External Blu Ray Drive For Mac 2018

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External Blu Ray Drive For Mac 2018

reader commentsAsus Bw-16d1x-u External Blu-ray Drive
External Blu Ray Drives
Blu Ray External Disk Drive
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External Dvd Drive
External Blu-ray Drive For Macbook Pro
135 with 76 posters participating, including story authorThe drive is a stylish and sturdy device, which will be an optimal choice for the users of Apple devices. You can easily put this external Blu-ray burner in your laptop bag or backpack.
Playing Blu-ray movies on a Mac has been a 'bag of hurt' for far too long. Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs famously complained that the licensing involved in including Blu-ray movie support in Mac OS X was too expensive and complicated to be worth pursuing. An alternate theory is that Apple simply skipped integrating Blu-ray into its Macs in favor of iTunes Store movie downloads. Whatever your view, the fact is that Mac OS X still doesn't have native Blu-ray movie support.
However, Mac OS X does have support for reading and writing Blu-ray Data (BD) discs, and Final Cut Pro can burn projects to Blu-ray for playback. For this reason, some peripheral makers have begun selling limited external and internal Blu-ray drives to Mac users. But the ability to pop a Blu-ray disc into a MacBook Pro and watch a movie—just as you can with a DVD—has so far eluded Mac users.
So when MCE Technologies told us they had a new line of Blu-ray burners that came with Mac software for watching Blu-ray movies, our interest was piqued. After all, who doesn't like high-definition movies? Perhaps the solution would work for those interested in a Mac-based home theater, or for laptop-toting travelers.
Unfortunately, as we discovered, it seems as though MCE's solution introduces its own bag of hurt.
The HardwareMCE offers both internal and external Blu-ray burners for Mac users. The internal option only fits the Mac Pro, while the external version connects via USB 2.0 or eSATA. Since our test bed was a late 2010 MacBook Air, we opted for the external option that connects via USB. One thing we wanted to consider was how well it might work when connected to a Mac mini, for instance, and it would likewise use a USB 2.0 connection.
Rather unfortunately (at least in our view), the external drive is a hulking monster, because the LG mechanism that MCE uses is a full-size optical drive. That, in turn, is encased along with a bulky power supply and a fairly loud fan. It certainly wouldn't suit an HTPC set-up. Its size, weight, and awkward wall adapter also doesn't suit itself very well to portable use.
That said, we did put the drive through its paces. It can read BD discs just fine, and the supplied blank BD-R disc worked perfectly in the Finder to burn a huge set of files. Of course, we have little cause to rely on optical media much in these days of solid state storage and Dropbox. Still, busy photographers, videographers, audio engineers, and others who work with large data sets will be glad to have the ability to store up to 25GB on a single disc. MCE advertises the drive as the 'world's fastest external Blu-ray drive for your Mac, and although we have little basis for comparison, the drive certainly didn't seem slow.
(It should be noted the MCE offers an optional copy of Toast 11 if your burning needs exceed the basics. For our purposes, however, it was not included.)
Asus Bw-16d1x-u External Blu-ray DriveThe SoftwareMCE doesn't make the included Mac Blu-ray Player software itself; instead, each drive is supplied with a free one-year license code. We went to the developer's website to see how much it would cost to permanently license the software, and it seems it is on sale for $49.95 for the holidays; it normally sells for $59.95.
External Blu Ray DrivesWe double-clicked the DMG file, dragged the app to our Applications folder, and fired up the software. Right away we were greeted with a box to enter the license code. If you don't have one, the software will still play Blu-ray discs or ripped ISOs, but it will show an 'unlicensed' notice across the middle of your movie.
The interface is simple enough, with two large buttons to open a file or open a disc. The controls and UI widgets are well designed and look nice. We popped in a copy of Casino Royale into the drive, waited a few seconds for it to load, and clicked 'Open Disc.'
Choosing the disc, cryptically called LOGICAL_VOLUME_ID, didn't load any menus, previews, or other bits, as expected. Instead, you're greeted with a generic custom menu from which you can pick 'Play,' 'Chapter,' 'Audio,' or 'Subtitle.' We were, needless to say, unimpressed with the experience.
