Oppo BDP 83 Blu Ray player

[HDBLU]

I have them both--PS3 & Oppo BDP-83-- 8), and as much as I like the PS3 the Oppo is the better choice for my HT/Hi-Fi system. Load times are quicker; looks more traditional with the rest of the equipment in the rack; remote is more user friendly; runs MUCH cooler (I could have cooked a rotisserie chicken with the PS3); runs quieter (fan in PS3 was loud after extended use); plays all formats (my recent model PS3 didn't play SACD or DVD-Audio; also, the menu, set-up, and operation are all easier and more user friendly (not that the PS3 was THAT difficult), picture on the Oppo is phenominal, ....etc..

I love the PS3 and it's still doing a great job for us in the kid's playroom, but the Oppo is the new King of BluRay in my primary system in the Family room.

Now for gaming---that's another story.

Are you saying the OPPO is faster load time then the PS3

[Chris D]

Very cool. I appreciate the performance comparison of the Oppo vs. PS3. If I had a whole bunch of money, I'd buy the Oppo as well, but for now, the PS3 is still meeting my needs just fine.

[Ken49r]

Are you saying the OPPO is faster load time then the PS3

Mine are packed in they're box's awaiting my move in a couple weeks, but I don't know if I remember a big difference in load times. Both are plenty fast compared to other products where the reviewer made a sandwich waiting for it to load.

I like them both but I think it all depends on your needs as far as Bluray/Games or Bluray/Music in your HT setup. I personally prefer Bluray/Music from the Oppo in my HT and the PS3 has been moved to the bedroom 1080p TV for Bluray/Games.

The Oppo running quieter, SACD, DVD-A, and the analogue stereo and MCH outputs made the Oppo the reference player in my system.

[Blindamood]

It's good to hear that people are happy with their BDP-83s...mine is due to arrive Friday. Of course, FedEx has a tendancy to arrive a day earlier than scheduled, so we will see. Will be nice to have the upcoming 3-day holiday weekend to get it set up and playing.

[Jim Holtz]

I've been thinking about picking up a BDP-83 but I have some questions that an existing owner might be able to answer for me.

I'm an owner of an early HD RPTV that doesn't have HDMI inputs. The picture quality is excellent and I'm not ready to move to a LCD or plasma set yet. So, I need a player that will do 1080i from it's component outputs. Oppo support tells me the BDP-83 does that. However, reading the Secrets review is states that component output by-passes the superior video capabilities that the HDMI output has.

Can anyone confirm that and how much quality difference is there? Are there any other players that have superior video quality at 1080i from their component outputs?

Thanks!

Jim

[impala454]

Jim, I will try and experiment for you over the weekend and see. I have a Samsung DLP using HDMI, but can hook it up via component and see how it looks for you.

[Jim Holtz]

Jim, I will try and experiment for you over the weekend and see. I have a Samsung DLP using HDMI, but can hook it up via component and see how it looks for you.

Thanks Chuck! I appreciate it! :T

Jim

[impala454]

I can't speak to the architecture of the Oppo but I did this today and cannot say I see any major difference in picture quality between the HDMI & Component. I used a couple of pixar movies to test and really the only difference (which still seemed very slight, and might have just been in my mind) was in quick motion, which would make sense going from 1080p to 1080i. The quality of the picture though seemed identical to me. Test was run with the Oppo connected directly to my Samsung HL6187W DLP TV. The Oppo lets you change the video output on the fly and I confirmed the modes with the info screen on my Samsung.

[Jim Holtz]

I can't speak to the architecture of the Oppo but I did this today and cannot say I see any major difference in picture quality between the HDMI & Component. I used a couple of pixar movies to test and really the only difference (which still seemed very slight, and might have just been in my mind) was in quick motion, which would make sense going from 1080p to 1080i. The quality of the picture though seemed identical to me. Test was run with the Oppo connected directly to my Samsung HL6187W DLP TV. The Oppo lets you change the video output on the fly and I confirmed the modes with the info screen on my Samsung.

Perfect! Thank you for taking the time to check that out for me.

If I understand it correctly. Unless some flag is set on the disc that isn't currently employed by any company, the component outputs will allow me to watch in 1080i. If I'm correct in that understanding, this will buy me the time I'm looking for and still allow me to watch Blueray moves. :T

Thanks Chuck!

Have a great 4th!

Jim

[impala454]

No problem Jim, if you have any specific discs you'd like me to check, here's a listing of my movies: http://www.chuckc.net/movies/

[Blindamood]

Another glowing review of the BDP-83 by Kris Deering (Home Theater Magazine).

