Because of other commitments, not sure yet whether to go or not. Not interested in the BenQ DLP 4K Projector. Actually launching the projector as the main show... the UDP-203 is added just as an added attraction to showcase 4K bluray.

Oppo UDP-203
Spoke to the boss, John Yew, the UDP-203 will be selling at RM 3099. He was lent a Demo unit only. No stock yet for the UDP-203 and only a limited number of units for Malaysia and many countries. He said can pre-order for the first batch that will arrive later. At the present time, no news of arrival date yet. I am only interested in the future UDP-205D which may (or may not) be released around the end of 2017. Only guessing its named as UDP-205D.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 14 2016, 10:59 PM

I know that its only speculation without any actual official announcement on future launches.

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/o...yer-2182553.htm

Part of the contents mentioned...
"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."

IF, I said IF, UDP-205 launches in early 2017, then that is the reason why my earlier comment said that the "UDP-205D" may be released around the end of 2017. I only skip mentioning about UDP-205 loh. Yes, before UDP-205D, there is also the UDP-203D to wait too. Oppo MAY even choose NOT to release a Darbee version too. Anyway, all guesses. As for UDP-203, its too early for me to jump in yet.

I searched and I am not able to find out any info about the MLP 7.1 output matter.

When the Oppo Settings is set to "Bitstream", the audio from MKV should be sent "without any decoding" to the AVR, BUT the Oppo did NOT do that so it "still decodes" the audio as MLP 7.1. I assumed that is what you meant.

Ok... let me explain using Oppo 103D/105D as an example.

The Oppo 103D/105D firmware "BDP10X-83-0715" released in August 2016 "restored" the FULL ability to bitstream Dolby TrueHD, read Note 8...

8.Restored the ability to bitstream Dolby TrueHD audio tracks in MKV files when HDMI Audio is set to Bitstream. If you encounter a no audio issue when playing MKV files, we recommend setting the player’s HDMI Audio setting to Auto (Default) to force the player to output LPCM.

https://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-103...re-83-0715.aspx

In the previous "BDP10X-80-1031" firmware, there was some "problems" which caused the Dolby TrueHD audio to be output as PCM.

Why am I explaining all this? Possible firmware issue? Here is what I am guessing. I assume that UDP-203 hardware CAN output TrueHD/DTSMA/Atmos/DTSX as Bitstream for MKVs BUT... there will be some bugs or problems with the initial release of the firmware which have not been fixed yet. So, maybe you are right to say that the audio from any MKV/MP4 files with such audio types will be decoded as MLP 7.1 eventhough the setting is "Bitstream". However, I can expect that this "problem" will be fixed in later firmware releases... just like what happened with Oppo BDP-103D/105D.

Another thing that I wish to add here... I can expect even more stricter enforcement of what any bluray/UHD player is or is not "allowed" to play especially when those Movie companies forced compliance with the bluray licensing and implementation of AACS 2.0. With that being said, players with "issued with the bluray license" are currently NOT allowed to play bluray ISO, SACD ISO, pirated SACD physical discs, BDMV folder cannot be played like a "bluray", etc etc. Who knows? Those movie folks may even "force" additional compliance such as "disabling" MKV to output as bitstream for Atmos/DTSX/TrueHD/DTSMA so MAYBE that is why MLP 7.1 is output.

I don't think its okay for me to talk more on any unofficial Jailbreak for the firmware. I can only say that such "restrictions" will be... mmm... you know what I mean. For people who ONLY plays genuine physical UHD Bluray / Bluray / SACD discs... no need any jailbreak. But for people with MKV files, harddisks and "whatever"... MANY such people will choose to WAIT till the jailbreak is out, hehehe.

There is also one more additional "bad" feature for UHD 4K blurays that many do not know. Its already in AACS 2.0 but the Movie companies have not yet "put" this into 4K blurays released currently. Why did they not put it into current releases? Simple... they want to make 4K blurays popular first and then later "hit" us with the damn ridiculous "feature" which is quite similar to what Microsoft had been doing to Microsoft Windows (AND many other software) for so so many years. I will "try" to dig up more details on this to see if its true or not and then report it in my later comments. Its discouraging and a bummer for me especially when I am so eager to go all out for 4K blurays. Hehe... I think there are people here who DO know what I am talking about.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 16 2016, 10:10 PM

This question cannot be answered properly because I think none of us knows what kind of internal DAC that Oppo will use in the 205 for the analogue components and whether Oppo will design its own Toroidal transformer or use from other company.

