TMT5 vs PDVD11 or recommeded freeSW/cheapSW – newbie to Blu-ray

[geohec]

I recently decided to add a LG Blu-ray ROM drive (OEM) to my HTPC setup, so I need some software. 

My existing HTPC setup includes W7MC with Video out is via HDMI to my Sony 55″.  Audio out is to my old 5.1 receiver via fiber.

At this time, I only have a couple blu-ray movies that came with the purchase of my TV, but  I plan to expand.   Most of my collection is a mix of DVD and ripped DVD’s (VOB, IFO format).   I don’t have any plans to rip BD to a BDMV format right now.   I just want to watch Blu-ray disks that I buy or rent from netflix/redbox.    I’d be great if I could watch through W7MC for easy integration but not a requirement since we typically only watch one or two movies a week.

I read over both reviews of TMT5 and PDVD11.   It seems like the TMT5 integration is a little more seamless, but PDVD is fine.   Both are expensive and do much more than I need.  Upscaling my old DVD’s would be great if it truly works.  I don’t mind spending a little but $100 bucks is steep (when you can buy a player for that much).

Is there an inexpensive Blu-ray SW option that can do what I need that people recommend.      

Any help would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks in advance! 

[Aaron Ledger]

You should take a look at WinDVD. It is less expensive than PDVD and TMT and sounds like it will serve your needs.

You should use the 30-day trials of all three software packages so you can give them a spin. You’ll also get 90 days of free BD playback 🙂 .

[babgvant]

Be on the look out for coupons as well, they are always running promotions where you can pick it up for $50-$60.

[htpc_user]

[quote=Aaron Ledger]

You should take a look at WinDVD. It is less expensive than PDVD and TMT and sounds like it will serve your needs.

You should use the 30-day trials of all three software packages so you can give them a spin. You’ll also get 90 days of free BD playback 🙂 .[/quote]

I might be wrong but I don’t think any of them allow bluray playback in their trials.  I’m pretty sure PDVD doesn’t, and I know WinDVD doesn’t.  Only one I’m not 100% sure about is TMT.

[geohec]

Thanks for the advice.   I’ll look for the coupons.  Currently, PDVD11 and WinDVD pro 11 are both about $80.  

If the price remains the same, would you recommend one over the other with regards to being stable at playing Blu-ray movies.   Stability is big for me.  

I was really on the fence about dropping money into a BR ROM drive for my HTPC since I’ve read so many people complain about stability with Blu-ray movies.   Especially since you can buy a decent player for about the same price as a drive + SW.  But like many others here, we’re always on the look out for easy integration and HTPC utopia.

I’ll try out the 3 SW’s for 90 days and hope the price comes down on one.  $50 or less would be nice.

Thanks again for the info. 

[geohec]

[quote=htpc_user]

[quote=Aaron Ledger]

You should take a look at WinDVD. It is less expensive than PDVD and TMT and sounds like it will serve your needs.

You should use the 30-day trials of all three software packages so you can give them a spin. You’ll also get 90 days of free BD playback 🙂 .[/quote]

I might be wrong but I don’t think any of them allow bluray playback in their trials.  I’m pretty sure PDVD doesn’t, and I know WinDVD doesn’t.  Only one I’m not 100% sure about is TMT.

[/quote]

 

Yikes

The drive I purchased is on UPS truck due Monday.   I’ll report whether it’s able to play BR disks or not.   If the trials don’t offer Blu-ray playback then they’re really shooting themselves in the foot.   I’ll cross my fingers.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Oingofan]

They have such promotions with TMT?  If so, where is normally a good place to look?  thx!

[Aaron Ledger]

The TMT promos typically occur around various holidays. They are often posted in our Hot Deals forums or if you visit the ArcSoft web site, you will also find them.

[Author]

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