Well, It Looks Like The OPPO Got Great Marks in Home Theater...

Just received my copy of the latest issue of HT and there's a review in there of the OPPO deck, of which they gave it GREAT praise across the board -- DVD performance, BD playback, universal applications (DVD-A/SACD). There were a few nitpicks regarding the SACD and DVD-A playback I think, if I recall, but overall, they're calling this the standalone to have right now in terms of operation, speed and playback performance.

I know we have some on this board that already have this deck in their racks, but I was still waiting to bite...this may have clenched it. The BD performance, in particular, was said to have had characteristics without "any competitors" or "without equal." This seemed passionate to me. For $100 less than I originally paid for my Panny 'BD10A, this OPPO may be the next player I get into the system.

As PFC and others have stated before, it looks like OPPO and Panasonic are the ones to keep an eye on in terms of "affordable" BD players right now -- I know Denon has released a deck or two additionally into their lineup that are at this $300-$500 point or so, but I am uncertain how they stack up against the OPPO.

It was an interesting review on the player, though. They really gushed about the OPPO, and I am glad to see some positive feedback, finally, from reviewers on DVD upscaling; of course, the ABT chip was praised here. I didn't really see a huge performance difference when I was running an OPPO '983 DVD player upscaled to 1080, but I am willing to give their Blu-ray player another shot based on this review.

You too will be amazed. The upscaling of SD DVD's is also stellar and I haven't seen anything better that didn't cost $5k (that is if it was any better at all). The DVD Audio is the best I have witnessed/heard (and I do have some mighty fine, expensive DVD Audio players) and SACD is quite good as well. Do yourself a favor, don't hesitate and get one ASAP...

After all we are talking Reference equipment, the one which all others will be compared to/judged by.

Oppo has very good rep. base on their DVD player, for the price oppo is bargain as compared to high end players from Denon, Pioneer, Marantz. The detailed review showed it passed every test on video side, it is an excellent CD player also. I got my Pioneer player for excellent CD player capability with Wolfson DAC. Oppo beats Pioneer on speed and DVD and SACD capability.

peter.. the oppo gets great reviews.. from their first dvd player to the new bluray.. many peoeple like it. I personity think its a bit overhyped. you might find it to be the same problem as before.. don't count the chicken before they hatch just yet.

Jacob

Just received my copy of the latest issue of HT and there's a review in there of the OPPO deck, of which they gave it GREAT praise across the board -- DVD performance, BD playback, universal applications (DVD-A/SACD). There were a few nitpicks regarding the SACD and DVD-A playback I think, if I recall, but overall, they're calling this the standalone to have right now in terms of operation, speed and playback performance.

I know we have some on this board that already have this deck in their racks, but I was still waiting to bite...this may have clenched it. The BD performance, in particular, was said to have had characteristics without "any competitors" or "without equal." This seemed passionate to me. For $100 less than I originally paid for my Panny 'BD10A, this OPPO may be the next player I get into the system.

As PFC and others have stated before, it looks like OPPO and Panasonic are the ones to keep an eye on in terms of "affordable" BD players right now -- I know Denon has released a deck or two additionally into their lineup that are at this $300-$500 point or so, but I am uncertain how they stack up against the OPPO.

It was an interesting review on the player, though. They really gushed about the OPPO, and I am glad to see some positive feedback, finally, from reviewers on DVD upscaling; of course, the ABT chip was praised here. I didn't really see a huge performance difference when I was running an OPPO '983 DVD player upscaled to 1080, but I am willing to give their Blu-ray player another shot based on this review.

Based on what I have read this is no contest. The Oppo simply beats these easily. That Denon BD player at that price point is made by Funai and looks identical to the cheap players that also use the same player with a different faceplate HERE (http://www.highdefforum.com/921601-post71.html).

Get the Oppo if you can spend $500.00 on a player.

peter.. the oppo gets great reviews.. from their first dvd player to the new bluray.. many peoeple like it. I personity think its a bit overhyped. you might find it to be the same problem as before.. don't count the chicken before they hatch just yet.

Jacob

I don't know what you mean by overhyped or if you have formed your opinion by owning an Oppo player. I do know I have owned a lot of players, DVD and Blu-ray, and consider the Oppo players the best in their class and the best value. The Oppo customer service is first rate and absolutely unique in my experience for budget priced players, no other company has ever done that as far as I know. You get either great customer service or a bargain price, never both. It might be the $500 Oppo BDP-83 is expensive for a specific system if the consumer doesn't need some of things it is capable of that less expensive players can't do.

For the group that wanted excellent Blu-ray/SACD/DVD-A/DVD-V/HDCD/CD performance at $500, this player is the only choice so far and I don't think overhyped is correct, you can't possibly overhype what this player does for the group that wanted all of those things. Amazing, astounding, incredible, unbelievable, you choose the word, I don't think it would be an exaggeration. The Oppo BDP-83 offers DVD-V and Blu-ray performance equal to the best players regardless of price is the conclusion I have come to. The analog audio section can be beaten by much more expensive players, but even then the Oppo player is excellent in my opinion.

