PowerDVD Ultra 10 bring 3D Blu-ray to HTPC fans
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted March 18th 2010 8:35PM
posted March 18th 2010 8:35PM
Never wanting to be a step behind the stand alone Blu-ray players, Cyberlink just released the latest version of PowerDVD that adds a few nice features including support for 3D Blu-ray Discs (Update: at least, it will, when the Mark II upgrade arrives in a few months.) Now of course you'll still need a 3DTV and a video card that supports stereoscopic output -- which are actually pretty common -- and of course a 3D Blu-ray Disc. The last might be the toughest to come by though as none have reached retail shelves by themselves yet. Both Samsung and Panasonic are including 3D Blu-ray Discs with their 3D bundles, but that isn't much help to HTPC fans who might already have a 3D display. Assuming you have everything else, the $99 for the Ultra 3D version shouldn't be too hard to swallow but if you still aren't sure, you can try it out the 14 day trial before you buy.
There are stand alone Blu-ray players selling for less. They may not be 3D, but it's not too far off.
The value equation does not favor this software. Add in the time investment required to setup and maintain an HTPC, and it does not make sense.
I say this as the owner of a Blu-ray equipped HTPC. For my next HTPC, I'm going to skip Blu-ray and just equip it for playing internet content, NAS content, and iTunes, and leave the Blu-ray to a stand-alone player.
Did anyone buy or try this? Would like to know if they changed or improved the media center plugin. Thx carry on.
@Sonic Death Monkey
I have it installed, the Media Center player looks the same.
@BenD
Cool, let us know if you find any compelling reason to go from 9 to 10. Not interested in 3D or the social networking features. Looking for MC user experience, PQ, and performance benefits.