PowerDVD Ultra (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray)

[ConradWS]

Thanks for the reply. You confirmed my suspicions. I did Google the known fix and found it immediately. I may try and implement it this weekend after I get home from my business trip.

I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to v8...did the HD fix...very easy.


As to upgrading... I guess there's is no way to 'legally' upgrade to the full version of 7.3 since Cyberlink does not offer it anymore and have dropped support. After the recent demise of HD, you'd think they would have offered it to existing legal owners and users who have just acquired an HD or multi drive like LG. I have other versions, and the more recent 8.0 Ultra, but never did buy 7.3 Deluxe. As you say, I'm sure there are copies for sale on the Internet. I'll try the fix on v8.0 Ultra and see how that goes first...

Just found that you can still buy 7.3 as part of the DVD Suite Ultra v6 (10 program package) but it costs an arm and a leg. I can't recommend spending the extra money now that I see that v8 also seems to have fixed playback for a couple of my 7.3 problem discs.

Later, Conrad

[ConradWS]

Sleater: PDVD usually only allows viewing on one display - hdcp requirement. Some have workarounds. Don't know where
AnyDVD HD.
I'm not sure but with the trial you may only get to try regular AnyDVD....not the HD version.


Black screen for 9 seconds, then track change to another black screen with the Warner Logo sound, then change to another black screen with what sounds like menu music, then the program locks up. I popped on the TMT trial and got a HDCP compliance warning, so I installed the AnyDVD trial and the warning went away on TMT, but it still did not work, which was expected as that's not supported on XP with ATI, but PDVD should work. So I loaded it up and, again, black screen, black screen, black screen, crash.


If its the PowerDVD window that is black and not the whole monitor display...You may also need....in PowerDVD settings - Video - Advanced - Dual Display Mode - check "Default Driver Setting" or "Don't Change". (depends on gpu driver and PDVD version). Right now I'm noticing the selection is grayed out in PowerDVD but it did let me set it after installing.

My ATI 2600 card is also very particular about the adapter used. I tried the ATI proprietary DVI/HDMI, a Phillips DVI/HDMI cable then found a monster cable adapter that seems to work. It doesn't pass audio but the video works well.

There is also a chance you could have filter problems? Not my strong point...
http://www.cdr-zone.com/forum/about4719.html

Later, Conrad

[Chalupacabra]

Grayed out unfortunately. It looks like a wipe followed by a fresh install.

Hopefully that'll fix it.

[IanD]

Grayed out unfortunately. It looks like a wipe followed by a fresh install.

Hopefully that'll fix it.
AnyDVD HD should eliminate any HDCP issues and permit HDMI or VGA output: there is a trial to test it out. I think you should give it a go before a more drastic wipe and re-install.

[Al Sherwood]

I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to v8...did the HD fix...very easy.



Just found that you can still buy 7.3 as part of the DVD Suite Ultra v6 (10 program package) but it costs an arm and a leg. I can't recommend spending the extra money now that I see that v8 also seems to have fixed playback for a couple of my 7.3 problem discs.

Later, Conrad

Maybe I am missing something here, but there is a download on the Cyberlink site for OEM 7.3 Ultra... takes you from the OEM packaged version to 3730a:

PowerDVD Update for LG-ODD: This update is for LG-ODD customers who purchased an HL-DT-ST drive models GGW-H20L or GGC-H20L. This downloadable update will upgrade version 3516a of CyberLink PowerDVD to 3730a. dated April 23 2008

[Chalupacabra]

AnyDVD HD should eliminate any HDCP issues and permit HDMI or VGA output: there is a trial to test it out. I think you should give it a go before a more drastic wipe and re-install.

Sorry, forgot to mention that I put AnyDVD HD into the mix as well. Also tested ArcSoft TMT. So far best results were with TMT, but still no video, only audio.

[Chalupacabra]

Maybe I am missing something here, but there is a download on the Cyberlink site for OEM 7.3 Ultra... takes you from the OEM packaged version to 3730a:

PowerDVD Update for LG-ODD: This update is for LG-ODD customers who purchased an HL-DT-ST drive models GGW-H20L or GGC-H20L. This downloadable update will upgrade version 3516a of CyberLink PowerDVD to 3730a. dated April 23 2008

This I did not know. I'll have to check it out.

[Chalupacabra]

Are you using the LG version of PDVD or did it prompt you to a newer version that has no LG in the splash screen?

Sleater: PDVD usually only allows viewing on one display - hdcp requirement. Some have workarounds. Don't know where

Using the LG Version.

[Davinleeds]

It usually prompts for an update when you try to play a BD. The update is for "L" you have "N"? L is for lightscribe. And firmware is 1.2?

[vddobrev]

Patch 3730d now available - supports Blu-ray profile 2.0
http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/download/dl_patch_601_112_ENU.html

[ConradWS]

Maybe I am missing something here, but there is a download on the Cyberlink site for OEM 7.3 Ultra... takes you from the OEM packaged version to 3730a:

PowerDVD Update for LG-ODD: This update is for LG-ODD customers who purchased an HL-DT-ST drive models GGW-H20L or GGC-H20L. This downloadable update will upgrade version 3516a of CyberLink PowerDVD to 3730a. dated April 23 2008

It could be that I'm the one missing something. What is your point? Don't buy 8 'cause 7 is new and improved or you can get more than 2 channel audio from an oem version? I've also tried all the retail versions up to 3730a and found 8.0 to be a bit cleaner. Is your point to hold onto HD playback by staying with 7.3 versions? The fix to 8 gives you HD and costs less than the 10 program package. Of course you would need to find and understand the fix for 8 before buying it.

LG GGC H20L OEM updates tried...
001 upgrade 7.3.2911c to 3516a
002 Upgrade 7.3.3516a to 3516b
003 Upgrade any above to 7.3.3319.0

All same 2 channel stereo.

Now that last update was posted yesterday. 4/23/08....after my last post.

004 upgrade for GGC-H20L 3516a to 3730a

This update fixes the problem where users cannot access the root menu during the playback of the “One Six Right” disc.

What? Never heard of that one.
According to email received from Cyberlink multi-channel sound would not be provided for OEM installations. You would need to buy the retail version.

Anybody tried this update and can confirm 2 channel only?

Later, Conrad

[pqcanada]

Does that new LG 3730a patch get profile 1.1 like the retail/download's 3730a?

[skibum5000]

Patch 3730d now available - supports Blu-ray profile 2.0
http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/download/dl_patch_601_112_ENU.html

This patch actually makes 7 play more bluray titles than the advanced new 8 can :D.
Across the Universe, among others, now work (although on Across the Universe it is prone to crash on movie feature play if you use the menus much before hand, but hitting return on play does get it going. Also, navigating menus on that title pop/clicks my speakers a bit which is not nice, but it does let it play now, which 8 does not.)

[vddobrev]

This patch actually makes 7 play more bluray titles than the advanced new 8 can :D.
Across the Universe, among others, now work (although on Across the Universe it is prone to crash on movie feature play if you use the menus much before hand, but hitting return on play does get it going. Also, navigating menus on that title pop/clicks my speakers a bit which is not nice, but it does let it play now, which 8 does not.)

ha ha... I am not buying 8 anytime soon.

[ConradWS]

This patch actually makes 7 play more bluray titles than the advanced new 8 can :D.
Across the Universe, among others, now work (although on Across the Universe it is prone to crash on movie feature play if you use the menus much before hand, but hitting return on play does get it going. Also, navigating menus on that title pop/clicks my speakers a bit which is not nice, but it does let it play now, which 8 does not.)

That's good news. Glad to hear it.
Please note this 3730d patch is for Retail purchase versions only.

Later, Conrad

[Peter Nagy]

I noticed 3730d is about 25 MBytes smaller than 3730a. Did they remove any features? Do you have to uninstall current version before installing 3730d?

I have both versions 7 and 8 and currently using version 8 (I uninstalled 7 before installing 8). I think version 8 will have a new patch on April 30, so I will wait for that.

Peter

[genro]

I noticed 3730d is about 25 MBytes smaller than 3730a. Did they remove any features? Do you have to uninstall current version before installing 3730d?

I have both versions 7 and 8 and currently using version 8 (I uninstalled 7 before installing 8). I think version 8 will have a new patch on April 30, so I will wait for that.

Peter

It acted as an "update" as opposed to a full reinstall I think. I just ran it and it did its thing. I did not uninstall the previous version.

Didn't notice any change in any major features. I don't have a profile 2 disc to test that out. Had to disable the extraneous services so it wouldn't auto launch (which conflicted with MyMovies doing the launching of hd dvd/bd). But overall no issues here. I'm running Vista 32, ATI 2600xt (Cat 7.7).

[jatoghia]

Besides support for Blu-ray Live (Profile 2.0) it looks like 3730d FINALLY addressed the stuttering issues with the GeForce 8400GS (the one I reported to them 5 months ago). Between that and the system memory upgrade (I went from 1GB to 2GBs) and possibly the installation of Vista SP1, I've now got all my HD-DVD and Blu-ray titles running smoothly with 7.1 audio support so far as I can tell, and I was even able to go back to the default smart deinterlacing option. AAAAAH. I at long last have the ultimate universal player working, just in time for the death of HD-DVD. Ironic, huh?

Oh well, it is still better than a standalone, because I haven't yet seen a Blu-ray player other than the PS3 that will support Blu-ray Live.

[Al Sherwood]

It could be that I'm the one missing something. What is your point? Don't buy 8 'cause 7 is new and improved or you can get more than 2 channel audio from an oem version? I've also tried all the retail versions up to 3730a and found 8.0 to be a bit cleaner. Is your point to hold onto HD playback by staying with 7.3 versions? The fix to 8 gives you HD and costs less than the 10 program package. Of course you would need to find and understand the fix for 8 before buying it.

LG GGC H20L OEM updates tried...
001 upgrade 7.3.2911c to 3516a
002 Upgrade 7.3.3516a to 3516b
003 Upgrade any above to 7.3.3319.0

All same 2 channel stereo.

Now that last update was posted yesterday. 4/23/08....after my last post.

004 upgrade for GGC-H20L 3516a to 3730a

This update fixes the problem where users cannot access the root menu during the playback of the “One Six Right” disc.

What? Never heard of that one.
According to email received from Cyberlink multi-channel sound would not be provided for OEM installations. You would need to buy the retail version.

Anybody tried this update and can confirm 2 channel only?

Later, Conrad

Hey Conrad, just trying to help that's all. ;)

Even with the original OEM software that came with the LG drive I had multichannel sound from the HTPC... Some where we can't be talking about the same thing? What connection do you use from the HTPC to your audio device?

I have multichannel sound from the SP/DIF on my mobo, my brother has the same software and has multichannels sound from his Turtle beach sound card.

[SugoE]

According to email received from Cyberlink multi-channel sound would not be provided for OEM installations. You would need to buy the retail version.

