Can I actually burn a blu-ray data file?

[iEugene]

I searched the forums for this but did not find a clear cut answer. I recently picked up Toast Titanium 8 and it says that it allows Mac users to burn BD, but this is where the confusion starts. I have been hearing rumors that Leopard is going to include blu-ray support (from what I understand), so is Toast Titanium 8 just prepping up for Leopard or what? I am getting mixed opinions saying, "Yes right now you can burn data BD's with Toast 8" and other opinions saying, "No you would need to get a blu-ray burner to do this" so which is it?

I have 20" Intel Core Duo iMac, obviously with a standard 8x Superdrive. So my question basically becomes, "will I ever be able to burn data BD's?" or is this information not known yet due to Leopard not being currently released? Because personally I have always assumed that in order for my Mac to burn blu-ray discs that I would have to buy a completely new computer from Apple because they would then include blu-ray burners, or is this not the case? Is it about what software can read blu-ray discs or hardware, or both? I'm assuming for the worst and that the technology for my current day Superdrive can only burn and read DVD's and CD's, and that is how it is going to remain.

I appreciate any help.

 

[boris42]

I am getting mixed opinions saying, "Yes right now you can burn data BD's with Toast 8" and other opinions saying, "No you would need to get a blu-ray burner to do this" so which is it?
I have 20" Intel Core Duo iMac, obviously with a standard 8x Superdrive. So my question basically becomes, "will I ever be able to burn data BD's?"

To read BluRay you need a unit that recognizes BluRay discs. Your Superdrive unfortunately doesn't. To burn BluRay discs you need a unit that also writes to BD-R(W) discs. Your best bet is to get an external FireWire (or USB) unit such as d2 from LaCie - http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10867. Mac OS X Leopard's support means mostly that the DVD Player will playback Hollywood movies on BlueRay disc (see: http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/leopard-to-support-hd-dvd-and-blu-ray. Leopard may, however, even include software that writes to BD-R(W) discs, thus avoiding the need for purchasing Toast 8.

Regards,
Boris

 

[Nermal]

I have been hearing rumors that Leopard is going to include blu-ray support

That particular rumour is false. There's still a possibility of it appearing in a future update, but it's not in the original release.

 

[fishkorp]

Toast 8 can most certainly burn a Blu-Ray data disc, even on Tiger. But the catch is you'd need a Blu-Ray burner. With an iMac your only option is an external drive (they range in price currently from $500-1000).

 

[Father Jack]

Toast 8 can most certainly burn a Blu-Ray data disc, even on Tiger. But the catch is you'd need a Blu-Ray burner. With an iMac your only option is an external drive (they range in price currently from $500-1000).

Yes ... when installing Toast 8 you can "tick the box" for Blur-Ray support.