Oppo Digital, Inc. located in Mountain View, CA has built a strong reputation among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts as a company offering high-value products with superior performance for the dollar along with excellent customer service. The company has been hard at work and has recently unveiled the highly anticipated BDP-83 Blu-ray player. OPPO's new player is a culmination of their experience in making products that directly result from customer feedback. The BDP-83 supports Blu-ray, DVD Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), CD (including HDCD), and AVCHD (HD camcorder) discs. The BDP-83 offers the latest Blu-ray features including support for BD-Live (BD-ROM version 2, profile 2) for full interactivity. BonusView (BD-ROM version 2, Profile 1 version 1.1/Final Standard Profile) allows Virtual packages or Picture-in-Picture functions. The BDP-83 has a beautiful black anodized aluminum front panel with few buttons (power, tray open/close and navigation controls). The display is easy to read and can be dimmed or completely turned off (except when receiving commands) for home theater environments.

To ensure the BDP-83 was ready for prime-time, OPPO ran two Early Adopter Programs (EAPs) to get feedback from a broad base of users. This was an important step for the company to determine any possible compatibility issues with other electronic components or media. The outcome of the EAPs was a big success and is most likely the reason why the BDP-83 has evolved into such a winner.

We received a brand new unit that came well packed in a 17 pound box. The player was wrapped in a reusable carrying bag with a protective film on the front face. An operating manual and two Blu-ray test discs (Spears & Munsil - HD Benchmark and AIX Records - Calibration Disc / HD Music Sampler) were also included with the player. A separate box in the package contained the remote with batteries, power cord, HDMI cable, and standard A/V cables.

Back Panel
The BDP-83 has many interface options on the back of the unit. HDMI, component and composite video connections are provided. The ethernet port handles Blu-ray's BD-Live and BonusView interactivity as well as firmware updates. There is a USB port and IR input and output jacks. Both coaxial and optical (toslink) digital outputs are provided. A set of 7.1 and stereo analog outputs provide audio from the built-in decoder. The detachable power cord is a bonus for custom installations. OPPO offers an optional RS232 port for wired control of the player. There is a cooling fan on the back of the unit, but I never heard it turn on. The player ran fairly cool, so the thermal controller never needed to activate additional cooling. The good news is that if users place the unit in a confined space, the player has a way to keep itself from overheating.

Inside
The BDP-83 has a nice layout with each board carrying out a specific function. The switching power supply occupies the right side and has the ability to work worldwide accepting voltages from 100-240VAC at 50/60 Hz. The video processing board located just behind the Blu-ray drive handles all of the audio and video decoding and processing. The left board handles all of the audio D/A conversion functions and interfaces directly to the rear audio connectors. OPPO was smart to keep the sensitive analog audio electronics away from the switching power supply to minimize noise entering the circuits. The player also has a Pure Audio mode that shuts off much of the video to minimize possible noise in the audio.

A/V Processing
The A/V processing board located in the center of the unit has a SATA connection from the Blu-ray drive. The BDP-83 uses a custom decoder chip, which is a special version of the Mediatek MT8520 along with the latest Anchor Bay ABT2010 video processor. The customization features of the Mediatek MT8520 include supports for SACD and DVD-Audio, as well as hardware changes needed to support the new Anchor Bay ABT2010 video processor. Both the large ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) require heatsinks mounted on top to dissipate the heat generated from these powerful and power hungry devices. The Anchor Bay ABT2010 chip features all of the processing power of Anchor Bay's Video Reference Series™ (VRS™) technology, including Anchor Bay's proprietary Precision Deinterlacing that provides five-field motion adaptive and edge adaptive processing. The ABT2010 also supports HDMI 1.3 with 12-bit output resolutions.

Once video is processed by the ASICs, the Silicon Image SiI9134 sends the video signal out of the HDMI connector. The SiI9134 is an advanced HDMI 1.3 transmitter designed to support high-definition audio (Dolby® True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio) and Deep Color (up to 36 bits). The HDMI transmitter also has an integrated High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) encryption engine with a pre-programmed and unique HDCP key. Decoded audio is sent to the Audio DAC board through multiple PCM interfaces.

