Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray 3D Player - Review

elwaylite · 11-09-2012, 10:07 AM

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Summing It Up
As you can probably tell, I really like the BDP-103. Sure, at $499 it’s a lot more expensive than other players I’ve reviewed this year. But let’s look at what the Oppo brings to the table: near-flawless playback of Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and DVD discs; support for both DVD-Audio and SACD audio formats; home network streaming as well as some of the most popular online streaming offerings; the ability to use the player’s best-in-class video processing for other components in your system via its HDMI inputs; and finally, the best customer service in the business. If that isn’t worth a few extra dollars, then I don’t know what is. Highly recommended.

Link

quad4.0 · 11-09-2012, 10:27 AM

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Originally Posted by elwaylite

Link

I'm with you on this. I have had 2 Oppo players. My 1st a 970, the least of all models, costwise played all my high res discs, and gave me the absolute best PQ from dvd that I ever saw. And I understand the higher models had better PQ.
I'm on the BDP-93 NE edition now. We put the nuforce mod in 3 weeks ago after they lowered the price. I have nothing bad to say about the player, perfomance, PQ, and CS is by far the best ever!
I have seen CS reps respond on weekends/holidays, to answer even stupid questions. I even got into a rather heated discussion once on the analof ports ability to pass 192/24 signals, and they actually responded to the person I was having discission with, explaining in detail so even he could get what I was trying to tell him. Where else will you get actual engineers explaining this to you? all you will get are CS reps who sit at a pc all day and really know crap about the product. Then, you have detailed info. at the avs forum. Oppo eng. moniter the site there. so, for the money you are getting the best "bang" for your $. Without equal competiton.
The 103 will take your hdmi signal from another scource and allow you to employ the 2nd gen. qdeo chip inproving PQ. And it's all set for 4k. IT does have an equal, the Cambridge, but all that is, is an Oppo in a different container and upgraded analog dac. Not even close to value as the 103 or 93. The kicker? Oppo's keep value! The 93 no longer made, is getting top dollar on e bay and other sites. Oppo is not a purchase, it's more of an investment.

elwaylite · 11-09-2012, 10:33 AM

Yepp, their customer service is second to none. The 93 was a great player, and the 103 does not bring anything PQ wise (for blu-ray) to the table, but I love using it as a VP with Directv. I dont see a need to replace my 103, at least until the 113 comes out

quad4.0 · 11-09-2012, 10:54 AM

how does the pq improve on DTV?
I'm thinking of going with the 103, been offered good$ for my 93 NE. But, I love the warm sound the mod gave my 93. I still use my old Integra, with 5.1 analog in. Considering the avr still works just fine, you don't fix stuff that works, is my opinion. Plus, I'm broke. A avr that was equal to what I have would be about $800.00. So, it was an easy choice. $250.00 or $800.00? I also understand a better analog dac was used in the analog out section on the 103.
The thing that gets me is the value. The darn thing keeps it's value. Especially if the 93 never got the iso stop upgrade. Some guys are scrambling to get hands on one. I see high prices at e bay for new players w/o the upgrades.

elwaylite · 11-09-2012, 11:19 AM

I think the image is a little more crisp, with the 103 taking 720p and 1080i to 1080p/60, instead of the GT30 scaling. The 2011 panasonic scaling was not rated very high by some reviews I read. At least with the Oppo and Marvell, you know eveything is as good as it can be.

I run out of HDMI 1 (Marvell) to my display at 1080p/60 for Directv and 1080p/24 for Blu-ray. I run out of HDMI 2, bitstreamed audio, to the Onkyo from Directv and Blu-ray.

elwaylite · 11-21-2012, 03:06 PM

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Latest Public Beta Test Release

Release date: November 20, 2012.
Category: Latest Public Beta Release

Main Version: BDP10X-37-1114B
Loader Version: 6U0900 (BDP-103), 7B0600 (BDP-105)
Sub Version: MCU103-05-0916 (BDP-103), MCU105-04-1113 (BDP-105)

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Release Notes:

This version is designed for the OPPO BDP-103 and BDP-105 Blu-ray Disc players. Comparing to the previous Official release version BDP10X-33-1018, the major changes included in this version are:

