Oppo's New Blu Ray Released Today

[BadAssJazz]

Oppo had two choices to bring down the cost of the flag ship, cheapen the up-conversion or drop the SACD and DVD-A. Oppo chose the former. To me the finest part of the flagship 83 is it's upconversion prowess. I don't own any SACD or DVD-A disks, I don't know anyone who does outside of this and other forums. To me I think they made absolutely the wrong choice in sacrificing up-converting prowess for niche audio formats that 99 percent of the market has never even heard of.

Worf

Maybe I've oversimplified this, but the BD80 is essentially the 980H, which performed remarkably well (an understatement) with standard DVD's, albeit with the additional Blu Ray capabilities. To hedge against the ability of the BD80 to provide above average video quality on par with the much-lauded 980H simply because it doesn't use the same chip as the 83 is probably a hasty assessment. The 83 is Oppo's flagship model. Sure, the thrill of driving down the coast in a convertible Stingray as opposed to a Ferrari is unquestionably different. But with the Ferrari, you pay for what you get under the hood. Most consumers would be very happy with the Stingray. It's the view they're after.

I think what Oppo should be concerned about, however, is whether or not the BD80 can thoroughly outperform the cheaper Panasonics, Samsungs, and LG's, etc., that you can purchase for half the asking price of the BD80 and get Netflix/Amazon/Pandora streaming to boot. My assumption is that Oppo isn't targeting only the audio/videophiles who covet an 83, but are too shallow of pocket.

That said, I do agree that there was no point in keeping DVD-A/SACD capabilities for the newer unit. But who knows... maybe it was cost effective for them to keep these dying formats in play?

[Feanor]

Maybe I've oversimplified this, but the BD80 is essentially the 980H, which performed remarkably well (an understatement) with standard DVD's, albeit with the additional Blu Ray capabilities. ...

I have an 980H and it's a good DVD player but I bought it for an SACD capatible machine. But FPMO, it quit playing a SACDs a few weeks after the warranty expired.

[winston]

I have an 980H and it's a good DVD player but I bought it for an SACD capatible machine. But FPMO, it quit playing a SACDs a few weeks after the warranty expired.

Feanor" are you aware of anyone else that has this problem with the SACD?? (just curious) (as I might be geting the BD-80) W/O the Warranty... OH another thing the Black Lit Remote cost an extra $9.50 which brings the price back up to $298.50 minus .50 cent" off the list price....

(optional black lit remote) have they done this with the other players?..........I'M almost sure I'll be OK if i get it.... however i just don't want to to be doing the??!! ( ) later

[Feanor]

Feanor" are you aware of anyone else that has this problem with the SACD?? ...

No, I've mentioned around but no one as admit to it. In general the Oppos seem pretty reliable.

[winston]

No, I've mentioned around but no one as admit to it. In general the Oppos seem pretty reliable.

Thank You Sir.

About the Remote!! (Are they scrimp-ing on me ? )

[Worf101]

Thank You Sir.

About the Remote!! (Are they scrimp-ing on me ? )

I've the non-backlit remote on the old up-converter upstairs and the backlit remote on the 83 downstairs. I much prefer the back-lit remote, it's bigger, better and easier to see in my ole age. Don't be so cheap... spring fer it

Worf

[Jim Clark]

I have been very happy with the performance of my Oppo BDP 83. It may be in my head but for now I'm convinced that the upscaling is far superior to that of my 981. I do have a nagging feeling that I paid way the heck too much for this thing especially since I have no interest or desire to get into DVD-A or SACD. My Jolida 100A CDP sounds a lot better to me than the Oppo so it's basically a BDP and nothing else for me. Maybe if it had a phono stage...j/k

I think Worf is right, they saved money in the wrong place. I have to believe that anyone who wanted an SACD player, already had an SACD player and it was probably superior to the Oppo's performance in that regard. Oh well, it's just money, right?

jc

[winston]

I've the non-backlit remote on the old up-converter upstairs and the backlit remote on the 83 downstairs. I much prefer the back-lit remote, it's bigger, better and easier to see in my ole age. Don't be so cheap... spring fer it

Worf

Worf" I'm cracking up reading your response!! so ill just "throw" the cornut back at ya and go get into my first OPPO" purchase.
LOL" man