I first started by installing version 12. That went fine. Then I entered my registration code.

I started PowerDVD and it asked to scan for media files or specify which directory to search. My computer is a fresh install and has no media files other than ISO files. If I choose the default option to scan my computer and click DONE, nothings happens. I am stucked there. I had to specified a directory for the "DONE" button to let me advance.

Went through options but did not noticed bluray region code not set and counter down to zero.

I realized that upgrading to version 12 did not uninstall version 11. The word "upgrade" has been given a new meaning apparently. So I uninstalled version 11.

Then I started Media Center and tried a bluray iso movie. Warning! Region code not set. Ok so I tried to change it. Since I was in cinema mode, the setup showed Region A. Ok, so I should be ok. But not. Still the warning. Tried another ISO but still the warning. I switch to standard mode and saw that no region were selected and the count decremented to zero.

I ask Google, he is allways there for me and found out that it was a known problem with previous version. There few solutions like registry hack for some version with Windows XP and another one with DVDFAB passkey to fix powerdvd 11. But DVDFAB isn't recent enough to recognize powerdvd 12. No surprise there. Others mentioned about a ini file in Program Data. Didn't do anything.

Oh by the way, TMT was still ok with the region code and had 4 changes left for my dvd and bluray drives.

So that was clear that I was dealing a software problem that could be cleared by a full cleanup of PowerDVD.
First search for "powerdvd" in the registry and removed everything about powerdvd. You have to know what you are doing. Will a simple uninstall do the job, that I don't know.

I then deleted the cyberlink directory under c:\Program Data. That is in Windows 7. To see this directory, you have to open the explorer, press ALT key to dislplay the menu and then select Tools/Folder option. Then go to view tab and select show hidden files, folders and drives. Then click Apply to folders and then click OK. C:\Program Data folder will then appear. Under Windows XP, look for AppData under your profile directory.

Make sure also to remote Cyberlink folder under Program Files or Program Files (x86).

Then I installed PowerDVD 12. The region problem was solved and who knows if it won't solve other problems too.

I then went through the options including region setting already set to region A with the counter at 5. Then changed to cinema mode and started Media Center. I went into PowerDVD plugin and selected HDMI bitstream for the sound.

I then selected the movie Battle Los Angeles 2011 which is supposed to have cinavia protection. I got a popup about frame rate and suggested to adjust it. Selected yes and my plasma tv did a hdmi reconnection. I got the bluray menu still working and started the movie. Powerdvd prompted me for adjusting the frame rate to match the plasma tv. So the TV did a hdmi reconnection which took like one second or two. The movie started with audio bitstream sent correctly to the receiver which showed DTS-HD MSTR. There was no sign of cinavia protection so were are clear for now.

I saw no lost of picture quality compared to version 11.

Then using my media remote, I press return to quit the movie and go back to Powerdvd setting. My plasma tv lost the signal and couldn't do anything with my remote. I had to go back to my http and close MCE. That brought back the picture to my plasma tv.

I then started another movie and got the frame rate popup. This time I selected not to change the frame rate. The preview started, then menu and then the movie. The picture was just fine. I pressed return on my remote and got back to powerdvd right away.

Now where do I disable that frame rate feature is a good question.

Was it worth the $50 upgrade? Well, given that I get a copy of CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 with this upgrade, it is still questionable.