PowerDVD Ultra (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray)

[bk1987]

can anyone give a tutorial how to run two versions of PDVD?

I copied 3319a to another location before doing the 3730 update, but when I run the 3319a EXE it just acts like 3730 and reports 3730 in the about section

thanks in advance

interestingly, 3730 lets me start Die Hard 4.0 from a folder, but doesn't play it back. Just gives a blue/black screen with a running timer

how are you starting each version, are you clicking on the desktop icon or are you starting it from within the program file it self

[tsb]

within the folders themselves

[liversedge]

Click on the "Cyberlink" logo in the upper left hand of the app. That will bring up the "About" window. At the bottom is the "product licensed to" field with your name in it. Click on your name and you'll be able to get the patch level from the "DVD Version".

Thanks, they like to make it obvious :rolleyes:

I have now checked and have patched to 3730 but 3:10 to Yuma definitely doesn't play ball. I have a region B disc and region B setup (I'm in he UK) ...

... any region B folks having success out there with 3730 and 3:10 to Yuma on BD?

[BigWorm2005GT]

Anybody have problems with sound from BluRay discs? For the last two patches I have been getting like a ringing from BluRay discs if I put it into DTS-mixing mode so I can get normal DTS to my receiver. HD DVD's work perfect, and I cannot figure it out if its PDVD, my audio drivers, or my receiver. It is driving me crazy because everything else works perfect. Any suggestions?

This is a common problem with PowerDVD in DTS mixing mode. I have it, too. I don't know if anyone has figured out a workaround yet. For now, since I have an older amp that isn't as capable as newer models, I just play the disc with the Dolby Digital 5.1 track.

That's acceptable to me for now until I get an amp that understands HDMI and LPCM uncompressed. And, oh yeah, the Auzentech soundcard so I can actually output them! :)

Good luck, this is a problem that many people are trying to solve.

BW

[talon95]

I bought an LG combo drive this week, and I'm struggling to get it working. Though my entire setup is configured properly for HDCP, I'm still getting a 0110 HDCP error from Power DVD. I'm starting to think that in order to get this all working correctly, I'll have to buy a new video card ($150), the full PowerDVD Ultra ($80), and the AnyDVD HD software ($117). It seems that it might turn out to be a lot cheaper just to buy a standalone player.

My current problems:

1) The bundled PowerDVD software appears to think that my video card won't support dual monitors. All the options for choosing a secondary monitor are greyed out.

2) The bundled software is stereo only.

3) Even when I try to operate the software using my TV as the primary monitor, I still get the HDCP error.

I'm running the LG combo drive, a Sapphire X1600 Pro video card, and a DVI-HDMI cable to my Hitachi P50H401A TV. And Windows XP/SP2 on a Core2Duo.

Is there another software product that isn't as troublesome as this PowerDVD? Or is there some configuration setting that I'm missing somewhere? I really can't spot anything wrong with this config, but perhaps I'm missing something. Any thoughts?

Did you try the Cyberlink advisor program to see if it shows you have an HDCP compliant connection?

A few comments,

1) The OEM version seems to work fine for me, I just bought the drive this week, installed the OEM PDVD, and updated it to 3516. Seemed to work fine. I have a NVidia 8800GT, but I see plenty of people having success with ATI also. You might try either updating your drivers or falling back to an older one. This (http://forum.slysoft.com/showpost.php?p=87362&postcount=47) post might be of interest.

2) I get multichannel audio with the OEM version, although I'm using SPDIF. Keep in mind that PDVD will only let you switch some of the video/audio settings when *nothing* is playing.

3) Make sure you have only a single HDCP compliant display enabled when trying to play HDM disks with PDVD. I've seen comments about it not working with multiple displays active.

[Kiriakos]

For those that want to have both (3319a-3730) versions in one rig and be able to switch from one to the other realy easy and to have BOTH of them in their original form (not mule or something) here it is:
1. Uninstall the currently installed version of PDVD.
2. Install the 3319a version normaly.
3. Make a copy of the PowerDVD folder in C:\Program Files\Cyberlink , in there and rename it to ''PowerDVD3319a'' .
4. Install the 3730 patch normaly.
5. Download this (http://rapidshare.com/files/88883561/PDVDswitchEDITABLE.rar.html) if you want to have acssess to the stuff in the script file that i made, or this (http://rapidshare.com/files/88883822/PDVDswitchEXE.rar.html) if you want the .exe edition of the script that is more ''profesional'' and quiet.
6. Decompress the stuff from the .rar file in the c:\program files\cyberlink folder, just outside of the PowerDVD folder.
7. If you want to read in the starting page of the PDVD (with the lady holding a disk) the version that is active anytime, overwrite the ''mercury.dll'' files in the 2 folders of the 2 versions that now you have, one named ''PowerDVD'' (3730) and the other ''PowerDVD3319a'' (3319a) .The files are in the ''Skins'' folders in the PowerDVD and PowerDVD319a folders.
8. Right click the .exe or .cmd file and send a sortcut to your desktop.
9. Enjoy.

What the script doing now:
After a little research that i made on what is changing the 3730 patch in my system, i found some stuff that i included them in a couple of registry files, that work like Undo-Redo in the stuff in registry. With the first one is possible to make your system in the 3319a status and with the other in the 3730. Also, it saves the changes anyone makes in every version (settings) and it applies them the next time that you 'll select this version. The script works in the ''rename'' way but the tricky thing is the restores of the registry, so the system not only thinks but realy is in the correct version.

Please feel free to post any probs so we 'll try to fix them.

[Jim Gilliland]

Did you try the Cyberlink advisor program to see if it shows you have an HDCP compliant connection?

A few comments,

1) The OEM version seems to work fine for me, I just bought the drive this week, installed the OEM PDVD, and updated it to 3516. Seemed to work fine. I have a NVidia 8800GT, but I see plenty of people having success with ATI also. You might try either updating your drivers or falling back to an older one. This (http://forum.slysoft.com/showpost.php?p=87362&postcount=47) post might be of interest.

2) I get multichannel audio with the OEM version, although I'm using SPDIF. Keep in mind that PDVD will only let you switch some of the video/audio settings when *nothing* is playing.

3) Make sure you have only a single HDCP compliant display enabled when trying to play HDM disks with PDVD. I've seen comments about it not working with multiple displays active.

Thanks for the help. The advisor reports that the connection is NOT compliant. Nonetheless, the card specs say that it is compliant, the set says that it is compliant, and I'm running the latest drivers for the card. So it should be compliant as far as I can tell.

I'm using S/PDIF as well, so perhaps I won't have to do that particular upgrade. I may try a new video card.

I do have two displays - the Plasma set and a smaller LCD display that I use for my work. The Plasma set is only used for home theater stuff, while the LCD is used for everything else. But I'm getting the HDCP error even when the Plasma is the only set hooked up.

In any event, I do need both displays to work.

[tsb]

For those that want to have both (3319a-3730) versions in one rig and be able to switch from one to the other realy easy and to have BOTH of them in their original form (not mule or something) here it is:
1. Uninstall the currently installed version of PDVD.
2. Install the 3319a version normaly.
3. Make a copy of the PowerDVD folder in C:\Program Files\Cyberlink , in there and rename it to ''PowerDVD3319a'' .
4. Install the 3730 patch normaly.
5. Download this (http://rapidshare.com/files/88883561/PDVDswitchEDITABLE.rar.html) if you want to have acssess to the stuff in the script file that i made, or this (http://rapidshare.com/files/88883822/PDVDswitchEXE.rar.html) if you want the .exe edition of the script that is more ''profesional'' and quiet.
6. Decompress the stuff from the .rar file in the c:\program files\cyberlink folder, just outside of the PowerDVD folder.
7. If you want to read in the starting page of the PDVD (with the lady holding a disk) the version that is active anytime, overwrite the ''mercury.dll'' files in the 2 folders of the 2 versions that now you have, one named ''PowerDVD'' (3730) and the other ''PowerDVD3319a'' (3319a) .The files are in the ''Skins'' folders in the PowerDVD and PowerDVD319a folders.
8. Right click the .exe or .cmd file and send a sortcut to your desktop.
9. Enjoy.

What the script doing now:
After a little research that i made on what is changing the 3730 patch in my system, i found some stuff that i included them in a couple of registry files, that work like Undo-Redo in the stuff in registry. With the first one is possible to make your system in the 3319a status and with the other in the 3730. Also, it saves the changes anyone makes in every version (settings) and it applies them the next time that you 'll select this version. The script works in the ''rename'' way but the tricky thing is the restores of the registry, so the system not only thinks but realy is in the correct version.

Please feel free to post any probs so we 'll try to fix them.

any chance to make one for x64?

I think the paths just need to be changed

[Kiriakos]

any chance to make one for x64?

I think the paths just need to be changed

Give me the paths and i 'll try. Dont have X64, sorry.

[tsb]

Give me the paths and i 'll try. Dont have X64, sorry.

C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\............

If you need registry paths, you'll need to tell me the keys I should be looking for.

Thanks.

[Kiriakos]

Ok, is there any keys like [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cyberlink\PowerDVD] and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\] and [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cyberlink] ?

[basthi]

Thank you Kiriakos !!!

I was just started to think about it that way... but you MADE it... Great !!!

+++
Basthi

[Vern Dias]

As with any onboard device it will eat up your main CPU cycles to encode/decode the audioANY device, onboard or not, on your PC will use CPU cycles unless it has it's own memory and processor. Video cards fit this category, sound cards do not. An onboard device may have the additional advantage of relieving PCI slot congestion. Many addon cards also use the Realtek chip set and drivers, so the internal vs external argument is a red herring. The real key is how well the drivers have been coded and optimized.

Vern

[RichB]

Is there a way to update the audio filterin 3319 with the ones from 3730 that do not down-sample?

- Rich

[DC2R714]

This is a common problem with PowerDVD in DTS mixing mode. I have it, too. I don't know if anyone has figured out a workaround yet. For now, since I have an older amp that isn't as capable as newer models, I just play the disc with the Dolby Digital 5.1 track.

That's acceptable to me for now until I get an amp that understands HDMI and LPCM uncompressed. And, oh yeah, the Auzentech soundcard so I can actually output them! :)

Good luck, this is a problem that many people are trying to solve.

BW


Wow I am glad it's not just me. Unfortunately I dont think some BluRay discs have DD5.1 tracks, atleast I don't see it with Spiderman 3 BluRay. This sucks cause I liked having the DTS tracks. :(

[tequila66]

Does Powerdvd make downsample with the PCM?

[talon95]

Thanks for the help. The advisor reports that the connection is NOT compliant. Nonetheless, the card specs say that it is compliant, the set says that it is compliant, and I'm running the latest drivers for the card. So it should be compliant as far as I can tell.



