Sony posted today information about how you can playback BD-ROM discs to your new BWU-100A Blu-ray drive The BWU-100A Blu-ray Disc rewritable drive is a multi-format burner that can record up to 50 GB of data or about 230 minutes of HDV 1080i video (on double layer 50 GB BD-RE recordable media) It can also record DVD and CD discs. The CyberLink PowerDVD software that is presently bundled with the drive can play back Blu-ray Discs that you record with the BWU-100A (BDAV format BD-RE discs), and even traditional DVD video discs. However, playing commercial Blu-ray Disc content (BD-ROMs) requires your PC to become part of a secure playback environment because the content is protected with AACS copy protection.

The BWU-100A is capable of playing back commercial Blu-ray Disc movies (also known as BD-ROMs), however an upgrade to the CyberLink PowerDVD software is required to make it BD-ROM compatible. Additionally, hardware upgrades to the PC may be required for full BD-ROM support.

Beginning in October, Sony will provide purchasers of the BWU-100A Blu-ray Disc Rewritable drive with an upgrade to the CyberLink PowerDVD software which will provide BD-ROM compatibility. This upgrade, which has been previously unavailable, will be offered free of charge as an electronic download. Customers will only have one (1) opportunity to download the PowerDVD upgrade electronically. If the download fails for any reason or the download is abandoned by the customer, a physical CD-ROM version of the upgrade will be available for a nominal charge by contacting the Sony technical support department in the country from where you purchased the BWU-100A product.

Some contents may restrict video output to be standard definition or prohibit analog video output at all. It is strongly recommended that digital HDCP-compliant environment be implemented for optimum compatibility and viewing quality.

Once you have determined that your system is capable of playing back BD-ROMs, you will be driven to a webpage to download and install the CyberLink PowerDVD upgrade. You need to enter the CD key of the retail package in order to download and install the upgrade.

To play copyright protected Blu-ray discs continually, you need to update the AACS key. Note that the AACS key update requires Internet access. Certain circumstances may limit/prevent Blu-ray Disc playback. The CyberLink PowerDVD software may not smoothly playback BD-ROM recorded in AVC or VC-1 formats at high bit rates. BD-ROM software requires compatible high-definition display for high definition playback. Playback of AACS protected media may require an HDCP compliant output and HDCP compliant display.

For more information you have to visit Sony's website (http://sony.storagesupport.com/BDupgrade/index.htm)