Just got a Philips DVP5980K player as a warranty replacement for my DVP5965.
The slot loader went on me & I had it replaced with this new model (+ a small fee as the 5980 costs a bit more)

This new player looks identical to the old but has a TRAY loader instead, which I prefer (but looks a bit flimsy)
The firmware version is 37.07.32.35
It comes with Region 4 out-the-box, but is easily changed to Multizone as per the 5965 method.
Filenames are still 14 chars DVD & 8 chars USB (this is a big let-down from Philips!)

Interestingly, HDMI>DVI on my Teac 4220 SD plasma (HD compataible) actually WORKS! using ripped DVDs.
This would not work with the old 5965 model.
Modes 480p,576p,720p & 1080i all work fine...but I can't see much difference in PQ, maybe 10%.
When I tried the 1080p mode it said "Not Supported" and the screen went snowy.
I had to use Component connection in order to re-set the mode below 1080p to get rid of the snow.
However commercial DVDs will not upscale & the dreaded "Non HDCP Compliant" message pops up.
So I'm leaving it connected using Component which is very good.

If someone has this model & the Panasonic TH-42PX70A plasma, I'll be keen to hear your thoughts on 1080p.
I'm hoping to buy the Pana later this year.

Vinny,

I just got my 42px70a and am looking for an upscaler. Good Guys has the DVP5980K for $149. Can you tell me if it plays DIVX via USB? If it does, I'll probably get one.

The Panasonic is excellent. I originally bought a Samsung 50" C91 but ended up taking it back as it had a fault and the PQ was terrible. I'm glad I ended up with the Panny. I highly recommend it.

If I get the DVP5980K, I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes it does - I use an Astone 1GB flash drive with no problems.
It actually plays Divx on any type of disk that you can put them on.
This player also came with a HDMI cable in the box.

One last question -- Does it support DTS out of the box or do you need to upgrade the firmware?

It supports DTS but it doesn't have an built-in decoder.

I haven't been able to find one of these units in Adealide. I've made numerous phone calls with no luck. If anyone knows where I may be able to get hold of one, please let me know. Thanks.

Good Guys Edwardstown had some.
ph 8292 4600
email: edwardstown@thegoodguys.com.au

Have the earlier model and it's brilliant, particularly like the slot feed and can't understand why they went back to a tray feed, as the slot feed is universal in car CD players and is surely rugged and time-tested. I've had 2 DVD players totally destroyed by someone leaving the tray sticking out and a fast kiddy running into it!

The USB port is incredibly useful as you can look at photos and listen to MP3s off your USB stick player.

Hello I just bought this DVD player as well it's a great looking player. I was wondering does anyone know the code to make it all region. I will be kicking myself if it isn't possible cause the only reason I got another one is to play my imported DVD's.

I think this is your solution: Go into the setup menu and type 138931 which will bring up Region Code 4, then press up until you hit 0 and press OK.

I am considering buying one of these DVD players and I found these informative reviews on the net. I really wish the manufacturers would put more detail onto their website and brochures. i.e. good clear photos of front and back connections - does it have SCART, where is the USB connection etc etc... Hope this helps other potential buyers...

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http://www.ciao.co.uk/Philips_DVP_5980__6670482

Review of Philips DVP 5980 by AJRAD
I was attracted to purchase this DVD player a while ago for its DivX capabilities (something not too many players have).

It is a fairly impressive HDMI player, supporting 1080p High Definition resolution pictures. The HD output is flawless and makes for a great movie watching time. After I bought this, I spent a few days just sitting on the sofa watching DVDs with my friends with this player (they were also impressed with the HD).
This is still my DVD player of preference, and even though I'm out of the film-watching spree now I will occasionally have a film night with my mates enjoying the high quality and resolution of the DVP 5980.

The sound output is also fairly impressive and although it does depend on the audio capabilities of the TV you're using, having a DVD player that also has high calibre audio helps too.
It doesn't have Real Dolby though, which is a shame and is also why this product does not get five stars from me. But then again I do have DVD players that do have Real Dolby but still don't sound as good as the output from this.

