The Glade 4.0

My wife watches a lot of movies from my computer while she works out but is limited to some extent because it doesn't have a Blu-ray drive. Some of the reviews I've seen have talked about a lot of software issues (i.e. won't update, won't play certain movies). I'd also read that when multi-layer BD's hit, current gen BD drives won't be able to read them.

Anybody using one currently? Have any problems with it or the software?

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The Dude abides.

I don't have a lot of info to contribute, as I don't have a Blu-ray drive, myself...yet. I will say that most of the software issues that I've seen mentioned were with earlier versions of PowerDVD. Which is also the software that usually comes with the drive. Many people have issues with the free version that comes with most drives. I do know that they offer an "upgrade" for the software, but it's not free. I also think there are a few 3rd party programs that will read/play Blu-ray movies, but again, they are not free. For instance, Arcsoft's TotalMedia Theatre is a highly regarded player, but as you can see, it's pretty expensive.

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"I Live, I Love, I Slay, and I Am Content."
- Conan the Barbarian

I have an LG Combo Blu-ray/HD-DVD drive, this one to be exact http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Came with Cyberlink PowerDVD trial edition/oem whatever want to call it, not the full version

First big complaint, the DVD software that comes with PC's is not full version, unless this has change in the last year as I still cannot get it without 'paying' $100 for it, is the fact it does 2.1 stereo sound no option at all, to upgrade the sound quality, while not horrible, thats a big feature on Blu-Ray's is lossless audio and true 7.1/5.1 DTS which do not get with the PowerDVD.

Everytime there is an NVIDIA Driver update, I have to update the driver or it refuses to play. So far I havent had any issues with any Blu-ray's but also I am running AnyDVD as I love my non-hdcp monitor, refuse to give up my 16:10 damnit! So I have to have anyDVD just to run anything, as no HDCP.

Besides those few issues, it plays everything i throw at it, be it HD-DVD or Blu-ray, last blu-ray being Sherlock Holmes I got 2 days ago in the mail and works fine. But $150 drive should do full aspects of Blu-ray when its a blu-ray drive darn it! I have hooked this up to my TV/AV Receiver as well and still only get 2.1 audio do to the software limitations.

I have had quite a few issues with Cyberlink PowerDVD refusing to play movies because it needs an update, and doesnt want an update and there download utility is god awfully slow.

I havent had that issue in a couple months, but since getting a PS3 I hardly use my PC Blu-Ray anymore.

I havent dug around in a while, but to my knowledge there is still no free Blu-ray player software. I know VLC was working on it, but does not appear to be available yet.

This is also what really stopped me from doing an HTPC, was the software cost's. As Caleria mentioned, I can update PowerDVD so I can get the 7.1 sound, but not worth $100 IMHO.

I have had this drive since about February/March last year, any specific questions just ask.

Hmmm, might be worth it then. She's working out when watching these, so she's not looking for great sound, just that it's loud enough to hear when she's on the treadmill.

Anybody know much about what will happen when they start doing dual-layer discs/drives? Is that even anything to really be concerned about?

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The Dude abides.

The sound quality is acceptable, nothing to complain about, just for a HTPC, would rather spend the extra $100 and get a PS3 and full use out of a receiver. When im working from home I still pop in blu-ray's as background noise and is nicer for those instance's.

Really, and I cant test it without HDCP, as AnyDVD breaks the AACS key's so the software player doesnt have to do it, but as long as Monitor and Video card both support HDCP, it should work no issue's as long as graphic's driver's stay up to date, and meet the software spec's. So I cant say for certain how much AnyDVD plays into it (www.slysoft.com)

Also if your running 64bit windows, most drives dont include 64 bit versions of the software. Im still on 32bit XP.

Other thing I forgot to mention, because AACS keys (blu-ray encryption) (details about AACS key's and the crap storm they cause http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AACS_encry ... ontroversy) changes about every ~18 months, sometimes more sometimes less, so far been averaging about 2 new key's a year, will need software update's then for whatever software.