Added support for "Rhapsody" online music and "CinemaNow" movie/TV streaming services.
Added the "Blank HDMI 2" option in the Setup Menu -> Video Setup -> 3D Setting. This allows the player to force HDMI 2 to output a 2D blank screen when HDMI 1 outputs 3D video. Some customers reported that during 3D movie playback, when HDMI 1 was connected to a 3D display and HDMI 2 was connected to a non-3D receiver which in turn is connected to the same 3D display, there was no audio coming from the receiver. This issue has been resolved.
Resolved the incorrect aspect ratio (AR) during some user-created media. In the previous firmware the player may have unnecessarily pillarboxed or stretched the video of some user-created media files. This issue has been resolved.
Resolved an incompatibility with older Digital Coaxial or Optical receivers where streaming services (such as Netflix, YouTube) produced no audio.
Improved the user experience in the HOME menu and the Media Center (Photo, Music, or Movie) e.g., Added Thumbnail View mode for Movie and Music, and the customer can press RED COLOR button to quickly switch between File List mode and Thumbnail View mode.
Added "Sleep Timer" option in the Setup Menu -> Device Setup. This allows the player to turn itself off after a specific amount of time.
Added support for converting Side-by-Side and Top-Bottom formatted MKV into 3D. During the playback of a compatible MKV, press the 3D button on the remote once to turn on the "2D->3D" conversion then press the 3D button again to display the "3D Setting" menu. Select "Side-by-Side" or "Top-Bottom" to match the source to convert the image to 3D.
Added "CD Program Play" function for CD/SACD playback. During the disc playback, press the YELLOW COLOR button to bring the “Program Play” interface. Here you can use the LEFT/RIGHT ARROW button to set a desired playlist.
General disc compatibility improvement based on recent and upcoming Blu-ray releases as well as user-submitted disc samples.
Special notices:
In order to facilitate the user experience improvement in media navigation (item 5 above), the player will create an "OPPO_Media_Info" folder on the connected USB storage device and store media information there. You may find this folder on USB flash drives or external hard drives after using those on the OPPO player. Please do not delete the folder and its files.
SD DVD de-interlacing performance is not as good as that of the official firmware release BDP10X-33-1018. If you watch DVD often, we recommend that you skip this beta test version and wait for the next official release, which will fix this problem.
You can revert back to the previous Official release via a USB thumb drive.

http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-b...-37-1114B.aspx

quad4.0 · 11-25-2012, 03:42 PM

what a device! Just the ability to use the dac in it for uncompressing small devices impresses me. I'm wondering when (if) nuforce will come out with a higher dac for it?
I see the 93 getting top dollar everywhere also. IT's so hard to decide if I want to upgrade to the 103. The video up conversion really calls to me. One thing: the price! what a deal! Most scoff at the cost, not considering how vastly it will improve the sound and video they view.
Plus, the fact they have incredible resale value. Do that with a sony or a panny. I bet I can get most back that I paid for it. Used I see them on Amazon for $450.00. I know it's not for everyone. But considering the value how can you go wrong? I know of BD players that cost much more and are equal to the Oppo line.

**bruceames** · 11-29-2012, 03:53 PM

I wanted to get another 93 for the bedroom, but now I see that that's not going to be an option. Should I have gotten one while I could, or is the 103 what I really want?

I had heard that the 93 has the advantage of not reading watermarks or something?

elwaylite · 11-29-2012, 06:36 PM

93 does not have Cinavia compatibility, 103 (as all 2012 and beyond players) does.

Chris Gerhard · 11-29-2012, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceames

I wanted to get another 93 for the bedroom, but now I see that that's not going to be an option. Should I have gotten one while I could, or is the 103 what I really want?

I had heard that the 93 has the advantage of not reading watermarks or something?

Wow Bruce, a BDP-93 and a BDP-103, pretty impressive if you go ahead with that. I have forgotten what Cinavia even means but I haven't forgotten it hasn't impacted anything I have ever wanted from a Blu-ray player. I think it comes into play if you have a copied Blu-ray disc but I won't bother to research it.

I recall DVD-A used a watermarking protection scheme, most players honored and therefore wouldn't play DVD-A copies. Years ago I had an early Oppo player, the DV980H, someone interested in buying one sent me a DVD-A copy to check and see if it honored the watermark, it did not. I moved that copy to a Denon DVD-2910, it stopped playing the disc after a short period. That is still the only DVD-A copy I own and I bet it will play in a BDP-93 but I don't recall trying it.

Of course DVD-A uses a different scheme so Blu-ray copies might not work and DVD-A copies will, even in the BDP-103. I don't know but I would guess that issue isn't of much concern to you either. I don't know if the BDP-103 would play Blu-ray copies from a hard drive either, a question I could find the answer to if it mattered to me.

