What good Win 7 Blu-ray software is out there?

[BCXtreme]

Hey everyone,

I've been using CyberLink PowerDVD for almost two years, but now it's broken and won't play most of the newer BDs, and their support refuses to help me. I've never liked the program anyways, and now I'm wondering, what other good BD playback software is out there for Windows 7?

 

[mitchell65]

Here's a freebie that might be worth trying:
Blu Ray Player for Windows 7 - Play Blu Ray Files Easily - Windows 7 Download

 

[BCXtreme]

Here's a freebie that might be worth trying:
Blu Ray Player for Windows 7 - Play Blu Ray Files Easily - Windows 7 Download

The reviews seem to indicate that that's pretty much a dud.

Can anyone vouch for Corel WinDVD Pro 2010?

 

[Scanlow]

i can, i use it all the time, i used to use just the base model until i got a new laptop with a blu ray drive and i haven't had any problems with it and as a huge movie watcher (owner of 300 movies) having a good software program is key.

 

[Zepher]

I have BD drives in both of my machines but I started to use my stand alone Panasonic BD player all the time now since Cyberlink is hit or miss most of the time.

Total Media Theater seems like a better program, and I used it during the trial period but didn't want to spend anymore money on BD software since I had the Panasonic.

 

[Ponmayilal]

The question: For all the BD Player software you buy now, will you be getting lifetime updates for newer BDs?

The answer: No.

The question: Why?

The answer: BD standards unlike DVD standards are not yet "locked". Whether Sony intends to lock it anytime in the future is also not certain. It is being kept as an evolving standard. As a result there are many variations that are adapted by media manufacturers as also newer encryption/security measures.

The software player vendors, while they may update their current version by patches to play the newer BDs as they evolve, may not oblige you when they release a new version. It will be in their business interests to force you to buy the new version to be able to play the new BDs.

The question: Then what is the solution?

The answer:

1. Keep buying the newer versions as they are released.

2. Make a one-time investment in buying DVDFab's Passkey or Slysoft's
AnyDVDHD which keep abreast with the newer BDs faster. ( My
two machines run AnyDVDHD - both licensed individually. While you
may run it on any number machines with one license, you may have
to take care that you use it on only one machine at a time or else
you run the risk of your key being blacklisted)

The question: What about the Hardware BD Players?

The answer: hmmm... the answer is the same. Five years later Samsung may not
release any new firmware for their old model . You may be forced
to buy their new model.

The question: So then what is the solution here?

The answer:Your best bet will be to buy the Sony PS3 for its BD Player. As the
originator of BDs, they have to take care that all BDs play on their
machines. You may expect firmware updates for as long as PS3
exists - I guess. (And I have the PS3 only for the BD Player - I do
not play games)

Note: It will be your responsibility to take care of the local laws applicable.( For example, I understand that in Germany use of AnyDVDHD is permissible for personal use.)