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Posted By: HomeDad Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 07:58 PM
I just received my e-mail that my BDP-83 should be here on Wed. I'm really curious to see how this fairs to my PS3 for Blu-ray and my HD-XA2 for SD.

It will replace my HD-XA2 either way.

I hope I have time to set it up this week, normally it wouldn't be a problem, but I'm having a surprise birthday party for my wife's 40th birthday Fri. and Sat. 3 families flying in Fri. night for a surprise trip on Sat. to the Paso wine festival. So most my time is being taken up getting the house ready for twelve additional people staying over the weekend, and doing it subtly so my wife doesn't get suspicious.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 08:46 PM
Can't wait to hear your impressions. I've been following the thread on AVS for a month now and am itching to get my hands on one. Oppo include me in their priority order but I held back and opted to go with their Canadian dealers presale to save some money (literally just got off the phone with them to seal the deal!)at the expense of receiving it around the beginning of June.
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 09:11 PM
Loser.

Don't mind me, I'm just jealous that you're getting one and I'm not.

;\)

Do let us know how it is! Especially in comparison to the PS/3. I'm also eager to hear about how the new Oppo BR performs from a fellow Axiomite. \:\)
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 10:14 PM
Have a fabulous week and weekend, Michael. The Oppo (and the Axiom faithful) can wait while you create memories with friends and family.
Posted By: BlueJays1 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 10:14 PM
I have no doubts you will be thrilled. Looks like OPPO has a stellar product.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 10:33 PM
 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
The Oppo (and the Axiom faithful) can wait while you create memories with friends and family.

Pfffft. No we can't.
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 11:07 PM
You have a gigantic nose, Mr. 4400.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 11:28 PM
I'm not Mr. 4400 yet, and I just might refuse to post just to prove you wrong!
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 11:28 PM
Oh.

crap.
Posted By: Spoiler Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/11/09 11:35 PM

Looking forward to your impressions, especially in comparison to the PS3!
Posted By: davekro Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 12:20 AM
 Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
I'm not Mr. 4400 yet, and I just might refuse to post just to prove you wrong!

Oh, Mr. Squirrel is just getting his fluffy tail in a wad over a 315 post shortage... ;\)
Posted By: RickF Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 01:16 AM
I'm also looking forward to your impressions Michael, I never really liked the PS3 (aesthetics) as a component rack mounted BR player anyway. But I've always really liked our Oppo 980H.
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 02:13 AM
I just wish the thing would hit the market instead of being in development. Costco has a good sale on the Panny Bluray 605 right now which includes the HDMI cable.
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 03:13 AM
Randy, it has hit the marked, this is just the priority sales for those of us that signed up early on the BDP-83 interest list.

As soon as these order are fulfilled they will probably have them available on their web site. Included with the unit is a 6ft gold plated HDMI cable and a 1 year warranty.
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 03:17 AM
I see I see. \:\)

I've always heard good things about OPPO, I hope this will be a great product. I'm anxious to hear some reviews....
Posted By: Hansang Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 03:32 AM
Mine is coming this Friday. Looking forward to it!
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 04:14 AM
Congratulations on the OPPO. I'll get one soon enough.
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 02:18 PM
So is the Oppo supposed to be better than offerings by Panasonic, Samsung, Denon, etc.? Does it have wireless connectivity or just ethernet.
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 02:29 PM
Believe it or not just as I was connecting to the internet, the doorbell rang and there was my BDP83 in the hands of the deliveryman. For those that are on the priority list waiting for delivery, wait till you see the packaging. In addition to the cables and remote which are in a nice black box with the logo on it, they have included the Spears and Munsil calibration disc PLUS the player itself is placed in an impressive cloth carrying bag with the Oppo logo on it.

I will be doing the hook-up, set-up and testing today giving my impressions in the next couple of days. It should be fun.
Posted By: Spoiler Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 02:40 PM

Woohoo!
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 02:56 PM
Randy, it's supposed to be the cream of the crop, although some members on AVS have posted that they doubt it could beat the Reon chip in their Denon player. The SD upconversion is identical to the 983, which was a legend in upconverting DVD players. I've heard nothing but glowing reviews from "special members" on the official forum, and I've read probably 300 of the 339 pages (and counting).

Here's the latest review that I know of.
Posted By: Nick B Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 03:14 PM
I think that the Oppo blu ray is supposed to be maybe a slightly better upconverter than the 983. Also, it has 24 fps support for dvd's which only the high end Toshiba HDDVD player has had so far (the Oppo 983 didn't have this).

- Nick
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/12/09 03:20 PM
Hey Nick, I was just going by reviews I've read, and also an official Oppo reply on AVS, but if it's better, all the better for me and everyone else!
Posted By: Nick B Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 02:00 PM
Somehow I have missed what the price on the Oppo blu-ray is supposed to be. Is it $500 or $600?

- Nick
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 02:55 PM
I paid $499 for mine, I don't know if that is a discount for the early signup folks or the actual retail.
Mine should be here today \:\)
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 04:32 PM
$599CAD
Posted By: JerryCalif Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 04:50 PM
Received my Oppo Blu Ray yesterday. I was expecting great picture quality and was not disapointed. What I wasn't expecting was the amazing sound that I got from it. I've never had the opportunity to compare other players so I really can't comment on that. The tune-up disk that came with it was over my head.
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 04:53 PM
$499, ouch...I may just get the Panny with the $50 off sale right now for $229.
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 05:54 PM
I hooked up and tried out my NEW Oppo BDP83 last night and I certainly was impressed. Regarding the issue of comparing it to other BD players, (I have a Panasonic BD55, and don't ask me why I now have TWO BD players), although there wasn't any "substantial" difference in the picture, it should be noted that the Oppo loaded somewhat faster than the Panny and has a number of adjustment features that I have never seen on any other player including a "source direct" mode which is designed for those with an expensive outboard video processor. There are other features that would take too long to describe here. It is also a very solid well-built unit. As we all know, Oppo is known for their outstanding service and providing any firmware updates in the future that will further improve the performance of their products.

Keep in mind at $499 or even $599 that we are talking a "universal" player that includes SACD and DVD Audio among other things. The only other unit is the new Denon, the "alleged world's first and only" universal player at a price of $5500!!!

Since the Oppo BDP83 now can play EVERYTHING, my BD55 will be retired to the bedroom.
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 09:20 PM
Yay. Just got an email from Oppo with an invitation to buy one myself. I signed up on the interest list a couple of months ago.

$499. So tempting. But not exactly cheap (for me, anyway). I've never been thrilled with my current SACD player (crummy bass management, no DSD via HDMI, just sort of old), and have always wanted an Oppo SACD/DVD-A player but wanted to wait for a true all-in-one that was 'reasonable' in price. Today's the day, it would seem.

For those that have both the Oppo and the PS/3, any differences in DVD or BR playback? I'm pretty content with my PS/3's abilities to do BR & DVD media. Stupidly, my PS/3 is not of the generation that can play SACD's. Ignorance, of course, is bliss. Is the new Oppo superior with BR's or DVD's?

