BluRay/HDMI and an Oppo 983? (1 Viewer)

[AmusingistheDawn]

I'm looking to get a BD player, but I have a bit of an issue. My AVR only has 2 HDMI inputs. I have the dish dvr and the oppo983 heading into the receiver all via HDMI and another HDMI out into the TV.

If I were to buy a BD player, it would obviously take priority in utilizing a HDMI input. But if I were to go component/digital for the oppo...would I loose all upconverting capabilities? Is that the smart thing to do? Is it worth adding an adapter/switcher to utilize more HDMI inputs? Or is it not a big deal since the oppo is only used for SD DVD's and mainly CDs?

The receiver upconverts to 1080p, but I'm not sure if it's only through HDMI...but would this matter if it is still HDMI monitor/out into the TV?

 

[Alon Goldberg]

Hi Chris, the Oppo 983 doesn't feature VRS video processing over component. Also, most DVD's are CSS-encrypted so you will be limited to 480i/480p output over component. Seeing as the 983's video processing is far superior to your AVR, I would stick to HDMI. This leaves you with two options:

1. Run HDMI from the 983 straight to your TV, and connect a digital audio output back to your AVR

2. Purchase an HDMI switch

Cheers,
Alon

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Thanks! That's why I love this forum. I have plenty of unused HDMI inputs on the TV. I also think that BD players benefit more from HDMI connections than SD DVD players, since BD player utilize a soundtrack AND video that needs HDMI, whereas my oppo probably won't sound any different (movie-wise) with a digital cable for audio, with the HDMI video cable going directly into the TV. But this also raises a question.

Someone suggested this:

As far as CD playback on the Oppo, I would lean toward analog outputs, because then you are using the Oppo's audio D/A section

What is the reasoning for this? And do you think my 2808 would do a better job of CD playback via the same digital cable I'd be using for SD DVD playback?

 

[Alon Goldberg]

Hi Chris, that's a tough question.. I also own an Oppo 983, connected via analogue to my Naim pre-amp. However it's hard to say whether the DAC in the 983 is superior to that on your 2808. Personally I'm not a huge fan of the 983 for audio quality (though many on this forum rave about the analogue audio quality of the Oppo 981 and 983), but to put things into perspective my Naim CD player costs 10x the price of the Oppo.

Why not try both and let us know

Cheers,
Alon

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Good point. I will try it, but as far as analog audio cables...any suggestions? There is going to be much more wiring than I had before...jeez

lets see: 983= hdmi into tv for SD DVD video, digital into avr for SD DVD sound

then on another setting within the receiver, I'll have analog audio cables into the avr just for CD playback

 

[Alon Goldberg]

Don't get caught up in upgrading interconnects, it can drive you mad! First try with the 2-channel RCA cables that came with your 983 and see if you prefer the sound or not, I suspect there won't be a huge difference

Cheers,
Alon

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

haha no worries here, I bought my hdmi cables from monoprice and my sub cable and some other stuff from bluejeans. It looks like I'll need a set of analog cables, a digital cable, and another hdmi cable now though.

the hdmi cable is for the Panasonic 35 I shall soon aquire