Indeed. So, when I say I play blu-ray discs on the DMP, I’m making use of a few minor modifications beyond a stock DMP – namely an HDMI cable plugged into the HDMI port on the Oppo BDT-101 board and the USB-powered IR extender I discuss here. You see, the DMP does have a video out and it is fully functional. The following guide describes how to easily turn your DMP into a universal player.
- Unplug the DMP.
- Open the case. I describe this earlier in this thread.
- Plug a network cable into the nework port on the Oppo board. It will be pretty obvious where this is when you open the DMP. Use a cable long enough to reach from the DMP to your switch or router with a bit of slack. The network cable will allow you both access to streaming functions and provide an alternate remote control method as discussed below.
- Plug an HDMI cable into the port on the Oppo board. The HDMI cable goes to your TV, monitor, receiver, or HDMI switch. All you’ll be using this for is video.
- Drape the cables over the back of the DMP and gently re-seat the cover. You won’t be able to completely close it or put the screws back in, so make sure you keep the screws in a safe place (like a small ziplock bag taped to the back of the unit).
- Connect the cables to their destinations.
- Plug the DMP back in and ENERGIZE!
- Install the Oppo Media Control app on your Android device. If you’re Apple-flavored, go here.
If your network is appropriately configured, your new ‘Oppo’ should be able to find your network. Once it does, the Oppo 101 will show up as an available device in the Media Control app.
Select the ‘Remote’ icon at the bottom of the app. A virtual remote handpiece will be displayed across three screens. The top screen has a button labelled ‘Pure.’ If you tap it, the Pure Audio setting on the Oppo will toggle. By default, it is ON and disables the video out. When ‘OFF,’ the Oppo will display video across the HDMI cable.
Turn the Pure Audio setting off, load your favorite DVD-A or BD or movie, and have fun. SACD song titles will display on your virtual remote, too! The setting for HDCD is in the ‘Settings’ option (the Gear icon) on the main Oppo menu, though it appears that when it’s enabled, all CDs are seen by the DSD as 24-bit, which isn’t really desirable. I just turn it on if I’m playing a disc with peak extend enabled.
Don’t update the Oppo firmware - that may break things.
Turn the Pure Audio off when you’re just listening to audio - you’ll be back to the same level of audio purity you’ve previously enjoyed.
The network access also allows you to use your DMP as a streaming device – you can both cast files to it and use it to browse and play files on your network. It’s a bit clunky and, honestly, a $30 Roku with Plex works better.
You may also consider installing an IR extender as I described here. This allows you to use a standard Oppo remote handpiece and these are more responsive than the app.
At this point, you’ve done nothing irreversible. If you don’t like it, just unplug the cables and put the cover back on and your DMP will be restored to its previous level of crippled functionality.
I’ve taken this a step further and CNC’d holes in the rear panel, installed new ports, and added risers to the Oppo board to make the internal ports more accessible. It makes for a much cleaning looking unit and makes it possible to unplug the HDMI and network cables without opening the case.
If you pursue this option, cables like these might come in handy:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0746BYHPJ
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX86YD4
A word of warning: if you disassemble the rear panel, the SD card slot is somewhat difficult to reattach. Study it closely before disassembly.
Have fun with your Directstream Universal Memory Player!