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CNET Editors' review
PowerDVD version 12 Ultra is here, and it brings with it increased 3D support and improved playback controls. At the same time, it changes its game a bit by offering tools for organizing and managing all of your media across devices. Now you can use your desktop PC as a server for all of your content, and with PowerDVD Mobile, you can browse and play that content from anywhere.
PowerDVD's bread and butter has always been its movie playback capabilities, and with version 12 that hasn't changed. The program can still play DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and an impressive number of video file formats quite well. Some new additions, however, include playlists, the ability to zoom in on video, and 2D-to-3D conversion for Blu-ray discs. At this point, the conversion feature is pretty much a novelty, but that doesn't change the fact that it works considerably well. It even lets you adjust the depth of the graphics in case you want to see how eye-popping the 3D can get.
Beyond typical movie playback, PowerDVD 12 comes with dramatically improved syncing and streaming. Now it can act as a hub for all of your media content--videos, photos, and music--and can sync across your various PCs and Android devices via USB. Setting up your devices to stream over the network can get confusing, but once you figure it out, PowerDVD's DLNA keeps it working like a charm. It even lets you push media content from PowerDVD out to selected devices. This means that from your desktop, you can push a video out to play on your Android tablet and vice versa. Streaming to Android devices requires the PowerDVD Mobile app, which comes free with PowerDVD Ultra. Otherwise, the app costs $19.99 in the Android Market.
PowerDVD 12 also lets you view, share, and download photos from your Facebook and Flickr albums--something I haven't seen in any other multimedia programs. And finally, it comes with built-in access to the 7digital Music Store, which confirms my belief that CyberLink is making a run to incorporate an iTunes for Windows and Android into its software.
At this point, it seems like CyberLink PowerDVD is quickly outgrowing its name. Sure, DVD playback has been and still is its main gig, but the program is obviously creeping into other territories with its integrated social media features, streaming and syncing, and its partnership with the 7digital Music Store. Whether it's true or not, I'm all for extra features without the extra cost, and that's exactly what this iteration of PowerDVD offers up.
If you're looking for a premium, all-in-one media player for Windows, I highly recommend checking out PowerDVD 12 Ultra. It may not be as easy to set up as iTunes, but it has some power features that make it worthwhile.
Publisher's Description
From CyberLink:
PowerDVD 12 is the perfect universal media player for all your entertainment needs. Play any movie, video or music file or view photos stored locally, online or on other devices all from within the one powerful application. It also works perfectly within your home network, share media library to other DLNA devices at home, browse content from other media server or extend your media experience to PowerDVD Mobile on your iPhone, iPad and Android phone or tablet.
What's new in this version: Version 12 adds:
Multimedia Support
- Media Library for Video, Photo and Music
- Rating Media content
- Instant View - preview media in folders with folder thumbnail
- Instant Zoom - seamless zoom in video, up to 4x
- Instant Scale - Adjust folder/thumbnail size
- Search YouTube video
- YouTube playlist/subscription/favorite
- Lossless HD... See all new features
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 500 votes
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Current version:
2.5 starsout of 12 votes
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My rating:
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"Horrible service, broken program"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
Plays Bluray disks created before 2012
Cons
This program's ability to play Bluray files is limited by the availability of software updates Cyberlink is willing to give, generally 18 months or less. If you buy this software, you will not be able to play Bluray disks made after 2014, and be forced to fork over another $100 for the new edition.
Summary
Of the current options for Bluray playback, this may be the best, but it is closer to the choice between having terminal cancer or dying right now. Considering the cost of the program and limited use, you are better off just buying a standalone Bluray player, or simply ignoring DMCA and getting rid of AACS. Considering the second is an illegal act, just get the standalone Bluray player.
Do not waste you money on them, they don't even have phone support (costs $30). -
"3d for 2d blu ray?"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
It can play dvds in 3d just like power dvd 10
Cons
I upgraded from 10 to 12 so i can 2d blu rays in 3d .So far I havent been able to watch any 2d blu rays in 3d ( it only plays dvds in 3d for me , then greys out the 3d settings when I try to play a blu ray)If you have power dvd 10 , stick with that theres no difference .
Summary
After being told on facebook that power dvd 12 can play blu rays in 3d I puchased it.I also asked them after I bought it why its not playing blu rays in 3d .No response at all . . . . . . . . . . . .
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"Abysmally Bloated!"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
Basic Functions
Cons
Totally Hogs RAM And LOADING Of Media Files Takes FOREVER! How Can This DVD Player SOOOOOOOOO BLOATED PIECE OF CRAP?!
Customer Service Also Generates Unwanted Promos In My E-mail That I Really DON'T CARE!
EXPENSIVE BLOATWARE... MORE LIKE NERO.Summary
VLC Media Player Is My Friend For Media Needs. AVOID This Bloated ****!
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"Total Crap!"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
It plays okay if you're able to find basic usage.
Cons
It is so loaded down with BLOATWARE that its difficult to navigate. You are plagued by the advertisements to upgrade to their bigger and better version then they want you to buy movies. Took me 10 minutes to stumble into how to play my Blu-Ray DVD! Don't waste your $$$ or your time!!!
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"Almost unusable."
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
Plays newer Blu-rays that are not supported by older versions.
Cons
*Blue-screen of death when tying to play some video files.
*Freezes at load unless program is block from accessing the Internet
*Notable white line at the top of the screen when playing video files and DVDsSummary
Results are more like what you would expect from someone sat at home having a go at making a video/dvd/blu-ray player software and releasing on the Internet to show there current progress, not something that should ever get past testing in a professional company.
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"Best Cyber DVD Player yet."
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
Best Player ever made t date
Cons
Cant find any problems with this one.
Summary
Best I have ever viewed....I don't see how it can be made better.
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"Slow, Buggy and Expensive"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
It looks good.
Cons
Slow to start.
Crashes if you have DivX installed and won't play .Avi's.
Forces you watch Cyberlink advertisments for software/upgrades you already have.Summary
Quite frankly this software should be free since it is still at beta stage.
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"Another Cyberlink Fail"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
3D support
Cons
Bloated,buggy,over-rated piece of crap. Lots of crashes,very slow load time. Not worth the effort.NO tech support.
Summary
I have been using Powerdvd since version 3 ultra. It seems after 10.0 ultra,the program has become more and more buggy. Under Win7 w/service pack 1, the program (12 Ultra)does not stay open,loads extremely slowly and has a lot of bloat crap I don't need or want.(Moovie for example). Contacting support or getting any response is a complete waste of time with no solutions.Sorry,Cyberlink.Dumping your crap and going to a competitor.
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"Cyberjunk. don't buy"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
advertises good features
Cons
Tech support is a joke
Summary
Unless you pay $30 for a couple months of tech support you can talk to nobody. I just wanted all the features of my legal and paid for cyberlink program to work and there is a activation issue. There is no number to call, not even for sales, and it is very apparent through thier email support system responses they could care less. That is if you get a response. If they made a good product don't you think they wouldn't be afraid to help thier customers?
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"Wonderful easy to use very versatile media player"
Version: CyberLink PowerDVD 12
Pros
Great plug ins and support. I've always been a fan of Power DVD and other cyberlink products but this time it's better than before with added features. Also I've noticed the player seems to play better quality sound than vlc or Win media player on media files.
Cons
PAID-high dollar at that. can be processor heavy at times especially with those nifty plug ins that you can download.
Summary
Still a top notch player from a company that keeps putting out great procducts.
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