Blu-ray drive - internal or external?

[chane]

Originally Posted by AmishParadise

The drives have been fantastic so far. I even installed custom firmware, so that the drives could read UHD Blu-ray's. Running AnyDVD HD in the background within Windows 7 making both drives Region Free. To watch Blu-ray's I use PowerDVD 18. For burning to disc I use ImgBurn.

And here's what the external's looked like before I swapped the drives out. Well, the one pictured on top. When installing the new drives I had to leave the front faceplate off the enclosures. I also had to drill new holes in the metal sleeves you slide the drives into in order to secure them. Fun, fun, fun.

Congrats on this great setup; much like I’m planning though I’ll be using JRiver player with AnyDvdHD. I enjoy using zoom for some moments during scenes in movies and TV shows; I think JRiver is the player that zoom. And what I’m hoping is that AnyDVDHD will remove the zoom locks on my Criterion Collection, Universal and Shout!Factory BDs. That would be so awesome. Question: Unlike Windows 7, will 10 or 11 cause problems for your player and/or RedFox?

[stonesfan129]

Is it just me or do Pioneer Blu-ray drives suck? I ended up junking my ASUS that I flashed for 4KBD. I still have my original ASUS that I never upgraded. I also have a Pioneer external that I use for writing discs. But I also got a Pioneer internal that I use for writing discs. Disc writing works just fine no problem. Reading discs always fails after about 2 mins no matter what software I use. What ever happened to Plextor? They made some great drives back in my CD ripping days.

[ElizabethGmail]

There are many things comes in the internal device of computer. And many devices come in the external devices.

[meremortal]

Anyone know of an external blu drive that will work on chromebook laptops running chromeOS?

[MrChopChop]

Originally Posted by meremortal

Anyone know of an external blu drive that will work on chromebook laptops running chromeOS?

They pretty much all work fine on Linux. Seeing as ChromeOS is based on Linux, in theory they should work on ChromeOS too. The software to play them though is probably an issue.

[Spooked]

So I just upgraded my desktop computer courtesy of Costco's current sale, but I want to add an external Blu-ray drive for watching movies. And I'm completely lost here. I figure it's a given that I'll have to pay for the latest CyberlinkDVD software, but figuring out which drive to get is seemly far more confusing than it should be.

Will this one work? It looks nice and seems well-built: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IPH6170/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2W0TEJ3MK1XP5&th=1

On the Cyberlink front, we're up to version 22, is that correct?

[D00mM4r1n3]

I currently have an internal on one system and external on another, they both work great. If you only want to play movies that one is fine although there are cheaper options. I would recommend the Asus BW-16D1HT if you ever want to back up movies, it can read 4K discs with certain software that can't be discussed here. No 4K playback though, Cyberlink and Intel killed that. Also, any recent version of PowerDVD will work, it doesn't have to be the latest and you don't need to upgrade each year.

[Spooked]

Originally Posted by D00mM4r1n3

I currently have an internal on one system and external on another, they both work great. If you only want to play movies that one is fine although there are cheaper options. I would recommend the Asus BW-16D1HT if you ever want to back up movies, it can read 4K discs with certain software that can't be discussed here. No 4K playback though, Cyberlink and Intel killed that. Also, any recent version of PowerDVD will work, it doesn't have to be the latest and you don't need to upgrade each year.

Thanks! I'm not sure I'm worried about 4K discs for it - I'd like to keep it as simple as possible. Hopefully Cyberlink isn't as bloated and ridiculous as it looks.

[LexInHD]

Originally Posted by Spooked

So I just upgraded my desktop computer courtesy of Costco's current sale, but I want to add an external Blu-ray drive for watching movies. And I'm completely lost here. I figure it's a given that I'll have to pay for the latest CyberlinkDVD software, but figuring out which drive to get is seemly far more confusing than it should be.

Will this one work? It looks nice and seems well-built: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IPH6170/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2W0TEJ3MK1XP5&th=1

On the Cyberlink front, we're up to version 22, is that correct?

Just get the LG UHD-BD desktop drive and a Vantec NexStar optical drive enclosure to house it, from Amazon. That and a long-enough USB 3.0 cable are all that you need, so long as you have a compatible Intel CPU and GPU in the new computer. PowerDVD 22 is the current version and 23 comes out early next year, probably around April.