Anybody tried this update and can confirm 2 channel only?
Later, Conrad
Never had problems to play DD/DTS with the PDVD OEM version using onboard SigmaTel via optical S/PDIF.

[Vern Dias]

Warning: Installing 3730d broke DXVA acceleration on my NVidia 9800GTX. The check box is there and can be checked, but DXVA is not used any longer during playback for MP4 AVC files.

Note that DXVA worked fine on 3730a and still works fine on PDVD 8. Replacing the MP4 AVC decoder with the one from PDVD8 fixed the problem.

Vern

[ConradWS]

Hey Conrad, just trying to help that's all. Even with the original OEM software that came with the LG drive I had multichannel sound from the HTPC... Some where we can't be talking about the same thing? What connection do you use from the HTPC to your audio device? I have multichannel sound from the SP/DIF on my mobo, my brother has the same software and has multichannels sound from his Turtle beach sound card.
Al,

Sorry.
When checking your install version number look at the details.
For SB 7.1 capable audio OEM will say...
Audio Output capability: 8
Audio Decoder capability: 2

I'm looking at retail version 7.3.3319 right at the moment it says...
Audio Output capability: 8
Audio Decoder capability: 6

With retail version 8 it says...
Audio Output capability: 8
Audio Decoder capability: 8

Using SB X-Fi Fital1ty Extreme Gamer Pro. My system is set up for 5.1 analog output and I'm using an old Yamaha 5.1 DD/DTS receiver. I'm guessing with some of your systems the audio is being matrix reprocessed.

To check, click on "Cyberlink" in the upper left corner of the PowerDVD window - then click on your name where it says "This product is licensed to:". Look below the version number for the info.

Maybe later I'll experiment and reinstall the OEM version with spdif but then I'd be limited to Pro-logic.

Later, Conrad

[Davinleeds]

This was discussed some time ago. Retail has better audio, but those with something like DTS Connect are able to matrix the 2 channel and seemingly achieve 5.1. HDDVD versions of PDVD were able to purchase 5.1 upgrades( I did for $15) but not for Ultra.

[ConradWS]

Davinleeds,

That's what I thought but don't have time to look back through 200+ pages.

BTW I'm using version7.3 at the moment because I needed to check if my backup restore image was clean...free of Trojans. It is clean. I think this was discussed in the version 8 thread.

Later, Conrad

[Davinleeds]

Davinleeds,

That's what I thought but don't have time to look back through 200+ pages.

BTW I'm using version7.3 at the moment because I needed to check if my backup restore image was clean...free of Trojans. It is clean. I think this was discussed in the version 8 thread.

Later, Conrad

What does 7.3 have to do with not having the time to look up your question?

[ConradWS]

What does 7.3 have to do with not having the time to look up your question?

Sorry I don't have a question. That was a response to you saying the audio issue was discussed some time ago. As far as time goes...gotta go outta time.

Later, Conrad

[Robert Clark]

Excellent. After the new update Across the Universe plays perfectly....
I still have a problem with low audio output with Powerdvd though. I have "quiet" selected for full dynamic range.


Time to sell the trusty A1 and BD-1000...

[aaraaf]

3730d seems to have also fixed my branching issues in Ratatouille. The biggest issues were at the beginning with the old lady and the shotgun. I'll have to watch the whole film again to make sure, and that's a way off.

Across the Universe finally plays here, we're going to watch it tonight.

Also, the stuttering issue with Meet the Robinsons is still gone (ultra non-oem took care of the problem for me to begin with.)

This looks pretty solid.

[jatoghia]

Warning: Installing 3730d broke DXVA acceleration on my NVidia 9800GTX. The check box is there and can be checked, but DXVA is not used any longer during playback for MP4 AVC files.

Note that DXVA worked fine on 3730a and still works fine on PDVD 8. Replacing the MP4 AVC decoder with the one from PDVD8 fixed the problem.

Vern

Now that's funny. Looks like in order to get the GeForce 8400 to work they had to break the 9800. What's up with that???

[ttol]

Is the about page of PowerDVD8 supposed to say "Audio decoders capability: 8"? I think I saw someone mention that. Mine says that I only have the capability for 6 channels.. anyone know why? (I also have PDVD7 installed for HD-DVD support).

[Davinleeds]

It's back and forth but check out 8 for 8 too.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13735471#post13735471


7022 up this page has some info

[w1seman]

Is the about page of PowerDVD8 supposed to say "Audio decoders capability: 8"? I think I saw someone mention that. Mine says that I only have the capability for 6 channels.. anyone know why? (I also have PDVD7 installed for HD-DVD support).

It only shows that info when not playing back a BD. Look on the info when playing back for example a 7.1 DTS-HD MA track, then it shows 8 channel decoding capability. PDVD7 only ever has 6 channel decoders.

[DJ79]

It seems to have eliminated stuttering with AVC and Intel G33 onboard video.

[Aesculus]

Well I cannot get PDVD 3730d to play any BD disks. It locks up immdediately on my G35 mobo.

[vladd]

It only shows that info when not playing back a BD. Look on the info when playing back for example a 7.1 DTS-HD MA track, then it shows 8 channel decoding capability. PDVD7 only ever has 6 channel decoders.My version 7 supports 8 channel decoding capability. It uses the version 8 decoders ;)

[doinmybestatlast]

Well I cannot get PDVD 3730d to play any BD disks. It locks up immdediately on my G35 mobo.

Grrr! Same here. I can't believe they wasted everyone's time when 3730a worked.

[Strayshot]

AVC HA is broken for me, VC1 still works.

2600XT running Cat 8.4
WinXP


Going to revert to 3730a.

[Al Sherwood]

Well I cannot get PDVD 3730d to play any BD disks. It locks up immdediately on my G35 mobo.

Well that is interesting, I can playback every BD movie I have tried so far...

PDVD 3730d, AnyDVD HD 6.4.1.2 GigaByte GA-P35-DS3L MOBO

AVC HA is broken for me, VC1 still works.

HA appears to be working for both BD and HD-DVD discs as well...

[Strayshot]

Well that is interesting, I can playback every BD movie I have tried so far...

PDVD 3730d, AnyDVD HD 6.4.1.2 GigaByte GA-P35-DS3L MOBO



HA appears to be working for both BD and HD-DVD discs as well...

I can still play all of them (my CPU is plenty fast), it's just that AVC disks are running 60-70% instead of 15% because Hardware assist appears to be broken on AVC decoding. Some BD disks use VC1, so you may be getting HA on those disks.

I went back to 3730a and HA is fine again. If there is another patch or someon finds an adjustment, I'll try it again. I currently do not have any disks giving me problems with 3730a.

[Al Sherwood]

I can still play all of them (my CPU is plenty fast), it's just that AVC disks are running 60-70% instead of 15% because Hardware assist appears to be broken on AVC decoding. Some BD disks use VC1, so you may be getting HA on those disks.

I went back to 3730a and HA is fine again. If there is another patch or someon finds an adjustment, I'll try it again. I currently do not have any disks giving me problems with 3730a.

I wonder if it can be movie related? I tried 3 random AVC BD from my collection:

The Presige 8-14% CPU (3.4 GHz P4 Dual core)
Casino Royal 8-15% CPU
Fifth Element 40-60% CPU

[ConradWS]

MSI nForce 3 mobo
HD2600XT agp
WinXP with dual install DVD7 & 8

3730d broke HA and BD playback.
Upgraded to latest ATI drivers 8.3n (VisionTek for AGP)
That seemed to fix HA but BD playback still broke in PDVD7
PDVD8 playback seems ok.
Restored backup hdd image
Went back to 3730a and previous VisionTek driver.

Movies tested: King Arthur, Independence Day.

Later, Conrad

[Al Sherwood]

MSI nForce 3 mobo
HD2600XT agp
dual install DVD7 & 8

3730d broke HA and BD playback.
Upgraded to latest ATI drivers 8.3n (VisionTek for AGP)
That fixed HA but BD playback still broke in PDVD7
PDVD8 playback seems ok.
Restored backup hdd image
Went back to 3730a and previous VisionTek driver.

Later, Conrad

Amazing how installation dependant PowerDVD software seems to be...

I guess that I should be happy with what I've got! :o

[ConradWS]

Al,

Maybe that's a lesson I need to learn too.
Using hdd backup image software just makes it too easy to experiment. :)

Later, Conrad

[Tinker]

HA is broken (AVC) with all my systems with 3730d. All Nvidia cards and XP. Both AMD and Intel CPUs. Had to go on the web to find 3730a again...stupid me only bkup 3730 and not 3730a...back to 3730a. I just can not believe these pple at Cyberlink. Send out a new version and break some thing seems the norm with them. Glad I have TMT also. This just make me dont want to buy anything from Cyberlink again. 1st cr@p that pissed me off was the removal of HDD playback from files, then no option to turn HA on/off, now this.

[mpgxsvcd]

How do I stop PDVD from playing a movie when I insert or mount a Disc?

I have PDVD8 and PDVD7 installed with Windows XP Pro. Every time I insert a disk or mount an .iso file it starts both PDVD7 and PDVD8. I don’t want it to automatically start any program. How do I stop it from opening those programs when it sees a new disc?

[genro]

How do I stop PDVD from playing a movie when I insert or mount a Disc?

I have PDVD8 and PDVD7 installed with Windows XP Pro. Every time I insert a disk or mount an .iso file it starts both PDVD7 and PDVD8. I don’t want it to automatically start any program. How do I stop it from opening those programs when it sees a new disc?

First try disable the autoplay options, if that does not work then you need to disable the "unneeded" services that it installs. I don't know for ver8, but for ver7 see this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12788253#post12788253

Worked for me

[Al Sherwood]

First try disable the autoplay options, if that does not work then you need to disable the "unneeded" services that it installs. I don't know for ver8, but for ver7 see this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13733566#post13733566

Worked for me

Post# ?

[Nimo]

I'm trying to figure out why you guys are going through all this, I'm still using 3701 and the latest AnyD. Whats the advantage of 8 in XP? I have it loaded but I never use it. PDVD only gets used when MPC or TMT fail a certain disk, but that hasn't happened since they let the BD+ out of the bag I just play them on the fly. Are you guys trying to do this without AnyD? As far as me all of the latest Fox BD titles play on the fly using MPC and as long as it's a single .m2ts file I have no issues. But with the Rat movie they used branching on that and the only way to get MPC to play it back proper is to demux the file which I hate to do. So I'm actually forced to use PDVD and I hate the banding it creates but since the Rat movie is CGI it doesn't look that bad it barely passes in my book.:o

[Rew452]

How do I stop PDVD from playing a movie when I insert or mount a Disc?

I have PDVD8 and PDVD7 installed with Windows XP Pro. Every time I insert a disk or mount an .iso file it starts both PDVD7 and PDVD8. I don’t want it to automatically start any program. How do I stop it from opening those programs when it sees a new disc?

Search for SysInternals Suite, download and unzip; look for and run autoruns.exe. Then look for remotecontrol there will be one for PDVD and PDVD8 uncheck both and reboot.

