LITE-ON BH-401S 4x BLU-RAY COMPUTER DRIVE FOR ONLY $199.99 LIST PRICE

[HDTV1080P]

The Pioneer 5X Blu-RAY read only computer drive with DVD and CD writing capabilities use to be the cheapest way to play BLU-RAY discs on ones computer. Now Lite-on is going to release soon a 4X internal BLU-RAY ROM drive for a list price of $199.99 and with a street price around $164 according to a reliable source of mine. The model number of the new Lite-on brand drive is DH-401S. It is not as good of quality as the Pioneer drive but for a $100 less in price some people will want it. Since BLU-RAY drives are under $200 for PC’s now with the launch of this new drive perhaps many PC owners will start watching BLU-RAY movies on 1080P HDCP compatible computer monitors.
Pioneer BDC-2202B (black) List price $299.99 (mail order street price around $251)
Pioneer BDC-2202A (Beige) List price $299.99 (mail order street price around $251)
LITE-ON DH-401S List price $199.99 (mail order street price will be around $164). (4X internal BLU-RAY ROM)

Here is a link to one of the best video cards one can purchase to watch HDTV movies on a PC. The card has 2 DVI HDCP outputs with a DVI to HDMI adapter and is fully compatible with BLU-RAY and HD-DVD media. The price is $499.99 which is a good deal since this is the cheapest card on the market with 1GB of memory. Most video cards with 1GB of memory run $1500-$2700 dollars.
http://www.diamondmm.com/2900XT1GPE.php

[gvortex7]

I just don't feel comfortable with LiteOn even though I'd like to. My first ever dvd burner 5 years ago was a LiteOn and that had compatibility and firmware issues. It worked well with certain blank media brands (very few) and not at all with many (most major brands). And its firmware was almost impossible to upgrade.

I must admit that $164 price tag is very attractive, but my prior history with the brand makes me a bit cautious. If it turns out that I'm wrong about this drive, then this'll be my first Blu-ray drive.

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

I just don't feel comfortable with LiteOn even though I'd like to. My first ever dvd burner 5 years ago was a LiteOn and that had compatibility and firmware issues. It worked well with certain blank media brands (very few) and not at all with many (most major brands). And its firmware was almost impossible to upgrade.

I must admit that $164 price tag is very attractive, but my prior history with the brand makes me a bit cautious. If it turns out that I'm wrong about this drive, then this'll be my first Blu-ray drive.

Years ago when I was testing blank media and DVD burners the Pioneer drives were the best quality drives since they would burn any brand of disc and other brands had issues. I have not done any testing in years to see if things have changed but in general Pioneer most of the time has the best quality control.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

Years ago when I was testing blank media and DVD burners the Pioneer drives were the best quality drives since they would burn any brand of disc and other brands had issues. I have not done any testing in years to see if things have changed but in general Pioneer most of the time has the best quality control.

Yup, Pioneer is all I have in every pc at home. I have also upgraded my parent's and my sister's PC with Pioneer DL burners as well.