OPPO Digital OPDV971H DVD Player with DVI Output - 720p/1080i Upscaling - Review

Overall functionality was excellent. The 971 easily played commercial DVDs, several DVD-R/DVD+RW discs, as well as a selection of CD/CDR/RW/HDCD format discs, and also a Divx disc.

In terms of video performance, quality depended on the type of connection used, but was very good for each type of connection, with DVI producing the best results. One shortcoming on video performance was the lack of progressive scan output on the component video connections; I hope this can be corrected in the future.

Using DVI and the 720p setting in conjunction with a 720p native resolution flat panel television, and using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD as a reference, the 971 produced excellent results in terms of detail, color, motion tracking, and progressive scan detection. With the video noise tests, some background video noise was present, but not distracting. These results also bore out in the actual playing of commercial DVDs.

In terms of overall video quality, I found the images produced by the 971 to be very pleasing, with the HQV test results easily on par with a Samsung DVD-HD931 DVI-Faroudja equipped player used for comparison, using a Syntax Olevia LT32HV as the DVi-equipped HD monitor to display images from both units.

I also found that the built-in PAL/NTSC converter worked very well. Although the U.S. version of the 971 is not code-free, it did play non-region coded PAL format discs, and, with very good video conversion quality, depending on the source material.

Audio Performance

Audio performance of the 971 was also very good. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with excellent imaging.

In the playback of standard CD material, the 971 showed no signs of obvious audio artifacts, faithfully reproducing the dynamics and frequency range of the recordings used.

The big surprise, for me, was the inclusion of DVD-Audio playback capability. The audio reproduction of the DVD-Audio format was very good and I did not sense any shortcomings that could be attributed to the 971.

In addition, the 971 has extensive audio playback options, such as present soundfields,equalization, mixdown options. Also, the on-board incorporation of Pro-Logic II gives standard two-channel material more depth.

What I Liked About The OPDV971H and What Could Be Improved

Strong Points of the 971 included:

1. Plays almost all video and audio disc formats, including DVD-Audio and Divx.

2. DVI output with 720p and 1080i upscaling options.

3. 5.1 channel analog audio outputs for DVD-Audio playback or for use with receivers or amps that have 5.1 channel analog inputs but do not have Dolby Digital/DTS decoders.

4. On-board video adjustments, as well as soundfield and equalization settings for audio work very well and are easily accessible.

5.Excellent styling, easy to set up and use. Rear panel connections are clearly labeled.

Features that could be improved or added:

1. Progressive scan is not available through component outputs. The component outputs on the 971 are limited to 480i which is not on par with less expensive DVD players that have progressive scan (480p) component outputs.

2. No SACD (Super Audio CD) playback compatibility. This would be a great addition for the 971.

3. Remote control not backlit. This would definitely be a welcome improvement. The remote has small buttons that are difficult to read. In addition, when you pick up the remote, sometimes it is not readily apparent if you are looking at it upside down or right-side up.

4. In its current verion, NTSC/PAL conversion only works on non-region coded discs. The ability to watch PAL discs on an NTSC television works well, but having a code free option out-of-the-box would be great.

5. Limited controls on unit itself. If you lose or temporarily misplace your remote, the front panel you only has options for on/off, eject, play, pause, and stop.

Final Take

The OPPO OPDV971H is a smartly-styled, feature-packed, easy-to-use, DVD player that delivers what it promises.

DVI connectivity with Faroudja video processing and upscaling enables the 971 to deliver an excellent picture on DVI (or HDMI w/adapter cable) equipped HDTVs.

In addition, other features, such as DVD-Audio, HDCD, and Divx playback, and NTSC/PAL conversion, add great audio and video flexibility.

The only misgiving is the lack of a progressive scan output via its component video outputs, however, progressive scan is fully supported by the DVI output. Despite this, the total feature package and performance makes the OPPO OPDV971H is one of the best DVD players out there for under $200. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. I give the OPDV971H a rating of 4.5 Stars out of 5.

For an additional perspective on the OPDV971H, check out the Review by Matt Torres, About Guide for TV/Video.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.