Windows 7 Guidance Needed: Choosing a Blu-Ray Drive for Film Playback on PC

DaveHMCFC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
12
Hi...

Was hoping for a bit of guidance please.

I'm looking to add a Blu-Ray drive to my system, simply to play films on my PC.

I've heard that not all Blu-Ray drives actually do this, and that some drives are purely just for data storage and access etc.

Can anyone recommend a drive, and explain how i avoid buying one that doesn't actually play films.

I know this sounds daft, but the last thing i want to do is buy one that won't do i what i want.

Thanks in advance.

Dave.
 
Solution
Hi Dave, Adding a Blu-Ray drive to your system to play films on your PC is a great idea! When selecting a Blu-Ray drive, you need to make sure it supports Blu-Ray playback. Here are some tips to help you choose the right drive:
  1. Check for Blu-Ray Movie Playback Support: Look for drives that specifically mention support for Blu-Ray movie playback. These are often referred to as Blu-Ray disc drives or Blu-Ray players.
  2. Verify Software Compatibility: Some Blu-Ray drives come with playback software included, while others may require you to purchase or install third-party software to play Blu-Ray movies. Make sure the drive you choose includes the necessary software or is compatible with commonly used media player...
Hi Dave, Adding a Blu-Ray drive to your system to play films on your PC is a great idea! When selecting a Blu-Ray drive, you need to make sure it supports Blu-Ray playback. Here are some tips to help you choose the right drive:
  1. Check for Blu-Ray Movie Playback Support: Look for drives that specifically mention support for Blu-Ray movie playback. These are often referred to as Blu-Ray disc drives or Blu-Ray players.
  2. Verify Software Compatibility: Some Blu-Ray drives come with playback software included, while others may require you to purchase or install third-party software to play Blu-Ray movies. Make sure the drive you choose includes the necessary software or is compatible with commonly used media player software like VLC Media Player or CyberLink PowerDVD.
  3. Drive Features: Ensure the Blu-Ray drive has the necessary features such as Blu-Ray disc reading capabilities (BD-ROM) and support for various Blu-Ray formats (BD-R, BD-RE).
  4. Connection Interface: Check the connection interface of the drive (e.g., USB, SATA) to ensure it is compatible with your PC.
  5. Region Lock: Blu-Ray discs are often region-locked, meaning a drive from one region may not play discs from another region. Ensure the drive you choose is compatible with your region's Blu-Ray discs. As for specific Blu-Ray drive recommendations, here are a couple of well-reviewed options:
    • Pioneer BDR-XD05B: A portable external Blu-Ray drive that supports Blu-Ray movie playback and is compatible with Windows and Mac systems.
    • LG Electronics BP50NB40: Another external Blu-Ray drive known for its compatibility with Blu-Ray movie playback and ease of use.
    Before purchasing, double-check the product specifications and reviews to ensure the drive meets your requirements for playing Blu-Ray movies on your PC. If you need further assistance or have any more questions, feel free to ask!
 
Solution