Other than the ability to bitstream the HD audio codecs and SACD playback, is there any other advantage to the Oppo over a PS/3?

Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 09:57 PM
I just got mine partially setup, I haven't had a chance to look at the manual, have to grab the kids from school but will report back a little later. One very positive note so far, it loads and plays very fast.
Posted By: Nick B Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 10:19 PM
Peter,

I don't have an Oppo blu ray, but in the audioholics review of the Oppo 983 they discuss some of the differences between it and the PS3.

Link: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/dvd-players/oppo-dv-983h/

This would give you a good idea of the differences in the upconverting. The Oppo blu ray however will be able to upscale dvd's to 1080p at 24 fps which bypasses the 3:2 pulldown. The PS3 and Oppo 983 didn't have this feature. Although, only the Pioneer plasmas and some projectors can correctly display a 24 fps input without flicker and other issues.

If you are interested in dvd's and blu-ray's from other than the North America then the Oppo has PAL conversion that the PS3 doesn't have. However, to ensure blu ray licensing, Oppo had to lock the player to only play discs from North America. You can get software for your computer to remove the region encoding from the movie and reburn it to a disc so that you could play any movie from throughout the world. Note: most of Europe and other countries have movies on dvd's at 25 or 50 fps, which is PAL, and incompatible without being converted to either 24 or 30 fps.

- Nick
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/13/09 10:26 PM
Thanks Nick!

I'll check that out.

My Samsung DLP doesn't seem to have any problem displaying 1080p/24 content.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/14/09 12:04 AM
 Originally Posted By: PeterChenoweth

My Samsung DLP doesn't seem to have any problem displaying 1080p/24 content.


Same with my Samsung plasma.
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/14/09 12:20 AM
After playing around with the BDP-83 for about an hour and 1/2, and doing as close to a side by side comparison as possible to the PS3 and my upconverting HD-XA2, I'll give my initial impressions.

BR playback using Quantum of Solace and the Spears & Munsil HD Benchmark BR edition that was included with the BDP-83, I'll have to give a slight edge to the Oppo, nothing earth shattering but I could see a slight difference with the Oppos PQ being slightly better.

SACD - I played Alison Krauss Union Station. This was a no contest, the Oppo flat blew the PS3 right out of the ballpark, seemed like a larger sound stage and much cleaner sound, Imo it brought the emotion back into the music. Admittedly I've never been that impressed with the PS3's ability with SACD after having previously owned a Denon 3910. But the Oppo is every bit as good if not better than my old Denon.

Standard DVD playback- I used the Extended version of the Two Towers for my comparison. This is the first SD DVD I've ever played on the PS3 since I had kept my HD-XA2 around for that purpose. Again no comparison, while the HD-XA2 has a much better picture than the PS3, the OPPO outdid the XA2 in clarity, sharpness and overall PQ, to be frank I was a little surprised since up until the BDP-83 I hadn't seen anything that rivaled the XA2 in SD PQ.

Load speed. I'll have to give the edge to the PS3 but not by much, the Oppo comes on right away and the movie is ready to go by the time you sit back down, unlike the XA2 that I've been tempted to kick through a wall while waiting for it to load.

Overall, I have to give this player a 10,it does everything I want and more, it also has a ton of tweeking options I haven't even started to play with. Of course in a few months as things seem to go there will be a better and cheaper player on the market, but for me this ones a keeper.
Posted By: Micah Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/14/09 09:32 AM
 Originally Posted By: HomeDad
Of course in a few months as things seem to go there will be a better and cheaper player on the market, but for me this ones a keeper.




Usually I would agree... but I don't think anyone else besides Denon is even worried about a BR/SACD player, and we all know they're not going to do it CHEAPER... so the OPPO might just have the market cornered in this department anyway.
Posted By: grunt Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/14/09 10:42 AM
 Originally Posted By: HomeDad

After playing around with the BDP-83 for about an hour and 1/2, and doing as close to a side by side comparison as possible to the PS3 and my upconverting HD-XA2, I'll give my initial impressions

Thanks for the comparison. Looks like it’s going to be an Oppo for me eventually.
Posted By: Nick B Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/14/09 01:29 PM
Micah,

I think that the Oppo has already made Denon reconsider its prices already.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/trans...p-2010ci-1610ci

These players still probably don't compete with the Oppo since the Oppo can go head to head with flagship Denon blu ray. But, it is nice to see more realistic Denon prices.


Oh, and I just remembered that there is a link to a beta tester that decided to write a document the size of a phone book about the Oppo blu ray, in case anyone wanted to know anything about it.

http://watershade.net/wmcclain/BDP-83-faq.html#performance
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/14/09 05:00 PM
 Quote:
"source direct" mode which is designed for those with an expensive outboard video processor


Paging MDrew...

It's very encouraging to read these reviews. But does it stream Netflix?
Posted By: Hansang Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/15/09 02:24 AM
Rumor is that Oppo may come out with a unit that won't have analog outs/bitstreaming only unit. That would be a killer unit as well.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/15/09 05:57 PM
I just came across this, that may help you guys set up your Oppo.
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/15/09 06:09 PM
 Originally Posted By: nickboros

Oh, and I just remembered that there is a link to a beta tester that decided to write a document the size of a phone book about the Oppo blu ray, in case anyone wanted to know anything about it.

http://watershade.net/wmcclain/BDP-83-faq.html#performance


WOW. Now *that's* a guide. Thanks Nick!!

And to Homedad - awesome mini-review. Sounds like the '83 performs just as well as we'd expect from an Oppo product! \:\)
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/15/09 06:15 PM
 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle

But does it stream Netflix?


Apparently not.

http://watershade.net/wmcclain/BDP-83-faq.html#does-the-player-support-netflix-downloads
Posted By: michael_d Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 12:39 AM
How are you guys getting these already? I ordered mine the same time y'all did and I haven't heard a peep.
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 12:42 AM
Dude, you live in Alaska. \:\)
Posted By: St_PatGuy Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 12:52 AM
Do they even have electricity up there?
Posted By: Micah Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 08:18 AM
 Originally Posted By: St_PatGuy
Do they even have electricity up there?



