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AUGUST 14, 2006
PowerDVD Max v7 by Cyberlink
 This product is a tough one for me to review. I seldom watch DVDs on my Notebook. On the other hand, PowerDVD v7 Max makes DVD viewing on my notebook so easy to experience that I may have to change that.
I have viewed DVDs and Video CDs using many other software programs but this one gives you an experience and control over the viewing that is very similar to what you get from your living room DVD player while it is connected to your television. All that is missing in the version I received is a remote control. That shortfall is corrected in the next version of the product. You can play the entire video, move forward or backward between chapters, step backward frame by frame, and capture any frame in many graphic file types.
All this is pretty common. However I have never seen such a sharp and perfect video picture on any computer. The Contrast is really great and the vibrant colors are like being there. There are so many features beyond the standard that I suggest you go to the PowerDVD v7 page at the Cyberlink website to see them all. I will just list a few that made me like this software.
•A-B Repeat loops a scene set by users
•PowerDVD express menu provides quick disc controls via right-clicking the mouse
•9X Digital Zoom for enlarging specified areas on screen
•Color Profiles adjust movie colors while playing videos using a choice of user-defined or preset Original, Vivid, Bright or Theater profiles
•Toolbar Controls Setup allows users to customize the tasks toolbar for playing discs
•Select DVD Menu lets users navigate a DVD via the disc structure
•Video Bookmarks enable quick access to a user's favorite movie scenes
•Resume playback allows users to play a DVD from the last scene prior to stopping
•Screen snapshots can be captured with a user-defined aspect ratio and saved as a bmp, jpg, gif or png file, as wallpaper or to the clipboard
I listened to the audio using head phones and the stereo speakers in my Notebook and found the audio to be quite acceptable. I would like to test the surround sound as I understand it is superb. Unfortunately, I was unable to do this to due to time constraints.
I did play a home made VCD of some photos and sound as well as a home edited DVD of some travel videos I took. Both worked well and looked great with fine contrast and great color.
I was very skeptical of the claims made for this program. I am a true believer now! If you have the need for a topnotch road or home entertainment program buy PowerDVD Max V7. It works great in a desktop as well.
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