Oppo Blu-ray BDP-83 Player
The Pinnacle of Blu-ray?
(5)
July 6th, for most men, will always be remembered as the second day of recovery following the summer’s worst hangover. However, this July 6th was a day most videophiles had marked on their calendar (re: nerds like me) for an entirely different reason.
That’s because the long awaited Oppo Blu-ray BDP-83 finally hit the market. Of course, those of you with better things to do than follow Blu-ray player release dates are left asking what’s the big deal? Blu-ray players have been out for more than 2 years now, and some cost far less than this Oppo’s $499 asking price. So, it would appear as if Oppo got off to the races like a drunk dwarf on a pack mule.
Though we can empathize with this sentiment, the logic behind it is broken. You see, while other companies rushed to put hastily made products on the shelves, Oppo has quietly bided their time, thoroughly testing and evaluating the BDP-83 to make sure it meets the performance standards that video nuts from around the world have to come to expect from the Oppo brand. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
More details and the all-important “back panel shot” after the jump.
Based on the device’s specs, and the positive feedback that has come from active beta testers (in which GP was sadly not invited to participate… grrrrr), it appears the company’s tried and true focus on detail has produced another amazing product.
Though we haven’t acquired a unit for our own labs, we did do a hands on review on their entry-level upconverting DVD player, the Oppo DV-981HD and found its video quality to be outstanding.
This makes us fairly confident that native 1080p 24hz source material will be even more eye-melting. Knowing that this, Oppo’s flagship player, possesses the same VRS™ by Anchor Bay (DVDO) de-interlacing and scaling technology as found in their award-winning DV-983H DVD player just enhances our smug disposition.
But enough nerdgasms over specs, which you can read through here. The bottom line is this: for $500 dollars you can own one of the best Blu-ray players money can buy (which we’ll verify in later testing) that also happens to be one of the best upconverting DVD players money can buy. This is a paltry sum compared to the cost of comparably performing equipment. So, if you’re serious about getting the best possible picture from your disc-based movies, look no further. Your device is here.
Cost: $499
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Nothing in mind particularly. Maybe $200 - $350 ?
Another alternative I was considering would satisfy two needs of mine - a laptop with a Blueray drive. I was looking at this: Sony Vaio VGN-FW351J/H or something similar. I recently donated my computer to my sister who had her brand new MacBook(s) stolen twice in a month, so I need a replacement.
What is the best, more affordable BluRay player available?
Hi Jpssana. If you can give me a more specific budget, I will gladly provide you with some Blu-ray player models that I feel are great buys. Just let me know what kind of money you're looking to spend.
-B.
Well the Laptop with a blu-ray drive is a good idea, as long as you're willing to watch video on a screen that size. If you're starting to think that's most likely what you're going to get, I can suggest some computers on that theme. For now though I've listed some quality Blu-ray players below that fall into your budget range and offer a variety of features.
If just basic picture quality is all that matters to you and saving money is key, you can't go wrong with the Sony BDP-S360, which is available on amazon right now for $230. Check out Cnet's review of it here
The LG BD370 is also an affordable options that throws in features like Netflix and youtube streaming, however it lacks somewhat in picture quality compared to top players. Unless you are extremely into video quality though, you might never notice. Here's CNET's review as well here.
At the upper end of your budget though is the LG BD390 which has been highly touted as one of the best stand alone Blu-ray players on the market. It too has netflix, and youtube, but can also stream it over WiFi. It's image and disc load times are also superb. The trouble is finding it at the lower end of its retail price spectrum, $340 bucks. Currently though I am seeing it on Amazon at that price here. Just add it to your cart and it should be around $340.
Hopefully this helps you on your quest and let me know if you need more advice. -Ben
Well the Laptop with a blu-ray drive is a good idea, as long as you're willing to watch video on a screen that size. If you're starting to think that's most likely what you're going to get, I can suggest some computers on that theme. For now though I've listed some quality Blu-ray players below that fall into your budget range and offer a variety of features.
If just basic picture quality is all that matters to you and saving money is key, you can't go wrong with the Sony BDP-S360, which is available on amazon right now for $230. Check out Cnet's review of it here
The LG BD370 is also an affordable options that throws in features like Netflix and youtube streaming, however it lacks somewhat in picture quality compared to top players. Unless you are extremely into video quality though, you might never notice. Here's CNET's review as well here.
At the upper end of your budget though is the LG BD390 which has been highly touted as one of the best stand alone Blu-ray players on the market. It too has netflix, and youtube, but can also stream it over WiFi. It's image and disc load times are also superb. The trouble is finding it at the lower end of its retail price spectrum, $340 bucks. Currently though I am seeing it on Amazon at that price here. Just add it to your cart and it should be around $340.
Hopefully this helps you on your quest and let me know if you need more advice. -Ben
Well the Laptop with a blu-ray drive is a good idea, as long as you're willing to watch video on a screen that size. If you're starting to think that's most likely what you're going to get, I can suggest some computers on that theme. For now though I've listed some quality Blu-ray players below that fall into your budget range and offer a variety of features.
If just basic picture quality is all that matters to you and saving money is key, you can't go wrong with the Sony BDP-S360, which is available on amazon right now for $230. Check out Cnet's review of it here
The LG BD370 is also an affordable options that throws in features like Netflix and youtube streaming, however it lacks somewhat in picture quality compared to top players. Unless you are extremely into video quality though, you might never notice. Here's CNET's review as well here.
At the upper end of your budget though is the LG BD390 which has been highly touted as one of the best stand alone Blu-ray players on the market. It too has netflix, and youtube, but can also stream it over WiFi. It's image and disc load times are also superb. The trouble is finding it at the lower end of its retail price spectrum, $340 bucks. Currently though I am seeing it on Amazon at that price here. Just add it to your cart and it should be around $340.
Hopefully this helps you on your quest and let me know if you need more advice. -Ben
I am thinking about getting the Sony Vaio FW378J/B that has an HDMI output. That way, when I'm home, I can hook it up to my t.v but on the road, can still enjoy the blueray. This takes care of two of my needs.
I appreciate the recommendations on the stand-alone players