Outstanding picture quality.

My conclusion from reading the other reviews, these sound problems still persist.

I purchased the unit with great expectations. Unfortunately, my experience is the opposite. Though the picture is absolutely outstanding on my Sony KD-34-XBR2, the unit would only play the surround channels. When I watched Chicago, I could hear the music and watched Richard Gere's voice was barely audible. It would never play any DVD-A disc I inserted. Then I took it to the service center along with my DV-989 Ver 2. They tried for over a month to get it to play a DVD-A or a DVD with all channels making sound without any success. Before this ordeal is over I will be whithout these products for close to three months! What a pity for such well built equipment does not to work properly.

Similar Products Used:

Tannoy Eyris surround sound speakers STRDA-555ES DVP-V900S

A full refund. Plays DVD-Video well.

DVD-Audio. CD play after a DVD-Audio disc.

I formerly owned an Onkyo Integra DPS-9.1 DVD-Audio/Video player which is the same model as the Onkyo DV-S939, except under the Onkyo Integra brand. The player was returned at the end of December 2000 for a full refund.

Here are the "issues" which have been communicated back to Onkyo engineering. The last response from Onkyo was on 12/28/00 and it stated that they had not yet determined the cause of *any* of the problems.

1) Audio output is distorted at some locations on the Natalie Merchant “Tigerlily” DVD-Audio disc. At least five tracks, including tracks 4 and 6, contain very audible center-channel vocal distortions that sound like digital crackles or an overload. Using a waveform analyzer, a high-amplitude 352 Hz +/- 3Hz signal has been detected at the spots of the distortion on track 6. Distortion on other tracks is at slightly different frequencies. The distortion is DC offset and appears mostly, if not completely, on the negative part of the waveform. The DPS-9.1’s 6-channel amplitude control has been used to lower the output by 4dB with no change to the distortion. Distortion is not heard when using the Toshiba or Rotel DVD-Audio players.

This could be a problem unique to this player and not a generic problem with the model.

2) Based on a phone message left by an Onkyo engineer, the following four symptoms are results of the same problem:

2A) When playing both “Tigerlily” and Stone Temple Pilot’s “Core” DVD-Audio discs, the player stops prior to the completion of the disc. On Tigerlily, the disc stops after track 7 while on Core the disc stops after track 3. If “skip track” button is used, the remaining tracks can be played. When the player reaches the problem area, the remaining track numbers are quickly sequentially displayed on the player’s display, followed by the copyright notice on the video screen, and then the disc stops.

The problem only appears when the play is started at least two tracks prior to the problem area (ie: started on track 6 for Tigerlily and started on track 2 for Core). This behavior is not seen with the Toshiba or Rotel DVD-Audio players.

2B) After manually skipping to track 4 of the Core DVD-Audio disc and continuing the play of the disc, track 5 ends abnormally. Track 6 is immediately skipped. The player then starts at 3:33 into track 7, but no audio is heard. This continues until approximately 5 minutes into track 7 when it abruptly jumps to 3:58 of track 9. At 4:50 of track 9, the player quickly displays the remaining track numbers, shows the copyright notice and stops. No sound is heard since track 5. If the tracks are started from track 5 (instead of 4), none of this behavior is seen/heard.

2C) At the end of track 9 of the Tigerlily DVD-Audio disc, the audio ends 1 second early. This is followed by three seconds of silence, which is followed by the “missing” 1 second ending of track 9. Track 10 starts following the real end of track 9.

2D) The first audio for about a quarter of the DVD-Audio tracks on all discs starts about 0.5 second to 1 second after when audio should start. After the first few notes of the track are muted, the audio is usually heard fading up quickly. Manually skipping back to the track still causes the track to start late. The lack of audio is “not heard” on any other player.

3) All Dolby Pro Logic sources (whether they are CD or DVD) played through the 6-channel output do not produce a subwoofer output. However, the bass is not output from the main front speakers either. The overall effect is that any LFE sound on a Pro Logic source is “lost”. The LFE and subwoofer is present when a Dolby Digital or DVD-Audio source is played through the 6-channel output.

Many times when playing a 2-channel CD or Pro Logic DVD through the 6-channel outputs, only the center channel is heard even if the source is very wide stereo. The mono output is mostly heard when a Pro Logic or stereo disc immediately follows a DVD-Audio disc. Cycling through the audio modes and then back to 6-channel output causes all the channels, with the exception of the LFE, to be played. Comparisons between the Integra DTR-9.1 Receiver’s Pro Logic output and the Integra DPS-9.1 Pro Logic through the 6-channel output highlight the DPS-9.1’s missing LFE.

