Upconversion serves no benefit on CRT RPTV.

I would have to disagree with you. I have the Panasonic 47WX53 CRT RPTV using the DVI input with my Oppo 971H and there is a dramatic difference in picture when I upconvert to 1080i. My overall picture is much smoother yet tons of detail, much better contrast, and a rock-steady picture.

On most CRT RPTV it serves no benefit. If the Pannys are doing this half-assed 480p to 540 upconvert, then no wonder 1080i native looks better.

If you disagree, please provide a reason why it would. You are not dealing with 1:1 pixel mapping here as you are with digital displays. In fact, CRT RPTV scanlines actually can overlap when at 1080i which is a negative particularly for a 480i source (compared to 480p native displays where they don't overlap). And certainly, DVI has no benefit over component for CRT RPTV...in some cases it looks worse.

I'm not saying upconversion can't look good on a CRT, just that upconversion in and of itself isn't offering anything special over (respectable) 480p. Keep in mind the Oppo 971 has very poor component 480p output, so 1080i on that player will look better.

Audioholics and Oppo have figured out the cause of the problem of compressed HDMI audio discussed in the Audioholics' review. The problem can be solved by changing the player's HDMI audio setting:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/OppoDV-970HDDVDp3.php#HDMI

It's a bit confusing the way Oppo named the HDMI audio sources. Wonder why they just didn't offer Multichannel, LPCM and RAW for HDMI, and leave S/PDIF on it's own, since HDMI and S/PDIF are two different physical connectors?

/steve

Any word yet on the 970 hack - for component upscaling of dvd? Any drawbacks from using it?

the Oppo 971 has very poor component 480p output

480i only on the 971 analog ports, I believe.

-Bill

Hi all... newby here.

I just purchased a Panasonic 50" plasma (TH-50PX60U) and am looking for a new DVD player. I've been reading some from this thread and have noticed that some people have mentioned there's some issues with Panasonic plasmas (macroblocking?).... anyway, to make a long question short -

Would you recommend the Oppo for this TV, and if so, which model? I'm most interested in standard movie DVD's... I have a 7.1 HK receiver if that matters...

If not the Oppo due to these issues, anyone recommend a good DVD player for a good (>400?) price?

Thanks!!

So other than the Pronto codes posted earlier in the thread, there's nothing for Harmony Remotes? I really don't like the Oppo remote (which apparently is better than the previous one, which is hard to believe) and want to get the Harmony to control my new system. If I call/email Oppo, will they give me any assistance with this issue?

Thanks

Just use the current remote to "teach" the harmony. Should take no more than 30 minutes or so. Then you are free of the Oppo remote.

Hat to nitpick, but it should be corrected by the external de-interlacer, not the scaler. :)

/steve

If your external de-interlacer does not scale (ie a line doubler) then you should be dragged in the street and shot. I stand by my assertion.

So other than the Pronto codes posted earlier in the thread, there's nothing for Harmony Remotes? I really don't like the Oppo remote (which apparently is better than the previous one, which is hard to believe) and want to get the Harmony to control my new system. If I call/email Oppo, will they give me any assistance with this issue?

Thanks

You might want to see if places like www.remotecentral.com or other communities have not made pre-made Harmony structures. Otherwise, you will just need to teach your remote each command one by one.

It's a bit confusing the way Oppo named the HDMI audio sources. Wonder why they just didn't offer Multichannel, LPCM and RAW for HDMI, and leave S/PDIF on it's own, since HDMI and S/PDIF are two different physical connectors?

/steve

S/PDIF is a generic term to represent the digital transfer of audio. In this sense, the S/PDIF setting acts exactly like the Coaxial and Optical outputs when using RAW.

Confusing to some, but should not be confusing to someone familiar with audio equipement (especially a reviewer).

And certainly, DVI has no benefit over component for CRT RPTV...in some cases it looks worse.

And in some cases it looks better. Since the source is digital and the display is analog, at least 1 D/A conversion will occur. Whichever does it better (source or display) will look better.

I'm not saying upconversion can't look good on a CRT, just that upconversion in and of itself isn't offering anything special over (respectable) 480p.

It may not be the case for you, but many observers prefer the look of 1080i on a CRT RPTV--I would be one of them.

Keep in mind the Oppo 971 has very poor component 480p output, so 1080i on that player will look better.

The Oppo 971 does not have component 480p output.

Dave

Need some input. Does anyone have a configuration like this one Oppo 970/Denon 2807/Dish 622. I also have a Pana 42tx50u HD TV. Want to get the Oppo and the Denon. Have the other two. What would be the best way to configure these? Do you have any suggestions regarding how these would work together. Thanks...Larry

On most CRT RPTV it serves no benefit. If the Pannys are doing this half-assed 480p to 540 upconvert, then no wonder 1080i native looks better.

If you disagree, please provide a reason why it would. You are not dealing with 1:1 pixel mapping here as you are with digital displays. . ..

I realize the 47wx53 isn't the "end all, beat all" HDTV out there but at least the combination with the Oppo 971H provides the best picture I've ever seen on this tv. Using the DVI input each step in upconversion looks better than the one before. 480p looks similar to the component in at 480p. 540p is a dramatic improvement over 480p with either input and 1080i just improves upon 540p. 1080i gives a rock solid (no jitter or shakes like I use to see via component) smooth yet detailed picture with no macroblock enhance.

So other than the Pronto codes posted earlier in the thread, there's nothing for Harmony Remotes? I really don't like the Oppo remote (which apparently is better than the previous one, which is hard to believe) and want to get the Harmony to control my new system. If I call/email Oppo, will they give me any assistance with this issue?

Thanks
Using Logitech's online configuration website, the Harmony's are able to be easily set-up to control either Oppo DVD player. I've done it several times and it's a snap. You don't need to bother Oppo for this question.

I realize the 47wx53 isn't the "end all, beat all" HDTV out there but at least the combination with the Oppo 971H provides the best picture I've ever seen on this tv. Using the DVI input each step in upconversion looks better than the one before. 480p looks similar to the component in at 480p. 540p is a dramatic improvement over 480p with either input and 1080i just improves upon 540p. 1080i gives a rock solid (no jitter or shakes like I use to see via component) smooth yet detailed picture with no macroblock enhance.

1080i is native on your set....so I could see where that would work best.
I too used the 971 and liked the smooth image (besides the macroblocking) at 1080i via HDMI on my Sony CRT RPTV. (Though, I actually perferred the 970.)

And in some cases it looks better. Since the source is digital and the display is analog, at least 1 D/A conversion will occur. Whichever does it better (source or display) will look better.



It may not be the case for you, but many observers prefer the look of 1080i on a CRT RPTV--I would be one of them.



The Oppo 971 does not have component 480p output.

Dave

Based on my experience, good DVD players do a better job of D/A than displays....kind of how many good players deinterlace and scale better too. Most ISF calibrators I talk to tell me component is better than DVI/HDMI for CRT RPTVs. That's been my experience, as well.

You raise a point about 1080i upconversion....what I like about 1080i is there is no signs of scanlines present.

Are you sure the Oppo doesn't have 480p component output? Is it just 480i?

Using Logitech's online configuration website, the Harmony's are able to be easily set-up to control either Oppo DVD player. I've done it several times and it's a snap. You don't need to bother Oppo for this question.


I agree, the Logitech site worked for me as well.

Are you sure the Oppo doesn't have 480p component output? Is it just 480i?

The OPDV971H is 480i ONLY.

I have to say I am very impressed with the 970's ability to zoom non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs. It actually makes them watchable now. The 970 does a much better job than using the zoom function of my display.

If your external de-interlacer does not scale (ie a line doubler) then you should be dragged in the street and shot. I stand by my assertion.

You say potato, I say potatoe (So does Dan Quayle, I think!) :)

/steve

S/PDIF is a generic term to represent the digital transfer of audio. In this sense, the S/PDIF setting acts exactly like the Coaxial and Optical outputs when using RAW.

Confusing to some, but should not be confusing to someone familiar with audio equipement (especially a reviewer).

Maybe this time it's "tomato" and "tomatoe"? :)

According to Wiki, S/PDIF only coax and optical (a.k.a. TosLink and EIAJ optical) are included in the S/PDIF spec, not HDMI. I could be reading this wrong, tho.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/PDIF

/steve

I have to say I am very impressed with the 970's ability to zoom non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs. It actually makes them watchable now. The 970 does a much better job than using the zoom function of my display.


Agreed...particularly if you don't have a VP. ;)

Steve,

Which is why I said a generic term for the distribution of PCM through a digital connection.

Don't make me reach through the internet and pull you through your monitor.

Which is why I said a generic term for the distribution of PCM through a digital connection.

Don't make me reach through the internet and pull you through your monitor.

Let's agree to disagree. I worked with editors my whole life, so I guess some of it rubbed off on me. I still think Oppo should consider making it clearer to less audio-savvy users how to properly set the HDMI audio setting.

/steve

I just purchased a Panasonic 50" plasma (TH-50PX60U) and am looking for a new DVD player. I've been reading some from this thread and have noticed that some people have mentioned there's some issues with Panasonic plasmas (macroblocking?).... anyway, to make a long question short -

Would you recommend the Oppo for this TV, and if so, which model? I'm most interested in standard movie DVD's... I have a 7.1 HK receiver if that matters...

If not the Oppo due to these issues, anyone recommend a good DVD player for a good (>400?) price?

Thanks!!

Just an update on my problem posted earlier. It is solved. The solution was fairly easy: turned out that supplied by OPPO HDMI cable was at fault. I ordered new one from monoprice, and as soon as I switched cables everything was fine! :)
Credits go to:
1.Oppo tech support for trying to help (though they just about gave up on me)
2.Monoprice for providing nice products at good prices.
3. And last, but not least to this forum.

Any word yet on the 970 hack - for component upscaling of dvd? Any drawbacks from using it?

I'm using the hacked firmware, now. It works perfectly with no side effects :)

Am I understanding correctly that if I feed my PH9UK a 480p signal from the 970 that there will be no vertical compression issue....that only applies to the up-conversion resolutions? If so, will the 9UK do a good job with the 480p signal?

At 480p the question becomes "how well designed is my internal scaler?" If the scaler on your television is equal to or better than the DV-970HD, then there will be no loss in resolution or picture quality. However, if it is lower than, then you might notice artifacting, such as aliasing and interlacing errors, as well as a loss of fine detail and other errors.

But does it still have the vertical compression issue at 480i or 480p?

But does it still have the vertical compression issue at 480i or 480p?

No.

Which is why I said a generic term for the distribution of PCM through a digital connection.

Not to get too picky, but S/PDIF is not "a generic term for the distribution of PCM through a digital connection". There are a myriad of digital interconnect topologies used in digital audio that don't fall under the S/PDIF specification, HDMI being one of them. Others, both consumer and professional, include AT&T ST glass, Denon's i-Link, EMM Labs' OptiLink, i2s, dCS' IEEE1394, etc.--though they aren't nearly as popular as standard S/PDIF coax and Toslink. There also isn't a requirement that S/PDIF carry PCM data; I believe at least one manuacturer of professional digital audio workstations (Merging perhaps?) allows the transmission of raw DSD data over quad S/PDIF AES/EBU connections.

Does the 970 allow you to toggle the HDMI output resolution from the front panel, to easily switch from 1080i to 480i without having to turn on your projector or display?

This hack is perfect. I'll just be pleased as can be to output 480i over HDMI to my VP30. Then I can drive my TV and projector!

Does the 970 allow you to toggle the HDMI output resolution from the front panel, to easily switch from 1080i to 480i without having to turn on your projector or display?

You still need to use the remote control, but the front panel will show what resolution is selected - "480-I60", "480-P60", "720-P60", "1080-I6" (apparently OPPO ran out of characters in the last one :D )

Not to get too picky, but S/PDIF is not "a generic term for the distribution of PCM through a digital connection". There are a myriad of digital interconnect topologies used in digital audio that don't fall under the S/PDIF specification, HDMI being one of them.

I will retract, with the simple statement that S/PDIF within the consumer world is analogous to Bitstream, and the only way to get a raw bitstream is through a S/PDIF connection (baring HDMI, IEEE, XLR, so forth from this equation). For this reason, they are using the nomenclature which is in the mind set of the consumer, rather than possible prosumer notations.

One thing to note is that each manufacturer uses a different way of differentiating between bitstream, multi-channel, and PCM.

So, my statement should have read more like "OPPO is using SPDIF as a generic term for the distribution of raw, multi-channel audio through a digital connection."

I just purchased a Panasonic 50" plasma (TH-50PX60U) and am looking for a new DVD player. I've been reading some from this thread and have noticed that some people have mentioned there's some issues with Panasonic plasmas (macroblocking?).... anyway, to make a long question short -

Would you recommend the Oppo for this TV, and if so, which model? I'm most interested in standard movie DVD's... I have a 7.1 HK receiver if that matters...

If not the Oppo due to these issues, anyone recommend a good DVD player for a good (>400?) price?

Thanks!!

I'm also interested in which Oppo DVD model would work the best with a Panasonic 42PX6U plasma. I was leaning towards the 970 because of reading about possible macroblocking issues with the Oppo/Panny combination? Has anyone has good success with the 971/panny combo?

I will retract, with the simple statement that S/PDIF within the consumer world is analogous to Bitstream, and the only way to get a raw bitstream is through a S/PDIF connection (baring HDMI, IEEE, XLR, so forth from this equation). For this reason, they are using the nomenclature which is in the mind set of the consumer, rather than possible prosumer notations.

One thing to note is that each manufacturer uses a different way of differentiating between bitstream, multi-channel, and PCM.

