Interview Continued

TweakTown - Will you allow S/PDIF out for these audio standards as Linear PCM and bit stream, or which other method will be used exactly?

CyberLink - S/PDIF could not output high-def multi-channel Linear PCM, TrueHD and DTS-HD MA by its nature, so we don't support these formats through S/PDIF out.

TweakTown - During CeBIT in Germany recently we saw some upcoming motherboards (such as AMD 780G and Intel G45) with onboard HDMI outputs that are said to properly output digital video as well as audio. Will users of PowerDVD software be able to use these motherboards to output true HD audio at 8 channels, or not?

CyberLink - Yes, we're working with Intel for G45 and AMD for 780G now, but it's for video only. It's scheduled to be done by the end of June for video support. The schedule of HDMI audio is not confirmed with Intel and AMD.

TweakTown - Obviously this is all a confusing issue for users at the moment; will CyberLink have some sort of certified hardware database on its website for users to check which hardware properly supports full HD through PowerDVD?

CyberLink - Yes, CyberLink will update all the certified hardware once they have been tested in our labs and list them on our website for users to check.

TweakTown - From a technical standpoint and in your opinion with currently available and upcoming hardware, what is the best way for one to enjoy the full HD movie experience on their HTPC? Please detail the ideal PC, software, hardware, cables and so forth.

CyberLink - A full HD LCD monitor with 7.1 surround sound speakers, amplifier, external decoders, and PC with PowerDVD connected via HDMI cable. All controlled by a single remote control via HDMI 1.3 CEC - single click to turn on all devices and enjoy the movie with high definition video and audio.

TweakTown - Relaxing off the serious questions; what is your favorite movie, and why? What are the best technical aspects of a movie which you enjoy the most?

CyberLink - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2) - Fun games in it and a good movie. Cars - various functions of the menu. Best technical aspects: Popup menu for convenient jump and selection and PiP (Picture in Picture) for the convenient explanation of how the movie is made and what is the best art in the movie.

TweakTown - What most excites you about the industry? Also, what future products or services excite you the most?

CyberLink -Everything in digital media is exciting and to know the fact that no one can avoid one day without it. In fact, every new technology today is involved with digital media, whether it is a chipset, graphics card, Internet and so on. It is all about delivering the best digital media performance to consumers.

TweakTown - Can you tell us anything about new products coming in the future from CyberLink? And is there anything else you would like to say to our readers at TweakTown?

CyberLink - There is still much growth to be seen in the digital media market. We are having so much fun developing the technologies and products to be part of the growth.

Some areas which we are seriously having fun with include:

High Definition - elevates the media experience to new level of excitement on PCs. We will be launching a series of TrueTheater technologies to enhance the movie experience.

Ubiquitous Media - media anytime, anywhere at home and outside the home with CyberLink Digital Home and CyberLink Live.

3D Liquid User Interface engine - we are constantly improving user experience. Our newest product adopting this new engine is MediaShow. It makes PCs more visually exciting.

Web Services - which extend the media experience into something that can be shared within a community of common interest groups. CyberLink has recently announced MoovieLive for PowerDVD and movie enthusiasts around the world. MoovieLive is the first media community site.

There will be more to come soon... ;)

Thank you for the interview!

We would very much like to thank CyberLink for taking the time to answer our questions and we hope that they went a good way to help sorting out some of the issues and concerns which we have been seeing and hearing.

Hopefully you also learnt a few new things along the way! If you're looking at building that ultimate HTPC, by the sounds of it and from the answers we received in the interview, it looks as if June or July would be a good time!

Go have fun in your Digital Lounge now! I know now that I've got these answers, I can finally make some solid decisions about my next home theater upgrade.