The player has a simple, easy-to-use interface and a similarly easy in-movie menu that is easily controlled by the easy-to-use remote that comes with the player.
It. Is. Easy. To. Use.

I haven't seen any image flaws or any general bad things happen to date, and I haven't managed to damage the DVD player with my general clumsiness, which includes when I dropped a huge hardback book on it (yes, by accident). There isn't even a noticable scratch! Talking of appearance, I am also impressed by the sleek, professional appearance that pretty much sums up how the player will perform before you buy it.

Overall, a high quality, fulfulling DVD player ideal for watching high definition films at the reasonable price of £60; the only downfall being the lack of Real Dolby, but otherwise it is brilliant.

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Review of Philips DVP 5980 by chiletom
I bought this machine just for its divx capability. I use nero to burn a dvd in iso mode. Just drag the .avi movie and the subtitle file and burn a dvd or cd. In less than 10 minutes you have a finished dvd which can be played on the dvp 5980. Before, the process took me more than 2 hours or transcoding and adding the subtitles to the dvd format.

Thanks. You need to navigate to the "preferences" menu within the setup before you can enter the code..

is this an upgrade to the 5965k?

if so, what is the diff?

I finally managed to source one of these from the Good Guys for $130.00.

I must say that there is not much to the unit. It is very compact and weighs next to nothing. Although, I do say that it looks good.


Impressions.

I think this player represents good value for money. Asthetically, it looks the part. It has enough connectivity to suit most purchasers and even comes with a 1.8M HDMI cable. Also included is a set of composite cables and batteries for the remote. While we're on the remote, I'll say that it is a bit of a toy but performs all required functions and the buttons are well placed.

After connecting it to the Panasonic 42" 70A via HDMI and the Sony receiver via the Digital Coaxial, I fired it up and went through the menu to tweak the settings. While I was doing this, I also enabled the multi-zone functionality (refer previous posts). I eventually settled on outputting 720P (although it upscales to 1080P) to the screen and fed through ALL digital audio to the receiver to decode. You can switch the audio between HDMI and Coaxial.

Next I burnt a heap of DIVX's to DVD and tried them out. The picture was not too bad at all. I then tried some DIVX's on a USB thumb drive - no probs. I even tried my Multi-Card reader with a 1GB Compact Flash inserted and that worked too. Very impressed so far, though yet to try an external HDD.


Conclusion.

This player is a bargain for the price, especially considering it comes with a HDMI cable. If you can live without Digital Optical out and S-Video out, you can't go wrong. Check out the Philips website for full specs (you can download the user manual too) and feel free to ask me any questions and I'll do my best to get you the answers.

thanks mate I have been looking at this DVD player as I have an old Omni DV4300 and its time to upgrade.

My LCD televison ( its a Schaub Lorenz) doesnt have a HDMI port but it does have a DVI one and it is HDCP compatible. Does this DVD player have provison for normal audio.

Sorry about the noob question but is it important to have Dolby Optical and S-video ?

I was also looking at the pioneer DV600 AVS, just wondering if you considered this player as well.

Can anyone comment on the differences between the two, I would be interested as these are the two DVD players I am looking at.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Cheers
Deathwalker

Yes it does have analog audio. You can output stereo, virtual surround or Dolby Pro Logic. You will need a device to decode Dolby Pro Logic to get the surround effect.

I guess you're aware that you can get a DVI/HDMI adaptor or cable.

I mentioned the S-Video incase you wanted to hook it up to an older CRT or such that doesn't have Component or DVI/HDMI, as S-Video will give you a slightly better picture than composite. You only require Digital Optical audio if you have a receiver that doesn't accept Digital Coaxial. The analog audio output (Dolby Pro Logic) is ok, but Dolby Digital or DTS leaves it for dead.

Sorry, I can't help you with the Pioneer as I didn't want to spend too much (I just spent a heap on the screen and furniture so my budget was a bit tight) but like I said earlier; I don't think you can go wrong for the price.

