Windows can't play Blu-ray movies on its own, so how do you watch your discs on a PC? CyberLink PowerDVD plays Blu-rays, DVDs and digital media in one home-theater player, with TV casting and real-time picture and sound processing. CyberLink PowerDVD also organizes a personal media library and plays YouTube content.
Disc playback and menus
PowerDVD plays licensed Blu-ray and DVD discs, including their menus and chapter navigation. A compatible optical drive is needed for disc playback. Surround sound is covered too: Dolby and DTS formats, including DTS-HD and high-resolution 7.1 audio when the disc and speakers support it.
Digital media library
Videos, photos and music stored on the PC can be gathered in the media library. Common containers such as MP4, MKV, MOV and AVI play, along with modern codecs like HEVC, VP9 and AV1. The player also handles 4K and 8K video, plus HDR10 file playback.
- Browse and play files from the library or open media directly.
- Play YouTube content and cast media to a TV.
- Use TV Mode for a viewing interface suited to a television screen.
TrueTheater and karaoke
TrueTheater applies real-time image and audio processing during playback. Video Super Resolution upscales supported SD or HD video, while Frame Interpolation smooths motion on compatible hardware. These enhancements are also available when casting to a TV.
Instant Karaoke removes vocals from songs in a media library or from YouTube content. Pitch shifting and separate vocal and music volume controls let listeners adjust the backing track; mixes can be exported.
Pros
- Licensed Blu-ray and DVD disc playback with menus and chapters
- Handles MKV, MP4 and modern codecs such as HEVC and AV1
- TrueTheater picture and audio processing
- Vocal removal, pitch shifting, and karaoke audio mixing
Cons
- Video Super Resolution and Frame Interpolation need supported graphics hardware
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only
What do I need to play a Blu-ray disc?
Use a compatible Blu-ray drive and insert the disc. PowerDVD supports licensed Blu-ray playback, including disc menus and chapters.
Can PowerDVD play videos stored on the computer?
Yes. It plays files stored on the PC, including MKV, MP4 and HEVC or AV1 video, and keeps them organized in its library.
How does Instant Karaoke work?
It removes vocals from songs in the library or YouTube content. Pitch shift and vocal and music volume controls adjust the mix, which can then be exported.