It's either the ATI drivers or HDCP handshake is failing. Hard to tell which. A different vid card might fix it, might not. I had an Infocus 4805 projector previously that would fail the handshake occasionally. I could get it working by power everything down, unplugging everything, then first powering the PC, then the projector. PITA, but it worked. When I got a new projector (Mits HD1000u), the problem went away using the same vid card.

I'd try the vid card, but be sure to get it somewhere that you can easily return it to in case it doesn't help.

[ES_Revenge]

Anybody have problems with sound from BluRay discs? For the last two patches I have been getting like a ringing from BluRay discs if I put it into DTS-mixing mode so I can get normal DTS to my receiver. HD DVD's work perfect, and I cannot figure it out if its PDVD, my audio drivers, or my receiver. It is driving me crazy because everything else works perfect. Any suggestions?

I think everyone has this problem. The DTS encoding/transcoding seems to be really bad. However I wasn't aware that this problem wasn't in earlier versions and not in HD-DVD (I don't have any of those). Since it isn't in those, you would think it should be fixable if someone reports it to Cyberlink?

It's definitely PDVD though, and the ringing is horrid I agree. If you search this thread, you'll find a few other people have mentioned it including myself. It's bad enough that the DTS transcoding feature can't be used. The other thing I always wondered was why AC-3 transcoding is there but not available. Like there is a box for it, but it's always greyed out and uncheckable on every version I've had so far--is this the same on everyone else's?

[DC2R714]

yup mine is greyed out too. Well HD DVD uses DD 5.1 typically if you dont have True-HD so that is probably why it isnt an issue with HD DVD.

[KeyMix]

Anyone know of any register hacks or anything (ala the Media Center one) where you can change the OSD placement in PowerDVD Ultra? I see in the player options where it gives you the options for top left, right, bottom left, right and the ability to change the font size and color... so..this has to be stored in the registry somewhere??

The reason I ask is for the typical over scanning issue... I need to bring in the OSD some or at min place it in the middle so I can read it!!!! But I'd much rather be able to bring in the entire controls, etc... Anyone with such knowledge??:D

[Aesculus]

... The other thing I always wondered was why AC-3 transcoding is there but not available. Like there is a box for it, but it's always greyed out and uncheckable on every version I've had so far--is this the same on everyone else's?

I think it may be if your sound card does not support DD live. Mine does not. If anyone has DD live and its still greyed out then I can't tell you why.

I do really miss not having a true DD 5.1 track on some of these Blue Ray disks. I wrote Sony and complained about that.

[tsb]

Ok, is there any keys like [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cyberlink\PowerDVD] and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\] and [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cyberlink] ?


I'll get back to you. darn PC won't hibernate and none of the fixes are working gonna try a re-install , so maybe tomorrow I can get back to you

[briinthesky]

I have been using pdvd for a while with BD and HD with very few problems.
I would like to try and have media center use it to play my BD/HD discs, does anyone know how to do this ?
The main dislike i have of pdvd is the black bars it gives(seem to be bigger than any other software) has anyone managed to reduce these or are we stuck with them ?

[Preacherzson]

I've been using Lite 4.11.1 (haven't checked to see if they have something newer).

Daemon Tools just released an update

I installed Daemon Tools Lite. Now I can play the "300" iso mounted via Daemon Tools, so thanks a lot!

However, I still cannot play the "Eastern Promises" iso. I searched in this forum, and apparently there are some problems with that movie. Someone said that the internet connection has to be disconnected for that movie to play. I tried that, and still it does not work. I will use ImageBurn in "Read" mode to generate the iso again and see if it works now. Does anyone else have trouble with "Eastern Promises"? The disc plays fine on the Toshiba add-on drive.

I'm still getting porked trying to watch "Eastern Promises". I've tried watching the actual disc with the internet cable plugged in and unplugged- no luck. I've tried "building" ISOs from the disc, but PowerDVD goes straight to "File mode" after I click on the drive (LG Combo drive) when I insert the disc OR after I try Daemon tools to mount the ISOs I've made so far... I'm currently trying the "Read" to ImgBurn an ISO from the disc...grr.....

I updated last night to 3730, but I am about to install a 3319a version I got off torrent, as well as my 3319f version using K's instructions. Man, this software blows chunks.

[Preacherzson]

For those that want to have both (3319a-3730) versions in one rig and be able to switch from one to the other realy easy and to have BOTH of them in their original form (not mule or something) here it is:
1. Uninstall the currently installed version of PDVD.
2. Install the 3319a version normaly.
3. Make a copy of the PowerDVD folder in C:\Program Files\Cyberlink , in there and rename it to ''PowerDVD3319a'' .
4. Install the 3730 patch normaly.
5. Download this (http://rapidshare.com/files/88883561/PDVDswitchEDITABLE.rar.html) if you want to have acssess to the stuff in the script file that i made, or this (http://rapidshare.com/files/88883822/PDVDswitchEXE.rar.html) if you want the .exe edition of the script that is more ''profesional'' and quiet.
6. Decompress the stuff from the .rar file in the c:\program files\cyberlink folder, just outside of the PowerDVD folder.
7. If you want to read in the starting page of the PDVD (with the lady holding a disk) the version that is active anytime, overwrite the ''mercury.dll'' files in the 2 folders of the 2 versions that now you have, one named ''PowerDVD'' (3730) and the other ''PowerDVD3319a'' (3319a) .The files are in the ''Skins'' folders in the PowerDVD and PowerDVD319a folders.
8. Right click the .exe or .cmd file and send a sortcut to your desktop.
9. Enjoy.

What the script doing now:
After a little research that i made on what is changing the 3730 patch in my system, i found some stuff that i included them in a couple of registry files, that work like Undo-Redo in the stuff in registry. With the first one is possible to make your system in the 3319a status and with the other in the 3730. Also, it saves the changes anyone makes in every version (settings) and it applies them the next time that you 'll select this version. The script works in the ''rename'' way but the tricky thing is the restores of the registry, so the system not only thinks but realy is in the correct version.

Please feel free to post any probs so we 'll try to fix them.

Will this work for only 2 versions? For instance, if I wanted to keep a current version, a 3319a, and a 3319f?

[fireanimal]

Can some one check and see if they are having issues with HD-DVD version of DVE, the menus are there but there is no content showing?? Just want to make sure it's powerDVD and not my setup.

This is with the latest patch, before they worked fine.

Thanks

[user4avsforum]

Can some one check and see if they are having issues with HD-DVD version of DVE, the menus are there but there is no content showing?? Just want to make sure it's powerDVD and not my setup.

This is with the latest patch, before they worked fine.

Thanks

I just got the DVE combo disk. Both sides work - the only issue is menu response time is very very bad. I recall having this problem with the old DVE DVD as well.

[Kiriakos]

Will this work for only 2 versions? For instance, if I wanted to keep a current version, a 3319a, and a 3319f?

This one is for 3319a-3730 ONLY. Any other version needs changes.

[Jim Gilliland]

I'd try the vid card, but be sure to get it somewhere that you can easily return it to in case it doesn't help.I bought an ATI 3850 card, and it did solve the problem. Not cheap, though. I'm sure I could have gotten by with something less expensive, but this one seems to have some horsepower.

Even so, PowerDVD still has the "Dual Display" mode tab (in the Advanced Video settings) completely greyed out. Does anyone know how to activate that feature of the software?

Also, is there any way to tell PowerDVD to respond to an external remote? I know that Cyberlink sells a remote for it, but I already have a USB remote with my MyHD card. I'd like to be able to use the same remote for both products.

[Polypro]

Power DVD works with an MCE remote natively. Don't know about any other.

P

[boristhedog]

Hello all, I have tried to read and search through this thread for a definitive answer, but it is still unclear so I'll just ask. I'm sorry if this has already been discussed.

System info:
- PowerDVD Ultra 7.3 w/ the 3730 patch
- Dell Inspiron 1525 notebook (Intel core2 duo 2GHz 3G RAM)
- Vista Home Basic
- Mashita BD-RE UJ-220 Blu-ray player
- Intel 965 graphics
- Dell Ultrasharp 3008WFP monitor (using HDMI input)
- Silicon Image CP9139 HDMI repeater development kit (basically a 5 input HDMI switch, 1 output)

Problem:
I cannot play a Blu-ray disc using PowerDVD when connected through the repeater, PowerDVD error = "Failed to enable HDCP. Please switch to blah blah (Error Code = 0110)". This device is an approved HDCP repeater and works no problem using a stand alone Blu-ray player (Sharp BD-HP20U). Also, the disc plays no problem using PowerDVD if I connect directly to the display.

Question(s):
- Does PowerDVD simply not support a downstream repeater?
- Has anyone successfully used PowerDVD through an A/V receiver device that is an HDMI/HDCP repeater?
- Could this be a Vista problem?

Thanks so much for any help.

[Disc13]

Since I upgraded to the 3730 version a few days ago, I've run into a huge problem with HD-DVDs. The "OK" button on my remote or "Enter" button on my keyboard does not select the selected options in the menu anymore - it just plays the movie. So when I first put in an HD-DVD and it goes to the menu, no matter what I select (play movie, scene selection, special features, setup, whatever) and hit "OK" or "Enter", it will automatically start playing the movie. Likewise when I use the popup menu, it won't let me select anything, but everytime I try the text "Play" shows up on the top right.

This is not the case with my Blu-Ray discs, as they work flawlessly. Does anyone one else have this problem, or know of a fix? Thanks in advance...

[cybrsage]

Power DVD works with an MCE remote natively. Don't know about any other.

P

Just did a quick search of this thread, and did not find it.

Does Power DVD integrate with the Vista Media Center (or XP MCE)?

In other words, if I pop in a BR disk, how to I get it to play, then how do I get back to the Media Center. Using the MCE remote.

[FerPhobos]

Can some one check and see if they are having issues with HD-DVD version of DVE, the menus are there but there is no content showing?? Just want to make sure it's powerDVD and not my setup.

This is with the latest patch, before they worked fine.

Thanks


I have the same problem.

[boristhedog]

Hello all, I have tried to read and search through this thread for a definitive answer, but it is still unclear so I'll just ask. I'm sorry if this has already been discussed.

...

Problem:
I cannot play a Blu-ray disc using PowerDVD when connected through the repeater, PowerDVD error = "Failed to enable HDCP. Please switch to blah blah (Error Code = 0110)". This device is an approved HDCP repeater and works no problem using a stand alone Blu-ray player (Sharp BD-HP20U). Also, the disc plays no problem using PowerDVD if I connect directly to the display.
...
Thanks so much for any help.


Update...I got this to work if I run AnyDVD at the same time. However, this doesn't really help me since I need to have the encryption enabled. Using AnyDVD, I did not see any HDCP key exchange/authentication etc.

So, I'm still curious if anyone uses PowerDVD w/ an A/V receiver (and without AnyDVD).