After selecting 'Play,' however, things went from bad to worse. The audio played perfectly without fail. But the video stuttered, scrambled, and often froze on a single frame for minutes at a time. If the video froze, it wouldn't pick back up until it hit the next chapter marker.
We couldn't determine exactly what the cause of the video playback problems was. Audio continued to play, so the data stream was coming in from the drive to the software. We also tried a copy of Andy Samberg's stuntman farce Hot Rod, which likewise stuttered and froze.
The MacBook Air's integrated graphics may have been part of the problem, but the video played just fine for short periods, and it didn't freeze in the same places in multiple attempts to watch the movie. Furthermore, this particular MacBook Air has been connected to a 1080p HDTV in the past, so we know it's capable of playing back m4v files at HD resolution.
Finally, both movies played flawlessly on a Sony Vaio Z with its 'dockable' Blu-ray drive.
Our only conclusion: Mac Blu-ray Player software is not up to the standards that most users would expect.
UPDATE: The developers behind the popular open source video playback software VLC (VideoLAN Client) contacted Ars to let us know that MacGo, the developers of Mac Blu-ray Player, actually based their software on VLC and is in violation of its open source license.
'Mac Blu-Ray Player uses VLC 1.1 as the base of their product,' developer Jean-Baptiste Kempf said via e-mail. 'As per the GPL license, the complete code should be GPL'd. VideoLAN and VLC developers have contacted them several times, and they said, 'soon.' However, nothing ever arrived.'
Furthermore, Kempf noted that version 1.2 of VLC, currently in early beta testing, has some experimental Blu-ray playback capabilities on Mac OS X. 'It is still starting and experimental,' Kempf said, 'not all BD will play and there are no menus, but we are working on it.' We will definitely look into playback using that update when it's finished and released in final form.
UPDATE 2:  MCE Technologies contacted us to let us know that they made an error in recommending the External Blu-ray Drive for testing Mac Blu-ray Player with our MacBook Air. As others mentioned in the comments and confirmed by MCE, Mac Blu-ray Player requires a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo or faster CPU to work properly. 'When this requirement is met, or exceeded, then Blu-ray playback is flawless,' an MCE spokesperson told Ars.
In light of this, the drive may suit your Blu-ray playback needs assuming your hardware can handle the software. Regardless, we don't feel conformable recommending the drive outside of desktop use, as we detail below.
The VerdictIn our view, the MCE Technologies External Blu-ray Drive for Mac is a solution with very limited appeal. The promise of playing Blu-ray movies just didn't materialize. But the hardware is perfectly competent for reading and writing BD discs and, paired with ripping software, it could be used to back up Blu-ray movies to a hard drive or home media server.
Its huge size and heavy weight, however, don't make it a very good portable solution. If you absolutely have to burn Blu-ray discs in the field, MCE's drive will certainly get the job done, but we wouldn't want to lug the thing around if we didn't have to.
The Blu-ray drive that comes with the Vaio Z, in comparison, is a dream. To be fair, it can only read Blu-ray discs, it can't burn them. But it can read and write DVDs and CDs, and it also has a built-in GPU and USB hub. It may be some time before Blu-ray burning technology can be shrunk down to this size, but it's definitely more in line with what we would expect from a true portable solution.
The size and design of the MCE drive also wouldn't make a very good companion to a Mac mini, and its loud fan makes it a non-starter in an HTPC setup. Blu-ray burning isn't really a requirement for an HTPC setup anyway, so a smaller read-only mechanism would suffice. If someone could package such a drive in a quiet enclosure that was stackable with a Mac mini, that would solve the hardware part of the equation.
Blu Ray External Disk DriveUnfortunately, that would still leave a huge gaping hole on the software side. Mac Blu-ray Player is the only software we know of that advertises native Mac Blu-ray movie playback, and in our experience, it did not deliver. As noted in the updates above, faster hardware could handle Blu-ray playback if you need it, and more software may be coming soon. But the experience doesn't match what's available on Windows.
