OPPO DV970HD Firmware "hack"

[fredfillis]

I've just bought an OPPO DV970HD, still waiting for arrival.

I spotted this hack but I'm not sure of the purpose.

The manual says:

Due to copyright protection requirements, when playing copyright-protected DVD discs, the
component output resolution is limited up to 480p. If the component output resolution of the
DVD player is set at 720p or 1080i, automatic resolution downgrade may happen. HDMI output
resolution is not affected by this limitation as it is copy-protected with HDCP.

The last para of the hack entry says:

Your DVD player now no longer supports CSS and HDCP encryptions. Enjoy component based upconversion and the ability to use the DV-970HD on non-HDCP compliant displays such as LCD PC monitors.

Does this "hack" circumvent the manual statement and allow me to "upconvert" copy protected material?

Does anyone know pros and cons of implementing this "hack"?

[acid_burn]

Yes, *all* content will now be in HD, and you are not discriminated upon by the type of input you use (HDMI cable versus component cable). Upside is you can view content in upconverted HD, if you want it. No downside, except that it's probably voiding your warranty to put firmware that doesn't come from Oppo on the unit.

I'm curious if this also lets you play SACD over digital audio out.

[gshelley61]

Visit avsforum.com

There's a very long DV-970HD discussion thread in the Video Components section that covers everything you would ever want to know about that player.

[mrsoul1952]

I'm curious if this also lets you play SACD over digital audio out.

I just got an Oppo DV970HD player also. If your receiver has an HDMI input, then going HDMI out from the Oppo to HDMI in to your receiver will carry the audio for CD, Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, and SACD.

I don't have an HDMI input on my receiver so I'm going HDMI out on the Oppo to HDMI in on my HDTV. So I'm getting the up convert without having to use the hack.

I have two HD cable boxes with HDMI out plus the Oppo so I looked into getting an HDMI switch box. But they seem a little expensive. I don't know how much better my HD cable boxes would look with HDMI vs component cables.

[Grain]

If your using HDMI, there's no point in using the hacked firmware. If your using component video out like I am (I'm using the hacked firmware on my 970), then it works well ie upconverts bot/pressed DVD's through component.

[gshelley61]

I have two HD cable boxes with HDMI out plus the Oppo so I looked into getting an HDMI switch box. But they seem a little expensive. I don't know how much better my HD cable boxes would look with HDMI vs component cables.

Check eBay for inexpensive HDMI switchers. I got one for less than $30 shipped that is 3 into 1, with a wireless remote control even. It works perfectly, too.

[fredfillis]

Thanks for the tips.

Seems the firmware is easy enough to upgrade / downgrade so I'll maybe give it a shot.

I'm only using component video, no HDMI on my oldish rear projection TV.

Shelley, thanks for the tip on AVSForum. That is a very comprehensive thread, for sure!

FWIW, I've also had a very quick play with the USB port and a few short XVID / Divx clips. Seems to be not worth the effort for video. Have not tried stills yet, I assume they would be much better suited.

Cheers!

[FulciLives]

I have two HD cable boxes with HDMI out plus the Oppo so I looked into getting an HDMI switch box. But they seem a little expensive. I don't know how much better my HD cable boxes would look with HDMI vs component cables.

Check eBay for inexpensive HDMI switchers. I got one for less than $30 shipped that is 3 into 1, with a wireless remote control even. It works perfectly, too.

I need something like this as my HDTV only has one HDMI input.

What make/model did you get gshelley61?

I want something cheap but I don't want it to degrade or alter the image quality. Maybe that isn't a big deal with HDMI since it is all digital but I know analog switcher devices (composite, S-Video and component) could degrade/altar the image quality.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[gshelley61]

I got a cheap 3 Port HDMI switcher that looks exactly like this one:








If you search "3 port HDMI" on eBay you will get a large list of them. I got mine at auction for a bit less than $30 shipped, but it appears you can get the same (or similar) units for about $40 shipped using Buy It Now.

There are also 2 port, 4 port and 5 port switchers about the same as this one. There are the non-powered simple manual (passive) HDMI switchers, too.

No problems with it so far. Works perfectly fine. No loss of image quality or HDMI video/audio functionality.