The previous few years haven’t been type to the Blu-ray format. With the ever-increasing recognition of video streaming providers, bodily video codecs resembling DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD 4K Blu-ray aren’t even on the radar of shoppers anymore; regardless that the video high quality of streaming content material nonetheless doesn’t match that of the very best Blu-ray or UHD 4K Blu-ray Discs.
Consequently, Samsung stopped making disc gamers in 2019, and Sony, Panasonic, and LG have had the identical DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD Blu-ray gamers within the product line-up for over two years.
Nonetheless, it was the announcement in 2018 that Oppo Digital, maker of reference normal Blu-ray/UHD Blu-ray gamers for shoppers and professionals was ceasing manufacturing that made videophiles take discover that the way forward for Blu-ray wasn’t as safe as as soon as thought. Nonetheless, even with their discontinuation, current Oppo gamers are nonetheless utilized in high-end residence theater, video modifying suites, and as video supply gadgets at commerce reveals.
Because of this demand for high-end disc gamers, two corporations have sprung as much as fill the hole, Reavon, and Magnetar Audio.
The Magnetar UDP900
What’s getting essentially the most consideration proper now (Spring 2023) is the approaching launch of the Magnetar UDP900 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc participant. This participant is designed to ship high-end video and audio efficiency for each high-end video and audio methods.
Options
Common Participant: Because of this the UDP900 can play virtually any video or audio disc format. On the video aspect that features DVD, Blu-ray (together with 3D), UHD Blu-ray, Audio CDs, DVD-Audio, and SACD discs.
4K: For video, the UDP900 can’t solely upscale video sources to 4K however can output native 4K decision when enjoying UHD Blu-ray Discs.
HDR: Further video help contains compatibility with HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Imaginative and prescient codecs.
Encompass Sound: On the house theater aspect, the UDP900 is appropriate with most encompass sound codecs together with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Onboard Audio Decoding or Go-By: The UDP900 can decode encompass sound codecs internally and go audio out by way of HDMI or its 7.1 channel analog audio outputs, or simply go the format undecoded utilizing bitstream passthrough for decoding by an AVR or AV Preamp/Processor relying on the wants of your system.
Tip: With a purpose to use the 7.1 channel analog output possibility, you want an AVR, AV Preamp/Processor, or a mixture of energy amplifiers that may present a complete of seven.1 channel analog inputs.
Pure Audio: The UDP900 additionally shines with audio playback from DVD-Audio, SACD, and different Hello-Res Audio codecs (by way of HDMI or USB). For extra audio high quality help, Pure Audio Mode bypasses all unneeded video and audio processing to offer uncompressed audio freed from interference.
DACs: ESS9038PRO DACs used for the 2-channel XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced outputs. An ESS9028PRO DAC is used to arrange 7.1 RCA analog outputs. Assist for XMOS USB Audio enter can be supported.
Audio Connectors: The UDP900 has premium stereo XLR gold-plated balanced and stereo RCA gold-plated unbalanced outputs.
Circuit Assist: To help high-end audio efficiency, the UDP900 incorporates a 4-layer PCB circuit board the place every audio channel is designed with unbiased wiring.
Community Connectivity: Though the UDP900 doesn’t have any streaming options, you’ll be able to entry content material from native community gadgets (PCs, Laptops, Media Servers, NAS Drives) by way of Ethernet connectivity by means of a house router (the UDP900 can be DLNA appropriate).
Tip: The UDP900 can even entry internet-based BD-Reside content material related to particular Blu-ray disc titles.
Strong Construct: Along with video and audio efficiency, the UDP900 has an all-aluminum alloy physique and a strengthened double-layer chassis construction. The inner foremost elements are independently shielded by a steel case. This reduces vibration, noise, and exterior magnetic area interference.
Specification (continued)
- Disc Assist: UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD Audio, AVCHD SACD, Audio CD, Kodak Image CD, CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R/RE
- Further Video File Assist: MKV, AVI, MP4
- Video Output Decision (HDMI 2.0b): 4K UHD / 1080p24 / 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p / 576i / 480p / 480i
- Audio Output (HDMI 2.0b): As much as 7.1 channel 24-bit/192kHz PCM, as much as 5.1 channel DSD, Bitstream (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X)
- Further Audio File Assist: WAV, FLAC, APE, DSD
- Audio Output (Optical/coaxial): 2 channel/192kHz PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS
- Audio Outputs (Multi-channel Analog): 8 RCA unbalanced
- Audio Outputs (Stereo Analog): XLR balanced (1) and RCA unbalanced output (1)
- Audio-only Enter: USB (gives as much as 16TB onerous drive help along with USB flash drives)
- Dimensions (with toes): 445 x 321 x 133 mm (17.52 x 12.64 x 5.24 inches)
- Weight: 15.5Kg (34.17lbs)
Availability and Pricing
The Magnetar UDP900 might be out there for $2,700 within the US, £2,200 within the UK, and €2,490 within the EU when it launches. The precise launch date is forthcoming. Checklist of Magnetar International Distributors.
Tip: Worth Electronics is a licensed US Supplier for the Magnetar UDP900.
Benefits of Bodily Media
You possibly can’t afford to buy all of your favourite content material on bodily media, however regardless of the arrival of streaming, it nonetheless has a priceless position to play. Listed below are three issues to contemplate:
- It’s not assured that your favourite film or present will all the time be out there on a streaming service. Most streaming providers cycle content material out and in on a month-to-month foundation.
- When you purchase a digital model of a film, it could not stay accessible over the long run, regardless of assurances by the streaming/obtain service you “bought” it from.
- Not like bodily media, a streaming or digital model will be altered, censored, or eliminated for a wide range of causes together with the altering winds of political or cultural requirements.