So, my statement should have read more like "OPPO is using SPDIF as a generic term for the distribution of raw, multi-channel audio through a digital connection."

Putting an editor's hat on, I would modify the following set-up options, if I were Oppo:

I would change "S/PDIF Output" to "COAX/OPT OUT", with the same choices: Raw and PCM.

I would change "HDMI AUDIO" to "HDMI OUT" and repeat the choices instead of referring to the other input: Multichannel, Raw, PCM and Off.

Just my $.02.

/steve

I'm also interested in which Oppo DVD model would work the best with a Panasonic 42PX6U plasma. I was leaning towards the 970 because of reading about possible macroblocking issues with the Oppo/Panny combination? Has anyone has good success with the 971/panny combo?

The only problem you need to really concern yourself with is the underscanning which occurs at the upscaled resolutions (720p and 1080i). If you are not going to use the upscaled resolutions, and decide to let your television do the de-interlacing and upscaling (480i) or the upscaling (480p) then this issue is not a concern.

Neuro,

Have you done anymore testing with the component upscaling hack? Any negatives associated to using it?

I havn't had time to test it. I will likely not beable to look at it until next week when I have some free time.

Is it true that the Panasonic commercial panels allow one to adjust for under/overscan and both vertical and horizontal center (like a computer monitor)? If the answer is yes, then could one intentionally introduce some overscan to counter the vertical compression ?

Yes it's true, you can do that on the Panasonic commercial panels. I would also assume that you can stretch the image using those controls to compensate for the compression until the firmware fix comes out.

Thanks bri,

I think I'll try it! I can always send it back if it threatens my new panels life.

It shouldn't be a threat...most movies are 2:35:1 nowadays anyway, in which case you'd still have the letterbox effect. If you set it to 480p and use the zoom feature on the plasma you'll eliminate the letterboxing (if you're that nervous about burn in). It does distort the picture a little, but it's not a bad short term solution.

Okay, I just ordered it and specified Fed Ex 2-day, so I should get it on Friday. This should be a fun weekend trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. How should I connect the sound to the receiver? Will sound go to the panel speakers via the HDMI cable?

Can this player read mp3s and jpegs stored on a DVD?

Yes, it will read JPEG and MP3 audio files on a DVD.

Thanks. I just ordered one and will test it out today (advantage of living close to Mnt View :).

How should I connect the sound to the receiver? Will sound go to the panel speakers via the HDMI cable? What cable will go from the Oppo to the receiver?

You can either drive audio through your television (HDMI-HDMI) or send audio to a receiver (digital coaxial and optical).

This hack is perfect. I'll just be pleased as can be to output 480i over HDMI to my VP30. Then I can drive my TV and projector!


Huh? :confused:

You mean you couldn't before?

This hack is perfect. I'll just be pleased as can be to output 480i over HDMI to my VP30. Then I can drive my TV and projector!


Huh? :confused:

You mean you couldn't before...or do you mean simultaneously?

I just got my 970D. I wonder if it has couple of firmware fixes mentioned in http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=68&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0 ? One to do with 480i colors and second regd some 'component white output level'.

Anyone know the 4 digit code I need to use for my oneforall remote?

There is a One-For-All remote code for the OPDV971H (1224) but that is for the "Silver" remote control, which is not coded into the DV-970HD IR.

I just got my 970D. I wonder if it has couple of firmware fixes mentioned in http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=68&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0 ? One to do with 480i colors and second regd some 'component white output level'.

The firmware shipping with the DVD unit is the same firmware Kris used for his testing of the DV-970HD.

You can either drive audio through your television (HDMI-HDMI) or send audio to a receiver (digital coaxial and optical).

Just to be sure I'm not doing this incorrectly or misunderstand - I send the Oppo output via HDMI @480i to my VP30 scaler for scaling to 720p and the HDMI out of the scaler to my Denon 4806 receiver which sends DTS sound to the 7.1 speakers and passes the video to the projector. Seems clean, simple and works well. Is there a better way - like coax or optical? I thought the HDMI audio was as good or better than those, so I set the Oppo audio to HDMI==>S/PDIF (raw bitstream) for passing untouched to the receiver.

I'm using the new hack. It does work to upscale via component. Picture looks good at 720 & 1080 but I'm noticing at 480i and 480p that the picture is distorted and stretched (tall & thin). I didn't notice this before, but it might have been there? . Anyone noticed this?

I'm using the new hack. It does work to upscale via component. Picture looks good at 720 & 1080 but I'm noticing at 480i and 480p that the picture is distorted and stretched (tall & thin). I didn't notice this before, but it might have been there? . Anyone noticed this?

You have it reversed. The image is correct at 480, but distorted at 720p/1080i. If you would have read the recent previous posts, you would have seen it discussed. And, yes, it was there before.

Two questions that, after searching, have only been partially answered:

1.) I have a Samsung HLS5087 1080p-compatible set. Should I set my 970's upconversion to 720p or 1080i via HDMI directly to the TV? I've been running it at 1080i so far, but Neuromancer mentioned (back in June) that 720p introduces less potential artifacting, though it was uncertain as to the resolution of the set.

2.) And with "Color Space," I set it to "Auto" after reading the Oppo manual, but the YCbCr 4:4:4: setting seems very dark on some DVDs, while RGB seems too grainy and blacks seem gray with the Samsung setting at "Movie." Curious to anyone's thoughts.

Thanks! This has been an invaluable thread! And, by and large, I dig the Oppo.

Just rechecked. With component out, a round object is perfectly round at 720 & 1080, but somewhat oval at 480. Connected to display via HDMI however, and no oval shape at any setting. This is with the hacked FW. Also noticed better sharpness and color at component - this may be just from my particular set-up tho. I think the new FW may have caused the distortion at the lower resolutions - but only on component out.

Just to be sure I'm not doing this incorrectly or misunderstand - I send the Oppo output via HDMI @480i to my VP30 scaler for scaling to 720p and the HDMI out of the scaler to my Denon 4806 receiver which sends DTS sound to the 7.1 speakers and passes the video to the projector. Seems clean, simple and works well. Is there a better way - like coax or optical? I thought the HDMI audio was as good or better than those, so I set the Oppo audio to HDMI==>S/PDIF (raw bitstream) for passing untouched to the receiver.

If you are going through the VP30, then you want to reduce the amount of jumps the HDMI signal does, to ensure that there is no introduction of processing or errors when going through the Denon AVR-4806. For this reason, it is best that you do a HDMI connection straight to the VP30, the VP30 goes straight to your television, and a seperate audio connection (digital coaxial or optical) to your receiver for audio processing.

However, if this is not convenient, then by all means do DV-970HD->VP30->Denon AVR-4806->Television.

If you are going through the VP30, then you want to reduce the amount of jumps the HDMI signal does, to ensure that there is no introduction of processing or errors. For this reason, it is best that you do a HDMI connection straight to the VP30, the VP30 goes straight to your television, and a seperate audio connection (digital coaxial or optical) to your receiver for audio processing.



Shorter the chain, the better IMO.
That is how mine is hooked up to my VP30 and it works great. :)

Two questions that, after searching, have only been partially answered:

1.) I have a Samsung HLS5087 1080p-compatible set.

2.) And with "Color Space," I set it to "Auto" after reading the Oppo manual, but the YCbCr 4:4:4: setting seems very dark on some DVDs, while RGB seems too grainy and blacks seem gray with the Samsung setting at "Movie.


I have the Samsung HLP-5685w 720p and use a VP for scaling.

I also set the Oppo to output YCbCr 4:4:4 passed thru my VP into the Sammie.
Seems to look the best IMO.

There is a One-For-All remote code for the OPDV971H (1224) but that is for the "Silver" remote control, which is not coded into the DV-970HD IR.

The OFA code 1525 supports the 971H "black" remotes and the 970HD.

Hey all...I'm getting the new Sony XBR3 and I was thinking to get the Oppo 971. Is it worth it, or should I wait for the Blu-Ray?

Thanks

What fun - all these tweaks and configurations. Aren't you glad toasters and hair dryers "just work!"

I have an Oppo 970HD hooked up to my "low-end" Sony 5.1 receiver via digital coax. I didn't think anything of it until I read this thread which made me think, "Would the Oppo do a better job of 5.1 decoding? Should I be sending the 5.1 outputs to the receiver for amplification?"

That I'm even considering this is due to some quirks in the audio test on the AVID reference DVD. For example when trying to measure the subwoofer levels I get no output from the subwoofer. Only when playing a couple of the test tracks do I get subwoofer output. And, of course, the subwoofer sounds "OK" when watching movies, playing music, etc.

The down side of switching to using the Oppo would be the limited controls over the level adjustments and speaker distances. The receiver has a much more intuitive approach to the settings.

Thoughts? Am I likely to gain anything by making this change? Anything I should look for before investing in cables to make the connections?

The OFA code 1525 supports the 971H "black" remotes and the 970HD.

1525. That is the one I keep forgetting.

...Thoughts? Am I likely to gain anything by making this change?....
You'll want to use both connection types if you plan to listen to DVD-Audio or SACDs. The bass management is available for the 5.1 analogue (three pair of RCA cables) connection. The receiver bypasses the equalization circuits for this input, and you change to "5.1 input" on the front to get these to play. The receiver will still handle the standard DVD Dolby Digital sound via the digital coax or Toslink optical cable connection, and then use the internal controls and equalization for that.

You'll want to use both connection types if you plan to listen to DVD-Audio or SACDs. The bass management is available for the 5.1 analogue (three pair of RCA cables) connection. The receiver bypasses the equalization circuits for this input, and you change to "5.1 input" on the front to get these to play. The receiver will still handle the standard DVD Dolby Digital sound via the digital coax or Toslink optical cable connection, and then use the internal controls and equalization for that.


In this way, you can switch back and forth to see whether you prefer the audio DACs in the player or the receiver. :)

Hi guys,

First of all, thanks for this great forum and all your input.

I just bought a 970 and it's working great. I just have an issue with the subtitles which aren't fully displayed on the screen (when watching a divx/xvid). If the subtitle is a long phrase, I can only see the 2/3 of the phrase.

I tried to search the forum for that but I only got full threads as results. Sorry if it has been already addressed. Thank you.

If you are going through the VP30, then you want to reduce the amount of jumps the HDMI signal does, to ensure that there is no introduction of processing or errors when going through the Denon AVR-4806. For this reason, it is best that you do a HDMI connection straight to the VP30, the VP30 goes straight to your television, and a seperate audio connection (digital coaxial or optical) to your receiver for audio processing.

Thanks, makes sense. I'll switch it around. I had just been trying to eliminate the optical/coax and be all HDMI - but your way sounds good

Hi guys,

First of all, thanks for this great forum and all your input.

I just bought a 970 and it's working great. I just have an issue with the subtitles which aren't fully displayed on the screen (when watching a divx/xvid). If the subtitle is a long phrase, I can only see the 2/3 of the phrase.

I tried to search the forum for that but I only got full threads as results. Sorry if it has been already addressed. Thank you.

If the subtitles are not well designed (ie. they have improper breaks) then you will run into situations where subtitles will be cropped. There are two options:

1. You manually edit your subtitles (time consuming).
2. You wait for OPPO to come out with a firmware which increases the size of the subtitle box, or user selectable Font size (like the OPDV971H).

A third option is to make your own alterations to the firmware to support a larger DivX subtitile window, but this kind of firmware hacking is not covered under warrenty.

Neuromancer ,

Thank you for your response ! I'll check my subs first and if can't correct them, well, I'll wait for Oppo to "fix" that in a next firmware.

Is it foreseen that Oppo gives us the ability to select Font size in a future firmware?

Lib

When viewing JPEG pictures containing sRGB values using HDMI out, will the 0-255 sRGB values effectively be mapped into video levels (16-235) for output, or remain in the 0-255 range (hence some BTB and WTW)? What I'm seeing seems to be the latter.

Hey everyone,

My first oppo 970 arrives tonight :) I do have a few questions on some setting I should utilize for it. I have read thru numerous threads on this player and am still a bit confused(as many might be). My setup is the following:

Yamaha rxv-1300 (no HDMI)
Tv - 1st gen. JVC LcOS 61" HDTV (720p)

I currently have a progressive scan DVD player thru the tv's component input and the DTV reciever using the JVC's HDMI input. I may get a HDMI switch, but in the meantime my questions are this:

Will HDMI be the better off connection of choice(even with the supposed FW hack for component)? If so I can manually plug & unplug the 2 HDMI cables.

If the tv is native 720p, is this the corresponding setting I should upscale to with the oppo or what? Some say 480p or 1080i? (lost me here)

To utilize DVD-Audio over HDMI (I will be getting a new yamaha 1600) I just use the settings listed over on audioholics review(Editors note--update "Right now, the optimal setting when HDMI output is connected to a receiver would be “HDMI Audio” set to “SPDIF” and “SPDIF Output” set to “Raw”.)
and it will also pass the DD & DTS too right?

Any suggestions on this player would be helpful----Its my first upconverting player and I am excited to give it a try tonight!


Thank you,

Brandon

MM520,

Mine comes today as well, and I can't wait to compare it to the older Sony on the component input. I am in the process of putting the 7.1 sound system together so I am very interested in the response to your questions!!!

I just got my Oppo 970 today and am having a problem I could use some input on. I want to use the HDMI out, using a HDMI to DVI cable, and then go into the DVI input on my Iscan HD+ scaler. I could not get the HDMI output to work into the Iscan.

I then went direct from the Oppo's HDMI output, using my HDMI to DVI cable direct to my display to it's DVI input. Again, there was no video output going direct to the TV. In the past I have used this same cable with a Panny S97 and it worked great.