[Spooked]

Originally Posted by LexInHD

Just get the LG UHD-BD desktop drive and a Vantec NexStar optical drive enclosure to house it, from Amazon. That and a long-enough USB 3.0 cable are all that you need, so long as you have a compatible Intel CPU and GPU in the new computer. PowerDVD 22 is the current version and 23 comes out early next year, probably around April.

Thanks. The LG drives seem like they're a bit fiddly and going through reviews, it seems that an external power source is preferred - is there a specific LG drive you were thinking of?

[LexInHD]

Originally Posted by Spooked

Thanks. The LG drives seem like they're a bit fiddly and going through reviews, it seems that an external power source is preferred - is there a specific LG drive you were thinking of?

The WH16NS60 is LG's only UHD-BD desktop drive and it's their newest desktop model, so it's the best they have to offer. The NexStar desktop optical drive enclosure has it's own power source and pulls no power through the USB 3.0 port. I've been using mine for well over a year, with no issues, but just make sure you mark the AC adapter with a sticker, because it looks like a lot of other ones, including other Vantec adapters, which won't power the enclosure.

[Spooked]

Originally Posted by LexInHD

The WH16NS60 is LG's only UHD-BD desktop drive and it's their newest desktop model, so it's the best they have to offer. The NexStar desktop optical drive enclosure has it's own power source and pulls no power through the USB 3.0 port. I've been using mine for well over a year, with no issues, but just make sure you mark the AC adapter with a sticker, because it looks like a lot of other ones, including other Vantec adapters, which won't power the enclosure.

For someone like me who's not very technical, Amazon sure doesn't make this easy. What I think you're proposing then is this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079LR2Q67/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Vantec-NST-536S3-BK-NexStar-External-Enclosure/dp/B01MRUN0HQ/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_w=wiQ5c&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec3cee7c-6bd8-496a-8166-4fdb6d51cad1&pf_rd_p=ec3cee7c-6bd8-496a-8166-4fdb6d51cad1&pf_rd_r=VVKTMZ5XQJJS9HDC4EYD&pd_rd_wg =7jInK&pd_rd_r=0c4bb228-944c-44aa-a3b4-cfaaa8f6693a&pd_rd_i=B01MRUN0HQ&th=1

Is that right? (And thank you for both your help and your patience.) I don't really care about 4K at all, so I'm thinking the OWL Combo I posted above might be a little easier for me overall. (Unless I've got my products mixed up.)

[LexInHD]

The OWL product uses a variety - 3 models from 2013-2016 - of older LG burners in a $70 dollar enclosure for $150 and what I offered is the latest $100 dollar drive with the latest tech housed in a $50 dollar enclosure. There's no legit reason to buy the OWC over what I am using and you can't control what drive you get with the OWC offering.

[Spooked]

Originally Posted by LexInHD

The OWL product uses a variety - 3 models from 2013-2016 - of older LG burners in a $70 dollar enclosure for $150 and what I offered is the latest $100 dollar drive with the latest tech housed in a $50 dollar enclosure. There's no legit reason to buy the OWC over what I am using and you can't control what drive you get with the OWC offering.

Got it. I guess it's embarrassing to admit, but I don't really understand if all the wiring is included and if it's truly 'plug and play' sort to speak (software aside). Also, there's no reason a person couldn't lay that housing on it's side, is there? Having the optical drive mounted vertically just seems really weird.

[LexInHD]

The NexStar case is designed to go up on it's side and has ventilation in the design, but I run it flat on my desk with no issues. The OWC enclosure is meant to be flat and has no ventilation whatsoever, as the aluminum enclosure itself is a giant heat-sink, by design. As far as cabling goes, just order an Amazon Basics USB 3.0 cable in whatever length you want and that's all you need.

[Spooked]

Originally Posted by LexInHD

The NexStar case is designed to go up on it's side and has ventilation in the design, but I run it flat on my desk with no issues. The OWC enclosure is meant to be flat and has no ventilation whatsoever, as the aluminum enclosure itself is a giant heat-sink, by design. As far as cabling goes, just order an Amazon Basics USB 3.0 cable in whatever length you want and that's all you need.

