BIG Blu-Ray Audio drive from Universal Music in 2013

[Bleedink]

Try DVDFab. It will take the cinevision or whatever the he-- they call it out of the disc. Typically my experience with blu ray discs in general suggests that the copy protections change from disc to disc. Steven Wilson's discs seem to play as is. Pink Floyd had to be DVDfab'd to work without clicking and abrupt breakouts where there was nothing but static and nearly blew my yammy--which switched off thank god. Anyway-DVDfab will create either an iso or BDMV folder with a special folder called 'fab' which apparently fools the player into playing the disc. Had this with MANY discs, mostly movies, but bigger name artists most definitely will have it. If you can live without changing tracks (ie the album in one file) you can take the M2TS file out and copy it to a movie directory and use a DLNA program to play it without quality loss (providing your equip is up to it of course). While you won't be able to actually change tracks easily (without resorting to many more steps and programs) you can listen to entire albums very conveniently with the m2ts. I don't believe the individual m2ts files have the cinevision or what have you--DRM--that's taking place in some kind of java thing I think that is part of the folder structure not the individual m2ts file. I get DTS HD master sound, no dropouts, no clicks, no DRM. I also have to listen to the whole album. Hope this helps. If you update a BDP by Oppo you run the risk of not being able to play certain file types so be careful if you update. Most DLNA software and players can do m2ts no worries. See if yr hardware supports--usually if it can play blu ray it can play m2ts as that's really all blu ray is with DRM.

the PS3 tends to be pretty good with these BDA's (never had one play up with it on the Tom Petty's, Pink Floyd's, Aqualung, etc., so far) ..so if you've got a PS3, maybe give that a go? if not, I'm running out of ideas sorry!

 

[rtbluray]

Here's why I'm optimistic that Universal will use this "High-Fidelity, Pure Audio" campaign to release all of the classic Elton John titles in 5.1 surround.

From Greg Penny's email he sent me at the beginning of 2012 (Re: "Don't Shoot Me", "Caribou", "Rock of the Westies", and "Blue Moves" in 5.1):

There is an alternative in the works, so maybe someday soon you will see all the EJ titles that I have remixed in surround re released as discs and available for download, playable and burnable with an easy codec.

And now there's mShuttle:
http://www.pureaudio-bluray.com/?page_id=288
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/blog/high-fidelity/one-release-so-many-formats

I’m a big admirer of Norwegian label 2L, and listening to its “Kind” recording I started delving deeper into what this two-disc package had to offer. On the surface, you have LPCM stereo and DTS-HD 5.0-channel, both at 192kHz/24-bit, on the Blu-ray disc, plus a hybrid CD/SACD disc in the same package.

However, with your Blu-ray player connected to a home network, you can also download the entire contents of the disc from the internet, in a choice of high-resolution 192kHz/24-bit or 96kHz/24-bit FLAC, CD-quality WAV or (for portable players) MP3.

Using a home computer on the same network, you can access your Blu-ray player via a web browser and, using proprietary mShuttle technology provided on the disc, download the additional content to your home computer.

:banana:

 

[Dixie4]

Pink Floyd had to be DVDfab'd to work without clicking and abrupt breakouts where there was nothing but static and nearly blew my yammy--which switched off thank god.

Do you think this could really be the case with my Rolling Stones disc, though ? ( When two of the audio options work ok )

 

[Robert van Diggele]

Yes it's set to bitstream, at some point this afternoon I changed that, and was playing back a film, and got no sound at all, so switched back to bitstream.
I'm just baffled that I play back DTS HD MA 5.1 for films, but can't play the option on this RS disc ( although, I have played one track, with DTS, and then the next always buzzes. ( there is no music, just buzzing ) It is definitely coming from front left....might be from others too ?

Playing the GRRR BD now. No problems with any of the three streams. I let my Oppo do the decoding and use analog out. So not fully comparible with your situation of course.