The electicity shall be arriving in Alaska shortly. It's on their 'to do' list right after their 'bridge to nowhere' is done.
Posted By: michael_d Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 03:58 PM
A funny bunch of comedians around here today..... \:\)
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 04:05 PM
The oppo only works in climates that can reach 83deg or higher. \:\)
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 06:14 PM
I have some friends in Sioux Lookout, and their igloos have melted due to climate change; I'd imagine it's the same in Alaska??
Posted By: grunt Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 06:19 PM
Randy your comment actually brings up a question I had the other day looking at the Oppo specs. They list the following:

Operating Temperature 5C - 35C, 41F - 95F
Operating Humidity 15% - 75% No condensation

That gave me a bit of a start since the humidity here in Phoenix is often in the single digits and if you add in air conditioning it definitely is. Then I noticed that seems to be the spec on all their equipment and I’ve been running their HD-981 for over 2 years now w/o a problem. But it makes me curious why a manufacture would list specs like that.
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 06:20 PM
They should have built their igloos out of ice. It would have kept them cold.
Posted By: michael_d Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/16/09 11:54 PM
It showed up in the mail today! Along with the Accents and EP400 I ordered for my buddy. The Acents are cute little farts! I think I'm going to hook them up and hear how they sound tomorrow.
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/17/09 12:00 AM
 Originally Posted By: mdrew
The Accents are cute little farts!


Ahhh, I think Regina's farts are probably cute, too.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/18/09 06:29 PM
Would there be any advantage to using the 7.1 analog outputs to my 3808, rather than HDMI to take care of everything? I just read a review about the Oppo, and the reviewer stated "The 7.1 analog outputs on my still not completely broken in unit is excellent, matching the sound I've been getting from my $6000 list Esoteric DV-60 DVD/SACD player."

Could someone please explain this to me.

Thanks
Posted By: Hansang Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/18/09 08:00 PM
 Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Would there be any advantage to using the 7.1 analog outputs to my 3808, rather than HDMI to take care of everything? I just read a review about the Oppo, and the reviewer stated "The 7.1 analog outputs on my still not completely broken in unit is excellent, matching the sound I've been getting from my $6000 list Esoteric DV-60 DVD/SACD player."

Could someone please explain this to me.

Thanks


Wheelz, *if* your AVR is not capable of decoding the newer codecs (DTS Master Audio, Dolby TruHD, for example) then you have to depend on your BD player to decode it for you. And if you don't have an HDMI input on your AVR to receive the decoded PCM stream, then you have to use the analog inputs on the receiver. So older AVRs would mate perfectly with this Oppo player. Since the player can decode all the formats and send it out via Analog outs, older receiver owners can enjoy all the high definition sounds. But since you have a 3808 receiver, it's a moot point. You can just let the player bitstream the sound via HDMI and your receiver will do everything.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/18/09 08:49 PM
Thanks for the reply, that clears up everything BUT I also didn't know if there was a difference in sound quality, which is why people will go the analog route. I have since read that some people prefer to run HDMI directly to their TV and feed their receiver with 7.1 analog, even though their AVR is HDMI capable, but others have stated that there isn't a difference in sound quality.

It's all very confusing. I'm assuming the perceived difference in sound quality is purely subjective.
Posted By: jakewash Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/19/09 02:02 AM
It all depends on how well your avr will decode the sound vs. how well the player decodes. It could be some just prefer the way the player decodes vs. their own equipment. Just because the guy has a $6000 player doesn't mean it is as good as the Oppo, just means he spent WAY too much money on that esoteric player ;\)
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/19/09 02:39 PM
Thanks Jay, I think for now I'll just use the HDMI cable I have sitting around desperately waiting to be hooked up to the Oppo!
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/19/09 04:55 PM
I have had a chance to compare the three possible hook-ups in my new BDP83(stereo analog, 7.1 and HDMI) in to a Marantz 5003 and multi-channel outboard power amps. I must admit in comparison to "stand alone" CD players I have had in the past, the BDP83's stereo analog outs are among the best I have ever heard. A sound, although "slightly" bass shy, very comparable to an HDMI direct digital connection. There is also NO drop in volume which sometimes can happen when making comparison between analog and digital connections. The 7.1 connections and internal decoding are quite good as well.

In the end though, it is important to note, especially with 7.1 internal decoding, the inherent limitations with bass management in these players, in my opinion anyway, makes a direct connection, via HDMI in to a compatible AVR/Pre-Pro still your best and most versatile option, PLUS it cuts down on the cables!
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/19/09 05:10 PM
Thanks Casey, I was hoping to hear some comparisons. Are you saying that you use the stereo analog outs and HDMI? Not that I would be able to use the Oppo as a CD player that often (unless someone else is around to load it for me), but I will purchase some analog cables if it was worthwhile.
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/21/09 09:31 PM
Just curious if anyone else was going to chime in with their thoughts on the BDP-83, I figured Mike with all his gadgets could give us one of the best comparisons.
Posted By: Hooky Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/22/09 04:00 AM
 Originally Posted By: HomeDad
Just curious if anyone else was going to chime in with their thoughts on the BDP-83, I figured Mike with all his gadgets could give us one of the best comparisons.


Have had the BDP-83 for a couple of weeks. It is connected via HDMI through my Denon 3808 to a 5.1 setup (M22s, VP150, QS4s) and a Pio 141fd.

Calibrated my 141fd to my previous player, a Panny BD30, and found the BDP-83 to be equally neutral for video. Only very minor changes to my existing ISF settings were required. Am now seeing a very slight improvement for BD video, and a dramatic improvement for DVD upscaling.

Since I am only using it as a bitstream transport for SACD, DVD-A and BD audio, I cannot comment on its analog sections.

Only current issue I have is with SACD/DSD processing, and I think it may be an HDMI handshaking issue. If I set the BDP-83 to bitstream DSD, the Denon sees DSD, but jumps into stereo (or in my case, Dolby PLII) mode. The BDP-83 clearly shows the 5.0 layer selected. Fiddle around long enough, switching modes, switching inputs, etc., and the Denon eventually switches into multi-channel mode. Turn on the next day, try again, and I'm back to stereo.

For now, have changed the BDP-83 setting to convert DSD to mch PCM before bitstreaming, and all works well. Sounds great with excellent bass management. May even sound a little better than having the Denon do the DSD-to-PCM conversion (which I would have done anyway, since the Denon needs PCM to apply Audyssey processing).

So far, I really like this player. Easy to install. No major gripes. Solid transport. Plays every piece of media I own. Am hoping this will be the last transport I ever have to buy......yeah right.

Hook




Posted By: Micah Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/22/09 08:00 AM
Sounds like Oppo has a real winner on their hands so far. I'm glad the retail price came down to $500 bucks. The first word out on the street had it priced around $800 - $900 bucks. Which it sounds still would have been worth every penny of that, but at $500 dollars it is a lot more affordable to the masses.

Not that the masses even care about a BlueRay/SACD player a whole lot, but since it does everything so beautifully, and is reasonably priced, more people may gravitate towards it. Heck wouldn't it be great to see a reemergence of SACD because of a player like this?
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/22/09 02:11 PM
Just to reiterate what I said in my previous post is that I ONLY use the HDMI cable for ALL playback. The sound is equal or better than any other connection, it is only one cable to hook-up from each player and I get FULL bass management capabilities in my system this way thru the AVR.

