What to buy? Have a Large DVD collection. Need experienced advice. Hi guys, I have a 50inch Sony Rear projection 1080p television, and would like a great upscaling dvd player. I may also start going into the formal war (though would like to avoid it now if possible)Basically I am torn between the OPPO 981, the toshibal A2, or the XA2 .The upscaling seems to be very good on the oppo, not too bad on the A2, and superb on the XA2. However I am not sure I want to spend such an amount on a DVD player! Plus jumping intot he format war, A2 might be the better choice.What would you guys advice---considering I have 350 Dvds (some no-anamorphic), and only a fair interest in HD for the moment. Would the A2 be sufficient for both very good upscaling and HD playback? is the A20 a happy medium or should i stick with the oppo for now?thanks guys What to buy? Have a Large DVD collection. Need experienced advice. Hi guys, I have a 50inch Sony Rear projection 1080p television, and would like a great upscaling dvd player. I may also start... » Read More What to buy? Have a Large DVD collection. Need experienced advice. Hi guys, I have a 50inch Sony Rear projection 1080p television, and would like a great upscaling dvd player. I may also start going into the formal war (though would like to avoid it now if possible)Basically I am torn between the OPPO 981, the toshibal A2, or the XA2 .The upscaling seems to be very good on the oppo, not too bad on the A2, and superb on the XA2. However I am not sure I want to spend such an amount on a DVD player! Plus jumping intot he format war, A2 might be the better choice.What would you guys advice---considering I have 350 Dvds (some no-anamorphic), and only a fair interest in HD for the moment. Would the A2 be sufficient for both very good upscaling and HD playback? is the A20 a happy medium or should i stick with the oppo for now?thanks guys « Show Less
931527
John - I hope I am not bothersome in my quest for accurate and intelligent information, if so, please tell me you have had enough. Otherwise, I have read a lot of posts and reviews regaridng 1.3 and 1.3a HDMI cables. I also remember you advised not to go with cheap cables which I agree with despite many saying they cannot notice a difference. My receiver is hdmi 1.3 and I know the PS3 is as well. I read that you should make sure that the HDMI cable is certified as a 1.3 and have read that all HDMIs support 1.3 (which I am not sure I believe). What is the truth and what cable do you recommend that is certified as 1.3? Also, does it matter if the cable is 1.3 or 1.3a? John - I hope I am not bothersome in my quest for accurate and intelligent information, if so, please tell me you have had enough. Otherwise, I have read a lot of posts and reviews regaridng 1.3 and 1.3a HDMI cables. I also remember you advised not to go with cheap cables which I agree with despite many saying they cannot notice a difference. My receiver is hdmi 1.3 and I know the PS3 is as well. I read that you should make sure that the HDMI cable is certified as a 1.3 and have read that all HDMIs support 1.3 (which I am not sure I believe). What is the truth and what cable do you... » Read More John - I hope I am not bothersome in my quest for accurate and intelligent information, if so, please tell me you have had enough. Otherwise, I have read a lot of posts and reviews regaridng 1.3 and 1.3a HDMI cables. I also remember you advised not to go with cheap cables which I agree with despite many saying they cannot notice a difference. My receiver is hdmi 1.3 and I know the PS3 is as well. I read that you should make sure that the HDMI cable is certified as a 1.3 and have read that all HDMIs support 1.3 (which I am not sure I believe). What is the truth and what cable do you recommend that is certified as 1.3? Also, does it matter if the cable is 1.3 or 1.3a? « Show Less
931528
John - you have been incredibly helpful and i appreciate your knowledge. My receiver does support all of the lossless sound formats regarding DTS HD masterauduio and tolby True HD. I am thinking that the PS3 does as well. In your opinion, what are the best looking Blu rays that you have personally seen or own regarding visuals and effects? Thanks Again!
931529
I own 66 Blu-ray titles, here's a list of some excellent demo material: P.O.T.C. (1 & 2) is tops on the list, MI-3, Kingdom of Heaven, Underworld Evolution, Ghost Rider, Hellboy, Crank, Black Hawk Down, Corpse Bride, Ice Age, Aeon Flux, Swordfish, Fifth Element (Re-mastered version) & Planet Earth BBC are also excellent examples on Blu-ray.
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Blu-ray is not superior. It simply has different specs and technology.You can get top notch picture and sound from both formats. And they are indistinguishable.