Rew

[genro]

Post# ?

Sorry wrong link!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12788253#post12788253

[PatrickB101]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I put AnyDVD HD into the mix as well. Also tested ArcSoft TMT. So far best results were with TMT, but still no video, only audio.

sounds like a HDCP issue and removed copy protection wont fix it.

[mpgxsvcd]

I'm trying to figure out why you guys are going through all this, I'm still using 3701 and the latest AnyD. Whats the advantage of 8 in XP? I have it loaded but I never use it. PDVD only gets used when MPC or TMT fail a certain disk, but that hasn't happened since they let the BD+ out of the bag I just play them on the fly. Are you guys trying to do this without AnyD? As far as me all of the latest Fox BD titles play on the fly using MPC and as long as it's a single .m2ts file I have no issues. But with the Rat movie they used branching on that and the only way to get MPC to play it back proper is to demux the file which I hate to do. So I'm actually forced to use PDVD and I hate the banding it creates but since the Rat movie is CGI it doesn't look that bad it barely passes in my book.:o

I was shocked to see that the video quality of PDVD8 is much better than PDVD7 even after both are calibrated correctly. DTS-MA is also a nice treat but you can get that in PDVD7 pretty easily. Other than that they are transparent to me.

[thymceelie]

Quick question that I'm having a hard time finding an answer for. I'm thinking about buying a blu ray drive and it comes with some lite version of powerdvd. I read somewhere that there was an inexpensive upgrade ($15?) to add 5.1 (DTS or dolby digital is all I care about right now) and I'm wondering if that's true. I'm also wondering if this version of power dvd will play ripped HD DVDs, including VC1? Any help would be much appreciated.

[Davinleeds]

Quick question that I'm having a hard time finding an answer for. I'm thinking about buying a blu ray drive and it comes with some lite version of powerdvd. I read somewhere that there was an inexpensive upgrade ($15?) to add 5.1 (DTS or dolby digital is all I care about right now) and I'm wondering if that's true. I'm also wondering if this version of power dvd will play ripped HD DVDs, including VC1? Any help would be much appreciated.

With the advent of the 8 version, I don't find audio upgrades just upgrades to PDVD8.

[Aesculus]

Quick question that I'm having a hard time finding an answer for. I'm thinking about buying a blu ray drive and it comes with some lite version of powerdvd. I read somewhere that there was an inexpensive upgrade ($15?) to add 5.1 (DTS or dolby digital is all I care about right now) and I'm wondering if that's true. I'm also wondering if this version of power dvd will play ripped HD DVDs, including VC1? Any help would be much appreciated.


If you buy LG drive you get OEM PDVD which is a 7 level and can play HD DVD and BD but I believe 3730 disables HDD playback. When you load it up it will force you to upgrade to 3730a.

If you buy then you will get PDVD 8 which does not support HD DVD.

For my money PDVD was best at 3319 but it could not play profile 1.1 or 2 BD so its use was limited.

All versions of PDVD will play DD 5.1 and DTS via SPDIF. Its the LPCM and analog that have issues on the OEM versions.

[Davinleeds]

I bought mine Nov 07 it updated to 3319 when I put a BD in it, the latest it plays is Casino Royal. I Robot, Invalid disk. As far as 5.1, I have a DTS connect card, Sondigo Inferno so DD and DTS lights up on the receiver. It depends on your on board and receiver. Best it seems is spdif to capable receiver until later this year . Later sales of the LG drive might give you different versions of PDVD. AnyDVD HD is a useful program in addition to playback software as it will extend it's service life.

[Davinleeds]

Using the LG Version.

I would check the bios setting for the drive, problems in Vista but I would still check. Visit ArcSoft forum. http://www.arcsoft.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=23

[myurkus]

I was shocked to see that the video quality of PDVD8 is much better than PDVD7

:( ...I can't believe that after three attempts at contacting Cyberlink, after dishing out $100 to them for 7.3 on 3/28/2008 (v8 came out on 4/1/2008) they have ignored any requests to let me upgrade to 8.0 :(

Hey I have a few quick questions about 7.3: After upgrading to 3730d, has anyone else noticed that 3730d is no longer digitally signed? (On Vista it is easy to tell: when selecting "Run as Administrator" UAC gives an "unidentified program" warning instead of the "signed" program request access dialog.) I find this odd since 3730a is signed (and so is the 3730d installer!!!)

Also, I was upset that 3730d has that darn RichVideo service re-installed. ("Security Task Manager" shows both that service and brs.exe to be questionable services.)

This means little in itself, and nothing comes up in any local scan, but I uploaded my copy of

"C:\Program Files\Cyberlink\Shared files\brs.exe" to http://www.virustotal.com (a legitimate and very useful site) and it reported back the following (NOT so happy) results:

Antivirus Version Last Update Result
AhnLab-V3 - - -
AntiVir - - -
Authentium - - -
Avast - - -
AVG - - -
BitDefender - - -
CAT-QuickHeal - - (Suspicious) - DNAScan
ClamAV - - -
DrWeb - - -
eSafe - - Suspicious File
eTrust-Vet - - -
Ewido - - -
F-Prot - - -
F-Secure - - -
FileAdvisor - - -
Fortinet - - -
Ikarus - - DroppedWin32.Worm.Stration.EM
Kaspersky - - -
McAfee - - -
Microsoft - - -
NOD32v2 - - -
Norman - - -
Panda - - -
Prevx1 - - -
Rising - - -
Sophos - - -
Sunbelt - - VIPRE.Suspicious
Symantec - - -
TheHacker - - -
VBA32 - - -
VirusBuster - - -
Webwasher-Gateway - - Virus.Win32.FileInfector.gen (suspicious)

MD5: 5d246fecbe8138b0d552f52cb8f739b0

I did a complete wipe of everything associated with Cyberlink and rebuilt from scratch; I was able to recreate everything I said in this post (starting with 3730a then upgrading to d.)

Should I be concerned? I searched for "brs.exe" on this site (and this thread) but so far I have not found any definitive information. (E.g. has anyone had a real problem with brs.exe, or has had any problems once removing it? ...) I find it hard to believe that even Cyberlink will include Malware in their own app/upgrade, and that it is still happening several releases since people have seen this on the forum.

----------------
Update: I followed the advice earlier in this thread and used the "autoruns" tool from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx . Simply de-selecting brs/RichVideo/etc from windows startup and rebooting seems to have stopped those processes!

In addition, I just ran a battery of tests: including running BluRays, HD-DVDs, and even inserting a never-before-played Region-encoded BluRay with Powerdvd closed and verifying proper automatic playback. I am not running AnyDVD, so if the system can see that a BluRay was inserted, then proceed to fire up PowerDVD and correctly play in the specified region..why is brs.exe needed at all?

Finally, I verified that brs.exe and the other files never once loaded prior, during, nor after playback...everything seems to run perfectly fine!

I am leaving this post because I am curious if other people still have this apparently dangerous and useless "brs.exe" file included in their installations. (I forgot to mention: The other day my virus-scanner caught a rogue copy of svchost.exe running in the brs.exe directory and 100% found it to be a virus! ...So one way or another[I] I at least had a *true* virus with reasonable evidence pointing to brs.exe to be the culprit....)

[thymceelie]

Thanks! Looks like I'm gonna take my HD A2 back to Walmart and by me a blu ray drive.

[vladd]

I am leaving this post because I am curious if other people still have this apparently dangerous and useless "brs.exe" file included in their installations. (I forgot to mention: The other day my virus-scanner caught a rogue copy of svchost.exe running in the brs.exe directory and 100% found it to be a virus! ...So one way or another I at least had a *true* virus with evidence pointing to brs.exe to be the cause....)
False positive. It is for BluRay region settings. Although bloatware, it is not a virus.

[laetilodie]

I have no problem to play hd-dvd and blu-ray with powerdvd 7.3 but i have problem to play DVD with vista.

Since powerdvd 3514 when i wan't to play a DVD powerdvd freeze and i must kill the task.
No problem with oldest versions.
Same problem with powerdvd 8.
The problem is present with my 2 computers ( Vista SP1 ).

I must have 2 versions of powerdvd. One to play DVD ( 3319a ) and one to play HD-DVD and BLU-RAY ( 3730d ). I use powerdvdswitcher.

I precise i have not anydvd hd in my 2 computers.

[myurkus]

False positive. It is for BluRay region settings. Although bloatware, it is not a virus.

Cool thx. That "real" virus svchost in that directory (that i mentioned at the end of my verbose post) might have just been a coincidence.

I noticed that I can set the BluRtay region directly from "Device Manager" for my LG player. This is just another guess, but this might be why brs.exe is completely unnecessary for me.

Oh and good news! I think I can say this: Cyberlink responded to my request [beg] for v8 since I bought 7.3 on 3/28 and they said they are working it through the sales team and coordinating it with a patch but early may anyone who bought 7.3 in March will be offered a free upgrade to 8!!!

[John Nelson]

Has anyone tried this patch released on 5/5/2008 for V7?

http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/download/dl_patch_610_112_ENU.html

Looks to be patch level 4102 based on the name Cyberlink.4102_Ultra_DVD080411-003.exe

[yamahaSHO]

Has anyone tried this patch released on 5/5/2008 for V7?

http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/download/dl_patch_610_112_ENU.html

Looks to be patch level 4102 based on the name Cyberlink.4102_Ultra_DVD080411-003.exe

Just installed this today... I don't notice anything different and PDVD still shows it as an upgrade when I click the upgrade button. I don't know a way to check to see any difference.

As far as BD LIVE, not sure if and when disks I have include it (any current disks?).

[MKANET]

Man, if PowerDVD 7.3 will support BD-LIVE, I will throw PowerDVD 8 in the trash. PowerDVD 7.3 is a far better product than version 8.0... no comparison.

[myurkus]

Thanks for the responses so far, but I am curious to hear from anyone else regarding the new 4102 patch. I am of course always hesitant to immediately grab anything from them.

BTW - On Vista SP1 with a NVidia 8600 GT, on 3730d I still have hardware acceleration on AVC BluRay discs. Oh I'm running a very new ForceWare graphics driver though (175.51) (The fact that 3730d broke this for others is an example of my hesitation to grab 4102...)

EDIT: I am running a pretty high-end quad-processor (Intel Q6600) and I noticed from a screen shot I previously took for the forum that I was running ~24% for AVC on 3730a. However, I am now running over 30% on 3730d. I need to do more testing to be sure either way, but it is possible I am affected by this problem...)

[kronik]

Sigh. Read through this thread some and got lost, so I figured I'd just ask my question.

Until yesterday, my Blu-Ray/HD-DVDs were playing fine in my LG dual-format. I changed to an Omaura case, which could not accomodate my 8800 Ultra so I purchased an 8800GT. After installing the 8800GT, none of my high-definition discs work. I'm running 169.25 ForceWare drivers; not sure what version of PDVD7 Ultra I have. They all play in a stuttering / slow-motion fashion and their audio does not work. I've tried:

Inside Man
I Am Legend
The Departed

Any ideas?

