Audio Video News

Oppo today announced the availability of a firmware update that adds MQA decoding to its UDP-205 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the $1,299 audiophile version of the UDP-203, one of Sound & Vision’s 2017 Top Picks.

With the update, the UDP-205 becomes the first 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray player to incorporate the high-resolution Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) platform invented by Bob Stuart, co-founder of British high-end audio company Meridian. MQA enables high-resolution master recordings to be “folded” into a standard-size file that can be easily downloaded or streamed.

When a user navigates through music files using an updated UDP-205’s “Music” app, the player will be able to identify and decode MQA-encoded files. Oppo described the firmware update as the company’s first step in supporting MQA, with support for MQA-CD and MQA decoding for the player’s USB DAC and coaxial/optical inputs coming in the future.

Existing UDP-205 owners can update their players using Oppo’s online firmware update feature if the player is connected to the Internet. The firmware update is also available for download at oppodigital.com.

While all newly produced players will support MQA from the factory, Oppo says players from stores' existing inventory will need to be updated.

“Delivering reference audio performance has always been the core feature of the Oppo UDP-205 universal player,” said Jason Liao Oppo’s chief technology officer. “Our audiophile customers will enjoy the lifelike and engaging listening experience with the studio master sound quality provided by MQA.”

For more detail on the firmware update, visit oppodigital.com.

Related:

Onkyo Inks Hi-Res Music Deals with Japanese Labels

What Is MQA?

MQA-Enabled Smartphone, Sony Walkmans on the Way

Hi-Res Label Unamas to Release 10 MQA Recordings

MQA Comes to CD

Audio Statesman: Meridian Founder Bob Stuart; see page 2 of the interview for Stuart’s take on MQA