Oppo releases the DV-980H 1080p up-converting DVD player
posted Aug 16th 2007 12:19PM
Oppo has been at the forefront of the up-conversion DVD player market for a couple of years now. A few months ago they released the DV-981HD, a 1080p up-conversion DVD player, but it was missing something - component video jacks. Sure, HDMI might be the cool kid on the playground but there are still a lot HDTVs that cannot play nicely with HDMI and rely on component for their high-def fun. Plus, the new DV-980H doesn't stop with just 1080p and some messily component outputs, oh no, 7.1 analog audio output along with a USB 2.0 port were added too. If you happen to be one of those folks that cannot make up their mind on which high-def format is right for you, the DV-980H is currently available for $169 on their website and will help make those standard DVDs look at least a little better.
I have always wanted to own a Oppo since I first heard about them, but just never made the move to them since I didn't really need a new DVD player.
Since getting a new 1080p set and noticing some issues with my current DVD players, it is time for a new one. I have been eyeing up the DV-981 and DV-980, but sadly, I think I am going to go with a Toshiba HD-A20 or possibly the HD-A30 instead, making the jump to DVDs in HD sooner than I planned on.
The Oppo's are still an outside shot though due to their high quality, I may even buy one just for the region free features of DVD since I own a few Region 2 DVDs.
I have always been impressed with this company since I first heard of them and what their players could do. They really seem like a company that listens to the comsumers and gives them what they want and even update their players via firmware to fix what they can. I really hope they enter the HD scene soon, preferably with a dual format player, none of this fueling the war crap. If they did, I would be the first in line to buy one just to support them.
for about $40 more you can get a HD DVD that does all of the Oppo stuff plus actually plays HD DVDs. Well it may not be 1080p, but why would you need 1080p for a regular upconverting DVD player? That's silly.
I have the Oppo 981HD feeding a 720 plasma. Really looks nice on the upconversion - I'd say 25% better than the TV's internal scaler. Details feel crisp, colors are solid and true, and frame rates don't stutter. And for the price you can't go wrong.
The 980H looks good, but I'm gonna hold my dollars till I see it reviewed on the Secrets of Home Theater and Hi Fidelity DVD benchmark. The last few players fared pretty well there, so hopefully this one follows suit.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com
Alex - which player are you talking about?
Alex - which player are you talking about?