[P Seastrand]

Until yesterday, my Blu-Ray/HD-DVDs were playing fine in my LG dual-format. I changed to an Omaura case, which could not accomodate my 8800 Ultra so I purchased an 8800GT. After installing the 8800GT, none of my high-definition discs work.Which video card did you have in the system before the 8800? I remember reading somewhere that the 8800 wasn't that good at HD playback and the 8600 was much better (and cheaper!).

[Tinker]

4102 5/5/08 HA for AVC is still broken. RATATOUILLE is at 30-50% CPU with an E6600 @ 3.2 with an 8800GTS 512 with XP Pro. With 3319a CPU is 10-19%. Back to 3319a/3730a switching combo. BTW the switching progm works with 4102 also. Just make sure when installing 4102 that its installed over 3730 instead of 3319a or what ever combination you desire. BTW with 3730a, E6700 @3.2 with SLI 9600GT's CPU is 7-15%.

[Tinker]

Which video card did you have in the system before the 8800? I remember reading somewhere that the 8800 wasn't that good at HD playback and the 8600 was much better (and cheaper!).

Only the older G80's like the 8800GTX/Ultras and 8800GTS 640/320 (they still play HD fine but not as efficient as the newer cards). All the new G9x cards like the 9800,8800GT/S 512, 8600GT/S and 9600GT works fine.

[kronik]

I had a 8800 Ultra in there - I now have an 8800 GT. The GT SHOULD be better at playback; I'm not sure it's an issue so much with my video card as some sort of driver/configuration issue.

[Tinker]

Sigh. Read through this thread some and got lost, so I figured I'd just ask my question.

Until yesterday, my Blu-Ray/HD-DVDs were playing fine in my LG dual-format. I changed to an Omaura case, which could not accomodate my 8800 Ultra so I purchased an 8800GT. After installing the 8800GT, none of my high-definition discs work. I'm running 169.25 ForceWare drivers; not sure what version of PDVD7 Ultra I have. They all play in a stuttering / slow-motion fashion and their audio does not work. I've tried:

Inside Man
I Am Legend
The Departed

Any ideas?

Need to uninstall NVidia drivers and do a fresh Driver install. That norm helps. Also try to get 174.74 beta, they work well with the newer cards. The non beta 174.74 only works with the 9 series cards. Try http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_174.74.html for the beta drivers. Or you can wait on the next 6/7/8 series drivers from NVidia that are due soon...maybe...:rolleyes:

Just notice 175.16 beta was released May 6/08

[XxDeadlyxX]

Ok I installed 4102... suprisingly it adds DTS-HD Master Audio to PDVD7, which will make PDVD7 users happy, and give them even less incentive to upgrade.

I was almost tempted to use PDVD7 build 4102 instead of PDVD8 as it now has the same speedy scene changing, FF etc like PDVD8 build 1622 has. Plus the Menu button and A B C D buttons on my Cyberlink remote actually WORK with PDVD7

What's interesting though is that it has the same bitrate reading error for HD-DVDs (eg. DD+ showing 256kbps instead of 1536kbps) that PDVD8 has.

Also, this patch BREAKS HD-DVD playback in PDVD8... so if you're using PDVD8 do NOT install this patch. I decided to revert my PDVD7 back to 3730a. I suppose I can live with my Cyberlink remote menu button not working, I've emailed tech support to ask if it will be fixed in the next PDVD8 patch. The play, FF, volume + - buttons all work which are the most important.

I probably went back to PDVD8 as I think the PDVD8 skin (interface) looks a lot better than PDVD7. Plus I actually payed for it, would be stupid to not use PDVD8. I just hope Cyberlink acknowledge the remote problem and fix it by the next update.

[skibum5000]

Ok I installed 4102... suprisingly it adds DTS-HD Master Audio to PDVD7, which will make PDVD7 users happy, and give them even less incentive to upgrade.

I was almost tempted to use PDVD7 build 4102 instead of PDVD8 as it now has the same speedy scene changing, FF etc like PDVD8 build 1622 has. Plus the Menu button and A B C D buttons on my Cyberlink remote actually WORK with PDVD7

What's interesting though is that it has the same bitrate reading error for HD-DVDs (eg. DD+ showing 256kbps instead of 1536kbps) that PDVD8 has.

Also, this patch BREAKS HD-DVD playback in PDVD8... so if you're using PDVD8 do NOT install this patch. I decided to revert my PDVD7 back to 3730a. I suppose I can live with my Cyberlink remote menu button not working, I've emailed tech support to ask if it will be fixed in the next PDVD8 patch. The play, FF, volume + - buttons all work which are the most important.

I probably went back to PDVD8 as I think the PDVD8 skin (interface) looks a lot better than PDVD7. Plus I actually payed for it, would be stupid to not use PDVD8. I just hope Cyberlink acknowledge the remote problem and fix it by the next update.

hmm if they have now added DTS-MA and everything else to 7 which also does HD DVD natively what does mean 8 is? It's exactly 7 but with HD DVD removed?! ok interface looks a little different, but whatever and has some movielink bloat.

[genro]

Upgraded to the 5/5/08 patch from 3730d. The only thing I noticed is that it broke the menus in Planet Earth :(. I'm going to try to mix/match files between the two versions to fix this. Anyone have any suggestions as to what particular file would be responsible?

[kronik]

Need to uninstall NVidia drivers and do a fresh Driver install. That norm helps. Also try to get 174.74 beta, they work well with the newer cards. The non beta 174.74 only works with the 9 series cards. Try http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_174.74.html for the beta drivers. Or you can wait on the next 6/7/8 series drivers from NVidia that are due soon...maybe...:rolleyes:

Just notice 175.16 beta was released May 6/08

Tried this - same problem.

[MKANET]

Can someone confirm that the latest PowerDVD build for PDVD 7 add full support for Blu-ray Profile 2.0? This was actually the only reason I bought PowerDVD 8; despite all the sacrifices I made "downgrading" to powerDVD 8.

PowerDVD 8 still has these outstanding issues even after the first patch:

1) It bulky player interface has a size limit that didnt exist in version 7. Gigantic. It cant be resized to fit discretely in the corner of your screen like version 7.
2) The version 8's player's interface look horrible compared to version 7 skins which are available now. This is a serious step backwards.
3) Player forces itself to open smack dab right in the middle of your screen every time when you start it. At least with version 7, I could tame it to open up neatly in the bottom right of my screen in a discrete video window.
4) Forces you to see a "Resume Movie" feature every time; even if you dont want that.
5) Extra bloat for features such as Moovielive and Movie Remix etc that nobody uses.

If I can confirm that version 7 actually has profile 2. Im going to uninstall version 8, and get a full refund; otherwise, I'm going to feel like such an idiot for spending money on somthing that has less usable functionality.

[curtisb]

Just tried the newest .4102 on Powerdvd 7 and still can't play Ratatouille. The player no longer goes to 100% on processor #1 and locks up but it doesn't play it. And of course with BR's craptastic system of not letting you see any of the chapters when you are suffering through unwanted trailers, I can't jump to the main movie start.
Running ati 1950xtx, qx9600 and vista 32bit.

Anyone else who was having this issue see success with this disk after the patch?

[skibum5000]

Just tried the newest .4102 on Powerdvd 7 and still can't play Ratatouille. The player no longer goes to 100% on processor #1 and locks up but it doesn't play it. And of course with BR's craptastic system of not letting you see any of the chapters when you are suffering through unwanted trailers, I can't jump to the main movie start.
Running ati 1950xtx, qx9600 and vista 32bit.

Anyone else who was having this issue see success with this disk after the patch?

I saw success even with prior patch (i haven't tried this one) as well as with the first officila patch for PowerDVD8.

The only issue i ever had with Ratatouille ws with the first powerdvd8 version which had lots of nasty audio drop outs.

[HT Slider]

I saw success even with prior patch (i haven't tried this one) as well as with the first officila patch for PowerDVD8.

The only issue i ever had with Ratatouille ws with the first powerdvd8 version which had lots of nasty audio drop outs.

Same here.

Ratatouille was one of the movies my wife purchased at Christmas, along with the LG GGC-H20L. We watched it on Christmas Eve without any trouble and my children have watched it several times since, through several update versions of PowerDVD Ultra OEM (always installing the latest updates available).

Our hardware is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 motherboard with DTS connect active, a Q6600 processor and an HD 2600XT 512MB PCIe video card. We are running Vista and have always had all of the latest patches installed.

Our system does have some very annoying problems trying to initiate DXVA from within Media Center with HD digital recordings, but PowerDVD Ultra (and even WMP or Graphedit) have no trouble at all.

[thymceelie]

Got my blu ray drive, just waiting on a power adapter to get it installed, but I went ahead and installed Powerdvd 7. Its version 3319b which I thought would support hard drive playback? I've got a ripped HD DVD and couldn't get it to play. Other thing, I tried watching a regular dvd in my DVD burner using PDVD and couldn't get it to output over spdif.

[Tinker]

Got my blu ray drive, just waiting on a power adapter to get it installed, but I went ahead and installed Powerdvd 7. Its version 3319b which I thought would support hard drive playback? I've got a ripped HD DVD and couldn't get it to play. Other thing, I tried watching a regular dvd in my DVD burner using PDVD and couldn't get it to output over spdif.

3319a last version to have HDD playback or you can go the ISO route.

Did you set the SPDIF in the audio tab prior to running a disc.

[dabl]

http://ourmediacenter.com/forum?c=showthread&ThreadID=36

Anybody here participating in this?

[cadman1]

HELP
I have a duo core E8400 with XFX8800gt vista and XP but I am not able to get my PC with DVI to HDMI cable to Integra DTC 9.8 into my Epson 1080P Pj
it will not handshack.. I am able to get my PC to work with sony in HDMI ST5300 but not with Integra .. could it be HDCP problem? I just d'ont get it .. it will not work ..
Is someone that got it working? thanks

[audible]

I feel your pain cadman1, I just hooked up my HTPC through my new Onkyo TX905 and it won't handshake either. See my thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1027199

I'm using an ATI Radeon 2600XT, but to work around the issue I'm bypassing the receiver and connecting directly to my Optoma HD72.

If anyone out there knows how to resolve this properly I'm sure cadman1 and myself would be most appreciative!

[thymceelie]

3319a last version to have HDD playback or you can go the ISO route.

Did you set the SPDIF in the audio tab prior to running a disc.

I do, but as soon as the movie starts it reverts back to stereo, and then spdif is no longer an option.

[thymceelie]

Ok, its kind of flaky still, but if I select SPDIF before starting the movie, now it works. But it sounds AWFUL. Its outputting DTS, but it sounds sort of digitally distorted. It almost sounds like digital interference. The louder it the sound level is, the more pronounced the distortion. Its also pretty high pitched, like a radio losing signal. Is this Powerdvd doing this in the DTS downmix?

