The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a new DVD player, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV-983H takes DVD player performance to the highest level. After reading this review, also check out a supplementary Close-up Photo Look at the DV-983H.
Pros
- Plays almost all video and audio disc formats - excellent performance.
- HDMI output with 720p,1080i, and 1080p upscaling options.
- DVD-Audio and SACD accesible via 5.1 channel analog audio outputs or via HDMI.
- iPod menus and files accessible via DV-983H remote control.
- HDMI connection cable provided.
Cons
- USB input mounted on rear panel instead of more convenient front panel placement.
- NTSC 480i or PAL 576i not available via HDMI output.
- 720p, 1080i, and 1080p upconversion via Component outputs only available for non-copyprotected DVDs.
- DSD signals from SACD source material converted to PCM for output.
- High price point.. Does not play Blu-ray or HD-DVD Discs
Description
- DVD player with DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, and DVD±R DL disc playback.
- DVD video upscaling to 720p, 1080i, 1080p output via HDMI connection (adaptable to DVI- HDCP).
- Anchor Bay VRS Precision Deinterlacing and Upscaling (up to 1080p) with cadence detection, detail, and edge enhancement.
- Component video (progressive and interlaced) outputs; S-video and standard Composite video outputs.
- Digital Optical, Digital Coaxial, and two sets of analog audio outputs (2-channel and 5.1/7.1 Channel).
- Supports Dolby Digital and DTS pass-through; built-in Dolby Digital EX and DTS decoders for up to 7.1 channel direct output.
- DVD-Audio and SACD accessible by both 5.1 channel analog and HDMI outputs.
- On-board adjustments for Sharpness/Contrast/Brightness/Saturation as well as video processing and scaling settings.
- Switchable NTSC/PAL output - automatic PAL/NTSC bi-directional conversion. Can be made region code free.
- Rear mounted USB 2.0 port for digital photos and music via Flash Drive or iPod.
Wireless remote/Easy-to-use onscreen menus.
Guide Review - OPPO Digital DV-983H DVD Player with HDMI Output and Anchor Bay VRS Processing
In terms of video performance, the HDMI output produced solid results in combination with the DV-983H's Anchor Bay VRS processing system.
Using HDMI with the 720p, 1080i, and 1080p output settings in conjunction with a Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 1080p LCD Monitor, and using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD as a reference, the DV-983H produced excellent results in terms of detail, color, motion tracking, video noise reduction, moire pattern detection and elimination, and frame cadence detection. The great video quality also bore out in real world DVD playback as well, using several titles, including (but not limited to): Crank, Moulin Rouge, House of the Flying Daggers, and Serenity.
Audio performance of the DV-983H was also excellent. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with excellent imaging. CD, DVD-Audio, and SACD playback audio reproduction was solid. I did not sense any shortcomings that could be attributed to the DV-983H. 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 1.2 input capability).
OPPO has succeeded in delivering a true reference-quality DVD player, but the price is high for the average consumer. Also, the location of the USB port on the rear panel, instead of the front of the unit, did make using that feature inconvenient. However, if you are reluctant to jump into true-HD with Blu-ray, you can still get the best that standard DVD can deliver with the almost-perfect DV-983H.
Based on performance, the OPPO DV-983H deserves a 5 out of 5 Star rating.
