Audio Video News

Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player: $549

The arrival of the UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray player is a momentous occasion for AV enthusiasts everywhere because no one pushes the envelope like Oppo, the undisputed leader in disc-based playback. The company has once again delivered a player that excels in audio and video performance with support for HDR10 (and Dolby Vision via a future firmware update). Yes, you can buy a UHD player for less, but as Tom Norton explained in his review, “I can’t imagine you’ll find one that offers better performance, flexibility, and build quality than the Oppo UDP-203.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding overall performance
Detailed info screen
Plays virtually everything
Minus
No headphone output
No support for HDCD

Full Review Here

 

BenQ HT1070 DLP Projector: $699

Can a projector that costs $700 deliver performance that will please an enthusiast? You bet. BenQ’s no-frills HT1070 DLP model proves the point in spades, delivering better-than-average contrast and accurate color that you just don’t find at this price. What you give up in brightness you more than make up in overall picture quality. As reviewer Al Griffin put it: “Light output isn’t as high as that of some other models priced under $1,000, but the HT1070 is bright enough to deliver a punchy picture in dark or dim rooms, especially when its BrilliantColor feature is enabled.” One fine projector for the price.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Calibrates well for accurate color
Better-than-average contrast ratio
Backlit remote control
Minus
Limited installation features
High fan noise in Normal Lamp mode
Not as bright as competition

Full Review Here

 

Marantz SR7011 AV Receiver: $2,199

There’s no two ways about it: The Marantz SR7011 is a super smart state-of-the-art 9.1-channel receiver offering a comprehensive set of audio and video features plus excellent room correction, fine overall sound, the potential for HEOS multiroom extension, and just about everything else you could want in an AVR—even Auro-3D’s immersive surround processing (via an optional $199 firmware update). Reveling in the SR7011’s movie prowess, reviewer Mark Fleischmann wrote: “The bubble-shaped soundfield of Dolby Atmos was well illuminated but without hardening textures. The top end was sweet and musical, dialogue well delivered, and bass par for the price point. This is a reasonable definition of a great-sounding receiver.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Nine amp channels
HEOS multiroom compatibility
ISF-certified with Audyssey room correction
Control4 and Crestron compatibility
Minus
No PC-friendly USB jack

Full Review Here