                   ********************************************
                                  PowerDVD 2.55

                   (c) Copyright CyberLink Corp.1997-2000
                   ********************************************

Thank You for using CyberLink's PowerDVD 2.5!

This README file contains the latest information and technical update on PowerDVD. For the
complete PowerDVD guide, please refer to the on-line help or owner's manual.
 
 [1]. General playback performance and quality issues
         1. What's New in PowerDVD 2.5
         2. Enable DVD-ROM DMA to Enhance Playback Performance
         3. Microsoft (tm) DirectShow Support
         4. Display Issues
 [2]. Supporting Hardware Devices
         1. VGA Display Cards
              (a) With Hardware MC (Motion Compensation).
              (b) Without Hardware MC.
         2. Sound Cards/Chipsets
              (a) With S/PDIF
              (b) With Multi-Channels
         3. DVD-ROMs 
         4. Super7 motherboards 
  [3]. Technical Notes
        1. Keep Aspect Ratio
        2. AMD 3D Now! AMD 3D Now! Extension and PentiumIII IA Streaming Extensions (SIMD) Optimization
        3. S/PDIF 5.1-Channels Dolby Digital output
        4. Video Brightness control Limitation
        5. ASPI and SCSI issues
        6. Screen Saver and Power Saving Mode
        7. Super 7 Motherboard Support
         
PLEASE READ THIS FILE IN DETAIL BEFORE STARTING PowerDVD!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
GENERAL PLAYBACK PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY ISSUES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

1.) WHAT'S NEW IN POWERDVD 2.5
==============================
For more details and further explanations of each feature, refer to the user's manual or on-line 
help.

* Multiple user interfaces (skins) which can be selected and downloadable

* Bookmark support

* Chapter viewer support

* Original Video frame size (4:3 or 16:9) capture support 

* Internet access capability (i-Power support)
   Note: Must Install Internet Explorer 4.0 or above

* 48KHz ~ 96KHz/24bits audio output support

* Software alpha blending (sub-picture) support

* Support SiS 300/630 Motion Compensation and alpha blending

* On Screen Display support

* Chapter repeat and title repeat mode support

* Supports more audio devices which provide four speakers output. 

  Sound chips
  . VLSI ThunderBird Q3D
  . Canyon3D

  Sound cards
  . HoonTech SoundTrack AudioDSP24 4, 6 speakers, 96k Hz 24bits

* Wide range of file formats support for playback
    AudioCD Tracks (*.CDA) (Audio CD playback)
    DVD Video object files (*.VOB)
    Dobly AC3 audio files (*.AC3)
    MIDI Audio files (*.MID;*.RMI)
    MPEG 1/2 files (*.MPG;*.MPEG)
    MPEG 1 Audio Layer-2 files (*.MP2)
    MPEG 1 Audio Layer-3 files (*.MP3)  
    MPEG 1 Video files (*.M1V)
    MPEG 2 Video files (*.M2V)    
    Microsoft Waveform audio files (*.WAV)
    Quicktime Movie files (*.MOV;*.QT)
    Windows Media files (*.ASF;*.WM;*.WMA;*.WMV)
    Video for Windows files (*.AVI)
    VideoCD files (*.DAT)

    Note: Media Player must be installed

2.) ENABLE DVD-ROM DMA TO ENHANCE PLAYBACK PERFORMANCE
======================================================
* It is HIGHLY recommended that you enable the DMA option of your DVD-ROM in order to reduce 
CPU loading. Win98 and Win95 OSR2 have built-in support for DMA-enable IDE DVD-ROMs and HDDs. 
A system diagnostic program will automatically be launched after installing PowerDVD to assist 
in activating this option. Since Win95 OSR2 and Win98 contain native support for this feature, 
any other third party bus master dirver is NOT recommended. However, for Win95 retail version 
users, you must have a third party bus master driver installed to enable this option. 
Since old versions of the bus master driver may not properly support new IDE devices, such as 
DVD-ROMs and IDE removable storage mediums, always check the date of the driver and make sure 
you have the latest version of the driver that supports your DVD-ROM.

