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Which DVD software would you buy?
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Bateluer
Lifer
I've got WinDVD5 on this machine, came with it. WinDVD 7 on my desktop. And VLC on both. I do like the fact that VLC can skip commercials and previews, definitely a bonus. As I recall, older versions of PowerDVD and WinDVD could skip that crap as well. My old notebook had PowerDVD6, which I liked as well.
StormRider
Diamond Member
One thing I don't like about WinDVD is that they don't provide any patches but PowerDVD does
I used WinDVD for about 3 years, thought it was absolutely great for my 27" CRT. After switching to HD though IQ is seriously lacking in WinDVD. I now use TheaterTek with FFDshow. I have a hard time recommending TT to people since the program is so expencive, support is lacking, and the new version introduces stuttering on my PC. TT gives the best image quality of all players I've tried though. Second to TheaterTek I would recommend Media Player Classic or ZoomPlayer. TT is the easiest to use with the best interface though. Works extremely well with this Firefly remote I just bought and also passes through DD and DTS to my receiver without issue. For the cost support could be way better though...
IMO WinDVD and PowerDVD are out to pasture for PC DVD player solutions. They aren't even worth considering anymore really.
IMO WinDVD and PowerDVD are out to pasture for PC DVD player solutions. They aren't even worth considering anymore really.
He-he, I wouldn't buy either. I have two versions of PowerDVD for free cuz they came with my DVD drives. I've never used any others but PDVD works well enough that I don't care to try right now. Also, Sureshot is right. WMP classic will not play DVDs without a decoder. In fact, I have WMP10 latest version and updates and even it won't work for DVD without decoder software from another software like PowerDVD. Also, I use 1280x1024 screen resolution so I use 120 DPI and WMP will only play DVDs at 96DPI. I thought it was a decoder issue but my decoder is PowerDVD's decoder and PDVD will play at 120 DPI. Suits me fine. 🙂
MPC FTW!!!
VLC is ok, but the interface sucks donkey dick, and it doesn't offer anything over MPC from what I messed around with. MPC + ffdshow is about the most compact you can get but still play nearly everything and still have good features.
I tried PowerDVD before (the Cyberlink one, right?) and I can't believe people actually like the interface. There was a ton of ugly buttons that had no indication what they did. That thing was pure garbage IMO. I like the nice compact window with MPC.
VLC is ok, but the interface sucks donkey dick, and it doesn't offer anything over MPC from what I messed around with. MPC + ffdshow is about the most compact you can get but still play nearly everything and still have good features.
I tried PowerDVD before (the Cyberlink one, right?) and I can't believe people actually like the interface. There was a ton of ugly buttons that had no indication what they did. That thing was pure garbage IMO. I like the nice compact window with MPC.
Continuity28
Golden Member
First of all, because some studios use UOPs in this way does not make UOPS themselves idiotic. UOPs are very very handy for authoring complex DVDs, and if you disable them, these DVDs cannot play correctly. Basically, if I make a complex DVD that offers some nice features (like certain compendiums) I'd use UOPs to direct the DVD in the right direction in order to make sure all the register settings and VM commands work as they should. By disabling UOPs completely, you're essentially allowing the DVD to work in ways that can ruin the author's order of content.
For example, if in my DVD layout, the next link from a certain movie clip is in a PGC or cell that isn't directly after the last, you can add UOPs that prevent you from skipping linearly through programs, thus following the correct end links. If you ever run into a problem where you press "Next" or something, and it goes to the wrong location - you'll know why. It's because you disabled UOPs, which help guide the player in these circumstances.
Those studio placed previews and warnings suck, but completely ignoring UOPs isn't the best solution. 😛
Some folks are confoozing Windows Media Player 6.4 with Media Player Classic and thus missing the point. The free MPC includes MPEG-2 and AC3 decoders among others while even more options are available by simply adding fddshow (such as AVC). With the addition of QuickTime Alternative and Real Alternative, you're pretty much covered.
Under certain circumstances however, commercial DVD decoders may be preferable: if the video quality is noticeably better or the the hardware acceleration or additional audio processing features are desired. But, the good thing is that these may still be used with MPC which truly is a universal player unlike those from the corporations who each have their own interests.
If you have a Radeon, you may want to try installing ATI's software as mentioned, just for the Cyberlink decoders and presumably they can work with MPC too.
Be wary of TheaterTek since they are essentially charging $50 for a player above the commercial nVidia decoder cost of $20. That may be fine for an unsavvy user with more money than gumption but should be considered heresy around here 😉
Under certain circumstances however, commercial DVD decoders may be preferable: if the video quality is noticeably better or the the hardware acceleration or additional audio processing features are desired. But, the good thing is that these may still be used with MPC which truly is a universal player unlike those from the corporations who each have their own interests.
If you have a Radeon, you may want to try installing ATI's software as mentioned, just for the Cyberlink decoders and presumably they can work with MPC too.
Be wary of TheaterTek since they are essentially charging $50 for a player above the commercial nVidia decoder cost of $20. That may be fine for an unsavvy user with more money than gumption but should be considered heresy around here 😉
So the PureVideo decoder can improve DVD quality just by using it?
edit: Damn, only 3 supported players after I get the damn Purevideo decoder? So that, new drivers, one of the 3 crappy supported players (I said above can't stand PowerDVD, and Iwon't let WMP 10 anywhere near my hard drive, so I guess I'll try WinDVD to test out if it looks any better), then additional programs too, plus something to encode. Damn... not sure if I feel like spending half my time this weekend messing with that stuff!
edit: Damn, only 3 supported players after I get the damn Purevideo decoder? So that, new drivers, one of the 3 crappy supported players (I said above can't stand PowerDVD, and Iwon't let WMP 10 anywhere near my hard drive, so I guess I'll try WinDVD to test out if it looks any better), then additional programs too, plus something to encode. Damn... not sure if I feel like spending half my time this weekend messing with that stuff!
JediJorgie
Senior member
How does Fddshow make PowerDVD use 5.1?
Schadenfroh
Elite Member
Watching a DVD on it now, not bad at all!
powerMarkymark
Platinum Member
Another vote for free VLC.
M@rc
M@rc
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