I then connected the oppo to the display via component, and it works fine. I can go through all resolutions without problem.

So in short, I cannot get the HDMI output to work. My question is if the HDMI output must be enabled somewhere? I looked in the menu system while hooked up via component, but did not see anything. If there is not a way to enable the HDMI output, I either have a bad cable or a bad player. I've seen this cable work before, so I'm sure it's fine. I appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

Greg

Does either your HD+ or display support HDCP? I'm not sure if you wouldn't see any video at all if HDCP was the issue, but it's one thing you can check.

Otherwise, if you're positive it's not the cable, it could be a bad HDMI board in the Oppo.

/steve

Hi Steve,

The Iscan allows you to turn HDCP on or off on it's dVI input. I've tried both with no luck. I've used one other HDMI player, the Panny S97 to my display using the very same HDMI to DVI cable and had no issues with that setup. I'm pretty sure the Panny S97 had HDCP.

My display is a Pioneer Elite CRT HDTV (Elite 530HD). According to the manual, it has DVI with Copy protection (HDCP). So I would take this to mean that it accepts HDCP on the DVI inputs.

Hi Steve,

The Iscan allows you to turn HDCP on or off on it's dVI input. I've tried both with no luck. I've used one other HDMI player, the Panny S97 to my display using the very same HDMI to DVI cable and had no issues with that setup. I'm pretty sure the Panny S97 had HDCP.

My display is a Pioneer Elite CRT HDTV (Elite 530HD). According to the manual, it has DVI with Copy protection (HDCP). So I would take this to mean that it accepts HDCP on the DVI inputs.

I'd contact Oppo service then. If it is the HDMI board, they'll take care of it quickly for you. There's still the remote chance that it's a unique quirk with that particular cable and the Oppo, though I would tend to doubt it if the cable works fine with the Panny.

/steve

The S97 is has to use HDCP too. I had no problems with the 970HD and DVI input on my display. There has to be others using, or have tried, the 970HD with the HD+. Check in the video processor forum. At the very least, Josh at DVDO should have access to a 970HD and HD+.

larry

970 TO outboard DAC (Musical Fidelity X24K) via coax or toslink. I get no sound coming out playing SACD (Diana Krall , love scenes).
My setting on oppo is SACD 2 CHANNEL, PCM. 96K.
I dont see singal coming to x24k.
This is my 1st SACD disk ever own or play one. I have many DVD-A and have no problem playing via coax or tosling.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?


THANKS

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.
Cliff

I am having the same issue. In my case, I have an A-Data 1Gig flash drive (model PD2). Inserting it, I get the same "No USB" error.

I contacted OPPO, and they said that when it comes to USB devices, you will get a "No USB" error if your device has a mini-HUB in its design implementation. They said some USB flash drives have it, some do not. I asked OPPO if they could give a list of compatible USB Flash drives, but they did not have any specific models to recommend. And, looking at most flash drive manufacturer specifications online, I see no mention of mini-HUB design being present or not.

Does anyone out there have a 1Gig or larger USB flash drive that they have got working successfully with the DV970HD? If so, please respond with brand and specific model number! Or, if you have another place you feel this question should be asked - different thread, or forum, or site, please let me know.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions. :confused:

I've been using a 2GB Memorex and Sony USB flash drive without an issue.

970 TO outboard DAC (Musical Fidelity X24K) via coax or toslink. I get no sound coming out playing SACD (Diana Krall , love scenes).
My setting on oppo is SACD 2 CHANNEL, PCM. 96K.
I dont see singal coming to x24k.
This is my 1st SACD disk ever own or play one. I have many DVD-A and have no problem playing via coax or tosling.

Digital coaxial and optical will not playback SACD audio due to DRM. You will need to use analog outputs for SACD support.

970 TO outboard DAC (Musical Fidelity X24K) via coax or toslink. I get no sound coming out playing SACD (Diana Krall , love scenes).
My setting on oppo is SACD 2 CHANNEL, PCM. 96K.
I dont see singal coming to x24k.
This is my 1st SACD disk ever own or play one. I have many DVD-A and have no problem playing via coax or tosling.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?


THANKS

Greetings,

To add to that also, if you are playing back DVD Audio discs over toslink/coaxial you are not getting the high rez. audio but standard Dolby Digital.


Regards,

Greetings,

To add to that also, if you are playing back DVD Audio discs over toslink/coaxial you are not getting the high rez. audio but standard Dolby Digital.


Regards,
Thanx,

I mean I should use oppo's dac instead of my X24K? X24 k will take 96 khz. I do think dvd-a DIGITAL OUT via coax to x24k is better than oppo's analog out to preamp.
what do you think , am i wrong on this.


my system

OPPO 971
KRELL KSA100S
AUDIO RESEARCH LS3
MUSICAL FIDELITY X24K
B&W 802
synergistic cable
Hitachi 53 inch tv.

Digital coaxial and optical will not playback SACD audio due to DRM. You will need to use analog outputs for SACD support.

thank you ,

Do you think I better off buy DVD-A instead of sacd?

audio101,

There are a few issues here. First of all, your MF DAC won't process DSD anyways, so there's not much point to passing it DSD even if you could. The Oppo can't output DSD digitally in any way shape or form (aside from SACD copy protection, single S/PDIF connections don't have the bandwidth necessary for DSD), and there are very few DACs that can process DSD anyways. I have an EMM Labs/Meitner DSD DAC in my main stereo setup--it sounds amazing but it's also $8k and requires it's matching transport. Perhaps Oppo (or through a firmware hack) will allow transmission of DSD converted to some sort of hi rez PCM over it's digital outs, but I doubt that will happen for copy protection purposes.

Also, when you see a digital out from a DVD-Audio disc output it may be high rez but you're not technically outputting the "DVD-Audio" portion, but whatever the publisher chose to make available in the DVD-Video zone. Due to CPPM copy protection on DVD-A, you can't output the content in the DVD-Audio zone via S/PDIF (though HDMI is an authorized interface for DVD-Audio). On some discs, the content in both zones is the same bit-rate/sampling depth, but on many it's not. For example, in the superb sounding HDAD discs by Classic Records, the DVD-Video zone has 24/96 stereo content (which you can output digitally) but 24/192 stereo content in the DVD-Audio zone, which you can't output digitally. On some discs (mostly older titles from major labels), you won't get any hi res stereo tracks at all in the DVD-Video zone. DVD-Audio discs are very much a crapshot, and oftentimes are poorly labeled with what they contain. Since it sounds as if you have a high quality stereo setup, you will probably be disappointed with some DVD-Audio discs as there are discs that only have Dolby 2.0 stereo tracks in the video zone, and this is considerably lower quality than even CD. Or you can downmix the hi res multi-channel mix to stereo in the player, but again this isn't a very high quality solution. I suggest you do some research online before buying a title to figure out exactly what content is on the disc.

As far as SACD vs. DVD-Audio, I think you'll find very little overlap in titles. If you want a title in hi res, you'll need to usually take whichever format it is released in (and SACD has a much larger catalog, albeit a lot of it is classical from smaller labels). I think both formats have pretty much died on the vine; there will certainly be new releases but not in any appreciable quantity compared to plain ol' CD.

To followup on Neuromancer's post to me earlier, if you want to get a digital out from a hybrid SACD you need to change the "SACD Priority" setting to "CD Mode". This will output the standard Redbook CD layer (i.e. 16-bit/44.1KHz data) at the digital outs. The Oppo also has a similar setting for DVD-Audio discs to only output the DVD-Video content.

Perhaps Oppo (or through a firmware hack) will allow transmission of DSD converted to some sort of hi rez PCM over it's digital outs, but I doubt that will happen for copy protection purposes.

That's exactly what it does over HDMI and is one of the reasons there is such a buzz about this player. HDMI is protected by HDCP.

Does anyone out there have a 1Gig or larger USB flash drive that they have got working successfully with the DV970HD? If so, please respond with brand and specific model number! Or, if you have another place you feel this question should be asked - different thread, or forum, or site, please let me know.


I have a Verbatim 1Gb "U3" that works fine.

When viewing JPEG pictures containing sRGB values using HDMI out, will the 0-255 sRGB values effectively be mapped into video levels (16-235) for output, or remain in the 0-255 range (hence some BTB and WTW)? What I'm seeing seems to be the latter. Good question. Don't know. Anyone else?

Gary

Greetings,

To add to that also, if you are playing back DVD Audio discs over toslink/coaxial you are not getting the high rez. audio but standard Dolby Digital.


Regards,


Actually, you'll get two channel pcm that's been downrezzed to 16/44 or 16/48. If playing the multichannel tracks, you'll get a stereo downmix.

Actually, you'll get two channel pcm that's been downrezzed to 16/44 or 16/48. If playing the multichannel tracks, you'll get a stereo downmix.

Unfortunately it appears you'll also get downrezzed output from the DVD-Video zone with the Oppo. I just tried playing a 24/96 disc from Classic Records, which has non-copyprotected 2 channel 24/96 content in the video zone, and the Oppo downsampled that to 16/48 via the digital out. :(

While I'm sure some content owners prefer that DVD player manufacturers employ this method, I wish Oppo would reconsider. Pioneer DVD players for example will generally output 24/96 from their S/PDIF outputs. CSS has a flag to force downrezzing on the digital outs (and yeah I know CSS has been hacked but still); the player manufacturer shouldn't make that call for me. There is a company (MSB Technology) that will mod pretty much any DVD player to allow 24/96 via S/PDIF, but I think it costs something like $350. I'm not sure I have enough discs with high rez content in the video zone to justify that.

audio101,

There are a few issues here. First of all, your MF DAC won't process DSD anyways, so there's not much point to passing it DSD even if you could. The Oppo can't output DSD digitally in any way shape or form (aside from SACD copy protection, single S/PDIF connections don't have the bandwidth necessary for DSD), and there are very few DACs that can process DSD anyways. I have an EMM Labs/Meitner DSD DAC in my main stereo setup--it sounds amazing but it's also $8k and requires it's matching transport. Perhaps Oppo (or through a firmware hack) will allow transmission of DSD converted to some sort of hi rez PCM over it's digital outs, but I doubt that will happen for copy protection purposes.

Also, when you see a digital out from a DVD-Audio disc output it may be high rez but you're not technically outputting the "DVD-Audio" portion, but whatever the publisher chose to make available in the DVD-Video zone. Due to CPPM copy protection on DVD-A, you can't output the content in the DVD-Audio zone via S/PDIF (though HDMI is an authorized interface for DVD-Audio). On some discs, the content in both zones is the same bit-rate/sampling depth, but on many it's not. For example, in the superb sounding HDAD discs by Classic Records, the DVD-Video zone has 24/96 stereo content (which you can output digitally) but 24/192 stereo content in the DVD-Audio zone, which you can't output digitally. On some discs (mostly older titles from major labels), you won't get any hi res stereo tracks at all in the DVD-Video zone. DVD-Audio discs are very much a crapshot, and oftentimes are poorly labeled with what they contain. Since it sounds as if you have a high quality stereo setup, you will probably be disappointed with some DVD-Audio discs as there are discs that only have Dolby 2.0 stereo tracks in the video zone, and this is considerably lower quality than even CD. Or you can downmix the hi res multi-channel mix to stereo in the player, but again this isn't a very high quality solution. I suggest you do some research online before buying a title to figure out exactly what content is on the disc.

As far as SACD vs. DVD-Audio, I think you'll find very little overlap in titles. If you want a title in hi res, you'll need to usually take whichever format it is released in (and SACD has a much larger catalog, albeit a lot of it is classical from smaller labels). I think both formats have pretty much died on the vine; there will certainly be new releases but not in any appreciable quantity compared to plain ol' CD.

To followup on Neuromancer's post to me earlier, if you want to get a digital out from a hybrid SACD you need to change the "SACD Priority" setting to "CD Mode". This will output the standard Redbook CD layer (i.e. 16-bit/44.1KHz data) at the digital outs. The Oppo also has a similar setting for DVD-Audio discs to only output the DVD-Video content.
Thanks ,
If I use SACD Priority setting to CD MODE, I would be same as playing reg CD via coax. Right?? That case which one do you think is the better sound.
1.play SACD on oppo with analog out or
2.CD MODE via coax to MF DAC.

I play Joh Lee Hooker (classic 24/96 DAD) via coax to MF DAC and i get hi rez 96khz . ( show on MF DAC ).

Unfortunately it appears you'll also get downrezzed output from the DVD-Video zone with the Oppo. I just tried playing a 24/96 disc from Classic Records, which has non-copyprotected 2 channel 24/96 content in the video zone, and the Oppo downsampled that to 16/48 via the digital out. :(

While I'm sure some content owners prefer that DVD player manufacturers employ this method, I wish Oppo would reconsider. Pioneer DVD players for example will generally output 24/96 from their S/PDIF outputs. CSS has a flag to force downrezzing on the digital outs (and yeah I know CSS has been hacked but still); the player manufacturer shouldn't make that call for me. There is a company (MSB Technology) that will mod pretty much any DVD player to allow 24/96 via S/PDIF, but I think it costs something like $350. I'm not sure I have enough discs with high rez content in the video zone to justify that.
I do get 24/96 via coax whis is also from classic records. But i selected dvd-A at oppo.

Actually, you'll get two channel pcm that's been downrezzed to 16/44 or 16/48. If playing the multichannel tracks, you'll get a stereo downmix.
At two channel PCM, digital out via coax to MF DAC.
I do get 24/96.