I received mine last Friday, but haven't installed yet. Waiting for my new Logitech Transporter (should arrive today!), so I only have to disassemble my system once for both.

[Nolan B]

uhg...

I am so frustated with Solutions AV here in Canada. I gave up the opportunity to get a player early direct from oppo to support a Canadian dealer who assured me I would be first on his list when the shipment arrived. It turns out now he "forgot" about me, and all he allocated players have been shipped and I am left with nothing. To make matters worse he actually charged my card the full amount without having confirmation one was sent to me.

Best case scenerio the wait is much longer.

[Hdale85]

Wow that sucks..... I'd personally ask for a refund and order through Oppo. Customer service sure isn't what it used to be.

[Nolan B]

Wow that sucks..... I'd personally ask for a refund and order through Oppo. Customer service sure isn't what it used to be.

Yea, I emailed him saying that if he could not overnight one today then i want a refund. Problem is he is hard to get a hold of.

[michel]

Yea, I emailed him saying that if he could not overnight one today then i want a refund. Problem is he is hard to get a hold of.

Whenever I have a serious dispute with a vendor, I call my credit card manager and ask them to kill the charges. They do this happelly for me.

Vendor will get back to you likety split.

[Nolan B]

Whenever I have a serious dispute with a vendor, I call my credit card manager and ask them to kill the charges. They do this happelly for me.

Vendor will get back to you likety split.

yea...i think I will have to do that this morning as I am not even getting replies in a timely manner at this point.

[Blindamood]

Install Complete

It is a week of big upgrades in my system...added the Oppo BDP-83 and the Logitech Transporter. So far, so very good...here are a few pics of the system (details in my profile).

[Nolan B]

It is a week of big upgrades in my system...added the Oppo BDP-83 and the Logitech Transporter. So far, so very good...here are a few pics of the system (details in my profile).

looks great!

Have you read about the Mods the Mod Wright did to the Transporter? Reviews sound amazing.

AV Solutions is making good on their error and overnighting a player to me tomorrow.

[Hdale85]

Did you get a good deal on the transporter? I've long lusted after one of those. The mod wright one looks awesome.

[Blindamood]

Did you get a good deal on the transporter? I've long lusted after one of those. The mod wright one looks awesome.

I did get a great deal on the Transporter...got a new unopened unit in an audiogon auction...25% off retail. I've been 'lusting' after one of these for a while too. Had the network all set up up and was already using a Duet. Moved the Duet receiver to the bedroom, and using the Synch feature, you can listen to the same music in multiple areas of the house...works great. You can use the same Duet Controller to control both units as well.

I don't really have any interest in the mods...sounds great to me as it is.

Oh, btw, back to the original thread...the Oppo BDP-83 is brilliant! Been a long time since I had a statement universal player in my system (Onkyo DV-SP1000). I've thrown all types of discs at it over the weekend (including SACD and DVD-A) and I am amazed at how well this player handles them all. Definitely the best deal going of you're into multi-channel audio.

[Nolan B]

I can only think of a very few brands that offer as much enjoyment opening the packaging as Oppo.

Images not available

[Gump]

Nice pictures, Nolan. I enjoyed the "unpacking" process with my 83 as well. Thanks for helping me re-live it. I liked that little box that the remote and cables came in too. Some of my favorite CD's reside in it now. The sturdiness of the power cord and HDMI cable were also impressive.

All in all, a very "nice kit" as they say across the pond...

[Blindamood]

Nice work, Nolan...looks great. Glad it finally arrived.

[Nolan B]

I have to say so far this player is surpassing all my expectations so far!

[kmcheng]

I just watched the Hulk (the newer one) on blu-ray on my new Oppo. This player rocks!

Is this Oppo better than the PS3? I will admit it is difficult to tell. Even when I was playing the Chris Botti in Boston blu-ray, the difference between the two players are subtle to my perception.

However, there are two things that the Oppo definitely do better than the PS3:
1) The Oppo is quiet!!! The PS3 fan noise used to drive me crazy. Imagine during the silent passages on Chris Botti and all you heard are the fan noise. No such problem on the Oppo.
2) The Oppo is easy to program on a universal remote. I am flying on my universal remote in seconds.

[Nolan B]

I just watched the Hulk (the newer one) on blu-ray on my new Oppo. This player rocks!

