Blu-Ray

jmpell · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:05 am Post subject: Blu-Ray

Is anybody running an external Blu-Ray drive on their mini? If so, what drive are you using and what programs are you using to rip and playback content? Look forward to your responses.

mooblie · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:18 am Post subject:

I assume you're only talking about playback and ripping?

I believe the only playback mechanism (without re-ripping the entire Blu-ray disc) is by using Windows on your mini. Sad

To rip on OSX, you would need Toast with the Blu-ray plug-in to read the disc - and Toast "Convert" function will produce files you can playback under OSX.

Toast with the Blu-ray plug-in is, of course, also the easiest Blu-ray burning app. (and Blu-ray Disc data read/write app.) for OSX.
_________________
Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

ReliantLion · Member Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 180 Location: SC

I have used my external BR player on my Mini (in Windows, though). I can't remember it's specs, it's old and somewhat dated. Keep in mind, that you can actually convert an internal BR player to an external. Check out OWC's website, that's where I got mine. I would also recommend getting one with as many peripheral types as possible, i.e. USB 3, eSATA or SATA, FireWire 800. Regular USB is really to slow for good BR play back, and FireWire 400, I have found is hinky for video playing in general.

Smithcraft · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 2:42 pm Post subject:

You can rip with MakeMKV. Playback with VLC, Plex, or XBMC.

The easiest way might be to get a BD drive and an external Firewire/USB case.

As mentioned there currently isn't any way to playback the BD like a DVD in OS X.

SC
_________________
Grumpy old man of computing.

[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

[Media System] Intel i5 mini - 2.33Ghz 8GB 500GB HDD - 4 x Hitachi 2TB HDD in a qBOX-SF - 10.7.5 (Thanks Phil!)

Make sure it has pins!

funkle · Junior Member Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 31

I got a fairly cheap external drive, and have been ripping with MakeMKV. The drive is a little flimsy, but it's working fine. MakeMKV has been absolutely flawless so far. The interface is a little clunky, but it's been able to rip everything I've thrown at it. The only problem is my '07 Mini cant play back the 1080p files with out dropping frames, so I rip them down to 720p with handbrake.

mooblie · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:37 am Post subject:

funkle: May I ask: did you need Toast+Blu-ray plug-in to read BDs with that drive? or some other add-on software??
_________________
Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

funkle · Junior Member Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 31

mooblie · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 11:48 am Post subject:

T'hain Esh kelch · Junior Member Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 36

I'm going to buy one of these babies, and put it in my 2011 Mac Mini, when I get one. Quite cheap, and I'll get to know the inner workings of the Mini straight away then.

A guy from MacRumors.com said that it worked perfectly in his 2010 Mac mini, hence that is why I am buying it.

SeaLawyer · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:59 am Post subject:

jmpell · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:43 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the input. If I understand correctly I can rip Blu-Ray discs in OSX with programs like makemkv. I just cannot play Blu Rays without ripping them first. I presently rip DVDs with handbrake and I just picked up a Drobo so I have the space now and I want to give the Blu Ray ripping a try. From what I have been told before posting is that the major problem with Blu Ray ripping is the space required to store the files. Can I playback the files in Boxee?

jmpell · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:44 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the input. If I understand correctly I can rip Blu-Ray discs in OSX with programs like makemkv. I just cannot play Blu Rays without ripping them first. I presently rip DVDs with handbrake and I just picked up a Drobo so I have the space now and I want to give the Blu Ray ripping a try. From what I have been told before posting is that the major problem with Blu Ray ripping is the space required to store the files. Can I playback the files in Boxee?

Smithcraft · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:38 pm Post subject:

It depends on your mini and the overall bit rate of the content.

If you can't play it, just HandBrake it, and you'll be good to go.

SC
_________________
Grumpy old man of computing.

[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

[Media System] Intel i5 mini - 2.33Ghz 8GB 500GB HDD - 4 x Hitachi 2TB HDD in a qBOX-SF - 10.7.5 (Thanks Phil!)

Make sure it has pins!

funkle · Junior Member Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 31

caversmoon · Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 9:44 am Post subject:

I am new but is MakeMKV made for the mac or do you run it in windows?


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