This easy to use media player can also stream videos directly from youtube in mini view, or download them for offline viewing. The new Cyberlink PowerDVD has improved its compatibility with streaming platforms and now can play 4K HDR or 360˚ videos from Youtube or Vimeo. There’s also the option to always keep the player on top of other apps or programs, and show each file’s technical information (format, audio channels, duration, etc).
Add markers, play movies with primary and secondary subtitles, play media in karaoke mode, convert 2D formats to 3D, use the frame capture function, shuffle media, and play media in full screen. On top of all that, PowerDVD includes practically every possible playback option. For example, you can view media in chronological order or organize your music by artist, album or song. Upload content to the media library and it will be efficiently organized. Play physical DVDs or Blu-ray disks from the program’s library, with the option of downloading the cover image, accessing reviews of movies or tv series, and, if the program is closed in the middle of playing media, resuming playback from where you left off. PowerDVD can play or view media in almost any format, from the most popular to the very obscure and specialized, so you can enjoy your entire media library, from video files, movies, and tv series, to audio files and images, from this one program. Since this change corrects the main shortcoming I identified in the original version of the PowerDirector 8, I now have no hesitation in recommending the program.Cyberlink PowerDVD just keeps getting better and better with every new version and is now one of the best programs available not only for playing physical DVDs but also for organizing and playing almost any multimedia file. Cyberlink sent me the latest version of PowerDirector 8, and all work areas are resized with the main window so that all controls are visible at all times. Update: When a company keeps its word, I think you should know about it. Upgrades cost $60 for current retail owners and $70 for OEM owners your decision to move up to the latest edition should depend on your need for video enhancements, extra tracks, and particle FX–the usability improvements, while nice, aren’t worth it. PowerDirector 8’s excellent price-to-power ratio is undeniable, so if you aren’t bothered by having to work in full-screen mode, go for it. You also get a new particle FX library for overlaying such elements as snow falling. Welcome new features include TrueTheater HD up-sampling, video stabilization, audio and video denoise tools, motion frame interpolation, three music tracks (up from one in version 7), and nine picture-in-picture tracks (up from six). Version 8 also reworks the ‘Create disc’ pane so that you can view the content of the disc–and the menu structure–in tree-diagram form.
Formerly presented over a series of three step-through dialog boxes, all options now appear on a single page that fills the main window. Cyberlink nicely revamped the Produce window (where you select the output format and the location) as well. I was pleased with the newly resizable panes for Media (where you add files), Preview (where you watch your movie), and Timeline (where you assemble the movie) in version 8’s Edit window. Since I like to multitask, these drawbacks have begun to grate on me a bit.
On the other hand, the upgrade fixes none of the previous version’s interface faults, such as its tendency to obscure tools when you run the program at less than full-screen. This latest version of the program introduces a number of usability improvements and new features, most compellingly the TrueTheater video correction and enhancement tool. PowerDirector 8 Ultra is a powerful video editor, and its interface is stylish and friendly–when you work with it in full-screen mode.