ask because the 971 can only do 480i over component and secrets didn't test it.

I would be using the component output, should I still go with this player or are there better options for us component users?

The Output looks great! I got my unit a few days and hooked it up earlier this evening. I played about 40 minutes of Revenge of The Sith at 480p which looked outstanding then I made a copy of it and removed the CSS protection so I could see it in 720p The colors were much deeper and I swear I can see things that i haven't seen before. It's easily the best $163. I spent in a long time.

What's you display Mojodeli?

Using the MTK chipset for audio? Uhmmm I guess I shouldn't expect this to have the greatest fidelity with DVD-A/SACD then.

They are using a Cirus Logic chipset for audio decoding. I do not know what model number, or the exact specifications, but word is it sounds great.

And an 8-bit Video DAC? :(

This is an 8-in, 8-out process. There is little to no advantage to moving to a 10-12-bit connection due to the nature of the original source only being 8-bit. What is more important is how efficient and accurate you are in decoding, processing, and transporting the original encode.

Or is it 10-in, 8-out. Will have to re-confirm in the morning.

I just hooked up the Oppo 970 via HDMI to DVI ( Monoprice cable 3') and although I get the Oppo splash screen and see that the DVD is loading, once it loads all I get is a screen full of snow and on the Oppo display it looks like an error message not counting out the seconds/minutes that the DVD has played

I just hooked up the Oppo 970 via HDMI to DVI ( Monoprice cable 3') and although I get the Oppo splash screen and see that the DVD is loading, once it loads all I get is a screen full of snow and on the Oppo display it looks like an error message not counting out the seconds/minutes that the DVD has played
Display make/model?

larry

Immersive Virtuoso 2nd gen Dlp Projector. HDCP compliant
I took the Oppo upstairs to the 32" tv and did get a picture out of S Video

The Oppo LED display still has the letters all screwed up Parts of each letter missing so you cannot read it

I am going to try component into the PJ and see if that works

Ok. Interesting. One thing to try when connected to the PJ via HDMI is to switch resolutions via the remote while in the splash screen (DVD play stopped) and then hit play at each rez and see what happens.

larry

I tried that and the imput shows the correct resolution, then all snow

I see the Oppo splash screen each time, then snow.

That sounds like a HDCP handshake problem. I'm not sure whether or not HDCP is always active, even for the splash screen. If it is, then something is broke (or not obvious) because you can see the splash screen.

larry

Thanks Larry,
I guess I will send it back for another. Hate to waste Surf Audio's time if it turns out to somehow be my display. I know it is listed as being HDCP compliant. Based on the StudioExperience 50HD.

UPDATE:

I borrowed a Sony DVPNS75 (HDMI player) and it has a little light that states a good connection between the palyer and a compliant device. The light is lit but I get no image, not even the splash screen from the sony.

I know wonder if it is the cable, but I don't have another to try at the moment

there seems to be a handshake problem between using the oppo 970hd using hdmi going to my digital projection hd2+ projector using dvi->hdmi adapter, I get no synch between the two, any ideas? no biggie at the moment since im using my toshiba hd dvd player hdmi outputting 480i

there seems to be a handshake problem between using the oppo 970hd using hdmi going to my digital projection hd2+ projector using dvi->hdmi adapter, I get no synch between the two, any ideas? no biggie at the moment since im using my toshiba hd dvd player hdmi outputting 480i


That is what I am experiencing also. I have a HD2+ dlp projector and can't get a handshake either. I am using the Virtuoso by Immersive (NexGen clone) same as StudioExperience50HD

does anyone know if oppo will be addressing these handshaking issues?

That is what I am experiencing also. I have a HD2+ dlp projector and can't get a handshake either. I am using the Virtuoso by Immersive (NexGen clone) same as StudioExperience50HD

Are you also using an HDMI->DVI adapter? IIRC, 480i over DVI is not part of the DVI spec so I think the display may need to be configured (i.e. programmed to do so by the manufacturer) to accept 480i over its DVI input.

Are you also using an HDMI->DVI adapter? IIRC, 480i over DVI is not part of the DVI spec so I think the display may need to be configured (i.e. programmed to do so by the manufacturer) to accept 480i over its DVI input.


