The news
Sony's BWU-100A Blu-ray Disc burner can at last play BD movies - thanks to a free downloadable upgrade for the CyberLink PowerDVD player software that comes with the unit. Well, that's what Sony seems to be implying but, unfortunately, the download link that it provides doesn't work. Instead, you get a message (from CyberLink) saying, "Sorry, the PowerDVD Upgrade with BD-ROM support is not yet available. Please check back in early October. "
D'oh!
The burner was launched in the USA in August and is due in Europe this month at €960 (£648) - something of a rip-off compared to the US figure of $750 (£380 ex-VAT/£447 inc).
Oh, and remember - if and when the patch does appear, you'll still need an HDCP-capable graphics card and a compliant high-def screen.
Check out Sony's notice on page two (the original is here) and share your thoughts in the HEXUS.HD forum.
Update - October 5, 2006; 00:16
We've just revised the download
page and the file is now available. So, owners of the Sony
BWU-100A should be able to grab it and update their copies of
CyberLink PowerDVD for Blu-ray Disc movie playback. You'll
need the serial number of the software supplied with the Sony, though,
to be able to download.
HEXUS.links
HEXUS.community :: discussion thread about this articleHEXUS.lifestyle headline :: Rip-off priced Sony Blu-ray Disc burner can't play BD movies
HEXUS.lifestyle headline :: First AVCHD hi-def camcorders due from Sony in September
HEXUS.lifestyle headline :: Blu-ray and HD DVD blank-disc price shocker!
All HEXUS IFA coverage :: IFA - Internationale Funkausstellung - Berlin 2006
External.links
Sony - BWU-100A Blu-Ray Disc Rewritable DrivePlayback Upgrade & Information Page
CyberLink - software upgrade page (starts with an unavoidable survey!)
CNET Australia - First Blu-ray disc drive won’t play Blu-ray movies
Sony USA press release - SONY UNVEILS FIRST BLU-RAY DISC DRIVE BURNER