I say get a BDP-103, just for variety. I have the BDP-83 and BDP-93, both are still terrific players for all formats handled, DVD-V, SACD, DVD-A, CD, and Blu-ray.

Chris Gerhard · 11-29-2012, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elwaylite

Yepp, their customer service is second to none. The 93 was a great player, and the 103 does not bring anything PQ wise (for blu-ray) to the table, but I love using it as a VP with Directv. I dont see a need to replace my 103, at least until the 113 comes out

Always great to see another guy addicted to great disc players. Didn't you have a recent Marantz player?

**bruceames** · 11-30-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

Wow Bruce, a BDP-93 and a BDP-103, pretty impressive if you go ahead with that. I have forgotten what Cinavia even means but I haven't forgotten it hasn't impacted anything I have ever wanted from a Blu-ray player. I think it comes into play if you have a copied Blu-ray disc but I won't bother to research it.

I recall DVD-A used a watermarking protection scheme, most players honored and therefore wouldn't play DVD-A copies. Years ago I had an early Oppo player, the DV980H, someone interested in buying one sent me a DVD-A copy to check and see if it honored the watermark, it did not. I moved that copy to a Denon DVD-2910, it stopped playing the disc after a short period. That is still the only DVD-A copy I own and I bet it will play in a BDP-93 but I don't recall trying it.

Of course DVD-A uses a different scheme so Blu-ray copies might not work and DVD-A copies will, even in the BDP-103. I don't know but I would guess that issue isn't of much concern to you either. I don't know if the BDP-103 would play Blu-ray copies from a hard drive either, a question I could find the answer to if it mattered to me.

I say get a BDP-103, just for variety. I have the BDP-83 and BDP-93, both are still terrific players for all formats handled, DVD-V, SACD, DVD-A, CD, and Blu-ray.

I'll likely get it at some point. The idea (like it was in the living room) is to retire the BH200 (which suffers from audio dropouts, about 1 per hour lasting about 4-5 seconds) and to have it as my primary upscaler instead of the XA2. My collection is certainly strong enough to warrant such a purchase and I'm very happy with the BDP-93.

I would have preferred that it not have the watermarking feature. Does this mean that it will not play any BD-Rs? Even the ones that are just recordings off the TV?

Do you think that this watermarking feature is what is making the BDP-93 value go up so unreasonably much?

quad4.0 · 11-30-2012, 02:08 PM

I see 93's popping up on e bay like crazy since the 103 came out. I think you would get a good deal on a used 93. I have seen them get good money, as they do hold value. Might want to try amazon for used also.

Chris Gerhard · 11-30-2012, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceames

I'll likely get it at some point. The idea (like it was in the living room) is to retire the BH200 (which suffers from audio dropouts, about 1 per hour lasting about 4-5 seconds) and to have it as my primary upscaler instead of the XA2. My collection is certainly strong enough to warrant such a purchase and I'm very happy with the BDP-93.

I would have preferred that it not have the watermarking feature. Does this mean that it will not play any BD-Rs? Even the ones that are just recordings off the TV?

Do you think that this watermarking feature is what is making the BDP-93 value go up so unreasonably much?

I have not kept up with this story at all but assuming it works the same as DVD-A watermarks, only copies of protected discs will be watermarked and fail to play so legally obtained BD-R recordings of unprotected TV programming will not have the problem. Even if there is way to defect the CCI byte copy never flag, that would not result in watermarking like this, those would be free and clear of that issue. I don't know if it is possible to beat the copy never flag however. I did not know the BDP-93 has been going up in value and I don't have a Blu-ray recorder.

I don't have that issue with my BH200, I might have very rare audio dropouts but so rare I don't even have an estimate of the frequency, certainly a small fraction of what you describe. I plan to continue to use mine, I currently have three of them but I am trying to sell one since neither of the first two have any issues after so many years but only one of the three has many hours on it.

**bruceames** · 11-30-2012, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

I have not kept up with this story at all but assuming it works the same as DVD-A watermarks, only copies of protected discs will be watermarked and fail to play so legally obtained BD-R recordings of unprotected TV programming will not have the problem. Even if there is way to defect the CCI byte copy never flag, that would not result in watermarking like this, those would be free and clear of that issue. I don't know if it is possible to beat the copy never flag however. I did not know the BDP-93 has been going up in value and I don't have a Blu-ray recorder.