The only competition so far for the Blu-ray/SACD/DVD-A/DVD-V/HDCD/CD universal player market is the Denon $3,500 MSRP player and Marantz $6,000 MSRP player. Lexicon has announced a player to compete for the market, I believe MSRP is $3,500. How can you overhype a player that competes and holds its own at a small fraction of the price of the only competition?

Cambridge Audio has a player coming, I read the specifications and didn't see Anchor Bay Technologies or Silicon Optix DVD processing mentioned so in my opinion, DVD performance won't be as good as the players mentioned above.

Chris

I had the oppo 971. it was okay. I remember hearing great things about that. I ended up giving it to my dad. I also already had another upconversation dvd player and two bluray players. while I agree that the customer service is great. I think the product is still overhyped. I am happy with my panasonic 80.

Jacob

I had the oppo 971. it was okay. I remember hearing great things about that. I ended up giving it to my dad. I also already had another upconversation dvd player and two bluray players. while I agree that the customer service is great. I think the product is still overhyped. I am happy with my panasonic 80.

Jacob

Unless you own or have used the Oppo BDP 83 you can't make a call like that as it is based on nothing but conjecture (the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof).

Chris, I and others here DO own this unit and can attest to it's amazing abilities/performance.

I had the oppo 971. it was okay. I remember hearing great things about that. I ended up giving it to my dad. I also already had another upconversation dvd player and two bluray players. while I agree that the customer service is great. I think the product is still overhyped. I am happy with my panasonic 80.

Jacob

The DV-971HD was a good player for its time, 2004 design, but it used Faroudja FLI2310 and really isn't competitive with the company's players now. It was also the company's first DVD player and I do understand there are some users still so it was a very good first effort which is hard to overhype in my opinion. Right out of the gate the Oppo player was competitive with the best players available then, at a fraction of current prices.

Chris

peter.. the oppo gets great reviews.. from their first dvd player to the new bluray.. many peoeple like it. I personity think its a bit overhyped. you might find it to be the same problem as before.. don't count the chicken before they hatch just yet.

Jacob

Try underhyped! How many people besides forum dwellers and other nutcases have even heard of this fine product? How many times have I had to answer the question from guests as to what the heck is an Oppo?

Try underhyped! How many people besides forum dwellers and other nutcases have even heard of this fine product? How many times have I had to answer the question from guests as to what the heck is an Oppo?

I agree, I think Oppo is easily lost in all the hype of the more popular brands.

You too will be amazed. The upscaling of SD DVD's is also stellar and I haven't seen anything better that didn't cost $5k (that is if it was any better at all). The DVD Audio is the best I have witnessed/heard (and I do have some mighty fine, expensive DVD Audio players) and SACD is quite good as well. Do yourself a favor, don't hesitate and get one ASAP...

After all we are talking Reference equipment, the one which all others will be compared to/judged by.

That's some pretty heavy praise for it, too -- how long have you had it in your system, L2W?

Oppo has very good rep. base on their DVD player, for the price oppo is bargain as compared to high end players from Denon, Pioneer, Marantz. The detailed review showed it passed every test on video side, it is an excellent CD player also. I got my Pioneer player for excellent CD player capability with Wolfson DAC. Oppo beats Pioneer on speed and DVD and SACD capability.

Nice to know; thanks for your thoughts, 'ise! Indeed, they did give it a good review...I was blown away by their remarks -- I believe Kris Deering did the review.

Based on what I have read this is no contest. The Oppo simply beats these easily. That Denon BD player at that price point is made by Funai and looks identical to the cheap players that also use the same player with a different faceplate HERE (http://www.highdefforum.com/921601-post71.html).

Get the Oppo if you can spend $500.00 on a player.

Thanks so much for the tips, PFC! I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions...based on just what you say above, I shall leave the sub-$2K Denons off my new shopping list. :)

Would you still recommend the latest Panasonic variant along with the OPPO?

I don't know what you mean by overhyped or if you have formed your opinion by owning an Oppo player. I do know I have owned a lot of players, DVD and Blu-ray, and consider the Oppo players the best in their class and the best value. The Oppo customer service is first rate and absolutely unique in my experience for budget priced players, no other company has ever done that as far as I know. You get either great customer service or a bargain price, never both. It might be the $500 Oppo BDP-83 is expensive for a specific system if the consumer doesn't need some of things it is capable of that less expensive players can't do.

For the group that wanted excellent Blu-ray/SACD/DVD-A/DVD-V/HDCD/CD performance at $500, this player is the only choice so far and I don't think overhyped is correct, you can't possibly overhype what this player does for the group that wanted all of those things. Amazing, astounding, incredible, unbelievable, you choose the word, I don't think it would be an exaggeration. The Oppo BDP-83 offers DVD-V and Blu-ray performance equal to the best players regardless of price is the conclusion I have come to. The analog audio section can be beaten by much more expensive players, but even then the Oppo player is excellent in my opinion.

The only competition so far for the Blu-ray/SACD/DVD-A/DVD-V/HDCD/CD universal player market is the Denon $3,500 MSRP player and Marantz $6,000 MSRP player. Lexicon has announced a player to compete for the market, I believe MSRP is $3,500. How can you overhype a player that competes and holds its own at a small fraction of the price of the only competition?

