How do the Oppo's handle grainy dvd's? I was wondering if the 980 or 981 improves the picture on grainy dvd's or do they look worse?
1584968
The Oppo 981 has a noise reduction setting that can be turned on for more grainy material. It works pretty well on most material, but on some material it actually removes some picture detail.
1584969
Movies are grainy due to the grain found naturally in the film. Some are digitally infused with grain like Miami Vice. Others grain is digitally removed to present a cleaner piece before transfer to DVD, like the original star wars movies. But about 80% of the movies out there are not cleaned up or simply have poor transfers. So, will an up converting player like the ones from Oppo help you? Nope. Up conversion is based on the material on the disc. If there is grain already in the movie, up conversion will only enhance the grain further. Only super smart processors like ABTs Edge or ABTs VRS and the Reon can intelligently remove some grain without softening the picture too much, but even then there is only so much a player can do. Grain is something one much live with when it comes to DVDs and Bluray.
2069602
Is there any chance to preview an Oppo unit in a local store? (Portland, OR). I have limited funds but my wife would feel much better if she could see how our home movies would look. I have been using a high quality Sony 3 chip SD camcorder for many years. The videos of my family are my most valuable videos.
1790583
I have been using the DV-980H for over a year now and have not experienced the problem described in playing back audio CDs, SACDs and DVD-As. We have more than 6 units of DV-980H within the family and none have encountered the problem described. But to put this number in perspective, most of them use their DV-980H primarily for DVD playback while I am the only one who uses mine for CDs and SACDs/DVD-As, along with DVDs, MP3s and JPEG DVDs/CDs. As to the need to hook up the DV-980H to a TV to set it up, this may not be necessary unless one needs to change the default settings. A quick check with Oppo's Technical Support should be enough to determine whether there is a need to change the default setting. But if it be necessary to connect the DV-980H to a TV to view the changes, this is a quick and painless process .... with the user able to choose among coaxial (RCA) video , S-video, component video and HDMI.
1330601
Yes, we've got an Oppo and very satisfied with it. If you're looking to play other regions or formats (such as pal) get an Oppo-the conversion is all onboard. HKflix.com is the place to go for shopping for region-free hardware.
1453231
Woopak, I'm afraid you are incorrect. Not all commercial DVD discs are copy protected (Criterion etc..), the Oppo will upconvert and play +R and other burned media as well, please see the compatibility in the specs.
1474612
L. Go is correct. You will not be able to use the HDMI connection if your TV is not HDCP compliant. Note also that the 980H, like almost every other player, will not upconvert copy-protected discs over component video connections. This means that pretty much any legally purchased DVD will be limited to 480p over component.Your best option (for optimal picture quality) is to find a used Oppo DV-970HD and utilize a fairly simple firmware hack that will allow it to upconvert to 1080i over component video (google "970HD component hack" for more details). The 970HD is one of very few DVD players that is capable of allowing this form of upconversion. L. Go is correct. You will not be able to use the HDMI connection if your TV is not HDCP compliant. Note also that the 980H, like almost every other player, will not upconvert copy-protected discs over component video connections. This means that pretty much any legally purchased DVD will be limited to 480p over component.Your best option (for optimal picture quality) is to find a used Oppo DV-970HD and utilize a fairly simple firmware hack that will allow it to upconvert to 1080i over component video (google "970HD component hack" for more details). The 970HD is one... » Read More L. Go is correct. You will not be able to use the HDMI connection if your TV is not HDCP compliant. Note also that the 980H, like almost every other player, will not upconvert copy-protected discs over component video connections. This means that pretty much any legally purchased DVD will be limited to 480p over component.Your best option (for optimal picture quality) is to find a used Oppo DV-970HD and utilize a fairly simple firmware hack that will allow it to upconvert to 1080i over component video (google "970HD component hack" for more details). The 970HD is one of very few DVD players that is capable of allowing this form of upconversion. « Show Less
1506757