Thanks.

[audionewer]

what is the commandline for powerdvd?

[drsmithdtv]

it's true. when i play Ghost of Mae Nak with the DTS-HD 24/96 track and enable bitmatched playback in the auzentech console, it stays at 96 khz and doesn't switch to 48 khz anymore.
Whilst I am not sure of it's significance in terms of analogue sound output (if any), I have noticed the following differences in CPU usage with the process audiodg.exe between PowerDVD versions 3516 and 3730.

CPU usage with audiodg.exe when playing Planet Earth HD-DVD episode 1, DD+ 6 ch audio.

Sample rate and bit depth.......................24 bit, 48kHz......24 bit, 96kHz......24 bit, 192kHz
audiodg.exe with PowerDVD 3516......................3%................... 5%...................10%
audiodg.exe with PowerDVD 3730.....................<1%...................1%....................5%

EDIT: on a second (later) Vista install on the same PC I have found that CPU load associated with audiodg.exe with PowerDVD 3319a was the same as the results for 3730 above.

The sample rate and bit depth were changed via the speaker properties from the Windows task bar.

Reference:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12871606#post12871606

Hardware:
CPU: Pentium D 930 3.0Ghz
GPU: Nvidia 8600GTS
Soundcard: Creative SB X-Fi Extreme Music
RAM: 2gig
OS: Vista Ultimate

[briinthesky]

Hi
boristhedog.
I have been using pdvd for a while now without any real problems using a Bd drive and xb360 hd. I originally hooked up to a Pioneer vsx859 which only had analogue or optical connection but worked well. I have since bought an Onkyo 605 to try for true hd sound, but alas it won't pass through hdmi yet from a pc. I have however had dd through hdmi(via my hd3850 card) and can get pcm through analogue.
I look forward to the arrival of the next gen soundcards which hopefully will support hdmi!
I would also say that dd and dts sound better than a normal dvd because it is coming from a better quality source.

[PeZzy]

I installed 3730 and the menus in "3:10 to Yuma" finally work. I can now watch the movie off of the disc.

[rsp107]

I installed the 3730 update for Powerdvd and the menus for 3:10 to Yuma still don't work. Do you think it is the disc or is something wrong with Powerdvd?

[jatoghia]

What you are probably seeing is 'judder' caused by 3:2 pulldown. Typically this is most noticable on panning scenes.
If you're display can accept 24, 48 or 120HZ output from your video card, it should eliminate this.

ballenjr

Thanks, although there are times when it appears to be clearly dropping frames, and I was watching a scene in Planet Earth where it was trying to fly between two mountains (not a pan but a zoom) and it not only appeared choppy but the sound was distorted. I have tried changing the display refresh rate to any of those modes, but I keep getting "unsupported mode" from my television, or the modes which do work don't seem to make any difference.

[legolas_fr]

Hello

This tips

"In the case of version 3516, the files that need to be copied from an earlier version are,

Navfilter\CLBDROMNav.ax
Navfilter\HDDVDNav.ax
PowerDVD.exe
*.imp (10 files)
tried it, works like a charm. just make sure the navfilter ones go into the navfilter folder of 3516 "

it's good with the version 3730 ?

Thank's

[leftheaded]

is 3319a still required to play HD movies from the hard drive? if so, what are pdvd ultra alternatives that can do this? i've seen people recently posting about running two versions of pdvd, but that seems weird to me. why not just run 3319a?

[tsb]

is 3319a still required to play HD movies from the hard drive? if so, what are pdvd ultra alternatives that can do this? i've seen people recently posting about running two versions of pdvd, but that seems weird to me. why not just run 3319a?

because 3319a doesn't support some releases

[tsb]

Give me the paths and i 'll try. Dont have X64, sorry.

The registry paths appear to be identical. Only the program path I mentioned before changes. Sorry it took so long.

[stevetoney]

I do with 2 separate HTPC setups

one is ati 3870 to onkyo 605 to panasonic projector (AE2000) setup and the other is a an nvidia 8600gts to denon 4308ci to sony 60 grand wega ( soon to be a pioneer 150 )

I can play ISO bluray and hddvd and regular DVD ISO on both ok.

but powerdvd is really crappy with bugs / etc.

Different versions simply do not work with different bluray discs for me -- to date I have not had an issue with HDDVD in any version using ISO

I have try numerous combination - with anyDVD on or off - from ISO and disc in the drive

I use the LG combo drive

I make my ISO with imageburn in read mode..

examples -- bluray - 3319 will play the ISO Die Hard movies, but 3730 will not - it gives unsupported format in drive X message

3730 will play spiderman ISO where 3319 just stays stuck on a black screen just before the screen with spider logo that fills with color.

very frustrating software

I'm not even that concerned about the version copy protected being absolutely removed

I just wish to store my movies in ISO for play from my media server..

If the movie will play in powerdvd. the
my movies add-in for media does allow integration into media center

it work best with vista media center and is still not a smooth integration, but does work..

most bluray I can play in powerdvd from the ISO's do not support use of the menu selection with the mouse

ISO are mounted with daemon tools 4.11.2 -- I can mount and clearly see the content of the mounted ISO as drive letter that is listed a CD\DVD drive to the PC's

I sure wish we had a stable PC based player for bluray and HDDVD discs that work from ISO images..
Update...I got this to work if I run AnyDVD at the same time. However, this doesn't really help me since I need to have the encryption enabled. Using AnyDVD, I did not see any HDCP key exchange/authentication etc.

So, I'm still curious if anyone uses PowerDVD w/ an A/V receiver (and without AnyDVD).

Thanks.

[RichB]

Hello

This tips

"In the case of version 3516, the files that need to be copied from an earlier version are,

Navfilter\CLBDROMNav.ax
Navfilter\HDDVDNav.ax
PowerDVD.exe
*.imp (10 files)
tried it, works like a charm. just make sure the navfilter ones go into the navfilter folder of 3516 "

it's good with the version 3730 ?

Thank's

Is this a procedure to make 3730 open and play HD DVD and BD from disk?

- Rich

[legolas_fr]

Is this a procedure to make 3730 open and play HD DVD and BD from disk?

- Rich

No , it is a question to see if it was possible

Excuse me for my poor english

[Al Sherwood]

I installed the 3730 update for Powerdvd and the menus for 3:10 to Yuma still don't work. Do you think it is the disc or is something wrong with Powerdvd?


For me at 3516, the menu's are so stuck that I can no even start the movie!

Is this the magic of Blu-Ray Java up to it's old trick of incompatibility?

Is 3730 the fix?

[audionewer]

how do you play *.mkv movies on powerdvd?

[PeZzy]

I installed the 3730 update for Powerdvd and the menus for 3:10 to Yuma still don't work. Do you think it is the disc or is something wrong with Powerdvd?

I'm using WinXP Pro SP2, ATI 3870 with Catalyst 8.1 . Use the arrow keys if you don't have a remote.

If you think it might be the disc, trying burning an image to the harddrive to see if you get any reading errors.

You also might want to try a clean install of PowerDVD.

[Al Sherwood]

I'm using WinXP Pro SP2, ATI 3870 with Catalyst 8.1 . Use the arrow keys if you don't have a remote.

If you think it might be the disc, trying burning an image to the harddrive to see if you get any reading errors.

You also might want to try a clean install of PowerDVD.

So you have 3:10 to Yuma and it is working for you?, can't really tell from your reply...

If rsp107 has a 'bad' disc I would be surprised. The menu's don't work for me either, I have tried the MS remote and the mouse.

[boristhedog]

stevetoney -
Thanks for confirming that Nvidia works with A/V receiver inline with TV (HDMI). I believe the Intel driver is my problem. I've tried the latest update (winvista_1573.exe) and it still didn't work. I am going to try Nvidia.

So, I don't believe the support for repeaters has anything to do with PowerDVD. PowerDVD gets authentication info from Vista's PVP-OPM security engine. The graphics card driver handles the low level HDCP authentication and passes this info to PVP-OPM. This makes sense.

Bottom line: I don't think PowerDVD cares if there's a repeater or not. Vista PVP-OPM supports HDCP repeaters, so its up to the graphics card/driver to support HDCP repeaters.

[rsp107]

So you have 3:10 to Yuma and it is working for you?, can't really tell from your reply...

If rsp107 has a 'bad' disc I would be surprised. The menu's don't work for me either, I have tried the MS remote and the mouse.

I found that if I turn AnyDVD off I can navigate the menu using the arrow keys on my keyboard. It isn't ideal but at least I can watch my movies now.

If I rip my Blu-Rays to my hard drive using AnyDVD, what file should I be opening in PowerDVD to launch the movies?

[Al Sherwood]

I found that if I turn AnyDVD off I can navigate the menu using the arrow keys on my keyboard. It isn't ideal but at least I can watch my movies now.

If I rip my Blu-Rays to my hard drive using AnyDVD, what file should I be opening in PowerDVD to launch the movies?

Interesting, I thought that I tried to watch the movie with AnyDVD off because it complains that I need an upgrade to 'decrypt' Yuma.

I'll have to try again tonight, BTW what version of AnyDVD do you have?

So far we have been talking about the original optical disc right?

As for HDD based files, you need to go back a bit in this thread, the process you describe is there, it involves Image Burn, ISO files and DaemonTools to mount the image, I am not the 'expert' on this particular process.

[rsp107]

Interesting, I thought that I tried to watch the movie with AnyDVD off because it complains that I need an upgrade to 'decrypt' Yuma.

I'll have to try again tonight, BTW what version of AnyDVD do you have?

So far we have been talking about the original optical disc right?

As for HDD based files, you need to go back a bit in this thread, the process you describe is there, it involves Image Burn, ISO files and DaemonTools to mount the image, I am not the 'expert' on this particular process.

I am running AnyDVD version 6.3.1.5. It is the latest version. I guess I'm not sure if it has to be turned off or not. I just turned it off and then tried with the arrow keys. It may work with it on. I didn't try.

I was hoping to not have to rip the Blu-Rays as iso images. I just wanted to rip them as their original files so that I wouldn't have to mount an image.

I can get Powerdvd to open up the individual movie files but there is no structure to it. I can't find the menus. Any help would be appreciated.

[Al Sherwood]

I am running AnyDVD version 6.3.1.5. It is the latest version. I guess I'm not sure if it has to be turned off or not. I just turned it off and then tried with the arrow keys. It may work with it on. I didn't try.

I was hoping to not have to rip the Blu-Rays as iso images. I just wanted to rip them as their original files so that I wouldn't have to mount an image.

I can get Powerdvd to open up the individual movie files but there is no structure to it. I can't find the menus. Any help would be appreciated.

I guess that I need to get an update for AnyDVD as I am only at 6.3.0.x :(

As for playing back individual movie files, PowerDVD used to do that but I think that the last version to do this was 3319a or possibly 3319f. After that the only process that appears to work is mounted ISO's. This ability was specifically disabled, but I am surprised that you can even select that option as the 'file' selection was greyed out beyond the versions I mention above.