Is there an easy way to switch between the CD layer and the SACD layer on the Oppo? Or do I have to STOP the CD, go to the menu, select CD priority, etc.?

I do get 24/96 via coax whis is also from classic records. But i selected dvd-A at oppo.

I'll have to try that...I was playing the 24/96 Classic Recs Antill/Ginastera disc and setting it to DVD-Video was giving 16/48 at the digital outs. I'll try it at DVD-Audio to see if that works. Thanks.

As far as a high end CD setup vs. a low end SACD setup, I'd say it's generally a toss up depending on the gear in question and listener preferences. I'd suggest trying it both ways to see which sounds better, being aware that oftentimes the CD and SACD layers may be mastered at different levels (or even have entirely different remastering), making comparisions difficult.

Is there an easy way to switch between the CD layer and the SACD layer on the Oppo? Or do I have to STOP the CD, go to the menu, select CD priority, etc.?
i had to stop and open before i can change it CD MODE

Does anyone out there have a 1Gig or larger USB flash drive that they have got working successfully with the DV970HD? If so, please respond with brand and specific model number! Or, if you have another place you feel this question should be asked - different thread, or forum, or site, please let me know.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions. :confused:

I have successfully used two 1GB SanDisk CF cards with a CF reader connected to USB on 970HD.

Even after it works for you you will realize that FF and Rewind won't work fast enough on USB because of data transfer limitations. For some higher quality videos, even regular play breaks up (I think because of slow reads). You might be better off burning the files to a DVD RW.

I have successfully used two 1GB SanDisk CF cards with a CF reader connected to USB on 970HD.

Even after it works for you you will realize that FF and Rewind won't work fast enough on USB because of data transfer limitations. For some higher quality videos, even regular play breaks up (I think because of slow reads). You might be better off burning the files to a DVD RW.

Yes, the issue there is certainly speed. Remember the USB port is 1.1 not 2.0, so your tranfer rate is limited to 12

Neuromancer]Yes, both units will do PAL to PAL and PAL to NTSC. What differentiates the two units is their 2:2 Cadence support. The OPDV971H has native Film 2:2: Cadence support, which the DV-970HD does not. For this reason, discs which are PAL mastered will look proper on the OPDV971H, but may have interlacing and aliasing artifacts on the DV-970HD.

I am giving my daughter my Philips 642 when she goes off to college in a few weeks. So I am looking to replace it. The bulk of my DVDs are NTSC, but I have about 20 PALs. I was interested in the 970, but I'm concerned about the picture quality of the PALs. My questions are, has anybody that has the 970 played any PALs and what is their feelings on the PQ? Do you think the PQ would be any less than the 642? Should I be concerned about the above quote? I have an Infocus SP4805. Thanks for any feedback.

Is there any way to get 5.1 DD or DTS over the HDMI output? I've been using the optical digital out for 5.1 so far.

LOU_M
I've replaced my 642 with the OPPO 970 and the PQ is tons better. Don't know for sure about PAL, but all my dvd's - rented and homemade (downloaded avi, mpeg, and vcds) are much better than the 642.

I am giving my daughter my Philips 642 when she goes off to college in a few weeks. So I am looking to replace it. The bulk of my DVDs are NTSC, but I have about 20 PALs. I was interested in the 970, but I'm concerned about the picture quality of the PALs. My questions are, has anybody that has the 970 played any PALs and what is their feelings on the PQ? Do you think the PQ would be any less than the 642? Should I be concerned about the above quote? I have an Infocus SP4805. Thanks for any feedback.

I can't compare it with anything else, but I do have a few PAL DVD's from Australia. I play them on the 970H via HDMI to my SIM2 projector. No problem and looks about as good as I expected (source is not the best quality but it's not bad). It's also nice to be able to switch regions via remote to play my regular DVD's and the few PAL's I just got. I truly didn't notice any particular artifacts, but I've only played 1 of the discs about 1/3 of the way thru - haven't had a chance to fool with them yet or change any settings. Still, from my brief experience, the PAL discs look fine.

My PAL disks look excellent on my 970/VP30 setup.

On DivX (and may be other formats also), the rewind button seems to be confusing. E.g. 'Loose Change' DivX burned on a DVD.

When I press rewind (<<) it immediately goes back some 15-20 seconds.. To go back only a little, I have to press '<<' immediately press play or FF. This problem does not exist on regular DVDs.

btw, any chance 'memory' works for DivX files in next versions of firmware upgrades?

Thanks.

DivX/XviD encodes will behave slightly off when rewinding compared to DVD and other media due to decoding properties. However, a well mastered DivX (one with proper Index structures) should behave more closely to a DVD in terms of performance.

"Memory" will likely not be supported for media other than DVDs due to the architecture of the encode and the way in which the firmare stores playback positions.

Need advice on Oppo 970. I have a 60" Sony A2000. Oppo advises to go with 971 for large screen unless paired with "high-end display" with good internal scaler. It seems the A2000 scaler is not very good. Would 970 be a bad choice?

The 971 is out because no SACD. Therefore I may have to go with Pioneer or Denon universal player.

Anyone able to help me?

Thanks Neuromancer,

you are saying that other dvds players which play this DivX should do the same 'long jump rewind' right?

It depends on the way they are designed. The OPDV971H and the DV-970HD, in terms of scripting for DivX, is designed around the initial index. If the index is corrupt, incomplete, or just plain wrong, you will get playback errors such as the DivX file restarting or skipping to the next file, slow rewinds and fast forwards, or slow responsiveness.

Both units buffer a lot of video before playback, which can cause problems when you interupt the nature flow of streaming. Rewinding is also a little harder to sync initially, as you are clocking backwards, and most designs are designed for forward clocking.

Need advice on Oppo 970. I have a 60" Sony A2000. Oppo advises to go with 971 for large screen unless paired with "high-end display" with good internal scaler. It seems the A2000 scaler is not very good. Would 970 be a bad choice?

The 971 is out because no SACD. Therefore I may have to go with Pioneer or Denon universal player.

Anyone able to help me?


I have had no experience with the A2000, so I can't comment on its performance as a scaler. However, I will note that if you are primarily playing Film based, NTSC material, the difference between the OPDV971H and the DV-970HD is minimal. As such, you will not be doing yourself a diservice by going with the DV-970HD (to take advantage of SACD) over that of the OPDV971H.

Thanks, Neuromancer. But I'm a little confused because earlier in the thread I read that you said you've seen "extreme resolution loss" on the Sony SXRD models using the 970.

It seems to me that if not for the SACD issue, for me, the better choice would be the 971. It might be the 970 would make me pretty happy though. Not sure...

With my 1080p set, would the 970 output a decent 1080i image over HDMI? Despite having a scaler not quite as good as the 971, it's not "terrible" is it?

The resolution loss was due to the television, not the DVD player itself. The SXRD has a horrible de-interlacer and scaler, which produced a major loss in resolution when I was using 480i and 480p out of the DV-970HD and OPDV971H (480p only on this one). 720p had a slight loss of resolution, and 1080i looked slightly better than 480i/480p.

At 1080i you have already done two scalings, one de-interlacing and one re-interlacing procedure. Assuming no errors were created during this process, then you now have a 1080i signal that your television has to make progressive. If the internal scaler is well designed, then a 1080i signal will not show erros such as combing or aliasing. However, if the de-interlacer is poor (or at least poorer than the DV-970HD) then you will likely see visual artifacts.

Most users prefer using 720p on natively progressive displays (and even on CRT displays) to reduce the amount of possible visual corruption.

Neuromancer, I'm a noob so bear with me.

Wouldn't the oppo itself have to do the 2 scalings in order to put out the 1080i image? Then the set just has to make it progressive?

If I have the oppo put out 720p, the my set has to de-interlace and upscale, right?

My A2000 set is of course an SXRD, so I suppose I need a player with a good scaler, right (unless I pop for an external video processor)? But you say the difference between the 970 and 971 in this regard is minimal (on NTSC discs).

I am understanding correctly?

I just got this unit. It defintely is a fast player. Almost or just as fast as the Denon 2900 which I love. However I noticed that I needed to bump up the brightness to about +8 to get Blacker then Black to show on my display. Is this normal and what most are using to get BTB?

Also does anyone has GetGray Calibration disc? It seems that on each of the test patterns, as it displays for a few secs and then jumps back to the start of the same pattern, the display jumps during each of the repeat. I have a Pio DV79 and a Denon 2900 and it does not seem to have this issue. Hopefully someone else with this disc and test it and see if you see the same problem.

Oliver

Also does anyone has GetGray Calibration disc? It seems that on each of the test patterns, as it displays for a few secs and then jumps back to the start of the same pattern, the display jumps during each of the repeat. I have a Pio DV79 and a Denon 2900 and it does not seem to have this issue. Hopefully someone else with this disc and test it and see if you see the same problem.
Oliver

I use GetGray with the Oppo 971 and notice a bit of jittering on some screens when the pattern repeats. There has been some discussion of this on the GetGray thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=586139): a known problem with the Oppo players, although it doesn't affect my use of the disk.

-Bill

Neuromancer, I'm a noob so bear with me.

Wouldn't the oppo itself have to do the 2 scalings in order to put out the 1080i image? Then the set just has to make it progressive?

When doing 720p, it will due only one scaling and one de-interlacing.
480i->de-interlacing->scaling->720p.

For 1080i it will be doing one scaling, one de-interlacing, and one re-interlacing step.
480i->de-interlacing->re-interlacing->scaling->1080i

Now this 1080i signal will likely be de-interlaced again by your display, which once again brings up the possibility of video corruption

If I have the oppo put out 720p, the my set has to de-interlace and upscale, right?

At 720p the DV-970HD is doing the de-interlacing and partial scaling. Your television will then finish the scaling, but will not be doing the de-interlacing procedures.

My A2000 set is of course an SXRD, so I suppose I need a player with a good scaler, right (unless I pop for an external video processor)?

Just because it is SXRD does not mean the same results I experienced will be the same. The overall technology is the same, but the internal mechanics (ie. what processes the input signals) depends greatly on manufacturer and model number. My experience was with a Sony KDS-R60XBR1. For all intents and purposes, my issues could be solved in the A2000 because they are likely using a different scaler/de-interlacer in that model.

But you say the difference between the 970 and 971 in this regard is minimal (on NTSC discs).

The difference is minimal on a television which has been well designed. A television with good scaling and good de-interlacing will not require extensive processing from an external device.

Thanks for your help, Neuromancer. Nicely explained.

I'm thinkig of ordering the oppo 970 but i'll need an hdmi switcher/selector,which works better the monoprice 5 switch or the radio shack 3 hdmi switch?

I havn't used the RadioShack switch, but the 5x1 MonoPrice HDMI switch is built very well for its cost.

OPPO has updated their website with a new 3A-0824 Beta Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-3a-0824.html).

The Release Notes (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-3a-0824.html#RN) are as follows:

1. Improved HDMI Audio Compatibility and High Resolution Audio Output through HDMI

This version improves HDMI audio compatibility with TV, A/V receivers and audio processors. It also enables high resolution multi-channel audio output through the HDMI interface. The following setup menu settings are recommended:

When the HDMI output is connected to a TV directly, please use the factory default settings. The related settings are:

* Speaker Setup Page:
o Down-mix: Stereo
o Front Speaker: Large
o Subwoofer: Off
* Audio Setup Page:
o HDMI Audio: LPCM

With the above factory default settings the DVD player will down-mix center and surround audio channels to stereo and send in LPCM format to the TV. High resolution audio will be down-sampled to meet the TV's playback capability. The 2-channel LPCM format is most compatible with all types of TVs.

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

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

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

Note: If you use HDMI to connect audio to an HDMI A/V receiver or audio processor, it is recommended that you choose 720p or 1080i HDMI output resolution when playing high resolution audio content (DVD-Audio and SACD). According to the HDMI specification, the bandwidth available for digital audio is proportional to the total bandwidth used by digital video. At 480i/480p/576i/576p resolution, the HDMI specification can only support 2 channels of audio with high sample rate (up to 192kHz), or 8 channels of audio with standard sample rate (up to 48kHz). Depending on the capability of your A/V receiver or audio processor, if you play high resolution audio content at 480i/480p/576i/576p resolution, you may encounter problems of incomplete audio channels or no audio/video output at all. Choosing a high HDMI output resolution such as 720p or 1080i allows enough bandwidth for all high sample rate audio channels.

2. Easier Track Skip for SACD and Digital Music Playback

When playing Super Audio CD or digital music files, the "Skip Prev" (|<<) and "Skip Next" (>>|) buttons on the remote control can be used to skip to the the previous or next track. This function enables the user to skip tracks without using the navigation menu on the video screen. When playback is stopped, these buttons can still be used to turn pages for the the on screen navigation menu, just like with the previous firmware version.

3. New Default Contrast Setting for Component Video Output (Same as 1A-0613 Beta Firmware)

The factory default contrast setting for component video output is slighted adjusted (tuned down to approximately -3 level of the previous firmware 1A-0526). This adjustment brings the default contrast for component video output to standard level and make it consistent with the HDMI output. The default contrast for the HDMI output is not affected. Please note that the brightness and contrast settings of your TV display also affect the final visual result. It is recommended that you calibrate the DVD player and the TV display together using a reference DVD such as The AVIA Guide to Home Theater or Digital Video Essentials.

Thanks for the heads up. The skip does work fine. A little disappointed that the SACD gap and CD-Text issues are not in there. Hopefully next time.

It is a beta, after all.

Yes it is. :-)

I just updated my to the new beta firmware and the video menu also changed. It now gives the Wide/Auto as an option instead of Wide/Sqz. I am guessing it will now transmit the aspect ratio via HDMI? There are no mention in the release notes.

