New to blu ray. Have some questions

[Jeffro_Home]

Hello all,

This is my first post on what looks to be a great site for BD info.

I am purchasing a BD drive from a friend (Sony BWU-100A), along with a couple of re-writeable 25g discs.

I also have a PS3, so I am really looking forward to geeking out with this new piece of hardware.

A little background...

I am a HD nut, moreso, my own HD content. I have a Canon HV10 1080i HD camcorder that is usually attached to my hand most of the time. I also have an Xbox 360 with a HD DVD drive (it's connected to my HTPC instead of the 360). I am not looking to be bashed for having both formats. I am just going to be happy having BOTH, and now the ability to BURN.

I am also looking at this BD unit for file backup purposes. I currently use an external mirrored raid enclosure for my work files, and photos (raw HD stays on the tape for backups, TOO much space needed on hardrives's). I am wanting yet another backup (besides a mirrored raid array) for my work files, and digital photos.

So, my first question is, where to get affordable media for this drive (either 25g, or 50g)? I have found write once for ~$11, and re-writeable for ~$14. Are there any places you guys have sniffed out for a great deal on media?

Second question:
What applications are currently available for either authoring BD movies, or creating BD movie discs without fancy smancy menu's and extras? I use Adobe Premier Pro 2.0 for my HD editing, a truly incredible app IMO.

Third question:
What backup applications out there (preffered to be affordable) support the BD format? I can always "manually" do a backup via burning software, but I would very much prefer the "one click" type of manual backup.

Thanks for the help!

Jeff