The 203 uses SoC (System On Chip) developed with MediaTek for the image processing. I haven't heard any news on what chip will be used for the image processing but I "believe" that it should be the same. So... yes, "IF" the same video chip, I think there is no difference for the Video quality.

I think that we can at least know something about the difference when we compare the existing BDP-103D and BDP-105D. The 105D stereo analog quality is far better. XLR balanced output from 105D helps in improving the audio quality. So... whether its worth it to pay extra 2K+ to get the BDP-105D will depend on what is your priority... watching blurays a lot using HDMI or listening to analogue audio a lot. It will also depend on each person's ears too so its important to personally audition first. One friend of mine auditioned the 105D stereo analog and TOTALLY did not hear any difference when playing CD !!

If you have other high-end toys which you used specifically for "stereo" enjoyment such DAC, CD Player, Turntable, stereo amp, etc... then probably its much better to get the BDP-103D or the future UDP-205.

BDP-93 or BDP-95... BDP-103D or BDP-105D... UDP-203 or UDP-205 ? I think they all have similar answer to your question.

One thing that I will do... even if I get the UDP-205 or UDP205D, I intend to keep my BDP-105D until it "dies". I will only use the 4K player to... mmm ... only play 4K blurays.

4K BLuray DRM Encryption With Online Validation And/OR Activation

My comments here may contain errors or mistakes so please do correct me if I am wrong in any part. Feel free to disagree with me.

A "feature" in AACS 2.0 for 4K blurays is the inclusion of online activation and verification which is mandatory for manufacturers of any 4K bluray players or "hadware". THAT feature IS already inside the UDP-203. Its NOT compulsory for film companies to include such activation in the 4K bluray disc. Its the same thing for Cinavia... to get the bluray license, manufacturers of bluray players are compulsory "forced" to add in Cinavia BUT film companies can decide whether or not to put Cinavia into their blurays so that is why not all blurays have this "virus" inside.

What this means for 4K blurays is that the film companies CAN (if they want to) add in online activation inside the disc. When this happens, the player (UDP-203) tries to read a "key file" (I put it simply) stored in the disc.... and when its "missing", the player will request to go online to get the "key". This key is saved in the player which identifies that particular disc and only then the disc will be played as usual.

Right now, such activation process is not necessary because the film companies have not add in such activation requirement in the current 4K bluray releases. The "key file" is already stored inside the disc, so the player can play it without requiring any activation. At least not yet for now. In my personal opinion, I guess the reason is "partly" because they want 4K bluray to become popular and its still "too early" to add in activation. Who knows?... once 4K blurays becomes the mainstream popular format, then we MAY or MAY NOT suddenly get hit with this grrrr.... monster!

What is the big problem with such online activation of the 4K disc? Actually no problem... if you look at what many computer software at already doing such as Microsoft Wndows 10 which requires internet to activate. When any OEM software is bought together with the pc hardware, the software cannot be "transferred" to another pc. You can transfer if you buy the Retail Version BUT have to pay much more.

What does this mean for 4K bluray (or 1080p bluray) discs that have the requirement for online activation? Well... I saw a discussion about this in a forum (the link is below). There are a few issues that troubles me. What happens when the disc is "locked" to a specific player to play and we cannot use another player to play the same disc? What happens when the player is spoilt and needs to be replaced? What happens if we need to be online each time we play any disc? What happens when people legally rent such discs? When happens IF we are not allowed to play a disc purchased in the US eventhough its the same Region A player (location identified using IP check)?

DRM encryption already exist in DVD and Blurays but it has been broken, allowing ripping. AFAIK, AACS 2.0 is still unbroken and the "additional DRM" online validation or activation is new to 4K bluray. If anyone were to ask me whether such online validation/activation will appear in the future... eventough not now, I don't think it will show its ugly head in 4K blurays BUT... there is a possibility that it may come. So... I will continue to keep my BDP-105D player to play blurays and YES, I will still buy the 4K bluray player with its damn good picture quality. IF it does appear in the future... I can only curse those film companies. At the present moment, we cannot backup a copy of the legally purchased genuine 4K bluray to a NAS harddisk because AACS 2.0 has not been cracked yet.

Such online validation/activation makes me feel a bit reluctant to embrace 4K blurays... the problem for me is... this 4K thing really makes me fall in love with it!

Reference Links...
Oppo 103D/105D last model without online activation
Connect to internet to play disc
Sony reveals AACS 2.0 details



This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 17 2016, 04:09 PM

Mmm... I want to understand more clearly on what you want here. Its confusing without enough info.

