DVD deck suggestion wanted

[MartyJazz]

Over the past year or so I've converted many of my private jazz videotapes to DVD, specifically to DVD-R discs (Taiyo Yuden as well as other DVD-R brands). I've noticed that they play well on the machine in which they were recorded, i.e., a Panasonic DMR-ES30V, as well as a Toshiba combo DVD/VCR playback deck that's connected to another TV in the house. However, on the simple KLH DVD playback deck I own (which I otherwise like as it has the capability of also being able to play PAL discs that I occasionally receive from European collectors) that's connected to the main TV in the house, all too often a temporary freezing of the image will occur which of course is hell when viewing and listening to a musical performance. This deck has no problem tracking commercially released DVDs, even the scratchy ones I occasionally receive as a result of my Netflix membership. Without busting the bank, anyone have a good recommendation on a DVD deck that tracks DVD-R discs well? If it can also play PAL discs, that would be a bonus.

Edited June 16, 2007 by MartyJazz

[Shawn]

I have a similar issue with my Sony deck, but if I play them on my computer there's no problem. I've often wondered if the problem is with my burner instead of the deck itself. But since I'm not the only one who's experienced this maybe it's not.

[Quincy]

Not sure what breaking the bank means on this board, but last week I bought

Cambridge Audio DVD89

I got it for 2 reasons:

1) It's multi-region. I too have a bunch of PALs on DVD+/-R, and thus far it's played all sorts of DVD+/-R brands just fine.

2) It also can play SACD & DVD-A. I've been curious about the hi-res formats, especially as I've been listening to more classical lately.

I paid $359. Seems to be much better construction than my old 4 year old Sony player.

[mr jazz]

check out Oppo players-lots of bang for the bucks. I've been very happy with my 971-H

[tatifan]

check out Oppo players-lots of bang for the bucks. I've been very happy with my 971-H

EXACTLY!! At $150, it's a steal! Plays every burned disc I throw at it very smoothly. Can be made region free in 10 seconds, and does very good PAL to NTSC conversion. Actually, on my LCD, I just switch to PAL output for PAL discs. Sound quality is also WAY above average.......every other region capable player I've had has skimped in this regard.

[Kalo]

check out Oppo players-lots of bang for the bucks. I've been very happy with my 971-H

EXACTLY!! At $150, it's a steal! Plays every burned disc I throw at it very smoothly. Can be made region free in 10 seconds, and does very good PAL to NTSC conversion. Actually, on my LCD, I just switch to PAL output for PAL discs. Sound quality is also WAY above average.......every other region capable player I've had has skimped in this regard.

Okay, so where do we get it and what's the cheat code to make it region-free?

[Shawn]

Oppo Website

[tatifan]

Actually, my Oppo model is the DV-970HD, which suits my needs better than the 971 because I wanted SACD capability. The new 981 is slightly more expensive, and looks to be a great choice if you are upconverting to an HD set.

Here's how you make the players region free:

1.Select 'Setup'

2.Then enter 9210 on the keypad(a "secret" window will popup)

3.Then enter 0 and hit 'Enter'

[Ted O'Reilly]

I see Oppo has a DV-981HD model now...

Would it be that much better that the earlier ones? (I have a Sharp Aquos HD set, so I should get the best one available I suppose...)

Nothing is stated on their website, and I suppose it doesn't matter, but where are these devices manufactured? Does anyone know?

[MartyJazz]

Actually, my Oppo model is the DV-970HD, which suits my needs better than the 971 because I wanted SACD capability. The new 981 is slightly more expensive, and looks to be a great choice if you are upconverting to an HD set.

Here's how you make the players region free:

1.Select 'Setup'

2.Then enter 9210 on the keypad(a "secret" window will popup)

3.Then enter 0 and hit 'Enter'

I appreciate the advice I've been getting and it seems Oppo is the way to go. Forgive my ignorance but what does "upconverting to an HD set" mean? Everything else being equal, I'd obviously rather spend $149 for the 971 than $229 for the 981. So please clarify what is the difference between the two decks.

[Shawn]

It's also known as "up-sampling", see wikipedia article.

Appears the main differences between those 2 models are SACD capabilities and inclusion of an HDMI cable with the unit.

Edited June 22, 2007 by Shawn

[MartyJazz]

Many thanks for the input from all in this forum. I decided to buy the Oppo 981 unit and am very pleased. The first disc I played was a DVD-R PAL-encoded copy of a George Coleman Octet documentary that features four complete titles by the group. It played perfectly, no sudden pauses as it had previously exhibited on a KLH deck I own that is able to playback discs from any region. Great purchase!