Hey Everyone

Well I've been busy this last week but I've managed to finish out a lot of new benchmark results for various players. We just published the S52 from Panasonic. There will be quite a few budget players in this mix including new offerings from Toshiba, Sony, Samsung and Pioneer. Also look for the Oppo 970HD, Denon 1920 and a few more. If things go as planned I should have some new offerings from Cary Audio and Arcam soon too. Enjoy!!!

Kris, can you let us know as soon as the other benchmarks are posted. Would love to see the results you got for the new Oppo, the Sony 75s and the cheap Toshiba 860.

Kris,

I know you tested the Sony 9100ES....will you be testing the 3100ES too?

The Arcam dv 137, or is that wishful thinking?

Not wishful thinking ;)

No plans on the 3100ES as of now, but you never know.

Thank you Kris!

What ever happened to the Classe unit?

larry

:) Kris, you must be having a ball with all these players. Lucky stiff!

What ever happened to the Classe unit?

larry

I have the Classe player and I am awaiting the final pending firmware before I do the benchmark tests at Classe's request. Should be very soon though.

I will also be doing a bit of a shootout on some of the new video processing solutions. This will include:

For SD de-interlacing:

ABT-102
Silicon Optix Realta
Silicon Optix Reon
National Semiconductor
Gennum VXP
Genesis FLI-2310 (Faroudja)

For HD de-interlacing:

Realta
Reon
Gennum VXP

This will include all new test material that will eventually be added to the overall benchmark. I wanted people to get an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the new chips with SD and HD material. I have all of these solutions on hand right now (fun, fun, fun!) so look for that in the next month or so!

Excellent!!

larry

I just found out my DV-137 will be here in two days. Looking forward to see how the scaler works with my 720p projector.

I'm sure on the audio side Arcam will deliver...

I just started to consider this player today. Your promise of updated benchmarks could not have come at a better time :). Can't wait. Would it be possible to include the Xbox 360 on the same page for comparison sake as well as the older Oppo?

Hi Kris,
When you're doing your deinterlacing shootout, can you also compare the scaling of these products? That would be an incredible review.

Now this is gonna be an interesting shootout not only for the DVD Players but, to see which scaler comes out on top. I would venture to guess that Kris will state that they all have certain strengths and certain weaknesses to be politically correct.

Would be nice to have a definitive winner though :)

The XBOX 360 firmware update released 6/6/06 now enables native resolution for DVD playback over the VGA output.

yes an updated review of the xbox 360 with the new dashboard update would be nice.

I will be updating the Xbox review, both the benchmark and the full review to incorporate the changes. I just have a lot on my plate right now so be patient!!! The de-interlacing is the same though, so it will be mostly comment based.

How about the HK DVD47?

Probably not the HK, unless I find one locally.

The fan noise alone precludes the XBOX 360's use as a full time home theater DVD player in my opinion anyways.

I bet the xbox 360 scores way down the list.

The XBOX 360 firmware update released 6/6/06 now enables native resolution for DVD playback over the VGA output.
The wording on that is funny. It enables upscaling to the resolution that the VGA output is set to. Native resolution is 480i.

The Xbox 360 scored very high on the list, actually.

The latest patch also suggest improved visual quality for the Xbox 360. I am mainly interested in hearing about the 480 performance over component with this patch. I know others are interested in the upscaling as well. I am considering adding the latest Oppo player to my theater for DVD playback instead of using the 360 if the improvement would be worthwhile. Can't wait for the reviews.

Any chance we will see the budget players from Phillips such as the 5140 and 5960?
At any rate, I am looking to forward to your upcoming article.

C Snyder

Any ETA?

Kris,

Would love to see if the new Sony DVP-NS90V can pass the "Bad Edit" and "Sync Subtitle to Frame" test...... As the previous DVP-NS975V could not. Is the DVP-NS90V in this round of testing. That would be great.

Kris, in the Audio forum there is a lot of interest in the soon-to-be (hopefully) released H/K AVR745/645 receivers with built-in video processing and HDMI switching. Would you please make a mental note to see if you can get one for review of the video processing when they are available?

Kris, how's that deinterlacer shootout coming up? :)

I'd like to know if Kris will be reviewing the Denon 2930 and 3930 anytime soon.

I'd like to put in my vote for the new Rotel RDV-1092.

Kris, any reason why there are no previous Rotels in the Benchmark?

What happened to the benchmark for the Denon 1920? I've enjoyed reading other results you've posted I'd love to see the 1920. Thanks!

