Oppo Releases UDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player

 Oppo has announced that the much anticipated UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray player will go on sale starting today.  The UDP-203 is the successor to the widely acclaimed BDP-103, and features a proprietary video processor that performs video decoding and processing. The UDP-203 launches with full support for both HDR standards, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, as well as the latest in audio codecs including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The UDP-203 features dual USB 3.0 ports on the rear for playback from USB devices, and offers 802.11ac WiFi as well as a standard Gigabit Ethernet port for home network based playback, firmware updates and BD-live features.

Like previous offerings from Oppo, the UDP-203 can also be used as a CD transport with its onboard AKM based “Velvet Sound” DAC implementation and 7.1 channel analog outpouts.

The UDP-203 will retail for $549, and pre-orders will begin shortly on the Oppo website.

 

Full Press Release:

OPPO Releases UDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player

Award-winning universal players reach a new level of clarity

 

MENLO PARK, California – December 12, 2016 – OPPO Digital today announced that the new UDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc player is ready for release. A successor to the award-winning BDP-103 series universal Blu-ray Disc player, the UDP-203 is the latest product released by the renowned manufacturer of high performance audio video products.

 

The OPPO UDP-203 supports the playback of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs. Packing a resolution of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels, UHD Blu-ray delivers four times the pixels of Full HD Blu-ray. The UDP-203 also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut. The enhanced resolution, refined contrast, greater brightness, and expanded color produce stunning video with unparalleled clarity and detail.

 

The UDP-203 combines the latest technology with OPPO’s many years of experience in delivering high quality video and audio. A customized quad-core video decoder/processor integrates OPPO’s advanced video decoding, processing and optimization expertise. A high-precision, well-balanced laser optical disc loader ensures smooth and reliable playback of all types of disc media. The player features two HDMI outputs – an HDMI 2.0 port for connecting to the latest UHD TVs, projectors and A/V receivers, and an HDMI 1.4 audio port for connecting to older A/V receivers.

 

The design of the UDP-203 focuses on quality playback and universal compatibility with multiple disc and file formats. In addition to the latest UHD Blu-ray, the UDP-203 supports regular Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, and audio CD. The UDP-203 is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports on the back and another USB port on the front. Users can play video, music and photos from USB hard drives or thumb drives. Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet connects the UDP-203 to users’ home networks, so users can easily play media files stored on computers and home servers.

 

The UDP-203’s video performance and universal compatibility is further complemented by its support of lossless high resolution audio. The player decodes audio file formats such as AIFF, WAV, ALAC, APE and FLAC. It also directly plays Direct-Stream Digital audio files in stereo DSD64/128 or multi-channel DSD64. With internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and bitstream output for object-based immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the UDP-203 delivers great sound for both movie soundtracks and music. Besides HDMI, audio is concurrently available through the 7.1-channel analog outputs, featuring “Velvet Sound” 32-bit premium digital-to-analog converters from AKM of Japan.

 

In order to provide a premium user experience with quick start-up times and fast response, the UDP-203 is designed with a purist approach in mind for disc and file playback, and so it does not carry internet video and music streaming apps. Instead, an HDMI 2.0 input port that supports UHD resolution is available for users to connect an external streaming device. This approach affords users the flexibility to choose from a wide range of streaming devices and easily upgrade as streaming technologies evolve, while still taking advantage of the UDP-203’s audio and video processing capabilities.

 

Continuing OPPO’s tradition of providing firmware updates long after the initial release, the UDP-203 is upgradable via an easy-to-perform firmware update process. Since the Ultra HD Blu-ray format is still very new, customers can expect ongoing firmware updates that introduce new features and resolve issues. Leveraging hardware designed to support Dolby Vision, customers can expect a firmware update in early 2017 that brings Dolby Vision support to the player. Dolby Vision transforms the TV viewing experience by delivering striking highlights, brilliant colors, and deep darks never before seen on standard television screens, and OPPO is committed to bringing this exciting technology to the UDP-203.

 

UDP-203 customers will have years of enjoyment from this expertly designed and solidly built player. A brushed aluminum front panel, steel chassis and gold plated connectors not only present a sleek aesthetic, but also ensure dependable operation and reliable connection. Integration-friendly features such as RS-232 control, back panel IR sensor and third-party IP control make the UDP-203 a great choice for any home theater system.

 

UDP-203 Main Features:

 

–          Universal disc playback for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and many other formats

–          High Dynamic Range with HDR10 and firmware upgradable to Dolby Vision

–          Two HDMI outputs – HDMI 2.0 for UHD and HDMI 1.4 for audio

–          HDMI 2.0 input for external streaming devices or set-top boxes

–          Two USB 3.0 ports for media file playback

–          High resolution audio with lossless decoding for PCM and DSD

–          7.1ch analog audio outputs with premium 32-bit “Velvet Sound” DAC by AKM

–          Excellent audio and video performance

–          Upgradable and dependable

 

In addition to the UDP-203, a UDP-205 model is in development as a successor to the BDP-105/105D with upgraded audio performance. The UDP-205 should be available in early 2017.

