Wait what? "Based on what we know about the USB Type-C specificaiton – specifically, that USB-C devices aren't allowed to connect to USB-A hosts – it makes sense why IO Data would want to go this route, as they'd otherwise be locking themselves out of a significant portion of the existing market."
How is this accurate? Are all those high end flash drives from Samsung and such "not in spec" then?
My exact first thoughts. I guess they are talking more about the pure type-c spec, eg 15w power, alt mode etc. Doesn't mean it doesn't work, as we know. No reason at all they couldn't have used a type-c port, 3.0 microB was always a monstrosity.
"C is just USB 3.0 over a different connector." Not sure what you mean here. USB C is also just a connector type. It can transmit USB 2.0, 3.1 Gen1/2, Displayport and other stuff. The protocol behind it can be a lot of things.
It's also worth pointing out USB-C has a completely data-less 'power delivery' spec (USB_PD) that if utilized by a device, the device will most likely not even detect on a non- USB-C host.
Right and not to mention all of the USB-C phones that connect to a USB-A host connection for charging and data (such as my Galaxy S9 that shipped with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging / data transfer purposes).
Yeah, this was a weird statement. I have a Lacie Rugged USB-C external HDD that came with two cables in the box: one C-to-C and one C-to-A. Isn't interoperability a very large part of the point of USB?
Big question? Does this drive required external power to work - I notice with without external power on HUB that drives will not works - but these are standard old fashion USB A drive with convertor or now power hub.
Also does this drive support Gen 2 speed - ideally a drive like this should support both USB-c and Thunderbolt 3 support ( not just working on TB 3 - that is normal for any USB-C device )
It would of course also nice to support ULTA HD movies
"The drive is not listed as being compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray movies, so it likely lacks the necessary AACS 2.0 firmware." What a shame. Otherwise it'd be really attractive buy, tiny, and powered straight from the PC.
Why on earth would this need Thunderbolt? Not only would that make it incompatible with non-thunderbolt USB-C devices, but it would make _zero_ sense functionally as there is no way whatsoever playback from or burning to optical media exceeds the bandwidth of USB 3, let alone USB 3.1G2. Also, it'd add (at least) $100 to the price, necessitate a larger chassis (to fit the larger PCB due to the larger controller), increase heat output, and ... well, make no sense at all.
People who might want to buy a replacement cable at some point, or just care about durability. The USB 3.0 micro-B connector is a nightmare in so many ways.
As long as it has the necessary speed and functionality, I wouldn't care if it used an old Centronics connector. As long as it meets your needs, who seriously cares how it connects?
These guys are a bit late to the party. I bought a Pioneer BDR-XU03 a while ago, same specs from what I can tell and it works perfectly with my PC and Macbook Pro.
My bad, BDR-XU03 supports everything except M-DISC. Not a big deal since the few M-Discs I've used were BDR, and BD M-Discs are supposed to be readable in any Blu-ray drive.
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aebiv - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Wait what?"Based on what we know about the USB Type-C specificaiton – specifically, that USB-C devices aren't allowed to connect to USB-A hosts – it makes sense why IO Data would want to go this route, as they'd otherwise be locking themselves out of a significant portion of the existing market."
How is this accurate? Are all those high end flash drives from Samsung and such "not in spec" then?
danielfranklin - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
My exact first thoughts.I guess they are talking more about the pure type-c spec, eg 15w power, alt mode etc.
Doesn't mean it doesn't work, as we know. No reason at all they couldn't have used a type-c port, 3.0 microB was always a monstrosity.
Cogman - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Likely this is what they are referring to. USB-C can draw more power than A is speced for.The spec does allow for A to C adapters, however they aren't allowed to draw C power. A specific resistance is required when an A to C bridge is made.
But, as far as the protocol goes, I'm fairly certain there is no difference between C and A. C is just USB 3.0 over a different connector.
Death666Angel - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
"C is just USB 3.0 over a different connector." Not sure what you mean here. USB C is also just a connector type. It can transmit USB 2.0, 3.1 Gen1/2, Displayport and other stuff. The protocol behind it can be a lot of things.Samus - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
It's also worth pointing out USB-C has a completely data-less 'power delivery' spec (USB_PD) that if utilized by a device, the device will most likely not even detect on a non- USB-C host.Myrandex - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Right and not to mention all of the USB-C phones that connect to a USB-A host connection for charging and data (such as my Galaxy S9 that shipped with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging / data transfer purposes).Valantar - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
Yeah, this was a weird statement. I have a Lacie Rugged USB-C external HDD that came with two cables in the box: one C-to-C and one C-to-A. Isn't interoperability a very large part of the point of USB?edzieba - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
"Based on what we know about the USB Type-C specificaiton – specifically, that USB-C devices aren't allowed to connect to USB-A hosts"Nonsense! The Type C specs even DEFINE the adaptors between A and C!
jeremyshaw - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Does it define an USB-A host with an USB-C device? I know the other way is possible.LauRoman - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Are you talking about things like phone charging cables or usbc dongles that allow the connection of usb a?TheUnhandledException - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Yes. In fact every modern cellphone in the world uses it.edzieba - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
Yes. It explicitly defines the adapter, handshaking, the power available, etc.HStewart - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
Big question? Does this drive required external power to work - I notice with without external power on HUB that drives will not works - but these are standard old fashion USB A drive with convertor or now power hub.Also does this drive support Gen 2 speed - ideally a drive like this should support both USB-c and Thunderbolt 3 support ( not just working on TB 3 - that is normal for any USB-C device )
It would of course also nice to support ULTA HD movies
Gadgety - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
"The drive is not listed as being compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray movies, so it likely lacks the necessary AACS 2.0 firmware." What a shame. Otherwise it'd be really attractive buy, tiny, and powered straight from the PC.Valantar - Saturday, January 5, 2019 - link
Why on earth would this need Thunderbolt? Not only would that make it incompatible with non-thunderbolt USB-C devices, but it would make _zero_ sense functionally as there is no way whatsoever playback from or burning to optical media exceeds the bandwidth of USB 3, let alone USB 3.1G2. Also, it'd add (at least) $100 to the price, necessitate a larger chassis (to fit the larger PCB due to the larger controller), increase heat output, and ... well, make no sense at all.TheUnhandledException - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
"The external Blu-ray drive itself actually sports a USB 3.0 micro-B". Fail USB 3 micro-usb is DOA. Using it in a new product in 2018 is pure fail.rpg1966 - Thursday, January 3, 2019 - link
On the other hand, who cares what the connector type at the device end is?Valantar - Saturday, January 5, 2019 - link
People who might want to buy a replacement cable at some point, or just care about durability. The USB 3.0 micro-B connector is a nightmare in so many ways.LordConrad - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
As long as it has the necessary speed and functionality, I wouldn't care if it used an old Centronics connector. As long as it meets your needs, who seriously cares how it connects?LordConrad - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
These guys are a bit late to the party. I bought a Pioneer BDR-XU03 a while ago, same specs from what I can tell and it works perfectly with my PC and Macbook Pro.LordConrad - Friday, January 4, 2019 - link
My bad, BDR-XU03 supports everything except M-DISC. Not a big deal since the few M-Discs I've used were BDR, and BD M-Discs are supposed to be readable in any Blu-ray drive.Valantar - Saturday, January 5, 2019 - link
So: the title here ought to be "IO-data found a USB-C to USB 3.0 micro B cable in a drawer and decided to call this a "new product"".