Audio DACs
The audio DAC module has RCA output connectors mounted directly on the board. The lower portion of the board has all of the power forms for both the analog and digital circuits. The circuit design uses several linear regulators with ferrite beads on the incoming power forms to provide clean voltages to the audio electronics. Digital audio enters the board on the right connector (sent from the A/V board) through a ribbon cable for D/A conversion. The 7.1 analog outputs are handled by a single Cirrus Logic 8-Channel D/A Converter (CS4382A). The two-channel outputs use a Cirrus Logic CS4398 dual channel DAC. Both devices can handle 24-bit data at rates as high as 192 kHz and feature advanced multi-bit delta sigma architectures. All analog outputs pass through dual high-performance low noise (5532) operational amplifiers before exiting the gold-plated RCA connectors.

Remote
The BDP-83 remote is the best remote OPPO has come out with thus far. The full-size design has a rounded back that gives it a more ergonomic feel. The remote has large buttons that have identifying symbols and are backlit on top making them easy to see in the low light environments of home theaters. Pressing any button on the remote triggers the backlighting for 8 seconds. OPPO has also included a three position switch inside the battery compartment that allows the user to change the command set so that it does not interfere with other OPPO products. We found that the remote's default setting (position 1) also controlled our DV-981HD DVD player. The Top Menu and Pop-Up Menu buttons are located on the upper left and right sides of the navigation buttons. Setup and Return are located on the lower right and left of the navigation buttons. Stop, Play and Pause are larger buttons for common control. Pressing the Resolution button allows the user to select from Auto, 480I/576I, 480P/576P, 720P, 1080I, 1080P, or Source Direct.

Installation
We connected the BDP-83 to our Denon AVR-5308CI A/V receiver using the HDMI cable provided to carry full bandwidth audio and video. We also connected the analog outputs to the Denon to test OPPO's internal audio decoder and DACs. OPPO provides a heavy 14 gauge AC power cable for their player, something not often seen on a player at this price point.

Our Denon AVR-5308CI A/V receiver mated to a Parasound HCA-2205AT five channel amplifier to drive our M&K 5.1 speaker system. The AVR-5308CI uses a THX crossover set at 80 Hz and works well with our speaker configuration. The receiver is capable of decoding all of the latest surround formats over HDMI and also has the option for analog 7.1 inputs, so we can test the player's internal decoding, DACs and analog section. Our projector, a Mitsubishi HC5500 1080p LCD unit, projected onto a 100-inch Stewart FireHawk. Walls were covered with Echo Buster sound absorption panels. This helps eliminate slap echo and significantly reduced the RT₆₀ time in the room. As a result, secondary reflections, which often blur the sonic image are largely reduced or eliminated.

Once turned on, the BDP-83 walks the user through a series of settings, making it easy to get started. Video connections and resolution are selected along with aspect ratio and audio options. This will get the vast majority of users up and running in little time. Users can also dive deep into the Setup Menu to better define their audio and video settings to maximize performance and to set common preferences.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)
OPPO has vastly improved the look and functionality of the GUI on the BDP-83 with a logical and easy to use menu system. This is where many companies fail even though the product may work well. OPPO has done an excellent job crafting a set of menus that work both for the novice and the advanced user. Moreover, the fonts are softer and more pleasant on the eye than any earlier GUI we have seen from the company. Best of all, the user can access the menus without having to stop playing the disc, which is a great feature only found on very few expensive players. To simplify the configuration process, OPPO has the Easy Setup Wizard.

Easy Setup Wizard
The Easy Setup Wizard is designed to walk the user through some initial settings to get the most out of the player quickly. Oppo calls it the Initial Wizard in the GUI and it consists of 6 basic steps that require little input from the operator.

