Cyberlink PowerDVD 11 Standard (PC)

I have used Power DVD, in various guises, for many years and have never been as impressed as I have with the excellent range of free software available such as Windows Media Player, Realplayer & VLC Media Player. Would this version change my mind?

Cyberlink, in my experience, is slower to load and respond than other well known programmes, and with my fast Windows 7 PC I am experiencing serious usability issues. After inserting the disk, the executable file failed to respond to a mouse click so I had to open the directory and manually search for the EXE file. After a relatively slow installation, the programme crashed.

I am now unable to use the programme at all, and have tried many diagnostics and have emailed the company. For the record my Dell PC is in full working order, less than 18 months old and I am technically able.

This is the standard version of Power DVD and does not include the ability to convert footage to 3D, something that I notice others have been unaware of. The rather ambiguous product description does not help. This package (when working) should allow the user to use their mobile phone as a remote control.

I was able to use the programme for about 5 minutes before it crashed. I have restarted my PC several times. During the 5 minutes - I found the picture to be the same (although slightly less sharp in places) as Windows Media Player, Real Player and VLC - the settings would not allow my particular file to be adjusted for brightness and contrast, although I am at a loss to know why. The interface was uninspiring.

I will now uninstall this software and, as it has already been registered, will use the CD as a coffee mat and recycle the box.

If you already have an earlier version of PowerDVD, then you should uninstall it before installing v.11 because, unusually, it doesn't do it for you and you end up with two versions.

Once you've done that and installed v.11, you'll realise that, as I and other reviewers have discovered (as it isn't stated on the box except in small print on the side), it doesn't play Blu-ray discs and has other severe limitations. At this point you'll want to use System Restore to get your previous version back. Or alternatively just don't buy PowerDVD v.11 Standard at all.

What is the point of even putting out a relatively bare-bones version of this software when Windows Media Player or a variety of other free players are just as adequate? If you can afford it then the Ultra version is well worth getting (I use v.9 Ultra) because you may as well have all the whistles and bells as well as essential little things like the ability to play Blu-ray discs. But this feeble version is pointless. Don't bother.

This is the worst Cyberlink product I think I have used. And I haven't used it for long. Firstly, the packaging is mis-leading apart from a very small disclaimer on the back confirming that some of the advertised features aren't actually included in the 'standard' edition. This is pretty poor play in my view. These include 3D play-back which may not bother some and doesn't actually cause me any problem but nevertheless, potential buyers thinking this function is included are sure to be disappointed. Additionally, there is no support for blu-ray technology. Overall, whilst PowerDVD is useful I have found it to be a pain and now watch movies via media player. It is just simpler. It is difficult to advocate this software when that free utility is available on any windows based system.