Two new promising products for DVD burning
By MIKE BERMAN
Scripps Howard News Service
August 13, 2003

Thinking of burning DVDs using your old CD authoring software? Forget about it.

Unfortunately, these old programs won't recognize these new technomarvels and the software packaged with DVD burners are limited in scope, at best.

With that in mind, I took a look at Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator 6 ($79.95) and Ahead Software's Nero Suite 6 ($79.99).

Both worked admirably, despite the fact that Windows XP refuses to recognize external DVD burners on its own. But there are a few subtle differences.

Nero 6 was easier to install. For some reason, still unexplained by the folks at Roxio, it took several tries to get Creator 6 installed correctly on my test eMachines PC and it still sputters and complains every so often, depending on what I want it to do.

I've become dependant upon the drag and drop recording features of both programs, although InCD, which is included with Nero 6, often tried to reformat my DVDs even though it wasn't necessary.

And, when it comes to extra features, the Nero 6 Suite wins hands-down, by providing a slew of stuff we never knew we needed. Included in the box are:

• Nero Burning ROM 6, which is the CD/DVD burning software.
• Nero SmartStart, which simplifies access to all of the suite's applications.
• NeroVision Express 2, a video authoring tool that supports all DVD formats and allows you to edit and compile slide shows and add all the special effects, including music and voiceovers to your presentation.
• Nero Wave Editor 2 to edit and record audio files.
• Nero Sound Trax, to mix and edit music.
• Nero ShowTime, which plays back DVD video files.
• The Nero Media Player, which allows you to play and rip audio tracks in several formats.
• Nero Cover Designer, which allows you to print booklets and inlays for several types of CD cases.
• Nero BackItUp, to back up data to one or several discs, including DVDs.
• Nero Express 6, which simplifies the CD/DVD burning process.
• The Nero ToolKit, which analyzes your computer and burner, allowing you to select write/rewrite speeds, etc.
• Nero ImageDrive, which allows you to set up and view images and files on a "virtual drive".
• The beta version of Nero Recode, which compresses large files to fit on recordable or rewriteable DVDs.
• And InCD 4.

This doesn't mean that Easy CD and DVD Creator 6 is a slouch in the extra features department. It also comes with some powerful tools, including:

• A new intuitive interface that allows you to access the application you want to run without going through a menu.
• DVD Builder, which allows you to create video, music or photo DVDs, and add voiceovers, special video effects and music.
• AudioCentral, which allows you to play, edit and rip music in several formats.
• PhotoSuite 5 Limited Edition, a boiled down version of PhotoSuite 5 that allows you to capture, edit and share digital photos.
• Disc Copier, which allows you to make back up copies of your CDs and DVDs.
• Creator Classic, which allows you to back up, share or archive files to CD or DVD.
• Roxio Label Creator, which steps you through the creation of CD labels or jewel box inserts.
• And Drag to Disc.

Although I've always found Nero to be a bit more intuitive and easier to use than Easy CD Creator, the new version has enough features to make any technogeek smack his lips in anticipation.

Whichever you choose, keep in mind that they may not work with some of the newer DVD burners and you may have to go to either www.nero.com or www.roxio.com to download a patch or install driver software that comes with the burner. This, unfortunately, has been the case since man invented the CD writer, but is easily rectified.

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