What version of PowerDVD are you using?

[bk1987]

Hello

This tips

"In the case of version 3516, the files that need to be copied from an earlier version are,

Navfilter\CLBDROMNav.ax
Navfilter\HDDVDNav.ax
PowerDVD.exe
*.imp (10 files)
tried it, works like a charm. just make sure the navfilter ones go into the navfilter folder of 3516 "

it's good with the version 3730 ?

Thank's

i tried this with 3730 and it did'nt work for me, but the method to run two versions of pw dvd on the same machine by Kiriakos worked great

[Al Sherwood]

So I am at 3516 right now, is it safe to go to 3730?

Did Cyberlink break or disable anything else?

[bk1987]

So I am at 3516 right now, is it safe to go to 3730?

Did Cyberlink break or disable anything else?

i never tried 3516 i just use 3319a and now with 3730

[rsp107]

i tried this with 3730 and it did'nt work for me, but the method to run two versions of pw dvd on the same machine by Kiriakos worked great

Does anyone know where I can download or otherwise obtain a copy of 3319 so that I can try installing both versions?

[stevetoney]

As to sound over HDMI with the 3870, I did get updated drivers from realteks site for the HD driver and the ATI HDMI driver. Clearly I had sound working over HDMI, but the SPDIF out on my ASUS motherboard sounds better

So I still use the SPDIF / optical port I as was getting PCM to the receiver not DD/DTS of the HDMI

HDMI sound on these card is supposed to to do DD and DTS over the HDMI with the 3870, but I could not get powerdvd to do this



stevetoney -
Thanks for confirming that Nvidia works with A/V receiver inline with TV (HDMI). I believe the Intel driver is my problem. I've tried the latest update (winvista_1573.exe) and it still didn't work. I am going to try Nvidia.

So, I don't believe the support for repeaters has anything to do with PowerDVD. PowerDVD gets authentication info from Vista's PVP-OPM security engine. The graphics card driver handles the low level HDCP authentication and passes this info to PVP-OPM. This makes sense.

Bottom line: I don't think PowerDVD cares if there's a repeater or not. Vista PVP-OPM supports HDCP repeaters, so its up to the graphics card/driver to support HDCP repeaters.

[Andy o]

Can some one check and see if they are having issues with HD-DVD version of DVE, the menus are there but there is no content showing?? Just want to make sure it's powerDVD and not my setup.

This is with the latest patch, before they worked fine.

Thanks

Do you have AnyDVD HD running? If so, try disabling the "remove first play title from HD-DVD" option.

[bk1987]

Does anyone know where I can download or otherwise obtain a copy of 3319 so that I can try installing both versions?

you could

Mod's note: Link to illegally obtained copyrighted material removed.

[mva5580]

Across the Universe does not work with the newest version.

I hate this MF'ing program. 100 bucks for this CRAP.

[AbMagFab]

Is there an alternative yet? I thought that ArcSoft or someone was coming out with a competing player?

[Bicster]

It's all crap :)

[mva5580]

It is all crap, and that's the worst part of it.

Those of us who want to play these discs on PC's are getting ENTIRELY bent over the desk and getting it in the rear from all these companies with their unbelievably half-assed "efforts" at software which plays back these discs. At this point there are zero excuses for these discs to not work.

At this point I just wish HD-DVD would go away entirely so these companies could put forth all of their effort into one format, MAYBE then it would improve compatibility somewhat.

Maybe.

[Jim Gilliland]

Across the Universe does not work with the newest version. I hate this MF'ing program. 100 bucks for this CRAP.That sucks. I was going to buy it tomorrow. What happens when you try to play it?

I think you guys may have just convinced me to return my video card and combo drive, and just to buy a standalone player. Hopefully that might work.

[bk1987]

Does anyone know where I can download or otherwise obtain a copy of 3319 so that I can try installing both versions? try this

Mod's note: Link to illegally obtained copyrighted material removed.

[cybrsage]

Does Power DVD integrate with the Vista Media Center (or XP MCE)?

In other words, if I pop in a BR disk, how to I get it to play, then how do I get back to the Media Center. Using the MCE remote.

[jongig]

I'm really not happy with this PowerDVD program and I've updated and played with it and then it works and then it doesn't. Today a new problem and I've searched but can't find an answer. I also just upgraded using the recent patch but still the same problem.

I get no voices on the center channel in a 8 channel system using the optical out. I played transformers HD, Transformers SD and Spiderman Bluray and the same result for all three, no voices. I have played with settings but curious is that my PrePro says PLxII. If I use mediacenter and play the Transformers SD my PrePro reads AC3 5.1 Dolby D and the surround sound is perfect with voices and all. So that kind of rules out the PC or the PrePro and sure looks to me like it's PowerDVD?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
John

[PeZzy]

So you have 3:10 to Yuma and it is working for you?, can't really tell from your reply...

If rsp107 has a 'bad' disc I would be surprised. The menu's don't work for me either, I have tried the MS remote and the mouse.

The 3:10 disc is working fine. I can use my remote or just use the arrows and enter key on my keyboard to use the menus. I still have to use Ctrl+P to bring up the menu while watching the movie, but everything appears to be working. This is a Region 1 (North America disk).

I do have a bit of a problem with "Sunshine". When I first got it, I would get a no disc error but now it seems to play after a long time of trying to read the disc. Once it starts going, it plays fine.

Your problem could have something to do with PowerDVD and the OS. It could be that you are using AnyDVD (I am not) or it could be the result of patching PowerDVD a number of times... or it could be that you are using mixed versions because you want to play files from your HD.

[ES_Revenge]

Does Power DVD integrate with the Vista Media Center (or XP MCE)?

In other words, if I pop in a BR disk, how to I get it to play, then how do I get back to the Media Center. Using the MCE remote.

In x64 Vista it won't work, but you can probably get it to work in the x86 version.

[Laserfan]

At this point I just wish HD-DVD would go away entirely so these companies could put forth all of their effort into one format, MAYBE then it would improve compatibility somewhat.

Maybe.Yeah, right. Why on Earth would you think that "one format" would inspire the surviving camp to WORK HARDER??? Who would they have to lose market share to??? :confused:

[AngelEyes]

In x64 Vista it won't work, but you can probably get it to work in the x86 version.

PDVD integration works ok with MyMovies in x64 :)

[AngelEyes]

I'm really not happy with this PowerDVD program and I've updated and played with it and then it works and then it doesn't. Today a new problem and I've searched but can't find an answer. I also just upgraded using the recent patch but still the same problem.

I get no voices on the center channel in a 8 channel system using the optical out. I played transformers HD, Transformers SD and Spiderman Bluray and the same result for all three, no voices. I have played with settings but curious is that my PrePro says PLxII. If I use mediacenter and play the Transformers SD my PrePro reads AC3 5.1 Dolby D and the surround sound is perfect with voices and all. So that kind of rules out the PC or the PrePro and sure looks to me like it's PowerDVD?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
John

How many channels have you selected in windows and how many in PDVD?

[mva5580]

Yeah, right. Why on Earth would you think that "one format" would inspire the surviving camp to WORK HARDER??? Who would they have to lose market share to??? :confused:

I'm so sick and tired of this internet fanboy CRAP, so why don't you cram it.

I'm talking about CYBERLINK, not Sony and/or Toshiba. I am saying that when one of these formats goes away, Cyberlink can then just focus their time on improving compatibility for one format, and not two.

Maybe if you would not just jump to conclusions so quickly without actually reading and comprehending what I'm saying, you wouldn't be so :confused: as easy.

[AngelEyes]

I'm so sick and tired of this internet fanboy CRAP, so why don't you cram it.

I'm talking about CYBERLINK, not Sony and/or Toshiba. I am saying that when one of these formats goes away, Cyberlink can then just focus their time on improving compatibility for one format, and not two.

Maybe if you would not just jump to conclusions so quickly without actually reading and comprehending what I'm saying, you wouldn't be so :confused: as easy.

AFAIK Cyberlink plays all HD-DVDs just fine, the only problems I ever had was with BD moving the goalposts all the time after launching without a fixed spec. If they both had the same capacity I would be wishing for BD to just die :D

...and before you jump down my throat, I am format neautral :p

[Tinker]

AFAIK Cyberlink plays all HD-DVDs just fine, the only problems I ever had was with BD moving the goalposts all the time after launching without a fixed spec. If they both had the same capacity I would be wishing for BD to just die :D

...and before you jump down my throat, I am format neautral :p

+1 to what AngelEyes said. I have both formats.:cool:

[cybrsage]

PDVD integration works ok with MyMovies in x64 :)

Does this mean I can install My Movies and get HD/BR playback inside Vista Media Center via PDVD?

All I want to do is pop in a BR disc, have it automatically launch, and use the windows remote to control the movie. When I hit stop, I want it to give me the options of ejecting (and then automatically returning to the Windows Media Center) or to simply go back to the Windows Media Center.

Basically, what a standard DVD does now.

[dreadlock]

I have my HTPC connected with HDMI<->DVI to my Denon AVR-3806 and then with dvi to my samsung sp-h710AE projector. Works fine except that PowerDVD complains about HDCP compability when connected to a HDMI-repeater. Anyone else with the same problem or know what to do about it?

[a.dave]

Hi everyone. I posted this question over at the LG thread as well, and am waiting to hear back. But since it might also be a PowerDVD issue, I'm posting here too.

I have the LG GGC-H20L installed in my HP z560. I am getting very inconsistent results with various BDs. Live Free or Die Hard and Mission Impossible 3 worked great, but Spiderman 3 and X-Men 3 Last Stand don't work. I just get a black screen and nothing happens. I've tried these discs with both AnyDVD on and off, and still no luck.

I'm running the most updated version of PowerDVD Retail (.3730) that came out on 1/31/08. I've also upgraded to the latest version of Java as well. Btw, all HD-DVD titles play with no problems at all (Bournes, 300 and Transformers)

Any ideas? Appreciate the help.

[AngelEyes]

Does this mean I can install My Movies and get HD/BR playback inside Vista Media Center via PDVD?

All I want to do is pop in a BR disc, have it automatically launch, and use the windows remote to control the movie. When I hit stop, I want it to give me the options of ejecting (and then automatically returning to the Windows Media Center) or to simply go back to the Windows Media Center.

Basically, what a standard DVD does now.

No, MCE won't play Blue disks as you know and PDVD is a standalone player, all MyMovies will do is launch the player from MCE when you select the appropriate title. I am not sure if the Green button will bring MCE back into 'focus', as i never tried it.

[cybrsage]

No, MCE won't play Blue disks as you know and PDVD is a standalone player, all MyMovies will do is launch the player from MCE when you select the appropriate title. I am not sure if the Green button will bring MCE back into 'focus', as i never tried it.