Cambridge Audio has a player coming, I read the specifications and didn't see Anchor Bay Technologies or Silicon Optix DVD processing mentioned so in my opinion, DVD performance won't be as good as the players mentioned above.

Chris

I would also be interested to know exactly what he meant by "overhyped"...for this price point and based on the reviews and owner comments -- by our own community by people like Daleb -- this seems like the steal of the century; of course, I haven't seen it in action yet in my particular setup, but I would still like to know why he referred to it as "overhyped"...

Conversely, I did own a 983 DVD deck from this brand, as you all know, and my initial reaction to seeing it scale my discs to 1080p also loitered around the term "overhyped" in terms of the gushing folks do over this brand...BUT, in all fairness, I don't think I spent enough time with the deck to make a final judgement, and I know that since removing it from my system, many picture adjustments have been made to my SXRD display which has improved the look of DVDs played back on my Panny '10A...the point here being, perhaps if the 983 spent more time in my system, it could have shown its real abilities. At any rate, I decided to return the 983 in order to put the 400 bucks I paid towards a new BD player that bitstreamed TrueHD and Master Audio AND offered better DVD performance -- I am thinking that perhaps the OPPO may be that player.

That Denon BD player at that price point is made by Funai and looks identical to the cheap players that also use the same player with a different faceplate HERE (http://www.highdefforum.com/921601-post71.html).

Interesting read, PFC; looking at that link, it seems the Onkyo deck uses that Funai design -- have there been any reports/reviews/discussions about that Onkyo BD player around these parts?

Seems like the "cheaper" Denons use the design, as you said. They don't tell people that in catalogs like Crutchfield...:rolleyes:

That's some pretty heavy praise for it, too -- how long have you had it in your system, L2W?

About 4 months now, got it when they first came out (via invitation only).

Check out this pro reviewers impressions - http://www.hometheatermag.com/discplayers/oppo_bdp-83_universal_blu-ray_player/

Statements like this are common among the pros who have had a chance to test, use, abuse the BDP-83 "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."

At any rate, I decided to return the 983 in order to put the 400 bucks I paid towards a new BD player that bitstreamed TrueHD and Master Audio AND offered better DVD performance -- I am thinking that perhaps the OPPO may be that player.

That it is, my friend, that it is...

Thanks L2W...

Do you know if the OPPO has noise reduction circuitry that works on DVD AND Blu-ray? The DNR feature on my 'BD10A only applies to SD DVD playback...

peter.. have you gone soft? if I remember correctly you were very unhappy with the regular oppo dvd player.

Jacob

Thanks so much for the tips, PFC! I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions...based on just what you say above, I shall leave the sub-$2K Denons off my new shopping list. :)

Would you still recommend the latest Panasonic variant along with the OPPO?

Personally, I would only consider the following brands for BD players in my main HT room; Oppo, Panasonic & Sony in that order.

If you were thinking about a $2,000.00 BD player then I would simply get the Oppo at 1/4 the price as it will be at least as good as any of the $2k players based on pro reviews and most likely better in some/many areas.

So for you, I would think the Oppo is the best choice, but remember that you will likely have to recalibrate with this player to get the most out of it.

I've been waiting to see how many BD players with Netflix streaming get released by Xmas 2009 and would have jumped on this one if it only included Netflix streaming or I was able to afford purchasing two players. :)

Thanks L2W...

Do you know if the OPPO has noise reduction circuitry that works on DVD AND Blu-ray? The DNR feature on my 'BD10A only applies to SD DVD playback...

Both although I don't know why you would want to use it.

From the review "The BDP-83 also offers a host of video processing features that let you tailor the image to your taste. I’m not a big fan of video enhancements, but I realize that we all have our own tastes and not all source material is created equal. Oppo offers the full complement of picture adjustments, such as contrast, brightness, and color. It also provides some tweaker-friendly adjustments like Y/C delay and border levels. You can also engage ABT’s noise reduction, which helps with material that shows slight digital noise."

peter.. have you gone soft?

I am uncertain if this was meant as an insult to mean "dumb" or "stupid," but if so, was it really necessary?

Personally, I would only consider the following brands for BD players in my main HT room; Oppo, Panasonic & Sony in that order.

Interesting -- I recall a time when you would have recommended nothing but a Panasonic first...;):eek:

If you were thinking about a $2,000.00 BD player then I would simply get the Oppo at 1/4 the price as it will be at least as good as any of the $2k players based on pro reviews and most likely better in some/many areas.

Which areas would it best, say, the flagship Denon/Marantz units (forget about the $2K Sony ES; it didn't even get great reviews)? In speed/response times, perhaps? The review of the OPPO in Home Theater made a mention to the fact that it seems as if "as players get more expensive, the slower and less responsive they get as well"...and that seems to be true.

So for you, I would think the Oppo is the best choice, but remember that you will likely have to recalibrate with this player to get the most out of it.

