• BDR-X13E-S
  • BDR-X13E-S
  • BDR-X13E-S
  • BDR-X13E-S

External Blu-ray Drive BDR-X13E-S

A High-Performance Model Offering Excellent Reliability and Stability, USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 External BD/DVD/CD Writer. Equipped with PureRead 4+ and RealTime PureRead, Supports BDXL™ and M-DISC™ Format

  • Up to 16x¹ maximum write speed on BD-R media
  • The latest version of PureRead 4+ and RealTime PureRead
  • Compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 for high-speed data transfer and stable power supply
  • Simple matte body and elegant front appearance
  • Up to 6x writing on M-DISC(BD) SL and M-DISC(DVD)
  • CyberLink PowerDirector® 19 for video editing and BD/DVD authoring (available for download free of charge)
  • Windows® 11 / macOS Monterey 12 / macOS Ventura 13 / macOS Sonoma 14 Compatible

OVERVIEW

BDR-X13E-S is a high-performance external model offering excellent reliability and stability. Ideal for recording and playback of audio & video content. BDR-X13E-S is read and write compatible with BDXL² discs including BD-R Triple Layer (TL) 100GB media, BD-R Quadruple Layer (QL) 128GB media, and BD-RE Triple Layer (TL) 100GB media, as well as conventional Blu-ray discs (Single Layer (SL) 25GB media and Dual Layer (DL) 50GB media). Up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R media, up to 14x maximum write speed on BD-R DL media, up to 8x maximum write speed on BD-R TL media and up to 6x maximum write speed on BD-R QL media. This product is equipped with features for enjoying music on a PC, such as the latest and most powerful version, PureRead 4+. PureRead 4+ is a function that minimizes the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs. BDR-X13E-S also has performance features such as Custom Eco function using Pioneer BDR-X13E-S Drive Utility. Custom Eco helps reduce the device's power consumption. Pioneer's excellence in optical disc technology delivers quiet operation, high reliability and superior quality. As to software, CyberLink Media Suite 10 for Windows OS is available for download free of charge . PowerDirector 19 allows you to import, edit and author your home movies.

  • Important notice: Pioneer optical drives are not recognized by macOS Ventura 13.2, released by Apple on January 23, 2023.This can be resolved by updating to macOS Ventura 13.2.1, released on February 13, or a newer version.

  • The included CyberLink Media Suite 10 may not be able to be installed on Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2). Please refer to the following page from CyberLink for details.Customer Support - Using CyberLink products with Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) | CyberLink

  • Playback of Ultra HD Blu-ray requires a CPU that supports Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) technology. Intel SGX has been removed from Intel 11th generation and newer CPUs, and support for SGX may be removed on new versions of Intel drivers or utility programs such as Intel SGX and Intel Management Engine drivers and firmware in the future. Such changes could cause these platforms to lose support for Ultra HD Blu-ray movie disc playback.
    For information on other PC environment requirements, download the Ultra HD Blu-ray Advisor Tool to your PC, and check. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/eula.php
    • Industry-leading 16x¹ (max) writing speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB)

      This drive combines Pioneer reliability and high performance with high-speed writing, providing up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB) and up to 14x writing speed on BD-R (DL : 50GB). It is compatible with BDXL² format discs (BD-R XL : 100GB TL / 128GB QL, BD-RE XL : 100GB TL) as well as BD discs. High-speed reading and writing are supported for both DVDs and CDs. DVD-R discs (Single Layer: 4.7GB) can be written at up to 16x, while music CDs can be read at up to 48x3 speed.

    • The latest version of PureRead 4+ featuring unique algorithms

      When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc. This minimizes error data interpolation.
      *Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.

    • Realtime PureRead plays back audio CDs with their original sound data

      This product features RealTime PureRead, which utilizes the PureRead 4+ algorithm to minimize the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs, and also during playback. This provides real-time reduction of the incidence of error data interpolation due to dirt and scratches on the surface of the disc, allowing playback of audio CDs with the original sound data.
      *Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.
      *Drive Utility for macOS Catalina 10.15 or later is Drive Utility Lite.
      *PureRead Status Monitor function allows you to check for errors when reading audio CDs with PureRead.
      *PureRead Status Monitor function is not available with Drive Utility Lite.

    • Displaying PureRead mode

      With the device not operating, press and hold the eject button for at least two seconds. The busy indicator flashes, and the current PureRead mode setting is displayed. You can check the mode in advance without


    • Can be placed vertically on either side, and features ridged construction that offers high performance and a pleasing design

      Comes with four insulators for use in a horizontal configuration and eight for use in a vertical configuration. In addition to the horizontal configuration, the drive can be placed vertically, allowing you to use it in a configuration that suits the layout of your workspace.

