Is it worth it to get a Blu-ray drive on a new desktop build?

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Sparktown

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Is it currently worth it to buy a Blu-ray drive for a desktop computer that doesn't already have a DVD drive? I haven't heard of any software releases on Blu-Ray. Am I better off just getting a Blue-Ray player for my TV if I want to watch Blu-Ray movies?

I'm putting together my first build. It looks like I can get a SATA DVD Drive for about $15 - $20. However, for about $20 - $30 more I could get a Blu-ray drive. I have a 1080p monitor (don't know if its HDCP compliant; not even sure what that actually means for PC monitors) and I often watch movies on my computer. I don't currently have a Blu-ray player, so I figured this might be a good opportunity to get one, since I have to buy a new drive anyway.

Then I started to read about how I would need to buy additional software to actually be able to play Blu-ray on my computer. On top of that, I started to read stories about how the software doesn't always (or even often) work. It sounds like it may be more trouble than its worth, but I think my information is also a bit dated. What's the current state of affairs with desktop Blu-ray drives?
 
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Wolfshadw
If you purchase the third party software (which it looks like you will need to do), you *SHOULD NOT* have any problems playing blu-ray movies. Your information is a bit dated; the software only costs about $60. You're pretty much looking at ~$100 for the set up. I've been playing blu-ray movies for a few years now and only once did I have any issues.

A software update became available for my software package (PowerDVD 9). It refused to play any blu-ray discs (even one that played fine the night before) until that update was complete. The software package didn't exactly make it clear that an update was required (the update window was hidden behind the main screen). That was about six months in and I haven't had any issues playing...
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Sparktown

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Mostly for watching Blu-ray movies.

I'm not really thinking about using Blu-ray as a backup (I have external drives). I suppose it would be good future proofing in case software releases start getting put out on Blu-ray, but (correct me if I'm wrong) it doesn't appear like that is going to happen. Maybe for games? But again (correct me I'm wrong), it doesn't seem like this is happening.
 
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Sparktown

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Thanks, but what about all the costs/problems with Blu-ray software I mentioned in my original post? Am I going to have to pay extra cash for Blu-ray software that won't even work?
 
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Sparktown

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I don't currently own any because I don't have a player. If I had a player, I would probably buy some. However, I'm not looking to start a massive movie collection.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Whether it is worth it for you to buy a blu-ray player is entirely up to you.
For me...if I was building a new PC today...I might not even include a DVD drive, much less a blu-ray.
 
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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I have a blu-ray drive in my HTPC purchased specifically for watching blu-ray movies on my 1080p projector. If you wish to watch blu-ray movies, you will need some third party software. If you purchase a retail box version of the drive, it should come with the necessary software. OEM versions will only come with the drive and you will need to purchase the software separately.

As far as games are concerned, I doubt you'll ever see software released on Blu-Ray drives. With the majority shift to high-speed Internet, it's much cheaper for game publishers to just make the content available for download (rather than printing up a ton of discs).

-Wolf sends
 
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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It's still the most viable option for archival storage of documents. Whenever we completed a project, all AutoCAD Drawingsm, Specifications, reports and record documents must be delivered to building dep't, county / state / federal regulatory agencies where they are stored in file cabinets.

be a bit expensive and file folders would be a bit bumpy if we had to start delivering them on thumb drives .... they also hard to label :)
 
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Sparktown

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Thanks for the quick responses everyone. My general feeling is that it might be worth an extra $20 to get a Blu-Ray drive. However, things didn't seem that simple when I read more about it. As I mentioned in my original post, my big concerns are:

1) I'll have to buy extra software that will significantly jack up the cost.
- Although it seems like most people say the software came with their drive.

2) Blu-ray software for desktop PCs doesn't really work or doesn't play all Blu-rays.
- Like I said, my info may be a bit dated here. This article will give you an idea of where I'm coming from. This is what I really want to know. I don't want to buy a Blu-ray drive only to find out it can't actually play all Blu-ray discs 100% of the time or I have to "fight" with Blu-ray discs to get them to play.

If someone could give me a solid answer for #2, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
 
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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If you purchase the third party software (which it looks like you will need to do), you *SHOULD NOT* have any problems playing blu-ray movies. Your information is a bit dated; the software only costs about $60. You're pretty much looking at ~$100 for the set up. I've been playing blu-ray movies for a few years now and only once did I have any issues.

A software update became available for my software package (PowerDVD 9). It refused to play any blu-ray discs (even one that played fine the night before) until that update was complete. The software package didn't exactly make it clear that an update was required (the update window was hidden behind the main screen). That was about six months in and I haven't had any issues playing blu-ray discs that I either purchased or received from Netflix since.

-Wolf sends
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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http://www.windvdpro.com/en/products/windvd/pro/default.html
Win DVD Pro 11

SAVINGSCOREL10 < 10% off code.

 
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Sparktown

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Thanks. :)
 
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Sparktown

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Thanks. That was very informative and exactly what I wanted to hear.

Estimating $100 total cost to get a functioning Blu-ray drive makes it seem much less attractive. Alternatively, I could buy a $20 DVD drive and then use the $80 difference to buy a stand-alone Blu-Ray player for my TV. The only software I've seen bundled with cheaper Blu-Ray drives is Nero Essentials 12. I've never used it, but it doesn't sound good.

Are there are any good freeware (not trial/shareware, but true freeware) software options? I've found some things, but I can't test anything out because I don't have a Blu-Ray drive. Is any of this stuff viable or do you still pretty much have to pay for software to reliably play Blu-Ray discs?
 
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4Ryan6

4Ryan6

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I'm not going to argue points!

As prices have dropped, and dropped, and continue to drop, I finally bought an LG BluRay burner as my main optical drive and I'm now kicking myself for not doing it sooner as BluRay burning media has seriously dropped in price as well.

When it comes to burning data storage you can't beat BD-R at 25gb, and, the prices for bulk packs are very reasonable.

When it came to BluRay playback I just decided to go ahead with Cyberlink, which is not free, but IMO you always get what you pay for, and Cyberlinks playback performance is crystal, and keeps itself updated, plus it will play anything else I've thrown at it.

If you're building a PC from scratch now at least seriously consider the future, so you make what you invest in now, count later, and not have to buy again.

My 2 Cents! Ry
 
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