DVI Output DVD Player Review - OPPO OPDV971H

Video processing on the unit is excellent offering DVI outputs of 480p all the way up to 720p, which is all that’s really needed for High-res TV. For a budget unit it is above average as even more expensive models have lower upconversion and HDMI limits. The Oppo has an integrated ‘native-rate’ conversion which does a visibly better job than the conversion undertaken by your HDTV or other HD display.

You also have the ability to change various picture-quality settings, such as Brightness, Saturation, Contrast and etc. These are normally available on up-market models but even at that price, few ones have the option of adjusting your gamma for instance.

One of the downsides of the player is its remote control, with has a poor layout where all of the buttons look the same; since the remote isn’t lit it is hard to distinguish which button does which (apart for the directional control).

The OPPO offers the usual 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS, with on-board decoders and analog outputs. Although most of the video functions are good and almost excellent, the Audio isn’t particularly impressive but it is nonetheless average.

If you are planning to listen to CD’s on this player, you won’t be particularly impressed; standard sound spacing, not enough depth in the lower-spectrum frequency and general poorly-rounded harmonic performance makes the player’s audio quite bland. Some of the models in this price range by Sony or Pioneer offer better audio performance but then again they lack DV outputs or other features.

The unit also has coaxial Toslink digital audio outputs, and you can adjust your bass levels, stereo down-mix, the trim level of the audio channel and switch your sub on or off. In short, most of the audio functions you would expect are there but the quality isn’t spectacular.

The OPPO is certainly recommended if you are looking for high-quality video output through a DVI socket, and it certainly offers that; surprisingly enough for the price you get a brilliant resolution and a wide range or resolutions. If you are planning to upgrade to HDTV but have yet to buy an adequate LCD set or similar you can comfortably buy this unit and build your system around it.

It has its downsides, such as poor remote layout and unimpressive audio output, but it comes out well above most other players within the price range of slightly over 200 dollars. Recommended.