      With a simple matte body, the product features distinctive metallic lines and a blue light that stands out for an elegant front appearance. Grooves on the sides contribute to the attractive design and improve rigidity.




    • Compatible with high-speed M-DISC writing for long-term data archiving

      This product is compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc. It now also supports 6x writing on M-DISC (BD) SL and M-DISC (DVD).

    • Further Improvement of Writing Quality

      Beyond the high writing quality of its predecessors, BDR-X13E-S improves writing quality by correcting parameters during data writing.

    • AUTO power supply* function links with PC power to provide power savings

      The drive power is turned on and off according to the power supply of the connected PC, keeping unnecessary power consumption down.
      *Drive power is turned off when the USB is not connected or when the drive detects that the connected PC is off.


    • BDR-X13E-S

      Custom Eco function reduces the drive’s power consumption

      If the drive does not receive any commands (instructions for operation) from the PC for a specified period, this function will reduce the drive’s power consumption, such as by stopping the disc from rotating or reducing the disc rotation speed. Shortening this specified period will make the drive enter the power saving mode earlier.
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
      *Custom Eco settings can only be changed in Windows. After changing the settings in Windows, the device can be used with a Mac.


    • Equipped with Pioneer’s Optimal Write Strategy Prediction Algorithm, which provides stable writing even on discs for which the drive does not have a set write strategy

      The drive automatically predicts the optimal write strategy even on discs for which the drive does not have a set write strategy. The function provides more stable writing.
      *XL media (TL / QL) is not supported. Additionally, for some discs it may not be possible to obtain satisfactory writing quality.
      *A write strategy is a set of parameters that enables an optical disc drive to write on a specific type of blank media according to its optimum specifications.


    • BDR-X13E-S

      Easy Setting function with Drive Utility

      Equipped with an Easy Setting function to allow you to set one of four modes according to the intended use.
      ・Entertainment Mode is suitable for enjoying movies and music. It enhances quietness and makes the tray open quietly when playing back BD/DVD or music CDs.
      ・High-performance Mode, which emphasizes reading and writing speed
      ・Quality Mode, which emphasizes reading and writing quality
      ・Eco Mode, which reduces maximum power consumption
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
      *Easy Setting function is available only for Windows.

    • Peak Power Reducer

      This power saving mode enables the drive to suppress power consumption at peak operation. It keeps stable operation in case of drop in power supply.




    • Optimized Write & Verify Mode Algorithm

      BD drives generally have two modes: a method in which verification is performed as needed after writing is completed, and a write & verify mode in which writing and verification are performed alternately. In BDR-X13E-S, Pioneer has improved the write & verify mode and achieved higher speeds by optimizing various algorithms.

    • Shorten the startup time

      The startup time from inserting a disc to reading is shortened by optimizing the routine that checks the disc. Furthermore, performance has been improved to recognize each disc in a shorter time by making the pick-up lighter and improving seek time by revising the algorithm.

    • High Speed Data Read Mode shortens data search and reading time

      In addition to various modes that prioritize quietness and slow down the speed after a certain time, the BDR-X13E-S is equipped with High Speed Data Read Mode. In the High Speed Data Read Mode, once the disc rotation speed becomes high, even after the reading is completed, it continues to rotate at a high speed so that high-speed reading can be performed immediately when the next read command comes.
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility downloaded and installed.
      * High Speed Data Read Mode is available only for Windows.

    • BDR-X13E-S

      Equipped with a high-speed rotation compatible clamper

      The BDR-X13E-S improves disc writing accuracy and quietness by reducing disc vibration and stabilizing disc rotation.
      Uses a high-speed rotation compatible clamper
      ・Reduces disc vibration and stabilizes disc rotation
      ・Improved disc writing accuracy
      ・Improved noise reduction effect at high-speed rotation

    • High Speed Recording Mode and Write Quality Mode (standard mode) can be selected. The mode can be switched using the Drive Utility.

      It is possible to optimize disc duplication where speed is prioritized, and for normal use where quietness and writing accuracy are emphasized.
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
      * High Speed Recording Mode is available only for Windows.

    • Optimum Writing Speed Feature realizes optimum writing accuracy for each BD-R media

      Optimum Writing Speed Feature is a function that automatically selects the best writing speed for each media by considering various parameters to improve the accuracy of the write quality to BD-R/DVD-R/+R media. This function is recommended when you want to emphasize writing accuracy.
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
      * Optimum Writing Speed Feature is available only for Windows.

