[GHM]

I was wondering who else has tried installing a Blu Ray Cd ROM drive in their PC to play back movies. It seemed like a good idea, but the expense adds up quickly! At least in my case.

It wasn't any cheaper than buying the separate player in the end. The benefits do seem good though. The picture quality is very nice! If your video card is already HDCP compatible you're good to go and the expense is quite minimal.

On the other hand if it is not, be prepared to shell out some extra dough for a better video card.

In the end, I'm quite happy with the out come and hope to have two of my TVs using this PC for movies.

Technology sure has come a long ways fast!! Get on the train before it pulls off!

[Papajin]

I haven't tried it yet, but have been considering it.  I don't even have an HTPC built yet, so that would be going in at the same time if I get around to working on it.  I have a case and mb sitting around waiting for this duty, though there's an issue with the ps I have fitting in the case which I have to work out first.

[satfrat]

Technology sure has come a long ways fast!! Get on the train before it pulls off!

I for one am quite happy with continuing to watch DVD's thru my HTPC but when the time comes to upgrade/replace my HTPC, Blu Ray integration will probably be the way to go,,,,, unless something else comes along to take it's place. For now tho, Blu Ray is still too new to really make it a worthwhile upgrade. I rent DVD's and have no need for a movie library, there is simply no Blu Ray rental available as of yet. IF Blu Ray is indeed DVD's replacement, then upgrading will be a necessity. Time will tell,,,,


Cheers,
Robin

[mjosef]

I have thought about buying a BR drive when I saw one selling for $169. over at Newegg a month ago...but, I think I will wait until the end of the year...see what falls out of the tree then.

[GHM]

Technology sure has come a long ways fast!! Get on the train before it pulls off!

I for one am quite happy with continuing to watch DVD's thru my HTPC but when the time comes to upgrade/replace my HTPC, Blu Ray integration will probably be the way to go,,,,, unless something else comes along to take it's place. For now tho, Blu Ray is still too new to really make it a worthwhile upgrade. I rent DVD's and have no need for a movie library, there is simply no Blu Ray rental available as of yet. IF Blu Ray is indeed DVD's replacement, then upgrading will be a necessity. Time will tell,,,,


Cheers,
Robin

Hey Robin since you already have an HTPC..you should give it a go my friend!  Especially if your using a 1080P capable display. As far as Blu ray goes...set up a NetFlix account. They have nearly 500 Blu rays to choose from. It is easy to do and your movies arrive within 2 days of ordering them.

I have thought about buying a BR drive when I saw one selling for $169. over at Newegg a month ago...but, I think I will wait until the end of the year...see what falls out of the tree then.

No doubt the prices will come down more on the BR drives. So the longer you wait the cheaper they will come.

If you guys decide to try it. Download the Cyberlink DVD advisor. It will scan your system to make sure your PC is ready for Blu ray and tell you what isn't compatible.

[satfrat]

Technology sure has come a long ways fast!! Get on the train before it pulls off!

I for one am quite happy with continuing to watch DVD's thru my HTPC but when the time comes to upgrade/replace my HTPC, Blu Ray integration will probably be the way to go,,,,, unless something else comes along to take it's place. For now tho, Blu Ray is still too new to really make it a worthwhile upgrade. I rent DVD's and have no need for a movie library, there is simply no Blu Ray rental available as of yet. IF Blu Ray is indeed DVD's replacement, then upgrading will be a necessity. Time will tell,,,,


Cheers,
Robin

Hey Robin since you already have an HTPC..you should give it a go my friend!  Especially if your using a 1080P capable display. As far as Blu ray goes...set up a NetFlix account. They have nearly 500 Blu rays to choose from. It is easy to do and your movies arrive within 2 days of ordering them.

I have thought about buying a BR drive when I saw one selling for $169. over at Newegg a month ago...but, I think I will wait until the end of the year...see what falls out of the tree then.

No doubt the prices will come down more on the BR drives. So the longer you wait the cheaper they will come.

If you guys decide to try it. Download the Cyberlink DVD advisor. It will scan your system to make sure your PC is ready for Blu ray and tell you what isn't compatible.

My Nvidia GeForce 6200 will only support 1080i which is ok as my display device is only an older Sony XBR CRT. But this video card is excellent at switching from my 23" Acer LCD w/ 1920 x 1200 res to the Sony 1080i. DVD's are very very good on a HTPC as I'm sure you already know. I'm usually good for 2-5 DVD's a week thru my local Blockbuster and I really see no need to upgrade at this point. But considering my HTPC is going on 4 years old now, it's only a matter of time before it'll need to be rebuilt to Vista standards and when that time comes hopefully DVD's have evolved to Blue Ray standard. In fact I'm intending on skipping Vista in lue of Microsoft's next upgrade platform in the next 2 years or so. For what I actually use my HTPC for, I have a pretty solid platform. Heck I don't even need it to record tv programmning anymore since getting my DirecTv HD DVR.

Cheers,
Robin

[GHM]

I gotcha Robin...yeah I was thinking the same thing until I bought a 1080p flat panel. After that It was full steam a head to get the most out of the display.

In your case I do understand...However I can't understand why those that do have a 1080p display don't get the full potential from it.

Regular DVDs look fine, but after experiencing BR at home..there's no going back for me now. I even have my Net Flix account set up to default to BR movies, if they are available for the particular movies I choose.