Blu-ray movies offer greatly enhanced quality over ordinary DVD, but this better quality also requires a more powerful computer to decode and play. The CyberLink Blu-ray Disc Advisor is an easy to use diagnostic utility that checks to make sure a computer is up to the task.

It is simple to install and there is only one button, which starts the tests.

The Advisor checks your computer in two categories: Basic and Advanced playback.

The Basic section deals with the hardware in the computer such as the processor and graphics card. One very useful test is whether the computer display is DHCP complient. This is a form of copy protection.

The Advanced section covers some of the special features of Blu-ray such as Bonus view and BD Live.

Each item has a coloured button to show if it is good enough for Blu-ray, if it isn't and whether an upgrade is possible. There is also an info button that links back to the CyberLink website

This is not a utility to use everyday but worth using before buying a Blu-ray drive. It is also worth pointing out that a Blu-ray drive still has some value even if a computer will not play Blu-ray movies as they are good backup devices thanks to the greater storage capability