Oppo BDP-103 and BDP-105 Universal Blu-ray Players Preview

Pretend I wrote a brilliant opening paragraph instead of this:

NEW OPPO PLAYERS!!!!!!!!!11111 Huzzah!

The Oppo BDP-93 and BDP-95 have been huge successes for the company and they are looking to build on that solid foundation with the new 10x series players. Like before, the BDP-103 is the "base" model with the BDP-105 catering to those with deeper pockets and a burning desire to have the absolute best audio and video performance. We'll cover the BDP-103 first and then address some of the upgrades on the BDP-105.

The BDP-103 is the latest consumer-level Universal Blu-ray player from Oppo. This is a player that will play back every disc (just about) that you've bought even if the format is dead (no HD-DVD though). This means SACD and DVD-A lovers can still enjoy their legacy discs without having to resort to a lesser player. The BDP-103, however, has really made some huge gains in the video department. While the last player was 3D capable, the BDP-103 sports Dual-core SoC and Marvell Qdeo processors with 4K upscaling. On top of that, the BDP-103 can convert your 2D content to 3D so that you get the maximum use out of your 3D display.

Networking is always important and Oppo has included not only wired but wireless streaming. This allows for App control plus access to pre-loaded Netflix, VUDU, Film Fresh, Pandora, and YouTube. The Netflix streaming allows for the highest possible quality with 1080p video support and 5.1 audio. Cord-cutters can rejoice as the new Oppo BDP-103 is looking to become the new hub of your content world.

The front sports not only a USB input but an HDMI input that doubles as an MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) input. This makes connecting your portable devices much easier. You can even connect set-top boxes or network streaming devices to the BDP-103 and take advantage of the Oppo's superior video processors. Flipping the player around and you'll find both more and less than you'd expect. The Oppo BDP-103 sports dual HDMI outputs and a second HDMI input. There is an Ethernet input for a wired connection. Coaxial and Optical digital audio outputs are on board as are 7.1, RCA-style, analogue audio outputs. These outputs can be configured for 7.1, 5.1, or 2.0 output.

Two additional USB inputs allows for a multitude of connected devices (we could imagine at least five possibilities) making the Oppo BDP-103 not only a top of the line Blu-ray player but a standalone video processor. RS-232 and IR connections make it possible for custom installers and power users to easily integrate the Oppo BDP-103 into their universal remote system.

What is missing on the back of the Oppo BDP-103 is any sort of analogue video output. There is a a composite video output labeled "DIAG" but this is just to use the on-screen menu when there is no media playback. This is not Oppo's fault. As we reported previously, the AACS analogue sunset stipulates that "No Licensed Player that passes Decrypted AACS Content to analog video outputs may be manufactured or sold by Adopter after December 31, 2013." Oppo, instead of having to deal with defeating the analogue outputs in a few more months, has just omitted those video outputs.

The BDP-105 (as pictured at the top of this article) is the larger, "audiophile-grade", version of the BDP-103. Oppo hasn't released a lot about this player but we do know a few things. First, they will be upgrading the internal components with higher quality versions. While the BDP-95 had a fan (something many people hated in theory but often found it didn't bother them in practice), the BDP-105 is fanless. The analogue section of the BDP-105 will have two ESS Sabre32 Reference DACs and a newly designed Toroidal linear power supply. While it will have all the same connections as the BDP-103, the BDP-105 will place the 7.1 analogue audio outputs in a line and will have a dedicated stereo output section (with the upgraded DACs) sporting both RCA and XLR connections.

While the BDP-103 looked to become the hub of your video content, the BDP-105 looks to add audio to that. It adds a coaxial and optical digital audio input and an asynchronous USB DAC input. The USB DAC input supports the USB Audio 2.0 standard to eliminate jitter issues from your computer's master clock. The front headphone port features a dedicated headphone amplifier connected directly to the DAC.

Conclusion

Price is always the issue and Oppo has managed to keep the new BDP-103 at the same $499 price point as the older BDP-93. That's a pretty amazing feat considering all the video features. Given the new player has dual HDMI inputs and three USB inputs, the Marvell Qdeo 4K upscaling and 2D to 3D conversion is going to get a lot of use. With the BDP-105, Oppo had to increase their asking price to an estimated $1199 ($200 more than the BDP-95). With the ability to be used as a USB DAC, a dedicated headphone amp, and upgraded audio components, the BDP-105 should be just as popular with the audiophile crowd as the previous model. We're guessing that there are people that didn't make it all the way through this article (or past the title) before heading over to Oppo to preorder.

Check out our detailed Q&A Interview with Oppo for more insider info on these new players.

For more information, please visit www.oppodigital.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.