OPPO DVD Player review

[pearsall001]

I just got the unit on Sat. I had it up & running in no time. Playing DVD's through the DVI hookup into my 50" Sony LCD at 1080i has been nothing short of spectacular. The picture quality is just outstanding!!! The digital sound is also extremely good. All dialog is crystal clear & surround effects have you jumping out of your seat. The one big surprise is the sound quality of the analog 2 channel. I was not really expecting anything this good at all. I haven't ordered cables for the DVDAudio hookup yet so I can't comment on that. All in all for$199 this is an absolute steal!!

[izafar]

This is a solid performing player. Only the remote and overall build quality sucks. But one cant ask for more for $199

[danger boy]

i keep hearing and reading alot about this player. where did it come from? Is it an offshoot brand of one of the larger manufactures?

Is this really that good or is it a fad, like so many others the past few years.. ala that Toshiba 3960 or something like that?

[steveinaz]

I think the Oppo has alot more substance to it. DVD Benchmark shows some pretty damn impressive video performance against machines 3,4,5 times the price. I think what keeps it inexpensive is that it's not a universal player--it cost manufacturers alot in licensing to include SACD/DVDA/HDCD capability.

[jeremie]

Glad to hear you like it, i am thinking of ordering one as well for my new Infocus IN76 coming in soon.

[EricT43]

I have one too. Digital sound is good as indicated above. DVD-Audio is not working correctly for some reason, so I need to check my setup. Not sure if it's the player, bad hookup or what.

Picture quality is pretty good, but I'm getting really bad macroblocking. I need to hook another player to my display and see if it goes away or not.

The drawer takes forever to open.

But for $199, it's pretty good. I'm coming from a Denon DVD-3800, which is (was) an $1100 player, so I am probably expecting too much from the Oppo.

[Ron Temple]

Just bought my first HDTV a Mits WD57731 1080P DLP. Tried to swing a Toshiba HD DVD player in the deal...could have, but was OOS. Settled on the Oppo as a cheap upconverter, temporary solution.

Well, I'm not sure if I really need the HD Player now. PQ in 1080i is so close to the demo material I've viewed that I'm definitely going to wait. Simply stunning via the DVI/HDMI hookup.

DVD A is a bonus, since my old player didn't support it. It might not be as sweet as a Pio or Denon midfi universal, but it's definitely an improvement.

This is a very solid purchase coming from my older player and set and I'd recommend it to anyone following the same path.

[ohskigod]

I got the oppo as a temporary solution until the HD DVD becomes more mainstream. great pic and soundquality, as well as surprisingly good performance in 2 channel. For ?199 you cant go wrong. I love getting alot of value for my $

[Ron Temple]

With the latest firmware and this TV, this unit is a steal. I'm totally juiced.

[Hunter20]

Thanks for the review....i'm looking at this DVD player as well.

[univera]

I'm sold. Where do you buy it?

[polkatese]

oppodigital.com

[univera]

oppodigital.com

I'm not sure which unit is referred to in the opening thread, but the latest player (dv970hd) adds HDMI capability AND has SACD, which I don't see on the previous player. This is truly a universal player since it has SACD and DVD-A. And, it comes with an HDMI cable.

Here is the link to some info on both the newer and older models respectively. http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd-pr-05312006.html http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h.html

According to the review found on the link above, the newer player adds SACD and HDMI while eliminating the Faroudja chipset which was causing macroblocking. So, while this player has more features and less problems, it also has less video quality and is recommended ideally as a better than average player for the money that would be ideal as a video transport. I guess if video is your main interest, the older player is ideal.

[univera]

OPPO Digital's DV-970HD was developed following the success of the OPDV971H, the award-winning upconverting DVD player which scored the highest against hundreds of brands and models in independent DVD player benchmark tests. With experience garnered from the OPDV971H and insightful input from the A/V enthusiast community, OPPO packs the DV-970HD with high performance and enthusiast grade features, all at an incredible value.

"The DV-970HD is one of the most versatile players on the market, providing support for DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), DVD+/-RW and CD-R/RW. It is also compatible with Certified DivX, Xvid, Audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, WMA and other digital audio and video media formats. The DV-970HD supports NTSC or PAL disc and television systems. As video is only part of the equation, the DV-970HD also features excellent audio with Dolby Digital surround sound and Pro Logic II decoding. A high-quality certified HDMI cable with gold-plated connectors is included, adding even more value to the already feature-packed product." $149.00

[univera]

I have one too. Digital sound is good as indicated above. DVD-Audio is not working correctly for some reason, so I need to check my setup. Not sure if it's the player, bad hookup or what.

Picture quality is pretty good, but I'm getting really bad macroblocking. I need to hook another player to my display and see if it goes away or not.

The drawer takes forever to open.

