Blu Ray / 3D (probably stupid) question

[lucasbuck]

I got an ASUS BD-ROM Drive (BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS) for my new PC build. I've read about ripping them to mkv, so I think I have how that works down pat. My stupid question is, can you just plain old play an original disc? I didn't know if it would work as a player.

Also, if I read correctly, you can use AnyDVD to rip a 3D Blu Ray as an iso and play it?

[StumpyBloke]

I don't understand your first question but regarding AnyDVD HD...yes you can use it to rip an ISO from a 3D blu-ray. You would then need a program like Clone DVD to mount it as a virtual drive, then a player like Total Media Theatre.

[lucasbuck]

Thanks, and sorry about the first part. Can you just play an original Blu Ray in HD from a drive in WMC, nothing special required? Hope that makes more sense.

[Scallica]

No, WMC cannot play Blu-ray disks natively. You need to purchase PowerDVD, WinDVD, or Arcsoft Total Media Theater. However, I heard the latest version of VLC Media Player supports Blu-ray, but there is no WMC integration. I'm not sure about PowerDVD or WinDVD, but Arcsoft TMT 5.2 integrates smoothly into WMC.

[StumpyBloke]

What he says!

[barnabas1969]

Yes, and Total Media Theater is the best choice. My HTPC is my ONLY playback device in the living room now. Everything in one box.

[newfiend]

+1 for TMT 5.2

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[barnabas1969]

It kinda hurts to pay another $99 for Arcsoft TMT5 after you spend all that money building a PC, but it's worth every penny. It gives a beautiful, nearly-seamless experience in Media Center. Just make sure to press STOP, and use the BACK button when you're finished watching a BluRay or DVD with TMT5... or else your refresh rate might get left at 24Hz (only when watching a DVD/BluRay that was made from a 24Hz source, which includes 3D BluRay disks).

But it's really nice that TMT automatically changes the refresh rate so you can just pop in a 3D BD and it just works! With TMT5, I can put in a 3D BD, wait for the movie to start, and turn on my 3D glasses. That simple.

[lucasbuck]

Thanks much, just what I needed to know!

[barnabas1969]

Glad I could help... and TMT on my PC starts the movie a LOT faster than any of my other BluRay players.

[WarrenH]

If you google ArcSoft TMT coupon, you'll find discounted voucher codes, use one of these codes when you try checkout on the ArcSoft site, some of the out of date codes may also work. You can get up to 50% off the normal retail price this way.

[barnabas1969]

If you google ArcSoft TMT coupon, you'll find discounted voucher codes, use one of these codes when you try checkout on the ArcSoft site, some of the out of date codes may also work. You can get up to 50% off the normal retail price this way.

Good point. I forgot about that. I think I used a $50.00 discount coupon when I bought mine.

[newfiend]

There is a sale on Totalmedia Theatre 5 for only $59.99 I got this in My e-mail and thought I would share.
Note: Enter your coupon FOOL12 at checkout to receive a 40% off discount. Offer valid through April 1, 2012
newfiend

[lucasbuck]

Thanks much for the coupon, I went ahead and bought it!

[newfiend]

Anytime.. Its great blu-ray software.

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[llololloy]

I realise this is an old thread, but I was just browsing and thought I'd add an alternative answer.

...can you just plain old play an original disc?

With something like anydvdhd/dvdfabpasskeylite, LAV filters, mediaplayerclassic and mediacentrestudio, yes.
LAV allows playing of the main movie stream, so I basically make an entry point for mpc, but tell it to open the index.bdmv file.

Downside, no menu support, but upside is you get to skip all the menus.