Kris, how's that deinterlacer shootout coming up? :)

I PMed Kris and he said August or September

Sorry for the delay guys. I've been on travel more than I've been home lately. I will be completing the benchmarks for the new Rotel player, the Denon 1920 and the Zensonic Z500 this weekend so look for those very soon. A few other benchmarks should be published shortly as well that have been done for awhile.

I will try and have my processor benchmark done in August but it may not get published until September. I am on travel just about all of August so it is a matter of what I can get done when I have the time. But I have most of the data already.

Kris any news on the new Denon players?

I will be completing the benchmarks for the new Rotel player...

Thanks for the update, Kris. Appreciate all the information you provide!

Kris,

Will you be testing the new Sony DVP-NS90V.

Yes, it will go live today!!!

Kris any news on the new Denon players?

I have them on request, so we'll see what happens!!

Hi Kris,

Just read your review of the Sony NS90. It sounds as if the Oppo 970 is a better option for video performance in this price range. Amazing how Sony has their $200 player perform better in some video aspects than their $1300 9100ES. But, hard to figure out what's going on with them lately anyway (just look at the current Blu-ray situation).

Hi Kris ,

Kris , I'm wondering if you've had any success with Pioneer regarding the issues you found during your Benchmark evaluations ? It would be real interesting to hear how you made out or if any effort is being made by Pioneer in response to your testing and findings .

Keep us informed if you can ,

Scott....................... :)

Not to gripe.... but I've been waiting for a review of the Sony DVP-NS75H since early june to see how it compares to the Oppo 970HD. Now seeing you did a review of the Sony DVP-NS90V instead... I'm wondering if the NS75 is similar or if you'll be reviewing it at all?

But I'd still like to say thanks for all the hard work you do as it has helped me out considerably.

Hey Nate

Reviews are based on availability. No luck on the NS75 for availability, but I'll keep my eye out. Sorry.

As for the Pioneer review, as far as I know Pioneer has done nothing about it. I talked with my PR contact and offered to help with it, but they didn't take me up on it. Lots of other companies have though, so it is really a shame.

I think if I were a company selling a product.... I would send it straight to you for a review... right off the bat. I would chalk the cost up to advertising.... there has to be some sort of budget for that right?

Hey Nate

Reviews are based on availability. No luck on the NS75 for availability, but I'll keep my eye out. Sorry.

As for the Pioneer review, as far as I know Pioneer has done nothing about it. I talked with my PR contact and offered to help with it, but they didn't take me up on it. Lots of other companies have though, so it is really a shame.

Kris , were you ever able to determine the firmware rev level of the Pioneer unit you tested? It would be interesting to compare that model with a current model only if the firmware should prove to be different . :rolleyes:

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

Kris,

what about a new review of the pana s97 with latest firmware (v543)?

Interesting that the newer Sony--NS90V scored lower (79/HDMI) than its predecessor--NS975V (84/Component).

Hopefully Kris will be able to test the Sony NS75H in the near future ... I A/B'd the 75 against the 90 and couldn't perceive a difference.

I think if I were a company selling a product.... I would send it straight to you for a review... right off the bat. I would chalk the cost up to advertising.... there has to be some sort of budget for that right?

That is not always the case. One, some companies don't even send out their budget players as the main market for them doesn't really care much for reviews. Sad but true.

Two, a lot of companies don't like to subject themselves to the testing that I do, for obvious reasons.

And there is a limited number of review samples out there so that is always hard. Secrets is pretty well regarded and we have a ton of traffic but we are still going to play second to print publications out there.

Kris,

Do you need permission from a manufacturer to test publish the results of those tests? Just curious.

hery kris, any chance you can get your hands on an esoteric dv60 or ux3se? the dv60 upsamples to 1080p and is supposed to be the "best" dvd player available. it is 5k though.

Hi Kris,

Will you be testing the Samsung HD960 1080p player anytime soon.

Thank you!

Kris any news on the new Denon players?

Kris : We need to know how the 480i signal is coming out of the denon 3930.

for your info:sold your HD+ to a guy in new orleans a week before Katrina hit.Its gone!

for your info:sold your HD+ to a guy in new orleans a week before Katrina hit.Its gone!

It's not gone...it's on A-gon selling "used, but recently cleaned" :D

I know this is late, but frankly I would be highly interested in seeing a Bose lifestyle system and seeing how it measures. I think the progressive on it stinks, but I'd love to see it get benchmarked.

Put my vote in for a Bose Lifestyle system DVD player. It is more of DVD-Rom too.