[curtisb]

Same here.

Ratatouille was one of the movies my wife purchased at Christmas, along with the LG GGC-H20L. We watched it on Christmas Eve without any trouble and my children have watched it several times since, through several update versions of PowerDVD Ultra OEM (always installing the latest updates available).

Our hardware is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 motherboard with DTS connect active, a Q6600 processor and an HD 2600XT 512MB PCIe video card. We are running Vista and have always had all of the latest patches installed.

Our system does have some very annoying problems trying to initiate DXVA from within Media Center with HD digital recordings, but PowerDVD Ultra (and even WMP or Graphedit) have no trouble at all.


Wish I know what the difference is between the people who have been able to run this disc and those that can't. Probalby not the quad core though I have the older QX style chip and I have a different ATI card but ATI non-the-less. Cyberlink replied to one user stating it was a known issue and they were looking to address it in a future patch.

SHould have mentioned I'm running Vista Ultimate (not that it should matter).
No issues withe disc as it plays fine on stand alone players.

[Sunnie]

3319a last version to have HDD playback or you can go the ISO route.

Did you set the SPDIF in the audio tab prior to running a disc.

Nero 8 with HD plugin will play Blu-ray from hard drive when ripped with ANYDVDHD.

[Tinker]

Nero 8 with HD plugin will play Blu-ray from hard drive when ripped with ANYDVDHD.

so can TMT...I think he was wondering about PDVD.

[thymceelie]

so can TMT...I think he was wondering about PDVD.

Yes.

So far I've been pretty disappointed with the included version of PowerDVD. If you could at least play the blu ray and give me 5.1 I'd be happy enough, but what good is a blu ray drive if the included software won't play movies properly? And I'd really rather not spend more money on additional software at this point as I'm already over my budget for my htpc. I should say the blu ray in question is Ratatouille so does that have anything to do with the poor sound? I'm running XP.

[dabl]

Ok I installed 4102... suprisingly it adds DTS-HD Master Audio to PDVD7, which will make PDVD7 users happy, and give them even less incentive to upgrade...

How are you confirming the v4102 update gives PowerDVD v7 dts-hd ma decode ability?

This ability isn't listed as an inluded feature in the list of updates.
================
http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/download/dl_patch_610_112_ENU.html

List of Updates:

Adds playback support for Blu-ray Disc Profile 2 (BD-Live).
Enhances disc loading time for Blu-ray.
Reduces memory consumption.
==============

When using a dts-hd ma audio track the 'show information' display in PowerDVD v7 with the v3730d patch and previous shows the full bitrate though apparently only the 'core' dts audio is actually being decoded.

This 'show information' display behavior in PowerDVD v7 doesn't change with the v4102 patch so how is one able to confirm the full dts-hd ma audio is being decoded and sent out the analog jacks of the soundcard (aside from using only your ears).

[graz68]

When using a dts-hd ma audio track the 'show information' display in PowerDVD v7 with the v3730d patch and previous shows the full bitrate though apparently only the 'core' dts audio is actually being decoded.

This 'show information' display behavior in PowerDVD v7 doesn't change with the v4102 patch so how is one able to confirm the full dts-hd ma audio is being decoded and sent out the analog jacks of the soundcard (aside from using only your ears).[/QUOTE]

When I run Saw IV following this patch, and select 'Show information' the track is shown as DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and it definitely comes out of all 7.1 speakers.

[dabl]

When I run Saw IV following this patch, and select 'Show information' the track is shown as DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and it definitely comes out of all 7.1 speakers.

ok thanks, but that only proves that the 7.1 decoding has been added (versus the previous 5.1 only decoding) not that you're hearing the full dts-hs ma audio.

[graz68]

ok thanks, but that only proves that the 7.1 decoding has been added (versus the previous 5.1 only decoding) not that you're hearing the full dts-hs ma audio.

But the core DTS track is extremely unlikely to be 7.1. It certainly wasn't when I first watched this film.

[MKANET]

There's a very high probability Cyberlink is just using the same filters from version 8. It doesn't make any sense they would work on a whole set of different filters for version 7; hence, basically getting the same thing in both versions; only with version 8, you get the big bulky player (in memory footprint and user interface).

ok thanks, but that only proves that the 7.1 decoding has been added (versus the previous 5.1 only decoding) not that you're hearing the full dts-hs ma audio.

[Tinker]

Playing the Eagles Farewell tour with 3319a shows DTS and with 4102 displats DTS-HD MA, I always used anolog connections but with 4102, I get the sence that my rear back (7.1) surrounds are actually working (brain working overtime????). This was tested on two systems, one with a x-meridian and the other with a x-plosion sound cards, So even with HA not being support for AVC I will use the 3319a/4102 switch combo instead of the 3319a/3730a I was using before just to get DTS-HD MA since I have enuf CPU horsepower any way.

[HT Slider]

Tinker, are you saying you get 7.1 channels of audio through a digital connection? (SPDIF?)

[Tinker]

Tinker, are you saying you get 7.1 channels of audio through a digital connection? (SPDIF?)

No, sorry I wasnt clear. I am using anolog, and the Eagles disc is only DTS-HD MA 5.1, but It could be the sound cards that are adding the extra two rears. I do hear sound coming from them.

[kronik]

I am losing my freaking mind..

So -
Uninstalled/re-installed all codec packs - no change.
Uninstalled/used DriverCleaner.NET/reinstalled (all in safe mode) the 175.16 drivers - no change.
Uninstalled/reinstalled PowerDVD 7 Ultra - no change.
Installed PowerDVD 8 Ultra - no change.

Again, the CPU usage is the same with the hardware acceleration flag on or off - constant stutters.. like a 2 frames per second.

Anyone have ANY ideas?

The following from the "information" tab in PDVD -

Player information:
Player region code: Not Specified
Current drive: D:

Display information:
Video mode: Progressive
Display mode: DirectShow
FourCC code: NV24
Surface type: Hardware Video Accelerator (DxVA)

Video attributes:
Video compression mode: VC1
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Source picture resolution: 1920x1080
Frame rate: 23.00
Bitrate: 20.60Mbps

Audio attributes:
Audio coding mode: Dolby Digital
Sampling rate: 48kHz
Number of audio channels: 5.1
Bitrate: 640 Kbps

Hardware Information:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6750 @ running at 3199 MHz
3DNow! technology: Not Detected
Enhanced 3DNow! technology: Not Detected
3DNow! professional technology: Not Detected
IA MMX technology: In Use
IA sStreaming SIMD extensions: In Use
IA SSE 2: In Use
Video accelerator: DirectX VA (in use)
Multispeaker audio device: Speakers (2- Creative SB X-Fi) (not in use)
S/PDIF output device: Speakers (2- Creative SB X-Fi) (not in use)

[Aesculus]

I am losing my freaking mind..

So -
Uninstalled/re-installed all codec packs - no change.
Uninstalled/used DriverCleaner.NET/reinstalled (all in safe mode) the 175.16 drivers - no change.
Uninstalled/reinstalled PowerDVD 7 Ultra - no change.
Installed PowerDVD 8 Ultra - no change.

Again, the CPU usage is the same with the hardware acceleration flag on or off - constant stutters.. like a 2 frames per second.

Anyone have ANY ideas?

The following from the "information" tab in PDVD -

Player information:
Player region code: Not Specified
Current drive: D:

Display information:
Video mode: Progressive
Display mode: DirectShow
FourCC code: NV24
Surface type: Hardware Video Accelerator (DxVA)

Video attributes:
Video compression mode: VC1
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Source picture resolution: 1920x1080
Frame rate: 23.00
Bitrate: 20.60Mbps

Audio attributes:
Audio coding mode: Dolby Digital
Sampling rate: 48kHz
Number of audio channels: 5.1
Bitrate: 640 Kbps

Hardware Information:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6750 @ running at 3199 MHz
3DNow! technology: Not Detected
Enhanced 3DNow! technology: Not Detected
3DNow! professional technology: Not Detected
IA MMX technology: In Use
IA sStreaming SIMD extensions: In Use
IA SSE 2: In Use
Video accelerator: DirectX VA (in use)
Multispeaker audio device: Speakers (2- Creative SB X-Fi) (not in use)
S/PDIF output device: Speakers (2- Creative SB X-Fi) (not in use)

I have the same setup and the same situation. My experience is that it frame jumps every second or so. Some of the older disks do not act this way, but most of the newer ones do.

If you figure it out I will be the first one to take advantage of it.

[Vern Dias]

Multispeaker audio device: Speakers (2- Creative SB X-Fi) (not in use)
S/PDIF output device: Speakers (2- Creative SB X-Fi) (not in use)You have no audio connection selected in PowerDVD so you have no audio clock which is what drives the frame rate. Try re-iinstalling your audio drivers.

Vern

[kronik]

I'm not using multiple speakers - right now (ugh) I'm outputting via a y-splitter to the LR RCA on my A3000.

[stranx44]

Does anyone know where I can get the 3319a build? I only have 3370+ builds and still experiencing stuttering with some BD movies... :(

[Aesculus]

Does anyone know where I can get the 3319a build? I only have 3370+ builds and still experiencing stuttering with some BD movies... :(

The trouble is that the disks that stutter are also the ones that probably won't play with 3319.

[myurkus]

you guys with the audio/studdeding problems: I had the same thing a while ago - make sure if you are using SPDIF to set PowerrDvd to SPDIF *before* putting in a disc.

Then make sure you have the newest audio drivers. I have a different audio card, but i had to set the output in the audio setup (inside your card setup and in the normal Vista sound output setup) to "passthrough" and "let applications take exclusive control."

Now I get DolbyD and DTS perfectly and discs play perfectly (the audio was the cause of the unwatchable framerate too.) (btw my information tab read exactly the tab; once I got the last line (digital output (in use) [only while playing])

Btw I will stake any bets on this now: build 4102 *is* HW Accel AVC discs! In fact my CPU a reading lower than on any other versions (I'm around 15%, which is much lower than what I was seeng on 3730d (30%) and 3730a (22% or so))

[brianrt]

I have OEM 3730a installed. I tried to play P.S. I love you last night with no luck. Is this a Profile 2 disc? I emailed Cyberlink and they said that that is the latest version of the software. But I hear people talking about 3730d and 4130 or something.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[Tinker]

Btw I will stake any bets on this now: build 4102 *is* HW Accel AVC discs! In fact my CPU a reading lower than on any other versions (I'm around 15%, which is much lower than what I was seeng on 3730d (30%) and 3730a (22% or so))


I have the exact opposite with 4102. Ratatouille AVC disc is not accelerated. I use Nvidia cards. With older 3319a and 3730a I get <20% cpu but with 4102 I get 35-50% with C2D cpus at 3.2ghz.

[Rathbone]

HWA seems to be broken in WinXP but not Vista.

[Strayshot]

HWA seems to be broken in WinXP but not Vista.

This is true, and it is still broken with 4102.