Hmmm...well, I will be one to find out in a few weeks, when I upgrade the rest of the system to be able to play them.

[AngelEyes]

Hmmm...well, I will be one to find out in a few weeks, when I upgrade the rest of the system to be able to play them.

Well if you want to play Blue disks in MCE you are in for a shock, integration with PDVD is patchy at best, you will be raching for your mouse at some point :)

I don't even bother with the pretence and use a Logitech DeNivo Keyboard as a 'large' remote :)

[Eluder]

Just wondering, to those that upgraded from the OEM version to the retail version, did you need to uninstall the OEM and install the new version, or did you just put in the new serial number and all the features were unlocked? Thanks.

[cybrsage]

Well if you want to play Blue disks in MCE you are in for a shock, integration with PDVD is patchy at best, you will be raching for your mouse at some point :)

I don't even bother with the pretence and use a Logitech DeNivo Keyboard as a 'large' remote :)

:(

Is this for both MCE2005 and Vista?

[equivalent]

:(

Is this for both MCE2005 and Vista?

Yes, as many here have sadly concluded, there is no microsoft integration - only mymovies has been written to call last-best-hope PDVD. However, as AE also said, pressing the green button will start media centre, but PDVD will still be running on the desktop 'behind'.

[HT Slider]

Yes, as many here have sadly concluded, there is no microsoft integration - only mymovies has been written to call last-best-hope PDVD. However, as AE also said, pressing the green button will start media centre, but PDVD will still be running on the desktop 'behind'.

The MCE integration information being posted here is out of date.

With My Movies 2.42, PowerDVD Ultra integrates reasonably well with Media Center.

With Media Center running and My Movies 2.42 installed, if you pop in an HD-DVD or Blue-ray disk or press "DVD" on the remote with one of these disks already in the drive, Media Center will automatically launch PowerDVD Ultra and bring up the disk in the drive ready to go.

When you later press "the green button" on the remote, My Movies automatically closes PowerDVD as focus returns to Media Center.

You do not need to pick up the mouse nor keyboard at all to watch HD-DVD or Blue-ray, nor when you return to Media Center.

What doesn't work very well is PowerDVD's remote control capabilities. Pressing certain buttons on the Media Center remote (like "info"), brings up a PowerDVD widow that can only be controlled by mouse or keyboard. At this point there is no way to close the PowerDVD window using the remote at all. One good thing about My Movies' PowerDVD/Media Center integration is at this point you can still hit "the green button" which will close PowerDVD and bring you back to Media Center. At that point you can once again hit the DVD button on the remote, starting up PowerDVD again (at which point you have to remember not to press certain buttons on the remote or you can get stuck in PowerDVD again).

Another potential issue is if you are running the OEM version of PowerDVD Ultra, My Movies doesn't detect PowerDVD Ultra nor configure Media Center to automatically launch PowerDVD for HD-DVD and Blue-ray. The OEM version is the one included with the GGC-H20L combination drive.

To get My Movies to work with the OEM version you need to edit the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CyberLink\PowerDVD\UserReg\Prod_ Ver

and change it from "7.3" to "Ultra".

Once this is done, the next time you start Media Center with My Movies 2.42 installed, My Movies detects PowerDVD Ultra and offers to configure Media Center to integrate with it.

Essentially PowerDVD Ultra's integration with Media Center using My Movies 2.42 is quite functional with the only issues being PowerDVD itself. We have watched many HD-DVDs and Blue-ray disks with our Media Center HTPC - all initiated from Vista Media Center and we've never had to get out the keyboard or mouse to do this, nor to get back to Media Center.

[HT Slider]

There are several other annoying issues/bugs with PowerDVD Ultra that we have:

1. The biggest issue is the fact that PowerDVD always uses the desktop resolution to play back HD-DVD/Blue-ray disks when an HDCP compliant connection is used. Since our HTPC is connected to our 51" HDTV, we use a custom 720p based resolution (1152x648) for the desktop and PC type functionality (web, etc.). I would have thought that PowerDVD Ultra would have been smart enough to automatically switch to 1920x1080 when playing a movie with a resolution of 1920x1080 - but it isn't. (Heck video games have been automatically switching resolutions for something like 20 years. This isn't exactly rocket science.)

2. Due to #1 above, we have to set our desktop at 1920x1080 all the time which means that my wife/children/or myself can't simply exit Media Center and start up Internet Explorer or any other PC application without first manually changing the desktop resolution. Of course they then forget to change it back when starting Media Center again so the next time PowerDVD gets launched to watch an HD-DVD/Blue-ray disk, the movie plays back in 1152x648 (until I manually change the resolution to 1920x1080 once again). This issue really takes away from the professional integrated HTPC feel and functionality.

3. PowerDVD Ultra doesn't provide any GUI compensation for overscan. This also makes absolutely no sense to me. Pretty much all HDTVs and projectors are designed to provide some degree of overscan when spec compliant 1080i/p video is fed to them. I would have thought PowerDVD Ultra would have assumed a reasonable 5%-10% overscan stay out region (just like all movie and TV producers do) and placed all of the GUI overlay inside this region. Instead, when spec compliant 1080i/p is used (providing the best video quality with a 1:1 pixel mapping), much of the PowerDVD Ultra GUI is hidden from view. The only way to see the PowerDVD Ultra GUI is to use a custom underscanned lower resolution which of course destroys the image quality when playing an HD-DVD/Blue-ray.

4. PowerDVD Ultra uses single pixel wide lines in several areas within the GUI overlay that flicker when displayed using an interlaced video format (like 1080i). It is standard practice to ensure all horizontal lines are at least 2 pixels wide for anything intended to be output to an HDTV/Projector - yet PowerDVD doesn't abide by this very standard practice.

Essentially PowerDVD Ultra is clearly written to be used on a PC that is hooked up to a computer monitor or used on a laptop. It is not designed to be used by an HTPC that is hooked up to an HDTV and controlled exclusively with a remote control (Cyberlink assumes you'll always have a keyboard and mouse present to control PowerDVD's pop-up windows).

It does work through the My Movies integration with Media Center and it does produce very good image and audio quality (when 1080i/p is the desktop resolution), but don't expect it to provide an interface anywhere near as HTPC friendly as Media Center does.

If anyone knows of any tweaks (registry hacks) to make PowerDVD Ultra more HTPC/HDTV/remote control friendly please post them here.

[briinthesky]

Slider
I find i power dvd the best HD and BD disc player at the moment but i hate the fact that I loose a good part of my tv(black bars-I know its the way the director wanted yo to see it!)why buy a big tv if you can't use it!
I like the zoom facility on media center and wanted to try pdvd through this, can you loose the black bars with my movies and media center ?

Or does anyone know of a way of doing this ?

[Andy o]

I have had no trouble running my HTPC at 1:1 (1920x1080) with PowerDVD on a Sharp 52" LCD. Overscan wasn't an issue at all (only some fiddling with early nVidia drivers). I would think most 1080p, and maybe lower resolutions, digital HDTVs by now would be able to do 1:1 without problem.

[Vern Dias]

Or does anyone know of a way of doing this ?Sure, it's called YXY and can scale any window on a PC to any size. But by eliminating the black bars, you are doing a very bad thing......

Vern

[spanner101]

Hi all,

I'm setting up an HTPC, and I'm rapidly beginning to wish I hadn't. I bought an LG GGW H20L dual format player and built an HTPC based on a gigabyte 690G motherboard with a low-power AMD BE-2350 processor, running XP home. Initially I tried the onboard x1250 chip for playback, but I guessed it probably wouldn't be up to it, and bought a passive-cooled 2600pro to use hardware decoding.

Apart from a list of problems longer than an elephants willy (most of which I have blundered my way through), I keep hitting one major stumbling block. It appears that all playback software is absolute pants. I got PowerDVD Ultra OEM with the LG disk player, bought one blu-ray disk (Shoot Em Up), and it wouldn't play it until I'd upgraded to PDvd 7.3. Fair enough. Then it only plays back without hardware acceleration. Bugger. I wasn't expecting the 2600pro to be ignored, so my docile little BE2350 wasn't really up to it. I looked at the x2600 forum, and found that the last version of 2600 drivers with which PowerDvd actually used HW acceleration was 7.7, so I loaded those, and I now have PowerDvD 7.3 with HW acceleration (woohoo!). I tried some Omega 7.12 drivers, but that was just a world of hurt.

Problems:
Playback of Shoot Em up fine, but occasionally blocky screens (seems fairly random, and not a temperature problem). Processor no more than 50% so is it iffy PDvd or 7.7 drivers?

I can't load the patches available for PowerDvd beyond 7.3 (patch 3730 for example). Is this because an OEM version isn't counted as retail? Does this mean the OEM version is a case of "our software doesn't work right, but tough. Give us some cash and maybe you'll get working software"?

Stopping PowerDvd now often seems to result in the display cutting out. Is this a common problem with PowerDvd or is it likely to be the hooky old 7.7 drivers?

I can't playback blu-ray at a refresh rate higher than 24 or 25Hz. Going to 50Hz causes the playback to just flicker like mad. As the films are 1080p, and the 2600 can, I believe handle 1080p, why wont PDvd do 1080p? Or is it some other fault? My TV (Toshiba 42Z3030DB) doesn't appear to be the problem as it will accept 50hz input and I can play DVDs at 50Hz.

I'm seeing funny ghosting/blurring effects (which I think are de-interlacing). I didn't see this prior to going to Hardware acceleration, but PowerDvd won't let me alter the setting (turning deinterlacing off does not appear to be an option. Could my 50hz flicker be PowerDvd attempting to treat the 1080p as 1080i?

The biggie. PowerDvd does not seem happy playing back any of the 3 disks I've bought. Shoot Em Up works (but only with the above issues), 3.10 to Yuma Blu-Ray seemed fine right up until I actually tried to select the play option, that all play/chapter options were ignored with the little message "Prohibited" popping up in the corner of the player, and the Serenity HD-DVD plays, but is serious prone to crashing, during menus or playback.

Are any of these problems magically fixed by the "proper" retail version, or is that just chucking more money after a hooky, half finished product?

Apologies for such a ludicrously long post, and any advice gratefully received !

[Jimwesternguy]

Spanner...you need the retail version. You can buy a key at Newegg.

[spanner101]

Spanner...you need the retail version. You can buy a key at Newegg.

Well its an idea, but...

a) I can't find it on NewEgg
b) I can find it on Cyberlinks own site, and would appear to cost $79.99 (they don't specifically mention an upgrade from an OEM Ultra). Now seeing as thats for a piece of software that has so far been a complete liability (and after 80 bucks might still leave me unable to use hardware acceleration or properly play back any of the films I've bought), I ain't that keen.