To identify which version of Win95 you are using, please enter "Control Panel" and click on 
the "System" icon. You'll see a version string with the form "4.00.950.X". Win95 retail version 
has a version string of "4.00.950" or "4.00.950 A".

Sometimes you might find the DMA option is unavailable even if you have OSR2 installed in your 
computer. This is because OSR2 does not recognize the following new Chipsets: Intel 440LX, 440BX, 
and 440EX. Thus the default driver with DMA support is not installed. A patch program from Intel 
named "Intel 82371xB INF Update Installer" can be launched inside the CyberLink system diagnostic 
program to do necessary patches for Intel chipsets. After that, you have to reboot your system 
for OSR2 to find all the new hardware. Then, run the system diagnostic program located in the 
Cyberlink PowerDVD folder to enable the DMA option.

For Win98 users, the aforementioned problems aren't evident since Win98 was released after those 
chipsets were released; thus, Win98 recongnizes all of them. However, for new chipsets, you may 
still have to apply a patch before the DMA mode is available to be activated. 

For chipsets from other vendors, you should find the proper patch programs for OSR2 or Win98 
in your mainboard support disk/CD-ROM or at the vendor's web site.

3.) MICROSOFT (tm) DIRECTSHOW SUPPORT
=====================================
*PowerDVD is now Microsoft (tm) DirectShow complaint. Interactive DVD titles or games can utilize 
PoweDVD DirectShow filters to decode those high resolution MPEG video clips inside the titles or 
games. DirectX Media 6.0 Runtime or later must exist for those filters to work properly and will 
be installed during setup time if necessary.

4.) DISPLAY ISSUES
====================
*Please make sure the DirectDraw driver of your display card is properly installed. Please refer 
to your display cards' manual for detailed instructions. Or you can download/install the latest 
Microsoft(tm) DirectX Runtime to enable this support.

PowerDVD will use theh DirectDraw overlay surface for optimal playback and performance quality
provided that your display card supports it. Most display cards available now support this 
feature. To determine what kind of surface PowerDVD is using, click on the "Configuration" button, 
which has an icon similar to a hammer in the PowerDVD user interface. Select "DVD Information" 
to display the fields "Display Mode" and "Surface Type". If you have a "DDRAW/Overlay" combination, 
the overlay surface is detected by PowerDVD and is utilized. For other combinations, video playback 
operations have to be performed by the specific software depending on your display card's 
limitations or improperly installed driver.

*For optimal DVD video playback, it is recommended not to play DVD video under 640 X 480 desktop 
resolution due to the original video resolution provided by most DVD movie titles set at 720 X 480 
or 704 X 480.

*If you play 16:9 titles under the 800 X 600 desktop resolution, PowerDVD will adjust the 
vertical size of your video window to maintain the correct video aspect-ratio even under full 
screen mode. The result may be scanline-drops since some display cards simply omit scanlines if 
the video window size is smaller than the original video size vertically. You can switch the 
desktop resolution to 1024 X 768 manually before starting PowerDVD to avoid this problem. Under 
this mode, PowerDVD will adjust the horizontal size of your video window rather than the vertical 
size to provide a better viewing experience.

PowerDVD also switches the resolution automatically by prompting users that 16:9 titles have been
detected. You may even specify which resolution you want to switch to for 4:3 and 16:9 titles. 
To configure, click on the "Configuration" button on the PowerDVD user interface, select "Screen"
and set accordingly. This automatic switching feature does not apply to SiS6326 based display 
cards. On some display cards, dynamical resolution switching may cause system misbehavior or 
crashes. You may also disable this feature in the "Configuration" / "Screen" dialogue.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SUPPORTED HARDWARES DEVICES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

1.) Display Cards
=================

 (a) With Hardware MC (Motion Compensation)