I dont think the projector is having a problem with this I believe its with the oppo, lots of people are using their pioneer 59 and 79avi via 480i out to their displays with no problem

I got my unit on Monday and only got a chance to play with it today. One major issue my unit has is that the digital output has constant ausio drop outs. I have tried 2 different optical cable, optical inputs and even used the co-axial connection but the dropout is still there. The analogue output for the same disks has no issue at all. I did not have this problem using my Samsung 841 so it should not be my pre-amp.

Does anyone else has this issue or it's just my bad luck. The beta firmware says nothing about fixing audio dropouts so I haven;t tried yet.

Frank W

Does anyone else has this issue or it's just my bad luck. The beta firmware says nothing about fixing audio dropouts so I haven;t tried yet.

Got mine on Monday and I've watched 3 movies already with no audio dropouts noticed. I'm connected S/PDIF to a Yamaha receiver.

/steve

I think you may have bad luck. I just replaced my 841 yesterday and used the same optical cable I was using in the Sammy. With the Oppo right out of the box I had audio thru my digital connection and the HDMI cable.

there seems to be a handshake problem between using the oppo 970hd using hdmi going to my digital projection hd2+ projector using dvi->hdmi adapter, I get no synch between the two, any ideas? no biggie at the moment since im using my toshiba hd dvd player hdmi outputting 480iAre you sure that you are outputting 480i via hdmi with the Toshiba A1? I did not think that it had 480i capability over hdmi.

I have gone over the manual to verify and indeed seems youre right, looks like 480i is over analog only, I believed that it was over hdmi since when im playing a movie I do have the option to change to that resolution on the front display, I figured that if it was not available it would not be lit up im also thinking that when I did get it to 480i that there was a change in the image resolution but I guess that cant be since its not suposed to support 480i over hdmi, I apologize for the incorrect info

That sounds like a HDCP handshake problem. I'm not sure whether or not HDCP is always active, even for the splash screen. If it is, then something is broke (or not obvious) because you can see the splash screen.

larry

HDCP is always active, irregardless of resolution or content. The OPPO spalsh screen will be HDCP enabled.

does anyone know if oppo will be addressing these handshaking issues? You and D_B_0673 are the only ones that I recall having problems. Although it's a big thread... The 970HD worked fine connected to the DVI input of my display and 480i also worked.

larry

HDCP is always active, irregardless of resolution or content. The OPPO spalsh screen will be HDCP enabled. Now that makes D_B_0673's problem interesting.

larry

there seems to be a handshake problem between using the oppo 970hd using hdmi going to my digital projection hd2+ projector using dvi->hdmi adapter, I get no synch between the two, any ideas? no biggie at the moment since im using my toshiba hd dvd player hdmi outputting 480i

If you are using a monster DVI-HDMI adapter, throw it away and go buy a different one. There is a major problem with their DVI-HDMI adapters and HDCP compliance.

If not, then when you have the OPDV971H turned on, pull the power cord from the back of the unit. Put the power cord back in and turn on the unit. You should resolve a picture.

does anyone know if oppo will be addressing these handshaking issues?

Most hand shaking issues are being caused by bad cables/adapters and bad units. Bad units shouldn't be the case, since OPPO is updating every DV-970HD. Most cases of HDCP handshaking errors should show on their updating displays.

Handshakes based off of specific display devices is much harder to determine, since OPPO has a limited number of displays to test on. THese errors will likely take time to fix, as they will need to gather information about these errors, then address them.

Now that makes D_B_0673's problem interesting.

It validates his situtation, as even the Sony NS75H would not resolve a picture. His cable is either bad, his adapter is bad, or his projector is not properly decoding the HDCP keys.

With the OPPO 970HD, splash screen followed by snow is a typical indication of HDCP. When I tried the 970HD with a viewsonic LCD monitor I got exactly the same thing.

My display has been receiving HDCP DVI content for 1 1/2 years. I have used the Immersive Simmetry scaler that is HDCP enabled on the DVI output. I tried the OPPO with the scaler and directly into the pj. The cable that OPPO supplied has 2 "lumps" like a snake that swallowed something. Is that some bi-directional thing. I could not use that cable as I needed HDMI to DVI. I did not just get an adapter, but bought a monoprice cable. That might be the problem.

