[mhuk05]

I currently connect a Denon 1910 to my Panasonic AE500 projector and an optical lead to my AV amp. The Denon has problems reading any DVD-r disc and I generally hate it.

I'm looking for a new DVD player that is good at reading DVD-r discs and upscales well. As I use optical out (the AV amp is the other end of the room to the projector) onboard audio processing abilities aren't important as I'll either use my Beresford DAC or the DAC in my amp.

Initially I considered the Oppo 981HD and Yamaha S2700, but am I better off saving the money (£200ish vs. £40ish) and buying a Samsung HD870? Or are there better (video quality) upscaling DVD players out there with DVI or HDMI connectors?

Thanks

[gazbarber]

The DVD-S1700 apparently has the same video quality as the DVD-S2700, with the audio undergoing a massive improvement on the latter.

The S1700 is availible new for cheaper than a 981 too, although i'm waiting for the 983, which should be practicaly the last word in DVD video player, and will cost a similar amount to the 2700 currently. It won't be out over here for a while yet, comes out in the us on thr 10th.

It may be arguable that on these higher end picture produce a picture that really is only marginaly different and if your into using a DVD player as a universal disc spinner the 2700 will likely be a lot better for audio discs.

Remember that both yam and the 981 use farudja for the upscaling, which causes macro blocking on some displays, although I stress some, mainly DLP apparently, again it depends though.

[mhuk05]

Cheers for your comments.

if your into using a DVD player as a universal disc spinner the 2700 will likely be a lot better for audio discs.

No, it will only used for movie playback into my projector; I use a Sony NS900 for general purpose duties, so audio quality isn't an issue.

I'll look at prices on the S1700; any comments on the HD870?

[gazbarber]

No idea mate, but i'd guess the yamaha would be a lot better.
If the 983 was coming out soon, i'd have the yamaha right now.