Oppo DV-980H or Panasonic DMP-BD30 for SD-DVD’s?

[The13thGryphon]

Although I am interested in acquiring a Blu-Ray player at some point now that the Hi-Def video format war is over, I don’t have a single BD-DVD at the moment… and I do have several hundred standard def DVD’s. Therefore, I want a machine that will up-convert my SD-DVD’s to HD with the highest possible video quality. I need a player that will output both 720p and 1080p in top quality. My current projector – a Panasonic AE700U – tops out at 720p, but I’ll be picking up a newer projector later this year.

Additionally, I don’t have a need for DVD-A or SACD, so I’m not worried about that capability. I have around a thousand Redbood CD’s, and an incredible sounding transport/DAC combination I’m very happy with, so I’ve just never purchased any of the “higher definition” audio disks.

So, the question is this… Does the Oppo 980 play up-converted standard DVD’s with a better PQ than the Panny BD30? Or the other way around?

I could save a few dollars overall if I was able to just buy the BD30 and be done with it. But if the PQ of the Oppo would be significantly better when up-converting SD-DVD’s, then I’ll get an Oppo now, and pick up a Blu-Ray player down the road when BD-DVD’s prices become more realistic.

Feedback from anyone that has direct experience with both the Oppo and Panasonic players would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Midcow2]

Panasonic DMP-BD30 is sold out everywhere

The Panasonic DMP-BD30 seems to be the recoemmned choice and if aviaalbility is any consideration you can not currently find one for sale. They are all sold out. They say a PS3 is also recommended , but I don't like using the game controller to manage the DVD.

The Oppo DV-980H cetainly cost less. But sometimes you get what you pay for!

Good luck, My Pioneer Elite DVD will have to last a little longer!

 

[dobyblue]

The Oppo will give you better upconversion of Standard DVD's.
If you're looking for a dedicated DVD player, for $169 what you get with the Oppo is pretty sweet.

When you're ready to get into Blu-ray, there will be more players to choose from at a cheaper price point. The Panasonic DMP-BD50 will be a good one as it will be compatible with all discs and have analog outputs with decoding of all audio codecs.

My advice if you're not ready to jump into Blu just yet would be to pick up the Oppo. It's a lot of player for what you're paying.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cd-dvd-player-product-reviews/universal-players/oppo-dv-980h-universal-dvd-player-audio-performance.html