Though it is apparently very early in the development stages, we can expect to see a Blu-ray player from Oppo Digital.

If you don’t know about Oppo, it manufactures very affordable universal, upscaling DVD players that have garnered much critical recognition for producing quality images that rival those of four-figure upconverting players.

Also, their players support NTSC as well as PAL DVDs, plus surround audio formats DVD-A and SACD.

From what I’ve read online, Oppo’s a big hit in the DIY theater community for those who wanted to upscale DVDs to 720p, 1080i and 1080p, enjoy 7.1 channel audio output and didn’t want to take the plunge into the now-deceased high-def format war.

Word comes from Engadget HD, via a post by a “super moderator” in a forum over at DBSTalk.com who spoke to Oppo VP of product development Jason Laio, who told the moderator that Oppo is definitely working on a Blu-ray player but is early in the development cycle.

That’s good news to those who are already fans of Oppo, and keeping fingers crossed that the company will bring its qualities of affordablility and high performance to the Blu-ray market.

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!