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Cyberlink Power DVD 6

The interface is similar, but the power, elegance and image quality are even better!

Cyberlink Power DVD

Version 6

System Requirements

Operating System

Windows XP, 2000, ME, or 98SE

Screen Resolution

1024 x 768 or 1280 x 1024

Screen Ratio

4:3 or wide-screen

Processor

Pentium 4 1.6 GHz, Pentium M 1.0 GHz, or AMD Athlon 1.2 GHz or above*

Memory

128 MB RAM

Hard Disk Space

60 MB

Graphics Card

AGP or PCI Express graphic accelerator with DirectDraw Overly Support

Sound Card

PCI sound card or on-board audio

Optical Drive

DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo, DVD-R/RW, DVD+RW or DVD-RAM drive with 1394, ATAPI, SCSI, USB 2.0 or Card Bus interface

New  Features in version 6

New in version 6 

Video Technologies and Standards

·    CLEV-2

·    Smart Video De-Interlacing

·    DivX Pro

·    High-Definition Video

Audio Technologies and Standards

·    High-Definition Audio

·    CLMEI-2

·    CyberLink Headphone

·    CyberLink Virtual Surround

·    Dolby Pro Logic IIx

Playback Features

·    Audio Visualizations

·    Audio Pitch Scaling

·    Audio Equalizer Presets

·    External Subtitles

Expandability

·    H.264 Pack

·    Mobility Pack

·    InterActual Pack

Review 

It seems that as we approach the year’s end, more and more software makers are out with new and improved versions of their respective titles.  This time around, Cyberlink is out with a new product, and the results are what you would expect, solid. 

The arena of DVD players for the PC is for the most part a choice between Intervideo’s offering and Cyberlink’s.  While in the past there were subtle differences in video image quality, with the release of Cyberlink’s version 6, all of that is pretty much history. While I think there is a degree of sharpness in Cyberlink’s offering, the differences between the two in real quality is so small as to be irrelevant. But don’t take just from me. According to other “pundits” on the net, the general consensus is that the video quality is excellent for both players.

To discern the quality differences between the two players is a hard one. But over all, Cyberlink’s new Clemi2 is a marvel and the program is nothing if not fast. There is little lag in the screen.  I have also noticed that Cyberlink seems to a bit more confident and in some cases less “jittery.” Screen refresh fast, and the player has a nice feature set. 

The big changes with Cyberlink’s latest release is that much of the technology that was licensed out is now in house.  In terms of quality and actual performance, there is little to discern either method. With version six, over all the quality is very high. 

A big new feature is enhanced support for mobile computer users. Built into the program is the ability to be more energy efficient for lap top users. This is not a feature that Cyberlink is making a hug effort to push, but it is one that distinguishes it from the pack. 

The big differences in video features is that Intervideo offers a bit more customization. This includes special effects that maybe of interest to some, but in real life viewing situations may not be all that essential.  While Cyberlink lacks to speciality filters, for the most part, most users will not really miss them. 

When it comes to capturing images, Cyberlink now has the same functionality that was long incorporated into Intervideo.  Images can be captured, saved as files, or saved to the clipboard and even converted into desktop wallpaper. 

Cyberlink’s latest comes in two flavors, standard and deluxe. The version with all of the bells and whistles rings in at $ 69.95 and the more basic model comes in at $ 49.95. Either way, Cyberlink has produced a much more refined product this time out. 

Summation 

Offering more skins, an even easier to handle interface, and a great new set of sound enhancements, Cyberlink is now able to stand toe to toe to Intervideo, which has had a bit of an edge over Cyberlink’s offering. With quality and performance issues taken into consideration, Cyberlink does have a faster start up, a more response performance and visual quality that make it a stand out player.  

While you can certainly enjoy watching DVD’s on more basic filters, the customizations that this program allows can make watching a poor produced DVD into a more enjoyable experience. The sound optimizations, video quality and clean interface design make version Six a real winner.