PANASONIC S77 or S97, vs. Oppo

[df4801]

Trying to finish off my HT.
Still need a DVD player. Hate to spend more than $250 with upgrade to HD-DVD in the next couple years.
I have heard the S77 and 97 are good, and most prefer the 77. But I can get the 77 for $50 less than the 97. Doesnt make sense. Is the 97 worth more?
Also, I know the Oppo gets great reviews, but only if you use DVI, and I probably will be using component with my projector, so I ruled it out. Is that correct thinking?

Thanks

 

[df4801]

I just realized my projector does have DVI. So would I be better off running DVI thru the oppo?
I am kind of confused on how that goes thru the receiver. Would I then run sdtv thru the reciever via DVI or component to the pj?

 

[df4801]

WOW!
Almost 100 views and no one has any opinions or suggestions.

 

[j_garcia]

I've had good luck with a number of Panasonic DVD players, so my vote would be for the S97.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Trying to finish off my HT.
Still need a DVD player. Hate to spend more than $250 with upgrade to HD-DVD in the next couple years.
I have heard the S77 and 97 are good, and most prefer the 77. But I can get the 77 for $50 less than the 97. Doesnt make sense. Is the 97 worth more?
Also, I know the Oppo gets great reviews, but only if you use DVI, and I probably will be using component with my projector, so I ruled it out. Is that correct thinking?

Thanks

My preference would be the new Neuneo HVD2085.
http://www.neuneo.com/body/customer/customer1.asp

 

[df4801]

Thanks, I'll look at that unit.
One more question. My projector (sharp 12000) supposedly has a really good scaler. I think its likely better than most dvd players. So, do I even need to worry about the dvd scaling ability? Arent I just going to send 480i or 480p to the pj and let it do all the work?

 

[LikeABanshee]

I just got the Oppo and am quite pleased. Comes with a dvi-hdmi or an hdmi-hdmi cable also for about $215 shipped. NeuNeo is $245 + shipping + cable cost.

I'd go with the Oppo to tide you over until hd-dvd

 

[Snap]

I am currently trying out the Panny DVD-S77 Not a bad little unit. I am having trouble "I think" with my HDMI inputs to my Sony WEGA. But this is what I can tell you so far.

for 249 bucks it is not a bad DVD player. It is one of the only ones out there that has has HDMI outs that that is under 250 bucks. (Other than the Samsung and I have not heard any good reviews on that one.)

I did how ever notice NO, and I mean NO change in PQ from 480P and the upscaling 720P or 1080i selections. I did notice the change when I did the same thing with my Denon 2910. (I know it is not fair to compair the 2910 to the S77 but that is what I saw.

But once again not quite sure about my 55 inch Sony right now. I am getting a New HDMI cable soon, and I hope that it fixes the problems that I was having with BOTH the 2910 and the S77.

If you can save up, even wait a few months to get the DVD player I would recomend the Denon 1920. That is my thoughts on the matter.

The S77 is supper thin by the way. The thing is sleek in the rack.

 

[jcPanny]

DVD connections

I just realized my projector does have DVI. So would I be better off running DVI thru the oppo?
I am kind of confused on how that goes thru the receiver. Would I then run sdtv thru the reciever via DVI or component to the pj?

To achieve high perfornce scalling an deinterlacing from the Oppo, you must use the DVI conneciton. See the new Audioholics review. You would connect the DVI cable from the OPPO directly to a DVI or HDMI connection on your projector. The sound from the DVD would go through the receiver but not the video. A component video connection through the recever would provide switching for you satellite, TIVO and other sources.

Concerning reviews, the Oppo and Panasonic both rate well in the secrets of home theater DVD benchmark. The panasonic probably has a little better build quality while the Oppo is cheeper and includes a DVI cable.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=122

 

[Snap]

JCPanny brought out that the one DVD player came with a DVI cable. I forgot to mention that the Panny came with a HDMI cable. I wish I would have thought of that before ordering my new HDMI cable. Oh, well it is only another cable laying around the house!

But I thought that I would throw that out for peoples FYI.

 

[ronrags]

Snap

I'm curious about the DVI hook-up between the 2910 and your Sony TV. I too own a Sony 55" LCD and presently have the Denon 2200 with a component cable. I was planning to upgrade to the 2910 since it has a DVI output. How much of a difference was there when you used the DVI cable over component? Thanks, Ron