Oppo or Panasonic for Plasma viewing?

[Endoskeleton]

Hey everyone,

I am new to this site and would love to hear some of your thoughts and feedback on this idea. I know Plasmas are an old and barley used technology these days, but since I can’t yet afford an OLED, I am hanging onto my Panasonic ZT60.

My question relates to what you guys think is (or was) the best blu ray player for a 1080p plasma.


I recently bought the ub420 for $150 brand new, and From my research, I read the ub420 has the same HCX processor as the 820 and the 9000, it just lacks the DV and better audio dac/components. However, since it will be hooked up to my SC-79 which has a 32-bit DAC, I mainly want the best picture quality available. Is the HCX processor only beneficial to 4K/HDR tvs? I read my avr has a Marvel video processor, idk which is better.

I see an oppo 103d (darbee edition) going for around $400-600, will that video processor be better than the newer panasonic’s? The 203 is too expensive and can get a ub9000 for their price.

I basically just want to find the best video processor to help the ZT60 shine, but when I upgrade to an OLED i could see the panasonic being the better one.
Would really appreciate any info and feedback.
Thanks!

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

Hey everyone,

I am new to this site and would love to hear some of your thoughts and feedback on this idea. I know Plasmas are an old and barley used technology these days, but since I can’t yet afford an OLED, I am hanging onto my Panasonic ZT60.

My question relates to what you guys think is (or was) the best blu ray player for a 1080p plasma.


I recently bought the ub420 for $150 brand new, and From my research, I read the ub420 has the same HCX processor as the 820 and the 9000, it just lacks the DV and better audio dac/components. However, since it will be hooked up to my SC-79 which has a 32-bit DAC, I mainly want the best picture quality available. Is the HCX processor only beneficial to 4K/HDR tvs? I read my avr has a Marvel video processor, idk which is better.

I see an oppo 103d (darbee edition) going for around $400-600, will that video processor be better than the newer panasonic’s? The 203 is too expensive and can get a ub9000 for their price.

I basically just want to find the best video processor to help the ZT60 shine, but when I upgrade to an OLED i could see the panasonic being the better one.
Would really appreciate any info and feedback.
Thanks!

The 103d is very unique, it uses a MTK processor that outputs to a silicone image VRS video processor with inline FPGA that applies Darbe Vision processing as something to bring out better SD and BD playback. For DVD it’s one of the best. But it’s not a 4K UHD BD player, it’s one of those 4K upscaling players from before those. So if you going to stick with your ZT60 it a choice. If there’s a issue Oppo Servicing in Menlo Park can service it. I hope that little bit of info is helpful. The recent players do a good job with DVD, BDs, but they were designed for 4K playback more so.

[Endoskeleton]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

The 103d is very unique, it uses a MTK processor that outputs to a silicone image VRS video processor with inline FPGA that applies Darbe Vision processing as something to bring out better SD and BD playback. For DVD it’s one of the best. But it’s not a 4K UHD BD player, it’s one of those 4K upscaling players from before those. So if you going to stick with your ZT60 it a choice. If there’s a issue Oppo Servicing in Menlo Park can service it. I hope that little bit of info is helpful. The recent players do a good job with DVD, BDs, but they were designed for 4K playback more so.

Thank you for your feedback!
That is what I thought also, that the recent players are mainly beneficial to 4K playback.
Does the 103d use the same Marvel kyoto-G2H processor as the 103 or does the Darbee completely replace it?
If you were to name the best 1080p blu-ray player, which would it be?
Really considering an Oppo now!

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

Thank you for your feedback!
That is what I thought also, that the recent players are mainly beneficial to 4K playback.
Does the 103d use the same Marvel kyoto-G2H processor as the 103 or does the Darbee completely replace it?
If you were to name the best 1080p blu-ray player, which would it be?
Really considering an Oppo now!

How is the BDP-103D different from the BDP-103?

The BDP-103D subtracts:

• the Marvell Qdeo video processor

...and adds:

• the Darbee Visual Presence video processor
• the Silicon Image VRS ClearView video processor

...and replaces:

• the remote with a new version with a Darbee button

All other aspects and functions of the two models are identical.

You can read about this with all the review in OP of the 103/103D/105/105D thread for those players.

If you open the spoilers you can see one heck of a lot of reviews to read though. Nothing like that existed for other players.

[Endoskeleton]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

How is the BDP-103D different from the BDP-103?

The BDP-103D subtracts:

• the Marvell Qdeo video processor

...and adds:

• the Darbee Visual Presence video processor
• the Silicon Image VRS ClearView video processor

...and replaces:

• the remote with a new version with a Darbee button

All other aspects and functions of the two models are identical.

You can read about this with all the review in OP of the 103/103D/105/105D thread for those players.

If you open the spoilers you can see one heck of a lot of reviews to read though. Nothing like that existed for other players.