It has not worked at any resolution and yes I found out too late that my scaler or pj does not accept 480i over HDMI. But I can;t get a picture at any res on my cable



I will try the unplugging thing the Neuormancer suggested.



I really want the OPPO to work

It validates his situtation, as even the Sony NS75H would not resolve a picture. His cable is either bad, his adapter is bad, or his projector is not properly decoding the HDCP keys.

Are the HDCP keys different for HDMI than DVI. My stuff has worked with DVI for 3 years and this is the first HDMI set up I have tried

How does the digital coax/optical out for movies sound? I know a lot of people think there is no difference between players regarding digital audio output but with all the auditioning I've been doing lately I've found some to be crisper and more detailed.

Are the HDCP keys different for HDMI than DVI. My stuff has worked with DVI for 3 years and this is the first HDMI set up I have tried

No, the keys are not different. The only thing you have to worry about is if the HDMI content device does not have the proper DVI signal standards built in. The DV-970HD should not be a problem on a DVI display, as I have tried it on several DVI based display devices (including my Optoma H78).

That's what the Wide/SQZ setting does, though be warned that this mode loses resolution.

I think you have some misunderstanding about how DVD works. ALL DVDs, whether 4:3 or 16:9 have the exact same resolution, 720x480 pixels. Since DVD pixels are not square, ideally you want to use the display (or video processing) to apply the appropriate stretch to control the picture geometry. If you're sending a 480i signal to the iScan VP30, the VP30 should be able to enforce full aspect ratio control.

Josh,

I put a 4:3 and a 16:9 dvd in my computer. The both reported the same resolution like you said, 720x480. The interesting item I noticed was the dvds also said there aspect ratio. I think if oppo would set the proper flag via HDMI for aspect ratio then the VP30 can be used in a more automated way. Right now with Wide or Wide/Sqz the VP30 thinks all dvds played are 16:9. The VP30 has auto aspect ratio option and I think it gets the info via HDMI and that is where the 970 should really take care of this.

DR

Has anyone tried playing any DVD+R Dual Layer DVD's or DVD-R Dual Layer DVD's on theirs yet? Also DVD+/-RW Dual Layer or Single Layer.

DL disks will work fine if you use good quality disks set it for DVD-Rom and use a good burner with updated firmware.

DL disks will work fine if you use good quality disks set it for DVD-Rom and use a good burner with updated firmware.

Well I use Verbatim Dual Layer Media which is widely regarded as the highest quality in the industry.

When you say "set it to DVD-Rom" I suspect you mean the booktype? All discs I've burned I have just left the booktype at DVD+R. They've played okay on other players, should I expect they'll play okay on the Oppo?

They should play without a problem on the DV-970HD.

I dont think the projector is having a problem with this I believe its with the oppo, lots of people are using their pioneer 59 and 79avi via 480i out to their displays with no problem

If the displays are HDMI it technically shouldnt be a problem but if theyre DVI it could be. Just wanted to make a PSA that 480i over HDMI should not be a foregone conclusion when the display is DVI.

Stupid question but just to clarify... it does PAL to NTSC conversion too right?

Yes it does PAL/NTSC bi-directional conversion.

Just pulled the trigger. Hopefully shipping is fast I'm impatient :D

Thanks to avsforum.com, its members and this thread for helping me make my decision. :D

Update:
I am now able to occasionally resolve a picture over HDMI, but about every 10 secs or so there is a flash of white light across the top third of the screen.
Any thoughts appreciated

Still half the time when I boot up I get only snow, but at least I know it is possible :rolleyes:


If I can get past this then I would try calibrating as the movie looked very dark and not to good at all

I put a 4:3 and a 16:9 dvd in my computer. The both reported the same resolution like you said, 720x480. The interesting item I noticed was the dvds also said there aspect ratio. I think if oppo would set the proper flag via HDMI for aspect ratio then the VP30 can be used in a more automated way. Right now with Wide or Wide/Sqz the VP30 thinks all dvds played are 16:9. The VP30 has auto aspect ratio option and I think it gets the info via HDMI and that is where the 970 should really take care of this.