The 7.1 audio outs for specifically surround, although good, only provide ONE crossover point which is usually the case with the vast majority of these players when using them strictly in the analog domain.
Posted By: ihifi Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/22/09 03:00 PM
Received mine last week and watched one BD, few DVDs, one CD, and one SACD. Quality of the unit from a manufacturing standpoint seems noticeably better than my 981. DVD upconversion is at least as good (? better) than my XA2. Sending source direct to EDGE and have EDGE do the deinterlacing and scaling is no different than have 83 do it; this is no surprise since the 83 has the same VRS chip as the EDGE (and DVDO iScan VP50 Pro !). My Integra DTC-9.8 was unable to receive DSD from SACD so I switched OPPO to LPCM for SACD and listened to Roxy Music's Avalon album. Sound was superb and there was more dynamic range compared to listening to same SACD through my 981. CD bitstreamed to 9.8 was similarly excellent. Integra DTC-9.8 can't do multi-channel Dolby Digital TrueHD at 24-bit/192KHz (it will do Stereo only), while the BDP-83 can't do multi-channel DTS-HD Master at 24-bit/192KHz (it will do multi-channel, but at 96KHz). I should be getting full 5.1 channels at 192KHz when the BDP-83 is decoding the Dolby Digital TrueHD signal and sending it as LPCM to 9.8, and I will try to confirm this. Load times with this player are very fast. The XA2, as great a player as it is, is unbearably slow in comparison. I have not yet checked the 7.1 or the 2-channel analog outputs. The Oppo has separate Cirrus Logic DACs for 2 channel and multi-channel outputs, and the 2 channel sound with the higher end DACs is apparently better; rumor is that all but the wealthiest audiophiles will be very happy. This player is certainly worth $499 if use is for DVD, BD, CD, and SACD/DVD-A. If use is limited to BD and you already have a player like the XA2 for upconversion, then it may be reasonable to get another BD player. I will report more later, and look forward to impressions of others.
Posted By: michael_d Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/24/09 06:38 PM
 Originally Posted By: HomeDad
Just curious if anyone else was going to chime in with their thoughts on the BDP-83, I figured Mike with all his gadgets could give us one of the best comparisons.


I've only ran a couple BR's through it so far. I've been too busy to spend time in the HT. I will say that this is one very nice machine. Quality build, very fast, quiet, easy to set up and will play anything (but HD/DVD). I use source direct into my VP50pro, so I can't comment on how well it does with video up conversion, but it does send a very clean signal to the Pro, which the BD 30 and PS3 did not.
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 12:04 AM
Hey, I have a question.

The Samsung BD-P2500 has built in HD Netflix streaming. The 2550 adds Pandora. I see real value in this functionality which is not offered by the Oppo.

It seems like what I get from the Oppo for $200 more is a "universal" player (which doesn't really help me because I'm not into multi-channel music) and the promise/inference of "better" PQ.

I already have an Oppo DV-980H. My display is a 61" JVC HDILA and I use an Onkyo TX-SR805.

What am I missing? Why wouldn't I buy the Samsung?
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 12:15 AM
 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Why wouldn't I buy the Samsung?

Your local store might be out of stock?

Seriously, you are raising a good point. I am tempted (in the future, not now) by the Oppo, but their plans for the future are unclear. Moving into streaming, as far as I'm concerned, is a very logical step for any player.
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 12:22 AM
I just got the Panny 605 Blu Ray player, same as the new 60 model. Killer picture on my 720P projector, now I need a reason to get a 1080p projector. \:\) May move it up stairs to be used with my new Panny Plasma for now. I didn't care about netflix, liked the Youtube and Picasso option of the Panny. Besided Vieracast can add stuff downt he road, Samsung can't do that. I think they will be adding Amazon video soon.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 01:41 AM
Oppo does have a wireless kit available for the BDP-83, but I know nothing about Netflix and whether or not that would enable you to stream movies.
Posted By: Hansang Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 02:15 AM
 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Hey, I have a question.

The Samsung BD-P2500 has built in HD Netflix streaming. The 2550 adds Pandora. I see real value in this functionality which is not offered by the Oppo.

It seems like what I get from the Oppo for $200 more is a "universal" player (which doesn't really help me because I'm not into multi-channel music) and the promise/inference of "better" PQ.

I already have an Oppo DV-980H. My display is a 61" JVC HDILA and I use an Onkyo TX-SR805.

What am I missing? Why wouldn't I buy the Samsung?


the better PQ is for upconverting SD DVDs. I have a 1400 - got the BDP83 just cuz! ;\) - and I'll be damned if I can see any PQ difference when watching BR movies. Bitstream sound is bitstream sound so there's not difference there either. Of course 1400 is two years old and loads REALLY slowly. But I don't know that it's fair to compare a 2 year old BR player to the latest/greatest player. I use my Xbox360 for Netflix instant play so there's not much value in having a BDP that can stream Netflix.
Posted By: Murph Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 02:44 PM
 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Hey, I have a question.

The Samsung BD-P2500 has built in HD Netflix streaming. The 2550 adds Pandora........ Why wouldn't I buy the Samsung?


Because you live in Canada and the Chinese oops I mean "U.S." Government restricts Pandora from broadcasting on the Internet beyond it's borders!!!! Turning the "Internet" into more of an "Internal Net".

Sorry, i haven't brought up that personal pet peev in a while now. I do miss Pandora though.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 03:36 PM
I'm with you there Murph! I wish we could get Pandora up here.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 06:19 PM
Well, apparently Oppo's Canadian dealer, Solutions A/V, delayed their shipment a month, which really sucks because I already pre-ordered my unit and was hoping to get it in a week. If I went with Oppo originally, I probably would have a unit by now because I received an e-mail from the first batch of pre-orders.

Long story short, I'm not waiting, and I don't care if I'm paying a $100 more, I just want a unit! So cross your fingers for me (because I can't LOL) that I get a shipping confirmation before the end of next week.
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 06:34 PM
OnlyBestRated.com has an ETA of June 29 at 587.92CAD. How much is at Solutions A/V?
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 06:36 PM
Good luck!

I finally got my email the other day about being able to order, but I'll have to wait until my next paycheck for more spending money, since I decided to tie up funds with the Medusa bag.
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 06:38 PM
I was lucky enough to be on the pre-order list and I have had it for a couple of weeks now. A terrific all-purpose player, well worth the wait. It is important to note the last time I looked, that STILL officially, the BDP83 is not ready for direct sale to public yet even from their website, once again ONLY pre-orders. Prior to me ordering, I e-mailed Oppo and asked them about the Canadian re-sellers like "Only Best Rated" and they wouldn't confirm anything for a release date to them. As it has turned out nothing will be available here until the end of June.

Luckily enough, when I took delivery of the player I didn't get charged any duty, only taxes which I would pay anyway and given the Can. dollar has been rising quite rapidly, by the time I get the bill and what looks like the estimated Canadian price thru the re-seller, I will end up paying more or less the same.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 07:26 PM
 Originally Posted By: EFalardeau
OnlyBestRated.com has an ETA of June 29 at 587.92CAD. How much is at Solutions A/V?


The same price, but with free shipping.

The really frustrating part is when I received a call from Solutions A/V to provide them with my payment information, the gentleman said that their shipment was literally sitting on a boat awaiting departure, which was an obvious lie, and a ruse, to get my order.
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/28/09 07:30 PM
That's pretty annoying. I am also very sensitive to demonstation of disrespect like that.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/29/09 04:15 PM
Well, I voiced my displeasure with Solutions A/V to Oppo yesterday via e-mail, and much to my surprise, I just received a shipping confirmation e-mail!!
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/29/09 06:17 PM
The squeeky-wheeled-guy gets greased?
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 05/29/09 06:58 PM
\:D \:D
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/03/09 06:40 PM
The Oppo cleared customs this morning, so I could quite possibly have it tomorrow!! Casey, how long did it take for you to receive yours?

Can't wait
Posted By: Ajax Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 10:44 AM
Mine should be arriving today. \:\)
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 02:07 PM
I placed the order for the BDP83 on a Wednesday afternoon and I received it the following Tuesday morning via Canada Express Post. Any orders I placed with Oppo in the past I received within a week. I don't know whether or not it might take the extra day to get to Peterborough since the International sorting station is in Mississauga where I am but you won't have to wait long. The speed of Oppo's deliveries to anywhere in Canada are excellent.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 03:50 PM
It literally came in the door seconds ago and I got hit with $78 in duties etc.
Posted By: BlueJays1 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 03:58 PM
I wish OPPO was sold in Canada. Funny thing is when I received a package directly from China I paid nothing in regards to any duties, taxes or brokerage fees, go figure.

I don't mind paying the taxes/duties but the brokerage fees are really the killer.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 04:02 PM
Oppo has two distributors in Canada, House, Solutions A/V and Only Best Rated.
Posted By: BlueJays1 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 04:06 PM
But doesn't the product get shipped from the united states, hence the duties you had to pay.

BTW Cam congrats on your new toy .
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 04:47 PM
Yes I did purchase it directly from Oppo. I don't know how it works, but I do know Solutions A/V and Only Best Rated are selling the Oppo for the pre-order price of $579+ taxes (free shipping with Solutions A/V). Converted into Canadian dollars I paid $726, so $100 more than I would have paid if I only had the patience to wait till the end of the month and that's not even definitive.
Posted By: Murph Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 04:55 PM
Lets hope it doesn't come preset to the Chinese Region or do they even have such a thing anymore?
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 05:04 PM
They knew where the thing was going, so they better not preset it to any other country!! Or I'll reset their brains to "thinking"!!
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 05:28 PM
I don't think they even produce it for anywhere except Region 1.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/04/09 05:55 PM
Tom, I believe you're right, I'm pretty sure I read that in the most recent review. The reviewer was complaining about it not truly being a "universal player" in which he mentioned that.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 03:17 PM
Hey guys, I'm hoping to get my Oppo set up tomorrow!! I pretty much have the video settings figured out, but I'm a little stumped as far as the audio settings go. Could you guys help me out as to whether I should set the audio to Bitstream, PCM, or LPCM. I don't understand the difference between the latter two. I would assume I would set it to Bitstream, but I'm not sure.

Also, do you guys have any other recommended settings that you used? I'm connecting via HDMI to my Denon, so our setups may not be exactly the same, but any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.
Posted By: BlueJays1 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 03:52 PM
Hi cam,

If your Denon avr is capable of decoding Dolby TrueHD andDTS HD then set it to Bitstream. If your Denon avr does not decode these formats then set it to LPCM over HDMI then the OPPO will do the processing.
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 04:15 PM
I just ordered mine, so hopefully I'll get it next week.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 04:28 PM
Trying to cross my fingers for you
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 04:30 PM
\:\) Thanks. I look forward to reading what you have to say on yours.
Posted By: ihifi Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 05:30 PM
On the BDP-83, if you set HDMI to bitstream then the dedicated two-channel analog output (which have better DACs than the 7.1 analog outputs) will only use the L and R channels of a multichannel SACD. Setting HDMI output to LPCM will allow proper downmixing of multichannel SACD to two channels. Allowing decoding within the player will also allow you to listen to secondary audio in blu-ray discs; bitstream will not allow secondary audio. However, you may not want secondary audio as it is apparently not in a high res audio format and can potentially decrease audio quality if you allow it to be passed. You can turn off secondary audio at the disc level or player level. The FAQ and manual has good information on all of this.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 05:52 PM
Thanks House and hifi. I don't have any SACD's YET, and I don't know what you mean by "secondary audio". Remember, I've never even played a Blu-ray before.
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 06:38 PM
Ooh, they already shipped it. I paid for 2-day shipping because I'm impatient. I can't wait.
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 07:43 PM
And yet, wait you will.
Posted By: Hansang Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/05/09 08:01 PM
Wheelz,
Since you have a Denon 3808 that can decode all codes/and don't need SACD support, you can bitstream everything.
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 01:27 AM
 Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
And yet, wait you will.


*sigh* Yeah, I will. And what's worse is the Signature Required may trip me up. I don't know if I can have anyone waiting around for it for me. Here's hoping.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 10:04 AM
::Mark waits on Charles' doorstep on delivery day::

Yoink!
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 11:41 AM
 Originally Posted By: CV
the Signature Required may trip me up. .


Never tripped me and never will...
Posted By: Spoiler Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 12:23 PM

Hey Wheelz, this is from nickboros' link:

Secondary Audio is an optional yak-track that goes with the Blu-ray Picture-in-Picture (PIP) feature. It is mixed in with the main audio so both tracks are audible together. Like BD-Live and excessively complicated menus, it is a marketing-driven Blu-ray feature that no one ever asked for.
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 06:02 PM
I'm wondering if the BDP-83 has a limitation which the PS3 does not.

Throughout the tech talk thread on AVS, it has been mentioned that if the Oppo plays secondary audio it will be mixed with the core, or lossy track.

I can't say for sure what the PS3 does, but every indication points to it mixing with the full lossless steam.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 10:51 PM
Thanks Spoiler et al. I found out that if you have the Oppo set to bitstream, you have to turn off secondary audio in order to output the HD tracks on disks, otherwise it will only output DTS.

Oh yes, I watched my first Blu-ray today (The Dark Knight) and all I can say is WOW!! It's a whole new experience as far as I'm concerned. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get around to tweaking around with the audio/video setup disk that came with it.
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/06/09 11:52 PM
That's what I was getting at wrt. the lossy vs. lossless plus secondary audio. That's isn't a how the PS3 works.