Thanks for providing that link John, very informative thread you created.
Glad to know the differences now, I’m assuming the 103d would be your top pick for a 1080p player to a Plasma? I also would think the 103d would be better than the 203 for SDR playback

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

Thanks for providing that link John, very informative thread you created.
Glad to know the differences now, I’m assuming the 103d would be your top pick for a 1080p player to a Plasma? I also would think the 103d would be better than the 203 for SDR playback

Most 4K players use one video processing device, usually the SoC to do everything. It’s darn good so don’t restrict your decision to only one choice, but going to HDMI 2.0 interfaces drastically changed player designs, be it Oppo, Panasonic, Sony, Pioneer as examples. They are all usable for your application.

[Endoskeleton]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

How is the BDP-103D different from the BDP-103?

The BDP-103D subtracts:

• the Marvell Qdeo video processor

...and adds:

• the Darbee Visual Presence video processor
• the Silicon Image VRS ClearView video processor

...and replaces:

• the remote with a new version with a Darbee button

All other aspects and functions of the two models are identical.

You can read about this with all the review in OP of the 103/103D/105/105D thread for those players.

If you open the spoilers you can see one heck of a lot of reviews to read though. Nothing like that existed for other players.

I also forgot to ask, say if were to get the 103d, if I wanted to get the benefit of the Darbee processor, would I have to hook it up via hdmi1 out to my TV and use the 2nd hdmi out for audio to my SC-79?
I don’t know if I plug the 103d directly to my avr, it’ll use the Marvell video processor it has built in and I wouldn’t see the benefit of the Darbee.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

I also forgot to ask, say if were to get the 103d, if I wanted to get the benefit of the Darbee processor, would I have to hook it up via hdmi1 out to my TV and use the 2nd hdmi out for audio to my SC-79?
I don’t know if I plug the 103d directly to my avr, it’ll use the Marvell video processor it has built in and I wouldn’t see the benefit of the Darbee.

Video option, turn off video conversation for the path (hdmi input) might work for SC-79. That turns off the built in video processing. I only use internal to work with a cable set-top box to improve video. Now I use split because AVR was just before they made 4K pass through models.

Most AVR’s have this type of on/off towards internal video processing if you look at owners manual.

[Pondosinatra]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

Hey everyone,

I am new to this site and would love to hear some of your thoughts and feedback on this idea. I know Plasmas are an old and barley used technology these days, but since I can’t yet afford an OLED, I am hanging onto my Panasonic ZT60.

My question relates to what you guys think is (or was) the best blu ray player for a 1080p plasma.


I recently bought the ub420 for $150 brand new, and From my research, I read the ub420 has the same HCX processor as the 820 and the 9000, it just lacks the DV and better audio dac/components. However, since it will be hooked up to my SC-79 which has a 32-bit DAC, I mainly want the best picture quality available. Is the HCX processor only beneficial to 4K/HDR tvs? I read my avr has a Marvel video processor, idk which is better.

I see an oppo 103d (darbee edition) going for around $400-600, will that video processor be better than the newer panasonic’s? The 203 is too expensive and can get a ub9000 for their price.

I basically just want to find the best video processor to help the ZT60 shine, but when I upgrade to an OLED i could see the panasonic being the better one.
Would really appreciate any info and feedback.
Thanks!

Everyone loves Oppo...but I love my Pioneer BDP-85FD Elite player.

[Naiera]

Darbee is trash. The Panasonic UHD BD player is fine if you're just watching Blu-rays.

[jvonl]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Darbee is trash. The Panasonic UHD BD player is fine if you're just watching Blu-rays.

Oh my, you just can't let it go, can you?

[movieeddie]

I allso own a Panny ZT65.I use the Panasonic 4k player to be able to see some of the new remastered 4k titles and they look fantastic on the Plasma.Image is down converted but it still looks amazing to me.Plasma has such a film like image to it.Just my opinion.

[danny24]

Originally Posted by movieeddie

I allso own a Panny ZT65.I use the Panasonic 4k player to be able to see some of the new remastered 4k titles and they look fantastic on the Plasma.Image is down converted but it still looks amazing to me.Plasma has such a film like image to it.Just my opinion.

Plasma's are amazing TV's and even better if calibrated. The Panasonic UHD players do a great job down converting the video.

The 103D though is a beast of a BD player and if you own a Plasma TV you can't go wrong with it as a compliment.

Not sure why people think Plasma TV's are trash. Just get a streaming box Apple TV or Roku, nice BD/UHD player and calibrate it and your good. You can get a nice Plasma TV at a great price used now if you look around. The Pioneer Plasma's and Panasonic's are the best. LG and Samsung, meh.

Plasma's and OLED's are the best sets imo. Though some LED and QLED sets do look amazing and are worth it as well.

[Endoskeleton]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Darbee is trash. The Panasonic UHD BD player is fine if you're just watching Blu-rays.

I’m curious as to why you think Darbee is “trash”?

Originally Posted by JohnAV

Video option, turn off video conversation for the path (hdmi input) might work for SC-97. That turns off the built in video processing. I only use internal to work with a cable set-top box to improve video. Now I use split because AVR was just before they made 4K pass through models.

Most AVR’s have this type of on/off towards internal video processing if you look at owners manual.

