Today, Blu-Ray movies have become one of the most famous for lovers of the film world. This, mainly, because Blu-Ray is an optical disc format that exhibits a large storage capacity and for this reason, it is used for the playback of clips. in high definition.
In this sense, the viewing experience that Blu-Ray movies guarantee is truly magnificent. Since, offer crystal clear quality and thanks to that, users who view such content will be able to enjoy each scene of the movie to the fullest.
That is why, many users wonder if it is possible to play Blu-Ray discs and movies. on your computer and, fortunately, if it is feasible both in Windows and also in Mac. Therefore, in this post, we will show you each step to follow to watch your movies in 1080p high definition resolution and, in addition, we will detail the best players that are available for that.
What hardware and software does my computer need to read Blu-ray discs?
But, before specifying the procedures to be executed to play Blu-Ray discs and movies directly from your computer, it is essential to know that such equipment requires to be able to read the discs of such format without any problem or limitation.
Taking into account that, mainly, you need a hardware part and a software part, which are:
Blu-ray reader
It is a kind of device that contains the same computer, which basically integrates a blue laser beam emitter. This, in order to read data that are recorded on a CD, DVD and of course on the DB or Blu-Ray. Therefore, once it reads said contained data, this same unit will be in charge of sending it through a cable towards the main card so that in that way be processed.
On the other hand, it is important to know both the internal parts as well as the external parts that a Blu-Ray player contains and then, we detail each of them:
External parts
- Tray and inlay: Allows you 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 unit is running.
- Rear panel: It is the one that integrates the SATA connectors for power and data. Which are 15 and 7 terminals, respectively.
- Eject button: Manually, it offers the possibility of inserting or removing the Blu-Ray disc.
- Cover: It is the one that protects the internal mechanism and also its circuits.
Internal parts
- Rotation shaft and motor: Of course, it refers to where the disc is docked to start spinning or playing.
- Rail: Basically, this is in charge of moving the blue laser horizontally.
- Motor: Has the ability to move the laser rail.
- Head: It is the one that integrates the laser named above, which has the function of reading the data from the inserted disc.
- 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 your PC or Mac contains a Blu-Ray player, it is also important to make sure have installed a software or program capable of reproducing this format. Otherwise, you will need to select and download such a solution to be able to play the disc’s 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 a codec. In addition, they support lossless audio playback and can even support subtitles and speed changes, some of them.
Steps to watch Blu-ray movies from your Windows or MacOS computer
Now, clarifying the above and before detailing some of the main programs that can play BD movies, it is worth knowing what are the main procedures to follow in order to view such content directly from your Windows or MacOS computer.
In such a way that, below, we indicate the necessary step by step to execute:
On windows
Before explaining the procedure to be carried out on a computer with Windows 10 to play Blu-Ray movies, it is relevant to note that in case your laptop does not have a built-in drive to play this format, that is, a Blu-Ray reader. Ray; it will be necessary get a disk drive or “Disk Drive”.
Since, currently many PCs and laptops, especially; they are not shipped with a DVD drive for space and cost savings. Thus, it will be necessary to resort to the solutions of many manufacturers that create a variety of external and add-on optical drives, which can be adjusted to the user’s pocket due to the different shapes and sizes available.
Now, let’s start with the steps to perform to play Blu-Ray discs on a PC:
- Once you have your disc drive on hand to play discs of this time, it is important that you proceed to download a software known as “VLC Media Player” it is one of the best solutions for Windows when playing a DVD or Blu-Ray. Which is free.
- Later, when you obtain the application from its official website and install it as you would any other program in W10, you will have to make sure that your external drive is connected and place the Blu-Ray disc there.
- With the above, VLC Media Player will detect the disk, 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, if the program in question does not detect the disk, it will be necessary to go to the section of “Media” software and access “Open disk”. Then choose the unit from the drop-down menu, click on “Play” and ready.
Download VLC Windows
On macOS
As in the previous case, on MacOS computers it may also be necessary connect a Blu-Ray drive to your computer using a USB cable. Of course, if it is a MacBook that does not contain said unit within itself.
Now, let’s start with the procedure to follow:
- The first step to carry out will basically be to connect the BD drive to your computer with MacOS and after that, download a software known as “VideoSolo Blu-Ray Player” which is one of the most professional options for it, since it guarantees sound and image quality without loss and It’s free.
- Once you install this program on your computer, proceed to insert the Blu-Ray movie disc on the connected unit and start the VideoSolo player. Since it does not detect the disk automatically.
- Then, within said software, click on the button that indicates “Open disk” to upload the data from it to the computer.
- After a few seconds, the main menu will open and there, it is possible to select the chapter, the audios and the subtitles that you prefer to enjoy your movie. But, if you prefer to see it directly, just press the button “Play movie” and ready.
Download VideoSolo MacOS
List of the best Blu-ray players to install on Windows and MacOS for free
If you want to obtain more solutions regarding Blu-Ray content player programs, you have reached the indicated section of the post to know the best softwares available for it to run on both Windows and MacOS computers:
Wondershare Video. 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 to this, it stands out for being a multiplatform alternative capable of support more than 100 video formats, among which are the most common such as: MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, among others.
For its part, it allows you to burn and customize your DVDs through a menu of DVD templates that it provides you 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
It is considered another of the most advantageous programs when it comes to playing movies or videos on Blu-Ray. Since, does not admit quality losses of any kind, it detects the content automatically and has the ability to support innumerable video formats without the prior requirement of installing a 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 point out that it has excellent technical support that will always be ready to help you.
Download Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player Windows
Download Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player MacOS
Mac Blu-ray Player
It 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 this reason, it already has more than 94,000 downloads around the world. Taking into account that, the software can be found in several languages.
For its part, it has the ability to play any movie on Blu-Ray 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 todayMainly: 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
For Windows and MacOS users, this program is also a good solution when watching Blu-Ray movies directly from the computer and without paying absolutely anything. Thus, a program capable of offer the best possible visual effect Y 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, it provides a complete Blu-Ray menu for change titles or chapters, like the audio track or subtitles with just one click.
Download VideoSolo Blu-ray Player Windows
Download VideoSolo Blu-ray Player MacOS
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 computer. In this sense, in addition to supporting the BD format, it also has support for the vast majority of video configurations that are distributed today.
In addition to this, VLC Media Player offers you options to record clips while they are easily played, extract DVDs using fully specialized tools, convert video and sound files in other 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