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    Alienware M17X Blu Ray playback

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Buckits, Jun 14, 2009.

  1. Buckits

    Buckits Notebook Consultant

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    I have the first generation M17X and was thinking about ordering the new one. I was looking to get a blu ray drive for the first time and was wondering if it comes with blu ray playback software (I'm assuming powerdvd 7 BD edition). Has anyone had any problems using this version. A lot of forums, especially on cyberlink, have people bashing powerdvd because when it asks them to upgrade it crashes or won't start up because of some error. I have a decent gaming rig right now, I might just get an external blu ray player that comes with powerdvd 7 BD edition. Do you think I will have any problems if I get an external one?

    (My 8800m gtx cards are HDCP and Nvidia PureVideo HD ready, 2.8 ghz cpu)
     
    Buckits, Jun 14, 2009
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  2. Buckits

    Buckits Notebook Consultant

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    Just for reference, the two external blu ray drives I am considering are the LiteOn DX-4O1706C, and the Plextor PX-B310U (they both come with PD 7 BD E)
     
    Buckits, Jun 14, 2009
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  3. Mystik

    Mystik Notebook Deity

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    Though I have my worries about the inherent bandwidth issues in the USB format itself in regards to smooth BD playback, I'd say go with the Plextor, since it seems to exist...

    however, if I'm not mistaken, the original m17x has an eSATA, or USB/eSATA combo port (or something of the sort)... I'd probably look for an eSATA enabled BD drive first... you might spend a bit more, but the drive will run just like it were installed in the system. less room for error, more bandwidth, the whole bundle.

    USB 2.0 Hi-speed bandwidth: 480Mbps = 60MBps
    SATA 2.0 bandwidth: 300MBps

    ... you do the math.
     
    Mystik, Jun 14, 2009
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  4. Buckits

    Buckits Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the quick reply. I'm glad you brought up the bandwidth issue, many people are on the fence whether or not USB2.0 is enough. I checked out my ports, and they are all USB2.0, I checked the m17 and it has the eSATA combo. Do you think i should go for an internal one (MATA BD-MLT UJ-220S ATA drive - the one they have listed on the alienware site FAQs). I have this fear something will go wrong when i try to take it apart and put it back in. I don't feel like selling my rig and buying a new one just for the BD and 20% increase in gpu performance.
     
    Buckits, Jun 15, 2009
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