Ho hum

[ballenjr]

Spanner
Before buying a key for PowerDVD email Cyberlink support. Tell them you have an OEM version that isn't playing some of your discs. They'll most likely send you a download link and a key for the retail. (I've heard this happened for several people).

I can confirm that you need the retail version with the latest patch (3730) to play 3:10 to Yuma properly.
Not sure about your other discs.


ballenjr

[Kampf kobold]

Hi,

I want PowerDVD to decode True HD/DTS HD and send it as PCM to my Receiver over HDMI. I have a Sony Vaio VGN-FZ21J. But all i get is Stereo PCM...

What can i do?

Thx

EDIT: Audio Driver is: Sigma Tel High Definition Audio Codec

[honeybrain]

To get My Movies to work with the OEM version you need to edit the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CyberLink\PowerDVD\UserReg\Prod_ Ver

and change it from "7.3" to "Ultra".

Once this is done, the next time you start Media Center with My Movies 2.42 installed, My Movies detects PowerDVD Ultra and offers to configure Media Center to integrate with it.


This helped me alot to play movies from MCE direct.

Previously i couldn't play Bluray direct using folder structure from root because i always needed to point to BDMV to play it. HD always play well. Now it's vice versa. I can play BLURAY fine and not HD anymore. It opens up Player fine and nothing works for HD HDD files.

Please advice on how to make those folder structure to make this work or so

[spanner101]

Spanner
Before buying a key for PowerDVD email Cyberlink support. Tell them you have an OEM version that isn't playing some of your discs. They'll most likely send you a download link and a key for the retail. (I've heard this happened for several people).

I can confirm that you need the retail version with the latest patch (3730) to play 3:10 to Yuma properly.
Not sure about your other discs.


ballenjr

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a bash. With the luck I'm having at the moment, I can't say I'm confident, but its worth a try !

cheers

[AngelEyes]

Hi,

I want PowerDVD to decode True HD/DTS HD and send it as PCM to my Receiver over HDMI. I have a Sony Vaio VGN-FZ21J. But all i get is Stereo PCM...

What can i do?

Thx

EDIT: Audio Driver is: Sigma Tel High Definition Audio Codec

Nothing, only Intel G35 Motherboards allow you to do this.

Thanks to HT Slider for bringing me up to date on the integration, although I have the latest MyMovies everytime I launch if from MCE, PDVD sets itself to 2 channel rather than 8 channel so I don't even bother with MCE anymore... what a pita ... :mad:

[ES_Revenge]

PDVD integration works ok with MyMovies in x64 :)

Yeah but then you're not actually playing it back in MCE right, you're just starting up PDVD to play the movie, no?

[HT Slider]

Spanner...you need the retail version. You can buy a key at Newegg.

What are the differences between retail and OEM?

We've watched a good 15 HD-DVD or Blue-ray movies since I installed the LG GCC-H20L before Christmas. So far absolutely everything has played perfectly (as long as I manually change the resolution to 1920x1080 before starting PowerDVD).

What would the retail version offer us over the OEM?

[HT Slider]

Thanks to HT Slider for bringing me up to date on the integration, although I have the latest MyMovies everytime I launch if from MCE, PDVD sets itself to 2 channel rather than 8 channel so I don't even bother with MCE anymore... what a pita ... :mad:

Strange. We use SPDIF and the audio has always worked perfectly.

Our motherboard (GA-P35-DS4) includes DTS Connect and with some movies we can select different audio tracks. DD5.1 and DTS tracks are directly output over the SPDIF connection unaltered, but TrueHD and other 8 channel audio selections are passed to the Realtek HD audio on the motherboard and then encoded to DTS before being passed to the Yamaha receiver. To be honest the 8 channel audio sources sound, if anything, slightly better than DD5.1 tracks (even though they are digitally encoded to DTS with only 5.1 channels).

I've been quite impressed at how well the audio works. We never have to go into the driver settings for the audio ever. Everything just works and works very well as far as audio is concerned.

[gsr]

1. The biggest issue is the fact that PowerDVD always uses the desktop resolution to play back HD-DVD/Blue-ray disks when an HDCP compliant connection is used. Since our HTPC is connected to our 51" HDTV, we use a custom 720p based resolution (1152x648) for the desktop and PC type functionality (web, etc.). I would have thought that PowerDVD Ultra would have been smart enough to automatically switch to 1920x1080 when playing a movie with a resolution of 1920x1080 - but it isn't. (Heck video games have been automatically switching resolutions for something like 20 years. This isn't exactly rocket science.)
I've solved this problem by telling PowerStrip to switch resolutions for me when I launch various programs. When I exit the program, PowerStrip switches me back to my previous desktop resolution. It would be nice if PowerDVD had a command line switch so you could tell it what resolution to use, but I definitely think there are FAR more serious issues with the software than this.

3. PowerDVD Ultra doesn't provide any GUI compensation for overscan.
IMHO, this is a far more serious problem that the above because there's no good workaround for it.

To add to your list of big glaring problems would be using different keyboard shortcuts for different media types - makes it real fun to program a remote control. I've got a complaint into Cyberlink on this one, but I'm not holding my breath for them to fix it.

[Jimwesternguy]

I just watched 3:10 to Yuma. It was perfect...my Denon receiver reported Dolby Digital EX and I got 7.1 sound. The 2 surround back channels were in mono as per the EX spec but the sound effects were great. Note that's 'surround back' not 'surround'. 1:1 perfect pixel 1080p mapping on my Olevia 747i LCD.

I had upgraded to 3730 without a hitch. Cyberlink has improved this program.
Yes, you can get the program key at Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681565108SF

Computer is a C2D 2.16, running Vista, Nvidia 8800GT. Audio is SPDIF from a simple Turtle Beach USB to SPDIF doogle and using the Turtle Beach Vista audio driver.

[AngelEyes]

I am guessing this may have something to do with HDMI handshake and MCE's audio settings. Because I am outputting LPCM over HDMI I think maybe the Receiver detects 2 channels in MCE (dunno why) and then doesn't 'see' PDVD launch in the background with 8 channels so sits there with 2... sounds a bit of a leap I know but since using HDMI audio I have seen some weirdness with the Receiver and Windows 'talking' to each other...

Launching PDVD on it's own works absolutely fine and I don't have to alter anything. I did try Arcsoft DT but the English language version won't run on an Intel chipset... typical :rolleyes:

Adam

Strange. We use SPDIF and the audio has always worked perfectly.

Our motherboard (GA-P35-DS4) includes DTS Connect and with some movies we can select different audio tracks. DD5.1 and DTS tracks are directly output over the SPDIF connection unaltered, but TrueHD and other 8 channel audio selections are passed to the Realtek HD audio on the motherboard and then encoded to DTS before being passed to the Yamaha receiver. To be honest the 8 channel audio sources sound, if anything, slightly better than DD5.1 tracks (even though they are digitally encoded to DTS with only 5.1 channels).

I've been quite impressed at how well the audio works. We never have to go into the driver settings for the audio ever. Everything just works and works very well as far as audio is concerned.

[AngelEyes]

Yeah but then you're not actually playing it back in MCE right, you're just starting up PDVD to play the movie, no?

Correct :)

If you want MCE to play HD & BD, go moan at Microsoft :D

[spanner101]

I had upgraded to 3730 without a hitch. Cyberlink has improved this program.
Yes, you can get the program key at Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681565108SF



Thanks for the link, don't know why I couldn't find it with their search. Mind you, have you read all the comments on that page ?

Think I'll hold out for some response from customer support. Won't hold me breath though.....

[Freedom 35]

Has anyone had any success using PDVD to play ACROSS THE UNIVERSE? I cannot get any key response on the main menu. I know 3:10 TO YUMA had a similar issue, and it appears as if it may have been resolved; so, I am wondering if ATU has been fixed as well.

[NaTT]

just installed 3730 and it crashes after 4-7 seconds of the first trailer clips of Casino Royale.
Previously I'd used the last patch to permit playing from HDD with no probs.
right now I'm tyring to play from Blu-ray disc

169.28 and tried regressing to 169.25
X2 4400+
8600GT
2Gb Ram
Vista Ultimate 32
X-Meridian with latest drivers
Pioneer BDC-202BK 5x BD-ROM



anyone any ideas as to what's causing this? I've downgraded the Forceware further still and still PDVD is unstable and impossible to kill off once it goes.
Do other installed apps have a baring on PDVD?
like:
CoreAVC Pro
Haali splitter
MPC
KMedia Player
VLC
etc..

[HT Slider]

I am guessing this may have something to do with HDMI handshake and MCE's audio settings. Because I am outputting LPCM over HDMI I think maybe the Receiver detects 2 channels in MCE (dunno why) and then doesn't 'see' PDVD launch in the background with 8 channels so sits there with 2... sounds a bit of a leap I know but since using HDMI audio I have seen some weirdness with the Receiver and Windows 'talking' to each other...

Launching PDVD on it's own works absolutely fine and I don't have to alter anything. I did try Arcsoft DT but the English language version won't run on an Intel chipset... typical :rolleyes:

Adam

Do you have MCE configured for 5.1 audio?

I still don't understand how MCE can change the settings for PDVD. PowerDVD is a separate program and it runs as a separate program, even if launched while MCE is already running.

[jongig]

How many channels have you selected in windows and how many in PDVD?

I selected SPDIF and 8 channels.

The PC also has a selector for the number of channels and that is set to 8.

If I change to 4 channels then I get voices. Anything above 4 and no more voices. This is the same for the 3 DVD formats.

If I use mediacenter XP to play the Standard DVD I get voices. The samd DVD in PDVD and no voices.

Thanks,

John

[doug914]

Hi Guys,

Win XP32, Xbox360 HD drive, using a Prelude 7.1 into a Yamaha V2700 reciever with 7.1 speakers.
I'm trying to get 8-channel sound out of PDVD. I'm playing Transformers HD-DVD (Dolby Digital Plus) and SD-DVD Attack of the Clones (Dolby Digital EX) both should put out 7.1 (right?). Neither outputs any sound to my back surround speakers, just 5.1. I tried the analog 8-channel and SPIDF, The card is setup properly i think. I get all channels playing music ets., and if i force Dolby EX on in the reciever i get the back surrounds (although not true EX i assume?)
Does PDVD normaly have a problem like this, or wtf am i doing wrong? Been two days reading here and trying to figure this out myself, but no luck.

