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Several years ago I used Easy CD Creator when it was an Adaptec product. At the time the software was so flawed it wrecked my PC. My tech advisor at the time advised against using it under any circumstances, particularly the direct CD writer option. At the same time I was struggling with Adaptec’s product, a colleague of mine was watching her brand new G4 literally turn into Toast, no pun intended, as the Mac version, title appropriately enough "Toast" forced her to reformat her new system. So needless to say, I was a bit skeptical of any product bearing the name EASY CD CREATOR.
The apprehensiveness I had vanished with Roxio’s new version of this long time standard, now given the new name, Easy CD and DVD Creator, denoting its abilities as a DVD and CD burning application. In what seems like a race with Nero Burning Rom to see who can pack the most features into one program, Roxio’s new CD/DVD writing combo is really an entire suite that encompasses a disc copier, audio application, a dvd burning and authoring program, a photo application, the creator classic program, a label creator and a tutorial and user guide that is thick and relatively detailed. In a race to see who can pack in more bang for the buck, Roxio certainly wins on that point. At one time CD writing programs just came with the basics. Now they come packed to overflowing include the types and kinds of applications one would normally purchase separately. Roxio bundles nearly every basic digital function you could hope for in the Platinum version. Helping pull all of the parts together, the home interface gives you instant access to prominent features. What is rather strange about the home set up is that one has to dig to find the update option. While utilities are listed, one has to select a small icon in the upper left hand corner, dig through a few menus to find the update feature. Why this feature was not made more prominent seems a bit odd, and a rather strange location, in an application that works hard making access to features easy.
On a positive interface note, the classic interface for the Creator Classic section is familiar, but given a much needed facelift. Never before has a CD/DVD writing application looked this good, this smart and this easy. In contrast to the rather odd interface of Nero Burning Rom’s confusing section, Roxio’s offering "has it all over" Nero. On that point, everyone has to concede that Roxio has done an excellent job on making the drag, drop and burn process easier. Also, from my tests, the software worked on Windows XP without issue. However, I do suggest adding updates as they are made available and do update this program before burning. Again, I had no real issues with actually burning, or the ease of burning. While Nero has far more user control, some of which is good, and at other times almost arcane, Roxio is in many respects a tad easier in the classical interface than Nero. However, Nero Express is slightly more elegant that nearly everyone else at this point.
In contrast to the easy main writing application, the DVD writing section looks and feels a tad ill conceived. For newbies, I can see this segment being intimidating. New users may want to consider the Pinnacle Systems Expression offering instead for DVD burning with video. I am not sure how this happened, but the interface is too busy, and just may not be the best solution to the problem. I do not fault Roxio for including this ability, but it may put off those familiar with DVD burning and those just getting their proverbial feet wet.
The same could be said of the PhotoSuite now included with the Platinum rendition. For those that need to edit on the fly, this is not a bad solution, but not a particular comfortable one for those with familiarity with photo editing software. Ironically something that should make image editing easier is actually rather hard for users like myself already trained in the conventions of Adobe, Jasc and other types of image applications. Naturally, programs like Paint Shop Pro, Ulead PhotoImpact and the ubiquitous Photoshop will offer a great deal more, this enclosed program is much better than most consumer level wizard/question and answer based image editing solutions. While it may have frustrated me, I can see new users enjoying it for its ease of use. The photo segment does manage to do the basics, like red eye edits and other basic editing functions, if you need to do more complex tasks, stand alone applications will be required.
With aesthetics being a key feature of version 6, it should come as no surprise that Roxio’s labeling software for CD covers is excellent. For neophyte cover designers, the labeling application makes short work of creating visually appealing covers for your CDs. There should be no problems using this added application.
I must concur with my colleagues in the review field by reiterating their assessment of Roxio’s latest CD DVD writing software as a great total package that when taken together makes for a solid value. The only problem is that the many modules that make up the suite sometimes fail to live up to what you can purchase separately. This is particularly apparent when you are dealing with images and DVD creation. On the plus side, the many applications that comprise this suite do make things easier for new users, they do add value and of course, you do not have to install them if you do not wish to do so.
The big point with DVD and CD writing is how well it can perform. I can say that running Roxio’s Platinum edition 6 on Windows XP with the latest updates and updates to the writing software itself should provide you with pain free disk writing. Quality wise, much has been improved in this reworked application. For value conscious new users, Roxio’s product is a compelling choice.
If you are a power user, and demand a great deal of customization, and are using older systems, you may wish to consider Nero Burning Rom. However when it comes to price points, features, ease of use, Windows XP users are sure to find much to appreciate with Roxio’s offering. Plus, it is one very smart looking application as well. Do keep in mind the entire suite can take up nearly a gig of hard drive real estate.
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