In what way do you mean -- recalibrate my display, or the deck itself? Is there no way to run the picture "as is" so to speak, as the Panasonics have the "Normal" picture mode, on the OPPO? Must all picture settings be tweaked in this player? That makes for a headache...:banghead:

Both although I don't know why you would want to use it.

Well, it seems that some overtly "noisy/grainy" discs could benefit from some DNR -- just a personal preference of mine -- as the DNR seems to help DVDs played back on my 'BD10A. Mosquito noise and such is squelched pretty accurately with this circuit, but I am wondering what kind of affect Noise Reduction would have on high def transfers.

From the review "The BDP-83 also offers a host of video processing features that let you tailor the image to your taste. I’m not a big fan of video enhancements, but I realize that we all have our own tastes and not all source material is created equal. Oppo offers the full complement of picture adjustments, such as contrast, brightness, and color. It also provides some tweaker-friendly adjustments like Y/C delay and border levels. You can also engage ABT’s noise reduction, which helps with material that shows slight digital noise."

Yes, I read that in the magazine -- but I wasn't sure what they were referring to in terms of the ABT chip's "noise reduction" and whether that meant for DVD and/or BD. My Panasonic's manual DOES NOT make this clear at all -- under the section for the DNR feature, it indicates that the circuit can be used for both DVD and Blu-ray video, but in real world usage, NOTHING seems to happen when DNR is engaged when playing back Blu-ray Discs...probably a limitation of the Panasonic's proprietary processor.

So, I am wondering if the ABT chip allows you to engage DNR on high definition media.

Interesting -- I recall a time when you would have recommended nothing but a Panasonic first...;):eek:

The Oppo and the rave reviews were not out then. ;)

Which areas would it best, say, the flagship Denon/Marantz units (forget about the $2K Sony ES; it didn't even get great reviews)? In speed/response times, perhaps? The review of the OPPO in Home Theater made a mention to the fact that it seems as if "as players get more expensive, the slower and less responsive they get as well"...and that seems to be true.

From what I have read, the Oppo is as fast as the PS3 and no other stand alone BD player is even close in the load speeds and responsiveness even with BD-Java heavy titles. So that is yet another way the Oppo is better than the higher cost BD players.

In what way do you mean -- recalibrate my display, or the deck itself? Is there no way to run the picture "as is" so to speak, as the Panasonics have the "Normal" picture mode, on the OPPO? Must all picture settings be tweaked in this player? That makes for a headache...:banghead:

When ever you change a source you should check all your settings is all I am saying. They could have the same gamma output, etc. on both players but it is best to not assume this and recalibrate the display based on the Oppo output signal.

If you want the best PQ this is a must IMO, but if you do not, then don't bother doing it. It is your choice.

The Oppo and the rave reviews were not out then. ;)



From what I have read, the Oppo is as fast as the PS3 and no other stand alone BD player is even close in the load speeds and responsiveness even with BD-Java heavy titles. So that is yet another way the Oppo is better than the higher cost BD players.



When ever you change a source you should check all your settings is all I am saying. They could have the same gamma output, etc. on both players but it is best to not assume this and recalibrate the display based on the Oppo output signal.

If you want the best PQ this is a must IMO, but if you do not, then don't bother doing it. It is your choice.

I haven't timed these players but I own the LG BD300, Oppo BDP-83 and PS3. I am going to guess without timing each, that the PS3 still loads fastest but all are really fast and have made loading speed a non-issue for owners of any of three. I assume the subsequent LG models are fast also.

Chris

Well, it seems that some overtly "noisy/grainy" discs could benefit from some DNR -- just a personal preference of mine -- as the DNR seems to help DVDs played back on my 'BD10A. Mosquito noise and such is squelched pretty accurately with this circuit, but I am wondering what kind of affect Noise Reduction would have on high def transfers.

I haven't watched a movie with the DNR. I tested it and it does engage though with either type of media.

Yes, I read that in the magazine -- but I wasn't sure what they were referring to in terms of the ABT chip's "noise reduction" and whether that meant for DVD and/or BD. My Panasonic's manual DOES NOT make this clear at all -- under the section for the DNR feature, it indicates that the circuit can be used for both DVD and Blu-ray video, but in real world usage, NOTHING seems to happen when DNR is engaged when playing back Blu-ray Discs...probably a limitation of the Panasonic's proprietary processor.

So, I am wondering if the ABT chip allows you to engage DNR on high definition media.

As I said, it does allow you to do so but with the superior ABT chip/video processing I doubt you would need to do so. To each his/her own though so if you feel you need it, it is available.

I believe the Oppo to load faster than the PS3 in most cases.

The Oppo and the rave reviews were not out then. ;)

:eek:

From what I have read, the Oppo is as fast as the PS3 and no other stand alone BD player is even close in the load speeds and responsiveness even with BD-Java heavy titles. So that is yet another way the Oppo is better than the higher cost BD players.

Indeed; as I indicated, I agreed with the review which stated that as players seem to get more expensive, their response times and other operational algorithms seem to get slower and more cumbersome -- a phenomenon that's counter-expected from the types of price points we're talking about here.

When ever you change a source you should check all your settings is all I am saying. They could have the same gamma output, etc. on both players but it is best to not assume this and recalibrate the display based on the Oppo output signal.