All DVDs have an aspect ratio flag that indicates whether the disc is 4:3 or 16:9. This is so that capable DVD players can choose to pillarbox 4:3 within the center of a 16:9 frame. That's what the "Wide/SQZ" setting on the Oppo does. Note that the 4:3 picture you're seeing only uses 540x480 pixels. The rest go to creating the pillarbox bars.

The "Wide" setting on the Oppo, however, does not automatically pillarbox. It outputs either aspect ratio in the full 720x480 pixels. On a 16:9 screen, 4:3 content will look stretched until you use the diplay (or video processor) to adjust the aspect ratio.

If you use the "Wide" setting on the Oppo the VP30 will be able to control your aspect ratio however you want (when you manually adjust it). If you're connected by HDMI, the disc's aspect ratio flag will get sent to the VP30. Setting the VP30 for "Auto Aspect Ratio" should theoretically be able to tell what ratio the disc content is and automatically adjust it to your preference. However, from reading the VP30 thread in the Video Processors forum, it sounds like there's a bug in the "Auto Aspect Ratio" control in the new 1.08 beta firmware. Hopefully this will get fixed with the next firmware.

They should play without a problem on the DV-970HD.

I've now used several Verbatim DL (+R) DVD's in the Oppo and my Elite 79avi. They mostly work in both, but actually seem to work better in the Oppo. I tried the same disk in both (2.35 movie with menus and all extras recorded) and the Pioneer hiccupped once or twice, but the Oppo rolled on. It finally convinced me to move the Elite 79avi to the Family Room 46" RPTV and leave the Oppo as the sole transport for the HT with front projector and 10.5' wide scope screen. Those worried about the "large" screen being a problem for the Oppo can relax some - assuming you use a decent scaler. I use my VP30 and at 480i out scaled to 720p and to fit my 2.35 CH screen, all is well. I gave up my Elite security blanket and count solely on my Oppo.

BTW, I just got an "advanced manual" in the mail, unsolicited, from Oppo, further explaining many of the settings in detail. Written by Clint DeBoer of Audioholics, it's a nice little add-on for those who need more info on some settings. Nice touch.

I'm 970H happy now, as it turned out to be (so far) exactly the inexpensive, but highly useful, 480i transport I sought for my HT with scaler.

My display has been receiving HDCP DVI content for 1 1/2 years. I have used the Immersive Simmetry scaler that is HDCP enabled on the DVI output. I tried the OPPO with the scaler and directly into the pj. The cable that OPPO supplied has 2 "lumps" like a snake that swallowed something. Is that some bi-directional thing. I could not use that cable as I needed HDMI to DVI. I did not just get an adapter, but bought a monoprice cable. That might be the problem.

It has not worked at any resolution and yes I found out too late that my scaler or pj does not accept 480i over HDMI. But I can;t get a picture at any res on my cable



I will try the unplugging thing the Neuormancer suggested.



I really want the OPPO to work


Hey, Neuro...I like how he called you "THE neuromancer." You're a legend! (j/k...)

Hey saunak1,
Thanks for the update about the Sony 42A10...I've got one and am considering this Oppo for it.

Did you get a resolution for the SACD skipping problem?

Also, has anyone confirmed if the 970 outputs DSD through analog or only PCM?

Finally, does anyone know if the Divx function allows playback of HD Divx files (or if Windows Media Video 9 HD content is supported)? Just looking for some eye-candy demos.

Thanks.

So I got to thinking today...

I know the Oppo 970HD uses the new all-in-one MTK video dac, and was wondering... do those new Pioneers(490V and 696V) use the same all-in-one solution as the Oppo? I ask because Pioneer has been known to use MTK chips before. And these new ones upconvert, too.

A little food for thought...

I've now used several Verbatim DL (+R) DVD's in the Oppo and my Elite 79avi. They mostly work in both, but actually seem to work better in the Oppo. I tried the same disk in both (2.35 movie with menus and all extras recorded) and the Pioneer hiccupped once or twice, but the Oppo rolled on......

