Replace my Samsung BD-D5500 with Oppo BDP-103?

[ChrisF]

My current Samsung Blu-ray player does not have DTS HD decoding. I figured since many action Blu-ray movies are decoded with DTS HD Master 7.1 I am not getting the full audio experience. My speakers are setup in 7.1 and I"m running a new Onkyo TX-NR818 receiver.

Here's what I don't understand. In order for my receiver to decode in DTS HD master and Dolby True HD I have to set the Samsung Blu-ray player digital output to Bitstream (uncompressed). The receiver does display DTS HD Master on the screen and the audio works just fine. However, since the Blu-Ray player does not decode DTS HD Master does that mean the receiver is just artificially making it work? Or does the Blu-ray decoding features not matter since it is Bitstream and the Onkyo Receiver decodes everything itself?

Also, the Samsung Blu-ray player does do a pretty fine job in picture quality. The reason I'm considering an OPPO 103 is because it decodes all Dolby and DTS audio. Again, if my receiver is doing that for me from the bitstream data then perhaps that's a non issue?

My Onkyo receiver does come with Marvel Qdeo video processor so would it be redundant to purchase the Oppo BD 103 as it uses the same Marvel processor as well?

I'm trying to figure out what's the specific benefits of the Oppo for my needs.

Thanks for the help!

 

[mtrycrafts]

My current Samsung Blu-ray player does not have DTS HD decoding. I figured since many action Blu-ray movies are decoded with DTS HD Master 7.1 I am not getting the full audio experience. My speakers are setup in 7.1 and I"m running a new Onkyo TX-NR818 receiver.

Here's what I don't understand. In order for my receiver to decode in DTS HD master and Dolby True HD I have to set the Samsung Blu-ray player digital output to Bitstream (uncompressed). The receiver does display DTS HD Master on the screen and the audio works just fine. However, since the Blu-Ray player does not decode DTS HD Master does that mean the receiver is just artificially making it work? Or does the Blu-ray decoding features not matter since it is Bitstream and the Onkyo Receiver decodes everything itself?

Also, the Samsung Blu-ray player does do a pretty fine job in picture quality. The reason I'm considering an OPPO 103 is because it decodes all Dolby and DTS audio. Again, if my receiver is doing that for me from the bitstream data then perhaps that's a non issue?

My Onkyo receiver does come with Marvel Qdeo video processor so would it be redundant to purchase the Oppo BD 103 as it uses the same Marvel processor as well?

I'm trying to figure out what's the specific benefits of the Oppo for my needs.

Thanks for the help!

Welcome.

Your premise is correct when you set it for bitstream, the receiver will decode the audio and no need to worry about the players lack of capability. You only need that ability when you want the receiver to decode the audio and send the analog audio to the receiver; no real need for that in your case though so you don't really need to replace the player even though I have a 103 and is great even if I don't use its 3D feature.

I like its ability to send video directly to the projector and the 2nd HDMI out sends the audio to the receiver to decode.

 

[ChrisF]

Welcome.

Your premise is correct when you set it for bitstream, the receiver will decode the audio and no need to worry about the players lack of capability. You only need that ability when you want the receiver to decode the audio and send the analog audio to the receiver; no real need for that in your case though so you don't really need to replace the player even though I have a 103 and is great even if I don't use its 3D feature.

I like its ability to send video directly to the projector and the 2nd HDMI out sends the audio to the receiver to decode.

mtycrafts,

Thank you for the quick response. In reference to what I bolded above do you mean Blu-Ray player?

I'm running everything (Sharp Aquos, Tuner Box, Blu-ray player, PS3) through my Onkyo TX-NR818 receiver which has Marvel Qdeo. Other than faster load times and dual HDMI outputs will there be any difference in picture quality if I go with an Oppo 103? I know the Oppo has Marvel Qdeo built in so if there's no difference in picture quality then there's no point in upgrading.

I do need to upgrade eventually as I would like a new Blu-ray player with 4k upscaling, built in wifi, and faster load times.

Happy New Year!

 

[j_garcia]

I doubt you would see a massive difference in video quality. Blu-ray is going to look good video wise on pretty much all major name players.

In terms of sound, I think something is still configured incorrectly, because I can't recall a Blu-ray player that wasn't capable of passing all of the current codecs. If the receiver does not display the format, then the player must still be set to PCM for whatever reason.

 

[mtrycrafts]

mtycrafts,

Thank you for the quick response. In reference to what I bolded above do you mean Blu-Ray player?

I'm running everything (Sharp Aquos, Tuner Box, Blu-ray player, PS3) through my Onkyo TX-NR818 receiver which has Marvel Qdeo. Other than faster load times and dual HDMI outputs will there be any difference in picture quality if I go with an Oppo 103? I know the Oppo has Marvel Qdeo built in so if there's no difference in picture quality then there's no point in upgrading.

I do need to upgrade eventually as I would like a new Blu-ray player with 4k upscaling, built in wifi, and faster load times.

Happy New Year!

Yes, that is what I really meant

I don't see a need for you to upgrade at this point in time. Save your money until you need worthwhile features. Upscaling to 4k needs a 4k capable projector or TV but if you are only using 1080 source, I don't really see a benefit. Even with that source, you would really need a large screen and up close seating.
And, before you get 4k source, don't hold your breath , the industry may just do 2k but who knows.

 

[j_garcia]

Agreed, 4K will most likely happen, just not right away. Currently it is vaporware; aka not really consumer ready.