No real loss though, as the secondary audio really is only used to make menus beep at this point. Plus the mix always seems to be too loud, so you pop up the menu in the middle of playback to look at the special features and you blow your tweeters because of the massively beeps as you navigate. Good riddance.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/07/09 05:15 PM
Well, hopefully I'll get around to playing with my new toy again next week, but until then I have another question. I've been reading about calibration and it suggested to calibrate for each input. Currently I only have one HDMI cable and one component cable (specifically for my satellite) running from the TV to my AVR. Because I now have two video players; my Sony and my Oppo, should I run another HDMI cable from the back of my TV to my AVR?

I would assume this is the only way I can calibrate my TV to each input, which would give optimal results??

Thanks again,
Cam

Edit-I just thought for a second and I can't do that anyway because my 3808 only has one HDMI out to the monitor, so does this mean I would need a HDMI switch in order to calibrate each input separately?
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/07/09 05:26 PM
Your AVR likely only has 1 HDMI out, that's the one already connected to your TV.

The "calibrate for each device" was much more important with analog connections. In the analog domain a lot of information was carried by the voltage level, and each device varied slightly.

Now with HDMI and digital signaling, things are much more equal across the board. Not saying that some components don't get it wrong, but for the most part if one piece if HDMI gear is right, then they are all right.

So without any easy way for you to be able to get audio to the receiver, and the picture to the TV separately for each player, I'd say calibrate for the Oppo, and hope the Sony falls into line.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/07/09 05:43 PM
Thanks Chris, I'll do that. If I wanted to calibrate my component input (satellite), does it make sense to switch the component cables over to my Oppo and calibrate, or will the calibration be incorrect because I'm not actually using the source (my satellite receiver)to do the calibration.

Thanks again.
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/07/09 07:03 PM
Here's what I'd do:

I believe that Denon has a ADC to convert analog video inputs to output over HDMI. So, yes, hook the Oppo to the component in which you're going to be using later for the satellite. I think it also has some picture controls to adjust how that input is handled. I'd use those to get the HDMI conversion looking the same as the Oppo and Sony. So you still have 1 cable running to the TV.

Calibrate against the Oppo's output. You are also right, this will not be 100% correct for the satellite, but will get you close. Fortunately component video sources are much more consistent from model to model than the older video connections.

Hook the satellite up. Sometimes you'll get lucky and find test patterns on some channels late at night. If you come across that you might be able to dial things in a little better. Unfortunately every analog channels tends to vary a little from one another. The digital channels are much more consistent.

If the Denon's video controls aren't getting you what you want, then connect the component cables straight to the TV and use it's controls instead. Still run the audio connection from the satellite to the AVR. That will complicate things a little, as you'll need to switch video inputs on the TV and audio inputs on the AVR.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/07/09 07:15 PM
Thanks for your time and help Chris, greatly appreciated.
Posted By: Olderbutwiser Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/08/09 04:09 PM
I was reading the Oppo BDP-83 manual. I have a Denon 3808CI so should I am asumming that I should set the resolution to "Source Direct" and let the AVR do the processing rather than the oppo. Am I correct?
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/08/09 04:36 PM
No, the Oppo has a better scaler than the Denon. You should set the Oppo to output at the maximum, native resolution of your display.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/08/09 08:07 PM
You should also disable the scaler in your 3808 for whatever input the Oppo is assigned to.
Posted By: Olderbutwiser Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 02:17 PM
Wheez I was lookng at the manual last night and I could not find how to disable the scaler for the HDMI port on the 3808 that the Oppo is assigned to.
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 02:26 PM
I'm not familiar with the Denon, but look for a setting for video processing, and see if it can be disabled. Hopefully someone else can tell you exactly what it is called.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 02:54 PM
Make sure that under HDMI Setup->i/p scaler is set to "off". For each input, "Video Convert" should also be set to "off".

I just came across this Denon to English dictionary and states-

"i/p SCALER: This setting turns the analog-to-digital scaling functions of the receiver on or off. Note that all models dicussed on this website (i.e. below the 3808ci) will NOT do any video processing on HDMI video! There is no scaling or processing at all on HDMI inputs, these settings and all the other video processor settings apply ONLY to analog-to-HDMI transcoding. "
Posted By: tomtuttle Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 03:46 PM
 Quote:
Denon to English dictionary


LOL! Long overdue! Great find!
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 03:53 PM
If the Denon doesn't do any processing of the HDMI port, and the Oppo is being connected by HDMI, then no setting needs to be changed.

Note to Cam: Since you were talking about connecting your satellite, you'll want to use the processing of the Denon's ADC to convert the component input to HDMI along with scaling it to match the native res of your display and possible adjust the black/white levels along with color and tint.
Posted By: Zimm Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 04:00 PM
 Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Make sure that under HDMI Setup->i/p scaler is set to "off". For each input, "Video Convert" should also be set to "off".

I just came across this Denon to English dictionary and states-

"i/p SCALER: This setting turns the analog-to-digital scaling functions of the receiver on or off. Note that all models dicussed on this website (i.e. below the 3808ci) will NOT do any video processing on HDMI video! There is no scaling or processing at all on HDMI inputs, these settings and all the other video processor settings apply ONLY to analog-to-HDMI transcoding. "


Wait a second; so if I connect my rank cable signal to the 3808 via HDMI, the 3808 will not scale that signal up to 1080p because it arrived via HDMI?????? WTF. What is the point of 150 HDMI inputs if I still need to hook up 3 video cables to use the scaler.


Anybody know if this issue was fixed for the 4310?
Posted By: doormat Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 04:18 PM
Note the i.e.:

"below the 3808ci"
Posted By: doormat Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 04:23 PM
On the 3808 the i/p scaler can be set to [Off], [A to H], or [A to H & H to H].
A=analog
H=HDMI


Posted By: Zimm Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 04:35 PM
 Originally Posted By: doormat
Note the i.e.:

"below the 3808ci"



Sure; if you read every word you get that impression. But if you just read most of the words you get to freak out about an impending purchase and add one to your long line of 1/32 informed posts.

Tomato, "Tomoto".
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 04:55 PM
Ah, so [A to H], is what Cam (and anyone else wanting to scale/deinterlace the analog inputs, but not touch the HDMI) should pick.

It would be nice if that was per-input. So something like the Oppo could be untouched, but a lesser DVD player could take advantage of a pretty good scaler in the Denon. As it is now, you'd have to connect that DVD player by analog if you wanted it scaled, while not touching the Oppo. Oh well...
Posted By: doormat Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 04:59 PM
Why would you bother with a lesser DVD and the Oppo?

Edit: Actually, I guess this would come up with a cable/sat box via HDMI.



Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 05:22 PM
Also, the Oppo BDP is region/zone locked. So once I get one, I'll still have to hold on to my old player for my Eastern Europe imports. (Although I'll probably just rip them to my media server--or even reburn them without the region info.)
Posted By: doormat Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 06:30 PM
Got it. Well, if nothing else, at least you could take solace in the fact that the 3808 only uses the old standard Faroujda anyway (not that I've really been following the whole upscaling debate as I still only have an SD projector).
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 09:33 PM
There is some very conflicting information that you can come across in forums, even if they are dedicated to a specific component.