It behaves like the previous Wide/SQZ functionality. Some of the Menu options are receiving different names due to feedback.

Wow... nice to hear about a company with such a responsive customer support. And especially one that seems to be well tied with the development team.

My 970 is connected via HDMI directly to a Mits 720P DLP RPTV. I run the HDMI in 480i mode and let the Mits deinterlace and upscale. If I use any other mode (480p, 720p, 1080i), the squares on the corners of the Snell & Wilcox pattern from the DVE disc show wierd flckering.

I "upgraded" from a Denon 2910 ;)

I appologize if this question has been answered before ... the site's search engine was not responding and I'm confused about my newly delivered 970HD connected to a new Panasonic 32LX60 LCD TV via HDMI:

The 970HD works fine via HDMI and I am happy with it, but I was somewhat surprised to see that new commerically pressed DVD movie rentals at 480i look smoother than 480p, 720p or 1080i on 'paused' frames. At 480i there are no stair-step edges on 'paused' diagonal images when compared against the other upconverted outputs (again, only on paused frames).

However during normal playback they all look generally about the same (480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i).

I rechecked my older Sony DVD 480p player and it also looks smoother on 480i than 480p on 'paused' frames, exactly like the new 970HD. Should I assume it's my LCD display unit that's not displaying properly at 480p, 720p or 1080i? I was really surprised to discover that DVD 480i looks smoother than 480p on 'paused' frames for both my DVD players. But again, during normal playback all output resolutions look about the same ....... So, I must be doing something wrong here with the the display unit?

Any thoughts here would be much appreciated.

My 970 is connected via HDMI directly to a Mits 720P DLP RPTV. I run the HDMI in 480i mode and let the Mits deinterlace and upscale. If I use any other mode (480p, 720p, 1080i), the squares on the corners of the Snell & Wilcox pattern from the DVE disc show wierd flckering.
HTBruceM:

Thanks for the quick response .... So in general (and I'm a noob when it comes to these things), my new LCD display has better deinterlacing and upscaling than my DVD player and I should keep the player's output at 480i?

At 480i there are no stair-step edges on 'paused' diagonal images when compared against the other upconverted outputs (again, only on paused frames).

The main reason for this is that the interlaced frame is a single field, whereas the progressive frame is two fields drawn as one frame. So, when you pause a single field, you are not losing any picture quality, as you have not bothered to load the next field at this point.

For the progressive image, pausing causes the unit to stop whatever progressive processing it has been doing (all reverse telecining, etc), which can cause major aliasing artifacts, as the decoder chipset is no longer processing a frame, it is processing a single field.

1080i, though interlaced, has the same problems as progressive scanning for the simple reason that the DVD player will do a de-interlacing and re-interlacing procedure to draw the image. For this reason, when you pause, you are effectively interrupting the de-interlacing step, causing the visual error again.

If none of this makes sense, don't worry, as it is 12:21 AM and even I am not following my logic right now.

HTBruceM:

Thanks for the quick response .... So in general (and I'm a noob when it comes to these things), my new LCD display has better deinterlacing and upscaling than my DVD player and I should keep the player's output at 480i?

It depends on the implimentation of their de-interlacing and scaling chipsets. Try using 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i and note any differences between the modes. Every television has a "sweet spot" and it is just a matter of finding it.

If none of this makes sense, don't worry, as it is 12:21 AM and even I am not following my logic right now.

I'll try to sleep on it and then scratch my head again tomorrow ... Thanks! :cool:

I've searched the thread but can't seem to find any discussion on this. And I wonder - why?!?

The unit is off and you want to play a disk. You press the eject button, and.... go get a cup of coffee!

OK - that'd be a FAST cup'o'joe, but 7-8 seconds to power on and open the drawer seems excessive. Why not open the drawer *while* you're finishing the initialization process?

I trust I'm not the only one experiencing this.

No, you're not alone. Same for the 971H. It's about the only slow thing about these two players. All other operations are blindingly fast. So....., I guess most of us just forgive it for this flaw. Pressing the Eject button to load a CD/DVD rather than having to press the power button first would make even more sense. The power button could then be used to solely turn off the player if desired.

Glad to see new 970HD firmware (even if beta). However, disappointed to see that the Mediatek squished picture thing not addressed yet. Although I'm happy with watching DVDs at 480p on my KV32HS420, I'm very curious to see what DVDs look like at higher resolutions, sans squishiness. Also, feel a little cheated about getting an upconverting DVD player that doesn't do all that's promised--but still pretty darned happy with Oppo.
Any news on the Mediatek fix front? A related question: How much real-world difference would I notice on the Sony KV32HS420 if I did convert up to 720p or 1080i?
Thanks.
J

OK - that'd be a FAST cup'o'joe, but 7-8 seconds to power on and open the drawer seems excessive. Why not open the drawer *while* you're finishing the initialization process?

The architecture of the DV-970HD does not allow for any other function to work until the DVD unit has been fully turned on. The loader does not run independently of the the main decoding chipset, and for this reason, no "Eject" command is sent to the loader until the chipset is fully initialized 7~9 seconds after the unit has been turned on.

Glad to see new 970HD firmware (even if beta). However, disappointed to see that the Mediatek squished picture thing not addressed yet.

The open beta only addresses audio isssues some users have been having with the DV-970HD, particularly Anthem users.

These are not the only items currently being investigated by OPPO, and it is certainly not the only beta they are working on.

I am now able to get multi-channel to work with AVM-50

Also does anyone has GetGray Calibration disc? It seems that on each of the test patterns, as it displays for a few secs and then jumps back to the start of the same pattern, the display jumps during each of the repeat. I have a Pio DV79 and a Denon 2900 and it does not seem to have this issue.
Yep, I have GetGray and the 970 and the 2900. Same problem with Getgray as you have on the Oppo. No prob on the 2900.

For those of you with really good audio systems, do you think the 970's processing and decoding of high resolution DVD-Audio PCM tracks (MLP compressed, of course) and DSD from SA-CD's superior, inferior, or similar to the Pioneer 563A universal player from a few years back (my current one)?

Thanks!

Dan

The 970HD works fine via HDMI and I am happy with it, but I was somewhat surprised to see that new commerically pressed DVD movie rentals at 480i look smoother than 480p, 720p or 1080i on 'paused' frames. At 480i there are no stair-step edges on 'paused' diagonal images when compared against the other upconverted outputs (again, only on paused frames).

I have the 970HD & the 32LX60 and would also recommend 480i, after lots of close up viewing (across the room, I'm too old to tell!).

Even though the LX60 is "720p", the LCD is actually 1366x768, so even a 720p signal gets upscaled - that implies two conversions - one upscale in the 970 and one in the LX60. But if you input 480i/p, it should be just one conversion.

I just purchased the 970 but I can't get the sound to work. I have the HDMI cable hooked up to my LCD and an optical cable to the receiver. I've turned the HDMI audio to off and the PCID to RAW. Anybody have any suggestions?>

Forgive the question but I have tried searching, since I now have the 970 and am using it with a component connection, what is this upscaling over component hack I am hearing about? How do you obtain it? When I scroll through the resolutions with the HDMI button it does obtain a picture at all the resolutions over component now, I am again wondering whether I am already there or I need to implement something in order to get the full effect. Thanks in advance.

I just purchased the 970 but I can't get the sound to work. I have the HDMI cable hooked up to my LCD and an optical cable to the receiver. I've turned the HDMI audio to off and the PCID to RAW. Anybody have any suggestions?>


You also need to have an optical or digital cable to from the Monitor/Plasma to the AVR to complete the loop. As to the audio on my plasma, I turn the volume down manually with the remote.

You might want check the set up on your avr for input and speaker link ups.

These were some of the things that I did when I set mine up and it is lovely.

Hope it helps.

You also need to have an optical or digital cable to from the Monitor/Plasma to the AVR to complete the loop. As to the audio on my plasma, I turn the volume down manually with the remote.

You might want check the set up on your avr for input and speaker link ups.

These were some of the things that I did when I set mine up and it is lovely.

Hope it helps.
Wait, I don't think my LCD has a optical out. Im pretty sure I have all the settings right on my AV receiver.

Wait, I don't think my LCD has a optical out. Im pretty sure I have all the settings right on my AV receiver.


That's ok. Optical is also called a "Toslink". It is a digital connection.

If you have an audio out (which could be digial or coax) use that to connect to the AVR. If you have been using a surround system with your plasma/tv before you got the OPPO, then just make sure your connect menus on all are properly set up.

If someone else picks up on something I have overlooked, please chime in.

I just purchased the 970 but I can't get the sound to work. I have the HDMI cable hooked up to my LCD and an optical cable to the receiver. I've turned the HDMI audio to off and the PCID to RAW. Anybody have any suggestions?>

This should work. Check if the optical output port has red light on. Also check if the receiver is set to take the correct optical input for its DVD source button.

Forgive the question but I have tried searching, since I now have the 970 and am using it with a component connection, what is this upscaling over component hack I am hearing about? How do you obtain it? When I scroll through the resolutions with the HDMI button it does obtain a picture at all the resolutions over component now, I am again wondering whether I am already there or I need to implement something in order to get the full effect. Thanks in advance.

Cycling through the modes will not enforce the downsampling of the resolution. But once you put in a CSS-Encrypted disc, your resolution will be forced to 480p only.

And you can find the hack for the removal of CSS compliance here (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mt13x9_files/files/) and alternatively here (http://rapidshare.de/files/29049631/613AMOD.iso.html).

Yes, it will read JPEG and MP3 audio files on a DVD.

I hope you can help me with the JPEG card reader capabilityof the OPPO DVD player.

My interest is in replacing the JPEG card reader input and slide viewer capability built into the Sony SXRD 60XBR1. This memory card reader and slide viewer produces an HD image from digital photos (properly sized in photoshop) with high image quality. I need to replace this set with the new 60XBR2 which I just learned will omit the marvelous card reader in the XBR1

Can you tell me if and how well the OPPO DVD player will read a memory card with JPEG images and output 1080i over HDMI ?

Is there a decent slide viewer built in ?

Will the mages presented to the Sony incorrectly span the full 0-256 levels or will it's output levels match the smaller Sony consumer HDMI standard such that the blacks and peak whites will not be compressed ?

Any help on understanding the capability and limitations of this Card reader feature and Forum members experiences would be greatly appreciated.

KTTV Images

I hope you can help me with the JPEG card reader capabilityof the OPPO DVD player.

My interest is in replacing the JPEG card reader input and slide viewer capability built into the Sony SXRD 60XBR1. This memory card reader and slide viewer produces an HD image from digital photos (properly sized in photoshop) with high image quality. I need to replace this set with the new 60XBR2 which I just learned will omit the marvelous card reader in the XBR1

Can you tell me if and how well the OPPO DVD player will read a memory card with JPEG images and output 1080i over HDMI ?

Is there a decent slide viewer built in ?

Will the mages presented to the Sony incorrectly span the full 0-256 levels or will it's output levels match the smaller Sony consumer HDMI standard such that the blacks and peak whites will not be compressed ?

Any help on understanding the capability and limitations of this Card reader feature and Forum members experiences would be greatly appreciated.

KTTV Images


When I tried viewing pictures from my 970's card reader, the pictures looked horrible. I have not used the feature, since. This bad picture quality from the card reader is also mentioned in some of the reviews. It's nice that Oppo has included this feature, but it would be nicer if it worked better.

When I tried viewing pictures from my 970's card reader, the pictures looked horrible. I have not used the feature, since. This bad picture quality from the card reader is also mentioned in some of the reviews. It's nice that Oppo has included this feature, but it would be nicer if it worked better.

It is not restricted to the card reader. The DV-970HD will decode all JPEG images as 640x480 resolution, then upsample this to whatever resolution you have the DV-970HD set to. Depending on the original size of the image, the resulting image is "ok" to "unviewable".

For those of you with really good audio systems, do you think the 970's processing and decoding of high resolution DVD-Audio PCM tracks (MLP compressed, of course) and DSD from SA-CD's superior, inferior, or similar to the Pioneer 563A universal player from a few years back (my current one)?

Thanks!

Dan

Dan,

Here is a link from the AudioAsylum forum where someone comments on his comparisons of the Oppo 970 vs. a Pioneer 588A which is basically the 563A in a different package. He prefers the Oppo over the Pioneer in a nutshell.

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hirez/messages/228180.html

I have a modded Pioneer 563A by APL Hi-Fi which blows away the stock Oppo but it is an unfair comparison. My Pioneer is comparable in sound to an Esoteric DV-50, a universal player that cost around $5000.00 and my modded player costs several times the cost of the Oppo. I have been experimenting using the Oppo with an external DAC to increase the quality of its Redbook sound. Using the less expensive DACs ($200-$300 range) didn't increase the sound quality at all. Once I got to the $500+ range, then there was an audible sound quality increase. Currently, I am testing the Oppo 970 with a Channel Island Audio VDA-2 DAC which seems to bring out the best qualities in the Oppo making it sound like these multi-thousand dollars universal players. Even with my modded player, you will really like the video quality of the Oppo. It is much, much clearer than your 563A and that reason alone should prompt you to purchase the Oppo provided you have a HDTV monitor. Overall the Oppo's multi-channel sound is not bad, only when you use it in hi-rez two-channel mode will you notice the differences vs. a high-end player. I would suspect the Oppo would sound better than your stock Pioneer because the presentation of the Oppo's highs are more analog-like than the Pioneer from what I remember before the mods were done.

