Corel Corporation today announced the latest release of the Corel WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray.

The software features a new user interface, new video technologies including upscaling that enables users to create near-high-definition viewing with standard-definition DVDs, enhanced Blu-ray Disc playback, as well as the latest in high-definition surround sound.

WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray features video upscaling technologies, including Trimension All2HD Upscaling that converts standard-definition DVDs and videos to crisp near-high-definition video without the need of extra high-definition drives and media; Digital Natural Motion removes the judder effect from fast-motion scenes; De-snow Filter removes digital noise from MPEG, H.264 and VC-1 low-resolution video; and De-block Filter removes blocky digital artifacts from MPEG, H.264 and VC-1 compressed video.

The software also features advanced interactive content support, which provides access to pop-up menus or picture-in-picture features with BD-J support, all without interrupting the movie. It supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD surround sound, NVIDIA PureVideo HD, ATI Avivo HD, and AVCHD. WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray is compliant with content protection systems, including support for HDCP, AACS, and BD+.

WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray also optimises the on-the-go movie viewing experience with the latest laptop features including: Battery Optimization, TimeStretch, Smart Stretch, Virtual Surround Sound.

The support for playback of video from AVCHD camcorders copied from the camcorder hard drive, on AVCHD disc or memory card is also included in the product's specifications.

WinDVD 9 Plus is priced at $79.99 SRP (US and Canada), and is available starting today through www.corel.com and over the coming weeks from Corel's global channel partners.

WinDVD 9 is priced at $49.99 SRP.

Upgrades from WinDVD 6, 7 and 8 to WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray are priced at $59.99 SRP (US and Canada), and are available starting today through www.corel.com.