Thanks, man. I just ordered the LG WH16NS60 and the NexStar case - I'll have it laying flat on my desk as well; it sounds like it shouldn't be a problem. I really appreciate all of your help with this, so thank you.

[meremortal]

Still wish there was compability with chrome os without having to go the Linux route. I wouldn't mind watching movies on the computer without having to get a more all-encompassing os.

[JohnForbes]

Seeking some advice. In 2019 I bought a Pioneer 6X BDR-XS06 Slim Portable Blu-ray Burner on Amazon. I only used it to play DVDs and Blu-rays on my iMac and upload CDs to my iTunes. I never burned a disc. Not once. I played BDs on this drive once or twice a month. After 3 years and 10 months, the drive still works with DVDs and CDs, but after spinning and making noise it just spits out the BD without ever mounting. This unit has sat on the same desk next to my iMac since purchased. It has not been mishandled, dropped, or exposed to anything but ordinary use. I'm not sure about you, but I expect my electronics to last longer than 4 years. I still have A/V equipment that is still going strong 2 decades later. When I contacted Pioneer Customer Support, after a few back-and-forth messages, I got the following response: "Our products are designed and manufactured to last, but I do recognize that does not seem to be the case in this circumstance. I really do apologize for the inconvenience here. As much as I'd like to provide some sort of offer, our warranty policy only covers one year of warranty."

Can anyone recommend a durable external BD drive for my iMac? Hopefully I'll get more life out of this one. Thanks.

[LexInHD]

Originally Posted by JohnForbes

Seeking some advice. In 2019 I bought a Pioneer 6X BDR-XS06 Slim Portable Blu-ray Burner on Amazon. I only used it to play DVDs and Blu-rays on my iMac and upload CDs to my iTunes. I never burned a disc. Not once. I played BDs on this drive once or twice a month. After 3 years and 10 months, the drive still works with DVDs and CDs, but after spinning and making noise it just spits out the BD without ever mounting. This unit has sat on the same desk next to my iMac since purchased. It has not been mishandled, dropped, or exposed to anything but ordinary use. I'm not sure about you, but I expect my electronics to last longer than 4 years. I still have A/V equipment that is still going strong 2 decades later. When I contacted Pioneer Customer Support, after a few back-and-forth messages, I got the following response: "Our products are designed and manufactured to last, but I do recognize that does not seem to be the case in this circumstance. I really do apologize for the inconvenience here. As much as I'd like to provide some sort of offer, our warranty policy only covers one year of warranty."

Can anyone recommend a durable external BD drive for my iMac? Hopefully I'll get more life out of this one. Thanks.

Just see my post above, but don't buy that exact LG drive unless you feel the need to, as you can save money buying the older models, which are just as capable but without UHD-BD. Pioneer seems to have specialized diagnostic software with their drives, so why don't you give that a whirl to see if there's any information that you can pick up about what might have gone wrong.

[JohnForbes]

Originally Posted by LexInHD

Just see my post above, but don't buy that exact LG drive unless you feel the need to, as you can save money buying the older models, which are just as capable but without UHD-BD. Pioneer seems to have specialized diagnostic software with their drives, so why don't you give that a whirl to see if there's any information that you can pick up about what might have gone wrong.

LexInHD...thanks for the advice. I must admit I'm still confused. I'm not too savvy when it comes to the proper hardware to buy. My messages to Pioneer customer support offered no advice on diagnostic software I can run to determine if my current unit can be fixed, so I'm just going to move on. I already have a 4K player in my living room so I just want a dependable external Blu-ray drive for my iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017). I'm only on Mojave 10.14.6 because if I upgrade to the latest OS I will be unable to use my already-purchased Adobe Suite. I don't know if that matters, but thought I would let you know in case it does. I also already have Blu-ray Player Pro V3.3.21 on my iMac, so I just need the external drive. I was confused by the links above which seem to have a drive and then a link for a separate external enclosure. LG will be fine, so if you have any all-inclusive models in mind I'd be very appreciative of your advice. Thanks!