UMC-1 and OPPO BDP-80 / 83/83SE

[slareau]

Hi, i am looking to upgrade my system and purchase a UMC-1 + UPA-7 with either an OPPO BDP-83 or the new OPPO BDP-80.
The question is basically : How good is the UMC-1 music processor compare to the one of the BDP-83? Same question for the video decoder. If the UMC-1 video and audio processor/decoder is comparable (or better) to the one in the BDP-83, why not get the new and more basic BDP-80 in that case?

I understand that its a bit early since the new UMC-1 firmware will come out next week. At that time, UMC-1 and OPPO owner should be able to give us comparison of music via BDP analog output or via digital output.

Any comment on the SE and NewForce version, is appreciate. Can we heard the difference with the UMC-1?

Thanks

****
I have read in another post (UMC-1 and DSD question) that its hard to see difference listening to SACD though HDMI compare to analog output out from the BDP-83.
Quote : « I've tried both ways and am hard pressed to hear a difference. ..»
I have also read somewhere else that some people preferred one way over another according to the type of music that they listen too...

If the audio difference is slim, then the BDP-80 via HDMI should do the job for SACD, CD etc....
Please, your opinion?

[jimsfield]

I preferred some of the test patterns from the Spears and Muncil test disc on my OPPO BDP-83 to the UMC-1. I saw more jaggies when the UMC processed the video signal. One member here suggested it was because I had the sharpmess in the UMC turned up to high. I haven't gone back to retest.

[snodog]

You should retest it and let us know

[regulator]

I am curious about this as well. I am on the list for the UMC, but I have been eyeing the BDP-80 to replace a sony blu-ray I just got.

[petes]

Hard to comment on the BDP-80 at the moment as it's video processing is custom. The Oppo site says

"For video output over HDMI, the BDP-83 sports a highly advanced video processor (ABT2010 with VRS by Anchor Bay Technology). In contrast, BDP-80 handles all video processing tasks using its main decoder chip. This chip is powered by custom firmware that was developed from years of experience with reproducing reference video quality and fine tuned picture enhancements. "

I would suggest the ABT2010 has a number of features that the UMC doesn't such as motion adaptive deinterlacing and edge adaptive processing so I would think that the 83 would give superior video performance to the UMC. From the details on the Oppo site of the 80, it seems to be desgined to be specifically used with an external video processor (standalone or built it) - i.e .the onboard video on the 80 is there 'cause it has to be, but it's really designed to be used just as a transport and output its signal unprocessed. So, you'd always use the UMC rather than an 80 for processing. Or, of course, you could use an 80 with an external video processor and then feed that to the UMC. The chip in the DVDO Edge for example is the same as that in the 83 - an ABT2010.

[loopinfool]

Feb 2, 2010 17:39:19 GMT -5 petes said:

I would suggest the ABT2010 has a number of features that the UMC doesn't such as motion adaptive deinterlacing and edge adaptive processing so I would think that the 83 would give superior video performance to the UMC.

I agree the ABT solution is likely better.
However, someone did post a quote here that says the Genesis Torino processor definitely does per-pixel motion-adaptive deinterlacing.

- LoopinFool

[jimsfield]

Feb 2, 2010 17:30:01 GMT -5 @snodog said:

You should retest it and let us know

I'm having problems with my UMC at the moment. I've lost the front display, I lose sync with the sound from some TV channels from time to time (I lose all the sound except what is sent to the subwoofers.), and the option under Video Adjust to adjust sharpness does not show up. I'm hoping the highly anticipated FW will fix these problems. When I'm able to adjust the sharpness I intend to try the experiment again.

[ripcordaff]

I have heard the ABT processor in the 83 is superior to the Reon processor in the highest prepros\AVRs so that would mean that it probably blows the doors of the Faroudja processor in the UMC. Guess thats a reason to use pass thru..

[jimsfield]

Feb 3, 2010 10:16:40 GMT -5 jimsfield said:

Feb 2, 2010 17:30:01 GMT -5 @snodog said:

You should retest it and let us know

I'm having problems with my UMC at the moment. I've lost the front display, I lose sync with the sound from some TV channels from time to time (I lose all the sound except what is sent to the subwoofers.), and the option under Video Adjust to adjust sharpness does not show up. I'm hoping the highly anticipated FW will fix these problems. When I'm able to adjust the sharpness I intend to try the experiment again.

The problem with the front display turned out to be user error. Who knew the dim button on the remote actually did anything? I confirmed last night that Sharpness in not a visible option for me under Video Adjust. C'mon FW.