First Look: I-O Data's USB-Based Blu-ray Burner Ann Arbor MI

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


1 . Local Companies

Sherwood Computer & Peripheral Repair-McRs
(734) 995-0040
2308 S Industrial Hwy
Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan Computer Supply Inc
(734) 213-5400
124 W Summit St
Ann Arbor, MI
National Computer Supply
(734) 827-2255
2010 Hogback Rd
Ann Arbor, MI
Alate Llc
(734) 622-0230
100 Briarwood Cir
Ann Arbor, MI
McRs Computer Sales & Service
(734) 995-0040
2308 S Industrial Hwy
Ann Arbor, MI
Staples
(734) 994-6437
2601 Jackson Ave
Ann Arbor, MI
R C M Laser Tech Inc
(734) 692-8979
2837 W Jefferson Ave
Trenton, MI
Staples
(313) 562-1840
23131 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI
Bean Creek Software & Hardware Co
(517) 448-3134
3840 S Meridian Rd
Hudson, MI
Corotech
(616) 530-1260
2979 Remico St SW
Grandville, MI

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)

5 . Featured Local Company

Vertigo Productions

419-891-2191
1678 Lance Pointe
Maumee, OH
www.vertigocd.com

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