Info screen in PDVD for Attack of the clones says:

Audio Attributes:
Audio Coding mode: Dolby Digital
Sampling Rate: 48kHz
Audio application mode: Not Specified
Number of Audio channels: 5.1
Bitrate: 448 Kbps
Number of Audio streams: 4

And for HD-DVD Transformers says:

Audio Attributes:
Audio Coding mode: DDPlus
Sampling Rate: 48kHz
Number of Audio channels: 5.1
Bitrate: 1536 Kbps

Thanks in advance for any help :)

[Pagali]

1. The biggest issue is the fact that PowerDVD always uses the desktop resolution to play back HD-DVD/Blue-ray disks when an HDCP compliant connection is used. Since our HTPC is connected to our 51" HDTV, we use a custom 720p based resolution (1152x648) for the desktop and PC type functionality (web, etc.). I would have thought that PowerDVD Ultra would have been smart enough to automatically switch to 1920x1080 when playing a movie with a resolution of 1920x1080 - but it isn't. (Heck video games have been automatically switching resolutions for something like 20 years. This isn't exactly rocket science.)

2. Due to #1 above, we have to set our desktop at 1920x1080 all the time which means that my wife/children/or myself can't simply exit Media Center and start up Internet Explorer or any other PC application without first manually changing the desktop resolution. Of course they then forget to change it back when starting Media Center again so the next time PowerDVD gets launched to watch an HD-DVD/Blue-ray disk, the movie plays back in 1152x648 (until I manually change the resolution to 1920x1080 once again). This issue really takes away from the professional integrated HTPC feel and functionality.


I'm so glad you posted that! I finally struggled through the process of trying to use the OEM version of PDVD Ultra, then upgrading to the retail version, and have finally achieved reasonably stable playing of BD/HD disks. Frankly, I was satisfied, but not blown away, by the PQ. But like you, I was using a lower desktop resolution of 1360x768 (to an 8-year-old Mits RP HDTV) and never thought to change it. Using a desktop resolution of 1920x1080 makes all the difference! Thanks also to a later suggestion of using a PowerStrip application profile to automatically change the resolution when PDVD starts, then restore the original one when it closes, all is pretty seamless now, and the PQ is just stunning!

Thanks again to you both!

[cra1g]

Has anyone had any success using PDVD to play ACROSS THE UNIVERSE? I cannot get any key response on the main menu. I know 3:10 TO YUMA had a similar issue, and it appears as if it may have been resolved; so, I am wondering if ATU has been fixed as well.

I have the same problem with Across the Universe. I asked for help from Cyberlink, and although I made it clear in my message that I was using PDVD Ultra build 3730, they sent me a canned response with a link to download the version I already have.

[jongig]

I selected SPDIF and 8 channels.

The PC also has a selector for the number of channels and that is set to 8.

If I change to 4 channels then I get voices. Anything above 4 and no more voices. This is the same for the 3 DVD formats.

If I use mediacenter XP to play the Standard DVD I get voices. The samd DVD in PDVD and no voices.

Thanks,

John

I removed PowerDVD and reinstalled it and now I have the option back for Use SPDIF and now I have full surround with voices.

[AbMagFab]

I removed PowerDVD and reinstalled it and now I have the option back for Use SPDIF and now I have full surround with voices.

Remember, you can only change this setting to SPDIF when no movie is being played. You can change it to anything else when playing a movie, just not SPDIF.

[karos]

so what is the best way to eliminate the crushing blacks in pdvd-downgrade to 163.69 nvidia drivers or adjust gamma, brightness , contrast in the control panel?

[AbMagFab]

so what is the best way to eliminate the crushing blacks in pdvd-downgrade to 163.69 nvidia drivers or adjust gamma, brightness , contrast in the control panel?


Without question, downgrade. I spent forever messing with nVidia settings, and could only get a slightly washed out picture. Downgraded, with a little tweaking, made the picture nearly perfect.

[Rickd]

some questions from newbie to HD just completed new machine

LG Dual Blu and HD drive
8800GT on GA-P35-DS4
4GB RAM
8400 3GHz core duo


I have oem version with my drive and it seems to pass 5.1 DD ok and my receiver does not support True HD so I do not need to upgrade to the full retail version yet ...correct?

Also I run multiple monitors projector is secondary dragging powerdvd on to the secondary works are their any issues doing this or should I run it as primary?

Thanks rick

[Al Sherwood]

some questions from newbie to HD just completed new machine

LG Dual Blu and HD drive
8800GT on GA-P35-DS4
4GB RAM
8400 3GHz core duo


I have oem version with my drive and it seems to pass 5.1 DD ok and my receiver does not support True HD so I do not need to upgrade to the full retail version yet ...correct?

Also I run multiple monitors projector is secondary dragging powerdvd on to the secondary works are their any issues doing this or should I run it as primary?
Thanks rick

I run the PJ on the secondary, works just fine, no problems.

[AngelEyes]

Do you have MCE configured for 5.1 audio?

I still don't understand how MCE can change the settings for PDVD. PowerDVD is a separate program and it runs as a separate program, even if launched while MCE is already running.

I have MCE configured for 7.1, I don't get it either but it happens every time. However if i manually change it to 8 channels or launch it before MCE it doesn't lose this setting when I use MCE to play a BD etc. I have no idea what is going on but it makes the whole thing pointless for me..

I selected SPDIF and 8 channels.

The PC also has a selector for the number of channels and that is set to 8.

If I change to 4 channels then I get voices. Anything above 4 and no more voices. This is the same for the 3 DVD formats.

If I use mediacenter XP to play the Standard DVD I get voices. The samd DVD in PDVD and no voices.

Thanks,

John

Are you using an OEM version as I think they are restricted to two channels?

[TomM]

Hi everybody,

I am having a problem with my system and I am hoping one of you gurus can help me. Here is my system specs:

Opty 170
2 Gigs Ram
8800GTX HDCP with 100.59 driver
37" Westinghouse 1080P HDCP
Vista Ultimate Edition
XBOX HD DVD drive
Power DVD Ultra - Purchased 2/1/07

I begin by double clicking PowerDVD icon and the player appears and states it is the HD version like it should. The problem however is everytime I click play, it crashes after 2 secs. Vista reports that "PowerDVD has stopped working" It happens regardless of whether I play an HD or SD movie. It is so annoying because I have so much money invested in this PC just so I can watch a damn HD movie and it won't do it. I checked the logs in Vista and noticed that a certain .DLL file is causing it to crash everytime (I will post the specific one when I get home from work). Cyberlink tech support is non-exsistent and the only phone support they offer is $29.95 which is ludacris after spending $100 on the player that won't even help you. Is there anybody else out there that is having these problems? Or anybody that has some suggestions for me I would really appreciate it.

Thanks for your time,

Porscheman170

Same here, just filed a web ticket with cyberlink.

I'm running XP box with ATI 3850HD and the LG GGC-H20L drive and I can't play a darn thing with it, no matter what settings I try.

Hit play, drive lights blink a couple times, PowerDVD disappears unceremoniously .

The only thing I can think of is that I had previously been using powerDvd codecs with ZoomPlayer (from a previous OEM disk) and maybe the old version is interfering? I even tried uninstalling powerDvd, regedited out the cyberlink stuff, reinstalled, nothing changed....

I was able to both mediaPlayer and Zoomplayer to play a DVD (ZP using the new powerdvd6 codecs) fine, but powervd won't even play a DVD, just go's away when I hit play.

I even tried anyDvd in unison to be sure it wasn't an HDMI issue, as well as attempting to play back from HDD. nada!

[spanner101]

I had exactly the same problem under XP with the same drive (LG GGC-H20L) and an x1950pro. The drawback is that it was all cured by.... a clean installation of XP. No piggin idea what made it crash. I dont think I had much more than Windows Media Player and WinDvd on there before, I definitely didn't have the playing software you mentioned.

I didn't mind the clean install, I was going to build an HTPC from scratch anyway, but I imagine this solution is the last resort to most people.

After the endless c**king about with various Catalyst drivers (currently winging it with 7.8), crappy PowerDvd patches, and every other kind of minor disaster I never even expected, I'll probably do another clean installation once I've worked out which bizarre set of software actually works.

Sorry!

[TomM]

I had exactly the same problem under XP with the same drive (LG GGC-H20L) and an x1950pro. The drawback is that it was all cured by.... a clean installation of XP.

Yeah, in my heart I know a clean install would fix it, but I would rather resolve it another way. My XP install is just the way I like it.

I had powerDvd installed previously, which is probably the cause, guess I'll try a sweep through the folders and regedit and a fresh install again.

thanks!

[HT Slider]

so what is the best way to eliminate the crushing blacks in pdvd-downgrade to 163.69 nvidia drivers or adjust gamma, brightness , contrast in the control panel?

I don't know about the new SP3 for XP, but with Vista SP1 changes the black levels significantly.

I suspect you'll find that the newest Nvidia drivers for Vista are setup to work with SP1 and without it they will be all messed up.

[jong1]

so what is the best way to eliminate the crushing blacks in pdvd-downgrade to 163.69 nvidia drivers or adjust gamma, brightness , contrast in the control panel?You do know there is a 'bug' in PDVD. By default, when an HDDVD is played it switches your graphics card to PC levels (0-255) from video levels (assuming, of course, you have your TV/PJ set up for video levels in the first place). This crushes blacks not only in PowerDVD, but from then until the next reboot in any other video app that does not specifically set levels itself (TheaterTek is an example).

Fortunately this is easily fixed by editing the registry. Change HKLM->Software->Cyberlink->PowerDVD ->HDDVD->COLORSPACE_OPTION from 3 to 1. That then works until you upgrade/re-install PDVD. other than that I have not had a problem with levels using Nvidia or ATI.

[NickB]

I'm currently running COLORSPACE_OPTION = 1 as my HD1000u seems to want tv levels (16-235). This takes care of the crushed blacks but it seems to mute the colors when compared to the original setting of 3. Anyone else notice this?

Also, I don't know if this was just my imagination but I tried setting it to 2 and it seemed to fix the black crush but didn't mute the colors as much setting it to 1. Anyone else try this care to comment?

[laguna_b]

You do know there is a 'bug' in PDVD. By default, when an HDDVD is played it switches your graphics card to PC levels (0-255) from video levels (assuming, of course, you have your TV/PJ set up for video levels in the first place). This crushes blacks not only in PowerDVD, but from then until the next reboot in any other video app that does not specifically set levels itself (TheaterTek is an example).

Fortunately this is easily fixed by editing the registry. Change HKLM->Software->Cyberlink->PowerDVD ->HDDVD->COLORSPACE_OPTION from 3 to 1. That then works until you upgrade/re-install PDVD. other than that I have not had a problem with levels using Nvidia or ATI.

How do you know this? Is there a place I can check it? I have an ATI card and ver 3319 of PDVD. Thx

[AbMagFab]

I don't know about the new SP3 for XP, but with Vista SP1 changes the black levels significantly.

I suspect you'll find that the newest Nvidia drivers for Vista are setup to work with SP1 and without it they will be all messed up.

I can say for sure, this doesn't do anything.

The newer NVidia drivers just don't work with PDVD (I haven't used 3707 or whatever yet).

The *only* thing that fixes the black crush issue (at least on Vista), is to revert to the older version of the video drivers.

