Hello,

I'm new to the site. Just purchased a Samsung 56" DLP HDTV.

Want to get to best quality out of my DVD collection.

Looks like the new Oppo DV-981HD fits the bill.

After reading some of the threads, I'm not sure whether my TV and the Oppo are compatible.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Walter

Walter,
I got the answer from the horse's mouth. I was all excited after hearing about the 981, but then I started reading in forums that with the Faroudja chip, DLP tvs, (I have a Mits 73") experience macroblocking. I e-mailed Oppo, and they confirmed that it is a real problem. MB can be minimized, and in some cases, eliminated by an extensive calibration of your tv, but Oppo recommends getting a 970HD for use with DLPs.

My 970 is on the way and should be here on Feb. 1.

Good luck,
Rick

Here is their reply to my e-mail:

Rick,

We would recommend the use of the DV-970HD for your display, as it will
produce the cleanest 1080i image and will not suffer from macroblocking
errors. This will be the best solution for your DLP display.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
453 Ravendale Dr, Suite D
Mountain View, CA 94043
Service@oppodigital.com
Tel: 650-961-1118
Fax: 650-961-1119

I've got a 981 on the way for my HLR5067WX Samsung DLP, so I'll see how it does. If it won't work I'll send it back, but I'm going to take a look at it first anyway.

Bill3508

I'm in the same boat. I have a Samsung HLS-5687W DLP and a Denon 1920 that uses the Faroudja chip and I get the macroblocking problem. I had my TV ISF calibrated but macroblocking is still there. I notice it more on HDMI than on component though I don't know why. I already ordered the Oppo 981 which it's about to ship but after reading about all the macroblocking issues, I am starting to regret my purchase. I will probably try it out and return it for the Oppo 970 instead.

Thanks for all the helpful input.

I also e-mailed Oppo and got the same response.

Here it is, word for word:

Walter,

DLP technology is particularly susceptible to macroblocking, due to the
low bit-depth and contrast and brightness ratios. DLP displays
primarily use 8-bit processing and an 8-bit PWM scheme on the DMD
mirrors, and out of box, most DLPs do not fully utilize their entire
range of digital bits (steps between black and white). For this reason,
without proper calibration using professional grade calibration discs
such as AVIA or DVE, DLP displays will enhance macroblocking and
false-contouring errors.

Because DLP displays are macroblock enhancing, we would not recommend
the use of the OPDV971H or DV-981HD on DLP displays, as the OPDV971H
and DV-981HD will macroblock enhance as well. We would recommend the
DV-970HD for DLP displays as it will produce a very good picture and
will not produce macroblocking errors.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
453 Ravendale Dr, Suite D
Mountain View, CA 94043
Service@oppodigital.com
Tel: 650-961-1118
Fax: 650-961-1119

With this info in hand, does anyone know of a DVD player that upconverts to 1080p without increasing macroblocking?

If there's nothing out there, I'll probably purchase the Oppo DV-970HD and settle with upconverting to 1080i. Maybe the Samsung will do the rest.

Walter