       ATI                        http://www.atitech.com
       RagePro
       Rage128
       
       Intel                      http://www.intel.com
       Intel 810

       S3                         http://www.s3.com
       Savage3D
       Savage4

       SiS                        http://www.sis.com.tw
       SiS300
       SiS540
       SiS630

       Trident                    http://www.tridentmicro.com
       Blade3D

       Neomagic                   http://www.neomagic.com
       MagicMedia 256AV
       
       nVidia                     http://www.nvidia.com
       GeForce 256

 (b) Without Hardware MC

       3dfx                       http://www.3dfx.com
       Voodoo3
       BanShee

       3D Labs                    http://www.3dlabs.com
       Permedia2
       Permedia3

       ATI                        http://www.atitech.com
       RageII-C
       
       Intel                      http://www.intel.com
       Intel 740

       nVidia                     http://www.nvidia.com
       Riva 128
       Riva TNT
       Riva TNT2
       Riva TNT2 m64
       Riva TNT2 Ultra

       SiS                        http://www.sis.com.tw
       SiS530

       Trident                    http://www.tridentmicro.com
       8400
       9750
       9850

2.) Sound Cards/Chipsets
========================

 (a) With S/PDIF (also supports multi-channels)

       Aureal                     http://www.aureal.com
       Vortex 8810                ; 4 channels
       Vortex 8830                ; 4 Channels

       CMI                        http://www.cmedia.com.tw
       CMI8338A                   ; 4 Channels
       CMI8738                    ; 4 Channels
       
       Creative Labs              http://www.soundblaster.com
       CT5880                     ; 4 Channels
       ES1373                     ; 2 Channels
       EV1938/1958                ; 2 Channels
       SB Live!                   ; 4 Channels
       SB Live! Platinum          ; 4 Channels

       Crystal                    http://www.crystal.com
       Crystal4624                ; 2 Channels

       ESS                        http://www.canyon3d.com
       Canyon3D                   ; 4/6 Channels

       Realtek                    http://www.realtek.com
       ALS300+                    ; 4/6 Channels

       Yamaha                     http://www.yamaha.com
       YMF724                     ; 2 Channels
       YMF744                     ; 4 Channels
     
 (b) With Multi-Channels 
      
       Creative Labs              http://www.soundblaster.com
       SB Live! Value             ; 4 Channels
       SB PCI64                   ; 4 Channels
       SB PCI128                  ; 4 Channels
 
       ESS                        http://www.esstech.com
       Maestro2E                  ; 4 Channels
            
       ForteMedia                 http://www.fortemedia.com
       FM801a                     ; 4/6 Channels

       Hoontech                   http://www.hoontech.com
       SoundTrack AudioDSP24      ; 4 and 6 Channels  ( with 96k Hz 24bits sample rate)
            
       Philips/VLSI               http://www.semiconductors.philips.com
       ThunderBird 128            ; 4 Channels
       ThunderBird Avenger        ; 4/6 Channels
           

Note: Full multi-channel features are supported in the retail version, but is optional for
OEM versions.

3.) DVD-ROMS
============
*The following DVD-ROM/RAM drives have been tested with PowerDVD and are listed in aplhabetical 
order according to their manufacturer's name:

ATAPI interface:
    Afreey     DD-3206E (6x)
    Afreey     DD-3205E (5x)
    AOpen      DVD-9624 (6x)
    AOpen      DVD-9632 (6x)
    DVS        DSR-520H (5.2x)
    Hitachi    GD-2000  (2x)
    Hitachi    GD-2500  (4x)
    Hitachi    GD-2500BX+ (6x)
    Hitachi    GD-3000  (6x)
    Hitachi    GD-5000  (8x)
    LG         DRD8080B 
    Matsushita SR8582 or Creative PC-DVD Dxr2 (2x)
    Matsushita SR8583 or Creative PC-DVD 5X (5x)
    Philips    DRD5200  (2x)
    Pioneer    DVD-A02  (2.6x)
    Pioneer    DVD-103s (6x)
    Pioneer    DVD-113  (6x)
    Raite      RDR-102H (2x)
    Samsung    SD-606F  (6x)
    Samsung    SD 608   (8x)
    Samsung    SD 612   (12x)
    Samsung    SM 304   (Combo : DVDROM + CDRW)
    Sony       DDU220E  (5x)
    Toshiba    SD-M1102 (2x)
    Toshiba    SD-M1202 (4.8x)
    Toshiba    SD-C2002 (2x)


