Blu Ray?

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ping182nz

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Master Geek

#112495 11-Dec-2012 09:46

Hi,

I am looking for a good Blu Ray drive for my HTPC.

Can anyone recommend a good one?

I just want to read blu ray, so no writer needed.

What should I look for?

I was looking at the following...

http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=9400642

http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=398951

any help would be good...

Thanks

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#730231 11-Dec-2012 10:09

In my HTPC rig a few years ago I just had a cheapie Liteon drive. Worked a treat. I used TotalMedia Theatre HD as the interface as it was able to launch from within Windows Media Center. I'm sure things have integrated even better these days software wise, but the drive itself was great for it's price.

Those two you've linked both look fine to me, I'd go with the cheapest one!

Behodar

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#730278 11-Dec-2012 11:14

I've had an LG Blu-ray writer for about four years now and it still works perfectly so I'd say go for it :)

B1GGLZ

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#730366 11-Dec-2012 12:36

gehenna:

Those two you've linked both look fine to me, I'd go with the cheapest one!

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They're both cheaper than PBTech's price in Auckland.

Nety

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#730420 11-Dec-2012 13:25

Just keep in mind and as mentioned you will need to get software as well. I use TMT and it is great although I am now several versions behind.

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Blanch

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#730586 11-Dec-2012 16:12

I've had no problems with the LG, like Nety said make sure you get the software with it and you need to connect to your monitor/ TV with HDMI or DVI not VGA.

andrewdixon1000

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Master Geek

#730671 11-Dec-2012 17:29

I have the LG model you linked to and have never had any problems with it.

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Snowflake

#730990 11-Dec-2012 23:59

I've just stuck an LG in my HTPC and its all good.

The only thing I don't like is the bundled software - CyberLink PowerDVD old version. I uninstalled that and grabbed a copy of Arcsoft TotalMediaTheatre instead.

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ping182nz

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Master Geek

#731108 12-Dec-2012 09:05

Thanks for all the advice, looks the LG is the one... It has a access time lower than the asus so that should be better.

Kopkiwi

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#731781 13-Dec-2012 09:18

Can anyone recommend a good blu-ray ripper? Want to rip my movies and store them on external HDD.

gehenna

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#731785 13-Dec-2012 09:21

AnyDVD HD does Blu-ray from memory.

Bear in mind format shifting of video is restricted in NZ. We're only allowed to format shift music by law.

Kopkiwi

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#731821 13-Dec-2012 10:03

gehenna: AnyDVD HD does Blu-ray from memory.

Bear in mind format shifting of video is restricted in NZ. We're only allowed to format shift music by law.

Sorry meant blu-ray drive, rather than software.

I'm in the "I own it, I store it how I want to" camp :-D

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#731829 13-Dec-2012 10:14

Nety: Just keep in mind and as mentioned you will need to get software as well.

Does Windows still not offer an inbuilt solution for this yet?
What about windows 8?

I remember right from the start with DVD you had to add your own program for this first, and then you could use the Media player for playing DVD's. Like you had to add a codec pack and that sort of rubbish. You'd think they would have provided this by now?

Kopkiwi

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#732070 13-Dec-2012 14:55

Kopkiwi: Can anyone recommend a good blu-ray ripper? Want to rip my movies and store them on external HDD.

No-one?

sidefx

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#732075 13-Dec-2012 15:05

Jaxson:
Does Windows still not offer an inbuilt solution for this yet?
What about windows 8?

I remember right from the start with DVD you had to add your own program for this first, and then you could use the Media player for playing DVD's. Like you had to add a codec pack and that sort of rubbish. You'd think they would have provided this by now?

Nope. There were rumours and reports that media center pro add-on for Windows 8 would add blu-ray playback, but these have been debunked. I think the cost of licensing for blu-ray playback is quite prohibitive; hence the high costs for powerdvd\TMT.

It's pretty much why I think I'll skipping actually playing back direct from blu-ray when I do get a blu-ray drive - instead I'll just rip to harddrive using MakeMKV and playback from there. (yes yes I know "technically illegal" but honestly I'm not going to worry or feel too bad about it...)

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#732076 13-Dec-2012 15:08

sidefx:I think I'll skipping actually playing back direct from blu-ray when I do get a blu-ray drive - instead I'll just rip to harddrive using MakeMKV and playback from there.

True, use it as a data device rather than a video player. Good idea.

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