Cyberlink and Microsoft have been working closely to integrate Windows 7 and PowerDVD Ultra, which is the most widely used Blu-ray software in Vista. From the press release:
CyberLink has been working closely with Microsoft to support many of the advanced capabilities of Windows 7. PowerDVD Cinema mode has been designed to automatically integrate with Windows Media Center to enable full Blu-ray playback capability on PC equipped with the appropriate hardware. PowerDVD Cinema mode integrates seamlessly with the advanced user experience that Windows Media Center provides and allows consumers to be able to use a remote control to select and watch Blu-ray titles from the comfort of their couch. PowerDVD also provide a great user experience when launched directly from Windows, with new and exciting ways for everyone to browse and enjoy movies and video files on any Windows desktop or laptop PC.
One of the main complaints about Vista Media Center is its lack of native Blu-ray support, relying on awkward third party software. Cyberlink currently has a plugin for Media Center that is OEM only. Supposedly it is sufficient but not seemless. Arcsoft also has made some strides with its Total Media Theater, which integrates somewhat into Media Center. Native Blu-ray support is not expected in Windows 7 so I guess this is Microsoft’s next best option.
Cyberlink has to constantly update its software to stay current with the frequently changing DRM schemes on Blu-ray. Maybe this is Microsoft’s way of avoiding the DRM (and Java) issues of Blu-ray.
Source: Chris Lanier’s Blog
Fri, Jan 9, 2009
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