But for $199, it's pretty good. I'm coming from a Denon DVD-3800, which is (was) an $1100 player, so I am probably expecting too much from the Oppo.

Eric, I suspect you have the 971 model based on your problems. It seems this model had problems with macroblocking due to incompatibility with the Faroudja chipset and other equipment. I suggest reading the review on the newer player found in the link above. It mentions that newer player, while not as good in overall video quality, has eliminated that issue. It also seems that your player may need to be set to a particular mode in order for the DVD-A to work properly. Check it out.

[Ron Temple]

The 971 has had several firmware upgrades addressing various issues. I've experienced no macroblocking and DVD A works fine. I chose this player for it's upscaling abilities. SACD would have been nice, but since I only was buying DVD A discs and listening in DTS or Dolby, it's perfect for me.

[Early B.]

Popped in a CD last night into my Oppo 970, set the reciver to stereo mode, and I was thoroughly impressed with the sound quality.

BTW, PQ is great, too. Awesome player for the money. Very highly recommended.

[Emlyn]

Received a new 971 model yesterday. It stopped loading discs, so it's going back and I won't get another. All things considered, I don't think it's worth the $199 price in terms of build quality which is only on par with the lowest end of the market. Maybe about half that, even with the nice packaging job and providing both a DVD/HDMI and an HDMI cable.

[jhw59]

My 971 works fine. software update due in January. I got mine from Amazon for $199 with free shipping. For the price I can wait and see how the HD format plays out. No macroblocking issues, no issues at all.

[Ricardo]

I have the 971 for a few weeks now and I am very happy with it; perfect PQ and SQ.

What is macroblocking????

[slush]

Awesome, I need to add this to my Christmas wish list...hopefully the g/f will be kind

[Early B.]

Received a new 971 model yesterday. It stopped loading discs, so it's going back and I won't get another. All things considered, I don't think it's worth the $199 price in terms of build quality which is only on par with the lowest end of the market. Maybe about half that, even with the nice packaging job and providing both a DVD/HDMI and an HDMI cable.

Don't give up on Oppo so soon. I'll bet you'll be quite impressd with a properly working model.

I initially thought the build quality was on the low end, especially the CD tray. But for the price, you cannot expect it to be built like a tank. Focus on the price and performance. A year from now you'll probably upgrading to a HD DVD anyway.

[jhw59]

agree about the cd tray-pretty flimsy

[scottvamp]

I think i looked this up before but now some of you have hands on experience with the Oppo's.......................
Does either unit do 1080i upconvert through component?
I am not really sure i am satisfied with my current dvd payer and i am going to hold off on HD players fo now.
I think my Panny does a better job in 480p, than my current player does in 1080i.
THANKS

[millerman 3732]

I'm still thinking about getting an oppo to play my SD stuff, my HD-A1 used to do a good job converting via the HDMI-DVI but ever since the 2.0 upgrade the black levels are all screwed up.

[pearsall001]

I think i looked this up before but now some of you have hands on experience with the Oppo's.......................
Does either unit do 1080i upconvert through component?
I am not really sure i am satisfied with my current dvd payer and i am going to hold off on HD players fo now.
I think my Panny does a better job in 480p, than my current player does in 1080i.
THANKS

Nope!!

[scottvamp]

Thanks for the quick reply guys. DAM, That is what i thought:(
Going put my panny on the projector and to see if i like the image better, before the big Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest showing this next week...

[jrlouie]

You can download an ISO file, burn a DVD, and install a hack which allows 1080i over component.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8859172&highlight=component+hack#post8859172

If you're in to that kind of thing ;)

[scottvamp]

I was wondering about a firmware hack like my Zenith. Have you tried this hack jrlouie. Seems kind of shaddy. The one for my Zenith was real simple and worked.

[jrlouie]

Nope, never tried it. I don't really have a desire for it, so I'm not gonna spend any time on it, or I'm just lazy ;)
I think several of people on that AVS forum have though.

[BIZILL]

i believe i've had my 971 for over a year. kept me satisfied and am still not in a big hurry for hd-dvd. the oppo is THAT good.

[szhleppy]

i believe i've had my 971 for over a year. kept me satisfied and am still not in a big hurry for hd-dvd. the oppo is THAT good.

Alright then...between Wes's review and your endorsement, I'm feeling a little left out. Just pre-ordered the 981...supposed to ship next Friday.

[BIZILL]

Alright then...between Wes's review and your endorsement, I'm feeling a little left out. Just pre-ordered the 981...supposed to ship next Friday.

another new one? good thing my next step will be upgrading to hd-dvd. getting hard to keep up with oppo. good thing though. good to see a new company keep building upon successful products. they need to get an hd-dvd player going. or is that what the 981 is?