I don't have that issue with my BH200, I might have very rare audio dropouts but so rare I don't even have an estimate of the frequency, certainly a small fraction of what you describe. I plan to continue to use mine, I currently have three of them but I am trying to sell one since neither of the first two have any issues after so many years but only one of the three has many hours on it.

Yeah the dropouts happen once or twice during a movie. It's happening more often than before so it's something specific with that player (although dropout issues are not uncommon with the BH200). I have another one in the living room as a backup to my XA2 and Oppo (I have had at least 1 Blu-ray movie play in the BH200 that wouldn't load in the Oppo). If the issue gets too bad then I'll probably swap players, but I want to get the BDP-103 next year sometime.

11-09-2012, 10:33 AM	#3
elwaylite You know who you are... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 1,260	Yepp, their customer service is second to none. The 93 was a great player, and the 103 does not bring anything PQ wise (for blu-ray) to the table, but I love using it as a VP with Directv. I dont see a need to replace my 103, at least until the 113 comes out __________________ Video: TC-P65GT30 / BDP-103 Audio: TX-NR809 / RF-82 II (2) / RC-62 II / VTF-15H HDTV: Dish / Hopper & Joey

11-09-2012, 11:19 AM	#5
elwaylite You know who you are... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 1,260	I think the image is a little more crisp, with the 103 taking 720p and 1080i to 1080p/60, instead of the GT30 scaling. The 2011 panasonic scaling was not rated very high by some reviews I read. At least with the Oppo and Marvell, you know eveything is as good as it can be. I run out of HDMI 1 (Marvell) to my display at 1080p/60 for Directv and 1080p/24 for Blu-ray. I run out of HDMI 2, bitstreamed audio, to the Onkyo from Directv and Blu-ray. __________________ Video: TC-P65GT30 / BDP-103 Audio: TX-NR809 / RF-82 II (2) / RC-62 II / VTF-15H HDTV: Dish / Hopper & Joey

11-29-2012, 03:53 PM	#8
bruceames Super Moderator Join Date: May 2006 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 15,373	I wanted to get another 93 for the bedroom, but now I see that that's not going to be an option. Should I have gotten one while I could, or is the 103 what I really want? I had heard that the 93 has the advantage of not reading watermarks or something? __________________ RIP Kosty.

11-29-2012, 06:36 PM	#9
elwaylite You know who you are... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 1,260	93 does not have Cinavia compatibility, 103 (as all 2012 and beyond players) does. __________________ Video: TC-P65GT30 / BDP-103 Audio: TX-NR809 / RF-82 II (2) / RC-62 II / VTF-15H HDTV: Dish / Hopper & Joey

11-09-2012, 10:54 AM	#4
quad4.0 pissoffe Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: right here Posts: 623	how does the pq improve on DTV? I'm thinking of going with the 103, been offered good$ for my 93 NE. But, I love the warm sound the mod gave my 93. I still use my old Integra, with 5.1 analog in. Considering the avr still works just fine, you don't fix stuff that works, is my opinion. Plus, I'm broke. A avr that was equal to what I have would be about $800.00. So, it was an easy choice. $250.00 or $800.00? I also understand a better analog dac was used in the analog out section on the 103. The thing that gets me is the value. The darn thing keeps it's value. Especially if the 93 never got the iso stop upgrade. Some guys are scrambling to get hands on one. I see high prices at e bay for new players w/o the upgrades.

11-25-2012, 03:42 PM	#7
quad4.0 pissoffe Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: right here Posts: 623	what a device! Just the ability to use the dac in it for uncompressing small devices impresses me. I'm wondering when (if) nuforce will come out with a higher dac for it? I see the 93 getting top dollar everywhere also. IT's so hard to decide if I want to upgrade to the 103. The video up conversion really calls to me. One thing: the price! what a deal! Most scoff at the cost, not considering how vastly it will improve the sound and video they view. Plus, the fact they have incredible resale value. Do that with a sony or a panny. I bet I can get most back that I paid for it. Used I see them on Amazon for $450.00. I know it's not for everyone. But considering the value how can you go wrong? I know of BD players that cost much more and are equal to the Oppo line.

11-30-2012, 02:08 PM	#13
quad4.0 pissoffe Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: right here Posts: 623	I see 93's popping up on e bay like crazy since the 103 came out. I think you would get a good deal on a used 93. I have seen them get good money, as they do hold value. Might want to try amazon for used also.