Ok... I will make assumptions here so do correct me if its not what you want.

Assumption 1
If you want to use RCA audio out from TV to your speakers, then not possible when RCA Analog Stereo out is not available on TVs. Normally there are TVs (not all) which do have Optical Audio out or (maybe) Co-axial out which allow connection to an AVR. Connecting Opt Out in this way allows a "smart TV" with internet browser or online apps (Netflix) to output sound to the AVR instead of only the TV speakers.

Assumption 2
Mmm... bluray players now already do not have RCA analog stereo out to connect to any AVR or active speakers.

When you say "using my external speaker connecting to RCA"... you meant your speakers are "Active" ones which have its internal amp and can accept input directly from source players.

Assuming your "old" player have analog RCA stereo out, you want to connect...
"bluray or DVD player" HDMI >> directly to your TV.
Same "bluray or DVD player" RCA out connect to "active" external speakers.

Yes, you can when active speakers are used. No, when passive speakers are used, that need an AVR or Pre+Power Amp.

If correct, I assume that you do not have an AVR. So you want to use your player to use your external speakers instead of sound from your TV. I guess you set your player to decode audio as "PCM" out (not bitstream). Mmm... you want better sound from your speakers instead of your TV when playing DVD, bluray, etc.

Assumption 3
You have an older Astro Decoder which have analog RCA Stereo Out.

You don't want to use any AVR. You just connect Astro HDMI directly to TV and then Astro RCA out to your active external speakers. The Astro "Digital Audio" settings must use "Stereo (Analogue and Digital). So you want better sound for Astro by using your external speakers, not from TV speakers.

Yes, you can. Obviously no 5.1 surround audio for 2 external speakers.

▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓▒▓

If none of the above, then please let me know in more detail such as...
(1) what player or source is used?
(2) player connect to what?
(3) is there any TV out connection?
(4) active or passive speakers?
(5) is there any AVR used?
(6) what is the purpose you want to use HDMI for video and RCA for audio?

If possible, it will help by drawing a simple diagram showing all the hardware connections that you want.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 20 2016, 03:30 PM

You can use your Astro decoder HDMI out to TV for the video... and Astro RCA (Red and White) out to external speakers for the audio. Astro digital audio setting must NOT use "Dolby Digital 5.1 (Digital only)" which will cause no audio out from the decoder RCA.



If you want to connect "anything" to your speakers RCA, whether can or cannot will depend on the source (Astro, AppleTV, DVD Player, CD Player, etc)

That AppleTV or any other source must support RCA stereo output and its setting must be set to Analogue Stereo. Do not set source audio to Digital or Bitstream.

If the source output audio ONLY in Digital 2.0 or 5.1 or 7.1... then cannot use RCA. Must change source setting to decode and change the digital audio to analogue stereo.

When your 2 stereo (Active Type) speakers with builtin amp only have 2 stereo RCA In, then you can only get sound from the source Stereo Analogue.

5.1/7.1 Active Type External Speaker System (with or without builtin Dolby Digital decoding)
If you want better sound from the Active type speakers, get a 5.1 external speaker system with Optical/Co-axial Digital Input. If the source (AppleTV, Astro, etc) have Optical/Co-axial Out, then it can connect to the 5.1 speakers using just 1 cable. Many reasonably cheap 5.1 speaker types can be found in PC shops (Lowyat Plaza). If the 5.1 Speakers do not support Dolby Digital and/or DTS, the source audio setting MUST set to decode audio as "Analogue".

For Astro, no point getting 5.1 external active type speaker system. When Astro decoder is set to "Dolby Digital 5.1 (Digital only)"... no sound out from Astro Co-axial. Setting to "Stereo (Analogue and Digital)" is only 2 channels. My Astro PVR do have 1 Co-axial Out but I don't know if the new ones have Co-axial or Optical out or not.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 20 2016, 05:38 PM

You are welcome. Mmm... my problem is usually writing too long explanations or comments. Bad habit.

TLDR?

Oh... TL;DR ... just found out... Too Long, Didn't Read.

Up to you, its your right to ridicule so its not a compliment. You are smarter than me. No problem. I deserve it for trying to help others here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TL;DR

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 20 2016, 06:56 PM

No problem. No harm done.

I actually didn't know about TL;DR until I found out from Wikipedia which "generally" mean negative view of people who write too long. That is why I misunderstood you.