Can't get hold of the manual yet, as my work browser is not supported on Phillips support site.

Does anyone know whether it upscales via component ?

thanks stevodm for all of your help, i think you have made up my mind. I'll go into the good guys in the next couple of days and grab one.

Out of interest which good guys did you get yours from?

No it doesn't.

480p/576p is maximum via component.

It doesn't output via S-Video either, as previously mentioned. I have had one of these for a week or so now. Plays DIVX quite well in my trials, haven't had the time to watch a DVD yet due to watching the Tour de France and work commitments...

I got one of these the other day at Good Guys ($127) to go with my new bedroom 32LCD (Philips 32PFL7532) ...and can vouch for everything you guys have said about it.......
I was sceptical about upscaling after I checked out the Samsung1080P (also with HDMI cable) ....very poor PQ from the Samsung (I thought).

I was really blown away by the diference between this and the Sammy.
This unit really brings new life to my old DVDs.....Pirates is much crisper and more colourful and just awesome to watch.
It could be the new panel though thats making everything look brighter.

Ill check it out on my old display and see if thats any different ...as soon as I get round to lugging and spinning the CRT around to get to the connections.

The USB port could be handy..although my panel has its own USB ...and...I was surprised it has a PCMCIA adaptor slot (the panel..not the player)..for smartcards.....not publicised on the website..but its definetly there.

I got this too couple of weeks ago..
though bit more dearer for $140 at HN!..
the cool thing is that it comes with a HDMI cable and I didnt know bout it! and in my ignorance i purchased a HDMI cable v1.3 type for $30.

anyways the PQ look superb...compare to my old DVD player which looked more bulkier and the DVDs looked very very ugly.

The usb inclusion is a great feature!...great to see pics or mpgs..
though i was not able to play mp4s on it!?! though the manual says you can?

they have to be formatted in FAT32

The player will show DIVX and XVID files with .AVI extension, as well and MPEG1 and MPEG2 files, but not files with .MP4 extension such as the ones Apple Quicktime outputs.

it says .mp4 in the manual ??

DIVX and XVID are just 'brand names' for various codecs that use the MPEG4 video compression standard, so the manual is sort of correct...

it should play .mp4 then

maybe Nando your files are .m4a or .m4v and maybe not supported

I will check tonight thanks

I got one of these, overall excellent.

Has anyone tried the karaoke function? I can't get it to work! I've tried different mics, such as one for pc use, and also one that came with my Aiwa walkman (it records..). I have not tried a mic for singing though, so not sure if it will work. I am starting to think that maybe the fact that the sound output is via HDMI, the karaoke function is not compatible with it?

Has anyone tried a external HD with the USB yet? I am keen to try but am reluctact to reformat my 160GB as FAT32 and have to move around and burn all my movies just to give it a go. Am just being lazy I guess!

How does everyone rate the upscaling abilities? Are they better than the average panels upscaling?


Cheers,



David

Well the fact that the video output is via hdmi does state that the PQ will be superior.
I know this cuz I had a normal DVD player connected to my LCD 1080 panel and the PQ was !@#!@# very bad.

However now with this DVD the PQ is very very good...again not as good as what u get in FTA native 1080i output, but close to it.
This is with using the 1080i conversion.
I havent seen it with other DVD upscaler ..but u certainly see a big difference when you upscale even from SD to 1080i.

I know this dvd player does 1080p...but my panel doesnt do 1080p

Is there not a direct forum for DVD Players?

I see one for Blue-Ray and HD, etc....but what about (Standard Def) DVD Players?

Or have I missed the forum someplace?

Just wondering as I would have thought it would have its own forum....

Or can one be started perhaps???

Cheers

FG

Thank you, I too bought one this week and this code worked first time on my Zone 1 discs.

Dumb Question - does it supports std output?