Video Interface
First the user needs to define the video output. The user can choose between HDMI and components video. Whenever possible, the user should always select HDMI unless the display being used does not support it. HDMI has the handshake for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), so resolution will be limited if the HDMI digital interface is not used. The user can select the video output to be Source Direct, 480I, 480P, 720P, 1080I, 1080P or Auto. Once the TV output mode is changed the player will ask the user to confirm the setting before making the change final. If the user does not confirm the new setting, the player will revert back to the previous video mode. This prevents the player from using a video mode that leaves the user without a picture.

Aspect Ratio
The next step defines the aspect ratio of the display. Displays with a 4:3 aspect ratio can select Letterbox or Pan & Scan. Those with the newer 16:9 HDTV's can choose Wide or Wide/Auto with the latter mode placing side borders on 4:3 source material.

Audio Settings
Finally, the user needs to select the audio mode. The Compatible mode is designed to work with most displays and receivers. However, there is also an advanced setting for HDMI 1.3 compatible receivers. More advanced users should use the Audio Settings in the Setup Menu.

The intent of the Wizard is to get the user up and running quickly. Without it some less savvy users may find themselves searching through the manual to get a picture. We think it is a great idea for the general public, but would recommend users become familiar with all of the features available (there are many) on this player. The Setup Menu controls all of the player's features.

Setup Menu
The Setup Menu on the BDP-83 has six categories and provides the user with advanced control of the unit's operation. Each menu (Playback Setup, Video Setup, Audio Format Setup, Audio Processing, Device Setup, and Network Setup) has an extensive set of parameters that can be adjusted for optimal performance.

Playback Setup
The Playback Setup menu defines the Language, Parental Control (based on ratings) settings, and screen Markers for Angle, PIP (picture-in-picture), and SAP (secondary audio programs). The markers are indicated on the screen when these options are available on the disc being watched. SACD Priority can be set to multi-channel, stereo or CD-mode. The DVD-Audio Mode selects how DVD-Audio discs will be played (DVD-Audio or DVD-Video). Much depends on how the user's system is configured and what it supports. Auto Play and Play Back Control (PBC) can be set to on or off.

Video Setup
The Video Setup menu adjusts all the video parameters. The Picture Adjustment panel allows the user to standard and advanced picture settings. Primary Output determines the video output (HDMI or Component). When using the Component Output the VRS video processing is completely bypassed. The HDMI output should always be used for maximum video performance. When HDMI is selected there are many options available. De-interlacing Mode (Auto, Film Bias Mode, Video Mode, 2:2 Even, or 2:2 Odd) selects the type of de-interlacing algorithm to be used. CUE Correction (Chroma Up-Sample Errors) can be set to Auto, On or Off and applies chroma filtering to problems related to the MPEG encoded video. The Color Space (Auto, RGB Video, RGB PC, YCbCr 4:4:4, or YCbCr 4:2:2) is also selectable. Finally, Deep Color (Off, 30-bits, or 36-bits) can be set to match the display for smoother color transitions and seamless gradients.

Audio Format Setup
The Audio Format menu sets the Secondary Audio (on/off), which mixes the secondary audio with the main audio. HDMI Audio (LPCM/Bitstream/Off) can be set based on the equipment or preferences of the user. We ran our outputs in the bitstream mode and let the Denon receiver do all the decoding. The SACD Output (PCM/DSD) can also be set to output a raw DSD stream or converted PCM data. The Coaxial/Optical Output (LPCM/Bitstream) selects whether the player converts the audio to PCM or allows the receiver to decode the raw bitstream. The LPCM Rate Limit (48kHz, 96kHz, or 192 kHz) sets the maximum sample rate for compatible equipment. This prevents the player from sending higher resolution data than is supported over the digital outputs.

Audio Processing
The Audio Processing menu defines the Speaker Configuration of the system and allows each channel to be set to large or small and adjusted for level and distance. The Speaker Configuration only applies to the analog outputs and does not affect the digital bitream or LPCM outputs. The Down Mix Mode can be set to 7.1CH, 5.1CH, Stereo and LT/RT. This mode will down mix the source material to the specified mode. Dolby Pro Logic II processing can be set to Music, Movie, or Off. The Dynamic Range Control can be set to Auto, On or Off.

