New Oppo is here...

[mnnc]

...I had contacted Oppo earlier this summer with interest concerning the possibility of producing/offering a player in the color black. Well, the tech assured me that this was in the making and it would be built upon the 971 platform. The new blk. model is the 981, features hdmi, and sacd playback. It's at the top of my list this holiday season.

 

[Waveform]

Ad in S & V mag

Saw the advertisement for the new Oppo in the current issue. Still nothing on their web site though

 

[Audioholics]

I just got a bunch of info on the new DV-981HD player... 1080p via HDMI and it will support both SACD and DVD-Audio. Still uses the Faroudja chipset and and is still slated to come with an HDMI cable.

No component outputs - this is for HDMI displays/receivers only.

 

[Davidt1]

No component no Oppo

I don't understand the logic behind their decision not to include component output. Even the newest displays made today have component inputs. They cut corners in the wrong places to reduce cost.

 

[j_garcia]

That is how they are going to keep the price down. If you want component, you'll have to buy one of their other players. If it can't do 720p/1080p via component, then what benefit would it offer to have the component connection? That is the same as the current models, which don't do upconversion via component either...

 

[Ron Temple]

Hey John,

Want to buy my 971 when I trade up?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hey John,

Want to buy my 971 when I trade up?

Ron (or anyone),

How would you describe the upgrade from your former dvd player to your new Oppo? Was it similar to going from VCR to DVD, or SD to HD, or more subtle? Is it too much to expect a near HD picture from this player after watching ESPN HD? I'm not noticing much difference from standard playback compared to progressive scan playback on my Toshiba 3990 DVD player (doesn't do upconverting).

 

[Waveform]

Ron (or anyone),

How would you describe the upgrade from your former dvd player to your new Oppo? Was it similar to going from VCR to DVD, or SD to HD, or more subtle? Is it too much to expect a near HD picture from this player after watching ESPN HD? I'm not noticing much difference from standard playback compared to progressive scan playback on my Toshiba 3990 DVD player (doesn't do upconverting).

When I got my upconverting DVD player (Toshiba SD-5980, not even particularly highly rated at Secrets), I was astonished at the PQ (on Panasonic AE700U). So much so that it is hard to tell the difference between a good anamorphic DVD from HD on Comcast. Since OTA HD is supposed to be better than HD on cable, I can't say it is as good as HD, but it sure is close. As an aside, the PQ is definitely better to my eyes when I use the DVD player's 720p output than when using the 480p output, where presumably the projector does the upscaling.

Seeing as I am fairly easy to please, why get the Oppo? SACD and DVD-A is the major reason, and if the price point is as nice as for previous Oppo products, I can see for myself whether I can tell the difference between a middling DVD player and one that is rated to be among the best for PQ.

 

[mnnc]

Saw the advertisement for the new Oppo in the current issue. Still nothing on their web site though

...and right next to the table of contents page at that. I would say this will get a bit of attention.

 

[mnnc]

When I got my upconverting DVD player (Toshiba SD-5980, not even particularly highly rated at Secrets), I was astonished at the PQ (on Panasonic AE700U). So much so that it is hard to tell the difference between a good anamorphic DVD from HD on Comcast. Since OTA HD is supposed to be better than HD on cable, I can't say it is as good as HD, but it sure is close. As an aside, the PQ is definitely better to my eyes when I use the DVD player's 720p output than when using the 480p output, where presumably the projector does the upscaling.

Seeing as I am fairly easy to please, why get the Oppo? SACD and DVD-A is the major reason, and if the price point is as nice as for previous Oppo products, I can see for myself whether I can tell the difference between a middling DVD player and one that is rated to be among the best for PQ.

Concerning price of new 981, I spoke w/ a tech and was told that price should be approx the same as or a little higher than the 971 which we know was and still is at $200. I suppose skimping on component outs but adding sacd capabilities has equaled the price equation. I guess we all have to get used to the inevitable phasing out of analog video regardless of conversion factors. I see a lot of "upgrade happy" members here and I suppose that is quite nice to be able to do. Those of us not able to do so must keep in mind that our "component video enabled" artifacts will soon not be compatible with newer generation recvr's/pre-pros. Best to get something you like that supports your current components or all of us will be forced to upgrade to components that will be able to be connected to each other!