Cyberlink PowerDVD 11 DVD and Blu-ray playback software

Each version of Cyberlink's disc-playing program PowerDVD adds more features, to the point where it is starting to become a little bloated.

PowerDVD 11 Ultra now supports 3D Blu-ray movies and can play media streamed over a network. The interface is similar to that of version 10, but with three extra tabs for Photos, Youtube and Devices.

Photos can be viewed singly or as a slideshow or converted for 3D viewing. Facebook and Flickr photos can be viewed and you can add comments. The Youtube tab shows popular clips, plus your own videos if you log into your account.

The Devices tab lets users play back media from any DLNA-compatible media streaming device. A neat touch is the free remote control app for Apple and Android mobile devices that works over a wireless connection and allows you to control playback from your hand. It worked very well.

However, other social network components were very confusing to use. Several versions are available of which we reviewed the high-end ‘Ultra'. If you don't need media streaming, remote control or 3D, the Standard version (£40) will be better value.