 

[Bleedink]

Very possible. For example, certain discs when bitstreamed would exhibit the strange behavior we have both described. Usually I find the stereo layer to be the least finicky. I generally have had better, not perfect, luck with the Oppo doing the processing and letting it output via analog. For whatever reason HDMI adds to the bad effects. So does bitstreaming. I also have found some discs play the lpcm layer fine but cough on the DTS HD...hit and miss depending on disc but you can be sure that Rolling Stones disc has some copy protection on it. Really DVDfab is very easy. Point it to the disc or iso and tell it how you want it back to you (folder or iso) and where you want it. It does all the lifting. It has made the difference between an unplayable disc and one that has given me many hours of enjoyment. Incidentally and completely off topic I've had similar probs with a couple SACDs (Michael Jackson Thriller for instance) that were solved by switching from bitstream to Lpcm--though it was played analog for whatever reason it would stop on Billy Jean and skip mercilessly. You can try that as well but I suspect your specific problem is related to DRM and nothing else. You didn't think these were going to come out without some extreme copy scheme right? I mean we can wish but let's be real...the studio's aren't going to release studio quality music if you have the ability to easily copy it. If there were a nail in DSD's coffin the SACD-R thing was it. While it has freed us from Sony, what group in their right mind would use a format that allows their studio masters to go all over the internet? I may not like it but I sort of get it. I mean the epitome of quality these days is measured by Mp3s and CDs are considered 'lossless' (?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?)...rant over!
Heh....someone beat me to the punch...let Oppo do the processing and use analog. My sentiments as well!

Do you think this could really be the case with my Rolling Stones disc, though ? ( When two of the audio options work ok )

 

[Dixie4]

Playing the GRRR BD now. No problems with any of the three streams. I let my Oppo do the decoding and use analog out. So not fully comparible with your situation of course.

Thanks for trying to help, Robert. Stupid question, but I struggle " cognitively " with everything, especially the more technical things are ! How do I set my Oppo to do the decoding ( if it already isn't already doing that ?? )

 

[Bleedink]

Change bitstream to LPCM...Oppo does the processing. Bitstream from Oppo and AVR does the processing (likely less well than the Oppo--why many of us use analog ports as well).

 

[Dixie4]

Very possible. For example, certain discs when bitstreamed would exhibit the strange behavior we have both described. Usually I find the stereo layer to be the least finicky. I generally have had better, not perfect, luck with the Oppo doing the processing and letting it output via analog. For whatever reason HDMI adds to the bad effects. So does bitstreaming. I also have found some discs play the lpcm layer fine but cough on the DTS HD...hit and miss depending on disc but you can be sure that Rolling Stones disc has some copy protection on it. Really DVDfab is very easy. Point it to the disc or iso and tell it how you want it back to you (folder or iso) and where you want it. It does all the lifting. It has made the difference between an unplayable disc and one that has given me many hours of enjoyment. Incidentally and completely off topic I've had similar probs with a couple SACDs (Michael Jackson Thriller for instance) that were solved by switching from bitstream to Lpcm--though it was played analog for whatever reason it would stop on Billy Jean and skip mercilessly. You can try that as well but I suspect your specific problem is related to DRM and nothing else. You didn't think these were going to come out without some extreme copy scheme right? I mean we can wish but let's be real...the studio's aren't going to release studio quality music if you have the ability to easily copy it. If there were a nail in DSD's coffin the SACD-R thing was it. While it has freed us from Sony, what group in their right mind would use a format that allows their studio masters to go all over the internet? I may not like it but I sort of get it. I mean the epitome of quality these days is measured by Mp3s and CDs are considered 'lossless' (?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?)...rant over!
Heh....someone beat me to the punch...let Oppo do the processing and use analog. My sentiments as well!

Thank you for the explanation. This is the only disc I've had trouble with....I hope it turns out to be a one off ! I don't really want to go down the softwear route, if I can avoid it.
How do you / or would you explain, someone else having an Oppo 93 like myself, and having no problem playing the RS disc ? ( This is my second copy, that won't play correctly )

 

[Dixie4]

Change bitstream to LPCM...Oppo does the processing. Bitstream from Oppo and AVR does the processing (likely less well than the Oppo--why many of us use analog ports as well).

Thanks, I think I did try that earlier.....but i'll try it again. ( No analog ports )

( Since updating my internet explorer my i's type I ) Isn't technology wonderful !!!

