Pros
This component is moderately priced and has many attractive features that are advertised on the VisioForge site. With no really useful documentation, I was able to program using the trial version of the x64 NET 4 version using the CHM "help".
Cons
As mentioned in "Pros", there is virtually no documentation. Many demos come with the purchased version, and this can make it difficult to know what legitimate assemblies can be added to a project. Unfortunately, I found it very hard to communicate with support staff. Communication in English may be very difficult for them, and this may explain problems I had. The biggest problem was with registration of the purchased version. On failure, the only option given by support was to enter my system to "fix" the problem, something I found unacceptable, especially for simply registering the component. If one does not accept system entry, there is no alternative support and no refund. Though I have purchased this product, I cannot use it.
Summary
The component has much potential, but documentation is very poor and support minimally helpful. Staff at VisioForge seem to have trouble with English, and this may explain skimpy documentation and perhaps why they would rather enter your system than help you fix problems yourself. Told that I was entering correct information, I unsuccessfully tried registration on three machines. Given the only alternative of having support enter my system, and with all support tickets closed, I asked for a refund. I would destroy all copies of the component, and any code could be deactivated. I was informed that no refund could be made; the component worked fine, and registration was not a product defect.
My experience with VisioForge was unfortunately not good. In my opinion, one should beware of any company promoting entry to ones system as a way of solving problems, especially in registration. When purchasing a VisioForge component, I also advise you do so through a reseller that will protect you and override the company's refusal to refund if you find that necessary.
At present, I am back with my free VLC ActiveX and some use of another x86 Media Player I purchased. Sadly, neither is x64 savvy, but the free VLC ActiveX is stable and will play most any video. Though minimal in documentation, it is not difficult to program. I wish it had more features, but its stability, price, and lack of registration haggling make it very strong. This unfortunately cannot be said of VisioForge.