Note : Page 35 of the owner’s manual states that Pro Logic mode is valid in 6-channel mode. It also specifically notes at the bottom of the page that CDs played through the 6-channel outputs will be output in Pro-Logic.

4) The DPS-9.1’s processor “hangs” when pressing the “skip tracks” and “forward” buttons on the remote control very quickly while changing tracks. The video display freezes and displays a multicolored line followed by multicolored non-moving snow. The player’s display freezes and no buttons except open/close works on the front panel. Normal play returns when the disc tray is opened and closed. This is easily repeatable.

5) All of the Warner discs require three presses of play to start the actual play of the music. The first press of play results the record label’s ad, including the audio. The top menu is then displayed followed by a pause. If play is pressed then the next menu is displayed, followed by a pause. If play is then pressed the actual music is heard. If only a single press of the play button is used, the player will eventually continue to the next menu automatically. This process takes approximately 65 seconds on the Natalie Merchant DVD-Audio disc. All this occurs whether the video off button is pressed or not.

It seems wrong to require menu inputs when the “video off” button has been pressed. While the Toshiba player exhibited the same behavior, the Rotel required only one press of the play button and quickly began playing music. A Sony DVD-Video player even started the music 20 seconds earlier although another disc took longer.

6) In DVD-Audio mode, the series of Beethoven discs produced by Warner Music all finish playing music and then display a blue screen. No menu is present. The play button must be pressed to bring up the menu. Other Warner discs wait a few seconds and then repeat the play of the disc, whether the repeat button has been pressed or not. The blue screen is actually preferable to the auto-repeat. It would be nice to have consistently one or the other, however.



The DPS-9.1/DV-S939 seems to share the same Graphical User Interface as the Toshiba DVD-Audio player. This interface is completely different than the Onkyo Integra DTR-9.1's GUI. This means that setup for the "matching" components is different.

My “evaluation” has been limited to only a subset of the available modes of the DPS-9.1 and using only 4 DVD-Audio discs and many CDs (DVD-Video discs have yet to be extensively tested). I’ve left off a number of items that are nuisances or user interface issues. The nuisance list includes how noisy the disc mechanism is when it spins-up between tracks on a DVD-Audio disc.

The Integra customer service is also poor. Of my six phone calls to the Integra “7 Days Customer Service” phone number (1-800-225-1946), zero calls have been returned (dating back to a question I had with the DTR-9.1 receiver). Whether calling at 9AM (EST) or at Midnight (EST) the phone message states that they are “assisting other customers” and to please leave a message.

On the plus side the unit did play DVD-Video discs very well in Dolby Digital mode (as stated above Dolby Pro Logic through the six channel output lacked bass). However, even Onkyo Integra has signifcantly less expensive methods of playing DVD-Video discs.

For these reasons and many other smaller technical problems, the DPS-9.1/DV-S939 receives a 2-star overall rating and 1-star for value. My best move was returning the unit until the bugs have been worked-out.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel DV-1080

Progressive Scan Video, Quality, Build Quality

DVD Audio playback problems

Yes, this unit does have DVD-Audio playback problems. Certain disks (Nat Merchant, STP) will not play all the way through. I have been in touch with Integra customer service and they are aware of the problem. They have a fix coming from Japan, but the US engineers want to test this fix before they introduce it to the US market. You would think that Integra/Onkyo would pull this unit if they were aware of this problem. They are promising a fix via the port on the pack of the unit. I guess we will have to cross our fingers and wait. They have been promising a DTS-ES upgrade to their 989 receiver for months. The unit is a great unit and the DVD playback is the best I've ever seen. The DVD-Audio playback is phenominal...I just wish I could hit play and leave the unit alone for a hour or so.

Similar Products Used:

Integra, Toshiba, Sony

I have a build date of sept 2000 and have had none of the problems that folks speak of. I would love to hear about the software upgrade. In any case, matched up with the 989 and the mitsu 65857 HDTV 7.1 infinity Kappas and digital output, screw analog. I have had a $7 cover charge for any and all visitors to my home theater. Why because it is the best around. I have had none of the problems, however I can not find any DVD audio discs out there. I would love some emails on what problems folks had fixed and where to find DVD audio's. Rush in 5.1 that is my dream....

