Video Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on July 01, 2009 at 09:59:23

In Reply to: RE: I don't agree... posted by Doug Otte on July 01, 2009 at 08:56:25

OPPO seems to be saying that the BDP-83 will convert PAL to NTSC and vice versa, but in parenthesis there is a caveat or rather vague disclaimer that is contradictory. Folks who've purchased earlier OPPO players are well aware that they are officially region specific, but that there's a simple work around code you can enter through the remote menu to unlock other regions.

What OPPO should've done is make a very CLEAR distinction that unlike prior players offered by the company that this player is totally Region LOCKED and does not have a work around to play material from other regions with the possible exception of Region 0 (open). Heck, I would've had it on the side of the box and prominently displayed in the advertising like a Surgeon General's Warning! ;O)

Seriously Doug, you may be looking at this from the perspective of someone who has a bit more experience with what specifications mean than the average consumer. I think folks are drawn to specific features that they want or need and base their decisions on what to buy based on a company's reputation, testimonials and whatever specifications are listed. OPPO's management might've been better off not mentioning the PAL/NTSC conversion as a feature if these players are region locked because it will confuse those who haven't kept up with this controversy (especially folks who are aware of OPPOs long standing tradition of offering 'unofficial' region unlocking).

Sadly, I think that this misleading specification may have been intentional because OPPO must be concerned about the potential lost business to the new Momitsu player, which is all region and all zone playable and cheaper to boot. In fairness to Oppo, I don't think that they wanted to give the DVD region unlocking function up, but they made a deal with the devil in order to obtain U.S. licensing. Nevertheless, it was a deal breaker for me.

AuPh

Edits: 07/01/09   07/01/09