[thymceelie]

Ok, its kind of flaky still, but if I select SPDIF before starting the movie, now it works. But it sounds AWFUL. Its outputting DTS, but it sounds sort of digitally distorted. It almost sounds like digital interference. The louder it the sound level is, the more pronounced the distortion. Its also pretty high pitched, like a radio losing signal. Is this Powerdvd doing this in the DTS downmix?

Anyone else experience this issue?

[hlkc]

[QUOTE=thymceelie;13839917]Anyone else experience this issue?[/QUOTE

No, I don't. I am using PDVD8 with latest patch and if I choose DTS downmixing, it will convert to DTS to my pre-amp. If not downmixing then it will output whatever the mode I pick from the disc.

[Aesculus]

you guys with the audio/studdeding problems: I had the same thing a while ago - make sure if you are using SPDIF to set PowerrDvd to SPDIF *before* putting in a disc.

Then make sure you have the newest audio drivers. I have a different audio card, but i had to set the output in the audio setup (inside your card setup and in the normal Vista sound output setup) to "passthrough" and "let applications take exclusive control."

Now I get DolbyD and DTS perfectly and discs play perfectly (the audio was the cause of the unwatchable framerate too.) (btw my information tab read exactly the tab; once I got the last line (digital output (in use) [only while playing])

Btw I will stake any bets on this now: build 4102 *is* HW Accel AVC discs! In fact my CPU a reading lower than on any other versions (I'm around 15%, which is much lower than what I was seeng on 3730d (30%) and 3730a (22% or so))

Well my system stutters with the Intel HiDef Audio drivers 6.10.0.2049 from 4/10/08. I have tried SPDIF and HDMI. I have also given it exclusive control. Still stutters on most BD disks. I can run it on 2 channel stereo through HDMI to the TV and the video still stutters.

Any other driver or setting I am missing here?

EDIT: Fixed the stutter problem by setting the system to Best Performance.

[frg]

Anyone else experience this issue?
I have had similar sound problem.

They appeared when using 5.1 analog outputs, as well as the SPIF output, on my M-Audio Delta 1010LT soundcard.

After exhausting testing :eek: (it truly was no walk in the park!), I finally discovered that my problem was related to the frequency and timings of the RAM in the PC.
Yet the PC is not overclocked in any way!!!

By reducing the RAM frequency, or when keeping the initial frequency, but by tweaking its timing values, I made the problem go away.

I thing that going this way is worth a try. ;)

The safest way to proceed, is to go into the bios to modify these values, as overclocking softwares working under Windows can be the cause of new problems (trust me, I know!!!).

[AbMagFab]

Anyone else experience this issue?

Sounds like you are using DTSConnect/DDLive, and reconverting HD audio to DTS/DD on the fly, but doing it poorly.

If it's not that, no idea.

[thymceelie]

I'm stupid. I just needed to uncheck the downmix option in PowerDVD. Now it sounds fine. Although I've watched two Blu rays with mixed results. Ratatouille - multiple times frame rate slowed followed by brief audio drop out. CPU usage at around 10%. Golden Compass I lost audio for around 30-45 seconds in one scene, but other than that it was fine.

[In_Awe01]

I have PowerDVD OEM version 7.3.3328. It came with my Lite-On Blu-Ray drive. I'm trying to play 3:10 to Yuma, but can't get past the menu. The searches I've done in this thread and others tell me that there is a newer OEM version available which solves the problem. When I click on Upgrade in PowerDVD, all it shows me is "Upgrade to PowerDVD 8" though. The program did update right after I installed it, so I know it can access Cyberlink's update server. Is there somewhere I can download a patch to a newer version? Or is there some way to trick it into updating? Thanks in advance for any help.

[Jim HTPC]

I have PowerDVD OEM version 7.3.3328. It came with my Lite-On Blu-Ray drive. I'm trying to play 3:10 to Yuma, but can't get past the menu. The searches I've done in this thread and others tell me that there is a newer OEM version available which solves the problem. When I click on Upgrade in PowerDVD, all it shows me is "Upgrade to PowerDVD 8" though. The program did update right after I installed it, so I know it can access Cyberlink's update server. Is there somewhere I can download a patch to a newer version? Or is there some way to trick it into updating? Thanks in advance for any help.

Go to their website and click on downloads.

[Andy o]

I have PowerDVD OEM version 7.3.3328. It came with my Lite-On Blu-Ray drive. I'm trying to play 3:10 to Yuma, but can't get past the menu. The searches I've done in this thread and others tell me that there is a newer OEM version available which solves the problem. When I click on Upgrade in PowerDVD, all it shows me is "Upgrade to PowerDVD 8" though. The program did update right after I installed it, so I know it can access Cyberlink's update server. Is there somewhere I can download a patch to a newer version? Or is there some way to trick it into updating? Thanks in advance for any help.

You might actually be using the 3730 build. I don't think there is a 3328. How are you checking the version? On the PowerDVD window, right click and then click on About... and then click on your name (below "licensed to:"). That will show you the actual PowerDVD build.

[Andy o]

I'm stupid. I just needed to uncheck the downmix option in PowerDVD. Now it sounds fine. Although I've watched two Blu rays with mixed results. Ratatouille - multiple times frame rate slowed followed by brief audio drop out. CPU usage at around 10%. Golden Compass I lost audio for around 30-45 seconds in one scene, but other than that it was fine.

The frame rate slow in Ratatouille I don't know, but some of us (all?) got audio dropouts (very brief) with PowerDVD versions previous of 8.0.1622 (latest). Even up to the first build of PowerDVD 8 we were still getting it. It might have been fixed in the 7.3 lineage too, have you tried the latest 7.3 build?

To see if you have the same trouble as we did, the audio dropouts are very brief, happen at exactly the same time every time, and is present in all audio tracks.

[In_Awe01]

Jim,

All I see under downloads are updates for retail versions... nothing for OEM versions.


Andy,

Thanks, I didn't know how to get the version from within the program itself. I was getting the version from the properties of the PowerDVD.exe. According to the dialog you pointed me to, I'm running 7.3.3319b. So, even older than what I listed before!

- Joshua

P.S. - The version I have is "PowerDVD BD 2CH", in case that makes any difference. From what I've read here and elsewhere, there are also PowerDVD Ultra OEM versions.

[Davinleeds]

http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/support/answerbox_productfaq.jsp?FID=4535

[In_Awe01]

Davinleeds,

I've already tried the steps at the link you posted. The only option it gives me is "Upgrade to PowerDVD 8".

- Joshua

P.S. - I uninstalled and reinstalled PowerDVD. Same version and still no option to update.

[Andy o]

Try updating manually: http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/download/updates_112_ENU.html

If you got your PowerDVD with one of the LG drives, download that (that is the OEM). If you bought it, download the "retail" version.

[Davinleeds]

My upgrade was prompted when I played Fantastic 4/SS. Try your Yuma again.
One other place;
http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/patch/enu/index.jsp
but try it in Internet Explorer if you use Firefox.
Check LiteOn site also. If I remember that's a BD edition of PDVD7
You may have to open a ticket with customer support. Also make sure your video driver is up to date.

[jidelite]

Davinleeds,

I've already tried the steps at the link you posted. The only option it gives me is "Upgrade to PowerDVD 8".

- Joshua

P.S. - I uninstalled and reinstalled PowerDVD. Same version and still no option to update.

I purchased a Lite-On drive about a month ago and received the same PowerDVD BD version. I opened a ticket with support regarding 3:10 to Yuma as well but have yet to get a fix (my request was passed on to development). I honestly don't think there are any updates for the Lite-on oem version. I did not try to see if the patch for the LG version worked; instead I just went ahead and purchased PDVD ultra 8... Good luck.

jidelite

[ZED72]

I noticed a problem with subtitles when I changed resolution from 1360x768 to 1920x1080. Subtitles are not visible when playing a HD DVD on full screen mode. When picture is a small window, PowerDVD shows subtitles OK. On lower resolutions there is no this kind of problem.

I´m planning HD Ready > FullHD upgrade, so it would be nice if this thing could be solved. Most of you do not have much use for subtitles, but I do... Any ideas?

[HTPCat]

I noticed a problem with subtitles when I changed resolution from 1360x768 to 1920x1080. Subtitles are not visible when playing a HD DVD on full screen mode. When picture is a small window, PowerDVD shows subtitles OK. On lower resolutions there is no this kind of problem.

I´m planning HD Ready > FullHD upgrade, so it would be nice if this thing could be solved. Most of you do not have much use for subtitles, but I do... Any ideas?

It sounds like a overscan issue - check the forum or google correcting overscan.

[In_Awe01]

I tried the 3730a patch for the LG OEM version from the page that Andy listed. I really didn't expect it to install since my copy of PowerDVD came with a Lite-On drive, but it did. The menus in 3:10 to Yuma now work and I'm able to play the movie! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

- Joshua

[HT Slider]

It sounds like a overscan issue - check the forum or google correcting overscan.

It does, but that sounds like an aweful lot of overscan.

It sounds like there is more going on than just overscan.

My HDTV has 3% overscan in the vertical and 4% in the horizontal (when fed spec compliant 1080i). I run PowerDVD Ultra at 1920x1080 resolution (using spec compliant 1080i, complete with overscan) and I have no problem reading captions. They are well within the viewable area.

The only complaint I do have is PowerDVD itself is designed to be used on a display without any overscan at all. This makes it so the control pop-ups (bottom of the screen) and information pop-ups (top right) are 1/2 hidden by the overscan. The actual movies look great though.

ZED72, are you able to see the majority of the movie or is there clearly a large amount of the image cropped beyond the edge of the screen?

If your HDTV is natively able to display 1920x1080 (1080i or 1080p), squishing the image down in size to get rid of the overscan will somewhat reduce the image quality (detail). You will always get the best image with this sort of HDTV when feeding it spec compliant 1080i/p so I would only compensate for overscan as a last resort.

[jidelite]

I tried the 3730a patch for the LG OEM version from the page that Andy listed. I really didn't expect it to install since my copy of PowerDVD came with a Lite-On drive, but it did. The menus in 3:10 to Yuma now work and I'm able to play the movie! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

- Joshua

Cool! Glad it worked.

jidelite

[ZED72]

It sounds like a overscan issue - check the forum or google correcting overscan.

I don´t think it´s a an overscan issue. If I compare full screen and small window, I can see that part of picture where subtitles are in small window but in full screen they just don´t exist. Picture is not cropped. I can also see the complete Windows desktop with taskbar.

My current TV´s native resolution is 1360x768 and naturally it´s picture is best when input signal matches that. Now I´m only testing if my HTPC can output full HD resolution because I´m going to buy a 1920x1080 screen after summer holidays. If PDVD can not display subtitles at full HD resolution, then it would be stupid to buy new TV...

My installed PowerDVD 7 Ultra is version 3730, OS is XP Pro SP2 and display card is Radeon HD2400 AGP (DVI > HDMI connection). Should I update PDVD to version 4102?

