LITE-ON Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Disc Combo Model iHES208-08 LightScribe Support

Pros: * SATA
* All-in-One optical drive capability (BD, DVD, CD, burner, lightscribe)
* 8x Blu-ray
* Quiet Operation during playback

I bought this for my HTPC build and I have been happy with it. I have been building my HDD-based movie library [especially the kids movies, as a backup] and the drive has performed flawlessly.

Cons: Doesn't remotely start the car - which is what the wife would rather me spend money on :)

Overall Review: Not really a con, but if I were LITE-ON and trying to make this a perfect choice for and HTPC build, I would considering adding a solid-color, no-writing bezel option. I ahppened to choose a case (Silverstone LC-17B) that has it's own aluminum bezel cover, but for some HTPC cases the drive front is exposed.

Pros: Nice packaging.

Cons: Don't buy this drive with the expectation of 8x BD-ROM read performance. Newegg claims 8x BD-ROM. The box states 8x BD-ROM for single-layer titles and 4x BD-ROM for dual-layer titles. These numbers are extremely generous.

Most Blu-ray titles are dual-layer (BD50). Actual read performance with this drive on dual-layer titles is only 3.3x (average), according to Nero DiskSpeed 5. Compare that to 5.97x (average) for the Pioneer BDR-203BK and 7.02x (average) for the Sony BWU-300S. All tested using Casino Royale.

This product is non-refundable from Newegg.com.

Overall Review: The Lite-On has a P-CAV mechanism.

Some 4x and 6x BD-ROM readers sold by Newegg are faster than this so called "8x" drive...at least on dual-layer titles, which make up the majority of Blu-ray movie titles.

Read speed doesn't make a difference during playback, but it makes a substantial difference when using AnyDVD HD to backup your Blu-ray disks. With the Sony BWU-300S and Panasonic SW-5584, you can "rip" a dual-layer title in 25 minutes. "Ripping" the same title with this Lite-On drive takes closer to 65 minutes.