I found information in the official 3808 forum on AVS that the "i/p scaler" should be turned off, along with the "video convert". Then I get a response on Oppo's forum providing me with the link above that states that there is no scaling done over HDMI, even though there is an option to disable it?????

Oh yes, on top of that, there is also more info in this review about upscaling and the 3808.

All very very confusing
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/09/09 10:33 PM
 Originally Posted By: wheelz999
All very very confusing


Yeah.

Let's talk about models instead! \:\)
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 03:52 AM
I got my Oppo today. So far I've just tried a Blu-ray, a Super Audio CD, and a DVD-Audio. Oh, and a Divx MKV file that Chris was kind enough to send me (Regina Spektor playing "Blue Lips" on Later with Jools Holland). They all played, so I guess I'm in business. What was the issue with the SACD DSD output I thought I heard about? It played 5.1 DSD fine, so what was the deal?
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 04:19 AM
I believe there was some slight noise using the DSD out; which isn't present with PCM. It is so slight a lot of people were not hearing it, and it may not affect all titles.

And that file uses the next generation of codecs after DivX/Xvid it is x264! \:D
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 04:23 AM
\:\) I'm really out of the loop with those file formats.

Is there conjecture as to why there's noise with DSD? Just curious how that works. Would it not be a problem with how the receiver processes DSD, not how the player outputs it?
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 04:38 AM
I've not read the AVS thread for a couple weeks now, but at the time I stopped no one had even offered a guess.

DSD is a strange format. While PCM stores the quantified volume level which was sampled at a point in time, DSD stores only if the waveform was increasing or decreasing since in the last millionth of a second. PCM can store perfect square waves, and DC voltage (neither of which is good for speakers). But DSD has a slew rate and the closest it can get to DC is storing one step up and then one step down alternatingly. There are also re-sync points stored every-so-often to allow for scanning forward or reverse.

There are so few receivers which support DSD over HDMI, and so few players which send it; that an implementation issue in the receiver may be hard to narrow down vs. a player problem--although I think Oppo's last DVD player also supported it and didn't have problems paired with the same receiver. But if I had to guess I'd point toward the ups and downs not tracking completely and once a re-sync point arrives there's a hard transition to the now correct level causing a little click.
Posted By: CV Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 04:45 AM
Interesting stuff. I'm glad there are people like you who read and then remember what you read. Here's hoping Oppo addresses the issues people are having in the next firmware.

I didn't notice anything odd in my few minutes of SACD playback. I'll have to try both PCM and DSD and see if I can even tell a difference.
Posted By: ClubNeon Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 05:37 AM
Funny you say that about reading and remembering, I was just talking to one of my friends about LLI (Low Latent Inhibition), it isn't so much that I remember what I read, its that make connections between everything and incorporate it into my knowledge--even that's not a good description. But one example when I was talking about PCM vs. DSD, I can "see" the possible waveform plots created by the encoding process in my head.

I'll expound about this a little more over at the 'Cooler.
Posted By: gary135r Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 08:40 PM
Just ordered mine today. $499.00 from Oppo. I love the fact that it plays SACD and DVD-Audio. I was hoping that a Blue Ray player would combine these at some point and Oppo sounds like the new standard for these players. Now, the wait begins.
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/10/09 09:28 PM
I bought a Marantz 5003 AVR that I am using with TWO Outlaw power amps. In addition I was fortunate enough to be on the Oppo BDP83 pre-order list and have had it for about a month now. A wonderful player that, as mentioned, also plays SACD thru DSD in which my Marantz AVR can process with, of course, the HDMI hook-up. I have tried both the PCM AND DSD input from the player and although I have not done critical listening for any length of time, the DSD is a little louder and I don't have the apparent noise issues mentioned in the posts. It could be the particular unit that's doing the processing. I know it is not the player.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/11/09 01:48 AM
Can anyone recommend a good rock/alternative SACD other than Pink Floyd. I haven't been able to find any that I would listen to on a regular basis.

I do have The Blue Man Group DVD-Audio disc, and can't wait to give it a listen.

Thanks.
Posted By: Adrian Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/11/09 02:04 AM
Cam, go on Amazon and search "sacd", you'll get over 4000 results....there's gotta be somethin' in there for you!
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/11/09 02:58 AM
Dire Straits-Brothers in Arms.
Posted By: th3at3rguy Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/11/09 04:39 AM
I just ordered mine and want to thank axiom for recommending it to me last month because I was going to spend way more for basically the same thing but diff brand.
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/11/09 03:06 PM
I agree with Dire Straits-Brothers in Arms, Diane Krall Union Station is another great one. It's to bad you are not interested in Pink Floyd, DSOTM is one of the best SACDs I've ever heard.
Posted By: chesseroo Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/14/09 02:46 PM
Two reviews of the new Oppo BD83.

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-video-players/blu-ray-players/oppo-bdp-83-blu-ray-player.html

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/trans...ideo-processing
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/14/09 07:03 PM
If you look at Oppo's website, particularly the "support" section you will probably understand why most look forward to this company's products. A "Public Beta Test"(June 11) is already in place for further upgrades to the BDP83 particularly related to DVD Audio and other generally related operational items. They are talking about improvements to the player that, myself having had one for a few weeks, didn't even realize there was issues. As it turns out, there aren't any, they just want to make it even better.
Posted By: gary135r Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 04:02 PM
Quick review so far. Have not played a Blue -Ray disc yet but the music side of the player is awesome. I did not know what I was missing with my other SACD player. DSOTM sounds incredible. I just have on issue. The HDMI avenue to play SACD discs will not play, I have to route them through my analog cables. I assume it's my AVR's fault as everything else plays fine. I am calling Oppo just to make sure it's not the player's fault. Going to throw in the Dark Knight tonight seeing that I heard that is the standard to judge Blue-Ray players by. Only thing is my TV will only support 1080i and lower but it is still HD. SD DVD's are an improvement also, even though my last player was no slouch in the upconverting game.
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 04:16 PM
I have the same player, and I was under the impression that in order to play SACD you have to use the analog connections; could be wrong though. As far as SD DVDs go, the Oppo upconverting is comparable to their 983 which was the best in the business.

It's an awesome player, enjoy!!
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 04:43 PM
Make sure the output of the player is set to at least 720p, otherwise you cannot obtain hi-res multi-ch sound.

Also make sure that, if you are trying DSD over HDMI, that your receiver supports it (HDMI 1.2+).

In any case, Oppo should be able to help you properly!
Posted By: casey01 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 04:50 PM

As long as your AVR/Pre-pro is one of the latest in HDMI connections (1.2 and up) you can play ALL the formats including SACD and DVD Audio thru HDMI. With the 3808 which, I believe, is 1.3 compatible you can set the player for PCM thru the HDMI connection or if the AVR has DSD capability you can set that in the player and the receiver will do the decoding. I have a Marantz which has DSD capability, and to my ears anyway, I like the DSD sound a little better for SACD's than the PCM setting in the player itself.

