Review: Oppo DVD player

UPSCALE: The Oppo DVD player can automatically upscale your standard-definition DVDs into almost high-def for big screen TVs.

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It's not often that you get more than you'd bargained for, especially when it comes cutting edge audio/video gear, so it's particularly pleasing when such a rare event actually occurs, and even sweeter still when such a widget lets me enjoy my DVD collection as glorious high definition video.

Although the Oppo range of DVD players isn't a widely known brand, they've long been held in high esteem by AV enthusiasts in the know, and can only be purchased via mail order via Rapallo audio. The Oppo DV981 I was sent to review may have superficially resembled an average DVD player, but its simple looks proved to be deceptive, thanks to several clever tricks hidden up its sleeve.

 In fact the only real hint of any sophistication came from its rear panel which is choka-block full of analog and digital AV outputs, promising connectivity to even the latest HD capable home theatre setups.

After connecting the DV981 to my AV system and Samsung LCD telly, I uncharacteristically embarked on some serious RTFM (reading the flipping manual!), which actually proved a good thing, as it allowed me to delve into the plethora of setup options available on the Oppo. Nearly every aspect of video and audio playback was customisable and there was the option for skipping previews, copyright warnings and other movie annoyances that are usually un-skippable. That feature alone proved to be incredibly useful.

To say that the video delivered by the Oppo to my LCD TV was eye-popping, is kind of like calling the Mona Lisa a mere doodle. Clever industrial strength video processing allowed the Oppo to effortlessly play bog standard DVDs in stunning high definition video. Even with low-fi DVD movies, (which normally look atrocious played back on any other DVD player), detail leapt out that I'd never noticed before whilst picture noise and video artifacts were noticeably reduced.

By playing DVDs in high definition, the Oppo is also kind on your wallet too. Paying $40+ for the comparatively small number of Hollywood pot-boilers currently available as high def Blu-Ray titles simply doesn't make sense when the same movies and several gazillion others are available for under $30 on DVD. If like me the bulk of your movie collection consists of DVDs, being able extend their life expectancy by allowing them to be watched in full high definition with the Oppo is literally a no-brainer.

Movies are however only one of the Oppo DV981's many capabilities. Equally impressive is its ability to play ultra high quality SACD and DVD music disks as well more widely available CD audio titles. Add in the ability to play DVIX and XVID movies downloaded off the internet and burnt to a recordable CD and it isn't too hard to appreciate the DV981's sheer versatility.

Having reviewed my share of ultra expensive AV gear over the years, the DV981's bargain basement sticker price of $460 is a pleasant surprise, especially given its ability to perform on a par with big brand name DVD players costing several times more.

Contact
http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/

Specifications

Supported Media:                       DVD- Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD-Audio, HDCD, Kodak Photo CD, DivX, Xvid, CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD+R DL

Can be set to region-free:           Yes

Audio Output:                             Analogue 5.1 Audio, Digital Audio (Coaxial/SPDIF), Stereo

Video Output:                             Composite, S-Video, HDMI 1.1

Video Output Resolutions:            480p(PAL), 576p(NTSC), 720p/1080i, 1080p

Upscaling Hardware:                     Faroudja DCDi

Signal/Noise Ratio:                      >100dB

THD:                                          <0.01%

Size                                            420mm x 270mm x41mm

Weight:                                       2.4Kg