ASUS BW-16D1HT 16X Blu-ray Burner with M-DISC: features, specs, who it suits

The ASUS BW-16D1HT is a Blu-ray disc writer that also handles M-DISC and BDXL discs. It is a way to burn backups, archives and video onto disc, or to read Blu-ray media on a computer.

What 16X writing speed means

Blu-ray speeds are quoted as multiples of the 1X base rate. ASUS says the drive writes at up to 16X and can back up a 25GB single-layer disc in about eight minutes. Real times vary with the disc type, the speed the media is made for and how fast data reaches the drive. Not all discs support the top speed, so the match between drive and disc matters.

M-DISC for long-term storage

M-DISC is a recordable disc format designed for long-term archiving. ASUS says it can save data for up to 1,000 years. That is a manufacturer claim about the format under ideal storage, not a guarantee, and an M-DISC still depends on a drive that can read it in future. In general, M-DISC discs are chosen for family photos, documents and records you want to keep off hard drives and cloud accounts.

BDXL and disc capacity

BDXL is an extended Blu-ray format with higher capacity. ASUS lists support for up to 128GB on one disc. For comparison, a standard single-layer Blu-ray holds 25GB. BDXL discs require compatible media, and playback on other devices needs BDXL-capable drives or players, so check this if the disc will be read elsewhere.

Computer requirements

The listing gives the following guidance for playing HD video:

• CPU: Intel Pentium D 945 (3.4GHz) or higher
• RAM: 1GB or more recommended
• Hard drive: 10GB or more
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 7600GT or ATI X1600 series or above
• An HDCP-compatible display and graphics card for HD digital output

The operating systems named are Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. Those are older versions, so check driver and software support for newer systems, or for macOS, before buying. The drive is described as compatible with 100-220V mains power.

Size

The drive measures about 1.6 x 6.9 x 5.7 inches and weighs about 1 lb, so it is small enough to keep in a drawer and connect when needed.

Who it suits

It suits people who want to archive photos, home video or documents on disc, anyone producing Blu-ray copies of their own material, and users who want to add a Blu-ray drive to their computer. It is less relevant for those who only stream or keep files online.

What to check before you buy

• Operating system: confirm drivers and burning software for your version of Windows or macOS.
• Connection: check which cable and port the drive uses and that your computer has a matching port.
• Discs: buy media that match what you need: standard BD-R, M-DISC or BDXL. Discs are sold separately.
• Playback elsewhere: confirm that the player that will read the disc supports the format.
• Software: you may need burning or playback software, which the listing does not mention as included.

The short version

• An ASUS Blu-ray writer, model BW-16D1HT, with 16X writing.
• M-DISC support, which ASUS says keeps data up to 1,000 years.
• BDXL support for up to 128GB on one disc.
• Listed operating systems range from Windows XP to Windows 8.
• About 1 lb; works on 100-220V.

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