Lite-On DH-4O1S-08 Black Blu-ray Reader

Lite-On DH-401S-08 Blu-Ray

Strengths: Simple to install, comes with serial cable

Weaknesses: Firmware update

Summary: The drive is good, quite and works as it should until it comes to some movies requires new firmware, this drive is just useless. I got an error while updating the firmware. The company technician couldn't help. Test the update of firmware over more than three computers, same issue. Drive not found, even it's just listed below. All new movies went blank. Power DVD can't play the movies if you are running on old Firmware.

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Plays Blu-ray smoothly on HTPC

Strengths: Vista business recognised it instantly. Smooth play of every Netflix Blu-ray.

Weaknesses: Included PowerDvd software.

Summary: I already had PowerDVD (8?) on my computer for HD-DVD. This was a breeze to set up. PowerDVD does take 30 sec. to recognize the disc but that is OK. It has yet to hang up while playing the Blur-ray disc. It is an economical way to play HD movies on my HTPC.

Had no need to update drivers etc. (Vista may have done some updating when I wasn't looking)

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Left a bad taste in my mouth...

Strengths: Least expensive Blu-ray solution

Weaknesses: Drive was Dec 2007 manufacture. It came w/ OP53 firmware. Couldn't load CP56 firmware from Lite-On Global website. Dead after 1-day.

Summary: I actually thought Lite-On was a decent if not inexpensive drive maker. I'm wondering if my trust was misplaced.

I bought this drive after reading the reviews. I knew some people had issues while others not. I've never had a problem flashing drive firmware, until now.

Latest firmware from Lite-On Global site is CP56 (as of the time I write this). It is the ONLY version I could find on the web (I did find references on the US site to a CP54 version). The drive came w/ OP53 firmware. Previous versions of the firmware were all prefixed "CP". Why did this drive have "OP" prefixed firmware?

My attempts to upgrade all failed.

Firmware updater initially recognized the drive and it's firmware version. You'd think if it were not compatible it wouldn't even try to upgrade. Upgrade starts and get to 90%+ and then errors that the drive is not recognized.

Even tried firmware upgrade from SafeMode... the drive was not recognized.

The drive did work as a DVD-ROM drive for a day... watched one movie.

The day after installation the drive would not eject (neither button or software), nor would the LED light up on boot. It was still being recognized by the OS, I just couldn't do ANYTHING with the drive. I tried different power connections, nothing.

Boxed up the drive and requested an RMA last night to get a replacement drive. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the replacement lasts longer than a day.

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All good so far...

Strengths: Plays Blu-ray as advertised; price is competitive

Weaknesses: the bundled software is a bit limited (2-channel audio only) but is free. Also, be aware of the issues regarding HD video and audio playback before buying. Neither issue is due to the drive itself

Summary: Bought this for an HTPC build, and has been working fine so far. Like the last poster, my build was recent enough to not require a firmware update so I can't comment on the ease of that procedure.

As I mention in the weaknesses section, you need to be aware of the requirements for playing HD audio or video on a computer before buying this (or any) drive. HD video will often require an HDCP compatible monitor and video card, and HD audio will require a "protected path" in Windows - most easily accomplished with a chipset that allows audio over HDMI connections. These limitations are due to DRM and Windows, NOT this drive - just be aware before you purchase.

Again, product has been working fine for me. Would recommend.

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Least expensive way to add Blu-Ray if your PC is otherwise up to spec

Strengths: Currently the least expensive Blu-Ray drive; works

Weaknesses: Included PowerDVD only has 2 channel audio (which is fine with me considering the price); not a burner (which is also fine considering the price and how much blank Blu-Ray discs currently cost)

Summary: So far the drive itself has worked great. Mine came with the latest firmware, so I can't comment on the update process. The drive does take 30 seconds or so to start playing a Blu-Ray disc, but that may be the PowerDVD software and not the drive. I did run into a problem with the version of PowerDVD that's included, though. Newer Blu-Ray discs, such as 3:10 to Yuma, would not play. The built-in update process said there were no updates available. After much searching, I found that the OEM 3730a patch available from the Cyberlink website will install over the included version and it fixes the problem, even though it says it is only for the version that comes with LG drives. Other than that temporary hold-up, all Blu-Ray discs I've tried have played without any problems. I would definitely recommend this drive to anyone looking to get into Blu-Ray right now who doesn't need a burner.

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