For how long will WinDVD11 be able to play BluRay Movies?

[carterhawk]

I just found out that PowerDVD9 will not play most titles released after June 2011 and the only fix is to spend $55+ on an update to powerdvd11 (likely something to do with the encryption keys needing updating and cyberlink seeing this as a good way to gouge customers). Is this also the way things are for users of older windvd versions or does the corel actually keep *all* their blu-ray playing products up to date enough to play all titles released in this format? I can only imagine that if phillips or sony released a hardware blu-ray player that stopped working after 2 years through no fault of the user or hardware, there would be an uprising by consumers the world over at such scummy practices.

So...please tell me there is hope.

[lesterf1020]

It is the same with WINDVD. My copy of WinDVD9 will not support the latest blu-ray's. I think your analogy is a little off though. PowerDVD9 will still play Bluray's just not the most recent ones. It's not like it stopped working after 2 years. I don't think there is anyway to predict how long Corel will support Windvd11. It will depend on how they handle their product cycle.

The bottom line for a manufacturer is how long should they support a product that is not bringing in any more revenue. Five years from now should they still be supporting PowerDVD9 as well as maybe 6 other more recent products with updates even though they will only be getting revenue from their latest product? How many versions they support and for how long and at what cost is a decision for each software vendor to make. I wish you well finding a vendor that will support all versions of their software with blu-ray updates indefinitely in a timely manner. Please report back here should you find one. I would be most interested in trying out their product.

[teknisyan]

WinDVD 11 as well as old version of WinDVD will be able to play new BD movies as long as you update the AACS key. Advanced Access Content System (AACS) is an industry requirement designed to protect Blu-ray Disc® contents. For enhanced security, the AACS Key for your WinDVD® Blu-ray player requires updating every 18 months. If you see the message "The AACS Key will expire soon" or "The AACS Key has expired, you may not be able to playback some titles", it's time to get the latest AACS Key to continue enjoying your Blu-ray Disc movies.

Detailed information in updating your AACS key can be found here http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/ ... 4155336055

[davinleeds]

I just found out that PowerDVD9 will not play most titles released after June 2011 and the only fix is to spend $55+ on an update to powerdvd11 (likely something to do with the encryption keys needing updating and cyberlink seeing this as a good way to gouge customers). Is this also the way things are for users of older windvd versions or does the corel actually keep *all* their blu-ray playing products up to date enough to play all titles released in this format? I can only imagine that if phillips or sony released a hardware blu-ray player that stopped working after 2 years through no fault of the user or hardware, there would be an uprising by consumers the world over at such scummy practices.

So...please tell me there is hope.

Stand alone players need updating too. Some do it well, as the PS3. Many are angry over AACS requirements but updating is a fact of hardware and software BD players.