ASUS SBW-06D2X-U External Blu-ray Writer: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS SBW-06D2X-U is an external Blu-ray writer that connects to a computer from the outside, so it suits laptops and compact desktops with no free drive bay. It reads and burns Blu-ray discs, including the high-capacity BDXL format, which makes it a tool for archiving large amounts of data on physical discs.

What BDXL support means

Standard Blu-ray discs hold 25GB on a single layer and 50GB on a dual layer. BDXL discs add more layers and hold more: ASUS says this writer can hold up to 128GB on a single BD-R QL (quad-layer) disc. For anyone backing up photo libraries, video projects or large archives, that means fewer discs per backup set.

Discs with more layers are typically slower to write and can cost more to produce, so capacity and speed are a trade-off. It's also worth knowing that a disc written in BDXL format can only be read by drives that support BDXL.

Write speeds by disc type

The listing gives write speeds for each format:

• BD-R: 6X
• BD-R triple and quad layer (TL/QL): 4X
• BD-R dual layer (DL): 4X
• BD-RE (rewritable): 2X

A 1X Blu-ray speed is about 4.5 MB/s, so 6X is roughly 27 MB/s in theory. In practice, actual time depends on the disc, the source drive and the connection, and a full disc usually takes tens of minutes.

Burn management and Drag and Burn

ASUS lists ATP Technology, which it describes as adjusting the burning process to help produce good burn quality. It also lists "Drag and Burn", a three-step process where you drag files to the burning window and start the burn. Software support varies by system, so check the manual for the supported operating systems and included utilities.

Disc Encryption II

The writer comes with Disc Encryption II, which ASUS describes as doubling the security of burned data. In general, disc encryption means the files on a disc are protected by a password, which can matter when you're storing personal or business records on physical media. Keep the password somewhere safe: encrypted data usually can't be recovered without it.

Vertical or horizontal placement

The drive can sit flat or stand upright, which is handy on a crowded desk. It measures 7.5 x 7.3 x 2.9 inches (about 19 x 18.5 x 7.4 cm) and weighs 0.7 lb (about 0.3 kg), so it's light enough to carry in a bag. ASUS describes the design as architecture-inspired.

Who it suits

• People with a laptop or small-form-factor PC that has no optical drive.
• Anyone who keeps long-term backups on disc.
• Users who need to play Blu-ray discs on a computer, where the software supports it.

What to check before you buy

• Connection: confirm that your computer has the port this drive needs, and check the manual for cable and power details.
• Software: check that your operating system is supported and which burning and playback software is included.
• Disc types: BD-R, BD-RE and BDXL discs are different products, so make sure you buy discs the drive supports.
• Playback: playing commercial Blu-ray movies on a computer typically needs compatible playback software.
• Capacity: the 128GB figure applies only to quad-layer BDXL discs.

The short version

• An external Blu-ray writer from ASUS, model SBW-06D2X-U.
• BDXL support, with up to 128GB on a single BD-R QL disc.
• Write speeds of 6X BD-R, 4X for dual, triple and quad layer BD-R, and 2X BD-RE.
• Disc Encryption II and Drag and Burn.
• Works flat or upright; about 0.7 lb.

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