If you want the best PQ this is a must IMO, but if you do not, then don't bother doing it. It is your choice.

I hear you -- I was just wondering what you meant by "recalibrate," whether you were referring to the machine or the display, once the machine was connected. You're right -- the decks should put out different levels of gamma, contrast perhaps, etc. so a recalibration or rechecking of picture settings on the display is in order. Whatever deck I get next, there will be a recalibration.

I haven't watched a movie with the DNR. I tested it and it does engage though with either type of media.

What kind of "effect" or difference, if any, did you notice when DNR was applied to the Blu-ray playback?

As I said, it does allow you to do so but with the superior ABT chip/video processing I doubt you would need to do so. To each his/her own though so if you feel you need it, it is available.

Was just curious how well this would work with HD; my experience with standard DVD has been positive with the DNR on my 'BD10A though. It does squash a good deal of surface mosquito noise and such.

Thanks for your feedback.

There may be an odd disk that could benefit from NR, but I have not found it yet when it comes to turning on enhancements in my display or player.
If the odd disk or broadcast looks like crap, I just call it 'crap' and don't waste time trying to improve on it.

There may be an odd disk that could benefit from NR, but I have not found it yet when it comes to turning on enhancements in my display or player.
If the odd disk or broadcast looks like crap, I just call it 'crap' and don't waste time trying to improve on it.

I understand where you're coming from; I just happen to think that the DNR function works well with standard DVD playback on my particular model, the Panny DMP-BD10A, probably solely due to its poor upconversion.

Someone e-mailed me an instruction video on the OPPO player which describes its setup and operations, and it looks very daunting to say the least to set this deck up...I'll try and post the link here...

Whenever you make a change in the settings for the Oppo BDP-83 you must turn it off for it to save your settings.

I understand where you're coming from; I just happen to think that the DNR function works well with standard DVD playback on my particular model, the Panny DMP-BD10A, probably solely due to its poor upconversion.

Someone e-mailed me an instruction video on the OPPO player which describes its setup and operations, and it looks very daunting to say the least to set this deck up...I'll try and post the link here...

Set up of every Oppo player I have owned is not at all daunting. Default settings are mostly right with needed adjustments for my specific display and audio processing needs. Basically tell the player what output connections and settings to use and which resolution to output as it includes options for all possibilities I have ever needed and then I use DVE to adjust my display settings.

I don't use DNR at all but might if I ever see something I think may benefit from it. I let the player decode but I have also tried bitstream for comparison purposes and to make sure my equipment works properly.

Chris

Okay...now that we're talking about the Oppo's setup functionality, I have some queries of my own...

The video I watched detailing the Setup Wizard initiation on this deck seemed to be a bit confusing, so perhaps owners of the player can assist with some questions; I understand the Wizard is really designed for a quick out of box setup, but some of the video and audio setup parameters seemed to be grouped in very odd ways on the OPPO -- for example, when setting up "HDMI AUDIO," there seems to be no way to separately set up each individual codec, as there is on, say, my Panny '10A...it seems under HDMI AUDIO, there is a choice of BITSTREAM or PCM, but no way to individually set Dolby Digital, TrueHD, DTS, etc...is that the only way to set up the audio output?

The same thing seems to happen with video output setup -- there appears only to be a section which allows for 1080p output, or whatever resolution, over HDMI, or Auto, but does that work for both DVD and Blu-ray playback?

Then, there are the PICTURE CONTROLS -- from what I saw in the video clip, there are a full gamut of calibration controls, as on a TV, with brightness, contrast, etc. but many of us (me included) do our calibrations on the display, nowhere else, and leave our players on some kind of "Normal" picture mode, as I do on my 'BD10A; on the OPPO, it seemed as though there is a picture settings menu with a "NORMAL" designation in the middle of each range, but does that mean the player needs to be set up with all picture controls in that middle position if we want no picture adjustments made in the player? Is there any "master" picture mode control which allows a simple "Standard" or "Normal" output setting, as on my Panny?

By also having the picture settings on the player, it allows you to adjust it at the player to normalize the settings using an HDMI connection which shares inputs with other devices and then outputs on only ONE HDMI connection to the display. This allows you to normalize gamma, etc. so that the gamma is the same as other devices using HDMI since most people do not want to fiddle with the picture settings when they change sources.

This is a good thing to have available to you, but you can just leave them all at the center positions and not use this option if you don't want to, but it is a good thing to have to get the best PQ from multiple sources going through a receiver to the same single display input IMO.

Okay...now that we're talking about the Oppo's setup functionality, I have some queries of my own...

The video I watched detailing the Setup Wizard initiation on this deck seemed to be a bit confusing, so perhaps owners of the player can assist with some questions; I understand the Wizard is really designed for a quick out of box setup, but some of the video and audio setup parameters seemed to be grouped in very odd ways on the OPPO -- for example, when setting up "HDMI AUDIO," there seems to be no way to separately set up each individual codec, as there is on, say, my Panny '10A...it seems under HDMI AUDIO, there is a choice of BITSTREAM or PCM, but no way to individually set Dolby Digital, TrueHD, DTS, etc...is that the only way to set up the audio output?

