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How to play Blu-ray discs and movies on Windows and Mac computer? Step by step guide

How to play Blu-ray discs and movies on Windows and Mac computer? Step by step guide

Today, Blu-Ray movies have become one of the most famous for lovers of the cinematic world . This, mainly, because the Blu-Ray is an optical disk format that exhibits a large storage capacity and for that reason, is used for the playback of clips in high definition .

In this sense, the viewing experience guaranteed by Blu-Ray movies is truly magnificent. Since, they offer a totally crystalline quality and thanks to that, users who visualize such content will be able to enjoy each scene of the film to the fullest.

That is why, many users wonder if it is possible to play Blu-Ray discs and movies on their computer and, fortunately, if it is feasible on both Windows and Mac. , in this post, we will let you know every step to follow to watch your movies in 1080p high definition resolution and, in addition, we will detail the best players available for that.

What hardware and software does my computer need to read discs? Blu-ray?

But, before specifying the procedures to execute to play Blu-Ray discs and movies directly from your computer, it is essential to know that this equipment requires to be able to read the discs of such format without no problem or limitation.

Taking into account that, mainly, you need a piece of hardware and another of software, which are:

Blu-ray reader

Lector Blu-ray

It is a kind of device that contains the same computer, which integrates within itself a blue laser beam emitter, basically. This, in order to read the data that are recorded on a CD, DVD and of course on the DB or Blu-Ray. So, once you read the data contained in it, this unit will send it through a cable to the main card so that can be processed .

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On the other hand, it is important to know both the internal parts as well as the external parts that a Blu-Ray reader contains and then we detail each one of them :

External parts

  • Tray and cover : It allows to support the inserted disc and place it, correctly, so that it is read by the internal laser.
  • Indicator : Refers to a LED that turns on when the disk drive is running.
  • Rear panel : It is the one that integrates the SATA connectors for power and for data Which are 15 and 7 terminals, respectively.
  • Eject button : Manually, it offers the possibility of placing or removing the Blu-Ray disc.
  • Cover : It is the one that protects the internal mechanism and also its circuits.

Internal parts

  • Spindle axis and motor : Of course, it refers to the place where the disc is attached to start rotating or to play.
  • Rail : Basically, it is responsible for moving the blue laser horizontally.
  • Motor : It has the ability to move the laser track.
  • Head : It is the one that integrates the laser named above, which has the function of reading the data of the disc inserted.
  • Tray : Internal and external part at the same time, which has a space allocated for the size of the discs to be played.

Blu-ray player software

In addition to making sure that your PC or Mac contains a Blu-Ray reader, it is also important to make sure you have installed a software or program capable of playing this format . Otherwise, you must select and download such a solution to be able to play the disc content on your Windows or Mac computer.

In general, these softwares have several extra functions and among the most important, we highlight that they can play countless video clip formats without having to install any codec. In addition, they support audio playback without data loss and can even support subtitles and speed changes, some of them.

Steps to watch Blu-ray movies from your computer with Windows or MacOS

Now, clarifying the above and before detailing some of the main programs that can play movies in BD, it is worth knowing what are the main procedures to follow to be able to see such content directly from your Windows computer or MacOS .

So, here are the step-by-step steps to execute:

In Windows

Before explaining the procedure to be carried out on a Windows 10 computer to play Blu-Ray movies, it is relevant to note that in case your laptop does not have a built-in unit to play this format, that is, a Blu-Ray reader; it will be necessary to get a disk drive or “Disk Drive” .

En Windows

Since, currently many PCs and laptops, especially; They are not distributed with a DVD drive for space and cost savings. So, it will be necessary to resort to the solutions of many manufacturers that create a variety of external and complementary optical units , which can be adjusted to the users pocket by the different shapes and sizes available.

Now, let’s start with the steps to play to play Blu-Ray discs on a PC:

  • Once you have on hand your disk drive to play discs of this time, it is important that you proceed to download a software known as “VLC Media Player” that it is a of the best solutions for Windows when playing a DVD or Blu-Ray. Which is free.

VLC Media Player

  • Later, when you get the application from its official website and install it as you would with any other program in W10, you will have to make sure that your external drive is connected and place the Blu disk there -Ray .
  • With the above, VLC Media Player will detect the disc, automatically and therefore, will start playing . Just as if you were watching the movie from a Blu-Ray device connected to the television.

