New kid on the block (universal blu ray player)
Just noticed this very interesting player using the same QDEO processor that Oppo & Pioneer LX55 uses, plays the widest known formats, has twin HDMI & has built in wifi.
http://uk.asus.com/Multimedia/Bluray_HD_Media_Player/OPlay_BDS700/
It's got a younger sibling as well, with single HDMI output & optional wifi.
http://uk.asus.com/Multimedia/Bluray_HD_Media_Player/OPlay_BDS500/
The price? That's the best part! €219 for BDS700 & €189 for BDS500.
Any news of UK release date & a review?
Content can play directly from external storage devices via the included USB port.
Sound-wise, the O!Play BDS-700 Blu-ray player offers 7.1 channel surround sound mastered in Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD - and sports an independent audio-only HDMI port which Asus claims "guarantees improved high definition audio performance through a dedicated channel".
Nice one BB 
It looks like not a lot of difference between the 2 players having looked at the specifications, other than 2 hdmi's on the more more expensive model. +1 for a review of this.
Nice one BB
It looks like not a lot of difference between the 2 players having looked at the specifications, other than 2 hdmi's on the more more expensive model. +1 for a review of this.
Also, the older sibling has built-in wifi while the younger one requires an optional wifi adapter. Given the small cost difference between the two, it makes sense to go for BDS700 if you want wifi.
To me, it looks like a hybrid: media player & 3D blu ray player.
Yep agreed. I did notice however this was announced in March.... somewhere else
It's available to buy in Italy. We won't have to pay VAT to import it in UK. It costs less than half of the Oppo, & all other universal players in the market!
Translated review from a Russian site with detailed photos.
You are a naughty boy BB.... I've just spent £500 on a laptop, upgraded the HDD already & have some Balistix Ram on its way for it.
To say its a bit tempting is an understatement, even when finances just about allow
That's one I'd like to see up close. Specs are looking nice 
You are a naughty boy BB.... I've just spent £500 on a laptop, upgraded the HDD already & have some Balistix Ram on its way for it.
To say its a bit tempting is an understatement, even when finances just about allow
Go on. You know you want it! >)
I hope it makes its UK debut soon. This is certainly very interesting! Asus has had some winning formulas in the past. Its Eee PC opened up a new sector in computing, although relatively short lived. The Transformer Prime is the most pre-ordered Android tablet in history. The ultra books have generated a buzz in ultraportables, & it's experimenting with products such as the Padfone.
This may just be another winner in its portfolio, if it markets it properly, & the quality lives up to Asus standards.
Go on. You know you want it! >)
I hope it makes its UK debut soon. This is certainly very interesting! Asus has had some winning formulas in the past. Its Eee PC opened up a new sector in computing, although relatively short lived. The Transformer Prime is the most pre-ordered Android tablet in history. The ultra books have generated a buzz in ultraportables, & it's experimenting with products such as the Padfone.
This may just be another winner in its portfolio, if it markets it properly, & the quality lives up to Asus standards.
I would like to see it in action with an external HDD NTFS formatted, playing divx, avi & vob files to name but a few. If the scaling is good enough with its video enhancer it may well be the ideal investment.
Good spot BB Doesn't look like it plays SACD tho?
Good spot BB Doesn't look like it plays SACD tho?
Hmmm....you're right. Doesn't look like it. Things will be more clear once it comes to the UK. Bear in mind that Asus doesn't have a network of AV dealers. I won't be surprised if you see it being sold in computer stores.
It definitely looks very smart!!
It's got a cool iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad / Android / Windows 7 phone / Blackberry / Symbian remote too!
My Home Cinema Pioneer KRP 500A, Yamaha RX-V1900, MA Radius R225HD LCR, R90HD rears, AW12 sub, Panasonic BD60, PS3, Boxee Box, Sky HD, Boxee Box, Logitech Harmony One, Logitech PS3 Adapter, Sonos ZP90
Bedroom Samsung UE32C6510, PS3 slim white, Apple TV, Sonos S5, Sonos ZP90, Audioengine 2, Oppo OPDV971H
Miscellaneous: Synology DS212J + 2 X WD Red 2TB drives, WD 1TB NAS, Sonos ZoneBridge, BT HH3 as modem & AirPort Extreme router