Number Of Disc(s): N/A

Review Done By: Ju Leon Tan

PowerDVD 5.0 is the latest evolution of the world acclaimed DVD software player that offers maximum video & audio playback entertainment on the PC. It comes with leading video & audio technologies to deliver the highest quality viewing & listening experience possible on the PC. As well, PowerDVD 5.0 offers feature-rich navigation controls, for an interactive & tailored DVD movie viewing experience. PowerDVD 5.0 is the obvious choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the highest-quality & most interactive DVD movie experience on the PC!

To enable audio effects such as Dolby Headphone, Dolby Virtual Speaker, SRS TruSurround XT, CLMEI, & Dolby Pro Logic II decoder, or to play DVD titles with DTS digital surround tracks, it is recommended to use a 400MHz or higher processor system & at least 128MB of system RAM.

CLPV & CLEV are sophisticated video processing technologies that require higher CPU power. If both of them are enabled, together with the audio effects above, it is recommended to have a Pentium-M or Centrino, Pentium 4, Athlon 1.0GHz, or a system with equivalent or higher performance.

For more information on its features in complete details, visit CyberLink PowerDVD.

On 26/07/2004, there is a new patch to version 5.0 B1203. This patch have all the fixes of B0805, which added support for the remote control feature, & B1107 for a few bug fixes.

Special thanks to CyberLink for sending me a copy for a review for this site, as well using the software to give you all the DVD reviews on the PC. I been a PowerDVD user since version 4.0 & CyberLink been keeping their simple & easy to use features since then. I have tried other DVD viewer for the PC, some are too complex, others take too much computer resources. Now, version 5.0 is out & it's better then ever. I also wanted to posted out that they also do regualr updates, msotly bug fixes & sometimes they added new features, such as the patch B0805, which add the ability of the CyberLink Remote Control to work. However, it will only work partly, as it is made mostly for their other product, PowerCinema v3.0.

This new version have the same function as the previous version. It's as easy as using a remote for your regular DVD player, except with a click of your mouse. Every function is on one simple & easy to use panel. Easy fast forward & fast rewind control, slow motion & even do some screenshots during playback, all in one panel. Plus, you can see your progress on where you are via viewing bar & you can even fast forward where you want to be at one time with a click of a mouse. Make sure you download the extra skins you like so much in the previous version, somehow, it doesn't included on this version, The new skin is a little hard to control.

Also, the software is actually small in size, compare to other DVD Player software out on the market. This new version have 2 new features, the CLPV & CLEV functions that CyberLink added to PowerDVD. This function enhance the picture quality of your DVD. However, this feature only depends on your monitor setting. Just give it a try & see if it make any differences for your DVD viewing. It's up to personnal taste! I do note that this will take a little more computer power!

There are actually two version of this software, one is the standard version & the other is the deluxe version, which I'm using. They are the same, except the deluxe version have more powerful audio decoders, like DTS. This is only useful if you got the sound card to do it & the right set of speakers.

I been using PowerDVD since version 4.0 & it came with the DVD-ROM so I can review all the Anime DVDs & test them via the PC. Though, I did turn off the CLPV & CLEV, since I really don't need it. I have no problems with any of the DVDs that I watch with. Plus, if the menu is actually a widescreen format, it will adjust to it, both in full screen & regular windows playback.

If you need a DVD player for your PC, I recommend choosing this software. However, since it is a software, always check for the latest patches & extra downloads. I just can't wait to see what else they will do for the next version. I only hope they kept that skin that I'm so used to. This is a must have for all your DVD viewing on your PC!

To top things off, this review is even posted CyberLink PowerDVD Award page, which is really cool! Check back often as this review is updated time to time.

Model LG 16x DVD-ROM, on a P3-933Mhz, 512 MB RAM, ATI Redeon 8500 128MB Video Card, ASUS CUSL2-C Motherboard & Sound Blaster Live v5.1, Dell 19' LCD E193FP monitor, Windows XP Professional SP2 & using CyberLink PowerRemote.