Oppo Digital

Lore & Background

Oppo Digital was established in 2004 in Menlo Park, California, as an overseas division of the Chinese multinational electronics company Oppo. It sold all of its products exclusively online. The company initially focused on video equipment, introducing DVD-to-1080p upconversion players in 2007 and 2008, and a 'universal' Blu-ray player in 2009 that was compatible with DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD formats. In 2014, Oppo Digital entered the personal audio market, releasing the PM-1 headphones and HA-2 portable headphone amplifier/DAC, both of which won EISA 'Best Product' awards. In April 2018, the company announced it was stopping production and development of new products but would continue to support existing customers. That same year, it discontinued production of all Blu-ray players.

Reader's Guide

Oppo Digital's significance lies in its dual impact on both the home theater and personal audio markets. The company gained recognition for its Blu-ray players, particularly the BDP-83, which offered high-end features at a relatively low price. A notable controversy arose when a review revealed that Lexicon's BD-30 Blu-ray player, retailing for $3500, was identical in chassis and internal components to the Oppo BDP-83, which sold for $500, with no performance differences detected. The Lexicon player had also received THX certification despite reportedly failing fundamental THX tests, and evidence of that certification later largely disappeared from the THX website. In personal audio, Oppo Digital's PM-1 headphones and HA-2 amplifier/DAC earned EISA awards, marking the company's successful entry into that market. The company's decision to cease production in 2018 ended a 14-year run of online-only sales, leaving a legacy of well-regarded products and a notable industry controversy.

Did You Know?

• The company conducted all of its sales online.
• In 2010, a review revealed that the Lexicon BD-30 Blu-ray player was identical in chassis and internal components to the Oppo BDP-83, which cost $500 compared to the Lexicon's $3500.