Software for viewing Blu-Ray DVD on a PC?

[jimmyjazz]

My computer's internal DVD drive munched a CD yesterday, so I bought an LG Blu-Ray & HD DVD player to replace it. What are my options as far as media players that will handle high-def DVDs?

 

[rage-a-holic]

PowerDVD, Arcsoft Media Center or Nero Showtime. Most people use PowerDVD.

 

[Anastasis]

I just picked up a BD player and am looking at the software as well. Rage pretty much nailed all the options. Add also WinDVD. PowerDVD seems to get the most discussion, but Arcsoft seems pretty good as well. I am going to stick with the OEM software that came with my player for now until I can convince myself to spend $100 on the full version. The OEM software is crippled to use on 2CH sound. ******* hacks.

PSA: LiteOn 401S for $109 at Fry's, marked down from $179.

 

[jimmyjazz]

What are the interconnect options to get multi-channel out if I buy the right software? I didn't really think this through all that well! I have USB and Firewire outs, but I don't know if they can deliver multi-channel sound.

 

[rage-a-holic]

What kind of multi channel out are you looking to do? It really depends on the inputs on your receiver.

 

[Anastasis]

In reply to:

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[jimmyjazz]

If I'm reading my manual correctly -- always a dicey proposition -- I have SPDIF outputs in two formats, optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial (RCA). Would either work? I think the receiver I'm using to switch video sources and run surround channels has optical inputs, so I suppose I'd go optical. It will be an expensive cable, though, because the computer is probably 20 feet from the receiver.

 

[Anastasis]

That should do it jj. Either (the optical or the coax) will work fine, just use whatever input you have open on the receiver. I run coax from my computer to my receiver, mostly because I was too cheap to buy another optical line. Be sure to activate the SP/DIF output in PowerDVD. You might need to put AC3filter (a freeware program) on there as well to get audio over SP/DIF for other programs.

 

[Anastasis]

BTW, what CPU and video card do you have in this computer?

 

[jimmyjazz]

It's an ABIT IP35 Pro 775 motherboard (Q6600 processor) with a Gigabyte Radeon HD2600PRO video card. Does any of that matter?

 

[Anastasis]

No, with the Q6600 and that videocard you will be just fine. That thing could run the space shuttle. Don't think you'll have a problem with bluray.