|
|
|
|
||||
| An error occurred. Please try later. |
From all appearances it looks as if Roxio’s Easy CD and DVD Creator version 6 is at war with Nero Burning Rom, Ultra Edition 6. For end users, it looks like 6 is a lucky number. To call either program a burning utility is like saying Michelangelo painted nice ceilings.
In a race to see who can pack more features, programs and detail into one program, well it looks like a tie. Both programs have grown far beyond their roots. With Nero Burning Rom Ultra Edition 6, they have literally transformed this modest, but well crafted, utility into a powerhouse with enough power and functionality to take care of most end users burning needs. They have literally packed the program to the hilt.
Nero has always been a solid performer. While other programs have been known to turn CDs into coasters, Nero, from my experiences, was always a well crafted program. From the many times I have used it, not once did it create a coaster. From my experiences with the new version, Nero is still ahead in that department, no pun intended.
The installation of this mammoth suite, it now eats up about 500 MB, yes that is right, 500 MB, is easy and nearly foolproof. While I like the fact that you can install each component separately, naturally there may be some you do not wish to have, I am curious as to why you cannot install everything at once? Unlike Easy CD Creator 6, you cannot do a one button install of everything in Nero’s latest and greatest. You have to install one program at a time. While this is not a huge problem, just be aware of this fact. For newbies, this may be a blessing. There is nothing worse than having your hard drive force fed applications you did not need, ask for or want.
Once set up, Nero has a neat well designed one button starting point appropriately called, StartSmart. While this sounds like a breakfast cereal, this interface makes it easy to access the plethora of features and programs offered. There is no guessing where things are, and you can find specific programs based on function. So if you cannot recall the name of the program you need, just a few clicks opens the appropriate application. It is welcome, looks good and no doubt looks influenced by Roxio’s offering.
The big addition with this incarnation of Nero is the built in DVD player. You no longer need to have a separate application for viewing commercially available DVDs on your PC. Nero’s Nero Showtime, is a fully functional surprisingly able performer. While I have had difficulty viewing certain DVDs using some third party software on my machine, Nero Showtime performed well without so much as a single issue. I am impressed with what the Ahead engineers have produced. What makes this so interesting is that Ahead, the makers or Nero, do not buy outside applications from other companies. Every component of Nero is made by Ahead, not a third party. Perhaps for this reason, Nero has remained amazingly consistent.
NeroVision Express 2 adds an authoring tool for video CD, super video CD and DVD creations. This application offers a step by step approach that recalls the Express version of Nero Burning Rom. While this feature may not replace more fully featured digital studios like the excellent VideoStudio 7 from Ulead, or many of the Pinnacle Systems offerings, there is enough here for basics, and certainly solid enough for those who want to capture family moments on video. Incidentally, Nero has created their own audio video compression known as Nero Digital.
While I doubt if it can replace Musicmatch Jukebox, Nero Mix it is certainly able, fast and well designed. For most users, this may be more than enough. As far as looks go, it is unique. I am particularly fond of the graphic equalizer and the visualization feature. The only drawback is limited support for MP3 files. While you can convert files, it is irritating considering that MP3s are still a viable format. Ahead acknowledges that MP3 limited functionality is present. They continue by explaining that this is due to the fact that it is a file format that is fading and not up to the level of other formats. It is debatable that MP3s are fading fast, and true there are more able formats, it is still something to consider. It does not take away from the value of the suite, but it is something to be aware of when purchasing and using the software.
As for the main interface of Nero, it has received a cosmetic update. Looking far more contemporary, and in some ways a little like the new interface of Adobe Acrobat Professional, the new look gives it a more modern feel. As is always the case, Nero provides you with unprecedented configurability in burning. There is enough here to be familiar to long time users so they will not be left out in the cold. In fact, things look amazingly clean and lean. Also enclosed is the super efficient Nero Express. This wizard approach to burning still remains one of the easiest to use burning applications in the market, and has remained virtually unchanged interface wise. While I have to admit that I like the interface of Easy CD Creator 6 better, Nero has made an honest attempt at updating their product.