Will you be testing the Samsung DVD-HD860, 950 and 960?

I've seen the recent benchmarks for Rotel, Zensonic and Denon 3930, but what happened to the Denon 1920? Also, any plans for the Denon 1930 or 2930?

Kris - Are you going to be checking out the Oppo 981 just to make sure it's up to snuff?

Samsung HD860 released last march 2006 and Toshiba A2 just released would be cool

Onkyo DVSP404 would be interesting

We definitely need you to test samples of the Samsung 960 and the Oppo 981, which have similar price points and scale up to 1080p, as well as the current "king-of-the-crop for under $1.000", the Denon 2930 wich has that built-in wonder a.k.a the Reon chip....
By the way, when will we see the Reon chip implemented on more affordable (less than $350) DVD players ? Which company will be the first to offer such a player ? Perhaps the new line from Samsung ? Hopefully we'll get some answers to this pressing question at the upcoming CES....

By the way, when will we see the Reon chip implemented on more affordable (less than $350) DVD players ? Which company will be the first to offer such a player ?

I vote for Oppo - I hope they upgrade their standard DVD line with something better than the Faroudja stuff. It'd be nice if they did it as a last hurrah before diving into HD-DVD or Blu-Ray (or both?). Hell, I still need a std-def player (RP-82 dying...again), so I would definitely look at something like this to keep the mileage off whatever future hi-def player I purchase.

We definitely need you to test samples of the Samsung 960 and the Oppo 981, which have similar price points and scale up to 1080p, as well as the current "king-of-the-crop for under $1.000", the Denon 2930 wich has that built-in wonder a.k.a the Reon chip....
By the way, when will we see the Reon chip implemented on more affordable (less than $350) DVD players ? Which company will be the first to offer such a player ? Perhaps the new line from Samsung ? Hopefully we'll get some answers to this pressing question at the upcoming CES....

I think it will be a while (at least a couple of years) before you see the Reon in a player under $350.

I'd almost be willing to bet summer '08. But, I can't throw money around like that :p

I think it will be a while (at least a couple of years) before you see the Reon in a player under $350.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why so long ? My understanding is that the Reon chip is the lower-cost version of the Realta chip and was designed exclusively to be used in lower cost video products such as DVD players, video displays, outboard video processors, etc...
I'm holding up purchasing a 1080P upconverting DVD player until CES rolls along in January, and i'm certainly hoping that some manufacturer will introduce such a player with a Reon chip built-in and a m.s.r.p. of less than $500.

It's lower cost than the Realta; but that still doesn't make it cheap at this point. I have heard the Reon still requires complex programming and it's still very new, so I wouldn't get my hopes up for seeing in a $300 player in 2007. $500-700? More realistic.

I would like to see the benchmark reviews of:

- Onkyo DV-SP404
- Onkyo DV-SP504
- Oppo 981HD
- Samsung 950
- Samsung 960

The fact that they reviewed the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player as an SD-DVD player like it would be any different than the built-in DVD player makes me a sad panda. Lot of respect lost for the reviewers and their knowledge. :(

When will be ready the benchmark of Oppo 981?
somebody knows?

The fact that they reviewed the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player as an SD-DVD player like it would be any different than the built-in DVD player makes me a sad panda. Lot of respect lost for the reviewers and their knowledge. :(

The whole point is to let unsuspecting buyer KNOW that it isn't any different than the internal DVD capabilities. Just because you know doesn't mean everyone else does. I guess I'll have to live without your respect, don't know how I'll survive.

When will be ready the benchmark of Oppo 981?

VERY soon. Along with the Sony BDP-S1. There are reasons for the delay on this one, and they are good ones.

Kris,

Do you need permission from a manufacturer to test publish the results of those tests? Just curious.

No.

what about a new review of the pana s97 with latest firmware (v543)?

not going to happen, unless I magically got a new S97 somehow. Again, reviews are based on availability of the product to me.

hery kris, any chance you can get your hands on an esoteric dv60 or ux3se? the dv60 upsamples to 1080p and is supposed to be the "best" dvd player available. it is 5k though.

Teac got in touch with me about doing these but I haven't heard back from them. So maybe down the road, but I'm not sure when.


Will you be testing the Samsung DVD-HD860, 950 and 960?

I just got in touch with a Samsung rep earlier this month. I will inquire about these and see if we can get them.

Still no luck with the Denon 2930. I will test the HD-A2 and HD-XA2 soon. I should also be getting Pioneer's BD player as well.


