External Blu-ray drive choices

[Jowl]

Hi all.

I'm looking to purchase an external blu-ray drive to use on My 2011 iMac and a self-built PC Media server. I've narrowed it down to:

Storage Options SOX6XBD-SLV (a Writer)
http://www.cclonline.com/product/43112/SOX6XBD-SLV/Blu-Ray-Drives/Storage-Options-6x-Ext-Slim-BD-Writer/CDR4544/

or
MSI External USB Bluray Combo - BLU-RAY COMBO USB3.0
http://www.morecomputers.com/extra.asp?pn=blu-ray%20combo%20usb3.0&referer=Froogle1


My main use it to rip to an image or use MakeMKV and then convert to AppleTV preset format using Handbrake on the iMac or the i7-based PC media server.

I don't particularly need writing capability but thought it might be useful for iPhoto library backup. I did read that this won't work with OSX/Toast though. On the other hand, I wondered if USB3 would make any difference on the Windows side of things.

In Summary - USB3 with read only or USB2 with writing capabilities.

Any thoughts? Experience with these drives on OSX ?

[mooblie]

USB3 is a complete waste of money on a Mac. (Running Windows on the Mac or not! - the hardware's not there.) As for connecting this external drive to your HTPC: I suppose the extra speed might help ripping on Windows. The write speed will be BD-disc-write-speed limited, not by the interface.

Looks like you're paying over the odds for slimline drives - is that important to you? I have a full-size 5.25" tray-loading LG BD-writer in an external USB2.0/eSATA case with a mains-driven PSU - much cheaper, if this form factor is OK for you.

BTW: you CAN write data and Blu-ray video discs with Toast - you just can't play Blu-ray video back (although you can read Blu-ray data discs back.)
_________________
Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

[Jowl]

Cheers Moobile.

I know the USB3 isn't available on the mac - but I do have it on the Windows machine. I wasn't sure if it would make that much difference with an optical drive though?

Slimeline drive - yeah, I would prefer that even if it costs a bit extra. I'm a sucker for form over function these days - thats why I'm a slave to Lord Jobs! They also use USB power only too - so less power plugs = bonus.

I read a review that said that the Storage Options writer would not work with Toast on OSX. As for Blu-ray playback direct from disc - not important as I'd rip / compress anyway.

[macmanmacman]

you can play blu-ray on mac and toast does work but you need the latest version.

The mac blu-ray player is called just the mac blu ray player it is 39.99 and a excellent replacement for vlc because it plays all the formats that vlc plays.

Update: also play's dvd iso's as well so if you use iso's for your idvd projects you can play it in mac blu-ray player

[Jowl]

I went for the Storage Options one. The imac powers it great over USB only and it seems to mount discs just fine, and rip with MakeMKV.

[Heathy65]

[geeji]

Using the LG BP06LU10 (USB2) burner, and very happy with it.
Footprint is compatible with Mac Mini, and it can be made Region less with MCSE.

[Heathy65]