 

[fredblue]

Change bitstream to LPCM...Oppo does the processing. Bitstream from Oppo and AVR does the processing (likely less well than the Oppo--why many of us use analog ports as well).

I thought I suggested letting the Oppo decode it back in post #233 here.. and Rob tried it and still had DTS HD MA problems..!?

Now I'm confused..!! @:

 

[fredblue]

Thanks, I think I did try that earlier.....but i'll try it again.

there you go.. something is very up here! I'm fresh out of ideas, sorry Rob mate

 

[fredblue]

Thanks, I think I did try that earlier.....but i'll try it again.

( Since updating my internet explorer my i's type I ) Isn't technology wonderful !!!

I'll still came out as i'll..

only playing wiv ya!

 

[fredblue]

Here's why I'm optimistic that Universal will use this "High-Fidelity, Pure Audio" campaign to release all of the classic Elton John titles in 5.1 surround.

From Greg Penny's email he sent me at the beginning of 2012 (Re: "Don't Shoot Me", "Caribou", "Rock of the Westies", and "Blue Moves" in 5.1):


And now there's mShuttle:
http://www.pureaudio-bluray.com/?page_id=288
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/blog/high-fidelity/one-release-so-many-formats



:banana:

OH..!!!! YES..!!!! Excellent sleuthing..!!!! I think you just hit on a mega "Eureka" moment!!!

:bounce :worthy :bounce

Totally missed that, Greg Penny mentioned disc and downloadable codec in his response to you.. that's what these BDA's are going to be!

I'm now keeping everything crossed its not a total screw up and we get more than the 36 French trial titles..!!!!!

 

[Dixie4]

I'll still came out as i'll..

only playing wiv ya!

It's that OCD again !! ( Changed to LPCM, but can't try RS disc again just yet.....having a Will Young - Keep On, dual disc moment !!....which is brill !! )

 

[fredblue]

Very possible. For example, certain discs when bitstreamed would exhibit the strange behavior we have both described. Usually I find the stereo layer to be the least finicky. I generally have had better, not perfect, luck with the Oppo doing the processing and letting it output via analog. For whatever reason HDMI adds to the bad effects. So does bitstreaming. I also have found some discs play the lpcm layer fine but cough on the DTS HD...hit and miss depending on disc but you can be sure that Rolling Stones disc has some copy protection on it. Really DVDfab is very easy. Point it to the disc or iso and tell it how you want it back to you (folder or iso) and where you want it. It does all the lifting. It has made the difference between an unplayable disc and one that has given me many hours of enjoyment. Incidentally and completely off topic I've had similar probs with a couple SACDs (Michael Jackson Thriller for instance) that were solved by switching from bitstream to Lpcm--though it was played analog for whatever reason it would stop on Billy Jean and skip mercilessly. You can try that as well but I suspect your specific problem is related to DRM and nothing else. You didn't think these were going to come out without some extreme copy scheme right? I mean we can wish but let's be real...the studio's aren't going to release studio quality music if you have the ability to easily copy it. If there were a nail in DSD's coffin the SACD-R thing was it. While it has freed us from Sony, what group in their right mind would use a format that allows their studio masters to go all over the internet? I may not like it but I sort of get it. I mean the epitome of quality these days is measured by Mp3s and CDs are considered 'lossless' (?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?)...rant over!
Heh....someone beat me to the punch...let Oppo do the processing and use analog. My sentiments as well!

Just re-read your post..!! My Thriller SACD's been skipping lately like a mo'fo on Billie Jean..!! I'll try your LPCM trick! Thanks

 

[Dixie4]

Just re-read your post..!! My Thriller SACD's been skipping lately like a mo'fo on Billie Jean..!! I'll try your LPCM trick! Thanks

Thankfully, my MJ Thriller SACD plays perfectly.....NOW THAT WOULD BE A MAJOR CATASTROPHE, IF IT DIDN'T !!!

 

[Dixie4]

there you go.. something is very up here! I'm fresh out of ideas, sorry Rob mate

Adam, I've just tried the disc, after changing to LPCM. ( which i'm sure I did before....but knowing me !! ?? ) It seems fine now. I've switched from each audio option, Oppo states which option, but my receiver states LPCM 96, instead of DTS HD MA, Dolby True HD, e.t.c. ( I presume this is correct ? )

Thanks to all those who helped.......by the way, it sounds great !!