Good to know. Also good to know you're enjoying the 970H... another satisfied customer for Oppo... the list keeps growing :D

Hey, Neuro...I like how he called you "THE neuromancer." You're a legend! (j/k...)

Even legends have to retire their Ice sooner or later.

Finally, does anyone know if the Divx function allows playback of HD Divx files (or if Windows Media Video 9 HD content is supported)? Just looking for some eye-candy demos.

The maximum resolution supported by the decoder chipset is 720x480 pixels. You will not beably yo play back HD-DivX/XviD files.

I just auditioned the 970HD with a few SACDs of mine and quickly came to the conclusion that its SACD playback (at least for me) is worthless. Why? Because it's not gapless. During Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, the player inserted about a second gap between the tracks. This is always my worst nightmare when it comes to digital audio playback; it's the reason I'm still clutching to my Rio Karma instead of replacing it and its failing hard drive with a trendy new iPod. I'll never understand why hardware manufacturers can't get this right. Anyone who 's ever listened to Abbey Road, DSOTM, and countless other pop and classical albums where tracks flow seamlessly into one another would know that artificial gaps between tracks are unacceptable. Can anyone verify this problem exists with DVD-Audio as well? I'm very disappointed in the audio playback at this point and really hope this can be remedied by a firmware upgrade soon. Otherwise I guess I'll have to chalk up SACD playback on the Oppo as a novelty feature and stick to my Sony SACD changer.
I just received mine, hooked it up, calibrated it, and auditioned some movies (DVD) and music (SACD, DVD-A, HDCD, and CD).

Overall, I am very impressed with this player but there are a few issues I would like to see addressed. The problem with the player inserting gaps mentioned in paulisme’s post is possibly the most significant. It is very annoying and I am hopeful it can/will be corrected with a firmware update. Can anyone confirm if it can/will be corrected in a future firmware fix?

I have been using an Oppo DV-971H for movies and a Yamaha DVD-S1500 for music and was hoping to replace two for one with this player but I'm not sure whether I am going to keep the 970 or revert back to my old setup at this point.

Here are my observations so far…
Picture quality: The 971 obviously does a much better job of de-interlacing but the lack of the macroblock enhance bug is very nice on the 970 (I was able to calibrate most of it out but it could still be very annoying on my JVC HD-61Z585).

Sound quality: I don't hear a huge difference between the 970 and the Yamaha but I didn't do an A/B comparison. The Yamaha needed substantial LFE boosting at the receiver while the 970 doesn't. I think there is a bit more "depth" on the Yamaha. I really noticed it on my Hotel California DVD-A. The harmonics at the beginning of New Kid in Town sounded a tad flat on the Oppo compared to the Yamaha.

Other:
1 - The gap that is inserted is very annoying and hopefully can/will be corrected.
2 - I could press play and have a DVD-A start playing on the Yamaha. This doesn't seem to work on the Oppo. It was a very nice feature that I took for granted. I usually listen to music (SACD, DVD-A, and CD) with the TV off so I would really like to see this addressed also.
3 - The song titles aren't displayed for SACD's. I thought this was a little odd but it wouldn't kill me if this wasn't fixed since I usually listen to music without a display anyway. Can/will this be corrected?

I would be willing to give up the superior de-interlacing prowess of the 971 for the lack of the macroblock enhance bug. I also like the idea of having some extra space in my stand by getting rid of one device but I don’t know if I will be able to live with some of the quirks I mentioned above. It would be an easy decision if Oppo can/will fix the quirky little “issues” I mentioned.

RazorX, I can't answer any of your questions but I'm curious to know if you experience any MB from the Yamaha 1500 due to its use of the Faroudja deinterlacer. Or is this not a problem on that player because its max resolution is 480p over component?

Either way, the S1500 didn't score well at all on Secrets, around a 60-65 if I remember correctly. I wouldn't recommend it for video, but I'm sure it uses Crystal Audio DAC's like the rest of the higher end Yamahas which makes it good for hi-res audio.

