OPPO Launches New Beta Firmware that Introduces HDR10+ Compatibility
Just hours ago, OPPO announced that a new Public Beta version of its UDP-20X firmware is now available for download. This particular update (designated as 64-1221B) adds HDR10+ support for compatible displays, in addition to a new “HDMI IN BYPASS” mode that allows external Dolby Vision signal passthrough via a player’s HDMI input. It’s also delivering “general fixes and disc compatibility improvements based on recent and upcoming UHD Blu-ray releases as well as user-submitted samples.”
HDR10+ was born as a collaboration between Samsung and Amazon Prime Video, taking aim at Dolby Vision’s high-performance metadata-anchored HDR format. It’s since gained Panasonic and 20th Century Fox as partners, while garnering support from more than 40 companies. It’s worth noting that the standard was adopted as part of the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification, and has finally emerged on two new commercial 4K Blu-ray releases (the IMAX Enhanced A Beautiful Planet and Journey to the South Pacific).
So, what’s the performance difference between the high-test formats?
Both technologies use metadata to remap color and brightness on a frame-by-frame basis. Dolby Vision, however, is designed to support 12-bit color, the larger Rec. 2020 color space, and up to 10,000 nits of brightness. HDR10+ only covers 10-bit color, the DCI P3 color space, and up to 4,000 nits of brightness. And while those differences seem rather distant, it’s important to keep in mind that most of the best modern TVs are only capable of operating within HDR10+’s standard (not to mention a dearth of content that can take advantage of Dolby Vision’s more advanced capabilities).
OPPO owners can update their players to the new Public Beta 64-1221B version by downloading the firmware from its web location and loading it onto a thumb drive or physical disc. According to OPPO, owners with players currently using firmware version 42-0329 or earlier should update to UDP20X-45-0605 first, while noting that anyone installing the new Public Beta firmware will not be able to revert back to any previous official or public beta firmware versions. So, proceed with caution and only install this new 64-1221B release if you’re interested in riding the cutting edge.
For more information, visit OPPO online.