[NIGHTFALL1970]

I have resisted the blu-ray format for years but with the pending release of Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah/ Godzilla vs. Mothra (1991 & 1992) in widescreen (finally!!!) and no "regular" DVD release announced I am contemplating this OPPO as my first Blu-ray player.

Anyone here have any experience with it?

[Big Red Machine]

I have one and it is a great unit.  You can dial in the Darbee real time as much as you like.  And the menus and react6ion time of the player are fast and simple.  Nice unit.

[Bob2]

" Nice unit"  +1

[Guy 13]

Hi all.
What is Darbee edition and what does more than a OPPO without it.

Guy 13

[Bob2]

Hi Guy,

Darbee is an enhancement tech, http://darbeevision.com/darbee-technology

It's been around for awhile. It does work. I'm very pleased with the new 103D version compared to my BDP 83. The BDP83 is very good, don't get me wrong...
The pq from the 103D is an improvement. Enough so my wife even noticed it.

[Phil A]

Hi Guy,

Darbee is an enhancement tech, http://darbeevision.com/darbee-technology

It's been around for awhile. It does work. I'm very pleased with the new 103D version compared to my BDP 83. The BDP83 is very good, don't get me wrong...
The pq from the 103D is an improvement. Enough so my wife even noticed it.

I'd agree - have an 83, 93 (both of which are in space systems) and have two 103Ds (but have not set up one yet in the main system).

[RDavidson]

Keep in mind that Darbee alters the picture.......so it may be less "true" than the standard 103. And there's been discussions around the net regarding the video processor used in the 103 vs 103D despite the fact that Oppo says that their base performance is the same. Something worth noting too is that the Darbee system cannot make up for bad video transfers of the original material. In fact, it may actually make image blocking worse as it affects everything on screen.

With that said, the 103D might provide better picture (to you) than the standard 103. It's really a preference thing, which may be perhaps even more dependent on source quality. If the source material is great then Darbee will enhance it further. If it is less than great, it's effectiveness is questionable.

I think the standard 103 may be the better machine, from a purist perspective. YMVV

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Thank you all for the info.  Most of my movies range from the 1930s 1940s 1950s, some 1960s and 1970s and 1980s.
I am mostly a fan of old b&w horror. So I am really concerned about how B&W looks.  Maybe the "regular" edition is more suited to my taste as I am a "purist".

[gregcss]

I thought you could completely turn off Darbee if you wanted to?

[RDavidson]

I thought you could completely turn off Darbee if you wanted to?

Yes, you're correct, but then what's the point of paying the $100 for this feature if you're not going to use it or if you have to remember to turn it on and off depending on source or video transfer quality? I'm not saying it isn't worthwhile. Just saying that one should decide if it is worthwhile on an individual basis as it may not be universally great for everything..........which the reviews don't really talk about. Darbee is not a magic bullet for all scenarios. I'm just trying to clear the air a bit, so one can maybe make a more informed decision. The standard 103 is as good (if not better when comparing the base video processor) and it's performance regardless of source quality is second to none. Plus it is $100 less.

[Bob2]

The advantage of the 103 D version is that you can turn the enhancement on/off and adjust to your liking. Can't comment on pq between the 103 and the 103D version with Darbee off. Been plenty written about all that. For the extra C note you have it when you want it.
Using some older dvds in mine (read that not Blu-ray) really did not help having the Darbee but watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty... on a 120 inch screen...WOW! Great photography to begin with and the Darbee doing it's voodoo just makes it nicer! Watched with it off and on--- on was better. PQ from the BDP83 and the 103D with the Darbee off is comparable. Both pretty good.
Bottom line was worth it for me, for you, see it for yourself! If you know anyone that has one, check it out..