Acer Arcade (Cyberlink Arcade)

The Acer Aspire computer that was purchased to evaluate Windows Vista was supposed to have Cyberlink PowerDVD (it didn't). However, Acer Arcade is in fact written by Cyberlink.
Rather an unfourtunate name - 'Arcade' seems to indicate something to do with gaming and slot machines?

TF's initial impressions of Acer Arcade were somewhat dismissive as the intention was to evaluate Cyberlink PowerDVD. It was only when a backup of the applications was made that it was noticed that Arcade was listed as Cyberlink Arcade.

On closer inspection Acer Arcade proved to be a very capable DVD and media player. (So far it is looking better than the HP QuickPlay program)

Adverse interaction with PowerDVD

This might explain why when CyberLink PowerDVD is downloaded from their website and installed on the Acer laptop it doesn't work too well! It also doesn't want to be un-installed. it doesn't applear in the list of programs under the Windows utility to add and delete programs. The uninstall function of the PowerDVD fails when run.

Program material can be played from many sources including DVDs, DVD component files [VOB] (in the DVD drive) and DVD files copied to your HDD.

Despite its plain appearance Arcade has the esscencial features of its makers flagship product PowerDVD and in some ways it is better.

As an example, when a dvd is being played the back arrow or home button can be pressed and the display will either go back to the selection screen for the movie being currently watched (see above), or it will display one of the main selection screens. If the the movie is playing it will be displayed in a smaller window