Thinking about it now, I think I originally had settings set to LPCM, changed to bit stream, at some point....moral of the story, don't change your settings !!

 

[Bleedink]

Adam, I've just tried the disc, after changing to LPCM. ( which i'm sure I did before....but knowing me !! ?? ) It seems fine now. I've switched from each audio option, Oppo states which option, but my receiver states LPCM 96, instead of DTS HD MA, Dolby True HD, e.t.c.

Thanks to all those who helped.......by the way, it sounds great !!

That's because the oppo is doing the DAC work (processing)-it is using yr AVR or such as a pre/pro rather than use it's DAC. It is still outputting the correct format--it is just travelling through analog or HDMI to amplify the signal to yr speakers. You are still getting DTS MA HD it's just been converted in the Oppo to an analog signal. In MOST cases the Oppo will process these far better than mid to high end AVRs. Use pure direct on yr AVR and you will be hearing just the Oppo. You may find you need to play around with different settings and choose to let AVR process depending on disc. For movies the dynamic range of the Oppo is too much and is difficult to hear--esp British TV. I bitstream in that case as my yammy tends to have less dynamics and operates several decibels louder. DTS itself requires HDMI BTW. Over analog you get static. If none of that works ya gotta use dvdfab or similar. Anytime you hear clicks it's prob DRM. Also did you try playing the m2ts file? That's the last workaround. Just remember Oppo and DLNA see m2ts as video files so you will find them under that menu or play from HDD through movies menu if files are local. I've yet to find one not able to play when divorced from bdmv folder. There will be a number of them in the stream folder of the bdmv folder structure. Pick the one whose size is congruent to the format you are trying to play and copy and paste it to your source (HDD, dlna). Easy cheesy.

 

[Dixie4]

That's because the oppo is doing the DAC work (processing)-it is using yr AVR or such as a pretty/pro rather than use it's DAC. It is still outputting the correct format--it is just travelling through analog or HDMI to amplify the signal to yr speakers. You are still getting DTS MA HD it's just been converted in the Oppo to an analog signal. In MOST cases the Oppo will process these far better than mid to high end AVRs. Use pure direct on yr AVR and you will be hearing just the Oppo. You may find you need to play around with different settings and choose to let AVR process depending on disc. For movies the dynamic range of the Oppo is too much and is difficult to hear--esp British TV. I bitstream in that case as my yammy tends to have less dynamics and operates several decibels louder. DTS itself requires HDMI BTW. Over analog you get static. If none of that works ya gotta use dvdfab or similar. Anytime you hear clicks it's prob DRM. Also did you try playing the m2ts file? That's the last workaround. Just remember Oppo and DLNA see m2ts as video files so you will find them under that menu or play from HDD through movies menu if files are local. I've yet to find one not able to play when divorced from bdmv folder. There will be a number of them in the stream folder of the bdmv folder structure. Pick the one whose size is congruent to the format you are trying to play and copy and paste it to your source (HDD, dlna). Easy cheesy.

Thank you for that, that's so helpful ! ( I feel so stupid, contacting Amazon to say I have a faulty disc ! ) My sound has got it's "zing" back. ( due to Oppo's PROCESSING ? ) Haven't tried a movie yet, but will adjust to bitstream if need be ?

 

[Bleedink]

Thank you for that, that's so helpful ! ( I feel so stupid, contacting Amazon to say I have a faulty disc ! ) My sound has got it's "zing" back. ( due to Oppo's PROCESSING ? ) Haven't tried a movie yet, but will adjust to bitstream if need be ?

Technically the disc is faulty if it requires a firmware update to play. Not stupid at all. I've been using an oppo for a while so I've learned how to get around most issues. The Oppo's DAC is likely to make a very audible difference from even a high end AVR. Glad you got er working. OOC were u playing the actual disc or doing it from NAS/HDD ( may think about it if you wanna save the disc)? You MAY find playing from the HDD to be better than disc.