The same thing seems to happen with video output setup -- there appears only to be a section which allows for 1080p output, or whatever resolution, over HDMI, or Auto, but does that work for both DVD and Blu-ray playback?

Then, there are the PICTURE CONTROLS -- from what I saw in the video clip, there are a full gamut of calibration controls, as on a TV, with brightness, contrast, etc. but many of us (me included) do our calibrations on the display, nowhere else, and leave our players on some kind of "Normal" picture mode, as I do on my 'BD10A; on the OPPO, it seemed as though there is a picture settings menu with a "NORMAL" designation in the middle of each range, but does that mean the player needs to be set up with all picture controls in that middle position if we want no picture adjustments made in the player? Is there any "master" picture mode control which allows a simple "Standard" or "Normal" output setting, as on my Panny?

"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." Home Theater Magazine

I read that in the review; because he claimed it was easy for him doesn't make it inviting for everyone. ;)

I read that in the review; because he claimed it was easy for him doesn't make it inviting for everyone. ;)

Well since he was the reviewer he thought it was easy, how can a reviewer speculate how easy it will be from one person to the next? I also agree with the review, its everything the review said it was! :D

Oppo has gone to great lengths to make a player that performs excellent right out of the box. The only adjustment i made to the Oppo was to set the audio to PCM since my AVR does not decode bitstream.

Peter, I honestly believe you are WAY, WAY, WAY over-thinking the Oppo's setups/settings. The menus are clear and concise, the manual is easy to read and written for folks that aren't audio/video-philes.

The PS3 could easily fall into the complicated setup catagory if you went into every area that can be adjusted and tweak the settings.

Peter, I honestly believe you are WAY, WAY, WAY over-thinking the Oppo's setups/settings. The menus are clear and concise, the manual is easy to read and written for folks that aren't audio/video-philes.

For someone who doesn't even own an Oppo BDP-83 player I find it odd that someone would have issues with something they don't even own! :what:

For someone who doesn't even own an Oppo BDP-83 player I find it odd that someone would have issues with something they don't even own! :what:

:lol: So true.

All we, the ones that do own this sweet player, can do is give our opinions and reviews.. the rest is up to the reader.

If someone wants a worry free player, stick with with DVD :what:

:lol: So true.

All we, the ones that do own this sweet player, can do is give our opinions and reviews.. the rest is up to the reader.

If someone wants a worry free player, stick with with DVD :what:

This player is also at least equal to the best DVD player I have owned and may in fact actually be better. I can't tell any difference between this and the Oppo DV-983H but there were some revisions that could make this better.

These players are not difficult to use and offer advance setup for those that want that sort of thing, but simple straight forward setup and connection works just like the simplest player I can think of.

Chris

Guys,

I do not believe that what I am talking about here warrants laughing at someone or poking fun of their references or questions; I have been discussing the setup of this player with many different members on another forum who have been kind enough to even forward me a setup "video" on You Tube regarding the Oppo, and still, many different questions and concerns remained from my perspective. I don't think it's fair to poke fun at the fact that someone doesn't have the player yet, so they shouldn't be making "assumptions" about it -- isn't this something someone would want to consider -- the operational ease -- before plunking down $500?

Watching the video clip of the Oppo's setup, the narrator went under the "Setup Wizard," which I was told is simply a "quick setup" tool and the player allows for more detailed settings, and it immediately appeared that, for example, under "HDMI AUDIO" there was not a way to set the individual codecs to bitstream or PCM; they were lumped together. I found this odd. On my Panasonic, for example, under DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT, you have the options to set:

Dolby Digital: BITSTREAM/PCM
Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TrueHD: BITSTREAM/PCM
DTS: BITSTREAM/DTS
DTS-HD: BITSTREAM/DTS

On the Oppo, it appeared that under HDMI AUDIO, there was no way to individually adjust for each codec. Under the picture settings as well, there didn't seem to be an option for merely setting a normal, default picture mode as on my Panny -- I run all DVDs and BDs on "Normal" picture mode output with no enhancements, but it seemed on the Oppo, there was a picture adjustment menu which allowed for sharpness, brightness, etc. and the only way to kind of "override" or "ignore" these settings would be to leave the graphic bar on the screen in the middle, or what Oppo calls "Normal"...are there no picture modes to scroll through?

Again, I don't think this warrants "making fun" of someone or laughing at them because these are concerns before they buy this machine.

Guys,

I do not believe that what I am talking about here warrants laughing at someone or poking fun of their references or questions; I have been discussing the setup of this player with many different members on another forum who have been kind enough to even forward me a setup "video" on You Tube regarding the Oppo, and still, many different questions and concerns remained from my perspective. I don't think it's fair to poke fun at the fact that someone doesn't have the player yet, so they shouldn't be making "assumptions" about it -- isn't this something someone would want to consider -- the operational ease -- before plunking down $500?