931531
For upconvert OPPO vs. A2/A20, i'd pick the latter. not only do you have the same, if not better, upconvert capability, in addition, you get true HD experience with HD DVDs (since 5 are free through rebate). If you care about quality, A20 is a good bet since the next firmware upgrade will allow 1080p24fps, plus, it's around 320-330 with free shipping from amazon. 100% compatibility with future releases since all the specs were firmed up. The ps3 will let you play games, but it's not confirmed whether it'll support PIP (through 1.1 version) though it does support some BD-J (similar to HDi) already. For upconvert OPPO vs. A2/A20, i'd pick the latter. not only do you have the same, if not better, upconvert capability, in addition, you get true HD experience with HD DVDs (since 5 are free through rebate). If you care about quality, A20 is a good bet since the next firmware upgrade will allow 1080p24fps, plus, it's around 320-330 with free shipping from amazon. 100% compatibility with future releases since all the specs were firmed up. The ps3 will let you play games, but it's not confirmed whether it'll support PIP (through 1.1 version) though it does support some BD-J (similar to HDi)... » Read More For upconvert OPPO vs. A2/A20, i'd pick the latter. not only do you have the same, if not better, upconvert capability, in addition, you get true HD experience with HD DVDs (since 5 are free through rebate). If you care about quality, A20 is a good bet since the next firmware upgrade will allow 1080p24fps, plus, it's around 320-330 with free shipping from amazon. 100% compatibility with future releases since all the specs were firmed up. The ps3 will let you play games, but it's not confirmed whether it'll support PIP (through 1.1 version) though it does support some BD-J (similar to HDi) already. « Show Less
871061
I'll wait too! Just came to Amazon from Consumer Reports where it is listed as recommended with price of $200.00. I was shocked when I saw the price today. Hmm, maybe for $100 more, I'll buy the higher rated Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with many more features, in stock here at Amazon and eligible for Amazon Prime! Read the reviews on it! Also, it is just at the MSRP of $499.99!
616521
Hey Guys,Thanks for the advice. I ended up going with the 983. I expect to receive it mid April. I actually had a Toshiba D3 but I just recently sold it with my HD collection. As I have quite a large collection of SD DVD's it made sense to go with the best quality upconverting player available especially as there would be quite a noticible PQ difference on a 72" display. The plan now is to pick up a cheap Blue Ray player during thanksgiving or boxing day sales which I will use purely for Blue Ray while the 983 will be uses for everything else.
1039571
Upscaling and upconverting are used interchangeably though I'm sure the definitions my technically be different. As far as DVD's are concerned, neither do anything to the sound quality and applies to video quality as far as I know. The "up convert" capabilities of the Samsung DVD-C500 results in an excellent 1080p resolution. It still isn't true HD! No DVD upscale (or up converting) player will ever result a true HD picture, but this unit produces video of fantastic quality via HDMI in my opinion.
59725
My advice would be to go for the LG. The Samsung is a good player but the LG is multi-region Blu-ray with a remote code and a simple hack makes it multi-region for DVD too. The Samsung has a Reon scaler & the LG a QDEO scaler, both are excellent. I had the LG for almost 3yrs, it's a solid piece of kit and with the right firmwares (go to avs forums for these) you can play burnt BD - Rs & - REs, it plays all the HD audio types & it was updated to 'BD Live' for all the on-line stuff some discs have. The Samsung is a good machine & has its fans but I think the LG offers more.
