BD-ROM Drive

[Squirelly666]

Does anyone know if there are any plans to release a PC based BD-ROM drive? All I can find are writers.

I am upgrading my media center pc, and am going to have both HDDVD & BR in it, but don't see the point of a burner as I never use it to write discs. I'm already using the XBOX360 Drive for HD-DVD duties and it works great, now all I need is a BR solution.

[Rasczak]

Nothing has been announced so far AFAIK - I should imagine alot of other PC builders would like the same.

[jamiev]

are there any rw drives yet?
any rw software out yet?

[Rasczak]

Yes, you can get BluRay rewriters from LG, Sony and Pioneer - bit pricey though and will soon be overtaken by faster and cheaper models.

[sinizterguy]

I dont really see the point in releasing writers if the technology used within it is going to be the same (i.e. same set of lasers etc).

But if they do use different components and can be made cheaper, then a BD-ROM would be a good addition to the range available.

I think the manufacturers intended Blu-ray on PC as a storage medium rather than an option to watch movies - which they would prefer you to do on hi-def screens using dedicated players.

[Paul Mela]

Blu-ray drives are available from places like overclockers uk

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/produc...d=10&subid=314

They start at around £440.Its an option i'm looking into plus a 360 hd-dvd for a complete htpc setup.

[ani4ani]

Originally Posted by Squirelly666

Does anyone know if there are any plans to release a PC based BD-ROM drive? All I can find are writers.

I am upgrading my media center pc, and am going to have both HDDVD & BR in it, but don't see the point of a burner as I never use it to write discs. I'm already using the XBOX360 Drive for HD-DVD duties and it works great, now all I need is a BR solution.

Are you using the Japanese version of WinDVD? If so, does it perform well? What CPU do you have?

[Squirelly666]

I'm using the new PowerDVD Ultra. Works great.

PC Spec is S479 Core Duo T2500 (2.0Ghz) Mobile CPU, 1GB DDR2 Ram, Radeon X1600 HDMI PCI-E GFX Card, Windows Vista MCE. Passes all the tests on BlueRay/HD Advisor, and plays all the HD-DVD movies I've thrown at it fine.

Biggest problem at the moment is that the discs don't play inside the MediaCentre application on Vista, just get an error informing me that I have no HD-DVD software installed. I've also notice that when you install the software, it installs either a BD, or HD-DVD version, not both so the claims on the website (Ultra plays both HD/BD discs) is misleading at least.

I have currently got a support ticket open with cyberlink, but their fobbing me off with stock responses for more system info at the moment. I don't think they've added the MCE functionality, or both HD disc formats on the same machine support, yet but are trying not to admit it because their website clearly states that it does both of these.

If they don't sort it soon, I'm going to start demanding my money back.

[Bluetyler]

Originally Posted by sinizterguy

I think the manufacturers intended Blu-ray on PC as a storage medium rather than an option to watch movies - 'edited'.

I disagree, my Sony XL202 is specifically designed to move the PC to the living room as a multimedia device. It has a BD read/write drive included and playback of BD content on my KDL40X2000 (which pixel maps 1:1 at 1920x1080) is superb. With other media PC's from other major manufacturers hitting the streets this year I think the market for this type of 'PC/Media Player' will increase dramatically in 2007/8.

[mmace]

Originally Posted by Squirelly666

I've also notice that when you install the software, it installs either a BD, or HD-DVD version, not both so the claims on the website (Ultra plays both HD/BD discs) is misleading at least.

I have currently got a support ticket open with cyberlink, but their fobbing me off with stock responses for more system info at the moment.

they are lying on their website with the line "HD DVD and Blu-ray" the "and" should be "or", it took a while but I finally got a personal response from them rather than their standard replies that don't actually have anything to do with what you asked!

they told me it's one or the other, if you have both a BD and HD-DVD drive installed then BD is the default one it will install

not sure how they can get away with the wording on their site to be honest

[enablerbro1]

Have there been any announcements a to when cheaper OEMs will available? Any indication of price range? I've seen the ones for £400+ but you can almost get a PS3 for that.

[Paul Mela]

Bluetyler how are you finding the XL202, I went into my local sony centre to have a look at one only to be told by the staff that Blu-ray at the moment was a waste of time as its too expensive with too many problems (This from a sony centre????????) and to look at getting the XL201 (which they don't stock.

[Bluetyler]

Originally Posted by Paul Mela

Bluetyler how are you finding the XL202, I went into my local sony centre to have a look at one only to be told by the staff that Blu-ray at the moment was a waste of time as its too expensive with too many problems (This from a sony centre????????) and to look at getting the XL201 (which they don't stock.

Hi there

My own experience with Sony Centre staff is that they're probably not the best people in the world to advise you on purchasing products, a couple of the staff that I've spoken to reminded me of the spotty teenager working at 'Krusty's' in 'The Simpsons'. Trust me, their margin on Vaio's is pretty tight and I had a similar experience when I asked about the XL202, they tried to sell me a XL100 that they had on display that they were obviously trying to shift ahead of the Xl200 series arrival. I did get a good deal on my KDL40X2000 with 5 year warranty, but I pre-ordered my Xl202 from Sony Style, there are some better deals now from other suppliers.

In answer to your question, I've posted elsewhere about my XL202 see here
there also some more comments on previous and subsequent pages. In summary I'm extremely pleased (as are others) with the performance of this machine and would highly recommend it, especially if you have a 1080p panel to watch BD output.