OPPO OPDV971H -or- Panasonic DVD-S97S, what to buy?

[Stone__Man]

I have narrowed it down to these two DVD players, and besides the reviews read I'd very much like to have input from the members here.

I can get
the oppo for @200
the panny 4 @250

I appreciate all input , TIA

 

[Blundaar]

Where would you pick up the Panasonic? I'm in the same situation, but had decided on the Panny because I was hoping to pick it up locally (that, and a richer feature set). Trouble is, I can't find it anywhere. I can, however pick up a Pioneer Elite (DV-45A) or a Denon (DVD 1920) for around the same price. Time to do some more research.
Note: Looks like I can get the Panny at Fry's. God, I hate Fry's.

 

[Stone__Man]

sheesh it only took 52 views to get ONE reply, I really don't understand why so many have viewed what is obviously a call for help and not said a friggin' word <_<

blundaar, amazon has it on sale at that price with shipping. hope this helps ya.

 

[Blundaar]

How are you hooking it up to your TV? I'll be using HDMI to DVI, so macroblocking may be an issue (it's a crapshoot, from what I hear). Otherwise, I'll use the component connections. Like I said, the Panny has more features and appears to be a better build, but either appear to be good players.

 

[mikey d]

i own an oppo and think it has great outpout.
it does have its failings. responce to buttons is slow, i had to return mine 2 times due to dvi outpout issues also i thought the dvd tray could be a little more sturdy.

unless you are using the DVI outpout do not buy an oppo.

 

[jakeman]

I own both, the s-97 inputs through hdmi into a sim ht300e projector and the Oppo into a LG 50 "plasma. They both are excellent units but the choice should depend on which inputs you are planning to use since performance will vary. Based on my experience, if DVI go with the Oppo, if HDMI or component go with the s-97.

 

[GlocksRock]

I have the oppo with DVD-HDMI to my Yamaha RX-V1600 with HDMI out to my Samsung HL-R5067W DLP tv, and the picture is great. My other dvd player is an older panasonic DVD-S35 that still looks really good over component.

 

[gnagel]

I really cannot compare the Oppo to the Panny since I only own the Oppo.

However, I am very pleased with the Oppo DVD player using the DVI to HDMI cable. I love the fact most of the minor "bugs" that existed with my player were easily remedied via the firmware upgrades that Oppo has provided.

Although many people claim that the DVD tray is not sturdy enough, it's one of those things that will bend but not break. It has a flexible build which leads some to believe that the build quality is not that great when in reality it can take quite a bit of pressure.

I've called Oppo's customer service two or three times and was amazed at their responsiveness to my questions.

 

[Stone__Man]

thanks for the replies. I decided to go with the OPPO.

on the "flimsy tray" issue. I read that they made if flexible so as not to break when pressure is put on it. how many have had a stiff tray get screwed up? I've seen a few. Lastly, I seen a pic "somewhere" that shows the person actually bending it down quite a bit with no ill effect on the tray.

again, thanks all