1934848
BTW...yesterday I was in BB and Sony has just released a 32" XBR9 1080p with 120hz Motionflow technology... and it is up on the Sony Style website.. so much for what the salesman tell you that Sony is not going to produce..But compared to the Sony 32" 1080p 60 hz.. I thought the higher priced model with 120hz looked grainy to me. I really didn't see the $200 difference in the (retail price). Perhaps on Blu Ray disc viewing there is a difference.. GLTA
1179374
Jorge .. I almost forgot. If you have some Region 1 DVDs, play this on the HD-A35 and be surprised at just how good the HD-A35 is at upscaling your standard Region 1 NTSC DVDs. I particularly recommend you try Star Wars 2 & 3. I think you will like what you see. =) Now, if you like what you see and want to do the same with your Region 4 DVDs, consider adding the Oppo DV-980H or Oppo DV-981HD to your list of DVD players. The HD-A35 will play only Region 1 DVDs and Region Free DVDs. My DVD collection consist of Region 1 NTSC, Region 2 PAL, and Region 3 NTSC DVDs. This is why I have the Oppo DVD player in addition to my Toshiba HD DVD player. Jorge .. I almost forgot. If you have some Region 1 DVDs, play this on the HD-A35 and be surprised at just how good the HD-A35 is at upscaling your standard Region 1 NTSC DVDs. I particularly recommend you try Star Wars 2 & 3. I think you will like what you see. =) Now, if you like what you see and want to do the same with your Region 4 DVDs, consider adding the Oppo DV-980H or Oppo DV-981HD to your list of DVD players. The HD-A35 will play only Region 1 DVDs and Region Free DVDs. My DVD collection consist of Region 1 NTSC, Region 2 PAL, and Region 3 NTSC DVDs. This is why I... » Read More Jorge .. I almost forgot. If you have some Region 1 DVDs, play this on the HD-A35 and be surprised at just how good the HD-A35 is at upscaling your standard Region 1 NTSC DVDs. I particularly recommend you try Star Wars 2 & 3. I think you will like what you see. =) Now, if you like what you see and want to do the same with your Region 4 DVDs, consider adding the Oppo DV-980H or Oppo DV-981HD to your list of DVD players. The HD-A35 will play only Region 1 DVDs and Region Free DVDs. My DVD collection consist of Region 1 NTSC, Region 2 PAL, and Region 3 NTSC DVDs. This is why I have the Oppo DVD player in addition to my Toshiba HD DVD player. « Show Less
2125418
Not me but I am using hdmi cable with a samsung 46" LCD LN46B640. It was definitely near HD quality. Watched a regular dvd of inglourious basterds and district 9 this week and the picture quality was nothing short of amazing. In district 9, the helicopter shot over the alien camp was so crystal clear that it looked like 3-d. I'm gonna have to rent the blu-ray version to compare them. I've been happy with the upconversion. I also have a regular sony dvd player (dvp-ns700h/b) that got great reviews and I still use in my bedroom. Is that the one you have? You could even see my 5/14/08 amazon review of the sony dvd player to see how much I love my sony dvd player (dvp-ns700h/b). The Sony dvd player does an amazing job of upconverting. Probably the best outside of an oppo. Maybe even slightly better than the panasonic blu-ray player. Not really sure though because I have been really impressed with dvds in the panasonic. Maybe I will set up both with my television and really compare them. I do suggest you to connect an hdmi to your television though. That may fix your problem. Maybe the sony converts better than the panasonic with the component cables but the panasonic may convert equally well with an hdmi.
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Thanks. I already have a Toshiba A30 which works perfectly and delivers an amazing picture to my Samsung LCD. But when I get tired of the BOURNE, MATRIX, and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE trios, and the dozen other HD DVDs in the library, and i get over the fact that the unfinished/unfriendly format won the war, I may very well want to get a Blu Ray player!
561930
I know I am going to get blasted for this. I personally think that as far as Blu-Ray standalones that this player is the best option available. That being said investing over $400 in one of these when you don't have an HDMI V1.3 display (1080p/24p) is just plain insane as you are spending a whole bunch of extra money with technology that you won't use until you upgrade your set/projector. I would go with a Toshiba A3 which has 720p/1080i capabilities and costs a whopping $118.49 shipped. If nothing else the price difference is significant enough that you could make use of it until the prices on things like the panasonic or the better HDTV sets comes down to the point where it is more affordable. I know I am going to get blasted for this. I personally think that as far as Blu-Ray standalones that this player is the best option available. That being said investing over $400 in one of these when you don't have an HDMI V1.3 display (1080p/24p) is just plain insane as you are spending a whole bunch of extra money with technology that you won't use until you upgrade your set/projector. I would go with a Toshiba A3 which has 720p/1080i capabilities and costs a whopping $118.49 shipped. If nothing else the price difference is significant enough that you could make use of it until the... » Read More I know I am going to get blasted for this. I personally think that as far as Blu-Ray standalones that this player is the best option available. That being said investing over $400 in one of these when you don't have an HDMI V1.3 display (1080p/24p) is just plain insane as you are spending a whole bunch of extra money with technology that you won't use until you upgrade your set/projector. I would go with a Toshiba A3 which has 720p/1080i capabilities and costs a whopping $118.49 shipped. If nothing else the price difference is significant enough that you could make use of it until the prices on things like the panasonic or the better HDTV sets comes down to the point where it is more affordable. « Show Less
774460
You have my complete sympathy! I bought my 350 in September of 2008 for $350. A month later the s360 hit the market at a bit over $200. As far as a difference other than price, the 350 weighs in at almost twice what the 360 does, Per Amazon, 7 vs. 12 pounds. As an old school audiophile I still tend to put my trust in heavier equipment (I know its silly but old habits die hard). The 350 has provided excellent service but my 2 year old Oppo DV 981HD DVD player provides superior up scaling. If you can still return your 350 I'd suggest you consider kicking in 100 bucks more and order the Oppo BDP 83. I've spent too much on 2 players in the past two years to even consider that and I might not even see or hear the difference. Bottom Line: You have a good reliable machine but like me, paid too much for it!