Device Setup
The Device Setup menu controls the Dimmer settings (On, Off, Auto), OSD (on screen display) Mode (Normal or Silent), Remote Control Code (1, 2, or 3), HDMI CEC (On/Limited/Off), Persistent Storage options (clear memory), and Reset Factory Defaults. The user can display the current firmware information (see below) as well as initiate a firmware update (Ethernet, USB or Disc) from this menu.

Network Setup
The Network Setup menu configures the ethernet connection features that allow access to BD-Live content as well as firmware updates. The user can choose manual or auto (DHCP) IP configuration. The current IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, DNS 1, and DNS 2 are displayed. The BD-Live network access can be turned on or off. The Connection Test will run a check to verify the network connection is working properly. The user can select MAC Address to display the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the player.

Firmware Updates
Anyone who has been following Blu-ray for the past couple of years knows how important firmware updates can be on Blu-ray players. Our PS3 has had more updates (some of them BD related) than we would like to have, but the fact remain that this is a great capability. While it is possible that there are bugs in the BDP-83 firmware, we didn't run into any during the course of our review. Regardless, the BDP-83 offers several ways (CD, USB or network) to update the firmware to keep the unit current. We checked our unit using the ethernet connection and the player indicated we had the latest update.

Video Performance
We have always been big fans of ABT's (formerly DVDO) video processing algorithms, so it was no surprise to see the same high level of performance on the ABT2010 ASIC that we have been used to seeing with their products. Scaling of standard definition DVD content looked great with the 1080p output mode. Support for 1080p/24 for Blu-ray and DVD showed the benefits of this video processor with smooth panning and lack of de-interlacing artifacts.

Picture Quality
The 1080p picture produced by the BDP-83 was reference quality with smooth gradations and excellent resolution. Colors were rich and skin tones took on a natural appearance. Animated movies such as Kung Fu Panda on Blu-ray had fine detail not possible with the standard DVD format. However, DVD scaled nicely on this player and produced an impressive picture.

Audio Performance
Multi-channel audio discs such as John Mayer's Heavier Things on SACD sounded fantastic in our system. As a bonus, the screen displayed Artist, Album, and Track information along with the current track time and format (5.1). Not all discs display this information, yet many carry this data and the player takes advantage of it. The BDP-83 supports a DSD or PCM stream over HDMI depending upon whether the user has a DSD decoder in their processor or receiver. If the PCM output is selected for SACD Audio in the Audio Settings menu, the player converts the DSD data to 88.2kHz PCM data. Sonically, this player produced excellent audio quality whether we used Denon's DSD decoder or the player's built-in decoder with the PCM conversion. It was refreshing to have this single player support so many different formats and it greatly simplified our set up.

BDP-83 Access Times
When it comes to Blu-ray players, access times can be significant due to the internal processing required along with Java-heavy titles. The BDP-83 is one of the fastest machines we have used and it rivals even the PS3 in speed. The table show various disc formats and titles with access times. Note that Disc Recognition (time player took to recognize the disc type) and Start Play (time to start playing the disc) are shown separately. Times were recorded using a stop watch from the time the disc tray closed.

DVD Layer Switching Times
While the focus of this player has been largely on Blu-ray discs, traditional DVD performance and speed are equally important. DVD layer switching times were observed and appeared to be quite fast, yet noticeable. Our test included Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark where the layer switch appeared at 50:45 seconds. A one-half second pause was observed during this layer switch, which is normal for most good players we have seen.

Conclusion
Oppo has matured as a company and it shows with the release of their latest BDP-83 Blu-ray player, which not only supports Blu-ray, but also plays DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD (HDCD) and AVCHD. The unit is designed to be extremely flexible with support for varying levels of the user's audio components. The full potential of sound quality can be realized when connected to a more advanced preamp processor or receiver, yet the on-board DACs and analog electronics performed very well. The unit played anything we threw at it including recordable discs and had some of the fastest access times we have ever seen in a player. Anyone disappointed with access times on Blu-ray players needs to audition the new OPPO BDP-83. Video performance was excellent with a wide range of test material and real-world content.

