Mar
16

Nero 8 Ultra Edition Review

Multipurpose Multimedia Suite

The latest incarnation of this digital media suite offers just about everything you need for media conversion, editing, and burning. Nero 8 Ultra Edition also introduces some nifty add-ons and raises the product’s level of component integration, but the interface and help system could still use work.

You can now perform common functions-such as copying and burning audio and data discs-from the redesigned SmartStart navigation aid. It tools offer few options but are fine for simple tasks. Although Nero 8’s chief competitor, Roxio Easy Media Creator 10 Suite (EMC10), offers more tools in its opening interface, the tools often have even fewer settings. But while SmartStart now eases navigation, it no longer lets you access toolkit utilities such as InfoTool, DriveSpeed, and the new Nero RescueAgent, which can recover files that were incorrectly of incompletely written to a CD or DVD.

Nero Vision-one of the product’s most powerful components-helps you create and burn video CD and DVD projects. Finding your way around can be difficult (it’s much easier with the similar, but not so rich, CineMagic in EMC 10), offers more tools in its opening interface; the tools often have fewer settings. But while SmartStart now eases navigation, it no longer lets you access toolkit utilities such as InfoTool, DriveSpeed, and the new Nero RescueAgent, which can recover files that were incorrectly or incompletely written to a CD or DVD.

Nero Vision-one of the product’s most powerful components-helps you create and burn video CD and DVD projects. Finding your way around can be difficult (it’s much easier with the similar, but not so rich, CineMagic in EMC 10) but Vision has some terrific features. The 3D menus are especially impressive. One, for example, superimposes your video files onto small 3D-rendered TV monitors that swing into place when you first play a disc.

A simulated remote control lets you quickly see how the 3D menus will interact with your video files, and an automatic chapter creator-which I especially like-lets you set the sensitivity and minimum chapter length so your video doesn’t end up with too few or too many chapters.

The product’s Blu-ray and HD DVD support now go beyond playback. With a Blu-ray recorder you can create BD-AV (Blu-ray Disc Audio/Visual) discs encoded with DV or MPEG-2 video files, then play your creations on standalone player or using, the included Nero Showtime, on your PC. You can also burn Blu-ray data discs. HD DVD authoring and playback, however, require a $24.99 plug-in (available online). But even without a Blu-ray or HD DVD drive, support for the AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) file format, which is compatible with many HD camcorders, lets you enjoy HD authoring and playback.

Nero 8 features can still be hard to locate, and the help files aren’t nearly comprehensive enough, so those needing media-savvy but easy-to-use-software may be better off with EMC 10. But if you don’t mind digging a little to find a solution, Nero 8 is a fine option.

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Nero 8 Ultra Edition: Windows

Get to know the many capabilities of Nero 8 Ultra Edition. This sophisticated software makes it easy to edit videos in high definition (HD), produce amazing slideshows and put together a fantastic MP3 mix. With a broad range of professional tools, innovative features and cutting-edge technologies, you get easily the most out of your audio, video and photo files. Maximize your digital lifestyle by formatting DVD content that can be viewed on an Apple iPod or PSP, enjoy blue laser content without a blue laser burner and import and share your favorite photos and videos with one click to and from online communities, such as My Nero, YouTube and MySpace.With Nero 8, you can stream your multimedia data to a next-generation gaming console for enjoyment in every room in the house. Use your PC to record your favorite TV shows, and rely on the time-shifting feature to make sure you never miss another episode. Nero Burning ROM 8, a powerful burning application, lets you rip your noncopy-protected CDs and DVDs and burn data and audio files to CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. The integrated SecurDisc technology allows you to create password-protected discs or a digital signature to ensure the authenticity of your documents.

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