I just hooked up my Oppo this morning, and all I can say is, "WOW"!The blu-ray disc I tried was fantastic, and the SADVD I tried was so close to the blu-ray. I couldn't see much difference at all. Picture is exceptional for both formats. The one thing I noticed right away though, is the load time is so fast, as compared to my previous DVD player. I don't believe my PS3 even loads as fast as the Oppo!Love it!!I admit to being a little nervous at first about going with a brand that I wasn't familar with. However, after reading through tons of reviews, I took the plunge. Those many people who gave the Oppo a 5 star rating are absolutely correct!!!No regrets at all!!! I just hooked up my Oppo this morning, and all I can say is, "WOW"!The blu-ray disc I tried was fantastic, and the SADVD I tried was so close to the blu-ray. I couldn't see much difference at all. Picture is exceptional for both formats. The one thing I noticed right away though, is the load time is so fast, as compared to my previous DVD player. I don't believe my PS3 even loads as fast as the Oppo!Love it!!I admit to being a little nervous at first about going with a brand that I wasn't familar with. However, after reading through tons of reviews, I took... » Read More I just hooked up my Oppo this morning, and all I can say is, "WOW"!The blu-ray disc I tried was fantastic, and the SADVD I tried was so close to the blu-ray. I couldn't see much difference at all. Picture is exceptional for both formats. The one thing I noticed right away though, is the load time is so fast, as compared to my previous DVD player. I don't believe my PS3 even loads as fast as the Oppo!Love it!!I admit to being a little nervous at first about going with a brand that I wasn't familar with. However, after reading through tons of reviews, I took the plunge. Those many people who gave the Oppo a 5 star rating are absolutely correct!!!No regrets at all!!! « Show Less
1889394
It plays both DVD-R and BD-R and BD-RW VERY well. In fact, on the Blu-ray side, a BD-R that I authored at too high a bitrate for the media to be reliably read by two other players (Sony and Samsung) and would freeze and play like a slide show instead of video, only has a minor dropped frame here and there on the Oppo. The BDP-83 truly DOES handle problem discs and burned discs better than anything else I've used.
1506759
William: As far as Blu-ray picture quality is concerned, it's doubtful you'd see a difference between the Oppo and any other Blu-ray player that isn't a piece of junk. And yes, $500 it a lot of money to spend, so the Oppo will NEVER become a best-seller. And since you already own an Oppo upconverting player, there is no need to purchase this unit (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs). However, the Oppo loads a Blu-ray disc faster than almost any player out there, except for the PS3.A. Franco: While I don't own the PS3, I have read that the Oppo upconverting capability is second to none. You might check with the AVS forum, I'm sure there are detailed discussions of these two premier products. William: As far as Blu-ray picture quality is concerned, it's doubtful you'd see a difference between the Oppo and any other Blu-ray player that isn't a piece of junk. And yes, $500 it a lot of money to spend, so the Oppo will NEVER become a best-seller. And since you already own an Oppo upconverting player, there is no need to purchase this unit (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs). However, the Oppo loads a Blu-ray disc faster than almost any player out there, except for the PS3.A. Franco: While I don't own the PS3, I have read that the Oppo upconverting... » Read More William: As far as Blu-ray picture quality is concerned, it's doubtful you'd see a difference between the Oppo and any other Blu-ray player that isn't a piece of junk. And yes, $500 it a lot of money to spend, so the Oppo will NEVER become a best-seller. And since you already own an Oppo upconverting player, there is no need to purchase this unit (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs). However, the Oppo loads a Blu-ray disc faster than almost any player out there, except for the PS3.A. Franco: While I don't own the PS3, I have read that the Oppo upconverting capability is second to none. You might check with the AVS forum, I'm sure there are detailed discussions of these two premier products. « Show Less
1201435
Greetings!! I bought from amazon the oppo 93...., I have the opportunity to make the change to region free...., but I am wondering if the oppo will loose image quality or will the processing be affected, can anybody assure me if I make the upgrade to region free.... will the opp will be working image and sound wise in the same manner as with out the change?¿I thank very much your assistance!
