IO Data Unveils Blu-ray Drive for USB-C Laptops
by Anton Shilov on January 3, 2019 3:00 PM EST
Known for their rather unorthodox devices, IO Data recently introduced a new external Blu-ray drive that works with USB Type-C hosts. An otherwise typical slimline Blu-ray drive, the BRP-UT6/MC2 not only supports the latest BDXL and M-DISC specifications, but also comes with Apple Mac-compatible software.
Featuring a z-height of 11 mm and weighing 220 grams, the IO Data BRP-UT6/MC2 can playback and burn all modern types of optical discs, including CDs, DVDs, BD-Rs (including LTH media at up to 6X speed for burning), BDXLs (up to four layers, 128 GB, up to 4X burn speed), and M-DISCs (up to three layers, 100 GB). The drive is not listed as being compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray movies, so it likely lacks the necessary AACS 2.0 firmware.
However USB-C purists take note: it looks like IO Data has cheated here a bit. The external Blu-ray drive itself actually sports a USB 3.0 micro-B interface, rather than being end-to-end USB-C. Because of this, IO Data includes two cables: a USB 3.0 micro-B to USB Type-C cable to be used with modern laptops, and a USB 3.0 micro-B to USB Type-A cable so that it can work with the broad array of existing computers that only feature USB Type-A ports. Based on what we know about the USB Type-C specificaiton – specifically, that USB-C devices aren't allowed to connect to USB-A hosts – it makes sense why IO Data would want to go this route, as they'd otherwise be locking themselves out of a significant portion of the existing market.
Hardware aside, IO Data ships its BRP-UT6/MC2 drive with a code to download Roxio’s Toast 17 Titanum software, which can be used to copy and burn CDs/DVDs/BDs, edit video, capture video, and perform other similar tasks. That program cannot playback Blu-rays, so to do so one will need to acquire a different product.
The BRP-UT6/MC2 ODD will be released later this month at a price of ¥19,800 ($183) including VAT.
Related Reading:
- PLDS Readies EB1: A Slim External Ultra-HD Blu-Ray Player (and Burner)
- Pioneer Announces Ultra HD Blu-ray Supporting BDR-S11J Drives
- Silverstone Launches TOB03 ODD: 9.5-mm CD/DVD/BD/BDXL Burner
- Sony Releases Quad-Layer 128 GB BD-R XL Media
- Blu-ray Disc Association Completes Ultra HD Blu-ray Specification
Source: IO Data (via Hermitage Akihabara)
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aebiv - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Wait what?"Based on what we know about the USB Type-C specificaiton – specifically, that USB-C devices aren't allowed to connect to USB-A hosts – it makes sense why IO Data would want to go this route, as they'd otherwise be locking themselves out of a significant portion of the existing market."
How is this accurate? Are all those high end flash drives from Samsung and such "not in spec" then?
danielfranklin - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
My exact first thoughts.I guess they are talking more about the pure type-c spec, eg 15w power, alt mode etc.
Doesn't mean it doesn't work, as we know. No reason at all they couldn't have used a type-c port, 3.0 microB was always a monstrosity.
Cogman - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Likely this is what they are referring to. USB-C can draw more power than A is speced for.The spec does allow for A to C adapters, however they aren't allowed to draw C power. A specific resistance is required when an A to C bridge is made.
But, as far as the protocol goes, I'm fairly certain there is no difference between C and A. C is just USB 3.0 over a different connector.
Death666Angel - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
"C is just USB 3.0 over a different connector." Not sure what you mean here. USB C is also just a connector type. It can transmit USB 2.0, 3.1 Gen1/2, Displayport and other stuff. The protocol behind it can be a lot of things.Samus - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
It's also worth pointing out USB-C has a completely data-less 'power delivery' spec (USB_PD) that if utilized by a device, the device will most likely not even detect on a non- USB-C host.Myrandex - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Right and not to mention all of the USB-C phones that connect to a USB-A host connection for charging and data (such as my Galaxy S9 that shipped with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging / data transfer purposes).Valantar - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
Yeah, this was a weird statement. I have a Lacie Rugged USB-C external HDD that came with two cables in the box: one C-to-C and one C-to-A. Isn't interoperability a very large part of the point of USB?edzieba - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
"Based on what we know about the USB Type-C specificaiton – specifically, that USB-C devices aren't allowed to connect to USB-A hosts"Nonsense! The Type C specs even DEFINE the adaptors between A and C!
jeremyshaw - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Does it define an USB-A host with an USB-C device? I know the other way is possible.LauRoman - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Are you talking about things like phone charging cables or usbc dongles that allow the connection of usb a?