Anyway, let's get this thread back on topic :D

I've read some very positive reviews and comments regarding the 970HD's performance with DVD-A/SACD(aside from track pause as mentioned above). And it's got great video performance to boot, especially when using an external scaler. I'd say the Oppo is overall a better choice than the S1500.. but that's a no-brainer isn't it :D

RazorX, I can't answer any of your questions but I'm curious to know if you experience any MB from the Yamaha 1500 due to its use of the Faroudja deinterlacer. Or is this not a problem on that player because its max resolution is 480p over component?

He was talking about macroblock enhancement with the Oppo DV971H if I am not mistaken. By all accounts, the DV971H is much better than the Yamaha 1500 for DVD-V.

Chris

Hey saunak1,
Thanks for the update about the Sony 42A10...I've got one and am considering this Oppo for it.

Did you get a resolution for the SACD skipping problem?

Also, has anyone confirmed if the 970 outputs DSD through analog or only PCM?

Finally, does anyone know if the Divx function allows playback of HD Divx files (or if Windows Media Video 9 HD content is supported)? Just looking for some eye-candy demos.

Thanks.

1. Yes, Oppo confirmed that there is a bug (to be fixed in the future)- with SACDs you cannot move one track forward by pressing the Right SKIP button on the remote (nor can you go to a certain track by pressing the # of the track).

As I wrote earlier, the work-around is the hit the DOWN arrow key and then SELECT.

2. The 970HD converts DSD to both analog and
PCM. Analog is outputted thru the 5.1 analog outs. PCM is outputted thru HDMI. I don't have a HDMI 1.1 capable receiver/pre-pro, so I cannot verify if the DSD to PCM conversion for SACDs and the eventual output thru HDMI works as advertised.

Perhaps, someone with such a receiver/pre-pro can play both DVD-As and SACDs and file a report.

DSD is downconverted to PSM through the HDMI output, has HDMI 1.1 does not allow for full SACD resolution.

will this oppo play dvds with a few light scratches?? because my current upscaler sucks, and wont even play a dvd with a light scratch...

You can play almost all DVDs. I have some DVDs which look like they have been shredded, and they play without a problem on the DV-970HD.

1. Yes, Oppo confirmed that there is a bug (to be fixed in the future)- with SACDs you cannot move one track forward by pressing the Right SKIP button on the remote (nor can you go to a certain track by pressing the # of the track).

As I wrote earlier, the work-around is the hit the DOWN arrow key and then SELECT.

Is this SACD bug also related to the pauses in between SACD tracks? i.e. when they fix the bug you describe will the track pauses go away as well? DSOTM with pauses is just, well, unacceptable... :)

oh well, i just ordered it, i called them and asked them which would be better for my future sammy lns3251d and they said the 970... so i just ordered, i hate how amazon didnt ahve it, because i have amazon prime and could have gotten it by wednesday

So I got to thinking today...

I know the Oppo 970HD uses the new all-in-one MTK video dac, and was wondering... do those new Pioneers(490V and 696V) use the same all-in-one solution as the Oppo? I ask because Pioneer has been known to use MTK chips before. And these new ones upconvert, too.


The Oppo uses a combination of the Mediatek MT1389EE and 1392 chipsets. The 1392 chip does the scaling, HDMI transmission and analog video DAC. With past Pioneers, I believe everything was done by the MT1389EE chip only. Don't know about the new ones though.

The Oppo uses a combination of the Mediatek MT1389EE and 1392 chipsets. The 1392 chip does the scaling, HDMI transmission and analog video DAC. With past Pioneers, I believe everything was done by the MT1389EE chip only. Don't know about the new ones though.

What bit/mhz video DACs are they using? (e.g., 12/108, 14/216, etc.)

I am a beginner...
is it possible to go out in hdmi in 576i - 60hz?
and is possible select 50hz or 60hz in all output?
i have a samsung le32r51b and a dvdo vp30, unfortunately is possible mapping 1:1 only in vga - 60hz.

thanks

What bit/mhz video DACs are they using? (e.g., 12/108, 14/216, etc.)

12/108Mhz.

I am a beginner...
is it possible to go out in hdmi in 576i - 60hz?
and is possible select 50hz or 60hz in all output?