Watching the video clip of the Oppo's setup, the narrator went under the "Setup Wizard," which I was told is simply a "quick setup" tool and the player allows for more detailed settings, and it immediately appeared that, for example, under "HDMI AUDIO" there was not a way to set the individual codecs to bitstream or PCM; they were lumped together. I found this odd. On my Panasonic, for example, under DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT, you have the options to set:

Dolby Digital: BITSTREAM/PCM
Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TrueHD: BITSTREAM/PCM
DTS: BITSTREAM/DTS
DTS-HD: BITSTREAM/DTS

On the Oppo, it appeared that under HDMI AUDIO, there was no way to individually adjust for each codec. Under the picture settings as well, there didn't seem to be an option for merely setting a normal, default picture mode as on my Panny -- I run all DVDs and BDs on "Normal" picture mode output with no enhancements, but it seemed on the Oppo, there was a picture adjustment menu which allowed for sharpness, brightness, etc. and the only way to kind of "override" or "ignore" these settings would be to leave the graphic bar on the screen in the middle, or what Oppo calls "Normal"...are there no picture modes to scroll through?

Again, I don't think this warrants "making fun" of someone or laughing at them because these are concerns before they buy this machine.

I wasn't making fun of anyone, I only thought it was "odd" that someone would go this far into the setting/set-up and complain when you don't even own an Oppo BD player. When I got my Oppo BDP-83 player I decided that I would not use any video enhancements and just use my TV controls to get the picture the way that I like it, your making it harder on yourself than it needs to be.

I think having different picture modes on the player and the TV to be a bit "nuts", pick a mode that you like on your TV (Normal, Movie, Natural, etc.) and then if you want to customize it on the Oppo to dial it in to your liking. Have you even read the printed manual?

I wasn't making fun of anyone, I only thought it was "odd" that someone would go this far into the setting/set-up and complain when you don't even own an Oppo BD player.

Again -- you misunderstood the tone of my thread. I am NOT complaining or whining, or any assortment of the like; I am merely stating that it seemed to me, based on preliminary reports coming in from other owners on how this player is set up and the video clip I watched, that it was a bit daunting. I gave my examples of the HDMI AUDIO and such.

When I got my Oppo BDP-83 player I decided that I would not use any video enhancements and just use my TV controls to get the picture the way that I like it, your making it harder on yourself than it needs to be.

What are you talking about? I merely stated that from the Setup Wizard clip I viewed, it seemed as though there were no picture "modes" to leave the player on -- merely a "Normal" mid level setting under the picture adjustments which seemed odd to ME. It seems you are leaving the picture controls the way I want to use them, so what do you do -- leave all the controls on that picture settings menu to "NORMAL" in the middle? Is there a choice of picture MODES?

I think having different picture modes on the player and the TV to be a bit "nuts", pick a mode that you like on your TV (Normal, Movie, Natural, etc.) and then if you want to customize it on the Oppo to dial it in to your liking. Have you even read the printed manual?

No, I haven't read the manual, I just saw the setup video online. However, why is it "nuts" to have a picture "mode" on a player? The Panasonic players allow for Normal, Fine, Soft, User, etc. and I don't think that is "nuts"...I do leave my TV on Standard mode, calibrated, but leave my current player on "Normal" picture mode because it sends out the DVDs and Blu-rays at "line level" or "as-is"; why is this "nuts"? :what:

it seemed as though there were no picture "modes" to leave the player on -- merely a "Normal" mid level setting under the picture adjustments which seemed odd to ME.

The mid-level settings on the Oppo are not that much different than from your TV's mid-level contrast (+ or -) and brightness adjustments, once you get all you TV's settings where you want them, then you can tweak the Oppo's settings giving you even further picture customization. :D


No, I haven't read the manual, I just saw the setup video online. However, why is it "nuts" to have a picture "mode" on a player? The Panasonic players allow for Normal, Fine, Soft, User, etc. and I don't think that is "nuts"...I do leave my TV on Standard mode, calibrated, but leave my current player on "Normal" picture mode because it sends out the DVDs and Blu-rays at "line level" or "as-is"; why is this "nuts"? :what:

I think you should save your money and keep your Panasonic BD player, since you seem to like its set-up much better. Why are you interested in the Oppo player anyway?

The mid-level settings on the Oppo are not that much different than from your TV's mid-level contrast (+ or -) and brightness adjustments, once you get all you TV's settings where you want them, then you can tweak the Oppo's settings giving you even further picture customization. :D

That's what I am exactly concerned with -- the Oppo doesn't offer any "picture modes" to choose from which simply makes setup easier for people who merely want to leave their players on some kind of "normal, default" output for video; the fact that the Oppo's "mid level" picture controls acts like a "middle ground" on a TV is concerning...there should be some kind of picture mode to choose from to override even "middle" controls as leaving the controls in the middle position still suggests that some picture "enhancements" of some kind MAY slip through...

I think you should save your money and keep your Panasonic BD player, since you seem to like its set-up much better. Why are you interested in the Oppo player anyway?