I tried everything else, including the COLORSPACE setting (which did abosolutely nothing).

[Nimo]

I can't even remember the last time I used PDVD for HDM it's been so long.:rolleyes: It seems like it's getting worse and worse every time I check this thread, it's got to be the worst way to view your HDM as far as PQ.

[MKANET]

I've NEVER EVER had problems with Blu-ray. Going on 9 months now. I guess it helps to buy a system that already comes certified and tested for this stuff... HP Media Center. Every single title I've ever rented worked flawlessly and looks "ridiculously" good. The only time I had any problem with PDVD was when I was playing some of the newer HD-DVD titles with Online Downloading option.

[Vern Dias]

it's got to be the worst way to view your HDM as far as PQ.Only if something is borked in your system. Other than the new BD discs not playing properly without a PDVD update, I have had very few problems over the last 6 months with PDVD Ultra for HD DVD and BD playback. I am using a Sony Qualia 004 on a very large (5'x14') screen and I am ultra-critical of image quality.

I have standalone players for both BD and HD DVD and PDVD matches or exceeds the standalones in image quality. Having high quality hardware helps a bunch. The newest ATI cards deliver excellent image quality. I have been a NVidia fan for many years, but ATI is the current leader in the HD playback arena.

The problems with new BD releases is not Cyberlinks fault either. BD was hatched before it's time and with incomplete standards and implementations and now we are all paying the price.
Sony is a prime offender, first with rootkits on CD and now with oddball mastering on BD disks.

Vern

[Preacherzson]

Sony is a prime offender, first with rootkits on CD and now with oddball mastering on BD disks.
Vern

Sony is like Jose Canseco in the prime of his career. When they hit a home run, they crush it. But the rest of the time, they're a liability in the field and they strike out a lot.:p

[Nimo]

Only if something is borked in your system. Other than the new BD discs not playing properly without a PDVD update, I have had very few problems over the last 6 months with PDVD Ultra for HD DVD and BD playback. I am using a Sony Qualia 004 on a very large (5'x14') screen and I am ultra-critical of image quality.

I have standalone players for both BD and HD DVD and PDVD matches or exceeds the standalones in image quality. Having high quality hardware helps a bunch. The newest ATI cards deliver excellent image quality. I have been a NVidia fan for many years, but ATI is the current leader in the HD playback arena.

The problems with new BD releases is not Cyberlinks fault either. BD was hatched before it's time and with incomplete standards and implementations and now we are all paying the price.
Sony is a prime offender, first with rootkits on CD and now with oddball mastering on BD disks.

Vern

Nothing to do with hardware, it's the overlays the sw players use, which creates banding and artifacts that's why a lot of us use MPC in XP for the superior PQ.;) Projectors may have subtle differences compared to 10bit panels and may be harder to detect the flaws, but most assured VMR9 is far superior to overlay.

Edit: Rephrased

[jong1]

How do you know this? Is there a place I can check it? I have an ATI card and ver 3319 of PDVD. ThxAll I can say is my system is calibrated within an inch of it's life. I noticed straight away after playing an HD-DVD that blacks were crushed, even in TheaterTek after using PowerDVD to play HD-DVD. A quick search online and I found other references to this registry setting.

I have switched back and forward between these settings and abolutely it fixes my problem and (to answer the other query) it has no negative side effects.

Of course by switching from 0-255 to 16-235 it does bring down the white level too. If your set is not properly calibrated at the top end then you could see a dulled effect, but on a correctly calibrated set it will fix "blown whites" as well as crushed blacks. often though this is not so immediately obvious.

I have logged this with Cyberlink support and they have not disputed it. Indeed they have said it is with R&D to fix.

One thing i should say though is like all things PC I cannot guarantee that all cards and drivers take note of this setting. I was using a 7600GT with 16x.xx series drivers when testing. However, I can say with that card and with my new 3850 (8.1 Catalyst) PowerDVD has no problem with levels after the registry fix.

Jon

[liversedge]

I just watched 3:10 to Yuma. It was perfect... I had upgraded to 3730 without a hitch.

Are you in Region A? Here in the UK I have a region B version of the disc and 3730 doesn't work for me on 3:10 to Yuma (and I downloaded and installed the full 3730 installset so its definitely the right version).

[Vern Dias]

it's the overlays the sw players use, which creates banding and artifacts Banding usually comes from converting between video and PC levels without having enough color depth to handle the conversion seamlessly, which is usually a driver / software / calibration issue, not from anything inherent in overlay.

I also use Theatertek, Zoomplayer and MPC all of which allows one to choose between VMR7, VMR9 and overlay by using custom filter graphs. One has to be very careful with video levels and calibration or banding can creep into any of the different renderers.

I have been doing the HTPC thing since before Theatertek and ZP came out, so I am pretty familiar with the environment and the pitfalls.

Vern

[lsdavinci]

I can't even remember the last time I used PDVD for HDM it's been so long.:rolleyes: It seems like it's getting worse and worse every time I check this thread, it's got to be the worst way to view your HDM as far as PQ.

I am returning an A35 today just because the PQ from PowerDVD was the same or better (IMO better) than the stand-alone.

[NathanSheller]

So after reading several threads and hundreds of posts, I think PowerDVD may work out alright for me as a Bluray playback device, but I'd like to double check for any issues before I purchase.

Current HTPC:

ASUS P5E-VM HDMI Motherboard (G35 chipset), connected via HDMI to my display (Mitsu 4900 FP, 1080p @ 60Hz)
The audio is currently going from the Realtek ALC 883 onboard the m/b via spdif to my Denon 3803
CPU is a C2D Quad-core Extreme, and 2 GB of RAM
HD content is currently coming in via Hauppage HDTV Gold ATSC tuner for PVR under Vista MC

I currently use (and like quite well) Vista Media Center, and from reading HT Slider's post, it seems that I can use My Movies 2.42 and PowerDVD Ultra build 3730 to watch Bluray discs. I have read the thread on PowerDVD downsampling audio to 48KHz and I don't really care. I do have a question regarding audio though, because I plan to upgrade my system with:


Onkyo 705
LiteOn LH-2B1S Bluray reader/writer
PowerDVD Ultra 3730
My Movies 2.42

1) So I understand PowerDVD can decode the HD audio formats, but what is not clear to me is whether it will allow me to instead bitstream the audio (for all formats, be it DD, DD+, TrueHD, DTS-HD HR/MA) to the receiver over my onboard HDMI?

2) Does anyone know whether to G35 integrated gfx will have black level issues? Do I need to change the COLORSPACE_OPTION registry entry?

3) How about HDCP or other "handshake" issues with PowerDVD/Vista/G35 HDMI/Onkyo AVR/1080p HDCP display? Is there any problem convincing PowerDVD that it is connected to an HDCP display when there is a repeater (AVR) in the chain?

4) It's also unclear to me whether there is any reason to install the older PowerDVD build if I only plan to use PowerDVD for Bluray disc playback?

5) As an aside (I know this is the PowerDVD thread), has anyone had experience with the LiteOn LH-2B1S drive, positive or negative?

6) A catch all question: any issues I should be concerned about with this setup aside from PowerDVD's crappy remote-able UI, such as frequent crashes or disc compatibility issues?

Thanks everyone for lending me your experience with this bleeding edge stuff :)

Nathan

[NaTT]

just installed 3730 and it crashes after 4-7 seconds of the first trailer clips of Casino Royale.
Previously I'd used the last patch to permit playing from HDD with no probs.
right now I'm tyring to play from Blu-ray disc

169.28 and tried regressing to 169.25
X2 4400+
8600GT
2Gb Ram
Vista Ultimate 32
X-Meridian with latest drivers
Pioneer BDC-202BK 5x BD-ROM
Latest AnyDVD HD (on and off)



I've spent days on this now, it's driving me up the wall :mad:
I've done everythin bar re-install windows.
System Restore is a must, I practically have to set one before launching PDVD it's so unstable.

I had everything running before at 3104a and was so tempted by the non-downsampling that I went for 3730.

It crashes, either seconds into playback or on launch.
So I uninstalled, re-booting constantly (which takes forever once PDVD has gone AWOL, cause it won't be stopped and restarts take about 15mins and sometimes have BSODs just for the fun of it).

So clean machine, Cyberlink filters removed with filmerit. Stable. restarts and shutsdown cleanly. Made a system restore to come back to.
The closest I get to stable is with base 2911, but of course that can't play s**t.
So I've tried going straight to 3730, or from 3319f (which can play DVDs but dies at the sight of a blue disc) then onto 3730.
All of which results in lots of hour glassing on launch of PDVD and very slow restarts.
So in summary WTF!? Wasted my money 'cause although it once worked now it doesn't

[Al Sherwood]

Spanner
Before buying a key for PowerDVD email Cyberlink support. Tell them you have an OEM version that isn't playing some of your discs. They'll most likely send you a download link and a key for the retail. (I've heard this happened for several people).

I can confirm that you need the retail version with the latest patch (3730) to play 3:10 to Yuma properly.
Not sure about your other discs.


ballenjr

Interesting, I have retail PDVD and I am at version 3730, when starting 3:10 to Yuma it wants to playback at a lower resolution saying something about optimal playback experiance...? You can coose to down rez or go for full hi-def, both seem to work.

What's this about? Anybody know?

[Al Sherwood]

Strange. We use SPDIF and the audio has always worked perfectly.

Our motherboard (GA-P35-DS4) includes DTS Connect and with some movies we can select different audio tracks. DD5.1 and DTS tracks are directly output over the SPDIF connection unaltered, but TrueHD and other 8 channel audio selections are passed to the Realtek HD audio on the motherboard and then encoded to DTS before being passed to the Yamaha receiver. To be honest the 8 channel audio sources sound, if anything, slightly better than DD5.1 tracks (even though they are digitally encoded to DTS with only 5.1 channels).

I've been quite impressed at how well the audio works. We never have to go into the driver settings for the audio ever. Everything just works and works very well as far as audio is concerned.

I have the same mobo in my HTPC and can confirm that the audio playback has worked very well from the beginning, SPDIF from the mobo to my Denon receiver.

BTW, Slider, I have not had any issues going between Vista Media Center, IE/desktop and PDVD on my connected projector, but then again I leave the resolution of the desktop set to the native resolution of the projector, in my case 1920x1080.

Other then the desire for a specific resolution, why couldn't you do the same?

[HT Slider]

All I can say is my system is calibrated within an inch of it's life. I noticed straight away after playing an HD-DVD that blacks were crushed, even in TheaterTek after using PowerDVD to play HD-DVD. A quick search online and I found other references to this registry setting.

I have switched back and forward between these settings and abolutely it fixes my problem and (to answer the other query) it has no negative side effects.

Of course by switching from 0-255 to 16-235 it does bring down the white level