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Best options for bluray playback

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2019 6:11 pm
by jachin99
I have used powerdvd 15 over the last few years to play blurays but I understand that I'll stop recieving AACS keys at some point, and it looks like cyberlink will only support newer versions for a year or two. I don't want to spend eighty bucks on a new version of PDVD, and my current graphics card detects my yamaha AVR and Darby VSP as a repeater (Thanks for that Nvidea!!). I have been having issues with PDVD lately where it will not play my discs and throws a content is corrupted error when I click yes to update my AACS keys. Since my PDVD support will end soon anyway I am wondering what my options are for sticking a bluray in the drive and just playing it via the WMC interface. PDVD plays other files just fine so i can use that as a video player if need be. I would prefer to NOT have to pick out just the right .m2ts or .ts file out of a folder structure to find the stuff I want to watch. I have already tried builds of make mkv that can stream a disc and this was kind of an issue so I'm looking for a user friendly approach where I can insert my disc, get cover art, and play a single file without it taking any longer than copying a disc. Thanks.

Re: Best options for bluray playback

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2019 7:31 pm
by joelkirzner
I use PowerDVD 17 and it's been working great for the last couple years.
I think you can purchase licenses on ebay for a lot less than what is showing on Cyberlink's website.
WMC will not play blu rays natively, and you'll always have to go through another piece of software like PowerDVD.
Interestingly, if I go to my movie library within WMC and select a blu ray move, it will automatically open PowerDVD, which is nice.
Personally, I think you should just upgrade PowerDVD and be done with it.
FYI, Cyberlink PowerDVD 18 Ultra is currently on sale for $59.95 on their site.

Re: Best options for bluray playback

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 2:00 am
by jachin99
If the support lifecycle were longer and I and I knew itI would work then I would stick with PDVD. I would even be tempted if I were convinced it would work but I don't want to wager a 60 dollar bet on PDVD. I'm betting there are other options, and I always have my oppo BDP if absolutely necessary.

Re: Best options for bluray playback

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:44 am
by joecrow
jachin99 wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2019 2:00 am If the support lifecycle were longer and I and I knew itI would work then I would stick with PDVD. I would even be tempted if I were convinced it would work but I don't want to wager a 60 dollar bet on PDVD. I'm betting there are other options, and I always have my oppo BDP if absolutely necessary.
I believe Cyberlink offer a reduced feature (no 3D etc) trial version of PoweDVD18, you could try and they also give a 30 day (I think, check it first) money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the purchased version. No gamble. 8-)
Be aware though that from memory PowerDVD 15 was rhe last version with WMC support ! :cry: I do agree the life cycle is something of an issue, my guess is there will shortly be a PowerDVD19, but they still support the older versions for 5 years, also I was very impressed recently when I tried to install PowerDVD9, which came as a bundle with an old Bluray player, it directed me to download a free version of PowerDVD12 which functioned on Win 10, not bad. :)

Re: Best options for bluray playback

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 1:57 pm
by jachin99
It looks like it's 5 years through version 16. If you go to their updates page it gives an upgrade and last version notice for versions 12 and 17. That's where I'm concerned about semi annual updates.

Re: Best options for bluray playback

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:45 pm
by joelkirzner
Yes, PowerDVD used to have WMC integration, meaning it was an option in the menu as you scrolled through, IIRC.
Later versions, including the one I'm using does not integrate, other than what I mentioned about the WMC DVD library automatically opening PowerDVD in a separate application.

Personally, I really like PowerDVD's interface and the fact that it has TV mode, for larger icons and better remote navigation.