1506756
Is the Oppo better? Look at ANY professional review (there are about 2 dozen) and you'll find all are telling you that to get a better player, you might have to spend a lot more money (I'm talking thousands of dollars). If you already have a PS3, I don't see a great need to upgrade to the Oppo (the PS3 was the reference player of most of these review sites, that is, until the Oppo came along). If you're trying to choose between the two, the difference in price is significant enough to give many people pause (and I doubt many could tell the difference in the blu-ray quality between the two in a blind head-to-head test -- depending upon their other equipment -- because both are excellent blu-ray players). Where the Oppo outshines most other players is in its up-converting capability and audio capability (and matches the speed -- the time from insertion to playback -- of the PS3). But don't take my word for it, read all the professional reviews.
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Thank you very much, E. Soares - I appreciate the information you've provided, especially the link to the electronic copy of the player's manual. Although not the answer we would have liked to see, it's not at all a surprise, given the super-low price on this.If I may offer a little hint, I've had my eye on the Sherwood BDP-5004 - it's been verified by several reviewers on other Forums as being PAL/NTSC, Region-Free capable. It's the only Blu-Ray I've seen so far that has this important (to me, at least) capability. I play a lot of music DVDs that are from Europe, UK, Japan and Australia.It's about twice as expensive as this Sylvania, but the added abilities would be worth it.Thanks again!Leo Thank you very much, E. Soares - I appreciate the information you've provided, especially the link to the electronic copy of the player's manual. Although not the answer we would have liked to see, it's not at all a surprise, given the super-low price on this.If I may offer a little hint, I've had my eye on the Sherwood BDP-5004 - it's been verified by several reviewers on other Forums as being PAL/NTSC, Region-Free capable. It's the only Blu-Ray I've seen so far that has this important (to me, at least) capability. I play a lot of music DVDs that are from Europe, UK, Japan and... » Read More Thank you very much, E. Soares - I appreciate the information you've provided, especially the link to the electronic copy of the player's manual. Although not the answer we would have liked to see, it's not at all a surprise, given the super-low price on this.If I may offer a little hint, I've had my eye on the Sherwood BDP-5004 - it's been verified by several reviewers on other Forums as being PAL/NTSC, Region-Free capable. It's the only Blu-Ray I've seen so far that has this important (to me, at least) capability. I play a lot of music DVDs that are from Europe, UK, Japan and Australia.It's about twice as expensive as this Sylvania, but the added abilities would be worth it.Thanks again!Leo « Show Less
1342602
Better ..... in some cases, yes. In others No. It really depends on your evaluation criteria. Its better in that it costs a 1/3 of the price, and its better for apps. Its similar or the same for DVD and Bluray playback. It falls short in terms of local file support, analog outputs, build quality, resale value and sorry Sony ... customer support. Oppo customer support is 2nd to none. Either player is great though - so you really can't go wrong with what you decide.
2071942
And in addition to Paulos comment If you are thinking about buying another player then look somewhere else as even though this will up convert standard dvd to near hd, the hd dvd's are not produced any more and only a handful of titles are available in places like ebay. It is better than a standard dvd player but with so much blue ray readily available I would go with a blue ray player that will also play your standard dvd library.
2069605
The Oppo will most likely improve your home movie. The Oppo 980 will most likely be a safe choice (specially if you own a DLP RPTV) as not only is it newer and cost less than the 981, but it is also a terrific universal DVD Player.
2069604
I did call customer support. He just said the better the DVD the better the upconversion. I could have guessed that. I have high quality home movies in 480i. They look very good but have jaggies on straight edges. Is there any body out there using the Oppo for home movies??