That's a snide and uncalled for remark -- do you personally have stake in Oppo as a brand, or something? I should keep my Panasonic because I like the menus and set up better? I merely pointed out that they're easier to figure out -- and for that, I am not "permitted" to want to look into the Oppo Blu-ray Disc player? :rolleyes:

I am interested in the Oppo because I am looking for a player to replace my Panny with, which must have bitstreaming capabilities for TrueHD and Master Audio, AND must do top notch DVD upscaling...the Oppo seemed to have gotten top scores on ALL these performance fronts from what I read, so THAT'S why I was interested in it. But before I buy a player, I am going to know how easy or not it is to use and set up. :rolleyes:

That's a snide and uncalled for remark -- do you personally have stake in Oppo as a brand, or something? I should keep my Panasonic because I like the menus and set up better? I merely pointed out that they're easier to figure out -- and for that, I am not "permitted" to want to look into the Oppo Blu-ray Disc player?

Sorry you took it that way Peter. I'm sure if you decide to buy an Oppo BDP-83 somehow you'll figure out everything in the end, its always a learning process with new AV gear that comes out. When I received my Sammy LCD to date I had never seen soo many adjustments on any TV before, like anyone we I adapt.

Sorry you took it that way Peter. I'm sure if you decide to buy an Oppo BDP-83 somehow you'll figure out everything in the end, its always a learning process with new AV gear that comes out. When I received my Sammy LCD to date I had never seen soo many adjustments on any TV before, like anyone we I adapt.

No problem; I am just trying to figure out the dynamics of the player's setup before I purchase it because it is nothing like my Panasonic's somewhat elementary setup -- I just want to be sure I can set audio output separately for codecs such as Dolby Digital, TrueHD, etc. and I am also concerned about the video settings...

Thank you for your input on the player, Tech.

I just want to be sure I can set audio output separately for codecs such as Dolby Digital, TrueHD, etc.That's not the case with many players. The PCM/bitstream settings generally affect all codecs. Even with the current Panasonics, which have separate Dolby and DTS settings, there's no longer a distinction between the lossy and lossless codecs.

That's not the case with many players. The PCM/bitstream settings generally affect all codecs. Even with the current Panasonics, which have separate Dolby and DTS settings, there's no longer a distinction between the lossy and lossless codecs.

Hey 'Islander,

Saw some of your posts over at Blu-ray.com inbetween some discussions I had with members there; this is interesting regarding the new players -- on my Panny 'BD10A, the DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT menu is separated into these parameters:

Dolby Digital: BITSTREAM or PCM
Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD: BITSTREAM or PCM
DTS: BITSTREAM or PCM
DTS-HD: BITSTREAM or PCM

...are you saying even the new Panasonics aren't coming equipped this way in their menus?

It seemed in the Oppo setup, under HDMI AUDIO if I'm not mistaken, there is ONLY a choice of BITSTREAM or PCM here -- NO way to adjust for individual codecs.

...on my Panny 'BD10A, the DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT menu is separated into these parameters:

Dolby Digital: BITSTREAM or PCM
Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD: BITSTREAM or PCM
DTS: BITSTREAM or PCM
DTS-HD: BITSTREAM or PCM

...are you saying even the new Panasonics aren't coming equipped this way in their menus? Correct. The current Panasonics have two settings, one each for Dolby and DTS, with no distinctiuon between lossy and lossless.

It seemed in the Oppo setup, under HDMI AUDIO if I'm not mistaken, there is ONLY a choice of BITSTREAM or PCM here -- NO way to adjust for individual codecs.That's typical with the newer players. The Sonys don't even have a PCM/bitstream setting of any kind. They leave it up to the HDMI handshake to determine whether the player bitstreams.

Correct. The current Panasonics have two settings, one each for Dolby and DTS, with no distinctiuon between lossy and lossless.

That's typical with the newer players. The Sonys don't even have a PCM/bitstream setting of any kind. They leave it up to the HDMI handshake to determine whether the player bitstreams.

This is very disheartening....especially your last statement. :huh:(

You too will be amazed. The upscaling of SD DVD's is also stellar and I haven't seen anything better that didn't cost $5k (that is if it was any better at all). The DVD Audio is the best I have witnessed/heard (and I do have some mighty fine, expensive DVD Audio players) and SACD is quite good as well. Do yourself a favor, don't hesitate and get one ASAP...
After all we are talking Reference equipment, the one which all others will be compared to/judged by.

What he said and more! I had a few setup questions about my new BDP-83, so I emailed Oppo's service department. Literally 20 minutes later I got an intelligent and detailed response from them. Amazing to say the least.
The player also comes with a couple of excellent setup DVDs.

What he said and more! I had a few setup questions about my new BDP-83, so I emailed Oppo's service department. Literally 20 minutes later I got an intelligent and detailed response from them. Amazing to say the least.
The player also comes with a couple of excellent setup DVDs.

I got my Oppo just prior to open release and it came with just one setup BD, then, a couple of weeks ago, I get a package from Oppo containing a new setup BD!

Very nice service!

Thanks for the comments, guys...

Yes, I recall now in the Home Theater review, they mentioned that the player comes in Oppo's traditional "shopping bag" inner packaging, and that it comes bundled with a new Blu-ray setup disc -- which Home Theater reviewed in the same issue!

This seemed interesting because the magazine review made the disc out to be much more simple to use over products like DVE's HD Basics.