DVD-ROM and DVD software

[Skywalker93]

Im thinking of getting a DVD drive for my computer, and I see that some come bundled with software, whereas some are OEM and come with drive only and you have to buy the software separately. Does ALL DVD software work with ALL DVD-roms? Or do you have to have something proprietary for each drive?

[Silverman]

Demo versions of WINDVD and POWER DVD are readily available for download from the manufacturers try it before you buy it type of deal where they may function for 10 days or whatever and then they will not function until you purchase it.

[cc_penguin]

Silverman has a good idea, to dl, but...most of the trials I have come across are limited to the time that you can watch the video (you only get from 6 to 10 minutes before the program shuts itself off) Most software will work with any dvd drive. One thing to check is to see what will work with your video card....If your looking to purchase dvd software, I personally like WinDVD, PowerDVD is a decent player as well. PowerDVD is available at NewEGG for 6.00....

[AlienDyne]

I use the latest version of AsusDVD and I'm happy with it. It's similar to PowerDVD but it seems to provide better performance.

Yes, almost every DVD player software supports each DVD unit.

[cookin chef]

Sometimes depending on your videocard, it will come with dvd software. For ex) if you bought an Ati radeon 8500 in a retail box, it will have dvd software with it meant to work with that card and almost any dvd player.

Check to see if your video card came with one.
If not, then win dvd or power dvd should work as well.

[freddy]

well just a thought , in xp there is a prog called dvdplay (it is xps built in player) this will not run untill u load dvd software,

and guess what ,if u load the demo ver of windvd or power dvd (and turn the autoplay off) ,,,,dvd play works ,,,,,for ever ever ever!!!!