It’s not too often that we can claim that a product specifically designed for custom installation also happens to be the highest performing product in its category. However, that is exactly the case integrators can make to clients wanting the very best Blu-ray disc performance about Oppo Digital's new disc player.

The newly announced BDT-101CI is a Blu-ray transport and universal disc player that is compatible with just about every disc format ever created, including CDs, DVD-Audio discs, SACDs, DVDs and Blu-rays. It also incorporates Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, options for bitstream outputs for compatibility with today’s object-based surround sound formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and three USB ports that can be used to play digital stored files on devices such as thumb drives and portable hard drives.

Where the BDT-101CI separates from a crowded field of mass-market Blu-ray disc players is a set of optional unique features, a robust build quality and legitimate upscaling that delivers true UltraHD 4K resolutions.

The player’s custom install options are supported by a modular architecture that facilitates single or dual HDMI outputs via an optional output module, as well as an optional HDBaseT output module to address install scenarios where cabling runs may be too long for standard length HDMI cables. Oppo also offers a stereo or 7.1 channel analog output module, rack mounting hardware, front panel button finger guards, and RS-232 and IP control to support its installation into control systems.

Further aiding dealers is the fact that integrators can configure the universal disc player in the field, which can save on multiple trips to clients’ homes to setup the features they need regardless of the installation scenario.

Setting up the BDT-101CI with two different projectors—a state-of-the-art Epson LS10000 and a less expensive 1080p BenQ HT4050—proved how easy to install and flexible enough the player is in maximizing the potential of any display device.

The CE Pro review model was outfitted with the HDBaseT output, a single HDMI output and the 7.1-analog output card. Setup using the various outputs took a matter of minutes. Digging into the player’s GUI menu also took a few minutes to configure the player to the desired results. Highlighting a few of setup options that dealers will really appreciate include the 4K upscaling and zoom functions that block out the black bars that are the result of viewing anamorphic content.

Supporting the video functions are options such as the player’s lip sync function that was also set to enable the upscaled 4K video processing to match the audio output. Honestly speaking, the alignment of the audio and video content actually took the most of the setup time to fully ramp up the player’s settings.  This statement verifies the dealer friendliness of the BDT-101CI’s installation requirements.

Once the player is setup homeowners will absolutely love the BDT-101CI. When used with a 4K compatible projector like the Epson laser-based LS10000, which offers DCI color spaces, the BDT-101CI produces stunningly rich and smooth images that are vivid and noise free. The player’s performance was equally as impressive with a more competitively priced projector like the BenQ product, which offers turnkey compatibility with the Rec. 709 color space and 1080p resolution.

The BDT-101CI’s audio capabilities are just as impressive. Using everything from standard CDs, to DVD-A discs, SACDs and digital music stored on thumb drives, the Oppo unit quickly recognized the disc-based formats. Having the convenience of the front-panel USB port combined with the easy navigation of the 101CI’s GUI also facilitates easy playback of digital music files. The universal BDT-101CI produced big soundstages and thumping dynamic peaks with every audio format thrown at it.

Not to overlook its surround sound prowess, the BDT-101CI’s filled our listening room with Dolby Atmos content from the latest installment of the Hunger Games movies, and it handed Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks just as well, including the Blu-ray release of the new Star Wars Episode VII movie.

Adding up its dealer friendliness, its media flexibility and its performance with audio and video content, the BDT-101CI distinguishes itself as a benchmark Blu-ray disc player. Dealers and homeowners will not be disappointed by the BDT-101CI on any level.

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