Yes, you can do 576i. Unfortunately, there is no way to select 50/60Hz from the DV-970HD. It will be 50Hz when using 576i.

why would you use 576 instead of 1080i? im sort of a noob so dont yell at me lol

At 576i, there is no scaling, de-interlacing, or re-interlacing being done by the DV-970HD. All de-interlacing and scaling will be done by an external device (such as a video processing unit, or the display device). This is ideal, as you will get the most pure transport of the original video file.

At 1080i, the DV-970HD de-interlaces the DVD, upscales to 1080i, then re-interlaces the signal. Your scaler/display may do another de-interlacing, depending on it supporting 1080p, or scaling to another resolution (such as 720p).

576i->576i to external scaler.
576i->de-interlacing->1080 scaling->re-interlacing->1080i to external sclaer.

if i get a TV with hdmi 1.0 (samsung LN-s351d) the oppo 970 will still have phenomenal PQ right??

12/108Mhz.
Not according to the note I got from Oppo: "The video on the DV-970HD is 8-bit/108Mhz."

If you have better information than that I'll stand corrected.

shane

DAC upsamples to 12-bit for analog. So the CSR is mistaken when talking about the DAC (likely confusing RGB 8-bit for the HDMI output with the DAC 12-bit conversion). They are correct when talking about the HDMI though.

DAC upsamples to 12-bit for analog. So the CSR is mistaken when talking about the DAC (likely confusing RGB 8-bit for the HDMI output with the DAC 12-bit conversion). They are correct when talking about the HDMI though.
Interesting... thanks for the clarification.
So, would this mean that there is a distinct advantage for connecting via component (over HDMI)?

shane

There is no real advantage, since most displays will only accept a 8-bit signal from an analog source.

Oppo shipped my 970HD at 9:30 am today. :D

Damn that was fast! Go Oppo :cool:

Hi, I just received my player just a little bit ago. I've only just been skimming through this thread, know about the region hack and a few other neat thing about this player, but forgive me for ignorance on the subject, but why does everyone keep mentioning the 480i output? Are most of you outputting at 480i cause ur using sometime of external scaler? Since I only have a 32" Sharp LCD, should I just output the player at 1080i to get all my regular DVD's to look their best? Forgive me for my dumb question I just wanna set my player up ASAP and enjoy a nice picutre, I'll probably read this thread in it's entirety the next few days to fully understand everything.

There is no real advantage, since most displays will only accept a 8-bit signal from an analog source. Heh? From analog? Did you mean the input ADC on most displays is 8-bit?

Gary

...but why does everyone keep mentioning the 480i output?

Everyone is talking about it because it's one of the only players, certainly in this price range(or even others), to do it.

Specifically they are talking about the 480i over HDMI which, combined with Oppo's outstanding reputation for great core performance, acts as a very good digital transport for use with external scalers. Saves a lot of money for those who don't necessarily want to SDI mod with more expensive players.

GSB,

A digital (DVD) to analog (component) output to its similarly designed component input is almost always restricted to 8-bit.

Everyone is talking about it because it's one of the only players, certainly in this price range(or even others), to do it.

Specifically they are talking about the 480i over HDMI which, combined with Oppo's outstanding reputation for great core performance, acts as a very good digital transport for use with external scalers. Saves a lot of money for those who don't necessarily want to SDI mod with more expensive players.
Ah, that's what I figured. So basically if you have an good external scaler it's best to get the signal in 480i from the player over HDMI, so the scaler could do all the upconverting?

So for us poor souls without an external scaler, should I output at 1080i over HDMI to get the best picture on my Sharp LCD?

Since I only have a 32" Sharp LCD, should I just output the player at 1080i to get all my regular DVD's to look their best?

FYI, when you scale a 480i DVD to 1080i, the player deinterlaces the signal first, scales it, then reinterlaces it.

FYI, when you scale a 480i DVD to 1080i, the player deinterlaces the signal first, scales it, then reinterlaces it.
ok so for a novice like me that means I should run out and pick up a $2000 DVDO scaler? :) I'm just wondering what setting should I put it at now to get the best picutre for my setup. I only got the LCD, the player, and DD DTS speaker set decoder (not a A/V reciever just cheap logitech 5.1 speaker set). I'll probably invest in a scaler when my basement is finished and I start buying components for my basement home theater project.