Thanks,
Joe

None

Better than anything I have seen, only question is why does the screen say NUON-do they buy the LCD's from a mass producer of these? Or will the unit have NUON capability someday. Look at your LCD close up and you will see many features not found on the unit. The other question, when will the firewire be ready?

Thanks,
Joe

Similar Products Used:

Sony POS

Audio: Superb sound. Very clean with no listening fatigue. The unit really shines with hi-res DVD-A stereo material.
Video: Very good - once you set the appropriate mode.

Audio: none that I noticed.
Video: You MUST force the player into Film mode in order to watch films that were transferred onto DVD otherwise the player will most likely be in Video mode and you'll be subjected to artifacts (particularly combing) throughout the movie. This is poor flag detection reading but once you set the unit in the appropriate mode, the picture is beautiful.

After reading some of the reviews here, I almost passed this unit by. Fortunately, I had the chance to demo one at a nearby audio store and found that it had none of these problems so I took the chance and bought myself one online. The unit I purchased was also free of the problems mentioned in the earlier reviews.

As with every player, the Onkyo had a couple of quirks which are slightly annoying but not bad to the point that I would consider returning it. During DVD-V playback, I might have to set the unit into forced video or film playback mode but it's not much of a hassle. I can easily set up a macro on my remote have it done with the touch of a single button.

I'm not a videophile as much as I'm an audiophile. I don't really scrutinize the picture quality and search for barely noticable artifacts during a movie. But, if you don't have the appropriate mode selected, that combing will make you pull your hair out of your head.

Build quality of this unit is very high. The casing, transport, DACS, dual power supplies etc. all play a key role to the excellent performance it provides. After listening to Eric Clapton (24/192 analog stereo) I just wanted to get up from my seat and ask him for his autograph. High res audio is simply amazing and this unit delivers it all beautifully.


I hope that Onkyo resolved the problems that others may have experienced and all units play as well as mine. I'm very pleased with it and I would highly recommend this to others that seek the same type of performance that I do.

Regards,
Nikos

Awesome DVD playback

DVD-A playback error correction is poor. Easily thrown off by small smudges.

My final update on the player. I have had the unit to Onkyo service twice. They did a great job with shipping and customer service. It just seems this product isn't quite ready for primetime. Maybe if I got another unit, my problems would vanish. Alot of you have emailed me about the unit and my issues. Well, here is the final status report.
DVD playback, Awesome. Best DVD playback I have ever seen. Of course who am I?
DVD-AUDIO playback. Well here is where it gets grey. Remember back in 1986+ when we first got CD's? How people used to handle them, and still do, with felt gloves? Well, you REAllY, REALLY should do this with DVD-A's and this Onkyo. The *slightest* finger print can throw the unit in to convulsions. So yes, it does play all my DVD-A's now. Although it still won't play past track 2 with "Blue Man Group"(plays fine on my friends Panasonic). The new "AI" soundtrack disc seems to play fine. Maybe there's some error in the encoding on the "BMG" disc that is making the Onkyo freak out. The Onkyo could be too sensative to variances in encoding?
In the end, I am going to keep the Onkyo as a $1300 DVD THX Ultra player. It is worth that price for it's DVD video playback and THX certification(if that really matters). As for DVD-A playback, I am going to go buy a nice $300 deck from the local retailer and finally be able to listen to my six DVD-A titles worry free.

Absolutely stunning picture quality. Film like images using the progressive scan.

Price. Audio is very neutral, but still experimenting w/ the LFE management.

Love the substantial feel, look and quality build. Two power supplies for minimal noise. Wondering about using the analog outs for the CD's while keeping w/ the digital out for the dvd's. Seems to allow a higher sampling rate using the analog's w/ those limited availability recordings and I'm curious if the DAC's are better in this unit than in my B&K, which doesn't process at those higher rates. If you want to improve your dvd video quality to the highest possible standard , buy it. If you're looking for a huge improvement in audio, it's not a good enough reason to shell out the dough, you could buy an old Sony 7000 and do as well for CD sound.
Waiting to try out the dvd audio, I didn't buy it for that reason, rather the picture quality - and that is stunning.
Hooked it up to a Richard Gray power unit, just to make a great picture better.

Similar Products Used:

Sony S 7000

Awesome DVD video decoding. Sleek styling and simple controls

Poor DVD Audio playback. Even with the newer "B" model. Some playback problems with DVD's and there menu's.

