Sony Optiarc Black 12X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 12X DVD-RAM 8X BD-ROM 8MB Cache SATA 12X Half Height Tray Blu-ray Writer BD-5300S - OEM

Pros: Nice unit hooked up Win7 automatically installed it, Seems to pick up all disc i throw at it so far. Know of 4+ software's that work with this unit and most have 30-day trials.
1.Cyberlink PowerDvD11 pro (DVI, HDMI outs only!)
2.ArcSoft Total Media 5 (VGA, DVI, HDMI outs)
3.Corel WinDvD Pro (DVI, HDMI outs only!)
4.Macbluray player (free)

Cons: Cannot update firmware at all per Sony (eu) site: Also note that our firmware updates are not compatible with those provided by OEM vendors (Sony Optiarc drives pre-installed by the PC manufacturers e.g. HP, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Apple etc.). You may damage your drive if you flash it with incompatible firmware.

Overall Review: So they are saying that the OEM is set in stone and if you want a upgradeable firmware one get the Retail version (BWU-500S) one that comes with software. Makes no sense to me then why do they have the firmware for the 5300S, but you can't update it says "no device found" and the version is 2.0 on the unit, not the 1.04 or lower that they have on Sony site.

Pros: It reads, it writes, all reasonably well.

Cons: This is not specific to this drive, but a comment that no manufacturer will get more than a 3 out of me until they quit putting more logos than a NASCAR racer on the front of what is supposed to be a plain black drive going into my media center. When I can simply install the product without taking the bezel and tray off and painting them, I might have a more favorable attitude toward them.

Overall Review: None