On the other hand, in case the program in question does not detect the disk, it will be necessary to go to the “Media” section of the software and access “Open disk” . Then, choose the unit from the drop-down menu, click on “Play” and voila.

Download VLC Windows

On MacOS

As in the previous case, in MacOS computers it may also be necessary to connect a Blu-Ray drive to the computer using a USB cable . Of course, if it is a MacBook that does not contain the drive inside it.

Now, let’s start with the procedure to follow:

  • The first step to do, basically will be to connect the BD drive to your computer with MacOS and after that, download a software known as “Blu-Ray VideoSolo Player” which is one of the most professional options for this, since it guarantees sound and image quality without loss and is free .

En MacOS

  • Once you install this program on your computer, proceed to insert the Blu-Ray movie disc into the connected unit and start the VideoSolo player. Since it does not detect the disk automatically.
  • Then, within that software, click on the button that says “Open disk” to load the data from it on the computer.
  • After a few seconds, the main menu will open and there, you can select the chapter, audios and subtitles you prefer to enjoy your movie. But, if you prefer to watch it directly, just press the “Play movie” button and voila.

Download VideoSolo MacOS

List of the best Blu-ray players to install in Free Windows and MacOS

If you want to get more solutions regarding Blu-Ray content player programs, you have reached the indicated section of the post to know the best software available for it to run on both Windows as well as computers with MacOS :

Wondershare Video. Ultimate Converter

Wondershare Vídeo. Converter Ultimate

Compatible with both operating systems and free, this program is considered one of the most optimal for playing BD movies with the best quality. In addition, it stands out as a cross-platform alternative capable of supporting more than 100 video formats , among which are the most common such as: MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, among others.

On the other hand, it allows you to burn and personalize your DVDs through a menu of DVD templates that you provide at no cost. It even allows you to run conversions much faster than any conventional convert and supports processes to convert an optimized preset for almost all devices. Additionally, you can download and record videos with this player .

Download Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate Windows

Download Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate MacOS

Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player

Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player

It is estimated as another of the most advantageous programs when it comes to playing movies or videos on Blu-Ray. Since, does not support quality losses of any kind , it detects the content automatically and has the ability to support countless video formats without the prior requirement of installing any codec.

It should be noted that it is compatible with all versions of Windows and also with MacOS, so users can download the software for free . Apart from this, we indicate that you have excellent technical support that will always be willing to help you.

Download Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player Windows

Download Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player MacOS

Mac Blu-ray Player

Mac Blu-ray Player

This is a program with a very simple interface to use and completely free , which is only available for Mac computers . Being one of the best solutions for these users and for that reason, it already has more than 94,000 downloads worldwide. Taking into account that, the software can be found in several languages.

For its part, it has the ability to play any Blu-Ray movie and offers the best possible quality, in terms of image and sound. In addition to that, it also has support for a large number of video formats distributed today , mainly: DVD, VideoCD, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, WMV, MP4, MPEG, RMVB, MP3 , WMA, AAC and AC3.

Download Mac Blu-ray Player MacOS

VideoSolo Blu-ray Player

VideoSolo Blu-ray Player

For Windows and MacOS users, this program is also a good solution when watching Blu-Ray movies directly from the computer and paying absolutely nothing. Thus, a program capable of offering the best possible visual effect and the highest audio quality , without any loss.

For its part, it offers an extensive list of formats supported by it, which are: MP4, MKV, MPG, TS, WebM, VOB, MOV, AVI, AVCHD, AAC, FLAC, MP3 and M4A. It should also be noted that, it has a very striking and easy-to-use user interface, provides a complete Blu-Ray menu to change titles or chapters , as well as the audio track or subtitles with just one click .

Download VideoSolo Blu-ray Player Windows

Download VideoSolo Blu-ray Player MacOS

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player

To conclude, we detail this famous alternative as a Blu-Ray content player that is also compatible with any Windows and MacOS equipment . In this sense, in addition to supporting the BD format, it also has support for the vast majority of video configurations currently distributed.

Added to this, VLC Media Player offers you options to burn clips while playing easily, rip DVDs using fully specialized tools, convert video and sound files in different formats , download YouTube content, listen to online radio stations, watch video clips in ASCII mode, etc. It is also free.

Download VLC Media Player Windows

Download VLC Media Player MacOS