alternative to Oppo DV-970HD

[jlyttle]

Hi all, I need to purchase a DVD player and was set on this model, but the wait is too long, backordered everywhere.

I have a Panasonic TH-50PX60U 50" plasma that is 720P, and am planning on a Yamaha RX-V659 receiver. I cannot spend on an HD DVD yet, and the Oppo was well reviewed. Is there another comparable that I should consider for around $150 or less that I should consider that will do HDMI upconverting? With this TV, do I need it? If not I could use my existing progressive scan model and wait for HD prices to come down.

 

[jcPanny]

Oppo 970

I have the oppo DV-970HD and highly recommend it, it is worth waiting a couple weeks. You will probably get it fastest if you order direct from the Oppo website. Its video upconversion capabilities are far better than other players in its price range and you also get DVD-A, SACD, and slots for memory card playback.

There are some samsung and sony upconverting players for a little less, but they don't match the performance of the oppo. Check out the Secrets of Home Theater DVD benchmark for detailed reviews.

P.S. Saw a used 970 on the av123 forum so maybe you wont have to wait.

 

[jonnythan]

You can spend the extra few bucks and get the 971. I have one on a 50" plasma and it's very impressive. By all accounts, the 971 produces a significantly better image than the 970.

If you spent that kinda money on a TV, you might as well spend the extra $50 to get the in-stock 971 with the Froujda chipset.

Check out the Secrets of Home Theater DVD benchmarks jcPanny talked about:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=68&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0

The 970 got 84/86 and the 971 got 94/98. Not bad for a $50 upgrade.

 

[jlyttle]

You know what? I am just going to wait. It seems like the best one for the money out there, until HD-DVD players come down in a year or two.

 

[chicomoralessxm]

Just wondering how is the sounds quality? of the oppo970hd i'm planning
to use it temporarily as a cd player. Till i get a new cdplayer prob nad c542 or CA640c. any thoughts???