BWU-100A
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Sony patches BWU-100A Blu-ray drive to play movies
Yet another debacle in the Sony world is finally getting some closure today, as Sony's much-anticipated BWU-100A Blu-ray drive is finally getting an official update to allow BD movies to play back. While it was almost unbelievable that a Blu-ray drive would be offered up sans the ability to watch flicks, especially considering the CyberLink PowerDVD that was bundled in, Sony managed to pull it off. Of course, it shifted the blame and gave us all the run around, but in the end, disgruntled owners of the device can finally get their movie watching on. So if you threw down the massive coinage to get this bad boy awhile back, and haven't tossed it on the eBay market in sheer frustration just yet, be sure to hit the read link and get to downloading.[Via HDBlog]
Sony's BWU-100A Blu-ray drives get new software
CNET Australia reports that PCs now have a solution to that pesky problem of, you know, not having any software that can actually play Blu-ray discs on Sony's newest drive. Sony has just released a downloadable update to its bundled PowerDVD app so that its BWU-100A Blu-ray drives will work, allowing for out-of-the-box playback of commercial discs -- of course, that assumes you have an HDCP-compliant graphics card as well. In related news, CyberLink, the maker of PowerDVD, released a similar update for LG's Blu-ray drives as well.[Via EngadgetHD]
Sony to provide playback solution for BWU-100A PC drive
Sony had a mess on their hands a few weeks back when they produced a PC Blu-ray drive but it couldn't playback commercial Blu-ray discs out of the box. It's not that the BWU-100A doesn't have the ability to play 'em but there is this whole thing about lack of supported software and a secure playback environment that is compliant with AACS that Sony didn't have a solution for. Well, beginning in October, Sony will provide a a free upgrade to the included CyberLink PowerDVD software that will finally allow for out-of-the box playback of commercial discs. That's if your computer can provide that secured playback environment with a HDCP compliant graphics card and if not, most of the commercial stuff will playback but it is unclear the quality you will receive. The addition of the software to this drive marks the start of PC media centers transformed into a Blu-ray box for less then the cost of a set-top Blu-ray player thanks to the BWU-100A $750 price tag.
Blu-ray disc drive won't play Blu-ray movies
If it's true the first Blu-ray drives won't play Blu-ray movies, then what's the point, you ask? Since it's practically impossible to put a positive spin on this, just roll your eyes as you're spared some of the more technical mumbo-jumbo. If you want to see the explanation by cnet, it's a bit more detailed. Basically, the Sony BWU-100A, the first Blu-ray drive to reach Australian shores, won't play back commercially released BD movies. The drive "will only play user-recorded high-definition content from a digital camcorder." Honestly, a camcorder? Is anyone that into making home videos? Regardless, the reasoning behind this decision is HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) -- rather, a lack of PC's containing graphic chips supporting HDCP. There are a few Sony computers that have all the necessary components, but no one is going to buy a new computer just for that, really. It's still a good storage drive, especially if you like to make... home videos. Otherwise, Sony, what're you doing? No one in Australia is going to pay $1400(AU) for a drive that doesn't even play movies.
Sony's first Blu-ray drive gets rap for not playing flicks
And we've been griping about Blu-ray delays in the good ol' USofA. Looks like the folks Down Under have it way worse, since Sony has just released their BWU-100A internal PC drive for reading and writing Blu-ray discs in Australia, 'cept supposedly the thing can't actually manage to play back is Blu-ray movies. Apparently they're blaming the lack of HDCP-compliant graphics cards, and the fact that there isn't any retail software that can play Blu-ray movies, just the OEM version of Intervideo WinDVD BD that ships with Sony's VAIO AR laptop -- assuming of course, that your Blu-ray content requires HDCP to begin with. That would make us wonder why Sony can't just bundle that same software with the BWU-100A, but we're clearly thinking with the addled mind of a consumer. If we were smarter, we'd realise the logic behind releasing products so saddled with rights management that they can't even play back the media they were built for. Luckily, Sony says they're optimistic about resolving both issues soon, and that for now the device is still 100% functional for storage (hooray), and can play back your own home-burnt movies as well (as well as Blu-ray flicks that are HDCP-free). All this can be yours, you lucky Australian you, for a mere AU$1,399, or about $1,075 US.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sony unveils BWU-100A Blu-ray burner
This thing has been around for quite a while in prototype form, but Sony has finally gotten around to joining the pack and unveiling a PC drive for their own format. The BWU-100A Blu-ray burner doesn't have a whole lot of surprises -- other than that purple faceplate which will most likely totally clash with your PC case -- but the $750 pricetag is a nice move. It also manages all three lasers types, allowing it to read and write single layer 4.7GB DVD+R/+RW/RAM discs, 8.5GB DVD+R Double/Dual Layer Discs, and CDs. With 2x burning speeds for BD-R or BD-RE media, you can fill a 25GB Blu-ray disc in 50 minutes, and we're guessing 50GB discs should fill at a similar rate. Sony also touts the ability to move 1080i HDV camcorder footage natively to the BD-AV format for home playback, with a whole four hours fitting on one 50GB disc. The drive should be out in August, and is available for pre-order now.
Sony announces BWU-100A, their first aftermarket Blu-ray burner
While we've seen a few Blu-ray burners announced by other companies and Sony has announced BD-R media, they are finally ready to show off their burner for anyone who wants to make Blu-ray discs at home. The BWU-100A is a 2x BD-R/RE burner that also reads and writes to DVDs and CDs. It will be available in August for the (comparatively) low price of $750. The drive will come bundled with Cyberlink BD Solution to help author and burn your discs, however there is not any software for Blu-ray movie playback included so you'll need to find your own.
