Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray player review

At a time when UHD Blu-ray players are coming down in price, and may soon even reach mainstream acceptance (though that day still feels some way off), Oppo has come out with an expensive yet feature-packed device aimed at enthusiasts.

It’s certainly a very capable device, with loads of support for codecs, file types and disc formats, but the lack of streaming service apps may disappoint.

We liked

Amazing audio and visual reproduction, fantastic build quality, flexibility thanks to a HDMI-in port and wide support for codecs and disc types make this a formidable media player.

Built-in Wi-Fi is also nice to have, so you don't have to buy a separate dongle.

We disliked

The lack of streaming apps is understandable, but still a shame. The price is also very high considering that there are very capable players (such as the Panasonic DMP-UB700) that may not have quite as many features, but come in at almost half the price.

Final verdict

If you’ve been holding out for a UHD Blu-ray player that features cutting-edge technology, is future-proof with Dolby Vision support, and can play pretty much any disc or file that you throw at it, then the Oppo UDP-203 is worthy of your attention.

4K visuals and lossless audio tracks are reproduced fantastically, and the solid build quality and attention to detail helps the Oppo UDP-203 feel like a truly high-end piece of kit – which it is, thanks to that high price tag.

If you’re not that interested in SACDs or some of the more esoteric features of the Oppo UDP-203, then you’re probably better off looking at a cheaper UHD Blu-ray player.

But for those who want the ultimate home theatre setup, with money no object, the Oppo UDP-203 is easily one of the best Blu-ray players money can buy.