Is this Oppo better than the PS3? I will admit it is difficult to tell. Even when I was playing the Chris Botti in Boston blu-ray, the difference between the two players are subtle to my perception.

However, there are two things that the Oppo definitely do better than the PS3:
1) The Oppo is quiet!!! The PS3 fan noise used to drive me crazy. Imagine during the silent passages on Chris Botti and all you heard are the fan noise. No such problem on the Oppo.
2) The Oppo is easy to program on a universal remote. I am flying on my universal remote in seconds.

Unlike DVD, today our ultimate goal is to get whats native on the disc and transfer it to the display. 1080 24 and lossless audio via HDMI bitstream is not going to be better form the Oppo vs the PS3 contrary to what many people may hope or want. Where the Oppo excels is its universal playback, fast load times, easy set up and control, build quality and what almost all other BD brands miss...customer service.

Where quality can differ is in the analog outputs. Having said that I believe and will soon test that if you are after a player with strong MCH outputs you are still better off getting the Oppo and having an after market mod vs over spending on other flagship players.

Just my opinion.

[impala454]

I'm not sure I understand. How could the audio/video not be comparable on the Oppo vs the PS3? They use completely different decoder chips. I suppose I can see where bitstream audio shouldn't be any different but for video I would think there's a difference. Not arguing, just trying to understand.

[Nolan B]

I'm not sure I understand. How could the audio/video not be comparable on the Oppo vs the PS3? They use completely different decoder chips. I suppose I can see where bitstream audio shouldn't be any different but for video I would think there's a difference. Not arguing, just trying to understand.

You are right that in theory there could be differences, but hard to say if one is better. Ultimately you are just after what's on the disc, and any player which does something more then that is actually doing something you dont want IMO.

On paper this is why you need to have your display re-calibrated each time you introduce a new player: they are slighty different as you pointed out.

To start all players start bit for bit the same, but each manufacture adds their own flavor of post processing flavor to the image i.e. contrast, color etc Calibrating a display often corrects, or eliminates it if you are just a purest after the most accurate picture possible. It has been reported by many that the Oppo is a very pure player meaning it doesnt add or take away from whats native on the disc.


This just what I believe to be true, but perhaps someone else can weigh in. I will say that my display was calibrated for my PS3 and adding the Oppo was surprisingly close.


Obviously there are huge differences in things like load times, DVD upconversion, build quality and audio when using analog outputs. In all but the last the Oppo is the best of the best, on the later its only average IMO.

[impala454]

So I am continually impressed with Oppo and how they treat their customers. I got a package from them, and just assumed it was an update disc or something, and look at what they sent me:

Image not available

What a great company to do things like this. I just now opened it so haven't sampled it yet, but wow. Great people.

(forgot to put the blue lens filter thing in the pic)

[impala454]

Oh and here's the demo tracks it has:

John Gorka - "Mercy Of The Wheels"
Lisbeth Scott - "Let Me"
Carl Verheyen - "Henry's Farm"
AIX All Stars - "Pachelbel Acoustica"
Destani Wolf - "Primavera"
Albert Lee - "Luxury Liner"
Chamber Music Palisades - Shostakovich Piano Quintet Opus 57 - Prelude

[aud19]

Good review of the Oppo in the Sept. issue of HT Mag. Have to wait for them to put it online before I can link it though....

[impala454]

So did anyone else with an Oppo get sent that disc too??

[Nolan B]

So did anyone else with an Oppo get sent that disc too??

If you mean the AIX sampler then yes...it should be sent out to every owner.

Gotta love something the exceeds expectations.

BTW...if you dont know about AIX and like holiday music...get the DVD A Christmas album from them. It basically loops for us around the holidays. :T

[impala454]

Nice, thanks for the tip! Still haven't listened to the disc, but been very busy this weekend.

[Gump]

So did anyone else with an Oppo get sent that disc too??

Yup, just got mine. What a great surprise! That this company already has my money and still takes the time to send this dvd speaks volumes about their customer service philosophy. Ya gotta love 'em! :T

[Blindamood]

Just wanted to point out that Oppo continues to improve the operation of the BDP-83. A new Public Beta firmware update was made available on 9/3. Refer to the link for specifics.

On a side note, I tried the Zoom feature the other night while watching Transporter 3. It does a beautiful job of removing the black bars at the top and bottom, while maintaining the aspect ratio (with slight cutoff on left and right). A nice option for those of us who don't have XL displays.

