Thought some of you might want another opinion on the OPPO 981HD upconverting DVD player. OPPO

I recently (finally) bought an HD TV (Westinghouse 32" 720p LCD), and was quite pleased with it. Couldn't resist when it went on sale for $700, and it just fits into the cabinet the wife insists we use. (I insist, however, that the speakers are properly placed...) However, playing DVDs on my Marantz DV4400 resulted in a less than full screen picture because of the SD -480i - output, even though the TV would stretch it from side to side but not up and down. Figuring I should 'future proof' myself, I decided to get the OPPO 981 since it would handle upconversion to 1080p. It's quite reasonable at only $230.

It has the HDMI jack for all the upconversion to HD resolutions (digital), and also has a composite and S-vidio jacks at 480i (analog); but no component out jacks. There's also a bunch of audio outs (5.1) for those who are also using it for SACD and DVD audio. Of course, there's the usual digital audio out (coax and fiber optic). There's a ton of menu choices for customising your output, both video and audio, but most of them are fine at default.

I was hoping for a faster load on the DVD, since it is a new piece of equipment, but it seems to load about the same speed as my other DVD players. Now, the picture is absolutely awesome! Of course, I'm comparing to my former smallish SD TV (21"). Transition speed from layer to layer isn't noticeable, whereas the older players the picture sort of froze for a couple of seconds. Detail is beautifully fine, without seeming grainy. 'Course, that could be partly the TV as well.

I guess you could say I'm pleased with my recent acquisitions..... Hope this is helpful to those of you looking for a new DVD player.

Thanks for the review.

I'd like to know, how quiet does your unit run? I currently have a similar Samsung player, however I find it is noisy and it gets annoying at lower listening volumes, or softer music.

I'm also curious to know - does it decode DTS and HDCD, and then send that through the analog outputs, or is it just able to pass it through HDMI or optical outs?

I haven't tried playing music on it yet, however, I haven't heard anything from it while playing DVDs once the tray closed. It will handle all the Dolby Digital & DTS types out there. The manual lists compatible disc types as: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, DivX, CD-R/RW, DVD+-R/RW, DVD+R DL. It also handles NTSC and PAL video formats, and can be set to region 0, to handle any DVD you can find...

Audio output is listed as Analog out: stereo and 5.1; Digital out: coaxial and optical. The HDMI also carries audio, which would have to be digital (whatever format - DD or DTS - is on the disc). You seem to be able to pick up the audio at whatever output jack you choose to use, HDMI, digital or analog.

Check out the manual for complete specs HERE.

Congrats, I have heard nothing but great reviews on the Oppo upconverting player.

I myself have a Panasonic S77, which is a newer version of the S97, both of which use the same faroujda processor to upconvert. I also read the Denon (1920 I think) is a great player.

The Oppo is consistently considered the best upconverting DVD player in reviews.

I got the OPPO 981HD (1080p - $230) a few days and HAD Samsung (1080i - $100). There is no competition, image on OPPO is sharper and more vivid. There were no graininess or pixelation with OPPO, not unless you are using compressed burned copies of original source. The Samsung has noticible graininess even on original sources. I returned the Samsung to Best Buy.

I just got Musiland MD10 DAC today so I am going to test it out as a transport. I will also test out the DTS decoder against my Marantz 4600.

I picked up a 281 to go with my 1080P JVC. I have had no issues with noise, macroblocking, artifacting, anything. DVD load time is not something I have ever thought about so it doesn't bother me. Sharp picture, good color, a bargain at $230. My Sony 5-disc CD/SACD changer is now just a CD player since the Oppo does SACD and DVD-A as well.

As far as DTS via analog output, I don't know as I haven't tried. I have DVDs output via digital coax and the Denon 2805 does the decoding. I do have 5.1 channel analog hooked up for SACD/DVD-A playback. Oppo has their manuals readily available online. Your answer probably can be found there.

I had an OPPO 971, which was great. I ordered a 981 earlier this week, which is slated to arrive tomorrow (Sat)! I can't wait!

Oops! Transposition! I of course meant 981.

How is the 970 compared to the 981?

I agree, the 981 is pretty impressive for the cost.

I got it for the inlaw, we're not caught in the whole BluRay/HD DVD battle yet. However, they need a DVD player to go w/ their Pioneer 1080p plasma. We played the Cars DVD and w/ no display calibration, I was impressed. The picture is stunning, though I'm sure the Pixar transfer has a lot to do w/ it. The lettering on the Lightning looked 3D. Not bad for an upconverting player.

Their customer service is great as well. I sent an email asking about a perceived PQ issue and they responded very quickly and very detailed. Highly recommended.

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How is the 970 compared to the 981?

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Tom, CNET just reviewed the Oppo 981, and reviewed the Oppo 970 last year.

Among other things, they had this to say about the two players.

The only major video-quality issue that we've heard of with the DV-981HD is that it is susceptible to macroblocking--that is, when the gradations between colors are not smooth and visible "chunks" can be seen--especially on DLP TVs. We didn't have any DLPs on hand, and Oppo's site recommends the DV-981HD with DLP TVs only with careful calibration. The DV-970HD, which we also tested, is not susceptible to this issue according to Oppo's chart, although its overall video processing is not quite as good. We didn't see any macroblocking in our tests, but eagle-eyed owners of DLP TVs should be aware that they could run into this issue."

I've been using the 971 (the 981's predecessor) with a professionally calibrated DLP for several years. I've only rarely noticed any macroblocking.