Oppo postpones BDP-831 universal Blu-ray deck indefinitely

Oppo postpones BDP-831 universal Blu-ray deck indefinitely

Internet-only AV brand Oppo has scrapped plans to launch the European version of its BDP-831 universal Blu-ray player. Tested in the latest Home Cinema Choice (#175), the SACD/DVD-Audio-playing deck was expected to be available for order yesterday from the company's new UK-centric website www.oppostore.co.uk, however this statement is all that welcomes potential customers:

'After careful evaluation of the resources available, it has been determined that the release of the OPPO BDP-831 Blu-ray Disc player in Europe will be postponed indefinitely. It is with sincere regret that we have to make this difficult decision. However, we feel that this is in the best interest of our customers and quality standards.

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/blogs/team+hcc/oppo+postpones+bdp+831+universal+blu+ray+deck+inde finitely+28+10+09

As I stated earlier on another site, I can only speculate but the Blu-ray player price collapse has to be at the center of the decision. If prices were greater and profit potential existed, you know there would be resources to open this business and provide support. The crazy Blu-ray business model, sell a player at a slim margin and then provide firmware updates and support indefinitely free of charge isn't a business I would mess with. The race to the bottom for lowest price is great for us consumers but profits are slim or nonexistent for companies making and selling players. Of course competing with the PS3 which continues to be sold at a loss isn't something a company that needs to make a profit on each and every player sold will want to line up and be part of.

Oppo is doing great in the US after several years and earning a solid reputation but if a decision to enter the US market was being considered today, I would expect the decision would be the same.

Chris

Never has customer support been so important since the emergence of Blue Ray.

Never has customer support been so important since the emergence of Blue Ray.

I agree. As we have seen with most Samsung BD player models they have not provided quality and timely firmware updates to play the newest release movies when a BD+, or BD-Java, or other change DRM change is made by a studio which is why I can only recommend some of the top brands like Sony & Panasonic for updates still. Of course the Oppo has a reputation for excellent support that is pretty much unmatched so they are also recommended, but at the much higher price point, more people's budgets put the Oppo BD player out of the question for them. It is not within my budget to get one either right now, but again I also have all the BD players I need right now too.

It seems that Oppo might not be able to support the customer service and maintain the quality of that service if they spead their wings to quickly, I feel for those in the UK!

It seems that Oppo might not be able to support the customer service and maintain the quality of that service if they spead their wings to quickly, I feel for those in the UK!

That is certainly supported by what they said... "However, we feel that this is in the best interest of our customers and quality standards. "

This is a tough business. Oppo has dropped out of the DVD player market and is focusing on Blu-ray. The company simply can't compete based on price and offer the level of service expected from Oppo at DVD player prices. So far, the BDP-83 is doing well in the US in a couple of niche markets at the $500 price point. The market for high quality audio and the best DVD-V performance are the markets and with their reputation for great customer service the product has been successful. Would it do well in Europe at this late date? I don't know, but Oppo can't come down to the competition's Blu-ray player price point and succeed. The market for SACD and DVD-A in Europe is even smaller than it is in the US and it isn't very big here.

Chris

That is certainly supported by what they said... "However, we feel that this is in the best interest of our customers and quality standards. "

I never read the link provided, got it right though. I will however read it now.