Outside of this I honestly have to say that my interest in SD DVD players is dwindling VERY fast. I've watched maybe 2 SD DVDs in the past 6 months and that was just because my daughter wanted to watch some Disney stuff in the theater room. With the Realta, ABT and VXP solutions we've squeezed just about all we can get from this format and even those can't hold a candle to the run of the mill HD release on HD DVD and Blu-ray. Combine that with the fact that I can buy a top of the line BD player and HD DVD player for less than the price of my reference DVD player (Denon DVD-5910) and I have a hard time even thinking about SD anymore. No offense guys, just my personal taste right now. Of course I will continue to do the benchmark whenever possible but getting players has become increasingly difficult for some reason (most manufacturers aren't happy with the results as they are published).

Outside of this I honestly have to say that my interest in SD DVD players is dwindling VERY fast. [...] and I have a hard time even thinking about SD anymore.

I feel like you've just stomped my kitten.

getting players has become increasingly difficult for some reason (most manufacturers aren't happy with the results as they are published).

(Snigger). No kidding. I'm surprised they've let you live this long.

-Bill

With the Realta, ABT and VXP solutions we've squeezed just about all we can get from this format and even those can't hold a candle to the run of the mill HD release on HD DVD and Blu-ray. This is certainly true. On the other hand, the overwhelming majority of "what should I buy" questions posted to this forum are still about budget SD players. A credible comparison between the most popular sub-$100 players (eg, the upconverters from Samsung, Philips, Sony, Panasonic, and LG), with the Oppos thrown in as a baseline, would be an extremely useful resource. - DR

Outside of this I honestly have to say that my interest in SD DVD players is dwindling VERY fast.

Very understandable. I purchased a Denon 2930CI last fall and it's very nice, but I decided to put it up for sale and put my money into an HD-A2 and PS3. I didn't plan on jumping into HD discs this fast because of the format war, but with the ability to rent and buy these players at such a good price, I couldn't hold back - and I'm glad I didn't.

By the way, keep up the good work on the HD DVD and Blu-ray disc reviews.

Thanks as always, Kris. Looking forward to those you mentioned. Don't forget to try to get a PS3 to check out the BD capes one of these days. I would also be interested to know (in a sadistic way) how the PS3 handled SDDVD.

I had access to a PS3 for a couple days but didn't have the chance to run the benchmark tests. I hope to have the oppurtunity again soon though.

I don't think people realize that Kris does all this work for fun and out of the goodness of his heart. We appreciate all that you do Kris but don't let us pressure you. Have fun, enjoy your family, take your time, and what ever and when ever is done we appreciate :D

I had access to a PS3 for a couple days but didn't have the chance to run the benchmark tests. I hope to have the oppurtunity again soon though.

Yeah, I had a few days with one around new years. Didn't do much but drink and play Resistance Cooperative on hard. Oh what fun :)

I will test the HD-A2 and HD-XA2 soon.

Hi Kris,

First, I'd like to say how much I appreciate your professional observations in these forums.

In particular I look forward to your tests of the Toshiba players.

As you are aware Toshiba has issued firmware version 1.2 for the HD-A2 and is supposed to be issuing an update for the HD-XA2 in a few weeks.

Those forum members who have been successful in downloading the firmware upgrade to their HD-A2s are naturally trying to determine how effective it has been in resolving problems. For some of the obvious problems, such as down rezzing on HDMI to DVI, etc., it should be easy for a layperson to determine whether the firmware has corrected the problem.

However, there are a number of other purported problems, such as CUE, "Black crush", BTB, WTW, deinterlacing, HDMI to DVI colorspace issues, etc., that are rather subtle, or may easily be misinterpreted by an enthusiast with a miscalibrated display and/or player. Some folks are just "eye balling" the images and claiming that the player "problems" either exist or don't exist. Can you offer us some insights, or basic guidelines, as to what the average enthusiast can do, if anything, to more scientifically determine whether or not these more subtle problems exist? I'm assuming the average enthusiast would have one or more standard definition consumer type calibration discs that could be upscaled to aid in making a determination, but no professional type discs or calibration equipment.

Thanks.

Larry

With the lack of test discs out on HD DVD and Blu-ray right now there isn't much a consumer can do. Using SD DVDs to check some things will generally work, but some players (like the Panny BD player) use seperate decoders for SD and HD, so their results may be completely different.

I use test discs that are native to each format specifically and were custom made. Both are in 1080p24. So far with HD DVD they have worked great but some of the BD players don't accept them because my BD test disc is a BD-RE, which some players won't read yet (Sony, Pioneer). That is frustrating, but I can deal with it.