Just so you know, I am using the Oppo 970 in a 5.1 home theater which doubles as my two-channel system. I am running Magnepan IIIas, front and rear, Eminent Technology LFT-12 center channel, Velodyne HGS-12 Series II sub, Parasound separates, Synergistic Research cables and interconnects throughout the system. Oppo has a 30-day return policy if you are not happy. I put my Oppo through a workout those 30-days before I decided to keep it and have been happy ever since.

Slbenz

Thanks for the link. The only trouble with the comparison is that the later 588A converted DSD to PCM (88.2 kHz I believe) before running the data through the DAC's. The 563A (as long as you left the bass management off) kept the DSD as DSD through the DAC's. From the Oppo literature it sounds like DSD is converted to PCM just like in the 588A.

Though it is nice that I can basically use the Oppo as a transport for high resolution PCM (from DVD-Audio via HDMI) to an outboard surround processor as soon as I upgrade, too bad the Oppo didn't have HDMI 1.2 as that allowed pure DSD to be output, rather than converting it to 88.2 kHz PCM.

Dan

It is not restricted to the card reader. The DV-970HD will decode all JPEG images as 640x480 resolution, then upsample this to whatever resolution you have the DV-970HD set to. Depending on the original size of the image, the resulting image is "ok" to "unviewable".


Thanks for the input. Do you know of another DVD player with a card reader that will leave the JPEG pixel counts alone (I use Photoshop to set the pixel cout of each photo to match the native Sony SXRD 1080hp display).

KT

I am thinking of using the Oppo 970 as a Music Media server using the USB mass storage option. I have gotten a USB storage case with a HD. Now I am thinking

1. which would be the best format to store rip my music files(Lossless)

2. how I would store them in the HD? All in a single directory? Is there a limit of files per directory in this case on the oppo?

3. Is there a way to have to have preferred list of songs to play which you can select?

Anyone using the Oppo as a music jukebox as well? Please share your thoughts.

Oliver

Though it is nice that I can basically use the Oppo as a transport for high resolution PCM (from DVD-Audio via HDMI) to an outboard surround processor as soon as I upgrade, too bad the Oppo didn't have HDMI 1.2 as that allowed pure DSD to be output, rather than converting it to 88.2 kHz PCM.

Dan
If the Oppo 970 was HDMI 1.2 and output DSD as DSD, it would be converted to PCM in your receiver in order for bass management, time alignment, and any other DSP operations to be done to the data. So, it's really a moot point that the Oppo converts it to PCM. DSD was designed so it could be converted to PCM very easily. The sampling rate is exactly 64x that of 44.1kHz.

Did anyone had issues with the front buttons not responding unless you press it rather hard? Also some disks especially Superbit titles won't load on the first time, I have to press open and close again then it reads it, strange. ????????????

Did anyone had issues with the front buttons not responding unless you press it rather hard? Also some disks especially Superbit titles won't load on the first time, I have to press open and close again then it reads it, strange. ????????????

Second that. Mine also freezes every now and again.

I usually have to hit the open button twice for it to open. It's been that way since I got it. Doesn't really bother me though.

Did anyone had issues with the front buttons not responding unless you press it rather hard? Also some disks especially Superbit titles won't load on the first time, I have to press open and close again then it reads it, strange. ????????????

I own the 971H and the buttons are identical. I just think they're a little stiff. I've had my player for a year and it has never gotten worse.

Actually, I've found that rather than pressing the buttons harder or multiple times, you can simply hold them a little longer (half a second maybe) and they work everytime.

BTW - This is my first post (after reading all 64 pages of this thread and buying the 970). So, HI everyone!

Thanks for the link. The only trouble with the comparison is that the later 588A converted DSD to PCM (88.2 kHz I believe) before running the data through the DAC's. The 563A (as long as you left the bass management off) kept the DSD as DSD through the DAC's. From the Oppo literature it sounds like DSD is converted to PCM just like in the 588A.

Though it is nice that I can basically use the Oppo as a transport for high resolution PCM (from DVD-Audio via HDMI) to an outboard surround processor as soon as I upgrade, too bad the Oppo didn't have HDMI 1.2 as that allowed pure DSD to be output, rather than converting it to 88.2 kHz PCM.

Dan

Dan,

Forgot about the 563A vs the 588A DAC difference. My apologies. The same person who posted his findings in AudioAsylum also compared the Oppo to a Sony true DSD player and at first didn't like the thin presentation and extended highs but once his unit was burned-in with more hours and on the correct settings, he felt that the Sony had better air, detail and a lifelike sound than the Oppo. In regards to the conversion, I have heard great results with true DSD and DSD to PCM converting players. It all depends on the design and execution to make both sound good. Sorry I couldn't have been of more help.

Slbenz

Oh, I also tried the upconversion hack, and it works great! In fact, I have only noticed any vertical compression on one DVD so far, resulting in about a 3 pixel black bar at the top of the screen. Also, when running 480p, 2.35:1 anamorphics always showed up with a thinner black bar on the top than the one on the bottom. Now running 1080i, the image is properly centered.

Now the dilemma...when will somebody be putting this same hack into the latest firmware so we can get the new fixes (especially the "skip track" function on digital audio files) and keep the upconversion?

Thanks for the input. Do you know of another DVD player with a card reader that will leave the JPEG pixel counts alone (I use Photoshop to set the pixel cout of each photo to match the native Sony SXRD 1080hp display).

KT

I am not aware of any DVD player that will do HD-JPEG and has a USB/Card Reader.

1. which would be the best format to store rip my music files(Lossless)
There is only one lossless format at this time: WAV. OPPO is looking into FLAC and APE, but they have not made a firmware release with these supported formats.
2. how I would store them in the HD? All in a single directory? Is there a limit of files per directory in this case on the oppo?
There is a limit for number of files. I believe it is around 750 files. You can store your files on a single directory, or in multiple directories.
3. Is there a way to have to have preferred list of songs to play which you can select?
There is no way to assign a prefered playlist on the DV-970HD.

If the Oppo 970 was HDMI 1.2 and output DSD as DSD, it would be converted to PCM in your receiver in order for bass management, time alignment, and any other DSP operations to be done to the data. So, it's really a moot point that the Oppo converts it to PCM. DSD was designed so it could be converted to PCM very easily. The sampling rate is exactly 64x that of 44.1kHz.
It's only a moot point if you intend to convert to PCM. Those who don't wish to degrade the DSD signal either (1) set their speakers up equidistant to the listening position and run their speakers "full range" so that no PCM manipulation is required; or (2) use the analog bass mgmt available on many of the newer players/receivers, or an Outlaw ICBM, which also performs bass mgmt transparently and purely in the analog realm.

Dan's query clearly takes this into account as he's fully aware that his Pioneer 563a keeps the DSD signal pure until conversion to analog (unless bass mgmt is employed), and notes that the later Pioneer 588 - compared to the Oppo at audioasylum - unfortunately does not (and neither does the Oppo). My SACD player is a Sony C555ES. Like Dan's 563a, it has onboard bass management that when engaged converts the DSD signal to PCM. The DACs are excellent (much better and more numerous than Oppo's!), but when the DSD signal is converted to PCM, the degradation of sound quality is very obvious. So, like Dan, I don't use it, preferring instead to use an Outlaw ICBM for all bass management, and careful, equidistant positioning of all my speakers to achieve time alignment.

I certainly would *never* recommend (or purchase for myself) any SACD player that required a DSD-PCM conversion, except as a secondary unit where sound quality for critical listening is, at best, a secondary consideration. After all, why would one spend the extra cash for SACDs and then use sub-optimal gear to play them back converted to plain ol' PCM? By converting to PCM, one is essentially just playing CDs!

There's something "mooted" here, to be sure: the additional resolution offered by SACD.

I have a pio pdp 6070 with 2 hdmi. I already ran 2 hdmi cables thru the wall, What a PAIN in the A _ _ . Do they make a DVI to HDMI female connector? Will it affect video quality?

I too, am have some button issues, stop/pause- not working for a while & haveing to hit the buttons a few time. Just started to nottice this...
db

I have a pio pdp 6070 with 2 hdmi. I already ran 2 hdmi cables thru the wall, What a PAIN in the A _ _ . Do they make a DVI to HDMI female connector? Will it affect video quality?

Yes, they make DVI-Male to HDMI-Female (and vice versa) adapters. They should not effect the video quality.

I too, am have some button issues, stop/pause- not working for a while & haveing to hit the buttons a few time. Just started to nottice this...
db

The buttons are not that sensative. You will need to give them a brute push if you want them to react appropriatley. Also remember that there may be a slight change in time before a response is registered.

It's only a moot point if you intend to convert to PCM. Those who don't wish to degrade the DSD signal either (1) set their speakers up equidistant to the listening position and run their speakers "full range" so that no PCM manipulation is required; or (2) use the analog bass mgmt available on many of the newer players/receivers, or an Outlaw ICBM, which also performs bass mgmt transparently and purely in the analog realm.

Dan's query clearly takes this into account as he's fully aware that his Pioneer 563a keeps the DSD signal pure until conversion to analog (unless bass mgmt is employed), and notes that the later Pioneer 588 - compared to the Oppo at audioasylum - unfortunately does not (and neither does the Oppo). My SACD player is a Sony C555ES. Like Dan's 563a, it has onboard bass management that when engaged converts the DSD signal to PCM. The DACs are excellent (much better and more numerous than Oppo's!), but when the DSD signal is converted to PCM, the degradation of sound quality is very obvious. So, like Dan, I don't use it, preferring instead to use an Outlaw ICBM for all bass management, and careful, equidistant positioning of all my speakers to achieve time alignment.

I certainly would *never* recommend (or purchase for myself) any SACD player that required a DSD-PCM conversion, except as a secondary unit where sound quality for critical listening is, at best, a secondary consideration. After all, why would one spend the extra cash for SACDs and then use sub-optimal gear to play them back converted to plain ol' PCM? By converting to PCM, one is essentially just playing CDs!

There's something "mooted" here, to be sure: the additional resolution offered by SACD.
What apparently isn't "mooted" here is that you don't understand a lot of things:

- 24bit 88.2kHz PCM is higher quality than CD audio even though it's PCM
- that speakers have an acoustic distance that doesn't necessarily coorespond to phyical distance
- most people don't have "full range" speakers (ie: play flat to 20Hz)
- analog bass management is generally inferior to digital bass management

:rolleyes:

With the new firmware allowing 192kHz sample rate over HDMI, could DSD not be converted to that sample rate? What about DVD-A? I don't know the native sample rate of DVD-A, so I don't know if that is possible. As I understand it, HDMI 1.1 will allow multichannel PCM at that rate. With the DSD, it still would lose some quality, but should sound much better than simply double the sample rate of CDs.

Thanks,

Chris

It's only a moot point if you intend to convert to PCM. Those who don't wish to degrade the DSD signal either (1) set their speakers up equidistant to the listening position and run their speakers "full range" so that no PCM manipulation is required; or (2) use the analog bass mgmt available on many of the newer players/receivers, or an Outlaw ICBM, which also performs bass mgmt transparently and purely in the analog realm.

Dan's query clearly takes this into account as he's fully aware that his Pioneer 563a keeps the DSD signal pure until conversion to analog (unless bass mgmt is employed), and notes that the later Pioneer 588 - compared to the Oppo at audioasylum - unfortunately does not (and neither does the Oppo). My SACD player is a Sony C555ES. Like Dan's 563a, it has onboard bass management that when engaged converts the DSD signal to PCM. The DACs are excellent (much better and more numerous than Oppo's!), but when the DSD signal is converted to PCM, the degradation of sound quality is very obvious. So, like Dan, I don't use it, preferring instead to use an Outlaw ICBM for all bass management, and careful, equidistant positioning of all my speakers to achieve time alignment.

I certainly would *never* recommend (or purchase for myself) any SACD player that required a DSD-PCM conversion, except as a secondary unit where sound quality for critical listening is, at best, a secondary consideration. After all, why would one spend the extra cash for SACDs and then use sub-optimal gear to play them back converted to plain ol' PCM? By converting to PCM, one is essentially just playing CDs!

There's something "mooted" here, to be sure: the additional resolution offered by SACD.

Yeah this was hotly debated about 3 years ago, when there were enough supporters of the format Like Sony :)
In theory, one can agree with less signal manipulation the better, but in real world with digital conversions these days that "argument" become less moot every day. And analog crossovers are anything but "transparent", and my experience with the Outlaw Pre/pro 950's analog BM was a disaster, it would seriously screw up the phase between the mains and the sub[tried 3 different units], but never had an ICBM,not to mention Outlaw claimed that it was the same thing with more controlls.
Anyways there are plenty of people who find no ill effects with digital conversion among DSD and PCM, especially when they don't know that there is a conversion, some however once find out about it, they start to have doubts, it's just too funny to me.
BTW I found my Oppo very comparable to my now gone Denon 2900, which was regarded fairly well as an SACD player. YMMV

With the new firmware allowing 192kHz sample rate over HDMI, could DSD not be converted to that sample rate? What about DVD-A? I don't know the native sample rate of DVD-A, so I don't know if that is possible. As I understand it, HDMI 1.1 will allow multichannel PCM at that rate. With the DSD, it still would lose some quality, but should sound much better than simply double the sample rate of CDs.

Thanks,

Chris

DVD-A is mostly 24/96, and it can be at 24/192 for 2 ch only, for multi channel tracks it is limited to 24/96 per MLP's specs.
Keep in mind however that most original masters are 16/48 or 24/48.
DSD don't have more resolution then DVD-A it's just a different format, and most production SACD uses analog or upsampled PCM masters then being converted to DSD.Very few pure DSD recordings are being done.

