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Gigatel

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 28, 2013
40
35
I'm in need of an external blu-ray writer. Can anyone recommend a brand they use with their Macs? If there's specific software you use to write the discs, that would be helpful as well. I'm not sure if OS X includes support for that sort of thing. Would prefer a device that uses and is powered by USB 3.0.

Thanks for any help and recommendations.
 
No specific recommendations on a burner, I'm using my drive just to read discs so that I can get rid of them - not make more!

However don't get hung up on USB 3.0 - the speeds required for burning (or reading) Blu-Ray don't need it; USB 2.0 is more than fast enough.
 
No specific recommendations on a burner, I'm using my drive just to read discs so that I can get rid of them - not make more!

However don't get hung up on USB 3.0 - the speeds required for burning (or reading) Blu-Ray don't need it; USB 2.0 is more than fast enough.

Gotcha on the USB 2.0, didn't know that. I'm only looking to make archives of photos and things in addition to my mechanical drive back ups.
 
I build my own, using this case:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019884K0/

Then add a bare drive inside, typically a LG or Asus.
In my typical use I only need a reader, not a writer.
My main use is ripping, with a little watching - no use for writing Blu-ray Discs myself.

One final tip is I either disconnect or cut the wire to the external case fan.
An optical drive is never going to generate enough heat to need the cooling fan.
I prefer the silence.

Just last week I built one for a friend $68. LG blu-ray reader from Newegg $37+31 case.

I like this option as it allows me to easily swap out the drive a year or two later as it wears out.
 
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I've been using this setup for over a year now with no problems http://amzn.com/B00920VAJE

I got it because it was the only USB 3.0 enclosure for optical disc drives.

I used an LG BT20N Blu Ray drive for it, as it was the best one I found at the time (might still be) and had good reviews. Link to drive: http://amzn.com/B007HO546C

I give it a 5 star rating. :)
 
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