Windows Phone Thoughts: Much To See With Spb Mobile DVD!

Getting Started
It's a bit different to install Spb Mobile DVD than other Spb products simply because Mobile DVD resides only on the desktop - there is no Pocket PC component to install. Downloading the 8 MB setup file takes a few minutes (even for me at high speed - blasted satellite internet!), but once I have it on my hard drive, install was a breeze.

Unlike other Spb Products, Spb Mobile DVD requires an activation (rather than registration) key. Upon launching Mobile DVD for the first time, the user is prompted to enter the key and the software checks it via the internet. There is also an option for offline activation. No activation key? No problem, the software will allow a 14 day trial period. After activating, the software displays an initial Wizard start screen, and upon pressing Next, asks you what you want to convert.


Figure 1: Initial setup screen, shown just after activation & initial splash screen.

The ability to convert both DVDs and files is a nice offering. Especially in this day and age of internet video options popping up left and right, I assume that many of us probably have favorite video clips we've downloaded and stored away for various purposes (I know I keep a collection that reminds me why it's bad to climb down a ladder too quickly or beat the blade of a Katana against a table too hard). Spb makes it just as easy to convert these as to convert a DVD.


Figure 2: Navigating to the movie's start screen.

After selecting DVD, the user is presented with the screen above, asking them to navigate through the movie's menus to the start of the movie. The user can click straight on the screen, navigating the menu as usual.


Figure 3: The format options screen.

Spb Mobile DVD then prompts for what format options the user wishes to select for their file. The menu options are a bit limited, but most likely perfect for non-power users out there who just want to convert. Selecting just the defaults is fine for 90% of users out there who want to watch their movies in Windows Media Player; however, Spb has also added in an option for TCPMP users to convert into a friendlier format for their software of choice. Resolution is limited to a maximum of 640x480 (for Pocket PC's with VGA screens). Support is also present for devices with square screens.


Figure 4: The output options screen.

One last step before the actual conversion starts - selecting where to put said converted file! The options to copy to a memory card and to upload straight to the device are some of the things that make Spb Mobile DVD stand out. For novice users, the task of moving the file to the device may be troublesome, so having the option to upload the file straight to the device can be very welcome. Now let's get converting!