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Recommendations for an external USB-C BluRay drive?

hawkeye_a

hawkeye_a

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jun 27, 2016
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I've been looking in vain for a USB-C Blu-Ray drive for my tMBP. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

Cheers
 
You probably won't find a USB-C dedicated one, if you did it would probably have a premium on it. but use one with a detachable cable and find the matching interface for USB-C.
 
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I picked up a Pioneer BDR‑XD05S drie.

However, it comes with USB-MicroB to dual USB-A plugs. I managed to get it to work on my old MacBook using both USB-As plugged in

When I try it on my tMBP (with the USB3-A plugged into the Apple AV dognle which goes into USB-C), it doesnt seem to get enough power to mount the disc, it just keeps spinning up and winding down.

I'm not sure If i should buy a USB-C to Micro-B cable or a power supply for the drive (instead of getting another USB-C to USB-A dongle)? I'd prefer the former. And idea if it will/should work?

Cheers
 
I'm also looking for an external DVD drive option. I purchased the USB-C adapter that has the HDMI and USB options but it won't power the superdrive. Does anyone know if the basic USB-C to USB adapter for $19 will work with the superdrive?
 
I read somewhere that the AV adapter uses some power, so I assumed that not enough power made to to the external drive. I don't know if the USBC to USBA adapter will work.
 
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The Apple SuperDrive is a single cable device but the BluRay units seem to require 2 plug-ins in order to work. I went through this and on the 2015 it is a hassle because the USB ports are on opposite sides of the computer. Interestingly enough, I had a USB extension cable from Apple for some reason and can use that to make it work.
 
Tony wrote:
"The Apple SuperDrive is a single cable device but the BluRay units seem to require 2 plug-ins in order to work."

I have a Samsung "506" series USB DVD/CD/Bluray burner, and it's never needed more than ONE USB connection to work.
I don't recall ever having had "a bad burn" from it, either!
I'm not sure if Samsung is still making these...
 
Oh, a new toy for me to look at. Don't use it often but having to give up to USB3 slots is a pain.

THANK YOU!

Update: Not finding those currently available. :( Will do more searching later.
 
Last edited:
javaGuru said:
I'm also looking for an external DVD drive option. I purchased the USB-C adapter that has the HDMI and USB options but it won't power the superdrive. Does anyone know if the basic USB-C to USB adapter for $19 will work with the superdrive?
Click to expand...

Apple's one does work with the superdrive.
 
Well I've come up empty on BluRay units that use a single USB3 cable. My current Pioneer, just purchased this year, works fine but requires both of my USB3 ports.
 
Going to have to run to BestBuy and see if they have a BDR-XD05. Like the LG unit well enough but 2 USB3 ports vs 1 USB3 port is a lot of difference.
 
I was able to get the superdrive DVD drive to work with the USB-C to USB-A adapter.
 
I have a Samsung external Blu-ray writer that used to work fine with the supplied single cable. But I rarely use it and something must have changed because now it doesn’t have enough power to read Blu-rays.

I found this USB-C to mini USB cable. Would that supply enough power by itself?

UGREEN USB C to Mini USB Cable, Type C to Mini 5pin Cord, USB 2.0 Type C (Thunderbolt 3 Compatible) to Mini B Data Charging Cable, 1m (Black)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079L5YFJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E5d4Bb9R7KTZM
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
"I have a Samsung external Blu-ray writer that used to work fine with the supplied single cable. But I rarely use it and something must have changed because now it doesn’t have enough power to read Blu-rays."

How many OTHER devices do you have plugged into your USB ports?
The Mac has "only so much" USB power it can supply.

If you have other devices connected that are also consuming power, the Mac may not "have enough left" to run the Samsung drive.

What I'd try:
1. Disconnect all other un-necessary USB devices.
2. Do an SMC reset
3. Now try the Samsung drive again.
 
Fishrrman said:
"I have a Samsung external Blu-ray writer that used to work fine with the supplied single cable. But I rarely use it and something must have changed because now it doesn’t have enough power to read Blu-rays."

How many OTHER devices do you have plugged into your USB ports?
The Mac has "only so much" USB power it can supply.

If you have other devices connected that are also consuming power, the Mac may not "have enough left" to run the Samsung drive.

What I'd try:
1. Disconnect all other un-necessary USB devices.
2. Do an SMC reset
3. Now try the Samsung drive again.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have a 2016 Touch Bar MacBook Pro on Mojave with a power lead plugged in. A powered hard drive plugged in so not drawing power form USB and the blu ray drive mentioned connected with the apple USB to USB C adaptor.


I’ll try your sugegstion but have a feeling it was something introduced with El Capitain and it hasnt worked on Mac since then. That’s what I can find find references to online anyway and sounds about right. It’s been that long since I tried hooking it up. It also doesn’t work with my 2012 plugged in via USB (no dongle) MacBook Pro on High Sierra.

Originally it worked connected with a USB powered hard drive that I ripped to.

From forum mentions it seems to work ok with a USB splitter which gives it more power. That’s why I asked if the USB cable I found will supply more power.
 
So, I ordered a bunch of cables including the Y splitter USB Mini 5pin to 2x USB A and the USB-C to USB Mini 5pin. So at least once of them should work.
 
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