Solved Blu-ray Drive won't play

[jlhawn]

I have the AnyDVD HD edition with lifetime key as i bought it before they stopped the lifetime key option.
all it does is run in the background and scans any disc i put in a drive to decode and read the disk for best playback, it also decodes a disk so i can copy any disk i want for personal use with Clone DVD, there are also some settings in any dvd i can change for when i copy a blu-ray. but to date i have never changed any settings in any dvd i just have it at default settings and it works fine with no issues.

 

[BinkerNate]

Okay, so it decodes the disc on the drive so it can play. I understand. But I still don't know why my computer/BD drive doesn't do that on its own, except for the HD monitor idea.

PS I just found out paying for ANyDVD costs in EUR.

 

[jumanji]

Some posts are missing here consequent to the server crash. I shall just fill in briefly.

AnyDVD HD defeats the HDCP compliance requirement for your Analog monitor. That is why you are able to see the bluray video on your analog monitor with AnyDVD HD running in the background on your PC. More about HDCP High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If you replace your analog monitor with a HDCP compliant HD monitor, you will not require AnyDVD HD since the complete chain from source to display is now HDCP compliant to play the copy-protected Blu-ray Discs.

Going ahead, even with a fully HDCP compliiant system, your software player may refuse to play a newly released BD and may require an update to cope up with a new protection algorithm employed in that BD.

And the irony is that such patches/updates may be provided by the software vendor only for the current version of their software player. For example if you have Power DVD 8 you may be out of luck. An update may be available for the current version Power DVD 12 but not for the older 8. So you will be forced to upgrade your software player to play the new BDs with new protection algorithms..

On-the fly decrypters like AnyDVD HD and DVD Fab's Passkey running in the background take care of the decryption making it possible to use the older version software player. Slysoft updates its software almost within days of a new protection algorithm emerging.

As a final note, use of such decrypters that break the copy-protection is controversial. In some countries it is legal for personal usage (Germany for instance) while in some countries it may not be legal even for personal usage.Compliance with local laws is the user's responsibility.

 

[BinkerNate]

I knew I should've checked this topic again sooner. Anyway, an update: my old monitor has been replaced by an HD one, and I'am very happy for this upgrade. But I also have to point out that it does not have any speakers, so I can't use my HDMI. If there is something that I could do or get, speakers-wise, so I can finally use the HDMI, let me know. But that's my update.

@jumanji, if I'm reading your post right; are you saying that now that I have an HD Monitor, once AnyDVD reaches the end of the trial, I just don't have to worry nor care? I can still play BDs with no problem? BTW, I have PowerDVD 10, and it looks like I can update it since a window popped up letting me know that a new version is out.

 

[jumanji]

You must make a distinction between updates and upgrade.

An update is for the existing version you have. In your case Power DVD 10. So check for updates to your version. Vendors will not provide you updates for the older version beyond a certain point, usually when they release a new version.

Upgrade is to a newer current version, for which you have to pay. The current version is Power DVD 12.

If you have to play some of the new BDs released with newer protection algorithms, your Power DVD 10 may not play. You will be forced to upgrade to the newer Power DVD 12 to play them.

 

[DavidE]

But I also have to point out that it does not have any speakers, so I can't use my HDMI. If there is something that I could do or get, speakers-wise, so I can finally use the HDMI, let me know.

If you have PC speakers the simplest solution is set the default playback device to speakers.
The video would still be using HDMI.

If you have an SRS (Surround Sound System) or plan to get one, there are other options...

 

[BinkerNate]

You must make a distinction between updates and upgrade.

An update is for the existing version you have. In your case Power DVD 10. So check for updates to your version. Vendors will not provide you updates for the older version beyond a certain point, usually when they release a new version.

Upgrade is to a newer current version, for which you have to pay. The current version is Power DVD 12.

If you have to play some of the new BDs released with newer protection algorithms, your Power DVD 10 may not play. You will be forced to upgrade to the newer Power DVD 12 to play them.

I doubled checked: it's an upgrade to 12 Ultra.

But I also have to point out that it does not have any speakers, so I can't use my HDMI. If there is something that I could do or get, speakers-wise, so I can finally use the HDMI, let me know.

If you have PC speakers the simplest solution is set the default playback device to speakers.
The video would still be using HDMI.

If you have an SRS (Surround Sound System) or plan to get one, there are other options...

The HDMI is not set up (the cord connecting it to the desktop are not linked), it's just the regular VGA. When I first got this, I hooked the HDMI by itself, and while the monitor worked, the audio didn't come through so I switched to solely VGA for both the monitor and sound. I don't know but should I, am I allowed to, hook up both the VGA and HDMI?

As for the SRS, or anything else; do you have any ideas that could work out for me? What is great, affordable, and easy to get, etc.? Also, I looked up pictures of an SRS, and it looked similar to something I have; an Audiovox Home Theatre, pictured here:

I got it years ago, and used it once and I remember the sound coming off low and maybe like it was on mono, but I could try again on this, but only if I have something that could/would work on my computer, which is what I'am asking.

 

[DavidE]

What I would do:

• turn off the PC and monitor
• connect the HDMI cable to the PC / monitor
• disconnect the VGA cable (for now)
• turn power back on
• boot up

In windows go to Sounds/Playback and make sure Speakers is the default device.
You can get to Sounds by right clicking the speaker icon in the taskbar and click Sounds.

When speakers is the default device you should hear your audio.

here is a screen print where i have my default set to speakers



this is the simplest approach to get you working with HDMI video and getting sound...

Using VGA and HDMI cables at the same is possible, but you may not need it and it adds some complexity.

Connecting your current SRS or buying a new one is also a lot more involved.

 

[BinkerNate]

Y'know, I feel like an idiot: I did what you said and now it works. Thanks!

 

[DavidE]

You're welcome. Glad you got it working.

 

[BinkerNate]

Hi, random question: I'm going to use my hd monitor for my PS3 also; do have to always turn off my computer when unplugging and plugging the HDMI?

 

[DavidE]

I've never unplugged/plugged a video cable with equipment turned on.
I don't know if it could cause a power/static spike and damage something, or how Windows would handle it.

If your monitor has 2 HDMI inputs you could buy another HDMI cable and switch inputs at the monitor.

You can see if your SRS Amp has multiple HDMI inputs, and if it does use that for switching.
I doubt it does because you said it's older, but you can look and see.

You can buy an HDMI switch (and another cable) to switch between PC and PS3.
Here is an example of an HDMI switch.
Newegg.com - Link Depot LD-HDMI-SW3P HDMI 3 PORTS SWITCHES W/REMOTE