BDP-93 Build Quality and Connections

How do you upgrade the number one solution for Blu-ray on the market*? It's hard, but Oppo Digital did it by adding 3D Blu-ray capability to their new BDP-93 (still) Universal Blu-ray player. Oh, and they changed the chassis to eliminate the one thing Lexicon's Oppo clone seemed to improve on their player last year. Plus they also added more network functionality in the form of Netflix and Blockbuster on Demand streaming movie services. Come to think of it, they switched over to the ever-increasingly, highly regarded Marvell QDEO video processor and even added a second flexible HDMI output that can be used for dual monitors, or for sending just audio to an AV receiver. Oh, and the player supports wireless-N networking out of the box. Holy cow, they did a lot, and I'm still in the intro of the review. Hold tight, this may take a while.

*Just to stave off any PS3-fanboys, we're talking about sheer video quality and the universal capability of the player. The PS3 still remains one of our favorite value players because, um, you get a "free" gaming system, web browser and it supports more software - like Hulu Plus.

Unpacking & Build Quality

As we've come to expect, the Oppo BDP-93 3D Blu-ray Player came well-packed and with the usual niceties like a nice protected bag for the player and an accessories case that held the remote and HDMI cable. Oppo figures that it's nice to impress when you reveal your purchase to the consumer and this trend is one we've come to enjoy.

The player is only slightly smaller (in depth) and lighter than the BDP-83 and adds about 1/8" to the height while shaving off just under a half pound. The chassis is quite nice, with a brushed aluminum face that is actually very reminiscent of the Lexicon BD-30 Oppo Player that we "reviewed" last year to the chagrin and delight of many audio enthusiasts.

Oppo borrowed about the only good thing the Lexicon had: an improved thick brushed aluminum faceplate

Inside, the Oppo BDP-93 reveals a completely redesigned set of internals - including new drive, new power supply, new audio and video circuitry layouts. Check out the Oppo BDP-83 (left) vs. the new BDP-93 (right):

BDP-83 (left) and BDP-93 (right)

Also see our BDP-93 vs BDP-95 BenchTests & Measurements Article

Connections

Like the BDP-83 Blu-ray player, the BDP-93 also has a front USB connection in addition to the rear port. In terms of changes, there aren't many - save for the addition of a second HDMI 1.4a port and the new eSATA connection for the addition of an external storage device (like USB, it can support photos, music or videos). Gone is the output IR remote jack and there are no dedicated analogue stereo outputs - that duty being physically tethered to the left/right outputs that are part of the 7.1 analogue multi-channel connections. If you want advanced audio features, however, you can slide on over to Oppo's own high-end, tweaked-to-the-max $999 BDP-95 player - Oppo's got you covered.

BDP-83

BDP-93 with dual HDMI outputs

The RS-232C port that is present on the Oppo BDP-93 3D Blu-ray player is no longer an option and it permanently present on this player - a nice change from the BDP-83. There is also Wi-Fi, making this the first Oppo to offer wireless connectivity to any home network. With Netflix and Blockbuster streaming, a Wi-Fi connection is likely good enough, though we always recommend wiring up the player if at all possible with a hard Ethernet connection. With VUDU (more on that later) you'll definitely need a fast connection and a wired system to benefit from the available HDX (1080p) streaming with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio.