Blu-Ray Recommendations

[jagdpanther]

I would like to purchase an internal (SATA) blu-ray reader/writer for both data backup and watching Blu-Ray movies (probably via MakeMKV) on my Gentoo system. Any recommendations, suggestions or warnings on what blu-ray reader/writer to purchase would be appreciated.

(This is a duplicate post from the Kernal & Hardware forum, but there were no replies.)

Thanks

[audiodef]

I don't have any specific recommendations, but if you are not absolutely adamant about getting an internal drive, I highly suggest you get an external one. Just about all well-built drives last much longer as an external unit than an internal one.
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[NeddySeagoon]

jagdpanther,

If you want to play blu-ray, be aware that there is no DeCSS equivelent yet.
Also, blu-ray disks are released with new keys from time to time that needs a drive update to be able to decrypt.

Some disks can be read in linux, some cannot.
There is a workaround for this mess for some drives ... google is your friend
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

[jagdpanther]

[NeddySeagoon]

jagdpanther,

There is/was an ebuild for makemkv but its not open source software and it won't read all blu-ray disks.
Most CD/DVD authoring software also works for blu-ray.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

[audiodef]

In general, any internal removable media drive is

1. an extra heat source that consumes resources not only from operation power, but adds to the extra cooling requirement of the machine, and

2. an extra point of access for dust and debris. The more sealed you can make your machine, the cleaner it will stay for longer periods of time, and thus experience less wear and tear. *

3. The drive itself will last longer as an external device, assuming it is well-cared for. It has its own stable enclosure and is away from the existing heat inside a computer. Just ask anyone who has internal and external drives which ones they replace more often. So, it's a more economical choice in the larger picture (spend a little more now, spend a lot less later).

* A really excellent way of cooling a computer is to physically hack the machine so that the fan pushes air into the machine at one point and exits the machine at one or more (more, if there is sufficient pressure) other points. The fan should have a filter over its intake so that only clean air goes through, and you should basically never have to air-blast clean it. It just runs cleanly. I have an old blade server hacked in this way, with the original noisy blowers removed, and months after being turned on, it was still squeaky clean on the inside. A bathroom ventilation fan can be used. I found one that runs at .4 sones - quieter than most computers. I know I'm digressing, but after having learned of doing things this way from a friend, I relish the opportunity to share it with others.
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[jagdpanther]

Audiodef: Thanks for the in-depth reply.

I'm not too worried about the heat in the system I built: The inlet and exhaust fans move a good amount of air. As far as dust, some-day I will take your suggestion and mod a case to have a decent air-filter. Until then, (due to the amount of air moved) every weekend it is vacuum the screen on the air inlets and once a month, turn the system off and get out the compressed air can.

Any recommendations on good blu-ray drives or drive manufacturers or drives to stay away from?

[whig]

I've been through Samsung and Asus bluray readers. makemkv has ripped all bluray discs given to it successfully. It just extracts the titles but not things like menus. I haven't bothered to install windows drivers and I don't think I want to.

[NeddySeagoon]

To keep internal removable media devices clean, the case must be ventilated in such a way as to maintain a positive pressure, so air leaks out through the drives. Even if its not filtered on the way in, this air is much cleaner that external air being sucked in.

Its easy to check for a positive case pressure with a water manometer made of of flexible plastic tube.
You are only looking for the sign of the pressure, not its magnitude, so pressing the end of the manometer against a cover screw hole is perfectly adequate.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

[audiodef]

Yep.
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decibel Linux: https://decibellinux.org
Github: https://github.com/Gentoo-Music-and-Audio-Technology
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[John R. Graham]

[audiodef]

Since learning to push air and create positive pressure, I've wondered why most computers sold in stores do the opposite. I don't see what's so difficult about turning the fans inward and installing filter-holders so the machine stays clean while still looking rad. Although, I have to say that some of the hacks you can do to do things this way give the machine a cool Bauhaus look.

I wonder if manufacturers know this very well and intentionally do things this way because a lot of people will think their computer "somehow broke down" and will go spend more money on fixing it or buying a new one.
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decibel Linux: https://decibellinux.org
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