Multi-channel audio sounded fantastic on this player and allowed us to take full advantage of the decoding in our Denon AVR-5308CI receiver. Those who lack the latest decoding, whether it is DTS (Master Audio or standard), Dolby Digital (TrueHD or standard), SACD or DVD-Audio, can take full advantage of the built-in decoder and use the digital (PCM) or analog outputs. The point is this player offers a lot of flexibility for a wide range of users. Those looking to upgrade in the future can simply change the output modes on the player as their system matures.

So one may ask - Where could the unit use improvements? Heavier chassis construction and a more solid disc tray comes to mind, yet these are largely cosmetic and do not improve the experience we had with the unit. Considering the $500 price tag, it is difficult to point out any significant flaws in the design. OPPO placed emphasis in the right areas, with features, performance, functionality, and looks at the top of the list. So far the unit has greatly succeeded in these categories based on our experience.

It is amazing that this level of performance is available for under $500. The Anchor Bay VRS video processing did a superb job and the flexibility of the unit allows for a wide variety of receivers to be used with maximum performance. OPPO has once again outdone themselves with the BDP-83 and it is likely to be one of their most successful products. We would not be surprised if this unit becomes one of the best selling Blu-ray players to date. We have now officially made the OPPO BDP-83 our reference Blu-ray player and the choice was not difficult.

- Kevin Nakano

Check out our recent review of the new BDP-83SE Special Edition.

Projector: Mitsubishi HC5500 1080p LCD Projector
Screen: Stewart Filmscreen 100" FireHawk Screen on a Luxus Deluxe ScreenWall
A/V Receiver: Denon AVR-5308CI THX-Ultra2 7x150W Receiver
Amplification: Parasound HCA-2205AT THX-Ultra Five Channel Amplifier
Front Speakers: Miller & Kreisel S-150THX (L+R) and S-150AC (Center) Speakers
Rear Speakers: Miller & Kreisel SS-250 Tripole® Surround Speakers
Subwoofer: Two Miller & Kreisel MX-350THX MkII THX-Ultra Push-pull Subwoofers
Thermal Management: Active Thermal Management Cool-it II Equipment Cooler
Room Treatments: Echo Buster panels and Bass Buster towers
Set-top Box: Dish Network ViP622 HDTV Satellite and Terrestrial Receiver with HDMI
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player with HDMI
Remote Control: Remote Technologies Inc. T4 Controller
DVI Cable: AudioQuest DV-1 20m DVI-D Cable
HDMI Cables: VizionWare Hi-Wirez 20-meter, Accell 45-meter UltraRun HDMI Cable
A/V Cables: Ultralink Platinum and Advanced Performance Series Cables

OPPO - BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio

Specifications

Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

* Compatibility with user-encoded contents or user-created discs is on a best-effort basis with no guarantee due to the variation of media, software and techniques used.

**Nominal specification.

Media Support

• Blu-ray Disc - The high definition Blu-ray Disc™ format provides pristine video and audio quality for your home entertainment.
• BonusVIEW - BD "Profile 1.1" enables "picture-in-picture" and secondary audio features for viewing director or actor commentary while the main movie is playing.
• BD-Live™ - The BDP-83 support BD "Profile 2.0" and contains all necessary hardware - audio/video decoder, Ethernet port, and 1GB of internal storage - for BD-Live.
• DVD Up-Conversion - The BDP-83 uses the same VRS™ by Anchor Bay (DVDO) de-interlacing and scaling technology as in our award-winning DV-983H DVD player. The up-converted picture quality bridges the visual gap from your current DVD library to Blu-ray discs.
• DVD-Audio - The BDP-83 plays DVD-Audio and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. Users can select whether to play the DVD-Audio or the DVD-Video portion of the disc.
• SACD - The BDP-83 plays Super Audio CD (SACD) and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. Users can select whether to output the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) signal in its native format or convert it into PCM.
• Additional Media Formats - Additional disc and file formats, such as audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MKV, and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs or USB drives can be played back on the BDP-83.

