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It was only a matter of time before consumer oriented software for DVD owners would be out on the market to fill the void in consumer level software. While the high end has pretty much been spoken for, the more basic needs of less tech oriented users is an area that has yet to be fully exploited by the bigger names. It makes sense that there would be applications appearing now that DVD players are more popular, and within the reach of most end users. It also makes sense that titles in this area take full advantage of digital cameras, which are also more accessible for new users. Keeping with the idea of ease of use and simplicity, Micro Research’s 3D Album DVD Suite 2.03 is an attempt to fill that void.
If you will recall Microsoft Plus Digital Media Edition’s Plus! Photo Story, then you have something of an idea as to what 3D Album is all about. Integrating voice, images and even HTML the concept behind this program is to allow users an easy way to document personal moments and in turn share them with others. While Plus Photo Story was built along similar lines as Movie Maker, but more greatly simplified, 3D Album offers a slew of features and configurable options for personal recollections and image collections.
Like many programs in this class, 3D Album’s interface has a distinctive look. While this may be less intimidating for new users, it is vastly different from the conventions used by most graphics software. The impression one gets is that it may have been inspired slightly by the new Mac OS X. The buttons in the upper right hand corner, and many other elements on the interface, may recall the Aqua look. Being that this is strictly a Windows program, those elements from the Mac camp are interesting.
Installing the application is easy. There are no problems there. However, finding your way around the main interface is not as intuitive as it may seem. Once you get a “feel” for where things are, the process moves along. Simply select whatever options you like from the adjacent menus on the left and suddenly everything comes to life.
Included with the 3D Album Suite is a program called “Visviva Animation Capture.” What this addition permits is the ability to covert photo albums created in 3D Album into DVD’s or VCD’s that can be shared with others.
Basically what 3D Album was designed for was to create visually interesting photo albums with a minimum of effort and time on the part of the end user. As such, it manages to provide that much needed function for those that simply want to get the job done.
Coming in at just under $65, this suite is not a bank breaker. Plus, the Micro Research site offers up information, support and service packages, which is always welcome.
There is really little to find fault with here. 3D Album is a straightforward application designed for the at home user who wants to document family moments and not become bogged down in the details of designing from scratch on the PC.
For the very creative types, as well as the more daring, this program is not for you. I see this as more of a family program designed for those that want to mark family moments and have neither the time nor the budget for PowerPoint or Adobe Photoshop.
On the other hand, if you are looking simply for a way to catalog photos, there are other solutions more appropriate. But, if you are interested in keeping personal photos, sharing them, and do not want or need to be proficient in several programs, this is a good alternative to the more complex more costly solutions.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
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