[Peter Nagy]

I have Sapphire AGP HD 3850 video card and it works fine. My TV is 60" Sony LCD rear projection TV with DVI. It's native resolution is 1366 x 768. I set to underscan resolution of 1152 x 648 (1280 x 720 overscans too much) or 1776 x 1000 (1920 x 1080 also overscans too much) and both settings work fine when PDVD is set to full screen. I use Blu-ray, not HD-DVD. I am currently using PDVD Ultra 8 and it also worked with Ultra 7 (3730a). It worked with both Windows MCE 2005 SP3 and Vista. I am currently using Vista SP1.

My gear:

Windows Vista Home Premium, SP1
Asus P4C800 Deluxe MB
3 GHz Pentium 4 with HT, 1 MB cache
2 GB G-Skill RAM, DDR 400, 2-3-2-5
Sapphire AGP HD 3850 (Radeon) with Sapphire's CCC driver, 409.zip (vista32_8-476_62409.exe)
Lite-On Blu-Ray drive
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra Version 8, build 1622

Peter

[lorax1284]

Hi: HTPC with C2D 2.13GHz 2 Gig Vista Premium 8600 GT. LG GGC-H20L drive, PowerDVD 7 Ultra LG version.

All my HD-DVDs seem to stutter near about where I'd expect a layer change to occur: about halfway through both 300 and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

In 300, it's the scene where the traitor-guy brings the young prince to the queen: in Harry Potter, it's the scene where Harry & Cho kiss. I've had similar problems on ST:TOS discs, too. It does seem that once I get a certain bit further into the film, (like, two chapters further along) the movie will play back fine.

When the stuttering starts, the previously 'unnoticable' DVD drive light starts to blink rapidly and continually: if I listen closely, it sounds like the drive is struggling to read the disc.

I don't have trouble with Blu Ray discs (Spider-man, curse of the golden flower) but I hear that most Blu Ray discs are single layer?

Is this obviously a defective drive, or is it a computer performance issue? I think the machines specs are perfectly adequate.

Sorry if this problem has been mentioned in this thread, but searching on "stutter" returned 5 pages of posts, and I have read a few that are general performance related... this problem seems a little peculiar...

[Davinleeds]

I tried the 3730a patch for the LG OEM version from the page that Andy listed. I really didn't expect it to install since my copy of PowerDVD came with a Lite-On drive, but it did. The menus in 3:10 to Yuma now work and I'm able to play the movie! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

- Joshua

That's goodluck. I'd be interested to know if your PDVD version remained BD only. LiteOn comes with BD edition and LG comes with BD/HDDVD edition.

[In_Awe01]

Davinleeds,

It still says that it is the BD 2CH version. I haven't had a chance to play with it much yet to see if anything is different though.

[Anastasis]

Is their any way to upgrade the BD 2CH edition to 5.1DD, at the very least, without shelling out for PDVD8 upgrade. WAF for such an expenditure is low, but my acceptance factor for 2 ch audio is even lower. Ridiculous hack software.

[HT Slider]

I have Sapphire AGP HD 3850 video card and it works fine. My TV is 60" Sony LCD rear projection TV with DVI. It's native resolution is 1366 x 768. I set to underscan resolution of 1152 x 648 (1280 x 720 overscans too much) or 1776 x 1000 (1920 x 1080 also overscans too much) and both settings work fine when PDVD is set to full screen.

Why don't you use your HDTV's native resolution instead of 1152x648 or 1776x1000?

I also don't understand why so many individuals insist on getting rid of overscan. HDTVs are designed specifically to display spec compliant video formats (such as 1920x1080 using 1080p timing) with a specific amount of overscan. This overscan is intentionally designed in and the reason is to produce the best viewing experience. If you create custom resolutions that defeat the intended overscan, you are reducing the image detail shown within the "safe area". Note I am talking specifically about watching TV or movies, not typical PC applications.

The "safe area" is the region of the screen that TV and movie producers expect the viewer to be able to see. Due to overscan, producers ensure that nothing of importance is outside this viewable "safe area". If you shrink the size of the image down to the point where you can see everything including the "invisible area" you have effectively reduced the physical size of the "safe area". Shrinking the image means your eye can't see as much detail in the movie or TV show. More information on "safe area" and "invisible area" can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_area

Once in a blue moon, there might be something interesting in the "invisible area", such as microphones or other features that are intended to be hidden, but it is rare that anything of significance to the movie is within the "invisible area".

Anyway, best image quality should be experienced when using the HDTVs native screen resolution (1366x768 in some cases). Otherwise the best image quality will be seen when feeding spec compliant 1080p or 720p to the display. Sometimes spec compliant 1080p produces a better image than the native screen resolution; partially because video cards are typically optimized for video output using standard HDTV formats and partially because the HDTV is also optimized for displaying 1080p.

EDIT: Actually, if you are a historic film enthusiast and watch many older films you may want to get rid of the overscan. Films produced prior to the early 1970's did not abide by the safe and invisible area rules. These films were intended to be viewed without the overscan that crops the outer perimeter of the screen.

[HT Slider]

Is their any way to upgrade the BD 2CH edition to 5.1DD, at the very least, without shelling out for PDVD8 upgrade. WAF for such an expenditure is low, but my acceptance factor for 2 ch audio is even lower. Ridiculous hack software.

The 2-channel OEM version will actually output unaltered Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 digitally. What it won't do is decode multi-channel audio and allow you to output it through the analog outputs.

This isn't 100% ideal because you can't take advantage of the newer 8-channel DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD, but as long as you use a digital connection to your receiver/amplifier/digital speakers and select DD5.1 or DTS when viewing the movie, you will experience high quality 5.1 audio.

You can upgrade from the 2-channel version to the full 8-channel version at a slight discount. This can be accessed from the upgrade link within PowerDVD. What Cyberlink offers through the upgrade link changes regularly so I'm not 100% certain that there is any savings right now, nor if you can upgrade to PowerDVD 7 Ultra or if they force you to go with PowerDVD 8 (and 8 will not play HD-DVD without an unsupported hack being used).

[Peter Nagy]

I did what HT Slider suggested and using Catalyst Control. I "Forced" the resolution to 1360 x 768 and Windows Desktop does not appear that bad. I've owned the TV and HTPC for four years and back then, setting to 1360 x 768 was not readily or easily available and I didn't bother trying until now. The Icons and Fonts look a little blury but playing Blu-ray movie looked fine but not noticably better than 1152 x 648 since the TV already converts movie to TV's native resolution (correct me if I'm wrong).

Why people bother fitting (or underscanning) Windows inside screen? Simple. It's easier to deal with same resolution settings for both Windows and playing movies without constantly changing resolutions back and forth. I cannot see the task bar or "Start" button at lower left when it's overscanned. My TV is a "TV", not a monitor and I want to use it for dual purpose: Watch TV and use it as a computer monitor. Having it to fit within the screen for both looks fine.

I am sure today's TVs with native resolution of 1920 x 1080 is much easier to deal with than my four year old Sony 60" XBR LCD rear projection TV. I plan to buy Samsung 57" with LED backlight when the price comes much further down. Paying $8000 for a TV is a little steep. Plus my current TV is still running strong.

Peter

[AbMagFab]

I did what HT Slider suggested and using Catalyst Control. I "Forced" the resolution to 1360 x 768 and Windows Desktop does not appear that bad. I've owned the TV and HTPC for four years and back then, setting to 1360 x 768 was not readily or easily available and I didn't bother trying until now. The Icons and Fonts look a little blury but playing Blu-ray movie looked fine but not noticably better than 1152 x 648 since the TV already converts movie to TV's native resolution (correct me if I'm wrong).

Why people bother fitting (or underscanning) Windows inside screen? Simple. It's easier to deal with same resolution settings for both Windows and playing movies without constantly changing resolutions back and forth. I cannot see the task bar or "Start" button at lower left when it's overscanned. My TV is a "TV", not a monitor and I want to use it for dual purpose: Watch TV and use it as a computer monitor. Having it to fit within the screen for both looks fine.

I am sure today's TVs with native resolution of 1920 x 1080 is much easier to deal with than my four year old Sony 60" XBR LCD rear projection TV. I plan to buy Samsung 57" with LED backlight when the price comes much further down. Paying $8000 for a TV is a little steep. Plus my current TV is still running strong.

Peter

Eliminating overscan means both your PC and your regular TV viewing will work. Overscan is generally unnecesary, but only really an issue with PC's.

Not sure why you have to change back and forth. Just calibrate your TV to remove all/most overscan, and you'll be fine.

[gtgray]

Some TVs, I don't know how many have an aspect ration control that makes this all pretty straight forward. My TV can detect the source is a PC on its HDMI inputs. This set is an HP DLP. It then adjust the aspect ratio to provide appropriate zero underscanning/overscanning for the Desktop to match the screen edge to edge. This PC mode does not produce quite the same quality image as when set the aspect ratio is set to Studio mode. In Studio mode there is overscan but it is probably 3%. Since I am seldom at the desktop the better image in Studio mode with its slight overscan is preferred. If I needed to work at the Desktop which basically for me is only for setup and configuration I change the aspect control on the TV remote to PC and I have a perfect desktop.

On the other hand all my LCDs, just do a perfect desktop and zero under/overscanning in Dot by Dot mode and I don't worry about it at all.

[Laserfan]

I "Forced" the resolution to 1360 x 768 and Windows Desktop does not appear that bad....my four year old Sony 60" XBR LCD rear projection TV.Maybe you just mis-typed, but it's actually 1366x768. :)

BTW for less than $2K I upgraded to 1080p projection while still keeping the Sony (http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/laserfan/Home%20Theater/)!

[Peter Nagy]

Maybe you just mis-typed, but it's actually 1366x768. :)

BTW for less than $2K I upgraded to 1080p projection while still keeping the Sony (http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/laserfan/Home%20Theater/)!

Nope, I didn't. That's exactly what the ATI Catalyst Control showed (1360 x 768). There was no 1366 x 768 settings.

Peter

[Vern Dias]

1366 is not a supported PC resolution. PC resolutions are divisible by 8. Use either 1360 or 1368.

Vern

[hlkc]

1366 is not a supported PC resolution. PC resolutions are divisible by 8. Use either 1360 or 1368.

Vern

My plasma is 1366 X 768 and I use 1360 X 768 since 4 years ago.

[etrounce]

If you eliminate overscan by using a non-standard resolution, do you not affect the PQ? I would think it would be better to run at 1280x720 with some overscan then to use 1198x650 (or whatever) with no overscan, if your source is BR or HD-DVD. Any thoughts?

ET

[Laserfan]

1366 is not a supported PC resolution. PC resolutions are divisible by 8. Use either 1360 or 1368.Ok, well I was just pointing-out that the Sony is 1366 wide. Maybe that's why as Peter said Windows was "not bad" (but not great either). Since the Sony scales absolutely everything anyway, I wonder if a 1920x1080 output might not look better. Just a thought (yeah I'm it's been tried, though not by me--I don't have an HTPC hooked-up to my Sony)...

