External DVD Drive Question

[bluecabochon]

I have a new 24" Intel DuoCore iMac. (Love it!) I have a growing collection of UK Region 2 DVDs. Used up 2 of my 5 switches testing them out, then tried VLC player, which worked for a while, but quit after I played a Region 1 DVD. Can't get it to work, and eh, whatever. I am leaning toward getting an external DVD drive that would be dedicated to the Region 2 DVDs only as I still want to be able to play my larger collection of Region 1 DVDs as I work and I'll use the built in DVD player for that.

I'm a little confused as to exactly what kind of external drive I should be looking for. Firewire or USB? Is it a burner as well? Do I need that? I don't want to spend very much but I don't want to damage the DVDs and I want them to look good on my screen.

I've been looking at Region-Free DVD players for the TV but they look a lot more expensive and besides, I already have a decent DVD player. When that dies, I'll get a region-free player, but it's newish, so....

If anyone can point me in the right direction, and suggest a brand that is reputable, I'd be mighty grateful.

 

[gkarris]

I've been looking at Region-Free DVD players for the TV but they look a lot more expensive and besides, I already have a decent DVD player. When that dies, I'll get a region-free player, but it's newish, so....

If anyone can point me in the right direction, and suggest a brand that is reputable, I'd be mighty grateful.

Go to Walmart or Target, get a cheap DVD player, and put the region unlock code in:

http://www.videohelp.com

 

[crazzyeddie]

For the computer you're going to want a Firewire DVD drive. Basically no one sells a non-dvd burner, since they're so ridiculously cheap to begin with. Assuming that you are in the US, OWC sells some external DVD burners for about $100 (link).

 

[bluecabochon]

Thanks, guys. I'm near a Target and I see that they have some models that might work. I actually want both options so thanks too for the link to the Drive.

 

[katie4242]

My external dvd player (Lacie) is no longer "on"

though it is hooked up properly. I have a Power Mac G4 and I went to burn a cd and the power light doesn't show up. I double checked the connections and they were fine. I have OS 10.2.


Any suggestions?

Thanks.