Still no problem... nobody can expect everyone to agree or disagree. Anyone do have the right to choose not to read my post loh. Yes, no offense intended by you BUT you ARE right in saying that I write too long. My Bad.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 20 2016, 07:06 PM

Thanks.

Good or bad depends on how each person thinks. I respect that. Anyway, when it works, I "believe" the audio should be better than the TV internal speakers. Yeah, you expect the same too.

I am not expert on Smart TV features and settings. I can just tell you a little on what I know on my Samsung 4K 3D TV Series 8 (55 inch).

You mean "disable" the whole "Smart Features", no internet browser, no YouTube, and ALL the apps ?? I don't think they allow us to disable or remove the whole TV Smart Apps feature. Samsung TV calls it "Smart Hub". If this is what you mean, then I believe NO because its integrated into the TV firmware. I also cannot find any setting in the TV to disable it.

For Samsung, different apps appear in its "Smart" categories which changes regularly. Before you can run (play) any app, select it to download and then install it. After installed, you can delete (uninstall) apps that you don't want by using remote, point to app to be deleted then long press the remote "OK/Enter" button until a menu appears that shows the "Delete" selection. My TV remote has a invisible pointer that shows on TV screen as a bright spot which is used to select any choices.



But... what is usable on my TV do NOT mean different brands and also different models work the same way. Different TVs have different settings so I really don't know for other brands. Even my Samsung Series 8 may work slightly differently when compared to other Series 7 or 9.

Mmm... why you want to "turn off" the TV Smart function? Annoying you when it appears after you pressed the wrong remote button? The Smart function do not slow down the TV processing speed. Also, when TV is disconnected from the internet, no app will work so it won't bother you. If you don't want your kids to "play" with the "smart apps", I think the only thing you can do is disconnect the LAN cable from the TV or change the WiFi password so that the TV cannot connect wirelessly.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 20 2016, 09:09 PM

Is there any chance that you may know on which combination buttons to press (Remote + TV panel buttons) to access Samsung Series 8 Service Menu? I did access the service menu for my previous 40 inch Samsung LCD TV (not Smart TV).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK0qFueHopw

You afraid the Smart Apps still running behind when you watch TV? I think any Smart Apps should be automatically stopped and exit when go back to watching normal programs from HDMI. My previous 40 inch Samsung Smart TV bought in 2012 is still running perfectly after giving it to my sis.

Whether Smart Apps is running behind or not, it may affect the life span... same as other "features" added into the TV. When more and more "features" (Smart Hub, Bluetooth and WiFi) are added in ... sure I suspect that the lifespan for the TV should be shorter than those "basic" TV without those "features". Just like putting your AVR on standby, not totally switch off power... I think it may affect lifespan only a little bit.

I think what can affect more on lifespan is the heat build-up in the TV and wear and tear from the internal components using electricity. I think Smart App affect a little bit only loh.

If still worried about TV lifespan, here is what you can do...
Just disconnect your TV (WiFi or LAN cable) from the internet. Switch OFF Apps "auto Updates" so that your TV do not regularly try to search for internet updates. Also disconnect any Bluetooth devices to your TV. Pull out any USB flashdrive or mouse or keyboard from your TV, don't leave it "sticking" on your TV. Use a pair of cheapo external Active Type speakers to connect to TV earphone jack... this will reduce wear and tear to your TV internal speakers... and if better quality speakers are used, can also improve audio quality too. If your TV got Optical Out, you can also use this to connect to your AVR... doesn't mean you always use AVR for the TV audio.

I believe you have adjusted your TV contrast, brightness and backlight settings which will help to improve screen lifespan. New TVs are ALWAYS set to 100% for contrast and backlight set too high. Hehe... some of my friends don't know this.

If your TV got "Auto Start Smart Hub" for Home Screen, set it to OFF so that Smart Hub do NOT open (start) when TV is switched on.

Well... what I have mentioned here... I believe you already know... so I believe that should be all that we can do!

Lifespan too long also no good. As they say... "lama tak pergi, mana ada yang baru? Baru tak mari, mana dapat gadget terkini?"... Duit dicari, perlu diguna!

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 20 2016, 11:30 PM

Wow. wow, WOW ! I better join the queue ! Can't wait... but will Oppo later release UDP-203D and then 205D? IF I get the 205 and when they release 205D, no more newer jailbreak firmwares for 205 !

Its ok. Apologies not necessary. Already expected no. Yes, I also do believe its not the same button sequence for different generations which makes it even more difficult to find someone who knows. Google search didn't help too.

