Customer Reviews

ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre 3 Platinum with SimHD

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For one, there's no way to disable it from going into Windows Basic colour scheme. I know its required because it uses its own colour settings but it just slows everything down, disables my Aero settings and makes my Windows 7 taskbar inactive (no preview panes)

Secondly there's very limited aspect ratio choices, only the default option or Stretch. Even freeware players like Media Player Classic have an option to zoom in as little or as much as you want.

Thirdly, SimHD is a waste of money (if you bought it digitally as addon DLC). The improvements are sometimes worse than before (too much sharpness), the image comparisons are falsely advertised and weaker than your standalone HDMI upscale DVD player

Fourthly (is that a word?), you cannot bookmark blurays. It really sucks as some companies like Universal have their own crummy built-in system which is actually a pain to use as the menus slide in & out. I find scene selections far too slow as they feel compelled to animate every single thing just because they can. Other blurays just don't support bookmarks/resume at all

Aside from these minor quibbles its still leaps and bounds over PowerDVD (any of their versions from the past 5 years, they're all crap with more bloatware for each new release - just like Nero. They were once king of their domain but now they're worthless and never listen to feedback).

The UI in TotalMedia is very professional and easy to use. Notifications of updates/promotions are done by a simple blinking 'E' button along the top bar. No nasty popups upon starting (ala PowerDVD) and if you click on it once the blinking stops - it doesn't persist you with confirmation if you're not interested.

Highly recommended! Although TotalMedia 5 is out now I still prefer 3 as it has a better looking UI and I'm not interested in 3D

Amazon doesn't and neither do most stores, have Arcsoft's totatlmedia theatre 5 in, those that due are not cheaper and with Arcsoft's occasional 30% off codes sometimes there way more expensive.

SO my question is: what have they changed or improved from Arcsoft TMT3 to 5?

Using on a computer with Windows 7 64 Pro, i5 750, 8 GB RAM, GTX 460 1 GB, and an Asus p55 motherboard. Installed it, updated it, restarted computer, and it plays BluRay without any issues. I chose this software because it doesn't invade the registry as much as Cyberlink, and reviews I found around the internet rate it as better than Cyberlink and Corel's offerings. The "remote" took some getting used to, but I find it more precise than a mouse. My only complaint is how expensive the software is considering that version five is available for sale at Arcsoft's website. I hope Arcsoft doesn't stop providing software updates for this product, as BluRay manufacturers continue to increase disc security to combat pirates, who have no problems getting around the increased security that only manages to trip up genuine consumers.

In summary:

Pros: Works, customizable interface, hasn't tried to insinuate itself into Start-up programs, and does not go behind user's back to update.

Cons: Old version, expensive, and forces computer into basic Aero when playing movies.

It's fine for now, but I am counting the days until VLC manages to release a free BluRay playback solution.

I have had many problems with another brand of Blu-ray software and decided to try this brand. Seeing this on sale for half price I thought I would try it.

Installed on a machine running Vista and put in a Blu-ray. It took off and played without any problems. But the software told me I needed an update so I applied the patch-BIG MISTAKE.

After the patch the software would not play a disk again. Overpriced for player software that only works once.

Too many problems - lockups, freezes, audio problems, required reboots to start working again.

Used with Windows 7 x64 on an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (3.0 GHz), 4GB RAM, Gigabyte P35-DS4 motherboard, and ATI 5450 graphics card with 512MB video memory.

I would stay away. I'm getting a dedicated Blu-ray player.

UPDATE: I got a dedicated Blu-ray player and it just works! No hassles and no trouble outputting 24 frames per second for Blu-ray movies.