    • Disc Record Surface Quality Mode improves the appearance of BD-R media

      The inserted BD-R disc’s write speed will be automatically adjusted to write speed to prioritize the disc record surface quality. This  function is useful for burning discs for distribution.
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
      *Disc Record Surface Quality Mode is available only for Windows.

      *Above images simulate the result without and with this mode

    • DVD-R CLV Fixed Writing Mode

      When writing a DVD-R, the writing method is fixed to CLV (Constant Linear Velocity). This mode reduces the apparent color unevenness of the disc while maintaining writing accuracy. Recommended where discs are expected to be played on different types of DVD devices, for example sharing the video of a celebration with your guests.
      *This function can be used if the Drive Utility is downloaded and installed.
      *DVD-R CLV Fixed Writing Mode is available only for Windows.

    • Disc Resonance Stabilizer improves writing accuracy

      Disc Resonance Stabilizer utilizes airflow from disc rotation to reduce disc vibration and increase writing accuracy. High speed disc rotation causes disc warping due to resonant vibration. This results in unstable writing quality, especially in the outer areas. The Disc Resonance Stabilizer, designed projection on the top chassis, reduces such errors. By narrowing the interspace between the disc and the top panel, the air flow caused by the high rotation presses and prevents the disc from warping, thereby reducing reading and writing errors. With this feature, stable operation is maintained by handling the three patterns of disc resonant vibration that occur during operation.

    • Equipped with high-performance pick-up developed, designed and manufactured in-house

      The high-performance pick-up developed by Pioneer enhances reading and writing accuracy.

    • Discerning quiet and dust resisting design

      The high-performance top plate structure enhances dust resistance and quiet performance.
      ・Advanced design minimizes dust and dirt entering the drive.
      ・Uses a high-performance honeycomb case
      By dampening vibration and improving airtightness, unnecessary resonance at high-speed rotation is suppressed, leading to stable writing as well as improved quietness and dust resistance.

    • BDR-X13E-S

      High-performance sound dampening, dust resisting, and heat dissipating mechanisms

      This product is built with Pioneer’s own honeycomb pattern used in audio component products and the silence tray. Noise is reduced by controlling the air currents created by the spinning disc. This also controls local temperature increases in the pick-up and disc surface that occur during high-speed or extended disc rotation.

      Furthermore, the position of the dust-resisting and sound-dampening pad has been adjusted to boost the air-tightness of the dedicated front bezel and help create a quiet product. Pioneer’s multifaceted noise-reduction design makes quiet and durable operation possible.

    • Improved belt for more stable tray loading operation

      The belt used for the tray loading part has been improved to reduce the effect of dust and dirt on the tray loading operation. In our test, resistance to the impact of dust and dirt on tray loading is about 1.8 times that of the previous model.

    • The Advanced Quiet Drive firmware selects optimal drive speeds

      The standard firmware intelligently adjusts disc rotation speed to what is most suitable for the media. For example, it maintains low speeds to for quiet operation while watching movies or listening to music, and speeds up while copying data to a hard disk to achieve high performance.

    • Included Accessories

      ・Owner’s manual (including application product key and warranty information)
      ・USB cable (USB Type-A → USB Type-B) (1 m)
      ・AC adapter (1.2 m)
      ・Power cord (BF type) (0.5 m)
      ・Power cord (C type) (0.5 m)
      ・Insulators for horizontal placement × 4
      ・Insulators for vertical placement × 8

    • Windows Software CyberLink Media Suite 10*

      Available for download free of charge. 
      Download the application software from the website at https://jpn.pioneer/ja/pcperipherals/bdd/eula/cyberlink_media_suite/en.php

      Requires application download key (product key), provided with product purchase.
      *Application Software for macOS is not included.

      *These are bundled software versions. The specifications, functions and version numbers differ for the software when offered on a stand-alone basis. *Regarding bundled software, direct inquiries to the following software manufacturers.

      CyberLink Support Center https://www.cyberlink.com/support/index.html
      The included CyberLink Media Suite 10 may not be able to be installed on Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2).
      Please refer to the following page from CyberLink for details. Customer Support - Using CyberLink products with Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) | CyberLink


      Please download the Drive Utility from the Pioneer website. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html#DriveUtility
      *Drive Utility for macOS Catalina 10.15 or later is Drive Utility Lite.

    • Region codes

      The default region code of this drive is “2”. The region code for the drive can be changed only four times, and the region code set with the fourth change will be locked as the final region code. Accordingly, take care when changing this code. DVD discs that do not have a region code set can be played on players with any region code setting.

