WinDVD 9 adds support for Blu-ray, AVCHD--and even HD DVD
Corel's WinDVD 9 software handles Blu-ray, HD DVD, and standard DVD discs.
(Credit: Corel)The HD format war may be over, but don't tell Corel. The company's WinDVD 9 software plays both Blu-ray and the now-defunct HD DVD format--perfect for those few Windows PCs with HD combo drives, such as the HP Pavilion Slimline S3330f. The software supports the full range of features for both formats, including their next-gen audio soundtracks (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD), Blu-ray Profile 1.1 (picture-in-picture commentaries), and--while it lasts--Web-enabled "In Movie Experience" features on HD DVDs.
WinDVD 9 is available Tuesday in three versions. The entry-level version ($50) handles standard DVD movies, along with QuickTime and DivX files. WinDVD 9 Plus ($80) adds better surround audio support and Corel's "All2HD" upscaling, which aims to sharpen detail on low-resolution video. It also includes the ability to play back AVCHD files--ideal for anybody with an HD camcorder. The $100 version of the software is the one you want for playing Blu-ray or HD DVD movies. Owners of WinDVD 6, 7, or 8 can upgrade to that flagship version of the software for just $60.
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002. 
Let's call this what it is, an advertisment pretending to be a story.
- About time!
- by TrackStar1682 March 19, 2008 6:40 PM PDT
- It's about time there was an alternative to the trainwreck of a program Power DVD Ultra 7.3! Competition improves things... hopefully. Movies would randomly not play for me after being able to watch intro sequences just fine. And kudos to Corel for keeping support for HD-DVD in the mix for all the reds and purples out there. Not a hard task considering that the two formats are nearly identical anyway.
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(5 Comments)*Got my PC equipped PURPLE!*