  SCSI interface :
    AOpen      DVD-520S (DVD-RAM)
    Matsushita LF-D100  (DVD-RAM)
    Pioneer    DVD-U02  (2.6x)
    Pioneer    DVD-303  (6x)
            
You may find some products that are not listed. PowerDVD should work properly with them if 
they follow the most updated SFF8090 specification. 

4.) Super 7 motherboards
========================
Motherboards that were based on VIA MVP3 or ALI AladdinV Chipsets.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
TECHNICAL NOTES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

1.) KEEP ASPECT RATIO
=====================
*The feature "Keep Aspect Ratio" has been added. This option can be accessed from the Video Windows 
Express Menu (right-click) or the "Configuration\Screen" dialogue box. When this option is 
enabled, PowerDVD will always keep the correct aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) for the displayed 
video no matter what the window size is. Check this option if you do not want a distorted video 
either in full screen or regular window mode.

However, by enabling this option while playing a 4:3 title under full screen you may notice that
there are still thin black stripes at the top and the bottom of the screen, even if the current 
desktop resolution seems to be the correct ratio(800:600 = 1024:768 = 4:3). This is because the 
pixel shapes of a TV and a computer monitor are different. For a TV the shape rectangular while 
for a computer monitor, the shape is square. Since all DVD titles are intended to be displayed on 
televisions, the display area must be adjusted on a computer monitor in order to maintain the 
correct aspect ratio.

If you find the thin black stripes annoying, simply uncheck the option "Keep Aspect Ratio" in the
Video Express Menu and the video will be enlarged to fill out the entire screen area. 

2.)AMD 3DNow!AMD-K7 and PENTIUM!!! IA STREAMING EXTENSIONS (SIMD) OPTIMIZATION
================================================================================
* AMD 3DNow!, AMD 3DNow! Extension and PentiumIII IA Streaming Extensions (SIMD) have been
optimized. However, you must have a processor which utilizes either AMD 3DNow! or Streaming SIMD 
Extensions in order to properly activate AMD K6-2 and K6-3 family processors, which are equipped 
with 3DNow! technology. For Streaming SIMD Extensions technology, you have to have a Pentium III 
or Pentium III Xeon processor. PowerDVD will automatically detect the existence of such processors 
and enable proper hardware acceleration.

3. S/PDIF 5.1-CHANNELS DOLBY DIGITAL OUTPUT
===========================================
* With S/PDIF, undecoded 5.1-channel or 2-channel Dolby Digital stream can be sent through to an 
external standalone AC-3 decoder for high fidelity decoding and playback. PowerDVD supports 
S/PDIF-enabled sound cards. With an external Dolby Digital decoder/speaker system like Creative 
Desktop Theater 5.1, you'll be able to enjoy the an enriched home theater experience.

The option "Use S/PDIF for AC3 Output" will be greyed if sound chips don't support S/PDIF and 
thus are not available for selection. The option can be accessed by click the PowerDVD Configuration button and select "Audio".

The connection from your S/PDIF-enabled sound card to your external Dolby Digital decoder box is 
device-specific. Please refer to the proper user manuals for detailed explanations.

There might be an option such as "Enable Digital Output" or "Enable S/PDIFOutput", which must be 
enabled in the sound card driver control panel or device manager/sound card setting side. Enabling 
the "Use S/PDIF for AC3 Output" option in PowerDVD does not always ensure the AC-3 stream will be 
emitted through the S/PDIF. Refer to your sound card manual for details.

