Reviewed by Harry Eaton.
WinDVD® 8, the latest release of the software DVD player favored by 175 million users worldwide. WinDVD 8 takes video and audio playback to the next generation with Windows® Vista compatibility. Offering an unprecedented list of new and expanded features, the new version delivers t he smooth, crystal-clear video and rich surround sound users have come to expect from WinDVD.
Desktop -
No format worries.
Play movies or video clips in all popular formats.
Enjoy virtual surround sound from just two speakers, or headphones.
Match the color of the player with your desktop theme.
Instantly pause and hide your movie with the Boss Key!
Laptop -
Play video clips or DVDs on the go.
Optimize battery life with power-saving features.
Adjust screen brightness for best viewing in any environment.
Smoothly speed up playback to match your flight time with TimeStretch - so you don't miss the ending!!
Home Cinema -
The Windows Media Center era is here.
Watch DVDs or video files on your big-screen HDTV with immersive surround sound.
Customize playback with rich audio and video effects.
Stream content through UPnP home networks.
Upgrade to HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc support with a separate plug-in.
"With the advent of the Windows Vista era, being able to use a single software solution to play all DVD/video/audio in multiple formats simplifies our customers’ digital lifestyle," said Steve Ro, CEO and President of InterVideo. "People are eager to adopt next-generation technologies like H.264, VC1 or the UPnP ability in the new Windows Vista OS, and WinDVD 8 provides this path. WinDVD users worldwide can always get the most out of their current systems. Now, WinDVD 8 users can also leverage the enhanced multimedia features and capabilities of Windows Vista."
Top Video Technologies - Intel® Clear Video™, nVidia® PureVideo™, TrimensionDNM video processing
Video Effects - Customize and improve the look of your film with Cinema Enhancement, Old Film, Sharpness, deinterlacing, and more!
SmartStretch - Stretch your 4:3 home movies to widescreen! Fills your widescreen TV when viewing 4:3 movies, by intelligently stretching only the edges of the video and maintaining the center portion of the image.
Audio Effects - Put yourself in a Broadway theater, or select "Midnight" audio setting so you don't bother the neighbors. Set up speakers or headphones just the way you like!
WinDVD 8 is available in two versions. WinDVD 8 Platinum will appeal to power users who want the latest audio/video technologies, such as H.264 and VC1 support, and the ability to integrate with the Media Center and UPnP home networking. WinDVD 8 Gold is designed for movie lovers and business travelers who just want an easy way to enjoy high-quality movie playback. Both versions are Windows Vista-compatible.
Feature Comparison
Features |
WinDVD 8
Gold |
WinDVD 8
Platinum |
WinDVD 7
Gold |
WinDVD 7
Platinum |
nVIDIA Purevideo HD |
New |
New |
Purevideo |
Intel Clear Video |
New |
New |
|
|
Dolby Pro Logic IIx |
|
New |
Pro Logic II |
UPnP Media Server |
Client |
New |
|
Client |
Color Themes |
New |
New |
|
|
Boss Key |
New |
New |
|
|
High Definition File Playback (1080i, 720p) |
H.264 |
|
New |
|
|
VC1 |
|
New |
|
|
HDV |
|
New |
|
|
WMV-HD |
|
New |
|
|
MPEG-2 HDTV (Transport Stream) |
|
New |
|
|
File/Media support |
MPEG4 AVC/H.264 file playback |
|
X |
|
X |
3gpp/3gpp2 file playback |
Video only |
X |
Video only |
X |
Video Technology |
DivX file playback |
X |
X |
X |
X |
DivX subtitle support and adjustment |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Audio Technology |
Dolby Digital 2-channel |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Dolby Digital EX 6.1/7.1 |
|
X |
|
X |
Dolby Headphone |
X |
X |
|
X |
Dolby Virtual Speaker |
X |
X |
|
X |
DTS 2-channel |
|
X |
|
X |
|
|
Universal Player
A universal player, the Platinum version can be used to play back the latest high-definition file formats, such as MPEG2-HD, VC-1, WMV-HD and H.264 HD, as well as all the standard-definition formats like MPEG-4, Real®, QuickTime and WMV (Windows Media Video). WinDVD 8 also extends its support for DivX® multimedia technology to deliver high-quality interactive video.
The Latest in High-Definition Video:
H.264, VC-1, HDV, MPEG 2 HD (1080i & 720p), WMV-HD
 The Widest Range in Standard Definition Video:
DVD-Video, DivX® 6 Pro, Real® Player, 3GPP, QuickTime®, Windows Media, AVI, MPEG 4
 The Most Dynamic Audio:
Dolby® Digital EX, Dolby® Pro Logic IIx, Dolby® Headphone, DTS 2.0, WAV, WMA, MP3, MPEG-4,non-protected iTunes
 Top Technologies:
UPnP Client and Server, IVI Hall Effect, IVI Headphone Surround.
 HD DVD and Blu-ray Playback Support
Can be purchased separately |
UPnP Client and Server
Now WinDVD 8 Platinum supports UPnP home networks as Server or Client. Installing the UPnP Server that comes with WinDVD 8 Platinum, you can set up folders, set permissions, and make content available through the network. The Client plays back content from other UPnP-certified devices within a network. Both WinDVD 8 Gold and Platinum versions can serve as UPnP Client and work with other UPnP Servers available on the market.
Multi-threaded & Mobility
WinDVD 8 supports Intel® Core2 Duo, allowing multitasking while playing back high-definition video/audio formats. WinDVD 8 also features Mobile Technology, which helps users extend the battery life and playback time of mobile PCs based on Intel Centrino processors.