The Oppo BDP83 gives you three choices of audio set-up.

1. 7.1 analog via LPCM in which the player does ALL the decoding.
2. LPCM thru HDMI in to the AVR in which the player ALSO does all the decoding.
3. Bitstream in the player thru HDMI in which the AVR does ALL the decoding.

I have not experimented with number 1, but in listening to 2 and three, I can't hear any difference(with BDs) so I assume number 1 on the list will be equal to the others, you are just saving hooking up additional cables. One of the reasons I have shied away from the analog hook-up is because of the limitations of bass management in most players, including the BDP83. You generally only get one crossover setting which may or may not be to your liking or even practical. Your AVR gives you considerably more flexibility in that area with the digital(HDMI)connection.
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 05:03 PM
Additionnal: The BDP83 that you have may not contain all the latest firmware updates out of the box. There were a lot of features that were not enabled initially, but were put back as Oppo finished fixing everything or were confident after a lot more testing.
Posted By: michael_d Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 08:46 PM
If you use HDMI with a 1.1 receiver, you will need to set one of the Oppo audio output options to PCM verses DSD (I know I saw this, but don't recall where). It will decode the DSD to PCM.
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 09:55 PM
I'm playing SACD's with the Oppo through HDMI and they sound great.
Posted By: Olderbutwiser Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/29/09 09:57 PM
I'm also playing SACD's on my Oppo through HDMI and I agree it sounds great.
Posted By: gary135r Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 06/30/09 07:36 PM
It is definitely an issue with my Harmon Kardon. Talked to Oppo and Alan. Hooked the 83 to my TV and the sound was fine. Good news is the analog sounds great and when you set the receiver to 6 channel DVD you get bass management. Alan said the sound loss is negligible and it is the recording that makes the real difference. Watched the Dark Knight last night and even though my receiver is only HDMI 1.1 I got wall rattling sound from my EP 400 & 125 which wasn't the case before with my old player.
Posted By: cgrface Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/04/09 03:31 PM
 Originally Posted By: HomeDad
I'm playing SACD's with the Oppo through HDMI and they sound great.
HomeDad, which reciever/prepro are you using?
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/06/09 12:08 AM
I'm using a Denon 4806.
Posted By: cgrface Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/06/09 02:23 AM
Way cool, that's what I have. I have been watching the development of the BDP83 for quite a while and is on my short list of upgrades. I bought the 4806 when it just hit the streets, and continue to be totally satisfied with it's performance. I'm glad that it works well with the newest Oppo, truely a future proof piece of equipment, at least for now...
Posted By: Shady Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 12:02 AM
My Receiver is quite ancient now (Yamaha RX-V995). Am I going to miss much by using the 5.1 analog inputs on the receiver? Does it matter that I don't have 7.1?
Posted By: Ya_basta Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 01:03 PM
Others have compared analog vs. HDMI, and haven't found any difference whatsoever. As far as being limited to 5.1, I don't feel it's that big of a deal, as the amount of material actually available in 7.1 is extremely limited.
Posted By: Micah Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 08:28 PM
You know, I just shocked myself a few days back. For years I've owned a Sony DVD/Super Audio player, and I've always had it hooked up through the digital optical audio connect. Well with all I've learned through this site I was looking and the player has 5.1 channel analog outs... holy shit, I've been missing out all these years!!!

So I walked, no I ran down to RadioShack and grabbed myself 3 sets of RCA cords. Got home, hooked them up to the 5.1 channel extention in inputs on the back of the Denon, and sat back to enjoy the music the way it was meant to be heard... I was truely disappointed! In a direct comparison the digital optical audio connection was a million times better. Switching back and forth was absolutely no contest. The 5.1 analog connection volume was lower, it lacked bass, and the sound field was extremely narrow. Switch it back to the digital optical connect (a simple switch of a button on the Denon, the digital optical connect is hooked up to the DVD connection, and the 5.1 anolog connects are connected to EXT. IN) and the music comes to life. The sound field is huge, it engulfs my entire livingroom, the bass pounds, and it's loud as hell.

I'm not sure if this is a Sony issue? Like if the analog outs just aren't of very good quality, or if it's because I'm not listening to actual Super Audio CD's? Maybe an actual SACD would sound better through the analog outs than the digital optical connect? I don't know, but I did learn that in my player at least, digital is the way to go.
Posted By: BlueJays1 Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 08:43 PM
I have discussed this before on here Micah and what are noticing is the difference between the calibration and bass management of your Denon (digtal) vs you SACD player/Blu-ray using multi-channel analog. You have probably calibrated the Denon and that is what the digital signal uses, but I bet you have not gone through setting up your speakers and sub (gain, distance, delay) in the menu of your SACD player and this is where the processing will occur in this case using analog. Have you boosted the SW signal though the Ext. In? There is a separate setting for this in your Denon for the purpose of multi-channel analog. I would recommend setting it to Ext.In +10 or Ext.In +15. This is probably the main reason you are lacking bass.






Posted By: Ken.C Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 09:09 PM
Yup, you have to calibrate the SACD player--unless your receiver can do bass management on the analog inputs and you choose to use that. Mine can, and I do. Others can't, and still others believe that converting the signal back to digital to do the bass management, then back to analog to output to speakers is evil and wrong.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 10:26 PM
Also, there's really nothing to be gained by using the analog outs of your player for anything BUT SACDs.... but... with SACDS, the analog outs on the player are the ONLY way you'll get the signal to the receiver.
Posted By: Micah Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/11/09 11:07 PM
Ok. I guess I thought that some how the analog outs were magically going to make my music sound 10 times better. I don't know why. I went through and calibrated the Sony, then I tried it out with a movie... the difference between the analog outs and the digital optical connect was a lot less. The analog still sounds a bit narrower, but I think that may be the reciever spreading the signal out a bit more than was originally intended. I use DTS 6.1 when I'm playing movies. So I guess I just realized that I prefer that over the original playback mode. Who knew.

I still can't wait to get a new reciever and experience the lossless tracks though. On the music side, I've been listening to just about everything in 5/7 channel out of the Denon, and I love it. It fills the entire livingroom with music. I've noticed that when I put it on stereo there seems to be a bit more bass, but honestly, there is enough bass in the 5/7 channel mode to satisfy me, and the entire experience it much more pleasing to my ears. To each his own I suppose.
Posted By: JohnK Re: Oppo BDP-83 on the way. - 07/12/09 02:19 AM
Micah, God gave us analog ear drums, so that's the way sound comes out of the speakers, but the preceding connections and processing can be digital at least as well. As Ken and Doc Horse pointed out, things have to be calibrated equally for the result to sound the same. In particular the volume has to be exactly the same(within .1dB)so that things aren't different mostly because of loudness(as appears to be the case in your example). This is also the main factor in mysterious claims for amplifiers about things that they don't control(e.g., "sound-stage").
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