If you are really concerned about it then I would suggest waiting until reviews come out from people who can actually test for these things legitimately before buying them. Saves the frustration of buying something only to find out it doesn't work like you want it to.

The fact that they reviewed the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player as an SD-DVD player like it would be any different than the built-in DVD player makes me a sad panda. Lot of respect lost for the reviewers and their knowledge. :(
The whole point is to let unsuspecting buyer KNOW that it isn't any different than the internal DVD capabilities. Just because you know doesn't mean everyone else does. I guess I'll have to live without your respect, don't know how I'll survive.
I will be the first to admit that maybe I was a bit harsh, but the review came at a time when people thinking the HD-DVD add-on was any different for SD-DVDs was a big pet peeve of mine (mostly the people that INSISTED it had a better picture. It's common sense that the Xbox HD-DVD add-on performs no internal processing of picture or audio information so the assumption that it would be any different in SD-DVD playback is deeply flawed. When the reviewer [Kris?] stated:
The performance of the add-on is very similar to the 360 as a standard DVD player.
That did not imply to me that the performance is identical, which it is. Assuming that the drive would read the 1's and 0's any differently than the Xbox internal drive and then process them different with the same exact hardward and software was, once again, flawed. The only I have to apologize for is my tact in my original statement.

Kris,

I would like to see a review of the Onkyo 404 upconverting player, it looks like a well built player judging from a lot of review i've heard and would like to know how it fairs in your benchmark tests.

Matt~

I will be the first to admit that maybe I was a bit harsh, but the review came at a time when people thinking the HD-DVD add-on was any different for SD-DVDs was a big pet peeve of mine (mostly the people that INSISTED it had a better picture. It's common sense that the Xbox HD-DVD add-on performs no internal processing of picture or audio information so the assumption that it would be any different in SD-DVD playback is deeply flawed. When the reviewer [Kris?] stated:

That did not imply to me that the performance is identical, which it is. Assuming that the drive would read the 1's and 0's any differently than the Xbox internal drive and then process them different with the same exact hardward and software was, once again, flawed. The only I have to apologize for is my tact in my original statement.

I understand your gripe. Problem is the 360 review I did sometime ago was one of the earlier firmwares so the playback this time was slightly different than when I did it before. I just wanted people to have a piece of mind that if they put their SD DVDs in the HD DVD drive and played them back, this is what they will get. I know that it SHOULD be the same, but that isn't always the case.

I would like to see a review of the Onkyo 404 upconverting player,Kris reviews the Pioneer 490V, which is the same machine internally. (In fact, flashing the Onkyo with the Pioneer's firmware is a standard way to make the Onkyo region-free.) He doesn't give it great marks... - DR

Just found out that I am getting the Samsung 960 in the next week. So look for that benchmark soon.

Kris will you include the Sony DVP-NS75H in the benchmark.

Kris will you include the Sony DVP-NS75H in the benchmark.

As well as the Onkyo 404 as well..i'm curious how the sony,Onkyo, compare to the Oppo 970.

As well as the Onkyo 404 as well..i'm curious how the sony,Onkyo, compare to the Oppo 970.
As dr0s already told you, the SP504 is just a re-badged Pioneer 490V.

Ps3

As dr0s already told you, the SP504 is just a re-badged Pioneer 490V.

Yeah i didn't believe him at first untill i did a little research myself ,but yes you are right.

With that aside i would like to hear a review of the sony 75h player.

I will look into the Sony. I will probably have a PS3 to test soon as well.

I'll be curious how the PS3 benchmark comes out; my PS3 at 480p will not lock on the 'race track' HQV test - first time I've seen this on many players I've used/demo'd. Subjectively, however, it seems to put out a decent image, albeit a little softer.

Yeah i didn't believe him at first untill i did a little research myself Now you're starting to sound like my wife:-) - DR

Hi Kris,

I can't wait for the Samsung 960 review.

You have tested a lot of Denon's DVD players in the past, any chance you will be testing the 1930CI.

Thanks!

The PS3 SD-DVD playback benchmark is up or will be soon. Kris announced it and made comments in the Blu-Ray players forum.

larry

Just found out that I am getting the Samsung 960 in the next week. So look for that benchmark soon.


Kris,

Thanks for all of your work. Any idea of when the results of the review of Samsung 960 will be posted.

I am looking forward with to the results with great anticipation!

