Whether 3D is the right recipe for everyone is still debatable but Oppo is taking this new technology to greater heights with the introduction of the Oppo BDP-93. Much effort has been put into its design and engineering to ensure that it fits the bill as the successor to the award winning BDP-83.
In addition to 3D playback it adds many new features not seen in previous Oppo players like online media streaming, in-home network media sharing, dual HDMI outputs and improved build quality. The best news is that all these comes with no increase in price!
Oppo BDP-93
Design
The BDP-93 is about the same size as the BDP-83 but it looks markedly different. It is an attractive looking player from every angle. The brushed aluminum face plate, disc tray and flushed buttons are designed to merge gracefully as one giving it a clean sophisticated look. The fit and finish is exemplary. However, in a darkened room, the flushed eject button can be a bit difficult to locate. It’s easier to use the back-lit remote control to open and close the disc tray.
The tray mechanism is an improved version custom-built by the Tohei Group of Japan. It addresses the rigidity and mechanical noise issue that plagued the BDP-83. It also looks pretty cool in that it retracts fully flushed on the front panel. The tray operates smoothly, quickly, and quietly.
There are 2 digital displays next to the tray. The main display left of the tray shows track and disc timings while the aux display shows icons and disc info. The dimmable displays are subtle, useful and informative. There is also a front USB port that is easy to access but cleverly concealed from view.
Connectivity
There are two obvious differences when you take a peek at the back panel. One is the addition of a second HDMI, the other is the omission of a stereo analog output. (This option is only available in the Oppo BDP-95). In most cases users will already have an AV receiver that takes audio from the BDP-93’s HDMI output. You can also use an option in the setup menu to downconvert the 7.1 channels to 2 if you just want stereo audio.
The additional HDMI allows you to use one HDMI dedicated for video and one for audio. This configuration ensures high quality video and audio for both signal paths. The HDMI menu allows for flexible configuration of the two HDMI ver1.4a outputs. You do not have to upgrade your A/V receiver to a 3D model in order to enjoy 3D. One HDMI output can be connected to a 3D TV and the other to a pre-3D HDMI A/V receiver. You can also have dual outputs in parallel with one output to a projector for home theater use and the other to a TV for casual viewing. For a multi-room installation the BDP-93 can output audio and video to two 3D or 2D TVs simultaneously.
You can connect to the internet via the included USB Wi-Fi adapter or the RJ45 Ethernet port for firmware updates and connecting to online media streaming sources. For wireless connection, an extension cable is also provided allowing the Wi-Fi dongle to be located away from the player for optimal signal strength.
Other connections include two USB 2.0 ports (one front and one back) and a set of 7.1 multi channel audio outputs. If you prefer using an external DAC for 2-channel music playback, the BDP-93 provides optical and coaxial digital audio outputs for this purpose. These also facilitate simple and easy connection to more traditional A/V receivers that do not have HDMI inputs.
Another new feature is the eSATA Port. You can take advantage of this fast eSATA connection to play video, audio and even image files from your hard disks.
Oppo BDP-93 Connectivity Options
Key Features
In addition to 3D video playback, the Oppo BDP-93 is truly a universal blu-ray player that plays all known disc formats including the less popular SACD and DVD-Audio discs. You can now watch Netflix movies and Blockbuster on Demand streamed to your home theater. Going forward, Oppo will be seeking out more media partners to enhance the video streaming experience.
Oppo has also listened to users’ requests and included support for almost all types of media and file formats that includes DVD, audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MP4, DivX, MKV, and most notably 24-bit/192KHz FLAC and WAV files. Other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs, USB or eSATA drives can be played back on the BDP-93.
Video processing is carried out by Marvell’s Kyoto-G2 video processor with the second generation Qdeo™ technology. It offers enhancement options including video noise reduction, compression artifact reduction, intelligent color, and edge enhancements. It is highly effective in reducing video noise apparent in streaming content.
For users who wish to use an external video processor, high-end AV receiver or display, the BDP-93 offers a “Source Direct” mode. The original audio/video content on the discs is sent out with no additional processing or alteration.
The BDP-93 supports multiple levels of aspect ratio control and image zooming, including a vertical stretch mode for users with a 2.35:1 CIH (Constant Image Height) projector. A unique subtitle shift feature allows you to move the subtitle up and down, making it possible to see all subtitle text when using a 2.35:1 CIH display.
Other standard features include DVD Up-Conversion, true 1080/24p video and support for the latest audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The BDP-93 supports bit-stream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA via its HDMI 1.4a output. It can also internally decode these hi resolution audio codecs into LPCM and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals.
Setup & Performance
With the well written manual, setting up the BDP-93 is a breeze. The On Screen display (OSD) is clear and user friendly. On first boot up the Easy Setup Wizard provides a series of guided instructions that are easy to follow. Primary video output, resolution, and audio processing settings are all handled with just a few questions in the wizard. It is still advisable to go to the main setup menu for other settings like wireless network adapter configuration, bass management and setting speaker distances.
(Note on firmware updates: Some minor glitches have already been solved with the latest update on units that are currently shipping. However, it is always good to check for new firmware updates every few months).
To test the BDP-93’s video /audio performance, we used Warner Brother’s 3D blu-ray release of Legend of the Guardians The Owls of Gahoole which has one of the finest transfers among the limited number of 3D titles in the market. The JVC DLA-RS50 3D projector was used for this review.
First off, the picture quality is nothing short of breathtaking. Colors are rich and deep which is a given for most animation movies. But what’s impressive is the BDP-93’s ability to render detail and depth that borders on photorealism. The distance and space between the gliding owls as they fly through the twilight sky is easily perceptible without strain on the eye. With the disc on pause you can literally count the owl’s furs and feathers. Other stunning eye-catching moments come from the battle scenes where sharp weapons seem to protrude from the screen right in front of you.
The BDP-93’s decoding of the accompanying DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is equally excellent. The audio presentation is wonderfully balanced with music, dialogue, and sound effects finding their own space in the wide soundstage. Bass is deep, tight and controlled during action sequences. These sound elements flow seamlessly from and around the speakers making them disappear into the soundstage. What you get is a spacious cinematic experience of sight and sound. If you are looking for an answer to whether 3D is worth the price of admission, the BDP-93 makes a convincing case.
For those who are not ready or don’t want to go 3D, we are glad to report that its 2D performance is just as compelling. On Apocalypto the visually striking tattoos, jewelry and skin markings on the Mayans were displayed with vivid details. There is depth in shadows and clear outlines mark the edges of leaves, trunks, and ranches. Fast moving images, especially chase scenes in the forest, have a clarity we’ve rarely seen. And the way the film score is tightly interwoven with the action and dialogue demonstrates the capability of the player’s audio decoders. The 24-bit/48-kHz uncompressed PCM not only produced the complex noises of the dense jungle, it also presented the soundtrack with fine resolution and clarity.
More audio tests were done using bitstream output from multi-channel SACDs like Telarc’s recording of the Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Channel separation was good as the BDP-93 steered the sound of the cannon shots towards the four corner speakers while filling up centerstage with natural string tones of the orchestra. The Kiev Symphony Chorus sounded realistic and correctly positioned behind the orchestra in this complex recording. All in all the BDP-93 acquitted itself in superb fashion in the audio department.
Conclusion
The Oppo BDP-93 is more than a worthy successor to its predecessor. It has upped the bar by adding 3D support, new networking cum streaming features, top notch build quality and superlative performance. Without a doubt, it lives up to the expectations of audiophiles and serious home theater enthusiasts alike.
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