What Is The Best 1080p Upscaling DVD Player?

There are many television afficiondos out there that want to wait for the HD DVD/Blu-ray battle to play itself out before they make a purchase decision regarding a DVD player. Not only that, but many are waiting for prices to come down.

Digital TV & Sound magazine compared three 1080p upscaling DVD players all priced under $300 for those of you who feel this way. The magazine compared the Panasonic DVD-S53K, the Helio Labs H4000, and the OPPO DV-981 HD. The three players were compared on their picture quality, sound quality, look, feel, and ergonomical qualities.

What did the comparisons reveal?

Panasonic DVD-S53K
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The picture quality isn't the best with this model, as the reviewers found that the quality that should be found at 480p wasn't there, never mind 1080p. Nor is there any 3:2 detection. The analog audio output is stereo only and digital audio is only available via a coaxial digital connection. The analog audio output was deemed acceptable although harsher in higher frequencies. The player has a dialog-enhancer setting and a time-delay adjustment to correct out-of-sync lips and words. In terms of looks, the Panasonic's sleek design makes it look much more expensive than its $99.95 price tag and although the remote isn't the prettiest, it's very functional. Interestingly, even though this is an upscaling DVD player, the price tag does not include an HDMI cable which is required for an attempt at a 1080p picture on an HDTV. In terms of useability, the Panasonic DVD-S53K is the best of the 3 with its functional remote and easy-to-use setup menus.

Helio Labs H4000

Though it has a picture quality better than the Panasonic model, the H4000 still doesn't have 3:2 detection. In terms of the player's upscaling capabilities, this model wins hands down as it delivers 1080p through both it component and HDMI outputs. The sound options with this model aren't to bad either. There are both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs and its analog output includes both stereo and 5.1-channel sound. The H4000 has a bit of a techish look to it so it should fit into your home theatre setup quite nicely from an aesthetic standpoint. Two small flaws in the player's design are the lack of a removable power cable and an on/off switch that is located in the back of the unit rather than the front. Another neat feature of the H4000 is the "Smart Play" system that allows you to skip trailers, warnings, etc, etc. Not a bad price either at $169.

Oppo DV-981HD

The Oppo DV-981HD, which we reviewed a couple of days back, blew out the other two models in terms of picture quality with the best detail, smoothest picture and 3:2 detection. HD quality picture is only available through HDMI as this unit has no component output. The model supports both DVD-audio and SACD sound formats and has a complete collection of analog outputs that deliver about the best analog sound you can get. The Oppo DV-981HD is also the aesthetically most pleasing of the 3 player's, heavier and pricier looking by far. From an ergonomical standpoint, the only complaint was in regards to the remote with its tiny buttons and small print. Sounds like a bargain at $229.

The results are in and Digital TV & Sound found that you definitely get what you pay for. The Oppo DV-981HD is the most expensive of the three player's and not surprising had the best picture, sound, look, and feel. It's only defeat was in the ergonomics category with the Panasonic DVD-S53K taking top honors. All in all, your best purchase bet here is the Oppo model. Slightly more expensive at $229, but the one of the best upscaling experiences that you can get in the under $300 price range.

Via Digital TV & Sound Magazine

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October 2, 2007

What Is The Best 1080p Upscaling DVD Player?