174937
Brit ... do you watch non-Region 1 DVDs? If you watch DVDs from other regions, the Oppo DV-980H is a good buy. If you watch only Region 1 DVDs, and do not need the DV-980H other capabilities (SACD, DVD Audio, High Res. JPEG, DivX, etc.), consider getting the Toshiba HD-A30 or the HD-A35 HD DVD player. These two models are actually HD DVD players but upscale SD DVDs (slightly) better than the DV-980H. These 2 models have the same ABT video processor used in the DV-983H, but sells at a lower price as HD DVD has been discontinued. Boot up time of these 2 models is longer than the DV-980H (its about a minute) but you have the added capability of playing HD DVD movies which are now heavily discounted, some selling for less than SD DVDs. I have both the DV-980H and the DV-981HD, and both are very good models. I am certain that the DV-983H is as well built as the 980 and 981, with a bit more improvement on the video as well as the audio. I have both the HD-A30 and the HD-A35. Both are very good HD DVD players. Both are also very good DVD players. Were it not for the discontinuation of the HD DVD format, these 2 models would sell for much more. I understand that Toshiba's production cost in mid-2007 for the HD-A30 was for approx. $400, while the HD-A35 was for approx. $500. Both are built like a tank. Getting the HD-A30 for less than $200 is a very good bargain. The HD-A35 with its more advanced audio capability is also a good bargain despite its premium over the HD-A30. That said, the DV-980H has capabilities that the Toshiba HD DVD players do not have. If you have need these or have some use for these, then you can't go wrong with the DV-980H. Good luck. Edit: The price of the Toshiba HD-A35 has gone up from $230 to $300 shortly after the post above so its no longer as good a bargain as before. The HD-A30 however remains a good buy under the conditions described above.
120181
Yeah, in my case, I know it isn't a firmware issue. At this point, my player no longer reads/plays any discs at all. It is pretty much dead in the water for discs. It can still do online stuff, but I have a 360 for that. I talked to LG and they suggest sending it in for repairs, but I've read nothing but negative comments from people who have tried that route. Thanks for the help with the Oppo. It might be the way to go. If anyone else wants to add their 2 cents, I'd appreciate it.
339611
Get the 981 for sure...It's the best quality one, for your quality set. Isn't that what you want, quality? Ijust got my Oppo 981HD and I'm telling you I'm amazed ....You can buy standard DVD's now and watch them in 1080P. . . My new 5271F 120 hz series from Sammy is Mind Blowing clear picture quality, almost 3D at times...Now I have this to go with it . What are you waiting for? Later . . .
643125
Raul, I purchased mine 2 years ago. I can play anything in this Blue Ray and it will read it and work. Copies of movies, copies of music, it is exelent for all discs. It has played damaged dvds that most other dvds rejected because of scratches. This players quality is equal too or better than higher priced blue rays/dvds on the markert, my opinion. Nothing beats OPPO but higher priced OPPO's with more functions. Hope this helps!
774460
You have my complete sympathy! I bought my 350 in September of 2008 for $350. A month later the s360 hit the market at a bit over $200. As far as a difference other than price, the 350 weighs in at almost twice what the 360 does, Per Amazon, 7 vs. 12 pounds. As an old school audiophile I still tend to put my trust in heavier equipment (I know its silly but old habits die hard). The 350 has provided excellent service but my 2 year old Oppo DV 981HD DVD player provides superior up scaling. If you can still return your 350 I'd suggest you consider kicking in 100 bucks more and order the Oppo BDP 83. I've spent too much on 2 players in the past two years to even consider that and I might not even see or hear the difference. Bottom Line: You have a good reliable machine but like me, paid too much for it!
2069606
I am thinking garbage in - garbage out - when it comes to the satellite SD signal anyway. But what about my DVD home movies? They are more important to me. Would the Oppo be a great choice for my home movie SD DVD collection?
60357
I got mine from Fry's. It is the newer model with 128mb. There was some lagging in speed because the images were too high of a resolution. The quick fix is to use the WindowsXP powertool call ImageRiser. Free to download. Shrunk my 5.0mp images from about 1.7mb in size down to about 30k (at the 800x600 setting). Images now slideshow much faster and with a left over 512mb SD I had laying around, I could easily put thousands of images on it. Could not get the videos to work though, would be nice but no biggie. On the images where the pictures are bright and sunny, it looks great, but darking indoor images, the contrast is not so great. From 6 feet away, it is very watchable, up close at 2 to 3 feet, you can see the pixels.