Fun-to-use Tools
Like the previous versions, WinDVD 8 is also enhanced with the fun-to-use tools. Hitting the Boss Key instantly pauses and hides the player. WinDVD 8 also allows choosing color themes so users can personalize the look of the player to match their mood or desktop. Fun features such as "Let Night" or "Broadway" audio effects and QuickClip 2 for capturing video to save in GIF format are also provided.
Go High-Def
As more and more high-definition Blu-ray and HD DVD discs are entering the market, InterVideo, as the technology leader in video and audio decoding, has complied with all the requirements for playing back these advanced disc formats in full, high-definition quality. WinDVD was selected as the player of choice for OEM customers like Sony and Toshiba, bundling the HD version with their first-to-market HD DVD and Blu-ray-capable PCs.
Users who buy WinDVD 8 Gold or Platinum can get HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc Playback functionality by purchasing the HD Upgrade Pack, available separately from www.intervideo.com.
Pricing and Availability
WinDVD 8 can be used with desktop and laptop computers running Windows® XP and Windows Vista. WinDVD 8 Gold, the standard consumer edition, and WinDVD 8 Platinum, InterVideo's high-end version, is available at InterVideo's web site at www.intervideo.com and will be at retail outlets.
The suggested list prices are $39.95 for WinDVD 8 Gold and $59.95 WinDVD 8 Platinum. Upgrades for current licensed WinDVD users will also be available on the InterVideo Trial versions are also available at www.intervideo.com
InterVideo
46430 Fremont Blvd,
Fremont, CA. U.S.A.
Phone 510-651-0888,
Website: www.intervideo.com.
 Spellbinding Video and Audio Quality
- Top Video Technologies
Intel® Clear Video™ and nVidia® Pure Video™ graphics acceleration for the ultimate in High-Definition Playback.
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Support
Multitask and still enjoy smooth video with the latest Intel® chips.
- TrimensionDNM Advanced
Experience crisp, judder-free video with Digital Natural Motion, the most advanced motion video technology.
- Cinematic effect
Provides a more "film look" playback.
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 Great Audio Features
- Superior Audio Center
WinDVD 8 provides a centralized audio controller which incorporates all the great audio features. It includes support for Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Headphone, Dolby® Virtual Speaker, DTS® Digital Surround Sound and SRS® TruSurround XT for a full, immersive listening experience.
- Speaker Control
Adjust the sound balance of your speakers and get the best out of your digital home entertainment experience.
- SRS audio technologies
The SRS audio technologies in WinDVD 8 enhance the dialog quality of a movie or the rich bass tones of your music.
- 96 kHz/24 Bit Audio Decoding
WinDVD takes care of the audiophiles out there by supporting 96 kHz/24 bit audio decoding.
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- IVHP (InterVideo Headphone)
Experience superior surround sound with InterVideo’s IHP technology, offering a virtual surround sound effect on standard headphones.
- InterVideo Hall Effect
WinDVD 8 Platinum has presets for three types of "audio spaces": Sydney Theater, Chicago Theater and New York Theater. Users can further adjust the room size and audio warmth for a personalized listening environment.
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 Universal Format Support
The Latest in Video formats
Play HD or standard definition video encoded in any of a range of formats, recorded from HDTV, camcorder, or downloaded from the Web.
- Standard Definition Video
Play your video clips in any of the standard-definition formats, including DVD-Video, DivX®, Real® Player, 3GPP, QuickTime®, Windows Media, AVI, MPEG 4.
- H.264 Support
WinDVD 8 Platinum supports H.264, the next-generation disc standard. This provides the most efficient encoding of standard as well as High-Definition video.
- 3GPP/3GPP2 File Format Support
Preview the video you captured from your mobile phone, or clips that were sent to you!
- HDTV Support
WinDVD 8 can navigate and decode MPEG2 Transport Stream video so users can watch captured HDTV programs. WinDVD 8 also provides navigation tools so users can easily select content to view.
- Subtitle Control
Watch downloaded AVI, WMV, or DivX file with external subtitle files. These files are typically downloaded separately, and WinDVD 8 not only merges the subtitle file with the movie, but allows you to adjust the placement, subtitle color and size.
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The Most Dynamic Audio
Bask in glorious sound with support for Dolby®, DTS and SRS Technologies
- Dolby Digital EX
WinDVD allows you to enjoy the highest quality audio by expanding 5.1 channel sources to up-to 8 Channel (7.1) speaker systems.
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Takes 2-channel (stereo) audio from movies and music and transforms it into 5.1 channel surround sound that you can pipe through your home theater set up. Choose Movie or Music modes to optimize your listening experience.
- Dolby Virtual Speakers
Dolby Virtual Speaker technology uses an advanced psychoacoustics algorithm to create a compelling 5.1 surround sound environment using two speakers only.
- Dolby Headphone
Combines 5.1 surround signals to create a vivid surround sound environment on standard headphones.
- DTS 2.0 Audio
Support 2-channel digital sound for titles with DTS technology.
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 Fun Extras
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- LanguageMate™
Use LanguageMate to help learn new languages or refresh old skills. Watch a movie in a foreign language and repeat sentences and phrases to practice.
- Pan and Zoom
WinDVD Platinum 5 lets you click and drag to pan across or zoom in on any part of the screen to get a closer look. Pan and Zoom are also ideal for optimizing playback for a wide-screen display.
- UPnP Client and Server
Now WinDVD 8 Platinum supports UPnP home networks both as a Server or a Client. Set up content in folders, set permissions, and make available through the network. Client plays back content from other UPnP-certified devices within a system.
- MyPlayback
Create your own playlists with audio tracks or video files from DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs and CDs. Bookmark favorite spots and save them as a file (.bmk) for later, or export to a friend.
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