First Look: I-O Data's USB-Based Blu-ray Burner Abilene TX

Like other Blu-ray drives, the BRD-UM2/U is expensive, but you get a well-rounded software bundle with it.


1 . Local Companies

Dell Computers
(817) 763-0780
1804 Green Oaks Rd
Fort Worth, TX
Orion Services
(936) 494-2406
Conroe, TX
Lite-On Inc
(281) 866-9277
7027 Belgold St
Houston, TX
Martcom USA Llc
(713) 939-8388
2121 Brittmoore Rd
Houston, TX
Cross Connections Radio Shack Dealer
(830) 426-2662
1110 18th St
Hondo, TX
Western Technologies
(214) 495-0308
2401 Windy Ridge Ct
Allen, TX
Global Marketing Svcs
(972) 312-9609
500 N Central Expy Ste 272
Plano, TX
Discount Laser Inc
(210) 523-0641
7715 Mainland Dr Ste 113
San Antonio, TX
Media Recovery
(817) 447-3000
Burleson, TX
Incavo
(512) 328-2220
110 Wild Basin Rd
West Lake Hills, TX

2 . Introduction

Click here to view full-size image.The trickle of Blu-ray Disc devices continues with I-O Data's $999 BRD-UM2/U, the second PC Blu-ray burner to be put through its paces in the PC World Test Center. With its well-rounded specs and solid software bundle, this external USB 2.0 drive is a fine choice for early-adopter consumers and professionals alike.

3 . Form and Function

The drive itself is handsome, sporting a dark chassis with an elegant bevel design, and the Blu-ray Disc logo prominently displayed on the top surface. The rear section of the drive is ventilated; at the back, you'll also find the power switch.

Inside, the unit incorporates the Matshita (Panasonic) SW-5582 internal BD drive. Unlike the first Blu-ray Disc PC recorder that we evaluated, the Pioneer BDR-101A, this model supports the full gamut of optical CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc recording. Its specs do match those of the Pioneer model in some respects: 2X BD-R (write-once) and BD-RE (rewritable) write speed, 2X BD-R/RE read speed, and up to 8X write speed on single-layer DVD-R and +R.

4 . Speedy Performer

Not surprisingly, the I-O Data drive's performance is strikingly similar to that of the Pioneer. It took 44 minutes, 27 seconds to master 22GB of data to BD-R, beating out the Pioneer unit by just 18 seconds. The I-O Data's rewrite (BD-RE) performance, however, was significantly slower than its write-once (BD-R) speed, as it took 97 minutes, 43 seconds to format a BD-RE disc and packet-write the same 22GB of data (we didn't test the BD-RE performance of the Pioneer drive, because it didn't ship with packet-writing software).

But the I-O Data drive is the more versatile of the two. It supports double-layer BD-R and BD-RE, so you'll be ready when 50GB media reach store shelves sometime this summer. Plus, it supports reading and writing to CDs--although the CD-R write speed tops out at 24X--and reading and writing to DVD-RAM at 5X. Even the I-O Data unit's DVDRW and dual-layer DVDR write speeds are a notch higher.

Factor in its robust software bundle--which includes BD-specific versions of Ulead's DVD MovieWriter 4.7 (for video disc authoring) and InterVideo WinDVD, as well as customized versions of Ulead's Burn.Now 3 (for burning data, MP3, audio, and bootable discs) and InterVideo's WinDVD 5 (for VCD and DVD playback)--and the convenience of an external USB drive, and the I-O Data is a winner.

I-O Data BRD-UM2/U

If you're burning for a Blu-ray drive and are willing to spend early-adopter bucks, the BRD-UM2/U is a fine choice.
Price when reviewed: $999
Current prices (if available)


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