MCE's external Blu-ray drive seems perfectly fit for high volume data storage needs, particularly if you plan to leave it on your desk. But for the purposes of movie playback—whether desktop, portable, or HTPC scenarios—just don't bother. In this day and age, streaming video is readily available from Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, and other sources. For Mac users, the sad reality is that a standalone player is still a better option if Blu-ray playback is a must.
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External Blu-ray Drive HpExternal USB 3.0 Blu-ray BD-R BD-ROM DVD CD RW Burner Writer Drive For MAC I5N5Available for playing DVD/CD/VCD/BD; burning DVD/VCD/CD.High speed, up to 5Gbp/s data transmission speed, faster to use.High performance, convenient to watch Blu-ray movie and 3D movie, listen CD music, burn files, install software and create backup discs.Easy to use, plug and play, support hot swap.Universal compatibility, fully compatible with USB 2.0/USB 1.1, Support for Window2K/XP/2003/Vista/7, for Linux, for Mac OS.Special design, the USB cable is hidden in a compartment under DVD, which helps to protect the cable from damage and keep it tidy.Support energy-saving sleep mode when not in use.Data transfer rate: Up to 5GbpsWorking voltage: DC 5VWorking current: 1AWorking frequency: 50-60HzColor: BlackItem size: 14.7 * 14.4 * 2cm / 5.78 * 5.66 * 0.78in (L.
From Hong Kong£0.29 postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
External Blu ray Ultra Slim DVD Drive For Mac OS Windows 7/8/10 Linxus LaptopThis optical external blu ray dvd drive can read CD-RW and DVD-RM,also it can burn CD-RW and DVD-RW. It read blu ray discs, can burn blu ray dvd. 1 x External BD-RW Drive 1 x User Manual. [Player software is NOT included.].
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: Unbranded
External Bluray Drive Blu-Ray Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner USB 3.0 for PC MACReading speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW::6X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 6X;. Read disk speed: maximum CD read speed 24X, maximum DVD read speed 8X. External Drive. Support installation system: XP, WIN7, WIN8, etc. • No Local Pick Up.
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
USB 3.0 Slim Blu-Ray Player External DVD/CD Drive Burner Writer Recorder WIN MACType: CD-RW / DVD-RW Burner / Writer / Drive. With grinding surface finish, this CD/DVD writer/burner is fashionable. The external optical drive features ultra slim, lightweight, compact, portable. Plug and play, no complicated installation, easy to use. 
From China£0.49 postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
Silver External Blu-ray BD DVD CD Reader Writer Burner Drive PC MAC UJ265 UJ-265USB 3.0 External Panasonic UJ265 Blu-Ray Burner Writer BD-RE DVD RW Drive The burner is composed of two parts, one is SATA internal Slot in Panasonic UJ265 BD burner, another is SATA-usb 3.0 case, i just put the burner into the case.
From China£4.99 postage
Type: External DriveBrand: Unbranded6 watching
Interface: USB 3.0
USB 3.0 External Bluray Drive Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner for PC MAC LaptopBurning speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW: 4X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 4X;. Reading speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW::6X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 6X;. External DVD CD Drive. Read disk speed: maximum CD read speed 24X, maximum DVD read speed 8X.
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
External Drive Bluray Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner USB 3.0 Recorder for PC MACReading speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW::6X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 6X;. Read disk speed: maximum CD read speed 24X, maximum DVD read speed 8X. External Drive. Support installation system: XP, WIN7, WIN8, etc. •Send the product back in an unused condition.