As dr0s already told you, the SP504 is just a re-badged Pioneer 490V.
Is that a typo? Isn't it the SP404 that's the rebadged 490V?
The SP504 (with SACD, DVD-A) is probably a 578 or 588.

I've turned in benchmarks for the PS3, Sony 75H, LG 191H, Sylvania player (don't remember the model off the top of my head, and Philips 5960. I will be testing the Oppo 981 and Samsung 960 this week and will turn them in probably next weekend. Look for those first five to start publishing very soon.

I've turned in benchmarks for the PS3, Sony 75H, LG 191H, Sylvania player (don't remember the model off the top of my head, and Philips 5960. I will be testing the Oppo 981 and Samsung 960 this week and will turn them in probably next weekend. Look for those first five to start publishing very soon.


Hi Kris,

Thanks for the update and all of your efforts. Can't wait to see the Samsung and Oppo results.

Kris, any word yet on the Denon 2930CI?

No word at all from Denon. Funny how a lot of the people on these boards claimed I was getting paid by Denon because of my reviews of them yet I've been asking for months now for players from them with not one arriving on my door. Still hope to see it one day, but I am not holding my breath. These days I am so busy with other things I rarely make much of an effort to get new players.

Kris, between the PS3 and Sony DVP-NS75H, which player is a better performer?

The 75, by a HUGE margin.

The 75 is actually the best Sony player I've tested yet in regards to progressive playback performance.

Kris, how would the sony 75h compare to the Oppo 970?

I'm still not sure on which one to get and have yet to pull the trigger. Is the Oppo really that much better and worth the $40-50 extra $$$.

The 75 is actually the best Sony player I've tested yet in regards to progressive playback performance.

Even better than the 9100ES?

Kris,

Any chance we will see the Sony 75H posted sometime this week?I'm looking foward to the review.

Kris, how would the sony 75h compare to the Oppo 970?

I'm still not sure on which one to get and have yet to pull the trigger. Is the Oppo really that much better and worth the $40-50 extra $$$.

Oppo has more features such as DVD-A and SACD playback. So you have to see what has a completer package for your needs.

Even better than the 9100ES?

Did I stutter? ;)

Any chance we will see the Sony 75H posted sometime this week?I'm looking foward to the review.

That is all in the hands of my editor in chief. I turn them in, he cranks them out. I have no say at all in that. But I don't think you'll have to wait too long.

Hi Kris,

Any chance you'll have an opportunity to test the new Arcam DV139? This one looks like it could be a real nice unit. Of course, a full test would be nice since it also plays SACD and DVD-Audio. ;)

Kris,

From a purely subjective point of view, do you recall the Sony 75H to be any different than the Oppo 970 with film-based DVDs in regards to overall image quality (i.e., color production, resolution, detail, sharpness, contrast, etc., etc.?)

Kris,

Any chance we will see the Sony 75H posted sometime this week?I'm looking foward to the review.The Sony 75 review just posted.

75H results are published.

I have a request in for the Arcam if I remember right.

Kris -

First, thanks for all your hard work of late!

Second, in regards to your review of the 75H, you noted it failed "Image Cropping" and stated the following:

Pixel cropping is an issue with both outputs and rather excessive on the left side of the image.

Can you elaborate any more on this? I see in the review of the Oppo 970, you mention actual number of pixels cropped and I was curious by how much the Sony failed and just what constitues "rather excessive" when it comes to pixel cropping.

Thanks in advance!

The Sony 75 review just posted.

Awesome!

Reading now... :)

Nice review Kris buti don't think you really went into the upscaling details that much.

Never the less the sony scored an 85 and Oppo and 86 very close scores!

I found it interesting how the 970 fails the bad edit test, but the Sony doesn't.

Anyone point me to where the reviews are?

Cheers

Anyone point me to where the reviews are?

Cheers

I don't know what reviews you mean so here is a point where you should be able to go to any of the reviews:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi

It will take some time to load.

Chris

Nice review Kris buti don't think you really went into the upscaling details that much.

Never the less the sony scored an 85 and Oppo and 86 very close scores!

I have the Sony DVP-NS75H and Oppo DV970HD and have given opinions several times they are very close for DVD-V. The Oppo is worth the extra money for me, it does so much more, just an amazing player, my all-time budget player favorite.

Chris

I have the Sony DVP-NS75H and Oppo DV970HD and have given opinions several times they are very close for DVD-V. The Oppo is worth the extra money for me, it does so much more, just an amazing player, my all-time budget player favorite.

