Blu Ray Burner/Remote Advice Needed

[Optix]

So I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on a HTPC, but I was thinking that when we get our big ass wall mounted TV, DVD just won't cut it so why not throw a Blu Ray burner in it instead.

I know nothing about these drives and I'm not a video-phile so there's a good chance that I won't even notice the difference between some of them unless it's something drastic like comparing BR to DVD.

So my question to all of you is what should I be looking for? I need to go low-end on this so entry level is just peachy since I'll need to pick up a remote.

That's the second thing I'll need help with since until now I haven't had the need for one. Again, low end is fine so have at it!

Here's the front runners so far:

Drive:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106369

Remote:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880101007

 

[Rob Williams]

Unless you have a specific reason to pick up a burner, I'd save $20 or so and just opt for a standard drive. BD-ROM media is still expensive for what it offers; it'd cost something like $200 for 2TB of BD-ROM media whereas a 2TB HDD costs almost half.

Not familiar with remotes too much, but for the price of that Rosewill, it looks awesome (as in, I'd opt for it).

 

[Optix]

Now that you mention it, a standard reader does sound like a better idea. My wallet likes the idea too.

 

[Rob Williams]

Are you planning to hook this PC straight up to the TV? If not, you'll want to consider a media player as well, unless the TV is able to stream from a network.

 

[Optix]

Yep, it'll be straight to the TV and will replace our DVD player.

 

[Rob Williams]

Excellent. I hope a build log is in the works

Have you decided on a chassis / mobo yet? IGP vs. discrete GPU?

 

[Optix]

This is going to be done on the cheap, so I'll probably use the GD06 and go with the IGP since they are beefier than ever. 2GB of memory and a 160GB drive that I have floating around should do the trick.

I'll have to pick up a wireless card too, now that I think about it.

 

[Kougar]

Yeah, it's a good point about the burner.... even if you want to future proof yourself.... who is to say the burner you buy today will support the type of blu-ray discs they will have in a year or two or three from now?

 

[DarkStarr]

I'm planning on getting a BluRay burner, I need to get some stuff off my drive to store better. Costs are pretty decent, ~$60 for the burner and another $30 for media. Not bad for 1.25TB of media. (25 Pack 25GB Disks $15 so 50x25=1250) Will be great for all of the games sitting on my harddrive(s) too, can get those pesky installers off without splitting.