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
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External Dvd Drive

External Blu-ray Drive HpExternal USB 3.0 Blu-ray BD-R BD-ROM DVD CD RW Burner Writer Drive For MAC I5N5Available for playing DVD/CD/VCD/BD; burning DVD/VCD/CD.High speed, up to 5Gbp/s data transmission speed, faster to use.High performance, convenient to watch Blu-ray movie and 3D movie, listen CD music, burn files, install software and create backup discs.Easy to use, plug and play, support hot swap.Universal compatibility, fully compatible with USB 2.0/USB 1.1, Support for Window2K/XP/2003/Vista/7, for Linux, for Mac OS.Special design, the USB cable is hidden in a compartment under DVD, which helps to protect the cable from damage and keep it tidy.Support energy-saving sleep mode when not in use.Data transfer rate: Up to 5GbpsWorking voltage: DC 5VWorking current: 1AWorking frequency: 50-60HzColor: BlackItem size: 14.7 * 14.4 * 2cm / 5.78 * 5.66 * 0.78in (L.
From Hong Kong£0.29 postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
External Blu ray Ultra Slim DVD Drive For Mac OS Windows 7/8/10 Linxus LaptopThis optical external blu ray dvd drive can read CD-RW and DVD-RM,also it can burn CD-RW and DVD-RW. It read blu ray discs, can burn blu ray dvd. 1 x External BD-RW Drive 1 x User Manual. [Player software is NOT included.].
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: Unbranded
External Bluray Drive Blu-Ray Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner USB 3.0 for PC MACReading speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW::6X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 6X;. Read disk speed: maximum CD read speed 24X, maximum DVD read speed 8X. External Drive. Support installation system: XP, WIN7, WIN8, etc. • No Local Pick Up.
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
USB 3.0 Slim Blu-Ray Player External DVD/CD Drive Burner Writer Recorder WIN MACType: CD-RW / DVD-RW Burner / Writer / Drive. With grinding surface finish, this CD/DVD writer/burner is fashionable. The external optical drive features ultra slim, lightweight, compact, portable. Plug and play, no complicated installation, easy to use. 
From China£0.49 postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
Silver External Blu-ray BD DVD CD Reader Writer Burner Drive PC MAC UJ265 UJ-265USB 3.0 External Panasonic UJ265 Blu-Ray Burner Writer BD-RE DVD RW Drive The burner is composed of two parts, one is SATA internal Slot in Panasonic UJ265 BD burner, another is SATA-usb 3.0 case, i just put the burner into the case.
From China£4.99 postage
Type: External DriveBrand: Unbranded6 watching
Interface: USB 3.0
USB 3.0 External Bluray Drive Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner for PC MAC LaptopBurning speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW: 4X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 4X;. Reading speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW::6X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 6X;. External DVD CD Drive. Read disk speed: maximum CD read speed 24X, maximum DVD read speed 8X.
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
External Drive Bluray Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner USB 3.0 Recorder for PC MACReading speed: DVD-R: 8X; DVD-RW::6X; DVD+R: 8X; DVD+RW: 6X;. Read disk speed: maximum CD read speed 24X, maximum DVD read speed 8X. External Drive. Support installation system: XP, WIN7, WIN8, etc. •Send the product back in an unused condition.
From ChinaFree postage
Type: External DriveBrand: UnbrandedInterface: USB 3.0
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External Dvd DriveExternal USB 3.0 Blu-ray BD-R BD-ROM DVD CD RW Burner Writer Drive For MAC I5N5
+ £0.29 postage
Make offer - External USB 3.0 Blu-ray BD-R BD-ROM DVD CD RW Burner Writer Drive For MAC I5N5
Silver External Blu-ray BD DVD CD Reader Writer Burner Drive PC MAC UJ265 UJ-265
+ £4.99 postage
Make offer - Silver External Blu-ray BD DVD CD Reader Writer Burner Drive PC MAC UJ265 UJ-265
USB 3.0 3D Blu-Ray Writer Player RW External DVD CD Burner Drive Win Mac
Free postage
Make offer - USB 3.0 3D Blu-Ray Writer Player RW External DVD CD Burner Drive Win Mac
USB 3.0 External Bluray Drive Player CD DVD Recorder Copier Burner for PC MAC
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Make offer - USB 3.0 External Bluray Drive Player CD DVD Recorder Copier Burner for PC MAC
USB 3.0 External Bluray Drive Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner for PC MAC Laptop
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Make offer - USB 3.0 External Bluray Drive Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner for PC MAC Laptop
External Drive Bluray Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner USB 3.0 Recorder for PC MAC
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Make offer - External Drive Bluray Player CD DVD RW Copier Burner USB 3.0 Recorder for PC MAC
External Blu-ray Drive For Macbook ProUSB 3.0 External Blu-ray Combo DVD/CD Burner RW Drive for PC Laptop Windows MacDVD+RW / DVD-RW 8X /6X. DVD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD +RW, CD-R, CD-RW. Compatible Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 & Mac 10 OS. Powered only by the USB port, no external power required.
