Oppo BDP-83 Review|Overview Of One Of The Best Blu-ray Players

Region A / Profile 2.0

Video:
Video Resolution:
1080p/24p
DVD upscaling:
1080p
Audio:
HDMI output: 7.1
Analog output: 7.1
Media:
Blu-ray / DVD / CD

Other:
HDMI version:1.3a
Ethernet: Yes
Release Date:
June, 2009

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The Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player separates itself from others by having the ability to handle nearly every type of disc format. It can play both DVD-Audio and SACD disc, Kodak Picture and HDCD-encoded discs, as well as Blu-ray Discs, CDs and DVDs. The BDp-83 is more expensive than other standard players. But to get this kind of playability you would have to look for players in the price range of $1500.00 – $2000.00. The BDP-83 is $499. So already you know you are getting a terrific value.

The BDP-83 is solidly built weighing twice as much as other players. The brushed metal front panel is divided into three sections. On the front right you have the open and close buttons, the basic disc playback buttons and a USB port. In the middle you have the LCD display screen and right above this is the disc loading tray. On the Front left you have the power button IR window. All connections, besides the USB Port, are located on the back of the player.

BD-Live Allows you to download and stream bonus content such as additional movie scenes, shorts fims, movie trailers, play movie-based games, and much more. With Bonus View, you can enjoy “picture-in-picture” capability with selected Blu-ray titles. BDP-80 has 1 GB of internal memory to support these features.
VRS™ by Anchor Bay: The BDP-83 includes Anchor Bay’s award-winning Video Reference Series (VRS) technology, which produces a picture that is cleaner, smoother, true-to-life and free of artifacts.
True 24p™ Video: Most Blu-ray Discs are recorded at 24 frames per second. This is the same frame rate as the original movie’s theatrical release. The BDP-83 can reproduce the original frames using 1080p 24Hz output (compatible display is required) for smoother motion and a flicker-free, film-like home theater experience. It can also capable of restoring the original 24 frames per second progressive-scan video from well-authored DVDs and output as 1080p 24Hz.
Source Direct Mode: If you want to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display, the BDP-80 Blu-ray Player offers a ™Source Direct™ mode. This mode does is take the original audio/video data on the discs and transfers it out with no additional processing.
RS232 Control (optional): Used for custom installation, the RS232 control option can be special-ordered at an additional cost.
Dimensions: 16.9 x 13.3 x 3 inches 11.2 pounds

Video Quality:
To get the best possible playback image, the BDP-83 is loaded with video features. You can connect the player through the HDMI, Component or Composite outputs. One of these great video features is the Anchor Bay Technologies’ Video Reference Series (VRS) technology. The video output resolution can be chosen from 480i to 1080p at 50Hz or 60Hz. It can deliver a true 1080p/24 fps video signal from either a Blu-ray Disc or a DVD. There is also a Source Direct Mode, if you want to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display. This mode takes the original audio/video data that is on the disc and transfers it out with no extra processing.

Audio Quality:
The BDP-83 can handle a wide range of audio formats. It has internal audio decoding for all the high resolution formats. This includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It gives you the option of choosing either LPCM or Bitstream digital outputs. There are 7.1ch analog outputs. Which is great for someone with an older, non-HDMI Audio/video receiver who still would like to hear Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The BDP-83 outputs/inputs should cover almost all conceivable connections you can make. It runs the gambit from HDMI, USB, Ethernet and for those you like custom installing there are RS-232 port and IR inputs and outputs. And as stated before it is a true universal player, being able to play all old and new formats. Oppo claims it can play back Blu-ray Disc, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, AVCHD, CD and Kodak Picture CD. Any other media formats will be on firmware updates released by Oppo.

While it is filled with high end features and has outstanding video/audio playback on Blu-ray and DVD discs, the BDP-83 may not appeal to everyone. Mainly because it lacks any Wi-Fi options or Streaming Media Services like Netflix. If these are features you are looking for, you will have to look elsewhere to obtain them. (Oppo has stated it is planning to add Online Streaming Media in the future through BluTV platform)

While it does not have streaming media, you can connect the player to the internet and take advantage of any BD-Live features on Blu-ray Discs. The BDP-83 has 1 GB on internal memory so you can easily download any content found on Blu-ray Movies. Also, through the USB port you can access music, videos and photos. The BDP-83 should be able to handle any type of files, including DivX, Xvid, AVI, MKV, JPEG, and MP3 files.

THE PROS: One of the outstanding advantages of the Oppo BDP-83 is that it is a universal disc player. It can handle playing Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, DVD-Audio and CD. The BDP-83 has excellent picture and audio quality, bringing you the best High-Definition has to offer. It comes with 7.1 analog outputs, built in Dolby True HD and DTS-HD MA decoding, Profile 2.0, 1GB of internal memory, two USB ports and includes a HDMI cable. The Oppo BDP-83 is not only one of the most stable Blu-ray DVD Players, it also has unbelievably fast operational speed and disc loading time.

THE CONS: More expensive than other Blu-ray Players on the market. It does not have any Wi-Fi capabilities for BD-Live items. It is missing streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon On Demand.

THE FINAL WORD: The Oppo BDP-83 is a spectacular universal disc player that brings you unbelievably high performance standard on Blu-ray and DVD disc. Add to this its lightning quick operational speed this Blu-ray DVD Player would make a fine addition to anyone’s Home Entertainment System. — Price you should look for when purchasing — Under $500.00