Here’s an idea, stop including standard A/V cables with Blu-ray players

[Internet News]

Manufacturers, let me save you some money. It won’t be much, but something is better than nothing. But more importantly you would be helping out the consumers actually spending money on your products. So please, stop including standard A/V cables with Blu-ray players. We don’t need anymore of them, thankyouverymuch. Every household in America already [...]

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[GiovannaVisconti]

WHO does that? Certainly not Oppo or other high-end mfrs. Is that what the mid- and low-end guys are doing?

[stevekaden]

Oppo does include basic cables. I suppose for first level setup if you have a problem. We need a free cable exchange - where the manufactures can gather surplus cables and put them back in the boxes! (I realize the problems). I just know that when I went all HDMI, and cut back some of my extras (sold the Laser, dumped the S-Video VCRs), I ended up with a crate of spare cables. I give them to anyone who is not looking!!

[GiovannaVisconti]

Hi, Steve,

Uh-oh, my bad. You're right. My Oppos DO have them...I just never opened the bag(s) and left 'em in the box(es) so I forgot they were there.

I DO need composite hookup in order to copy tapes to DVD. But I've enough Cardas MicroTwin and High-Speed Data cables for that purpose. So I agree. Your idea's a good one. I've got enough older, standard cables hanging in a closet to make draperies out of them!

Giovanna

[stevekaden]

I didn't think of that, I need to line the curtains over the big windows for light and sound control...I could split the cables into singles and start weaving them into a mat!

I tend to leave the factory stuff in the box, and the box, resale later (I tend to go through a lot of players - though I am stable with my Oppos).

Given the quality vs. cost to manufacture, the 3-wire composite cable probably cost the manufactures pennies - so they waste the material for most all of the audience, to simply not get a mean review for 'shorting' the customer. Sad - too bad cost does not include societal impacts - we'd act like adults! (and all go HDMI immediately).

[GiovannaVisconti]

<LOL> An entire cottage industry there: draperies from old A/V cables...the newest thing on HGTV's Design on a Dime!

You are correct too, I think, in assuming there'd always be complaints that the mfr. is "shorting" someone if they didn't include those cables (which are never of particularly good quality to begin with).

Can't say I'll remain entirely HDMI, however. Oppo has offered an u/g to their SE edition for those of us who bought the BDP-83 before 11/9. I'm going to do it because given their description of the changes which would be made, I cannot see how the audio improvements in this upgrade aren't a tremendous sonic advantage. I care as much (if not more) about the audio side of the BDP-83 as I do the video end.

Giovanna

[stevekaden]

SE? I haven't been paying attention - I found info...whoa....$899. I don't do analog audio, so I will pass, but it sounds very good - some early owners are raving. I guess they really want to take some Denon market share.

[GiovannaVisconti]

If you were to buy the Special Edition NEW, it would cost $899, but if you bought the 83 BEFORE 11/9, you save $100 off that price when you return the unit to Oppo for the upgrade. So the actual charge for an unpgraded 83 is TOTAL $799. It's $299 for the upgrade (added to the original cost of $499). You pay shipping to Mountain View; they pick up the return charges.

It is worth it to me after reading their description of the audio upgrades, but may not be for everyone.

"BDP-83 Special Edition Upgrade Option for Existing Customers:

Note: Limited time offer only - expires on December 31, 2009. The Special Edition enhances only the analog audio connection (Stereo, 5.1ch or 7.1ch). This upgrade does not enhance the HDMI output. If you use HDMI as your only audio connection, then we do not recommend this upgrade.

This option is only for BDP-83 users who purchased their player before November 9, 2009.
Our return policy does not apply to this upgrade. Once the upgrade has begun on your unit, the upgrade fee is non-refundable.
The upgrade will involve the replacing of the following parts from the customer's original player:

1. Audio Board
2. Power Supply Board
3. Back Panel with RS232 port.

With the upgrade, the audio performance will be identical to the Special Edition player. However, the upgrade does not include replacing the front panel since it does not affect audio performance. As a result, there will be no “Special Edition” mark printed on the front panel. A Special Edition decal sticker will be provided for you to optionally place on the front panel.
The cost of the upgrade is $299 while a brand new BDP-83SE costs $899. This represents a $100 saving for existing BDP-83 customers willing to accept the non-replaceable front panel.
Customers can pay for the upgrade via our online store."

Giovanna