Andrew Everard:As Clare says, we want to be absolutely sure that the model we're testing is exactly as the one you'll be able to buy: the sample we have didn't even come with an instruction book.
Good point, though every player released has been updated on the firmware front through it's product lifecycle and although it's a pain, at least on the Oppo it's a mind bogglingly simple task of download, unzip, transfer to memory stick, stick in player, and hey presto. But I guess you need to be sure.
Oppo update the manual on-line whenever they upgrade the firmware, as it's understood that as features evolve the old manual becomes out of date. Though, having said that, you have to start with "something"!