I don't have a HDMI TV just a std 4:3 80cm tv which takes Composite, SVideo and Component(YCbCr)

But I'd really like a cheapish DVD player that supports DivX and USB flash card/External Drives - if this did the trick I'd snap it up - or any alternative if there are suggestions

Thanks - Lindsay

I think the microphone only works if you select the analog audio output only as audio for karaoke is Left+Right.

Re the microphone, there's a little roller on the right side of the unit that I think controls the level of the mike?

I have my other Philips under component to a HD TV now but originally for a few weeks to a std TV...it works great...and the USB port is a blessing.

You should get as good a picture as your TV can deliver with no problems....and it shows DivX, etc with no banding at all.

The alternative to the Philips I would suggest is the new Pioneer DV-600 (plays anything & region free)....just got one for another room...and its a great unit...again with front USB port.

Have watched 4 episodes of a show I downloaded on a thumb drive through this.

Just ensure you follow the thread regarding your USB drives to Fat32 format.

As of now, 'fat32format' has worked on drives from <1GB to 2TB

Interfaces tested include IDE/PATA, SATA, eSATA, USB and Firewire

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?s=&...st&p=530316

3 of my 4 drives work great with the Philips after utilising this format. The 4th one (that is the newest) that doesn't work has a "slack" USB Plug to Socket fit.....

Cheers

FG

.

I am interested in getting one of these DVD players as said here great features and a great price ( I have a good offer from The Good Guys ) I do have a question though, has anyone tried using the HDMI to the TV ( I have a Panasonic 50" HD plasma panel model TH-50PX600A) and feeding the sound though the digital optical output from the TV to the sound system for 5:1 dolby digital and DTS sound??? I really hope that this will work as it is what I want do be able to do. The dolby digital works great with HD free to air TV and the Harry Potter movies all had 6:1 dolby digital sound, both picture and sound were better than a DVD from my LG recorder.

The DVP5980k doesn't have optical out, only co-axial. I have the picture going to my LCD panel ia HDMI and the digital sound goes to my amp via co-axial.

Does your amp have a coaxial input?

I think he wants to feed the sound into the TV via HDMI and then output it from the TV to his amplifier via optical. My TV has optical audio out but I have not tried it.

I have this Philips DVD player and I vouch for its performance. It is great value for money. I have it setup going HDMI to my amp and then HDMI to my TV. My amp doesn't do sound via HDMI so I use a cable to the digital coax port. I output to my projector component leads that go to my amp and then out to the amp. Unfortunately my component leads to my projector are **** so it has a bad picture compared to the one on the TV.

hi all, Just a question, does this dvd player play HD DVDs? I just brought one today, from the Good Guys at Rockdale but need to go back tomorrow because the idiot sales man made me buy a HDMI cable when I should have got one in the box. I argued the point with him that it should come with but he was so adamant that i was wrong, but anyway I will fix that all up tomorrow. But I just wanted to know if it does play the High Def DVDs or does it just make normal dvds look like hd ones...

No it doesn't, it just upscales DVD to 1080p.
philips

Be mindful that some TVs (ie mine) don't do audio out via the optical out when input is from a HDMI source.

Robert

where abouts in the setup, preferences do i enter the region unlock code? thanks

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtop...st&p=721905

l have the 50px70A has anyone out there got that with the DVP5980k if so are you happy with the picture quality

I just bought one of these today DVP5980K/55.

My 8GB Usb stick works fine, but my 80GB HP Media Pocket drive doesn't seem to work.

I've been looking at the philips.com site all day and cannot find a firmware upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas if one is available and how one would obtain it?

Cheers

EDIT: And yes both drives are FAT32, and worked on my previous Wintal DVD player w/USB input.

Yes it does and I got one of these for fathers day and found that the audio through the HDMI does not go through to the optical output of the TV as Dolby Digital so I have connected the coax audio from the DVP5980k to my sound system. Both picture and sound are awesome, I'm very impressed and thank everyone here for their comments, they helped me in expressing my desire to have one. John

You may find that the USB port on the DVD player cannot provide enough current for your pocket drive. You may need to run it through a USB Hub where you can add a power supply to provide enough current.