Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

I searched and searched and searched, could not find anything definitive regarding blu-ray lens cleaners. I have a lens cleaner that I used on my DVD player from time to time which seemed to help when playback started getting wonky. Now that I have a blu-ray player, I'm wondering if lens cleaners are still a good idea (or were they ever)? I've been looking at this one, which gets good reviews (for the most part):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Since I've used my Philips lens cleaner numerous times, I really don't want to run it in this blu-ray player. I've been thinking about getting the Allsop, but I've also read somewhere where someone recommended just blowing the dust accumulation out with canned air (not much air pressure in canned air though). The player manufacturers usually recommend you clean the lens after so many hours of play...

What is the correct method of cleaning the lens in a blu-ray player according to DVD Talkers? -kd5-

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

You've got me thinking about this, now. I have 2 computers with iffy drives. Maybe this could help. Early models scared me, but it's been 15 years, the tech seems to have grown up. I was worried originally about it damaging the laser assembly or something. But for a drive that seems to be dying and is out of warranty, anyway...

I wouldn't think bluray would matter. The physical location of the laser assembly is not what is different.

Just blowing it out or using an antistatic brush directly on the laser assembly would be preferred to me, if access was possible, so you could see what you are doing. However, that would mean opening the unit, voiding any warranty if you still have one, and the drive itself might also be pretty well sealed so you'd have to open that, too. That last part I don't want to play with.

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

I don't think I want to open it up (disassemble/reassemble) it to clean the laser. I'll disassemble/reassemble computers all day long but for some reason disassembling my new blu-ray player scares the crap out of me. I think I'll have to research this a little further. -kd5-

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

I've heard people caution against using a lens cleaner that has a brush that is attached to a disc to sweep away dust on a lens assembly while spinning inside the drive. I've heard the risk is that the brush could knock the lens out of alignment and cause even more trouble. With Blu-ray alignment being more precise I wouldn't risk it unless its already not working.

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

My viewpoint is why fix something that isn't broke. You never mentioned about having any problems. I've had DVD players for over a decade and a Blu-ray player for almost 3 years. I've never used a lens cleaner.

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

Put me down as another person who thinks lens cleaners are not only pointless, but likely to do more harm than good.

Most Blu-ray players have sealed BD-ROM drives, and those are further enclosed inside the player's housing. Unless you live in an extraordinarily dusty or smokey environment I just don't see how a significant amount of crud can get inside the drive to dirty the lens.

If you're having problems and your player is no longer under warranty, the first thing I would try is a Google search for how to access your player's service menu and run a self-alignment. That's more likely your problem than a dirty lens.

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

As I said, most player manufacturers recommend cleaning after so many hours of play, but if you think lens cleaners do more harm than good I'll refrain from using them.

I'm just thinking preventative maintenance, that's all. -kd5-

Re: Blu-Ray Lens Cleaners?
 

I've never had a dvd or bd player need a lens cleaner. Maybe if you leave the tray open a lot or have a very dusty environment, I don't know.