[BlazeMaster]

Unlike DVD, today our ultimate goal is to get whats native on the disc and transfer it to the display. 1080 24 and lossless audio via HDMI bitstream is not going to be better form the Oppo vs the PS3 contrary to what many people may hope or want. Where the Oppo excels is its universal playback, fast load times, easy set up and control, build quality and what almost all other BD brands miss...customer service.

Where quality can differ is in the analog outputs. Having said that I believe and will soon test that if you are after a player with strong MCH outputs you are still better off getting the Oppo and having an after market mod vs over spending on other flagship players.

Just my opinion.

What mods are you thinking about? I know that Modwright do all kinds of mods for different CD and DVD players out there. Do you have any idea how much it would cost to mod the DACs on the oppo and adding the necessary new dedicated power supply and other supporting parts would cost? I've never heard their modded product, but they seem to be the most popular companies out there doing the mods. Another option would be the Denon DBP 2010CI, which retails for $200 more, but comes with the Burr-Brown PCM-1782 24-bit/192-kHz DACs.

[Burke Strickland]

Imagine during the silent passages on Chris Botti and all you heard are the fan noise.

Are you suggesting that the best passages on Chris Botti are the silent ones? :>)

"Fan noise" can be a real problem at live concerts, too, as I found out at the Montreal Jazz Festival this past July. Just as the mechanical whir of a BluRay player's built in fan can be a distraction from the recorded performance, audience members standing up and clapping loudly in time to the music while shouting out the lyrics does not add value to a live performance for the rest of the audience, either.

[BlazeMaster]

Are you suggesting that the best passages on Chris Botti are the silent ones? :>)

"Fan noise" can be a real problem at live concerts, too, as I found out at the Montreal Jazz Festival this past July. Just as the mechanical whir of a BluRay player's built in fan can be a distraction from the recorded performance, audience members standing up and clapping loudly in time to the music while shouting out the lyrics does not add value to a live performance for the rest of the audience, either.

But isn't the whole point of watching your favorite movie, concert performance at home on your own system so that you can watch it exactly the way it was meant to be seen? Without all the distraction and unwanted noise created by other members in the audience? You go to the live event for the experience, but to truly enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed, you have to watch it at home on your system.

[Burke Strickland]

You go to the live event for the experience, but to truly enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed, you have to watch it at home on your system.

Agreed, unless there is no available video of the performance.

[Blindamood]

New Official Release firmware became available on September 30. Unlike previous 'beta' releases, this one will automatically appear as available when you turn on your BDP-83 (if connected to your network and configured to do so).

[aud19]

Not sure if it's already posted but here's the review I mentioned. They seemed to like it

http://www.hometheatermag.com/discplayers/oppo_bdp-83_universal_blu-ray_player/

Conclusion
Finally, here’s a standalone Blu-ray player that truly offers the complete experience. The BDP-83 is a reference video and audio transport regardless of the format you throw at it. But it’s also the most user-friendly standalone player I’ve had the pleasure of using. While some players provide outstanding performance in certain areas, the Oppo never hiccupped in any department. It’s truly the most complete package of a Blu-ray player I’ve yet reviewed. It’s now my standing reference as a source component and one that should be on your short list, regardless of your budget.

[ray5]

A question. I am using the BDP 83 as my bluray as well as CD player. But I notice a very obvious decrease in volume playback when playing CD's. Everythig else remaining the same. I use HDMI to send the signals but even when I switched to digital coax the problem/issue persists. In HT volume level 70-75 is more than enough but in CD 2 channel even 90 is sometimes not enough and I don't like it too loud. HDMI or coax did not make a change.
Any thoughts as to why this should be?Thanks.
Ray

[Blindamood]

A question. I am using the BDP 83 as my bluray as well as CD player. But I notice a very obvious decrease in volume playback when playing CD's. Everythig else remaining the same. I use HDMI to send the signals but even when I switched to digital coax the problem/issue persists. In HT volume level 70-75 is more than enough but in CD 2 channel even 90 is sometimes not enough and I don't like it too loud. HDMI or coax did not make a change.
Any thoughts as to why this should be?Thanks.
Ray

The first thing I would check is the setting for each input on your processor/receiver. My Denon receiver allows me to bump the volume up or down in order to match other sources...maybe yours does too.

[ray5]

The first thing I would check is the setting for each input on your processor/receiver. My Denon receiver allows me to bump the volume up or down in order to match other sources...maybe yours does too.

Problem solved. I called OPPO they said probably the volume preset on the unit has been inadvertently turned down and that's exactly what was the issue! They are really good, everytime!!!
Ray