Chris

Looks like it's the sony for me i guess since if all the oppo is is just a few more bells and whistles and the sony being cheaper and easily attainable i guess it's a no brainer to get the sony. :)

Chris,

Does the 75 allow you to zoom non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs like the 970 does?

Kris,

Thanks for the reviews. About the Sony DVP-NS75H, I connected one to a 720p dlp projector (HDMI to HDMI) for a friend. Set the Sony to output a 720p signal. Ran the pixel cropping test on Avia. No pixels cropped from top, left, or right. Only 2 or 3 cropped from the bottom. Now these results sound different from yours. Is it a situation where pixel cropping is different for different resolutions? Or maybe some other strange factor?

Thanks,
Reagan

Will be interested in the review of the Arcam DV139 which I just set up, I was pleased with my DV137 via component, I was surprised that the 137 scored extremely high on the Benchmark, in fact, the score puts it among the highest scoring players (over component).

Chris,

Does the 75 allow you to zoom non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs like the 970 does?

I have never watched one but it does zoom and it seems it has a stupid icon indicating that which doesn't disappear. So the answer is yes, but I don't know if you want to use it that way.

Chris

Just found out that I am getting the Samsung 960 in the next week. So look for that benchmark soon.

What happened to the 960 benchmark?

It is done, it just hasn't been published yet.

Kris,

Thanks for the reviews. About the Sony DVP-NS75H, I connected one to a 720p dlp projector (HDMI to HDMI) for a friend. Set the Sony to output a 720p signal. Ran the pixel cropping test on Avia. No pixels cropped from top, left, or right. Only 2 or 3 cropped from the bottom. Now these results sound different from yours. Is it a situation where pixel cropping is different for different resolutions? Or maybe some other strange factor?

Thanks,
Reagan

Pixel cropping varies by output resolution. Here are my results for the Sony:

The left side was cropping 5 pixels at 480p. That is more than we allow for a passing score. The rest of the sides were not cropping any. Our benchmark tests are mainly done at 480p except verifications of Y/C, pixel cropping at other resolutions.

I'm holding the gun, I'm just waiting on the 981HD benchmarks to pull the trigger. ;)

...
...
*sigh*

Samsung 960 benchmark is up.

Samsung 960 benchmark is up.

About the same as the DVD-HD941, I had expected better this time from Samsung based on the user thread here. I think the DVD-HD950 is the best I have seen from Samsung, but I don't know if it is still available to warrant a review.

Chris

Kris, may I ask, if a test on Toshiba XA2 coming soon? cant wait! as prices are coming down?

Kris, may I ask, if a test on Toshiba XA2 coming soon? cant wait! as prices are coming down?


Here is a link to a review of the Toshiba XA2 from High Def Digest. It seems to be a pretty thorough review.


http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/hreview_hdxa2030207.html

The XA2 review has been turned in and should be published soon for the benchmark. I am working on the full review now.

The XA2 review has been turned in and should be published soon for the benchmark. I am working on the full review now.

Would it be ok, to throw some insight if not a prob?

When will we see the Oppo and Toshiba XA-2 results posted? Kris since you tested both, which one provides the best upconversion for SD-DVD's?

Thanks!

The Toshiba is a bit better than the Oppo in terms of SD playback. The Oppo has the issues associated with the Faroudja chip that are already well documented.

I have no control over when things get published, I only submit.

The Toshiba is a bit better than the Oppo in terms of SD playback. The Oppo has the issues associated with the Faroudja chip that are already well documented.

I have no control over when things get published, I only submit.

Any idea on Denon 2930CI shoot out?

The Toshiba is a bit better than the Oppo in terms of SD playback. The Oppo has the issues associated with the Faroudja chip that are already well documented.

I have no control over when things get published, I only submit.


Hi Kris,

One last question, is the OPPO 981 that much better on video playback and picture quality than the Samsung 960 even though they both use the same Faroudja chip.

Thanks!

The Samsung had LOTS of other issues that the Oppo doesn't have. I would definitely suggest the Oppo over the Samsung.

Any idea on Denon 2930CI shoot out?

I can only test what they'll send me and Denon hasn't been responsive at all with my requests. Guess they got tired of doing well on our tests :p

If they ever send one of course I will test it!

Kris, would the performance of the 2930 be much different than the XA2 considering they both use the same chip?