[Holydoc]

Bizill,

The new Oppo DV-981HD DVD player incorporates the Genesis/Faroudja deinterlacing of the 971, with the SACD playback of the 970 and adds 1080p upscaling over it's HDMI output.

The full press announcement of this player is at:

http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/819201/an/0/page/0/gonew/1#UNREAD

and its webpage:

http://oppodigital.com/dv981hd/index.html

[Ricardo]

I hate myself for buying the 971 a few weeks ago.... the 981 has it all (note that it does not have component video output, so be sure your TV has DVI or HDMI)

[szhleppy]

I hate myself for buying the 971 a few weeks ago.... the 981 has it all (note that it does not have component video output, so be sure your TV has DVI or HDMI)


You could probably still sell it and get most of your money back. As for the 981...it's still stupid cheap and a great option for those of us not ready to commit to HD or Blu Ray.

[Ron Temple]

I'm very tempted since I can sell my 971 to a friend and get 1080P and SACD. PQ upconverted to 1080i is nearly HD quality, but 1080P would be the cats meow. Course, a poor transfer still sucks, such as Superman Returns...crushed blacks, EE and extremely soft.

[I-SIG]

Damn, Courtney, you're cleaning up around here!

I will say that if Oppo had put even a stiff plastic tray on the thing instead of that plastic equivalent to pot metal, the value of the 970 (and I assume the 971/81) would go up another 25%. Be very careful!

Wes

[johnADA]

i keep hearing and reading alot about this player. where did it come from? Is it an offshoot brand of one of the larger manufactures?

Is this really that good or is it a fad, like so many others the past few years.. ala that Toshiba 3960 or something like that?


OPPO Digital are based in Mountain View, CA and are the US arm of BBK Electronics who are a huge Chinese market leader and who have been a private label OEM for companies such as Denon, NEC and BOSE. Manufacturing all sorts of electronics gear, BBK Electronics is a market leader in China and looking to expand globally hence the creation of their North American arm – OPPO Digital.

Their first product which we have managed to get hold of is the DV-971H MPEG4/DivX DVD player with DVI output. It has been making waves in the industry but you still might not have heard of it however now its time to change that. Believe me – it really is. Incidentally before I get truly started I will say I am reviewing the US model of this player which is supplied with a US plug however it will run on a UK power supply since it has a universal power supply – it just requires a plug adapter. There is a European model called the BBK DV-971H which features a SCART socket which the US does not. However I’d be surprised if you were looking to use this player with that connector type.

[szhleppy]

Damn, Courtney, you're cleaning up around here!

I will say that if Oppo had put even a stiff plastic tray on the thing instead of that plastic equivalent to pot metal, the value of the 970 (and I assume the 971/81) would go up another 25%. Be very careful!

Wes

I've been keeping a close eye on your upgrades over the last 6 months or so and finally decided it was time to catch up. :D

What I've found is that one upgrade always leads to more. In this case, I got the new Sony 60" (my first venture into HD) and now can't watch anything but the HD channels. I watch mostly sports, but last weekend we popped a DVD in and watched a movie. Although decent, I wasn't very impressed with what I saw...and wouldn't it be a waste to not utilize that extra HDMI connection???:o

Thanks for the head up on the build quality of the Oppo...I'm honestly not expecting much for the price, just something to hold me over until I can commit to HD or Blu Ray.

[PolkWannabie]

You may be surprised ... Not by the build quality, but by the PQ that comes out of it ...

[polkatese]

For a player that cost a buck fifty nine, it ain't bad at all...

[I-SIG]

You may be surprised ... Not by the build quality, but by the PQ that comes out of it ...

Except for the tray, I'd still say it seems to be slightly above average in build quality.

Wes

[szhleppy]

You may be surprised ... Not by the build quality, but by the PQ that comes out of it ...

I hope I am!!!

Just got the Fedex tracking for the 981 and looks like it will be here on Thursday...which is great considering they weren't supposed to even start shipping until Friday. I'll post a review over the weekend.

[BIZILL]

do tell, do tell.... though i'm going to be getting an xbox hd-dvd drive, without a vga input on my tv, damn thing doesn't up-convert. so the oppo 981 may still be a worthwhile improvement over my 971.

after further investigation, it only has hdmi output and i've only got dvi input on the tele. are hdmi to dvi converters worth a damn?

[PolkWannabie]

dvi = hdmi - audio ... so assuming you are doing audio elsewhere ...

[BIZILL]

so there is nothing lost in translation visually from the signals? i've never messed with hdmi as my television doesn't support it. same signal, just configured differently by way of connectors?

[Danny Tse]

same signal, just configured differently by way of connectors?

I read something a couple of days ago saying that's basically it.

[PolkWannabie]

so there is nothing lost in translation visually from the signals? i've never messed with hdmi as my television doesn't support it. same signal, just configured differently by way of connectors?
There should be NO video signal loss ...