With the new firmware allowing 192kHz sample rate over HDMI, could DSD not be converted to that sample rate? What about DVD-A? I don't know the native sample rate of DVD-A, so I don't know if that is possible. As I understand it, HDMI 1.1 will allow multichannel PCM at that rate. With the DSD, it still would lose some quality, but should sound much better than simply double the sample rate of CDs.

Thanks,

Chris
I don't think 192kHz divides into 2822.4kHz very well. I supposed they could use 176.4, but that would limit what you could do with it because a lot of receivers don't allow processing on 192/176.4 stuff.

What apparently isn't "mooted" here is that you don't understand a lot of things:

- 24bit 88.2kHz PCM is higher quality than CD audio even though it's PCM
- that speakers have an acoustic distance that doesn't necessarily coorespond to phyical distance
- most people don't have "full range" speakers (ie: play flat to 20Hz)
- analog bass management is generally inferior to digital bass management

:rolleyes:
The Oppo is a first-rate budget class DVD Player with a second-rate SACD application. You can bend over backwards to rationalize why it won't make any difference for many folks on this forum, and you're absolutely correct. If there's anything that's obvious among the membership here, it's that there's much more emphasis on video than audio. The slightest video defect will generate pages upon pages of discussion, whereas a pre-designed, built-in audio deficiency tends to be glossed over and dismissed as relevant only to persnickity audiophiles.

So Dan arrives with a question about the SACD performance of the Oppo, and it's clear to anyone who knows a little bit about this stuff that Dan is both knowledgable and picky about audio. The first response he gets (from the helpful slbenz) is a comparison of the Oppo to a Pioneer 588, a lesser player than his 563A, and primarily because of the PCM conversion. Dan objects to this comparison on that basis, and slbenz gets it. slbenz gets that Dan is a knowledgable, picky guy, and he knows a thing or two about this PCM conversion and the importance of preserving the DSD stream all the way to conversion to analog. And Dan knows that this can be done, and how to do it. After all, he's been doing it for years with his trusty 563!

So slbenz provides Dan with a more apt comparison to a "true DSD" Sony player, and acknowledges that the Oppo comes up short in this comparison. But then you jump in with all your reasons as to why it won't matter to him... gotta do a PCM conversion for time alignment, bass mgmt, and - for crying out loud - DSPs! Yeah, let's take that gorgeous DSD signal and convert it to PCM so we can employ the "HALL" dsp. Or maybe "DISCO". Ugh. You're response was not responsive, at least with respect to Dan's query and his requirements.

So long as folks understand where you're coming from and where Dan's coming from, no problem. They can easily determine which category they fall in, and which product is right for them. But someone might read your rationalizations of why this particular sound quality issue won't matter to someone less picky than Dan as suggesting that the Oppo performs as well as "pure DSD" players. Those folks would be misguided.

Finally, I won't include a "rolleyes" emoticon at the end of my post because I'm not trying to be a jerk. I'm just trying to help.

Thanks, and thanks to you as well Stereodude.

I knew that there were few pure DSD recordings out there, one of the reasons I like to shop for SACDs at audiosounds is that they clearly list pure DSD so you know when a title is available in that format.

I did not know, however, that fact about most masters. Too bad, would be nice if at least 24/96 could be standard. Of course it would also be great if all TV had been shot and mastered in film for future HD transfers, can't really expect the industry to forsee everything, or to go to the extra effort or expense even if they do.

I had wondered about the evenly divided issue with the sample rate and what effect that would have.

I think, on issues like this, I suffer from the just enough knowledge to be dangerous factor. I know more than the average joe, maybe even more than a lot of average enthusiasts on issues I've decided to research further, but where I have gaps, they are gaping and massive. I really like filling in those gaps though, I like knowing more and more about how my toys work. ;D

Thanks for helping me fill in a little more of the yawning chasms.

Regards,

Chris

Not that it really makes a difference, but I meant Acousticsounds. Teach me to post while suffering from a migraine. @_*


DVD-A is mostly 24/96, and it can be at 24/192 for 2 ch only, for multi channel tracks it is limited to 24/96 per MLP's specs.
Keep in mind however that most original masters are 16/48 or 24/48.
DSD don't have more resolution then DVD-A it's just a different format, and most production SACD uses analog or upsampled PCM masters then being converted to DSD.Very few pure DSD recordings are being done.

Yeah, let's take that gorgeous DSD signal and convert it to PCM so we can employ the "HALL" dsp. Or maybe "DISCO".
Or maybe we want to use Dolby Pro Logic IIx and turn it into 7.1, or run it through the Audyssey processing in a Denon, or Pioneer's MCACC processing to clean up the response from the speakers and room. Surely these are all cheesy "disco" DSP modes too.

Mine also freezes every now and again.

Mine froze up the other day too. In standby mode I hit the eject button on the front of the unit to load a disc, the unit powered on but didn't open the tray. There was no response to any of the buttons on the front panel or the remote. Had to unplug the unit to get it back to normal. D'oh!

-- Rich

There is only one lossless format at this time: WAV. OPPO is looking into FLAC and APE, but they have not made a firmware release with these supported formats.

There is a limit for number of files. I believe it is around 750 files. You can store your files on a single directory, or in multiple directories.

There is no way to assign a prefered playlist on the DV-970HD.


Thanks for the answers. Does the random or shuffle button work if you select the whole directory for this case? Or it only works when the songs are in a CD as in most cases?

I am just trying to see if it fits what I am trying to achieve before buying a USB portable HD.

Oliver

Random will work with any supported file format, and is not restricted to CD playback.

Hi everyone,
In regards to the people who are having problems with buttons not working properly or the player freezing up occasionally, I called Oppo about this about a week ago and was told to ugrade the firmware to the beta test version listed on the support page for the 970. After doing this, it seems like this has corrected the problem for the most part. I was mainly having problems with inserting discs and the player not reading the disc and then shutting itself down - but I was having the issues mentioned earlier too. Seems to be much more stable now and have only had the disc read error maybe once over the past week. Hope this works out for you if you try it :)

I've been following this tread since the beginning trying to decide if the Oppo 970 is for me and I've been very impressed with the many good user reviews. One thing keeps bothering me though is when someone mentions his player locks up, isn't this something that just shouldn't happen with modern day players? It seems no one is holding Oppo accountable for this and just take it like well that's just the way it is. I know if a dvd player from a main stream electronics film like Pioneer, Sony, Denon, etc. had a player or players that locked up we would all be complaining alot. I have a Pioneer dvd player that is several years old (and needs replaced) that has never done this so I assume it's not normal.

So do you think this is a software problem that can be corrected with a firmware update or is this just the way the player will always be?

Random will work with any supported file format, and is not restricted to CD playback.

It does not work in most places. I am assuming you are talking about 'angle' button. E.g. directories where it does work : mp3, avi, DVD,....

Random only works within the directory the file is currently being played back in. If yuo want to extend your support into other folders, then you will need to "flatten" the folders so everything appears in the root directory. However, you have no control over which folders flatten or not, so this is not an ideal solution.

One thing keeps bothering me though is when someone mentions his player locks up, isn't this something that just shouldn't happen with modern day players?

Most lockups are few and far between. If you look at the number of posts related to the "lockup problem" in relation to the other errors with this unit, it is less than 1%. Most users will experience at least one lockup during the lifetime on their player, this is a given due to the DV-970HD being a manufactured product (ie. it is impossible to make a perfect piece of equipement).

What becomes the issue is if the lockups are a known design flaw (in which OPPO is accountable) or is a random bug which they can't isolate (still accountable, but you can't fault them for fixing something they can't fix to begin with).

Hi everyone,
In regards to the people who are having problems with buttons not working properly or the player freezing up occasionally, I called Oppo about this about a week ago and was told to ugrade the firmware to the beta test version listed on the support page for the 970. After doing this, it seems like this has corrected the problem for the most part. I was mainly having problems with inserting discs and the player not reading the disc and then shutting itself down - but I was having the issues mentioned earlier too. Seems to be much more stable now and have only had the disc read error maybe once over the past week. Hope this works out for you if you try it :)

I'm not following you on this.
I have a player with the latest firmware that was released on 5/31. The player was purchased only a few weeks ago, so it was installed before it was sold to me. The Beta version seems to be an older one, I'm not sure why would that be superrior to the one was released afterwords. Am I missing something?

Random only works within the directory the file is currently being played back in. If yuo want to extend your support into other folders, then you will need to "flatten" the folders so everything appears in the root directory. However, you have no control over which folders flatten or not, so this is not an ideal solution.

I am not seeing even within a directory. Say DIR1 has 10 mp3s (track1, track2 etc). Now I enter DIR1 and I am playing track1. now press 'angle'. There is no change on the screen. And there is no change in order of play.. ie. next track it plays is track2. Does this mean 'angle' does not work?

Alternately, could you tell what changes when we press 'angle' while playing track1 in DIR1?

Btw, manual does not say anything about this.

I didn't follow the 'flattening' part.. I can think of it later.

You have to press the Angle button when there is no playback. If you are pressing the Angle button while you are playing a song, there will be no action taken on behalf of the DVD player.

The manual covers this feature in relation to JPEG pictures. It is not covered for other media type playback, but it does work for all recognized media.

I'm not following you on this.
I have a player with the latest firmware that was released on 5/31. The player was purchased only a few weeks ago, so it was installed before it was sold to me. The Beta version seems to be an older one, I'm not sure why would that be superrior to the one was released afterwords. Am I missing something?


The beta firmware is up to August 28, 2006 now. You can access the latest 3A-0828 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-3a-0828.html) directly from OPPO.

Speaking of the 3A-0828 Firmware, the firmware fixes the lock-up issue with some DVD-Audio discs, including the Talking Heads brickbox set.

Or maybe we want to use Dolby Pro Logic IIx and turn it into 7.1, or run it through the Audyssey processing in a Denon, or Pioneer's MCACC processing to clean up the response from the speakers and room. Surely these are all cheesy "disco" DSP modes too.
Why in the world have you named yourself "Stereodude"? :)

For sure, just as the vast majority of consumers happily used the venerable "HALL", "LIVE" and "DISCO" DSPs, there are bound to be plenty of folks who will take a gorgeous, orginal stereo recording - hopefully carefully mastered to DSD - and then convert it to PCM and "DSP it" to all the speakers in the room via one of the newer-fangled algorithms.

Plenty will want to do just that. And those who care deeply about audio quality and preserving original mixes won't. Similarly, there are folks willing to zoom/crop 2.35:1 or 1.33:1 images in order to utilize every square inch of their screen, even at the expense of some degradation of video quality. And some of us prefer to maintain the original aspect ratio. We know who we are, and so long as the correct and complete information is provided, we can all be informed consumers matching the right equipment to our personal preferences.

Which, of course, is quite a bit different than proclaiming something like PCM conversion to be "moot" on those bases. Simply because some - or even most - are unwilling or unable to perform bass mgmt or time alignment in the analog realm, or because some prefer to artifically derive surround mixes from the original stereo mix, doesn't make this a "moot" issue for those of us who prefer to maintain both the integrity of the mix and the quality of the audio stream.

Thanks Neuromancer it sounds like the lockups are or will be fixed with firmware updates. I wasn't sure if these were isolated incidents of a design flaw or as you say a random bug. I also wasn't sure if these lockups were a common thing (and maybe not being reported) or isolated but it sounds like the latter.

You have to press the Angle button when there is no playback. If you are pressing the Angle button while you are playing a song, there will be no action taken on behalf of the DVD player.
Thanks. will try that. Don't you think it is unintuitive to have to stop and there is no indication on the screen of whats going on? I would like to think of the player as a player and not some complex software (though it is pretty complex software).

It would be nice to have some kind of indication, but the software is designed to be functional, not friendly.

The beta firmware is up to August 28, 2006 now. You can access the latest 3A-0828 Firmware (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-firmware-3a-0828.html) directly from OPPO.

Thnaks! Oppo should put you on the payroll for your excellent service here, thanks again!

You have to press the Angle button when there is no playback. If you are pressing the Angle button while you are playing a song, there will be no action taken on behalf of the DVD player.

I tried this and this does not work either. Here the situation: cd has some photos in a directory and mp3s in some other directories. I go into into one of the mp3 directories and press 'angle'.. the player takes me into the directory containing photos (jpegs) and selects the first photo (still in browse screen..). I hope this is not what is expected.

I checked the online manual and for random in mp3 directory we need to use 'repeat' button not angle. This sort of works. i.e. it plays in random.. but 'skip fwd' skips to next in the directory instead of next random.. hopefully this is fixed in next firmware.

'skip fwd' skips to next in the directory instead of next random
They supposedly addressed that issue in the latest beta firmware currently available on their site. I would like that feature fixed, too...but then I'd have to give up my component upconversion CSS override hack. *sigh*

I have the latest firmware. now >>| goes to next song (instead of next 'page' as in prev firmware version). What is missing is that it goes to next song in the list instead of next song in random order.

I tried this and this does not work either. Here the situation: cd has some photos in a directory and mp3s in some other directories. I go into into one of the mp3 directories and press 'angle'.. the player takes me into the directory containing photos (jpegs) and selects the first photo (still in browse screen..). I hope this is not what is expected.

The Angle button simply flattens the architecture, and the Repeat button will determine if playback is Random, Shuffled, Folder or Single.

I checked the online manual and for random in mp3 directory we need to use 'repeat' button not angle. This sort of works. i.e. it plays in random.. but 'skip fwd' skips to next in the directory instead of next random.. hopefully this is fixed in next firmware.