The Samsung had LOTS of other issues that the Oppo doesn't have. I would definitely suggest the Oppo over the Samsung.

samsung, lower end, just good for logo dcdi, implementation is poor, btw kris their new 970 with 1080p dcdi is out, and one with realta coming up.

btw may be if you can borrow from one of enthusiast owner, denon 2930ci? I am between XA2 or 2930CI!

and Btw Denon has Reon, while XA2 has realta, would you mind explaining advantages of one over the other?

samsung, lower end, just good for logo dcdi, implementation is poor, btw kris their new 970 with 1080p dcdi is out, and one with realta coming up.

btw may be if you can borrow from one of enthusiast owner, denon 2930ci? I am between XA2 or 2930CI!

and Btw Denon has Reon, while XA2 has realta, would you mind explaining advantages of one over the other?


The difference between the two chips was posted in the Denon 2930/3930 forum. Here is the post:

Originally Posted by DavidHir
I asked a Silicon Optix insider "oyfoo" a while back on the forum the differences between the Reon and Realta in the Video Processor forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...&highlight=reon



DavidHir: I recently demo'd the new Denon 2930 and 3930 DVD players. However, for film-based Region 1 DVDs, the deinterlacing and scaling seems to be very, very similar with both players which is to say EXCELLENT. What, if any, differences or improvements in deinterlacing and scaling can the Realta provide over the Reon for typical film-based DVD material? Are they almost identical in this regard? Thanks.

oyfoo: Realta and Reon VX are pretty equal in their deinterlacing and scaling performance. Realta can generate output resolutions all the way out to 2560x1600 (looks spectacular when scaling 1080i material), and Reon VX only goes out to 1080p.

He also stated in another post:

...Let me just say that Reon VX performs many algos just as good as Realta, and surprisingly better in a couple of them, but Realta, in general does better, and can continue to be improved because its algos can be reprogrammed, re-tweaked, and re-optimised. That's why we have "HQV Powered by Teranex" as a logo approved for Realta-based products, and plain "HQV" for Reon VX-based products. Realta does better owing to its use of the massively parallel, pixel-oriented Teranex architecture. The Teranex Xantus box probably has in excess of 3 Teraops/sec image processing capability (Realta has about 1 Teraop just within its video processor, not including a couple other processing engines). Specifically, the Reon's edge diagonal processing is just as good as Realta's standard algo load (Realta's could be improved even more, but there is a point of diminishing returns, and why sacrifice other functions just to improve processing of a line inclined just a couple more degrees closer to horizontal), and maybe a shade better. Having said that, not all of our customers elect to implement all the algos we make available to them, for reasons that baffle us sometimes.

The XA2 uses the Reon, not the Realta.

The Reon won't do the harder mixed cadences that the Realta can do. You can test this with the HQV test disc pretty easily. Otherwise they seem to be about the same from a DVD player implementation standpoint.

The Reon is very similar to the performance of the VXP chip from my tests, though it has better NR capabilities. They both perform about the same with HD and SD test patterns though. The VXP can hold a cadence longer through a break and recovers a bit faster, but the difference is small.

I wonder how good is the 720p output with those new HD players, Kris can you check this in your reviews.

The XA2 uses the Reon, not the Realta.

The Reon won't do the harder mixed cadences that the Realta can do. You can test this with the HQV test disc pretty easily. Otherwise they seem to be about the same from a DVD player implementation standpoint.

The Reon is very similar to the performance of the VXP chip from my tests, though it has better NR capabilities. They both perform about the same with HD and SD test patterns though. The VXP can hold a cadence longer through a break and recovers a bit faster, but the difference is small.


Hey Kris, Man!! How much long we have to see this benchmark, see day light lol?

Probably a little late in the game, but I'd like so see some testing on the new Yamaha players.. DVD-S2700 and S1700.

Your frustration is mine as well. I have about 6 done right now waiting for publication including the XA2 and the Samsung 1200. But I don't decided when things get published. Sorry for the wait guys! Hopefully soon!

Kris,

How about the Oppo-981 HD? Is that in the Done pile or the To-Be-Done pile?

Thanks for all of your work!

It's on the done pile.

The only thing not on the done pile that I am finishing up is the Samsung 1200 BD player and the Cary Audio DVD-7.

The Cary DVD 7 should test out as a phenomenal player!

The Cary DVD 7 should test out as a phenomenal player!

Perhaps, but IMO it is hard to justify high end prices on SD-DVD players these days, especially when the Toshiba XA-2 does such a great job on SD-DVD discs as well as HD-DVD.

Do you think the PS3 benchmark will be updated post 1.8 patch?

Do you think the PS3 benchmark will be updated post 1.8 patch?

how about xbox 360 add on with audio fix