Video Processing

• VRS™ by Anchor Bay - The BDP-83 incorporates Anchor Bay's award-winning Video Reference Series (VRS) technology, and delivers a picture that is cleaner, smoother, true-to-life and free of artifacts.
• Full HD 1080p Output - The BDP-83 features user selectable video output resolutions, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and up to 1080p 50 or 60Hz.
• True 24p™ Video - Many Blu-ray Discs are recorded at 24 frames per second, the same frame rate as the original movie's theatrical release. The BDP-83 can faithfully redeliver the original frames using 1080p 24Hz output (compatible display required) for smoother motion and a flicker-free, film-like home theater experience. It can also restore the original 24 frames per second progressive-scan video from well-authored DVDs and output as 1080p 24Hz.
• Source Direct Mode - For users who wish to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display, the BDP-83 offers a "Source Direct" mode. The original audio/video content on the discs is sent out with no additional processing or alteration.
• Multiple Zoom Modes - The BDP-83 supports multiple levels of aspect ratio control and image zooming, including a vertical stretch mode for customers with a 2.35:1 CIH (Constant Image Height) display system.
• HDMI - HDMI is an all digital interface for the cleanest possible connection. It delivers high-quality digital video and audio through a single cable. The BDP-83 features an HDMI v1.3 output with 30-bit and 36-bit Deep Color support.

Audio Features

• Dolby® TrueHD - Dolby TrueHD delivers lossless studio master quality audio designed specifically for high definition entertainment. The BDP-83 supports bit-stream output of Dolby TrueHD via its HDMI 1.3 output. It can also internally decode Dolby TrueHD into LPCM and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. Other varieties of Dolby Digital audio formats are also supported.
• DTS®-HD - DTS-HD delivers up to 7.1 channels of surround sound and audio that is indistinguishable from (DTS-HD High Resolution) or identical to (DTS-HD Master Audio) the original studio master. The BDP-83 supports bit-stream output and internal decoding of DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio. Other varieties of DTS audio formats are also supported.
• 7.1-Channel Analog Output - Individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs are ideal to connect to a 7.1-channel or 5.1-channel surround sound system. The BDP-83 delivers an incredible sound stage and an immersive surround experience.
• Dedicated Stereo Output - The BDP-83 features a dedicated 2-channel analog output with specially optimized Digital-to-Analog Converters and output driving stage.
• Digital Optical and Coaxial Outputs - For simple and easy connection to more traditional A/V receivers, the BDP-83 features both optical and coaxial outputs for digital audio.

Convenience

• Dual USB Ports - Two USB 2.0 high speed ports are provided, one on the front panel and one on the back. Users can enjoy high definition video, high resolution photos and music directly from their USB drives.
• PAL/NTSC Conversion - The BDP-83 supports NTSC and PAL systems for both disc playback and video output. It can also convert content of one system for output in another. (Subject to DVD and BD region restrictions.)
• Back-lit Remote Control - The BDP-83 comes with a fully back-lit remote control for ease of use in dark home theaters. With its ergonomic button layout and clear labeling, operating the Blu-ray Disc player is easier than ever.
• Universal Power Supply - The BDP-83 features a wide-range world power supply that is compatible with the AC power of all regions. No worries about damaging the player due to incorrect power voltage.
• External IR - For integration into home theater control systems, the BDP-83 provides external IR remote IN and OUT ports.
• RS232 Control (optional) - For custom installation, the RS232 control option can be special-ordered at an additional cost.
• HDMI CEC - HDMI Consumer Electronics Control simplifies the home theater by allowing a single remote control to operate multiple devices.

Company Information

OPPO Digital, Inc
2629B Terminal Blvd.
Mountain View, CA 94043 USA

URL: www.oppodigital.com
Email: service@oppodigital.com

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