The new Universal Blu-ray Player from Oppo, the BDP-93, has the same price tag ($499) as the old Oppo BDP-83. This is very good news for us, since the BDP-93 is virtually the same Blu-ray Player as the BDP-83, but with some major upgrades. Adding such features as 3D capability, online streaming media services, wireless networking, DLNA, eSATA port and dual HDMI outputs. Not to mention the better performance and build quality.

The design of the BDP-93 has addressed some problems of the BDP-83. Some people complained about the disc loading tray being fragile and rather loud. The new BDP-93 disc loading tray retracts extremely tight to the front panel, making it almost invisible when closed. This hi-tech effect, along with the brushed aluminum face plate and flush buttons, gives the player a unique look. One that will stand out in a crowd. Roughly the same size as the BDP-83, the BDP-93 overall design is a very attractive one that should appeal to many of us.

VIDEO QUALITY: Almost every possible video connection is available with the BDP-93. It has Component Video Outputs, Composite Video Outputs and dual 1.4 HDMI Outputs. Having dual HDMI Outputs, will allow you to have different configurations for your video and audio. Ensuring the best possible quality for both audio and video signals. You can have one HDMI cable connected to your 3D HDTV and the other HDMI connection going to your non-3D A/V receiver. One of the added benefits to this arrangement is you do not have to upgrade your A/V receiver to be 3D capable. The HDMI Outputs are also callable of being used in parallel. Meaning you can connect both HDMI Outputs to different visual displays at the same time and even configured them to different video resolutions.

The video quality features has everything you expect from an Oppo player and does not disappoint. The video processing is done by a Marvell Kyoto-G2 processor with the second generation Qdeo™ technology. This provides edge enhancements, video noise reduction, intelligent color, compression artifact reduction, detail and contrast. There is a Source Direct Mode for those wanting to send a non-processed audio or video signal to be processed externally. It also has DVD-Up-Converting, True 24p Video and Multiple Zoom Modes.

AUDIO QUALITY: The audio connections for the BDP-93 include the dual HDMI Outputs, Digital Audio: Coaxial and Optical and Analog Audio Outputs: 7.1-channels. One audio output that is lacking from the BDP-93 is the dedicated stereo outputs. The reasoning behind Oppo's decision to remove stereo output is that the Blu-ray DVD Player did not need them, as most consumers will connect to an Audio/Video receiver. However there is a built-in bass management option to convert the 7.1 audio signal to stereo. Of course the BDP-93 supports internal decoding and bit-stream of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The BDP-93 is a universal Blu-ray Player, so it is capable of playing all disc formats; even SACD and DVD-Audio discs. Supported media and files for the BDP-93 include: DVD, audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, MKV, DivX, MP4, AVCHD, WAV and FLAC files. These files can be played back on the BDP-93 via the two USB Ports or the eSATA Port located on the back. eSATA Ports allows for whole hard drives to be connected.

Along with 3D capability, networking and online streaming services are among the biggest additions to the BDP-93. The wireless internet connection makes for easy access to online services such as Netflix, CinemaNow and Blockbuster on Demand. Oppo is constantly working on bringing more online partners on-board and should become available soon.

Overall the new 3D Universal Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray Player has done something extraordinary. It has given us an upgraded Blu-ray Player, with major improvements and added features, without increasing the price. Like the Oppo BDP-83 before it, the BDP-93 seems like the benchmark for all other Blu-ray Disc Players to be judge by.

THE PROS: The Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray Disc Player is not only a Universal player capable of playing all know discs types, but it has 3D capability, Wi-Fi, DLNA, eSATA port, Online Streaming Services such as Netflix and Blockbuster on Demand and dual HDMI Outputs. The player has excellent video and audio features providing the best possible images and sound.

THE CONS: Lacking any dedicated stereo outputs. While there is a work around for this, consumers maybe put off by this. Even though it is cheap when compared to the other higher-end Blu-ray Disc Players, the $499 price tag is expensive.

THE FINAL WORD: The Oppo BDP-93, like it's predecessor, is universal player. It has excellent playback quality, providing you with the ultimate home movie experience. By adding the extra features and improving it's performance, the BDP-93 will be the Blu-ray Player all others will be measured against. This maybe the best Blu-ray DVD Player you can purchase. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- $499.00