Super Audio CD-compatible Blu-ray Disc players

Here is, in random order, an overview of available and announced 'universal disc players' that feature Blu-ray Disc as well as SACD playback. Most of them also support DVD-Audio.

'Universal Disc Player', plays Blu-ray Disc and multichannel Super Audio CD (the front features both logos prominently) plus other important formats. Like many other Marantz players before it this model also supports DVD-Audio playback.

Available from August 2009.

¥577,500 / USD 5,999 (about EUR 4,300)

The set will support BD-ROM (BD-Video and BDMV), BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R/RW, SA-CD, CD, CD-R/RW. There's no mention of VCD or SVCD (but who wants to play such low-resolution formats in this HD age?) nor of DVD+R/RW (though there's a good chance those will play anyway).

Furthermore there's support for DivX6, WMA, MP3 and JPEG. The set also features an SD/SDHC slot. Of course it has HDMI output but it's not clear whether DSD streaming is provided on it or only via the proprietary 'Denon Link'. BD-Live (profile 2.0) is promised as an upgrade. Until then you'll have to make do with BonusView (profile 1.1).

Available in black and silver from January 2009.

(US typenumer: Denon DBP-4010UDCI)

Somewhat more affordable universal player from Denon which also plays BD 2.0, SACD and DVD-Audio. Features Denon Link for DSD output, but according to the manual only low-resolution PCM output via HDMI in case of SACD playback.

Available in silver (Japan) and black

¥252,000 / USD 1,999

Announced as reference quality universal disc transport.

Likely shares components with Oppo BDP-83, including VRS by Anchor Bay. HDMI 1.3 port provides 36-bit and 30-bit Deep Color video output as well as DSD and LPCM audio output. Also features RS-232 port for custom home theater integration.

Announced as the first THX-certified Blu-ray Disc player. Plays BD (with BonusView and BD-Live), DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, CD, etc.

Features an RS-232 port for home control systems.

Launch September 2009 at CEDIA.

Same specs as the Oppo BDP-83. Features on-board Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding.

Available per November 2009

USD 699

EUR 799

Another 'universal player' in the Oppo tradition. Plays Blu-ray Disc, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, HDCD, etc.

Features USB ports, 7.1-Channel Analog Output, BD-Live, Bonus View and DVD Upconversion to 1080p.

The Oppo BPD-83 'Special Edition' has anhanced analog audio processing, relevant for those who like to use it for playback of SACD and/or DVD-Audio via analog outputs rather than via HDMI with offboard processing. The upgrade includes a new analog audio stage power based on the ESS Sabre32 Ultra and Premier DACs and an improved power supply. The Special Edition also includes the RS-232 remote control port, which is optional for the regular BDP-83.

Cost-down version of the BDP-83. Almost all of the same features as BDP-80 such as SACD, DVD-Audio, HDCD, BD-Live, USB, DSD output via HDMI etc. except: no DVD 24p conversion; no dedicated analog stereo output (shared with the 7.1ch out); analog SACD output is converted from PCM rather than DSD direct; no IR I/O; no RS-323 control port; a glow-in-the-dark remote instead of a back-lit one.

Claimed to play SACD. This might be an error e.g. playback of (the CD layer of) hybrid SACDs may be meant.

Should have shipped in March 2008 but the company's product page has not yet been updated since.

Single-disc BD, DVD, SA-CD, CD player; as BDP-S570 plus Blu-ray 3D playback

Release Summer 2010. See news.

Single-disc BD, DVD, SA-CD, CD player; as BDP-S370 plus IP Content Noise Reduction; Built-in Wi-Fi Wireless (802.11)

Release Spring 2010. See news.

Single-disc BD, DVD, SA-CD, CD player;BRAVIA Internet Video and BD-LIVE; Gracenote look-up; WiFi-ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately); DVD upscaling to 1080p; BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch remote control – free app.); Photo/Music/Video Playback via USB and DLNA; Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding. No DVD-Audio playback, of course.

Release Spring 2010. See news.

1000W Full HD 1080p BD, DVD, CD, SA-CD 5.1 channel home theater system; as BDV-E570W with Blu-ray 3D playback.

Release Summer 2010 in North America. See news.

1000W Full HD 1080p BD, DVD, CD, SA-CD 5.1 channel home theater system; as BDV-E570W with integrated S-AIR wireless rear speaker; WiFi-ready with included USB Wireless LAN adapter (802.11)

Release Spring 2010 in North America. See news.

1000W Full HD 1080p BD, DVD, CD, SA-CD 5.1 channel home theater system with iPod audio playback via USB and same functionality as BDP-S370; S-AIR ready for wireless rear and wireless multi-room speakers (sold separately)

Release Spring 2010 in North America. See news.

Product details to follow.

Release June 2010 in Europe. See news.

Product details to follow.

Release March 2010 in Europe. See news.

Product details to follow.

Release March 2010 in Europe. See news.