Or if you have an external video scaler or a display that has trouble with macroblocking, go with the 970. I still think we need to get more feedback on just how the video performance of the 970 stacks up.

Gonk:

I think you are right.
My confusion shows above, I hope.
The comp chart was interesting, but I still am not sure which I would want.

Looking at comp-specs, one would think 971 = better video?

I just purchased a 971 to compair to my Samsung HD850.
I am using a Sony HS20 feed thru HDMI on a 106 da-lite screen.
The Oppo handles motion deinterlacing so much better...I no longer get those jagged blocky edges that I had with the HD850.
Picture looks less digitaly...thats the only way I can disribe it.
result....971 in rack...HD850 in closet.

Later
RayJr

RayJr wrote;

result....971 in rack...HD850 in closet.

Now, if someone has the opportunity (somehow) to compare 970 vs. 971.........

Re: OPPO DV-970HD http://www.oppodigital.com/
Oppo just got new shipment today, and is shipping a 970 to me on Tuesday. Oppo said the picture will be equall to my broken Samsung 841 via the HDMI cord that will come with the oppo 970 for $149+14 ship.(silly inexpensive). They had me order a DVI male to HDMI female from www.monoprice.com for $4.97. (just to cheap to pass up) lol
They gave me the impression that the audio will be much better than the samsung. Anyways I am planing on a BluRay or the like when someone does a player with SACD. I need the sacd player.
I have a 8 foot screen off a Sharp projector and the Oppo guys said the picture will be just fine.
I plan on testing the input quality vs direct project via div adaptor as well as direct into my outlaw 990 via dvi and componet, and will let you know what looks best.

Outlaw 990 Pre
Outlaw 7700 Amp
B&W 703's
B&W HTM7 Ctr
Sony SAWX700 Sub
Jvc's Surround
Sharp XVZ-90U DLP Projector
OPPO 970DVD on the way

I'm looking forward to your comments, PapaBear - especially regarding SACD performance (the planned successor to the 971 will also have SACD, and I'm guessing the 970's analog output is going to be a good indicator of what that player's DVD-A/SACD performance is likely to be like).

I have been looking at buying/upgrading my DVD player. The OPPO is on my short list. In reviewing the comparison chart I noticed the 971H has "For Use with DLP Rear Projection TVs: (requires careful calibration). The 970 just states yes. I wonder why the 971 would require careful calibration vs. the 970? This is of particular interest to me as I have a 52 Mitsubishi DLP. Anyone know?

Most of the Outlaws have a lot of money invested in expensive gear and worry about "dirty" power and voltage surge This may have been dealt with before, but a limited search has failed to find discussions. My questions are about voltage surge protectors and AC line filters. Does one need both? I am using Chang Lightspeeds for AC filtering which are relatively expensive and have relatively low energy clamping (35-45 joules). Surge protectors with energy clamping up to 3000 joules can be had for relatively modest cash outlays. If we need both, does a proximal (nearer the wall AC outlet) surge protector degrade the perfomance of a distal line filter? This should be a softball for the electronic engineers among the Outlaws.
Thanks, John

The issue there is macroblocking - the Faroudja chip (used by the 971 but not the 970) is prone to exhibiting macroblocking on large digital displays, whereas the 970's Mediatek chip is not susceptible to the condition. Calibration can apparently reduce or even eliminate macroblocking with the 971, but I'm not sure how complex it is to perform that level of calibration.

Thanks for the info Gonk. Very interesting. Macroblocking is a new one to me. I think I will do a little more research on this issue.