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I want a multi-region Blu-Ray player - should I upgrade or buy a new player?

124.176.57.42

I have a Panasonic BDP-30 player which I am happy with. I can get a region-free mod chip kit for $150 USD.

Or I can get a mod-chipped Oppo 83 for about $800 USD.

Is it worthwhile buying a top-flight Oppo or Pioneer Blu-Ray player? Or are they all basically the same? I don't have anywhere local which sells the Oppo, so I can't try before I buy.

Cheers. Doug

Follow Ups:

RE: I want a multi-region Blu-Ray player - should I upgrade or buy a new player? - Jack G 04:28:47 03/11/10 (4)
You can get the Oppo for $500 and the mod kit for $80.
It takes 5 minutes. You basically plug it into an empty socket on the board. Taking the top off is the hardest part.
It works quite well.
Jack
Edit: The ribbon cable plugged into a chip that went into the ribbon's socket and a wire from the chip went into an extra empty socket. Its been a while since I did it. See post below.

Edits: 03/11/10 03/11/10
- Jack, are you referring to changing out the Oppo ribbon cable or is there a different mod available now? - Audiophilander 10:01:35 03/11/10 (3)
  Just curious.
  
  Last summer I installed a modified ribbon cable on our first BDP-83. It was a snap; took about 5 minutes as you said. Over the holidays I bought an BDP-83SE (after reading numerous reviews of it's superb non-HDMI analog performance) for my main system.
  
  IMHO, the region/zone free ribbon mods for Oppo BD-83 & 83SE players are simple and efficient.
  
  AuPh
  - Re - Jack G 10:35:24 03/11/10 (2)
    There was a chip that went between the ribbon cable and where it plugged in, with a extra wire that plugged into an empty socket. See link below.
    I did find it amusing that part of it plugged into a socket that wasn't being used.
    The hardest part was to find a screwdriver to take the top off.
    Jack
    - Region Free (Open in New Window)
    - Ah, I see that the ribbon cable mod has evolved. - Audiophilander 11:09:17 03/11/10 (1)
      Originally, that chip or one very similar to it was attached to a replacement ribbon cable rather than being an extension of the player's ribbon cable. The same plug-in power supply principle (with unused socket) is employed, but this mod simplifies and reduces the cost of the same basic mod.
      
      Thanks Jack, that clears things up a bit.
      
      Cheers,
      AuPh
      - Variations on a theme - Jack G 11:31:05 03/11/10 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Ah, I see that the ribbon cable mod has evolved. posted by Audiophilander on March 11, 2010 at 11:09:17
        
        I did a quick Google, and there are several mods out there now. They appear to do basically the same thing.
        I got mine last summer-nice company to buy from, fast and reliable. I wasn't going to buy from e-pay.
        Works like a charm too.
        Jack
A modified Oppo is hard to beat. - Audiophilander 01:02:16 03/11/10 (0)
Oppo BDP-83 and BDP-83SE are modified to be both zone (BD) and region (DVD) free via a replaced ribbon cable which can be bought already installed or purchased separately for self-installation if you prefer. The instructions are easy even for a novice DIY'er and cheaper than buying an already modified player, if that is your preference. It just provides you with more options if there are budgetary considerations. Note: I'm assuming that the Oppo region/zone free ribbon cables are still being sold separately on ebay.
The new Oppos are quite a bit faster loading than older Panasonic players (I know this because I used to own a Panny BDP-30). Note: I gifted it to a grateful relative over the holidays after my modified Oppo BDP-83SE arrived.
If you have a good surround rig then the Oppo BDP-83 is a first rate performer as well. It's just the most versatile player on the market currently, IMO, and reasonably priced considering it's multi-functionality and the manufacturer's well known product support via firmware updates. Also, the menus are extremely user-friendly on the new Oppo BDP-83.
Trade-offs? I don't know of any between buying a DIY mod-chip kit for a Panny or a DIY ribbon cable mod for an Oppo BD player, but here is one consideration: the Oppo region/zone free mods (custom installed or DIY cable) have apparently been around a bit longer than the Panny mod-chip kit (which I'm unfamiliar with); the Oppo ribbon cable mods have proven very reliable (personal experience).
Cheers,
AuPh

Edits: 03/11/10

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