 

The UDP-203 will retail for $549 at oppodigital.com. For more information, visit http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-udp-203/.

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Nelson Au

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Cool, thanks Dave. The main part I was curious about is whether there will be a successor to the 105. And I see very soon there will be. :)
 

SAhmed

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I am very excited about this news but unfortunately will have to wait a while before I can pick it up as I am not setup for 4K even though I have started to buy "choice" new releases (and some "old" movies such as Goodfellas :)) as a means of future proofing.

Once I get it, I will leave my current Oppo set for Region B. BTW does anybody know what will happen if play a 4K release against a 1080P display ? Probably a "not compatible blah blah message instead of downscaling?" Also what of a region free enhancement for this little baby ? I also have to say it appears to have fantastic minimalist lines (very similar to the my current player)

Regards,
 

DavidJ

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Yay! I don't even have a display yet and I told myself I wouldn't even consider it until there was an Oppo player. Now, I can start scheming.
 

Edwin-S

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That looks like one nice player. Makes me wish I hadn't bought the Samsung, but 721 Canadian before shipping and taxes leaves me on the outside looking through the shop window.
 

Edwin-S

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I am very excited about this news but unfortunately will have to wait a while before I can pick it up as I am not setup for 4K even though I have started to buy "choice" new releases (and some "old" movies such as Goodfellas :)) as a means of future proofing.

Once I get it, I will leave my current Oppo set for Region B. BTW does anybody know what will happen if play a 4K release against a 1080P display ? Probably a "not compatible blah blah message instead of downscaling?" Also what of a region free enhancement for this little baby ? I also have to say it appears to have fantastic minimalist lines (very similar to the my current player)

Regards,

That is not the case. 4K discs downscale on 1080P displays. I tried it on my my Panny VT 30. The real issue is with the HDR. On my non-HDR capable set the picture was darker and blacks were massively crushed. A lot of detail in darker areas was lost. On Star Trek Beyond, for example, the stars on the star fields were completely lost. The background was completely black. That may have been due to the downscaling or the black crush. I'm not sure which.

Mad Max looked ok; however, it too was darkened quite a bit. So, it works but is not very optimal. Better to use the BD in the 4K package until a TV upgrade.

My biggest bitch with the 4K releases is that most of the studios are not including the 3D versions of the films, where they exist. "The Secret Life of Pets" is an example. I had to choose between the 4K and the 3D blu-ray release. I bought the 3D BD, because the biggest improvement I have seen with this 4K set is in the 3D, once i had set it up properly.
 

Robert Crawford

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Oppo just emailed me and cancelled my order. Did this happen with anybody else? Now, they're showing out of stock.
 

Edwin-S

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If it is sold out, and not a glitch, then the anticipation for this must have been huge.
 

Robert Crawford

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I know one thing, I'm pissed! They charged my credit card yesterday then credited it early this morning.
 

SAhmed

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That is not the case. 4K discs downscale on 1080P displays. I tried it on my my Panny VT 30. The real issue is with the HDR. On my non-HDR capable set the picture was darker and blacks were massively crushed. A lot of detail in darker areas was lost. On Star Trek Beyond, for example, the stars on the star fields were completely lost. The background was completely black. That may have been due to the downscaling or the black crush. I'm not sure which.

Mad Max looked ok; however, it too was darkened quite a bit. So, it works but is not very optimal. Better to use the BD in the 4K package until a TV upgrade.

My biggest bitch with the 4K releases is that most of the studios are not including the 3D versions of the films, where they exist. "The Secret Life of Pets" is an example. I had to choose between the 4K and the 3D blu-ray release. I bought the 3D BD, because the biggest improvement I have seen with this 4K set is in the 3D, once i had set it up properly.

Thanks for the info Edwin! I will still be buying this in due course and will use it as my primary Region A player until I fully go 4K.

Sorry and glad that it might already be sold out as that way it "better" addresses my "habit" :)

Regards,
 

Hank_P

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Got my shipping notice last night. Had it shipped to work as I wanted a 'signature confirmed' delivery. Scheduled for delivery this Friday, which of course I am on PTO. Grrr. but I will drive into work once delivered.
 

Richard V

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Guess I waited too long to order. OK, my fault, I'll just get it whenever it gets back in stock.
 

dpippel

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I know one thing, I'm pissed! They charged my credit card yesterday then credited it early this morning.

That really sucks Robert! Try emailing their customer service department. Despite being overwhelmed by the landslide of orders yesterday, they managed to get back to me within a few hours and took care of a double order issue I had when their backend ecommerce system screwed up a Paypal payment. Oppo is renowned for their great customer service and I'm sure they'll make it right.
 
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