    SPECS

    SPECS

    KEY FEATURES
    Ultra HD Blu-ray compatible Yes M-DISC compatible Yes
    PureRead 4+ Yes Custom Eco function Yes
    Display disc information Yes Easy Setting Yes
    Dust-resisting and sound-dampening front bezel Yes Honeycomb structure Yes
    Pioneer BD Drive Utility Yes Dust-resisting and sound-dampening mechanism Yes
    PEAK POWER REDUCER Yes BDXL compatible Yes
    Optimum Writing Speed Feature Yes Optimal Write Strategy Prediction Algorithm Yes
    Disc Record Surface Quality Mode Yes DVD-R CLV fixed writing mode Yes
    MAXIMUM WRITE SPEED (BD)
    BD-R 16x¹ BD-R DL 14x
    BD-R TL 8x BD-R QL 6x
    BD-R (LTH) 8x BD-RE 2x
    BD-RE DL 2x BD-RE TL 2x
    M-DISC(BD) SL 6x M-DISC(BD) DL 8x
    M-DISC(BD) TL 6x
    MAXIMUM WRITE SPEED (DVD)
    DVD-R 16x DVD-R DL 8x
    DVD-RW 6x DVD+R 16x
    DVD+R DL 8x DVD+RW 8x
    DVD-RAM 5x M-DISC(DVD) 6x
    MAXIMUM WRITE SPEED (CD)
    CD-R 48x CD-RW 24x
    MAXIMUM READ SPEED (BD)
    BD-ROM DL 8x BD-R 12x
    BD-R DL 8x BD-R TL/QL 6x
    BD-R (LTH) 8x BD-RE 10x
    BD-RE DL 6x BD-RE TL 4x
    M-DISC(BD) SL 12x M-DISC(BD) DL 8x
    M-DISC(BD) TL 6x
    MAXIMUM READ SPEED (DVD)
    DVD-ROM 16x DVD-ROM DL 12x
    DVD-R 16x DVD-R DL 12x
    DVD-RW 12x DVD+R 16x
    DVD+R DL 12x DVD+RW 12x
    DVD-RAM 5x M-DISC(DVD) 16x
    MAXIMUM READ SPEED (CD)
    CD-ROM 48x³ CD-R 48x
    CD-RW 40x
    WRITE SUPPORT
    BD BD-R、BD-R DL、BD-R TL、BD-R QL、BD-RE、BD-RE DL、BD-RE TL、BD-R LTH、M-DISC(BD)SL、M-DISC(BD)DL、M-DISC(BD)TL
    DVD DVD-R⁵、DVD-R DL、DVD-RW、DVD+R、DVD+R DL、DVD+RW、HighSpeed DVD+RW、DVD-RAM⁶、M-DISC(DVD)
    CD CD-R、UltraSpeed+CD-RW、UltraSpeed CD-RW、HighSpeed CD-RW、CD-RW
    READ SUPPORT
    BD Ultra HD Blu-ray(BD-ROM DL、BD-ROM TL)、BD-ROM、BD-ROM DL、BD-R、BD-R DL、BD-R TL、BD-R QL、BD-RE、BD-RE DL、BD-RE TL、BD-R LTH、M-DISC(BD)SL、M-DISC(BD)DL、M-DISC(BD)TL
    DVD DVD-ROM、DVD-ROM DL、DVD-Video、DVD-R、DVD-R DL、DVD-RW、DVD+R、DVD+R DL、DVD+RW、DVD-RAM⁶、M-DISC(DVD)
    CD CD-ROM、CD-ROM XA、Photo CD、Video CD、CD-DA⁷、CD-Extra、CD-Text、CD-R、CD-RW
    INTERFACE
    Interface USB 3.2 Gen1/2.0
    MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY
    Operating System Windows 11, Windows 10 (*Mac does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray playback.)
    CPU 7th generation Intel Core® i7/i5 processor for Desktop PC (Kaby Lake-S), 7th generation Intel Core i7/i5 processor for Notebook PC (Kaby Lake-H) *U processor is incompatible
    GPU Intel HD Graphics 630 (Internal GPU for 7th generation processor)
    Memory 6GB minimum
    External Display HDMI 2.0a and HDCP1 2.2 compatible, 4K display (3840 x 2160 minimum display resolution), HDR compatible (Incompatible display reproduces HDR contents with HDR>SDR format.)
    Motherboard Intel SGX (Software Guard Extensions) support Intel 200 series motherboard, HDCP1 2.2/HDMI 2.0a output compatible, Intel internal GPU output compatible
    MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - WRITE/READ BD/DVD/CD
    Operating System Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, OS X El Capitan 10.11, macOS Sierra 10.12, macOS High Sierra 10.13, macOS Mojave 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15, macOS Big Sur 11, macOS Monterey 12, macOS Ventura 13, macOS Sonoma 14
    Processor Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 (2.66MHz), AMD® Phenom 9450 (2.1GHz) or faster
    Video Intel G45, NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600GT, AMD Radeon® HD2600 or faster
    Display HDCP⁴ compliant display required for Blu-ray playback, 1024 x 768 minimum display resolution
    Memory 2GB RAM required for Blu-ray playback, 3GB RAM or greater recommended for editing HD video
    Hard Disk Space 5GB available space minimum, 128GB or more available space required for creating Quadruple Layer (QL) Blu-ray Discs
    OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
    Data Buffer 4 MB
    Mounting Orientation Horizontal or Vertical⁸
    AC Input Power AC 120V, 60Hz⁹
    AC ADAPTER
    Manufacturer PIONEER CORPORATION
    28-8, Honkomagome 2-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
    Corporate Registration Number: 020001086473
    Model identifier BDR-X13E-S
    Accessory AC Adapter: FSP036-RHBN3(OWR8003-)
    Input voltage AC 230 V
    Input AC frequency 50 Hz
    Output voltage DC 12.0 V
    Output current 3.0 A
    Output Power 36.0 W
    Average active efficiency more than 88.3 %
    Effciency at low load(10%) more than 78.3 %
    No-load power consumption 0.08 W
    DIMENSIONS
    Dimensions (mm) 160 mm(W)×50 mm(H)×220 mm(D)
    Weight 1.1kg

