OPPO DV-981HD DVD Player with HDMI and SACD/DVD-Audio - Review and Rating

The of Playback functionality of DV-981 was excellent, with commercial DVDs, several DVD-R/DVD+RW discs, as well as a selection of CD/CDR/RW/DTS/DVD-Audio, and SACD format discs.

In terms of casual viewing comparisons between DV-981HD and the other DVD players used, the OPPO DV-981HD was on par or excelled. Color consistency, edge smoothness, detail, and noise reduction was very good. Also, no upscaling artifacts were noticeable, except for some macroblocking on very dark scenes.

With regards to more technical testing, the DV-981HD met almost all the tests on the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD, which measures DVD player or monitor performance with regards to video processing and upscaling.

The test results revealed that the DV-981HD does excellent on progressive scan (3:2 pulldown), jaggie elimination, noise reduction, detail, motion adaptive processing, and moire pattern detection and elimination.

Where the DV-981HD did not do as well, were some of the more complex video and film frame cadences used in animation and variable frame rate cadences. Also, there was slight mosquito noise present around some objects in some test segments.

The DV-981HD did not have a problem when converting HDMI to DVI. Using the DV-981HD with the Syntax LT-32HV LCD Television, which required the HDMI output of the DV-981HD to be converted to DVI to make the connection, there was no problem with connection recognition. Also, rerunning the Silicon Optix Disc tests, I found no detectable performance difference when using DVI instead of HDMI.

In terms of audio performance, The DV-981HD delivered excellent audio performance on DVD soundtracks through the digital optical, digital coaxial, and 5.1 channel analog audio outputs. When playing standard DVDS, CDs, SACDs (Super Audio CDs), and DVD-Audio Discs. I noticed no audio artifacts that could be attributed to the DV-981HD.

Surround imagery and vocal presence in movie soundtracks, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Serenity, and U571, as well as audio-only discs, such as the SACD version Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, and the DVD-Audio version of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, was very consistent. In terms of standard 2-channel CD playback, Heart's Magic Man, with its distinctive bass slide to the extreme low end of the audio range, was spot on.

The DV-981 demonstrated versatility as both an excellent DVD player and CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player. It is too bad that SACD and DVD-Audio discs are hard to find on the shelves, as the DV-981 really delivers very credible performance on those two niche formats.

The one audio feature I was unable to test was SACD and DVD-Audio using the HDMI connection, as I did not have an HDMI-equipped AV receiver on hand for this review. I may do a follow up on this when I secure an HDMI-equipped AV receiver. All of my audio testing was done using the Digital Optical, Digital Coaxial, 5.1 channel analog, and 2 two channel analog outputs using the Yamaha HTR-5490 6.1 Channel AV receiver or Outlaw Audio Model 950 Preamp/Surround Processor.

There was much to like about the DV-981HD:

1. Excellent vido and audio performance - plays most video and audio disc formats.

2. HDMI output with 720p, 1080i, and 1080p upscaling options. This makes the DV-981HD compatible with any HDTV with an HDMI or DVI-HDCP input.

3. DVD-Audio and SACD playback can be accessed via 5.1 Channel analog outputs or HDMI output. This makes it possible to connect the DV-981HD to an AV receiver with HDMI vers 1.1 or higher input capable using a single HDMI cable for all video and audio output capabilities.

4. On-board video and audio adjustments allows for fine tuning of video playback parameters to your own taste, which changing your HDTV's video settings.

5. Excellent styling, easy to set up and use; slim profile.

However, despite the practical features and performance of the DV-981HD, there were some negatives:

1. There are no component video outputs.

2. There is no separate DVI-HDCP output.

3. The Remote control is not backlit, which would make it easier to use in darken rooms.

4. NTSC/PAL conversion only works on non-region coded discs in out-of-box operation.

5. Limited controls on unit itself. This is an issue on many DVD players. Don't lose your remote!

Final Take

The OPPO DV-981HD was easy to set up and use. The user manual illustrates several connection scenarios, based on the type of television or audio system to be used.

Overall functionality was excellent. The DV-981HD easily played commercial DVDs, several DVD-R/DVD+RW discs, as well as a selection of SACD/DVD-Audio/CD/CDR/RW discs, and also a Divx disc.

In terms of video performance, quality depended on the type of connection used, with HDMI producing the best results, with the upscaling feature.

Using HDMI and both the 720p, 1080i, and 1080p output settings in conjunction with a Syntax LT-32HV 32-inch LCD TV with native 720p display capability, Samsung LN-R238W 23-inch 720p LCD TV , and a Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 1080p LCD Monitor, and using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD as a reference, the DV-981HD produced excellent results in terms of jaggie elimination, detail, motion adaptive noise reduction, video noise reduction, and moire pattern elimination. In addition, although the DV-981HD did not do well on some frame cadences, it did better than the comparison players.

NOTE: The DV-981HD does not have component video outputs, but if your HDTV has HDMI inputs, then this may not make any difference.

Audio performance of the DV-981HD was excellent. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with good imaging. CD, DVD-Audio, and SACD playback audio reproduction was excellent and I did not sense any shortcomings that could be attributed to the DV-981HD

NOTE: DVD-Audio and SACD playback can be accessed by either the 5.1 Channel analog or HDMI outputs (provided you have an AV receiver with HDMI ver 1.1 or higher input capability). The DV-981HD converts SACD to PCM for HDMI access.

Taking all into consideration, OPPO has succeeded in delivering a DVD player that combines high performance with great value. If you have a TV with HDMI or DVI, consider the DV-981HD. I give the OPPO DV-981HD 4.5/5 Stars.