Far from being just office workhorses, computers are also great as media systems – especially if you use an excellent software tool as PowerDVD.

This full featured DVD player enables you to enjoy your favorite DVD movies and video files right on your computer, with all the extra functionality you would expect from a high-quality player. PowerDVD features a sleek interface you can customize with skins and includes direct access to MoovieLive, an online movie database that helps you categorize all the titles in your collection and access movie reviews online.

PowerDVD is generally very easy to use. Most of the program's functions can be performed with the mouse or their corresponding keyboard hotkey, and there's also a comprehensive context menu that gives you access to even more options by just right-clicking anywhere on the image.

Regarding playback, the movie flows very smoothly even when you move PowerDVD's window around or play it in fullscreen mode. Image quality has been improved thanks to the special TrueTheater filters which provide pixel-perfect images and make the most out of your HD visual equipment. This new version ALSO includes the innovative TrueTheater 3D, a special filter that can transform your DVDs into 3D movies like the ones in cinemas everywhere. The 3D effect obviously only works if you have a 3D-capable display.

Sound in PowerDVD can be configured in different ways, depending on your hardware (from headphones to a full stereo surround system) in order to obtain the best possible sound quality. TrueTheater Noise Reduction also makes sure you get the clearest sound possible.

During our tests we found some outstanding features in PowerDVD: you can change playing speed, take snapshots of your favorite scenes in the movie and have a particular scene or sentence repeated over and over again with the "Say it again" and the "AB Repeat" tools. This may be useful for foreign language students who watch movies to improve their listening skills. Other interesting features in PowerDVD are the possibility to share video files on YouTube and support for video bookmarks.

PowerDVD is then a perfect solution for your all DVD playing needs: a powerful video player with interesting features, yet easy enough for everyone to use.