Actually, I think the currently shipping Oppos are region 1 by default, but there are instructions online (I've seen them recently, but don't recall where at the moment) for going into the software and changing it to region free. The Oppo also plays Divx files on CD-R's quite well, although it doesn't seem to support WMV files.

Hey,

I just found out the region can easily be changed by going into the Oppo's configuration menu.

Gonk, does yours have that function? I found it here-

http://www.hkflix.com/hardware/xq/asp/pid.90/qx/details.htm

But, it doesn't seem to play WMV. If it does, it would be perfect!!

Thanks again, Ritz and Gonk.

I have been into that menu on my player to verify the current firmware version, but I didn't change the region code (since all the discs in my library are region 1). As I recall, mine shipped with the region code set to "1".

Ritz,

You may want to look at the Sanyo PLV Z2. It is an LCD front projector but it produces an excellent picture. I got mine at the begining of 2004 and I have been very impressed. It is native 16 x 9 and the upconversion from the Oppo to 720p produces a great picture.

As an added bonus the Sanyo is now selling online from Projector People for just over one thousand dollars. When I purchased mine it cost two thousand dollars and that was discounted from twenty five hundred dollars.

I have heard that the new Sanyo Z3 is even better and it is selling for two thousand dollars.

DLP projectors are good but you should audition one of the newer LCD projectors to see if you like them before deciding on another DLP.

In any case I think that you will find that the Z2 produces a much better picture than the X1.Technology is improving at such a fast rate that some of the best projectors from a few years ago are now surpassed by much cheaper recent models.

Sorry Ritz, I got your equipment mixed up with Dax's as you do not have a projector.

Take a look at Projector Peoples equipment. They carry most brands and are very helpful if you give them a call or email them. I was very pleased with their prices and customer service.

Gonk,

There is a function in Oppo which can adjust Brightness, Contrast, Saturation...etc I tried to adjust them, but I didn't see any effect. How about yours? Is that normal?

I don't recall, as I don't think I used the player's controls much if at all. It may be that those settings only affect the analog video outputs, of course (much like many of the audio controls only affect the analog audio outputs), but there's no indication of such in the manual. I may poke around at mine some, but it will probably be the weekend before I get a chance - it's been really hectic around here the last couple days, and it doesn't seem to want to slow down any.

I just received my OPPO OPDV971H DVD player today. I made quick connection into my new Sony 60XS955 LCD projection TV, via DVI to HDMI cable. The Sony has two HDMI inputs so I don't have to use the switch in the 990. I first impression is, this is the best video I have ever seen out of a DVD player. The 720p upscale in the player is fantastic.
I cannot believe that this player sells for only $199.00. OK the down side, the owners manual is very brief and could be more detailed, but who watches the manual!

I just ordered the OPPO dvd player myself thanks to gonk. I should receive it by the middle of next week and can't wait to check out the video quality. It seems paratrooper is quite please with the video on his Sony. Since I also have a Sony LCD projection TV (55wf655), I was wondering if paratrooper compared the 720p upscale to the 1080i upscale and found any difference.

Ronrags

I have not made any long time comparsions, but to my eyes they are equal. In my previous post I should have said that 720p and 1080i are fantastic. I have read that 720p is better for sports as it frame rate is twice as fast as 1080i