External Blu-Ray dvd player for Macbook

fireman0174 · fireman0174 #1 (**permalink**)

08-22-2010, 11:41 AM

I have a Macbook that was purchased about one year ago. I recently bought an adaptor that permits me to play dvd movies to a high def TV from the laptop.

Of course, the dvd player in the Macbook will not play blu-ray movies.

Can anyone recommend or point me in the proper direction to purchase an external blu-ray dvd player that can be hooked up to the Macbook and then output to a high def TV? Preferably a usb powered unit.

I really only want a player, however if the unit is also a "burner", that's ok, but that probably will run up the price.

Also, are there any software issues that I will need to be aware of when playing blu-ray movies using the current dvd player software or will I need an upgrade to an entirely new software player?

I travel some and as I always take my Macbook, I would like to be able to see some blu-ray movies that I have. Sometimes the availability of TV channels can be quite limited in the hotels I use.

Thanks.

bobtomay · bobtomay #2 (**permalink**)

08-22-2010, 12:18 PM

There does not exist any software that will play commercial B-R discs in OS X that I am aware of.

chas_m · chas_m #3 (**permalink**)

08-23-2010, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobtomay

There does not exist any software that will play commercial B-R discs in OS X that I am aware of.

Now that iMacs come with miniDisplayPort in, surely it should be possible for a regular BR player to do this?

I can't put it to the test, not having a recent iMac, but I'm just sayin' ...

bobtomay · bobtomay #4 (**permalink**)

08-23-2010, 07:54 AM

If you're referring to HDCP, then I believe the hardware all the way through the chain is now HDCP compliant. The issue remaining is that no one has put out a player that will run in OS X that will play B-R discs.

edit: e.g. commercial B-R movies

james8258 · james8258 #5 (**permalink**)

08-27-2010, 01:41 AM

Do you have Apple TV? Maybe this is a solution.

bobtomay · bobtomay #6 (**permalink**)

08-27-2010, 04:54 AM

Just re-read chas' post. Yes, a stand alone B-R player might work with the current iMacs. But, it'll cost another $150 for the only adapter out there at this time to get from HDMI to mini dp.

VonStoven · VonStoven #7 (**permalink**)

08-27-2010, 10:41 PM

Bobtomay, have you ever heard of monoprice.com? I may have just saved your life with this post if think adapters cost that much.

bobtomay · bobtomay #8 (**permalink**)

08-28-2010, 02:58 AM

VonStoven, you would already know the answer to that if you have you ever read this thread, or any of the other numerous threads spread over this board related to connecting a Mac to a TV?

bobtomay #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 22,036 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	08-22-2010, 12:18 PM There does not exist any software that will play commercial B-R discs in OS X that I am aware of. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus.
	QUOTE Thanks

bobtomay #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 22,036 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	08-23-2010, 07:54 AM If you're referring to HDCP, then I believe the hardware all the way through the chain is now HDCP compliant. The issue remaining is that no one has put out a player that will run in OS X that will play B-R discs. edit: e.g. commercial B-R movies I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus. Last edited by bobtomay; 08-24-2010 at 05:57 AM.
	QUOTE Thanks

bobtomay #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 22,036 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	08-27-2010, 04:54 AM Just re-read chas' post. Yes, a stand alone B-R player might work with the current iMacs. But, it'll cost another $150 for the only adapter out there at this time to get from HDMI to mini dp. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus.
	QUOTE Thanks

bobtomay #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 22,036 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	08-28-2010, 02:58 AM VonStoven, you would already know the answer to that if you have you ever read this thread, or any of the other numerous threads spread over this board related to connecting a Mac to a TV? I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus.
	QUOTE Thanks

External Blu-Ray dvd player for Macbook

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

fireman0174 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 12, 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 143 Mac Specs: 24" IMAC	08-22-2010, 11:41 AM I have a Macbook that was purchased about one year ago. I recently bought an adaptor that permits me to play dvd movies to a high def TV from the laptop. Of course, the dvd player in the Macbook will not play blu-ray movies. Can anyone recommend or point me in the proper direction to purchase an external blu-ray dvd player that can be hooked up to the Macbook and then output to a high def TV? Preferably a usb powered unit. I really only want a player, however if the unit is also a "burner", that's ok, but that probably will run up the price. Also, are there any software issues that I will need to be aware of when playing blu-ray movies using the current dvd player software or will I need an upgrade to an entirely new software player? I travel some and as I always take my Macbook, I would like to be able to see some blu-ray movies that I have. Sometimes the availability of TV channels can be quite limited in the hotels I use. Thanks.
	QUOTE Thanks

james8258 #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 27, 2010 Posts: 1	08-27-2010, 01:41 AM Do you have Apple TV? Maybe this is a solution.
	QUOTE Thanks

VonStoven #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 01, 2010 Posts: 74	08-27-2010, 10:41 PM Bobtomay, have you ever heard of monoprice.com? I may have just saved your life with this post if think adapters cost that much.
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)