[Peter Nagy]

If you eliminate overscan by using a non-standard resolution, do you not affect the PQ? I would think it would be better to run at 1280x720 with some overscan then to use 1198x650 (or whatever) with no overscan, if your source is BR or HD-DVD. Any thoughts?

ET

When playing Blu-ray movies, no matter what resolution I set on my PC, the TV will always convert to its native resolution and I cannot tell PQ difference. I have set my PC to the following resolutions: 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080, 1152 x 648, 1776 x 1000 and PQ from Blu-ray movies is not noticable as far as my eyes can see.

The only part that's noticable is Windows Desktop. The higher resolution, the harder to read texts.

Peter

[Peter Nagy]

Ok, well I was just pointing-out that the Sony is 1366 wide. Maybe that's why as Peter said Windows was "not bad" (but not great either). Since the Sony scales absolutely everything anyway, I wonder if a 1920x1080 output might not look better. Just a thought (yeah I'm it's been tried, though not by me--I don't have an HTPC hooked-up to my Sony)...

I think the "not bad" part was probably due to refresh rate of 30 Hz at 1360 x 768. I think I see the flickering because it may be in interlaced mode. I am not sure I like this setting anymore. I tried set it at 60 Hz but that made it even worse. My TV is four years old and it does not support 60 Hz at 1360 x 768.

I find 1152 x 648 the best setting for my eyes. At 1280 x 720, I cannot see the task bar or green "Start" button due to overscan. Also, Blu-ray movies PQ is not noticably different at any PC resolution settings.

Peter

[HT Slider]

The reason to flip back and forth between a HDTV spec compliant, high resolution while using PowerDVD and a lower custom resolution while using the desktop is to get the best image quality when watching movies.

Many HDTVs only have a reduced number of visible pixels; as little as 1776x1000 isn't uncommon when 1920x1080 (1080p) is used. This includes both digital HDTVs as well as rear projection CRT based HDTVs. They get away with this because the actual viewable area requirement on a 720p, 1080i, or 1080p display allows for as much as 10% overscan (most are in the 3-8% range though). There is very little value being able to see this overscanned area because it is outside what the movie producers expect you to see. Some newer, more expensive digital HDTVs do actually have the full 1920x1080 pixels viewable.

You will always get the best image quality if you try to keep a 1:1 pixel mapping between the resolution used for PowerDVD and the HDTV's screen resolution. Since many HDTVs take advantage of overscan to meet the full 1920x1080 claimed resolution you need to output spec compliant 1080p (with a 1080p HDTV) to get the best image.

Obviously do whatever you prefer, but be aware that the engineers that designed your HDTV put specific effort into making it display the best image when spec compliant 1080p is sent to it.

The only situation where this differs is where the HDTV isn't natively 720p or 1080p and these formats are converted into 1366x768 (or other). In this case, using 1366x768 should produce the best image, but using a lower resolution than this most certainly will not produce the best image. If you send less than this to the HDTV, this needs to be mathematically expanded ultimately into 1366x768.

If you really dig into what is going on when you use 1152x648, the video card is first converting the Blu-ray 1920x1080 into 1152x648 (after decoding, etc.). This step alone is throwing away 65% of the image detail (35% remaining). Then this is being place within a window in most likely a 720p format (1280x720). Then, your HDTV itself is converting the 1280x720 (that includes the smaller window of 1152x648) and expanding this into the 1366x768 and then lighting up appropriate pixels (in the 1366x768 grid available). Every conversion will loose some detail, not to mention you are already starting with only 35% of the detail right at the first conversion.

As long as the HDTV can handle 1080p, sending it 1080p (1920x1080) should produce a better image. In this case 1920x1080 is maintained all the way to the display and as a final step the display shrinks this down into 1366x768 (throwing away some percentage of the outer perimeter to a "virtual" overscan) and displaying it. The desktop won't look as good because with the increased resolution everything will look smaller, but video will look considerably better. Assuming 3% overscan, only 1864x1048 is intended to be displayed and converting this to 1366x768 you only loose 45% of the detail. Ultimately you should retain almost 55% of the detail and this is much better than the less than 35% retained when 1152x648 is used.

Try switching back and forth between fully compliant 1080p (with no overscan compensation) and the custom 1152x648 and watch a very detailed scene within a Blu-ray movie (or HD-DVD). I think you'll be surprised at the difference. Edit: Of course if the TV doesn't actually support 1080p, all bets are off. Here, spec compliant 720p will be better than 1152x648, but roughly 3-8% better as far as central image detail (depending on overscan).

[Laserfan]

Yeah, what he said! ;)

The Sony doesn't support 1080p, but feeding it 1080i vs. 720p looks better to me...

[Peter Nagy]

HT Slider,

Do you own a 1920 x 1080p LCD TV? If so, what PC resolution do you normally use? If you set to 1920 x 1080, can you read the texts on Windows Desktop? Also can you see the task bar and green "Start" button? Are there any overscan? Do you switch PC resolutions when watching Blu-ray movies and use Windows Desktop? If so, that's a little inconvenient.

I totally agree with your statement regarding to overscan but an old TV like mine (1366 x 768 or 1080i) does not seem to make much difference. Like I said before, I tried many different PC resolutions and I could not see PQ difference from Blu-ray movies. Maybe my rear projection LCD TV is masking out the fine details. I have no doubt that the PQ should be better on 1920 x 1080 TVs especially LCD TVs. I hope PQ is better because I am very interested in buying 57" Samsung LCD TV with LED backlights (LN-T5781F). Anyone has this TV or 52" (LN-T5281F)?

Peter

[Andrew Wolfe]

Apologies if this has been discussed - my searches have been unsuccessful.

I am running PowerDVD 7.3 on an AMD dual-core with an AMD 780 chipset. Vista Home Premium.

Every time PowerDVD runs - it resets the Minimum CPU speed in all of my power profiles to 100%. Not just while it is running - but permanently?

Has anyone seen this before?

[HT Slider]

HT Slider,

Do you own a 1920 x 1080p LCD TV? If so, what PC resolution do you normally use? If you set to 1920 x 1080, can you read the texts on Windows Desktop? Also can you see the task bar and green "Start" button? Are there any overscan? Do you switch PC resolutions when watching Blu-ray movies and use Windows Desktop? If so, that's a little inconvenient.

My personal HDTV is a 51" rear projection CRT based Toshiba 51H83 that natively displays using 1080i as well as 720p (1080i is considerably clearer). I actually use 1360x768 as my preferred desktop resolution and it is scaled using my ATI card behind the scenes into a custom resolution of 1776x1040 using 1080i timing (the visible portion of 1920x1080 on my HDTV). I have no problem reading it, even at 1776x1040, but if I use the actual 1776x1040 the interlacing flicker is annoying (with 1360x768 expanded into 1776x1040 it doesn't flicker much due to multiple vertical pixels). If I use 1920x1080 I can also read the text, but again the interlacing is annoying plus the perimeter of the screen is hidden, including the start button.

For watching a movie I do use the fully compliant 1920x1080. Comparing the image quality, this is significantly better than any other resolution.

I agree with you switching back and forth is annoying and I can't understand why PowerDVD doesn't automatically switch resolutions. Absolutely every single other piece of software I use does, including Vista Media Center, and video games. When I sent support requests asking Cyberlink how to make PowerDVD automatically switch resolutions I was ultimately told PowerDVD is not intended to be used on an HTPC hooked up to an HDTV, but instead it is designed for use on a regular PC. They have no intention of making it compliant with HDTV displays, so if we want the best image quality we need to manually switch resolutions.

One option is to create a batch file that changes the resolution, lauches PowerDVD and then changes the resolution back when it exits. Unfortunately I launch PowerDVD from within Media Center, so I am forced to set the desktop to 1920x1080 all the time (at least until I put more effort into finding a solution).

My father, on the other hand, just picked up an Olevia 747i 1080p HDTV and this TV does indeed natively support true 1920x1080, without any overscan. With his system it is still annoying because 1920x1080, although clear, is still too small to read from the couch. He too needs to switch resolutions when using the system for PC tasks and watching movies with PowerDVD Ultra. At least Media Center switches resolutions automatically.

I totally agree with your statement regarding to overscan but an old TV like mine (1366 x 768 or 1080i) does not seem to make much difference. Like I said before, I tried many different PC resolutions and I could not see PQ difference from Blu-ray movies. Maybe my rear projection LCD TV is masking out the fine details. I have no doubt that the PQ should be better on 1920 x 1080 TVs especially LCD TVs. I hope PQ is better because I am very interested in buying 57" Samsung LCD TV with LED backlights (LN-T5781F). Anyone has this TV or 52" (LN-T5281F)?

Peter

I would have thought your best bet would be to use 1360x768 at least for movie watching. Any resolution less than this and you are definitely throwing away detail to the TV's video engine. Perhaps the image isn't clear enough to see the difference, but there theoretically should be a difference. On my HDTV there is definitely a very significant difference between using PowerDVD at 1184x696 (my 1:1 mapped 720p custom resolution) and using all out 1080i (1920x1080).

[Peter Nagy]

So you think all out 1080i (1920 x 1080) has better PQ than at 1360 x 768 when watching Blu-ray movies? If so, I will try that. It would be nice if I had two identical TVs and HTPCs so I can compare side by side.

Peter

[gsr]

I actually use 1360x768 as my preferred desktop resolution and it is scaled using my ATI card behind the scenes into a custom resolution of 1776x1040 using 1080i timing (the visible portion of 1920x1080 on my HDTV).
Are you doing this within CCC or are you using PowerStrip to create this resolution? Would you be willing to share the exact timings you're using? I'm using a Mits RPTV that does 1080i, but not 720p and the desktop resolution I'm using is around 920x500 - the vertical resolution is a big problem for some things as lots of configuration / setup dialogs get chopped off and assume your resolution is at least somethingX600.

For watching a movie I do use the fully compliant 1920x1080. Comparing the image quality, this is significantly better than any other resolution.
Comments like these should always be read by others as including "in my case" as results can and will vary depending on the TV being used. Generally speaking, the native resolution of the display will give the best picture, so 1080i (or 1080p) will not always give the best picture.

One option is to create a batch file that changes the resolution, lauches PowerDVD and then changes the resolution back when it exits. Unfortunately I launch PowerDVD from within Media Center, so I am forced to set the desktop to 1920x1080 all the time (at least until I put more effort into finding a solution).
PowerStrip can be configured to switch resolutions automatically when a given app is started and will switch back to the previous resolution when the app closes. I use this feature and it works extremely well.

My father, on the other hand, just picked up an Olevia 747i 1080p HDTV and this TV does indeed natively support true 1920x1080, without any overscan. With his system it is still annoying because 1920x1080, although clear, is still too small to read from the couch. He too needs to switch resolutions when using the system for PC tasks and watching movies with PowerDVD Ultra. At least Media Center switches resolutions automatically.
My d