I want to put a blu ray drive in my media center PC so I can watch blu-ray movies. Seems like that would be a lot cheaper than buying a blu ray player

can anyone recommend a specific drive that is reliable and quiet? Also, does all blu-ray viewing software work with all drives? is it best to buy a drive with some bundled software or can I get it separately? I read that one of the bundled packages didn't support anything beyond 2channel audio and I need support for Dolby Digital/DTS since my pc is hooked up to a surround receiver.

1/6/2009 5:26:05 PM

i have the LG GGC-H20L (combo blu-ray & hd dvd drive) and love it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133

it came bundled with powerdvd 7, the only software that supports both blu-ray & hd dvd... not sure about the Dolby DTS as i only run 2.1

reports say:

Quote :

"If you want to take advantage of movies encoded with Dolby Digital or DTS, you'll need to buy the retail version of PowerDVD Ultra."

http://www.cdrlabs.com/Reviews/lg-ggc-h20l-super-multi-blue-blu-ray-disc-hd-dvd-rom/Software-Bundle.html

[Edited on January 6, 2009 at 5:55 PM. Reason : ,]

1/6/2009 5:50:44 PM

JUST BUY A PLAYER!!!
after having my drive for about 4 months i'm scouring cl for a good deal on a ps3 . the drives are there but the software for playing them is terrible i've run into countless compatibility issues, software crashes etc. that i'm just feed up. i've tried power dvd , windvd and tmt all with similar results i say snag a standalone or ps3.

1/6/2009 8:16:42 PM

Do PCs even have the ability to output Dolby TruHD or DTS-MA?

1/7/2009 9:16:10 AM

^Depends on the sound card.

1/7/2009 10:31:50 AM

I did get my computer to output Dolby Digital 5.1 to my receiver. That was playing a normal DVD with VLC player. I'm not even sure what sound card I have, its built in to the motherboard but there is an optical link from it to the receiver.

1/7/2009 10:37:47 AM

no sound card available now can output truhd or dts ma. asus ' card isnt out yet and the xonar cant do it with current drivers not to mention they both cost around 150$ so your total is now 270$

1/7/2009 2:01:18 PM

Find a program that will check your pc to see if its hdcp compliant or whatever, the right videocard and tv/monitor combo. If not you'll need to buy more hardware or anydvdhd

1/7/2009 2:10:11 PM