Great thanks for letting me know, I will look to see if I can turn off the Marvell video processor, however I still wonder which would be better, that or the panasonic’s hcx processor for 1080p blu ray content...

Originally Posted by danny24

Plasma's are amazing TV's and even better if calibrated. The Panasonic UHD players do a great job down converting the video.

The 103D though is a beast of a BD player and if you own a Plasma TV you can't go wrong with it as a compliment.

Not sure why people think Plasma TV's are trash. Just get a streaming box Apple TV or Roku, nice BD/UHD player and calibrate it and your good. You can get a nice Plasma TV at a great price used now if you look around. The Pioneer Plasma's and Panasonic's are the best. LG and Samsung, meh.

Plasma's and OLED's are the best sets imo. Though some LED and QLED sets do look amazing and are worth it as well.

I completely agree! Although I haven’t really heard anyone call plasmas trash, I have heard people say they don’t even compare to TVs nowadays.
That’s where I disagree, especially in motion. Not even OLEDs can match the 600hz sub-field motion of the plasma’s gas technology.

Ialso really don’t like the soap opera effect some lcd-led tv’s have, so that’s why I will keep my ZT for movie viewing, and will only upgrade to an OLED mainly for the 4K @120fps gaming when HDMI 2.1 comes out.

I was just trying to see what blu-ray players would be best, but after hearing all of your guy’s feedback, I think i’ll skip on spending around 4-500 bucks on an Oppo and keep my ub420

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

I’m curious as to why you think Darbee is “trash”?

The entire concept of "improving" images is trash.

[Endoskeleton]

Originally Posted by Naiera

The entire concept of "improving" images is trash.

So you think this way of the Darbee edition only i’m assuming as you use a 103, did you ever do any comparisons of the two versions?

[Naiera]

I think this way of Darbee and anything else like it no matter which Blu-ray player I have.

[Endoskeleton]

Originally Posted by Naiera

I think this way of Darbee and anything else like it no matter which Blu-ray player I have.

So you’re saying you’ve never done any comparison tests and that this is personal opinion of yours...not the best way to convince others that a higher model of a blu ray player you own is “trash”

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by Endoskeleton

So you’re saying you’ve never done any comparison tests and that this is personal opinion of yours...not the best way to convince others that a higher model of a blu ray player you own is “trash”

Do you even know what Darbee is?

It’s false sharpness in a fancy package. Nothing more.

The 103D is exactly the same as my 103, just with the Darbee trash thrown in.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Do you even know what Darbee is?

It’s false sharpness in a fancy package. Nothing more.

The 103D is exactly the same as my 103, just with the Darbee trash thrown in.

No it is not, they replaced the 2nd video processor which was a Marvel Qdeo, to a Silicon Image VRS video processor which had no slight bit of DNR added. There are other improvements if you care to read below. So in spite of your inexperience with a 103d it was a better player then your 103. The built in FPGA that did the Darbee added no video artifacts because the processing occurred between the MTK SoC and the VRS processor. You are using this to bring out a bit more picture quality to mostly DVDs which don’t have that much video information to begin with, as that is what interpolation upscaling algorithm do.

So because of you lack of experience you keep arguing about this like your 103 is better, it’s not. It’s actually a less capable player to bring out video details using the Marvel QDEO versus Silicon Image VRS. You can try to distract people with this silly argument but it’s a fact.

Kris Deering in his sound & vision review had this to say about the 103 vs 103D changes.

Another big difference from the BDP-103 is the omission of the Marvell QDEO processing chip and the addition of DVDO’s new VRS ClearView processing. The BDP-103 used QDEO for display improvements such as noise reduction, edge enhancement, and the scaling to 4K. The BDP-103D moves some of the video processing to Oppo’s custom Mediatek chip and some to the VRS ClearView processor. The Mediatek chip performs all the deinterlacing and scaling to get the image to 1080p regardless of the source. It’s also responsible for the standard display settings (brightness, contrast, hue, and color) as well as noise reduction. The ClearView processor is responsible for any 4K scaling, but it also provides detail and edge enhancement along with video smoothing for diagonal lines.

Since Vaughn’s review of the BDP-103, Oppo has added a few features to that model—some included out of the box, others via Oppo’s nearly continuous firmware updates. The biggest addition is full support for DSD playback, not just from an SACD disc, which the player has always done, but also from files stored on an external drive or a USB stick. DSD downloads have been getting quite a bit of buzz lately, with several Websites offering downloadable high-resolution DSD files for playback. I’ve had the majority of my SACD library ripped to DSD files and stored on an external hard drive. The same drive also contains the majority of my music library in uncompressed form and tons of high-resolution audio at 96/24 and 192/24 resolutions in FLAC, WAV, and AIFF. The Oppo supports all of those resolutions and file types, and I’ve had no issues using even the digital coaxial output for them. Since the Oppo can convert DSD to PCM, I can use the digital output for all two-channel playback up to 24/192. For multichannel DSD files, you still need to use the HDMI output.

So you keep hoping there is no differences, but there is, it’s tough to be owning something not quite as good a product as the next one, but that is what usually occurs all the time.