From ChinaFree postage
Brand: Unbranded
Io Data Blu-Ray Bd Drive Mac External Portable Usb 3.0 CompatibleExpedited --- EMS.
From JapanFree postage
Type: External DriveInterface: USB 3.0
USB 3.0 Blu-Ray DVD CD Brenner DVD-RW Laufwerk Drive Extern USB NEU für Dell Mac1 x externes USB-Laufwerk DVD-RW. Apple Tray USB3.0 Laufwerk. Es kann nur ein USB-Kabel verwendet werden! Fehlerkorrekturfunktion: ja. 1x Benutzerhandbuch. Paket enthalten Qualität ist die erste mit bestem service.
From ChinaFree postage
USB 3.0 Blu-Ray DVD CD Brenner DVD-RW Laufwerk Drive Extern USB für Mac PC DE1 x externes USB-Laufwerk DVD-RW. Apple Tray USB3.0 Laufwerk. Es kann nur ein USB-Kabel verwendet werden! 1x Benutzerhandbuch. Paket enthalten Fehlerkorrekturfunktion: ja. Qualität ist die erste mit bestem service.
From ChinaFree postage
DE USB 3.0 Blu-Ray DVD CD Brenner DVD-RW Laufwerk Drive Extern USB für Mac PCFrom ChinaFree postage
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Blu Ray BD Laufwerk extern USB 3.0 BluRay Brenner DVD CD für Notebook PC & MacPlug & Play: kein zusätzlicher treiber nötig. Nach dem Einstecken des USB-Kabels und dem Suchvorgang, können DVDs ganz einfach gelesen und beschrieben werden. Blu-Ray BD Combo Externer USB 3.0 3D Lesegeräte DVD Brenner Laufwerk Externes CD-RW DVD-RW BD-R.
Est. delivery dateEst. delivery Wed, Aug 28Free postage
From Germany
Blu Ray BD Laufwerk extern USB 3.0 BluRay Brenner DVD CD für Notebook PC & MacUSB Extern Blu Ray BD CD Combo DVD±RW 3D Laufwerk CD±RW DVD Brenner Laufwerk PC Laptop Mac. - Plug & Play, kein zusätzliches Laufwerk benötigt. Nach dem Einstecken des USB-Kabels und dem Suchevorgang kann man DVD lesen.
Est. delivery dateEst. delivery Wed, Aug 28Free postage
From Germany
Io Data Blu-Ray Bd Drive Mac External Portable Usb 3.0 Compatible NewIf you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
From Japan£11.40 postage
Type: External DriveInterface: USB 3.0
USB 3.0 Blu-Ray DVD CD Brenner DVD-RW Laufwerk Drive Extern USB NEU für Dell Mac1 x externes USB-Laufwerk DVD-RW. Apple Tray USB3.0 Laufwerk. Es kann nur ein USB-Kabel verwendet werden! Fehlerkorrekturfunktion: ja. 1x Benutzerhandbuch. Paket enthalten Qualität ist die erste mit bestem service.
From ChinaFree postage
USB 3.0 Blu-Ray DVD CD Brenner DVD-RW Laufwerk Drive Extern USB NEU für Dell Mac1 x externes USB-Laufwerk DVD-RW. Apple Tray USB3.0 Laufwerk. Es kann nur ein USB-Kabel verwendet werden! Fehlerkorrekturfunktion: ja. 1x Benutzerhandbuch. Paket enthalten Qualität ist die erste mit bestem service.
From ChinaFree postage