I've been using an HP HD100 usb2 hd-dvd drive for almost a year now and looking to replace it with a LG GGC-H20L, mainly for the blu-ray playback. I have a few questions before i purchase this drive

1) In roughly half the hd-dvd movies played through the HP HD100, the movie will pause for a second at the layer change (i'm assuming this is the cause).

If i create and iso image, the problem remains. I do this using anydvd to remove protection and isobuster to extract an iso. I then mount the iso with daemon tools and playback in power dvd ultra 7.3. The skip will remain in the exact same place

Does the LG GGC-H20L have this problem with layer change skipping? I never have this problem with dvd's so i'm assuming its a problem with the HP HD100.

I'll go through the transformers disc again tonight to find the time of the skip, hopefully someone can compare.

2) Is there a better method for extracting hd-dvd/bluray/dvd iso images, compared to what i use outlined in question 1?

3) I have read of some people having problems with the LG GGC-H20L and certain hardware configs. Will i likely run into anything with the following?:

Q6600
GA-965-S3 rev1 (P965, ICH8)
8800GTS 640MB
Dell 27" (dvi)
Vista x64

4) Is there a different hd-dvd/bluray combo drive you would recommend?

Cheers

I cannot find the edit button, so sorry i couldnt add this to the original post (the faq suggests that i may have run out of time to edit the post?)

I have a 5th question regarding the layer skip in the transformers hd-dvd movie. It appears at 1:11:49, as the scene changes from the widwicky parents in the living room, to sam upstairs.

5) If you have the transformers hd-dvd disc, could you please skip to 1:11:49 and post whether or not you notice any skipping? and also which drive you are using.

Thanks

watched 4 hd-dvd movies on my GGW-H20L, didn't notice any pauses.

your config is fine, just make sure AHCI is off, and use intel onboard sata port.

Yes I can confirm the "skip" at that point in my Transformers HD DVD disc.

Your system specs is fine so don't wait to make the move.

Thanks guys, have gone ahead and ordered the drive.