What did I say that have offended you? Accusing me of being paranoid when I said that "Lifespan too long also no good, old things don't go.. blah blah" which I intended as a cheeky joke! Lol... why are you so uptight? Seriously?

Nobody even mentioned about trolling here. Not to worry, I did not think that you were trolling in any way. Oh... trolling is clearly an assumption made by you. You also do make assumption too. Is it bad? No... its perfectly okay! I will NEVER think that you are being paranoid about "trolling".

Man... you are certainly a person who clearly don't like me making "assumptions" here. You can but I cannot make assumptions? There were no assumptions for the "Smart TV" explanations made by me. Did you read this sentence... "I think it may affect lifespan only a little bit" which I actually meant as "don't make any difference". This was my answer to Dickong who asked "will it shorten the life span". Yes, I can accept it if I have been too much in giving out my suggestions on how to improve lifespan and just because of this, you think that I am paranoid?

I did not say that I was worried about lifespan. In fact.. when I said "If still worried about TV lifespan, here is what you can do", I was merely replying to Dickong who was worried about the lifespan ! Do you also mean that Dickong was also paranoid for worrying about the lifespan? I certainly am not worried about lifespan because I "usually" change my TV every 3 years.

You said... "all this lifespan thing were developed/assume by you".. are you kidding me? ALL things last forever? Just like a dog with average lifespan of 11 years and humans with around 80 years do NOT mean no lifespan. The difference is just how "long" anything lasts. Even if a LED TV lasts 30 years (assume only) doesn't mean there is no lifespan. As I said before.. any reduction in lifespan from changing any settings in a "Smart TV" is little which only affect lifespan minimally.

Sarcasm won't get you any respect ! Yes, you can disagree with any of my comments and "assumptions" there but do explain your reasons instead of just calling me paranoid and making the ridiculous comment of "go back and use CRT TV".

Maybe you think that I deserve being labeled as paranoid. As far as I am concerned, I won't call you with whatever names because I will still try to be as respectful as possible. Rest assured that I do have a couple of nasty words to use but I will never use it to annoy you or anyone.

Well... this is what I get for trying to help others here. I don't expect any favours returned for any good deeds but I will still be civil and continue to respect people (including you) without using any "undesirable" word or words. I will not be nasty eventhough being treated as such.

Anyway, with all being said... my bad... I am sorry if I have caused you any annoyance with my "lifespan joke" or anything in my comments. Is that enough to cool you down?

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you and your family. May this festivities also bring goodwill and tolerance to everyone.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 26 2016, 03:22 PM

OMG !! You want to poison me. I am going to a doc to get antidote. Maybe upgrade from 55 inch to 65 inch above but OLED is far too expensive. I don't want to be a guinea pig to pay so much for being the one of the early users.

Unfortunately my room too small. I wish my room is big enough to use a projector loh. Mmm... is there any OLED projector?

I agree when its about watching terrestrial broadcast but its not just about this. There are other sources that also play such an important role in our TV entertainment... I am sure you do know. Phased out plasma with 1080i (HD Ready) won't be able to offer (hehe) the best in quality to enjoy blurays, Astro, and 4K too. And what about HDR? Also... Smart TV Apps such as Netflix, Browser, etc. Actually I am guilty of also chasing technology which do really drain my $$. Future 8K... OMG !! Anyway, probably I won't be around IF 8K becomes the mainstream video format.

I know that those old plasma TVs with newer tech do have very long-lasting screen (gas) but with constant use and as time goes by, the "brightness" will drop giving a dull image. I have seen it happening to one of my relative who bought it in the Nineties. After 10+ years, she sold it off and "upgraded".

Unfortunately, as you do already know... I am in the same group as you. Changed 3 times since 2009... HD Ready 1080i (no 3D) 40 inch LCD to Full HD 1080p 3D 40 inch LED to Full HD 4K 3D 55 inch SUHD. Mmm... future OLED?

Its great that people do ask questions eventhough there may be people who gets annoyed at others for asking anything that they felt are absurd !

Fair enough... your reason for asking about the "lifespan shorten" is about getting general knowledge, NOT about "worry". Thanks for correcting me. I also do ask silly questions and do make mistakes. We are merely humans. However, I don't use "nasty" words against anyone for making mistakes or comments just because I don't like it.

Thanks for your reply. Wishing you a Happy New Year 2017.

Regards.

This post has been edited by jamesleetech: Dec 26 2016, 03:20 PM

But but but... I couldn't get a much bigger room

Even CMY John and a few others also tried poisoning me. When they saw my room... all shook their head