The Skip buttons should be working with the latest Beta. The Skip buttons properly skip to random tracks when using Random MP3 on the OPDV971H, but you can't quote me on this, as I have not used the DV-970HD in a while.

Below is the C&P from the beta firmware 3A-0828.

“When the HDMI output is connected to an A/V receiver or audio processor with HDMI v1.1 or above specifications, please use the following settings:
• Speaker Setup Page:
o Down-mix: 5.1 CH
o Front Speaker: Large
o Center Speaker: Large
o Rear Speaker: Large
o Subwoofer: On
• Audio Setup Page:
o Digital Output: Raw
o HDMI Audio: Auto
With the above settings, the DVD player will send CD, Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals as raw bit streams to the receiver for decoding. For high resolution stereo or multi-channel audio contents such as DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD, the DVD player will send multi-channel PCM audio signals with the highest available sample frequency and bit numbers to the receiver. Depending on the original audio content, the format could be 44.1kHz - 192kHz, 2 - 6 channels. Setting all speakers to "Large" allows bass management to be handled by the receiver or audio processor.”

I just want to make sure I understand the language above. With the firmware above, I can now just use one HDMI cable connects from my OPPO 970 to my Pioneer Elite 84 for video and sound? I don’t need coax or optical cable for DD 5.1 or DTS? Also, I don’t need the 5 analog RCA cables for SACD or DVD-A? If this is true, that would be awesome.

Thanks

Yes, you can use your HDMI connection for audio and sound. Ensure that you use an upscaled resolution if you want proper audio reproduction for multi-channel audio.

Yes, you can use your HDMI connection for audio and sound. Ensure that you use an upscaled resolution if you want proper audio reproduction for multi-channel audio.

Thank you so much for your answer, I have a quick follow up question. Other than the convenience of one cable for audio and video, is HDMI cable provide better sound quality over coax, optical or RCA cables? Or vise versa? Will I ever need to coax or RCA cable again?

Thanks again for you answer.

You will not need your coaxial, optical, or RCA cables again if you are using HDMI.

There should be no audio difference when using the HDMI output or the coaxial/optical connections for raw bitstreams, or between Multi-Channel HDMI and the analog outputs.

Yes, you can use your HDMI connection for audio and sound. Ensure that you use an upscaled resolution if you want proper audio reproduction for multi-channel audio.

Are they talking solely about SACD, etc (i.e. music NOT movies) with this change? It almost sounds as though it could mean if you use a movie DVD output at 480i via HDMI for external scaling that you are losing audio quality due to bandwidth limits and should make a separate connection for movie DTS/Digital audio soundtracks.

When you are using the DV-970HD for multi-channel analog decoding (DVD-Audio, SACD, 5.1 DVD-Video audio tracks) you will likely want to use a higher resolution with HDMI to obtain the proper audio quality.

If you are sending the raw bitstream, then resolution is not an issue.

Thanks again for your answer Newromancer. Just one last question for today :-). This can only be done with the latest beta firmware update right? I only have the original factory firmware on my 970. I just need to know if it can be done with the original factory firmware, then I don't have to update it with the new beta firmware.

Thanks

I just need to know if it can be done with the original factory firmware, then I don't have to update it with the new beta firmware.
Honestly, there's no reason not to update. The new firmware is well worth it.

Hi Neuro:

Any date on the 971 replacement?

"Fall" is the only release date I have been able to wriggle from OPPO.

Has anyone seen the component hack with the latest firmware? Any ideas when it might be available?

Has anyone seen the component hack with the latest firmware? Any ideas when it might be available?
That's exactly what I'm waiting for. I need a way to slipstream the hack into new firmware BIN files so I can keep up to date all the time.

My friend called Oppo the other day about the 971 replacement. He was told it hasn't even entered manufacturing yet and it would probably be one to two months before it's available to buy.

Hi again all...
This is probably going to be an air-headed question but, here goes!
I used the firmware hack for upscaling over component then, later, also used the newest beta firmware upgrade. Would this have "erased" the previous firmware hack?

I assume (and am probably totally wrong) that firmware upgrades work together and build on each other, but if the hack was erased by the later firmware upgrade, could I apply the hack again and have the functionality of both? Thanks in advance for your help!:)

I used the firmware hack for upscaling over component then, later, also used the newest beta firmware upgrade. Would this have "erased" the previous firmware hack?

Yes.

I assume (and am probably totally wrong) that firmware upgrades work together and build on each other, but if the hack was erased by the later firmware upgrade, could I apply the hack again and have the functionality of both? Thanks in advance for your help!:)

Each firmware you apply completely overwrites the last.

Each time you install a new firmware, it replaces any previous firmware entirely. Think of it as re-formating your hard drive and re-installing Windows. If you re-install the upscaling over component hack, you'll lose the latest beta firmware features.

Just an FYI.....The 970 when upscaled 1080i over component didn't pass BTB for me (I didn't check for white clipping).

Great, thanks for the answers! Now I guess I'll have to choose between component upscaling and and non-responsive buttons or less disc read errors @_@

"Fall" is the only release date I have been able to wriggle from OPPO.

OK. Thanks.

Do let us know if you hear anything else.

My friend called Oppo the other day about the 971 replacement. He was told it hasn't even entered manufacturing yet and it would probably be one to two months before it's available to buy.

Thanks

OK. Thanks.

Do let us know if you hear anything else.

Will do.

Just an FYI.....The 970 when upscaled 1080i over component didn't pass BTB for me (I didn't check for white clipping).

Is it only 1080i, or is it all resolutions?

Which firmware are you using?

I was using the beta firmware from their site (3XX I think). I only tried it at 1080i.

Try switching the resolution a full cycle. I found sometimes the player would lose BTB at 1080i over component but rotating the resolution will bring it back. I am using the hack firmware.

Sorry if this has already been covered :

The resolution shown in the top left corner when hitting the HDMI button, is not always the actual resolution being displayed.

Sometimes my 970 will not revert back to 480 after switching between the different resolutions.

Also, if I leave the player in 480i, more often than not, it will completely crash when powered on. I have to unplug it to get it going again, hope it does not crash and quickly switch it to 480p.

Any thoughts?

*sigh* Just had mine lock up again. Loaded a disc, went to the setup menu, changed audio settings and chose play....never went anywhere. Had to eject and reload. I just returned a Samsung player for this kind of thing. My Panny's never did this. I love the player, but I sure hope they get this firmware smoothed out rather than following the Microsoft model.

The resolution shown in the top left corner when hitting the HDMI button, is not always the actual resolution being displayed.

If you just press the HDMI button once, the resolution shown will always be the resolution being used.

Sometimes my 970 will not revert back to 480 after switching between the different resolutions.

Are you sure this is not a hot swap issue with your television? Some displays will not re-sync the picture under some situations.

Also, if I leave the player in 480i, more often than not, it will completely crash when powered on. I have to unplug it to get it going again, hope it does not crash and quickly switch it to 480p.

Does the player become unresponsive, or are you just not resolving a picture? Have you tried updating the firmware?

I tried the beta firmware today. HDMI out to a Crystalio II, and optical out from the CII to a Yamaha YSP-1. With the audio settings set as suggested in the beta firmware release note, my YSP-1 was not reporting Dolby Digital content being received, and I was hearing no sound or only background sounds. Anyone else got the beta firmware working correctly with the CII? I went back to the original firmware, and all is well.

If you just press the HDMI button once, the resolution shown will always be the resolution being used.

The Oppo will show 480p but my TV sees 720p. If I turn the TV off then on again nothing changes. If I turn off the Oppo, wait a minute and turn it back on, voila, all is normal.

Does the player become unresponsive, or are you just not resolving a picture? Have you tried updating the firmware?

Completely dead. It will display the blue Oppo screen but no buttons work. Not on the remote nor on the DVD player itself. You can't power it off unless you unplug it.

I bought the player a month and a half ago so the only firmware update would be the Beta version. Does that update also address general functionallity?

I tried the beta firmware today. HDMI out to a Crystalio II, and optical out from the CII to a Yamaha YSP-1. With the audio settings set as suggested in the beta firmware release note, my YSP-1 was not reporting Dolby Digital content being received, and I was hearing no sound or only background sounds. Anyone else got the beta firmware working correctly with the CII? I went back to the original firmware, and all is well.

Can the Chrystalio II do a HDMI to Digital Coaxial/Optical conversion? I know the VP30, and other devices, will not transcode HDMI audio to another audio source (ex. optical).

Please check your manual to ensure that it can do a HDMI to Digital Coaxial/Optical conversion or passthrough.

The Oppo will show 480p but my TV sees 720p. If I turn the TV off then on again nothing changes. If I turn off the Oppo, wait a minute and turn it back on, voila, all is normal.

Are you sure it is not a syncing issue with your television? I have not had a problem with the dozens of displays I tested the DV-970HD on in it reporting the wrong resolution.

I bought the player a month and a half ago so the only firmware update would be the Beta version. Does that update also address general functionallity?

No, the firmware does not address this, but is always a good idea to re-affirm or update your firmware when you run into errors, such as the DVD player locking up.

Can the Chrystalio II do a HDMI to Digital Coaxial/Optical conversion? I know the VP30, and other devices, will not transcode HDMI audio to another audio source (ex. optical).


The VP30 most definitely can do that (contrary to the outdated FAQ answer on DVDO's web site): I have audio coming in over HDMI from my 970HD to my VP30 and out over its coaxial digital output.

-- Peter

Can the Chrystalio II do a HDMI to Digital Coaxial/Optical conversion?
Like I said, the same setup works just fine with the original Oppo firmware, but fails with the beta firmware.

As part of a MAJOR video upgrade, I ordered the Oppo 970HD. Also went with the Lumagen HDQ and Samsung HL-S6188W, including an ISF calibration. The Oppo seemed critical to the deal and an incredible value. I hope it is a first class HD 1080P system on a shoe string family budget. It should at least beat the 7 year old trinitron!

Thanks to all helpful info although I don't process 90% of the technical output.

Has anyone found a USB flash drive that can smoothly play divx files? My SanDisk can play divx files however, there is playback stutter. I know that the drive on the 970 is only USB 1.1, but there must be a thumb drive that can play divx files without a problem?

There are no flash drives which will work for DivX playback at this time using the USB interface. The USB 1.1 interface is behaving slower than specifications, which will cause all DivX playback to stutter. This is a limitation of the hardware in the OPPO, and not your memory sticks.

The VP30 most definitely can do that (contrary to the outdated FAQ answer on DVDO's web site): I have audio coming in over HDMI from my 970HD to my VP30 and out over its coaxial digital output.

I stand corrected.

Toth,

Sorry, I did not see that you reverted back to the previous firmware and did not experience the same error.

The Oppo will show 480p but my TV sees 720p. If I turn the TV off then on again nothing changes. If I turn off the Oppo, wait a minute and turn it back on, voila, all is normal.



Completely dead. It will display the blue Oppo screen but no buttons work. Not on the remote nor on the DVD player itself. You can't power it off unless you unplug it.

I bought the player a month and a half ago so the only firmware update would be the Beta version. Does that update also address general functionallity?
byelye, I had exactly the same thing happen last night.

I'm running the hacked firmware, and there was no disc in the player... it was what you might call "well hung". :p

After I pulled the plug and re-connected, it didn't occur again.

If you use the 970 as an HDMI 480i source for a video processor, do you have to enable CUE processing on the video processor to avoid CUE errors? Or is the 480i output from the 970 totally free of the CUE bug without additional filtering?

I just bought a Sony KDL-46XBR2. Right now I am watching DVD's with my XBOX 360. Should I purchase a dedicated upscaling DVD player? Which one the 970 or 971? Any opnions?

I just bought a Sony KDL-46XBR2. Right now I am watching DVD's with my XBOX 360. Should I purchase a dedicated upscaling DVD player? Which one the 970 or 971? Any opnions?

971 would give you better deinterlacing and upscaling... the 970 would be if you were using an external dedicated video processor like lumagen or DVDO ...

971 would be a great choice..... I had it, now with an external scaler, I'm using the 970...

Ok guys

Two questions please.

1. who is using this with a benq 8720 and what setup?

2. It seems this is a great player for the money and passes many tests that other fail and they cost a lot more. So.............. why dont the other manufactures just get oppo to make the internals for them. Then they can put their own exterior casing and other features. You would get a great performing player and brand name recognision and the warm feeling from having the name denon or pionneer on the exterior. :eek:

Ben

Ok guys

2. It seems this is a great player for the money and passes many tests that other fail and they cost a lot more. So.............. why dont the other manufactures just get oppo to make the internals for them. Then they can put their own exterior casing and other features. You would get a great performing player and brand name recognision and the warm feeling from having the name denon or pionneer on the exterior. :eek:

Ben

As I understand, other manufacturers (Pioneer and Sony) already use the same chipset (Mediatek) as the 970 in their own budget players. For example, the Sony H75 is supposed to have the same chipset, but it still doesn't perform as well as the 970 based on my experience with both units. Oppo goes the extra distance the others refuse to go.

That's true - I would say that most of not all of the basic hardware components in the Oppo are pretty readily available (Mediatek and Faroudja chips, drive, etc), even if it isn't all assembled in exactly the same way. There's a huge amount of software tied up in making a DVD player work, however, and that's where much of the development cost for an individual player is going to end up being tied up. Oppo seems to be combining well-chosen off-the-shelf parts with some really aggressive programming efforts. :)

If you use the 970 as an HDMI 480i source for a video processor, do you have to enable CUE processing on the video processor to avoid CUE errors? Or is the 480i output from the 970 totally free of the CUE bug without additional filtering?

CUE should not be a problem out of box with the DV-970HD, so you should not require any additional filtering.