    * Meeting minimum system requirements does not guarantee operation as other system characteristics may impact performance. Also, system requirements may differ depending on the OS or applications used (for example, some applications may require greater processing power). Please consult with software or OS providers regarding any questions about the OS or applications.
    ** Maximum Write Speed (BD/DVD/CD): To perform high-speed writing, please use media that supports high-speed writing.

    1 For Windows® OS, a dedicated high-speed filter driver for this product must be installed. The maximum 16x writing speed for BD-R discs (Single Layer: 25GB) may not be available when the high-speed filter driver is disabled. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html#HighSpeedFilterDriver
    2 Refer to the supported media list. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00003r_e.html
    3 When the PureRead function is turned on, priority is given to reading accuracy and the maximum playback speed of CD audio and CD-ROM is set to 40x. The PureRead function is turned on as a default setting. This function can be configured using the Pioneer BDR-X13E-S Drive Utility. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html#DriveUtility
    4 HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) display device is required only for playback of high-definition copy protected content (for example, a Hollywood Blu-ray title). For such content, the connection between the PC and the display device must be made using a digital DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable.
    5 This product supports writing to DVD-R Version 2.0 for General. It cannot write to DVD-R for Authoring 3.95GB or 4.7GB.
    6 This product is compatible with cartridge-less DVD-RAM Version 2.0/2.1/2.2 only.
    7 New Maxi is not supported.
    8 8 cm discs cannot be used when the unit is used in a vertical configuration. (8 cm disc adapters cannot be used.)
    9 The drive will not run on power supplied from the USB connector (bus power). Be sure to use the unit with the AC adapter supplied with the drive connected.
    Note: PureRead 4+, RealTime PureRead, Custom Eco function, Easy Setting, Peak Power Reducer, High Speed Data Read Mode, High Speed Recording Mode, Optimum Writing Speed Feature, Disc Record Surface Quality Mode and DVD-R CLV Fixed Writing Mode can be configured as well as enabled and disabled with the Pioneer BDR-X13E-S Drive Utility. The utility will be provided on the Pioneer Web site https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html

    Trademarks and registered trademarks
    Pioneer and the Pioneer logo are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.
    Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
    Mac, OS X El Capitan, macOS, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey and macOS Ventura are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
    M-DISC is a trademark of Millenniata, Inc.
    Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
    AMD and Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
    NVIDIA and GeForce are registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation.
    BLU-RAY DISC, the Blu-ray Disc logo, BDXL, the BDXL logo and the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc logo are trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
    CyberLink, CyberLink PowerDVD, CyberLink Power2Go, CyberLink PowerDirector, CyberLink AudioDirector, CyberLink ColorDirector, CyberLink Screen Recorder, CyberLink LabelPrint, CyberLink PhotoDirector, CyberLink MediaShow and CyberLink MediaEspresso are trademarks or registered trademarks of CyberLink Corporation.
    All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks to their respective companies.