Review by Michael and Julie

Honestly, I only use PowerDVD for its capabilities as a DVD/video player. The ability to control it remotely would be of use to people using their computer as an HTPC (home theater PC), which is not something I do. The ability to organize photos, music, and video would be of use if you don’t already have them organized under another program, or (for photos) if it had Lightroom-type cataloging capabilities. The online storage would be of use if you don’t mind paying for it after the first year, but if you’re not willing to pay, it’s not worth the bother.

HOWEVER, for those of you planning to take advantage of the free Windows 10 upgrade, you should be aware that Windows 10 does not come with the capability to play DVDs. It makes sense that Microsoft would not want to pay DVD codec royalties for every copy of the OS it’s giving away for free. The point is that you need Cyberlink PowerDVD or something like it for Windows 10. I’ve been using Cyberlink PowerDVD for years (in the past, bundled with my Dell and Alienware computers) and am satisfied with it.

Bottom line: You’re probably going to need this or something like it if you’re upgrading to Windows 10. Cyberlink PowerDVD has been around for quite a while and should work fine for you. You may not need the Ultra version, however, so be aware that although it does what it says it does, it’s not any better at managing your music than, say, iTunes, and the same goes for managing photos, videos, etc.