4. VIDEO BRIGHTNESS CONTROL LIMITATION
======================================
* If you are using a S3 Savage3D display card or other VGA Cards with hardware MC and the "Use 
Video Accelerator" option is enabled, the video brightness control function will not be available
due to architecture limitation. There are some other features, such as video frame capturing, 
that may resemble the same limitation.

* If DirectDraw Overlay surface is not available (either due to display chip hardware incapability 
or improper driver installation), the brightness control function will not be available.

 5. ASPI AND SCSI ISSUES
========================
* ASPI (Advanced SCSI Programmer's Interface) is a software layer defined and maintained by 
Adaptec. Although originally designed for SCSI devices, it now supports both SCSI and IDE devices. 
That is why Win95 and Win98 includes it as part of its system components. This API is composed of 
three files : WINASPI.DLL, WNASPI32.DLL, and APIX.VXD. ASPI layer is the only path that PowerDVD 
uses to communicate to IDE/SCSI DVD-ROM drives for performing mutual authentication with 
region-protected DVD titles for proper key decryption and data descrambling. 

But ASPI layer may sometimes be overwritten or corrupted by the installation of other software 
or various IDE/SCSI device drivers. When the original ASPI layer is overwritten by an incompatible 
one, the path to IDE/SCSI DVD-ROM will no longer exist and thus the authentication process with 
region-protected DVD titles will fail. PowerDVD might report various error messages in this 
situation, depending on the nature of the incompatible driver. However, all error codes have a 
common prefix  "8090xxxx" or "80axxxxx".

This is not a problem with PowerDVD itself. Should you encounter this kind of incompatibility, 
there are two solutions:

 Solution 1 :

      - download ASPIINST.EXE from Adaptec to upgrade your ASPI files to the latest version. However, 
   	that upgrade requires either an Adaptec host adapter or an Adaptec version of the ASPI 
	layer, which may have been installed by an application or a SCSI device driver which is
	currently in your system. Or you can check if there is an ASPI layer upgrade from your 
	SCSI host adapter or device vendor.

    URL for Adaptec :
    http://www.adaptec.com

  Solution 2 :

      - Restore the original Win95/98 ASPI layer files. Extract the following files from the Win95/98 
	CAB files and copy them to the following directories :

    WNASPI32.DLL 	->  	<WINDIR>\SYSTEM
    WINASPI.DLl     	->  	<WINDIR>\SYSTEM
    APIX.VXD           	->  	<WINDIR>\SYSTEM\IOSUBSYS
    ASPI2HLP.SYS    	->  	<WINDIR>
  
    <WINDIR> stands for the directory where your Win95/98 resides.

 Click Start\Run and type in "Regedit". Then click on "OK" to launch the Registry Editor. Hold 
down the [Ctrl+F] key, type in "ASPIENUM", click on "Find Next" and wait for the search to stop. 
Then hit the [Delete] key and answer "YES" to delete the entire highlighted "ASPIENUM" key.

6.) SCREEN SAVER AND POWER SAVING MODE
=======================================
* It it highly recommended that the screen saver function and power saving mode be temporarily 
disabled when PowerDVD is running. 
       
7.) SUPER 7 MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT
================================
* PowerDVD version 2.5 has been tested to work with motherboards based on VIA MVP3 or the ALI 
AladdinV chipset. However, you have to install a bus master driver in order to enable the DMA 
option of your DVD-ROM to obtain optimal performance. The bus master driver is chipset-dependent 
and can be found in your motherboard support CD-ROM or disk. Although Win95 OSR2 and Win98 
contain built-in support for DMA-enabled DVD-ROM drives, it has been found that by simply turning
on this option in the VIA or ALI platform may cause mutual authentication failure between DVD 
players and DVD-ROM for region-protected DVD titles.
  
* To play back DVD titles on Super 7 platforms, a K6-2 processor running at 300MHz or higher is 
required if no special hardware assistance, such as a Savage3D display card, is available. 

You can find the newest bus master driver and other win9x patches for MVP3 or AladdinV chipset 
at the following URL : 

http://www.via.com.tw
http://www.ali.com.tw
     
