Spec me a slim slot-load blu-ray reader for HTPC

[nightwish]

As title. Will be going in a Streacom FC8 EVO case.

Will be playing blu-rays in an otherwise-silent HTPC, so

• it needs to be quiet
• it does not need to write blu-rays
• ideally 3D capable, but not essential
• ideally under £80

(I figure it's more of a small form factor-type question than an optical drive question, so putting it in here.)

 

[nightwish]

Yeah, only need a reader. Don't want to spend the extra to get a writer. I can get a full-size writer for my main PC for cheaper if I need to.

There do seem to be a couple of Sony's that fit my requirements - the BC-5640H-03 and the BD-5850H. No idea what the differences between these are yet.

One thing I'm having trouble with working out is whether any of the drives I've looked at read 3D blu-rays. Not sure what I need to look out for - is there a particular standard they should support,, or is it just the same technology as that for reading 2D blu-rays?

 

[nightwish]

I have the 5850 in a SUGO 06 case. it's the current model which is the main reason to go for it. Yes it's a burner but you're probably only paying an extra tenner for that so you may as well have it.

Fair enough. I'll probably get that one then.

As to be expected with slim drives you can hear it spinning especially with blu-rays. The only other issue I can see with that case is the button position - it's offset to the right.

I haven't bought it yet, but it's supposed to have a a 'universal optical drive eject button for added compatibility', so hopefully won't be a problem.

Playing 3D is more to do with the software on the PC rather than the drive.

Sounds right. I found an article from 2010 which says it needs a certain minimum speed (2x or more) as they need more bandwidth than a 2D disc, and that most drives just needed a firmware update to read 3D. Given that was from 2010, it sounds like it's a non-issue now.

 

[nightwish]

Please do post here to say what you found in the end, thanks.

Just hit the 'buy' button on the Sony BD-5850H.