The stakes in the Burning Wars between Roxio and Nero are still just as hot as ever. With both companies releasing similar version numbers, picking the right one is not an easy proposition. With regards to easy use, detail and outright functionality, Nero still remains the choice for professionals and those that want absolute control. With the advent of Express from version 5, Nero is very serious about making their application a powerhouse and one that neophytes will come to enjoy as well.
With regards to their DVD and video authoring, Nero does have a leg up on Easy CD Creator. So if you are looking for the ultimate all purpose suite with solid authoring, Nero is one very attractive option. Really the difference between Roxio and Nero comes down to preferences, cost and how well each performs on your machine. Given Nero’s great track record, ease of use and new multimedia applications, the battle for your burning needs has really heated up quickly.
Nero is a great program with a slew of tools and functionality. There is little to find flaw with Nero and with this new release. I cannot imagine an existing user not wanting to update. I have to say I am impressed with Nero’s latest. One important note, this software still supports Windows 95, version B, which is rather rare with newer applications.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
Lexar Jump Drive and Platinum II SDHC Card · IRISNotes 2 Executive · IOGEAR Spill-Resistant Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo · Logitech Z623 Computer Speakers · Gateway FX 6860-UR21P: An All-Purpose Desktop PC · Ridiculously Easy Backup From Rebit · The IOGear GPEN300 · A Review of the 5 inch EZReader Pocket Pro From Astak · A Review of the Barnes and Noble Color Nook · A Review of the Dell XPS 8100 · The Kobo eBook Reader, Just About Reading · The Best Ergonomic Mouse? The Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse · Sage Act 2010 · Microsoft Windows 7 · Adobe Creative Suite CS2 · Adobe Photoshop CS2 · SwissMemory Victorinox rubyRED Swiss Army Knife/Flash Drive · Tapwave Zodiac 2 · Stardock Object Desktop · Acrobat 7 Professional · Maximizer 8 · QuarkXPress 6.5 · McAfee's 2005 Product Line · Logitech io Personal Digital Pen 2 · IRIS Business Card Reader II for Windows/PC · Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Flash Drive · Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard · Maxon Cinema 4D 9 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 · Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier · Verbatim Store N' Go 2.1 GB Hard Drive · Corel Painter IX · Paint Shop Photo Album 5 · Adobe Video Collection Professional 2.5 · Alien Skin Eye Candy 5: Textures · Techsmith SnagIt 7.0 · Ulead Media Studio Pro 7 · Xara Webstyle 4 · Maxon BodyPaint 3D Release 2 · Eovia Carrara Studio 3 · AV Bros. Puzzle Pro 2 · AutoFX Mystical Tint Tone and Color · Andromeda Screens, Cutline and Etchtone Plug-In Filters · Macromedia Studio MX 2004 · Microsoft FrontPage 2003 · AutoFX AutoEye 2.0 · Adobe Premiere Pro · Adobe Audition · Amapi Designer 7 · Alien Skin Splat! · Alien Skin Eye Candy 4000 · Alien Skin Image Doctor · Canvas 9 · nik Dfine · Xenofex 2 · QuarkXpress 6 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8 · Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional · Corel Painter 8 · Nik Color Efex Pro · Caligari TrueSpace 6.5 · Macromedia Contribute · Maxon Cinema 4D · Sonic Foundry Sound Forge 6.0 · nik Sharpener Pro · Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album 4 · Xara Menu Maker 1 · Curious Labs Poser 5 · Macromedia Freehand MX · Adobe Illustrator 10 · Ulead Photoimpact 8 · Xara 3D 5 · Xara X · Microsoft Publisher 2002 · Creature House Expression 3 · CorelDRAW 11 Graphics Suite · Procreate Painter 7 · QuarkXpress 5 · Adobe Pagemaker 7 · Adobe Photoshop 7
Copyright © 1995–2013 Unleashed Productions, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
