RIP RP-62: Now what?

[blars]

So my Panny RP-62 started giving me the dreaded H07 error last night while watching Scrubs. I've had it for about 3-4 years and loved it...I switched to the 360 DVD player last night after the Panny crapped out, and I found the picture to be a little bit duller, and it might just be me, but I thought I saw more artifacts during the faster-paced stuff (especially in the DVD menus).

SOOOOOO...I want a new DVD player. And a nice one. And maybe one with a disc changer. I don't know. Don't think I need an upconverting one, although I've never actually seen one in action.

Anyone have any suggestions for one in the $100-$300 range?

Faroudja, I will miss you.

[Jon Liu]

ahhh, dang!! I got that H07 or H02 with my Panny CP-72. If you are looking for outstanding players, check out Oppo Digital. www.oppodigital.com has fantastic players. You can also check out the reviews from HomeTheaterHifi as well on them.

They have a new player out that only has HDMI output (no component) so if you have HDMI, you will be able to upconvert to 1080p! Not to mention that same player also will play SACD and DVD-Audio! And if you miss the Faroudja chip, it's gone one too! The only model that doesn't have it is the $159.00 model.

Anyway, the HDMI version, which is black retails for $229.00!

[blars]

Man, this one would be perfect OPDV971H. The TV its going to is a Sony 51WS510, which has a single DVI Input...I would love to be able to use that to free up a component input. And its only $199. Definately one to think about. Anyone else have any suggestions? I know I've heard a lot of good things about Denon DVD players.

[Peench]

I've heard good things about the Denons, but have heard many great things about the Oppo's too. They're definitly up and coming. You may end up with more bang for your buck w/ the Oppo.

[blars]

Well, just ordered the Oppo that I mentioned before...I got it through Amazon.com, which royally f#'d up my last order (they sent a non-working, used Motorola bluetooth headset instead of a NEW one). Hopefully this experience will be better.

[Jon Liu]

one thing to note, as somewhat of a side note, Oppo digital's customer service team is fantastic. My brother had a problem with his Oppo originally, not reading disks properly, taking forever to load and what not, and they took care of him RIGHT away, with no problems!

[Peench]

Congrats Blars! Jon, that's good to hear! Thanks for the news. It is always nice to hear about a company that, in addition to making great products, has great customer service!

[blars]

Thanks for the heads up on the Oppo Jon...I hadn't really put any research into that brand, so I'm glad you intruduced me. Can't wait to see how it works!

[Jon Liu]

I believe dollar for dollar it's a fantastic player. I used to own one, my brother owns one. Around the Home Theater forums, they get a lot of buzz as well! Hope you enjoy it as much as everyone else has!

[blars]

Well, I got my new Oppo OPDV971H on Wednesday...restored some of my confidence in buying from Amazon...ordered on Sunday, delivered Wednesday...nice!

Anyway, the DVD player itself is awesome! I popped in The Fifth Element, and I'll have to say, it looks better than my RP-62 ever did. I don't know if it was the fact that it's hooked up through DVI now, the upconverting, or a combo of the two, but I can honestly say there were some scenes in Fifth Element that looked better than some out of MI:III on HD-DVD.

So, for now, I'm very impressed, and would recommend this brand to others.

[Jon Liu]

Awesome Blars! Glad you liked it!