I was very excited to unpack this unit and hook it up. Some have stated they have had no problems with the unit. Even the original ones. I find it funny that those people haven't even tested there unit for the problems discussed. Mainly DVD Audio. Regardless, I connected it up and prepared for audio bliss. The unit simply cannot get all the way through ANY DVD-A disc I have tried. "Foreigner", "Metallica", "Blue Man Group", "Tiger Lily" were some of the discs tested. All suffered from digital noise, skip, and lock up after some time playing. Mine is a "B" model as well. I have also had it "lock up" on certain DVD menu's. The only way to recover from a "lock up" is to shut the unit off. Something my $100.00 Oritron has NEVER done! I plan to send it off to service and hope for the best. If it cannot be fixed. Then I have a $1300.00 hunk of metal and plastic sitting in my theatre room. I purchased the unit in June, 2001 too. This website only has 2000 listed as a choice oddly.

Nothing in this price range looks or sounds like it, period.

None in my unit yet.....

Well after reading many of the reviews posted here I don't know where to begin. I operate an A/V integration store in SLC and have been an Integra dealer for almost 6 months now. I have to be honest here, the customer support that has been written about in these reviews is dead on. Integra did move their facilities and has really dropped the ball on many issues in my book. Unfortunate that such a great product line is being sabotaged by the people who should care the most. So now that my share of the Integra bashing is done, let's get on with my thoughts.

For those of you who have has problems with your DVD players ability to play back DVD-A discs, all I can say is try and hold out until your problems have been addressed before giving up hope. I place blame with Onkyo 100% here but keep in mind the DVD-A format is not a perfect one yet and I suspect that there are many software issues affecting the players as well. I know first hand that Onkyo is not alone in this arena. But what about DVD video and CDs? Not a lot of positive responses here, come on guys!

The DPS-9.1 is currently in our reference theater comprised of a Marantz 8100 DLP and various Sunfire gear with an NHT VT-3 reference speaker set-up. I am sorry if I have to toot Onkyo's horn here a little bit, but this thing kicks some serious butt.

DVD video? Give me a break. It makes our Elite DV-37 look and sound like a $199 samsung DVD player. The line doubler in this thing is amazing! I have not seen a smoother, sharper picture from a DVD player in anywhere near this things price range. In fact switching from 480p DVD to 720p HDTV (from a satellite feed), there is little difference in brightness and sharpness in the picture. Keep in mind this has the only 54MHz/10Bit video DAC that I can think of in this price range.

DD and DTS? Probably the most spacial and expressive piece I have had the pleasure to listen to. The sound is warm and inviting, yet remains dynamic and explosive at the same time. The LFE channel is superb. The bass is wonderfully tight yet has great extension. The Elite DV-37 and Marantz 7100 sound thin and lean at both ends of the spectrum when compared to this piece.

And what about CD/PCM audio? My personal $4,000.00 Theta Digital transport does not sound any better when using the DAC in the Sunfire TGII preamp (coaxial vs. coaxial). In fact, on a lot of material I prefer the sound of the Integra (when using the onboard DAC of course). The Sony 9000 DVD player that has everybody in fits of joy sounds drab and flat compared to the Integra piece in my opinion. The apparent clarity the sony is known for quickly gets edgy sounding. The sound stage the Sony presents is also a problem, it is cluttered and lacks the focus, depth and definition in comparison. My first listen to the DPS-9.1 reminded me of how my first outboard DAC sounded when compared to the straight analog outputs of my CD player. I was in heaven.

I know that this review is in sharp contrast to what has been written here up until now. But I thought that a little credit should be given where credit is due. As a DVD video and CD player, the Integra excels. As far as the technical issues are concerned, our piece has been bullet proof. I do hope the DVD-A problems get worked out and that Onkyo takes some serious notice of these postings concerning their customer support or the lack thereof.

Similar Products Used:

Elite DV-37, Marantz 7100

progressive scan

see review

Just a quick note: received a call from my dealer about Integra's answer to all of our problems with the Onkyo 989 or Integra DPS-9.1. They have a firmware upgrade to the genesis chip that is available now (as of 03/17/01 at least) which they will perform free of charge including shipping the unit back to the user. The upgrade is said to address the problems with DVD-AUDIO as well as pixelation & picture breakup on the DVD-VIDEO side.

I am going to give my unit to my dealer on Monday & they will ship it out to Onkyo's main service in Fairview NJ. Looking forward to seeing if everything works.

(oh yes, If you saw my earlier post about scan lines showing up on my Panasonic progressive 56SF Tv, well the progressive output of my DPS-9.1 is the perfect mate to this set's progressive component inputs: a perfect picture!)

Ray

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer DVL-91