Blu-ray/DVD/RW. What should I look for when buying?
- Thread starter Jeffsta
- Start date
IAmTheTofu
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- Sep 20, 2014
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Blu-ray is if you only want to watch movies and all in Blu-ray. Not really worth it, imo. Normal DVD/RW drives will do the job just fine for tasks like installing software (like the OS) and watching normal DVD movies.
XaveT
Distinguished
- Jul 15, 2013
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Hi there,
Honestly, I would evaluate if you truly need the drive at all.
My last build (5 years ago, new soon!) has no internal optical drive, and I've only had to use my external Memorex BluRay Writer (http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-External-98839-Blu-ray-Writer/dp/B005TFI72O) a few times. I've never written a BluRay. I have a stack of DVD-Rs I'll never use. I didn't really have a good reason to buy it.
Conversely:
I have a media machine I put a slot-load BluRay player/DVD burner in. It works, but... it's just lacking. I don't have anything I've ever bought that I needed BluRay for that isn't a movie/TV series. Software to play BluRay movies is expensive, and isn't really all that great. I've tried a bunch, including free ones (they work, but require fine tuning and a BUNCH of extra work), but... they are all bad, kinda like DVDs were back in the day.
Unrelated note:
If you are buying for a media machine, I would just get an Xbox One or PlayStation 4. They will get you more mileage.
In the end, I'd have to say unless you plan on using the drive a bunch, don't go internal. If your heart is set on one, get a USB one and then use it until the format goes bad.
BTW, if all of this has been useless, can you please give us a little more detail into what you are looking for? What kind of machine and function of it? Do you have a budget, a brand consideration, or any reservations?
Honestly, I would evaluate if you truly need the drive at all.
My last build (5 years ago, new soon!) has no internal optical drive, and I've only had to use my external Memorex BluRay Writer (http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-External-98839-Blu-ray-Writer/dp/B005TFI72O) a few times. I've never written a BluRay. I have a stack of DVD-Rs I'll never use. I didn't really have a good reason to buy it.
Conversely:
I have a media machine I put a slot-load BluRay player/DVD burner in. It works, but... it's just lacking. I don't have anything I've ever bought that I needed BluRay for that isn't a movie/TV series. Software to play BluRay movies is expensive, and isn't really all that great. I've tried a bunch, including free ones (they work, but require fine tuning and a BUNCH of extra work), but... they are all bad, kinda like DVDs were back in the day.
Unrelated note:
If you are buying for a media machine, I would just get an Xbox One or PlayStation 4. They will get you more mileage.
In the end, I'd have to say unless you plan on using the drive a bunch, don't go internal. If your heart is set on one, get a USB one and then use it until the format goes bad.
BTW, if all of this has been useless, can you please give us a little more detail into what you are looking for? What kind of machine and function of it? Do you have a budget, a brand consideration, or any reservations?
You make some good points. I wanted to watch blu-ray dvd's on my big screen HDTV thru my new HTPC build. It's my all in one computer basically. I'm currently using a external DVD/RW to install software/games. I have several blu-ray movies around, and can buy cheap blu-ray movies at my local thrift store. It would also give the media computer a complete look (As opposed to the blank drive cover).
I gave up on PS after purchasing three PS3's within a 4 year period. They have some serious quality control issues or something. That, or I'm way to hard on them. I had enough money to either buy a PS4, or use that money towards upgrading my 6 year old computer. I decided in the end to build a new computer that can do everything. The only thing I'm missing is the ability to play blu-ray dvd's.
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