Originally designed for creating audio CDs or for data burning, software are today meet the best need. The software suits today comprises a complete range of multimedia features not always necessarily needed. To help you there, we tested 2010 Creator and Toast 10 (Mac) by Roxio version 9, Nero BackItUp & Burn and the same publisher, and the DVD Suite 7 and Cyberlink burning software Power2Go. More features are equivalent to more efficiency. The answer is far from obvious.
Remember, it was not so long ago. In 1993 or 94, you install your first CD burner in your PC, and you start Easy CD Creator or Nero. At the time, these programs were designed with three main tasks: creating an audio CD, burn or copy a data disc identical. Over the years, these basic features are found in free software, and even embedded operating systems. To justify the purchase of software, publishers were then delivered to a permanent escalation, transforming gradually Nero or Easy Media Creator suite & complete with features as diverse as library management audio converting vinyl to CD Audio. This supports the conversion of videos and even editing. We also have dedicated software, very functional and sometimes even free.
Hence the question that burns our lips is, that it is still necessary to buy an burning tool. In response, we reviewed five of them. Foremost, there are obviously two competing historical tools Nero 9 and Roxio Creator 2009 and the youngest Nero BackItUp & Burn, which promises to combine backup and burning in a single package easy to use. Across the world Cyberlink is trying to get a place with Power2Go burning software built into the DVD & continues editor, but also available separately. Finally, just to see what happens on the Mac side, we focused on 10 Toast Titanium and Roxio’s solution for Apple computers.
Nero is without doubt the flagship software of all that can be blamed for a series of etching, and in particular monolithic side. Become popular over the years it is a more comprehensive solution, but also heavier, the software retains some popularity. Version 9 provides several improvements, particularly in the areas of the HD, backup and audio. A version of "Reloaded", compatible with Windows 7 is coming to replace the version marketed until now. This makes it essentially a certified compatible with Windows 7, some news on AVCHD and … Integration in "gift" of Burn & BackItUp, Nero software is specializes in saving!
Interface —
Before arriving at the interface of the software, we should note that the installation of the software is tedious and interminable bar and the percentage of progressing is very slowly as Nero tirelessly tries to sell you its alternatives (BackItUp, Moveit and MediaHome). Note also the presence of the always unpleasant AskBar, and it will be recalled in passing that vigilance is required if you do not want all your file associations will be crushed. Once completed this painful phase, one finds the main novelty of the interface version in Nero 8: StartSmart interface. Designed to simplify the use of multiple features of the software, it combines the possibilities into four categories of tasks grouped by tabs: Rip and Burn, Create and Edit, Home Entertainment and Save. As in the previous applications are not available under their name, but under the headings and icons are clear enough: Burning an audio CD, copy a disk or create a photo slideshow.
StartSmart interface also provides direct shortcuts to common tasks: burn data CDs, audio burning, disc copy or backup. This is done from the same interface without having to launch another module, such as Nero Burning Rom or Nero Express. These are still accessible from the Start menu, which creates at once an interface between disparate enough that StartSmart rather thoughtful and older modules that are obviously there to reassure former users. Finally, the novelty of the more absurd version 8, customizable RSS feed at the bottom of the interface that is appropriate here. Ultimately, few changes were noted except for some modules like Showtime, who see their consolidated interface.
Burning and copying files —
At the burning of files, Nero changing very little, all features are there and the software manages the CD, DVD and Blu-ray. As we have seen in evoking the interface, since there are three ways Nero 8 to burn a disc: the application of "historical" Nero Burning Rom version "light" Nero Express, which creates a disk into several steps, and finally the StartSmart interface. Everything is a little confusing for a result that no matter little to the general public who seek to create discs as quickly as possible, for which the StartSmart interface just fine. More advanced users will obviously have to go through Nero Burning ROM to have significantly more advanced options on the type of disk, the file system or burning bootable discs. In terms of disk images, Nero 9 allows for burning images ISO, NRG, CUE and IMG, as well as creating images in NRG house.
What about the backup files and folders? On this point, Nero plays a little game since the release of Nero 9 which is to play with the nerves by removing users functionality to reintegrate later. Thus, with Nero 9, the publisher was doing BackItUp a separate software while the backup module was formerly built as a result. Since then, Nero BackItUp marketed & Burn, a separate solution, which specializes in burn and backup data (see next page). The first buyers of Nero 9 are therefore delighted to learn that Reloaded Nero 9, the new boxed version of Nero 9 package for the release of Windows 7, includes … BackItUp & Burn! Warning: it does not mean that users of Nero 9 are eligible to regain their lost BackItUp: it is simply a commercial transaction for new buyers of boxed!
Audio File Management —
At cakes audio, Nero offers CD burning audio CDs and MP3 format discs Nero Digital codec house will require a compatible player. Compared with Roxio, we note the failure to create DVD-Audio, which is certainly not essential. Again, we may choose to remain in or move StartSmart Nero Burning ROM to have more comprehensive options, including allowing fine-tune the encoding or the transitions between tracks. Compared with Roxio Creator 2009 or Toast on Mac it should be noted, however, the absence of small icons to easily adjust the transitions.
In fact, the new level of audio are not so much burning as reading. The reader is enriched Showtime, also a new interface not frankly more successful than its predecessor, the recognition features tracks from an audio CD, management of playlists or the incredible opportunity to read the tracks in shuffle mode! In short, nothing new on the horizon. Finally we note the presence of the ever-present (and unchanged) Nero Wave Editor, and a tool for converting audio files. However, nothing is expected to facilitate scanning of vinyl records or cassettes.
Discs and video files —
In terms of video, Nero 9 allows the creation of Blu-ray, and now offers export AVCHD. Creating video discs is always preferred since the application Nero Vision, which offers fairly easy to create, in stages, a CD (VCD, SVCD …), DVD (including AVCHD), a Blu – ray or a slideshow of pictures on a media pre-cited. Editing Reloaded Nero 9 (and the last free upgrade for existing users of Nero 9) also AVCHD export to a Memory Stick or SD card and added to the list of compatible sources, presentations PowerPoint (provided you have PowerPoint 2003 or higher). The interface lets you add video files from many formats, capture them (if one has a capture device) or import them from an HD camcorder. You can then apply to them some basic editing functionality, change their order, or choose a menu for your disc before burning. Simple and effective, but again, there is not much innovation in this new version. And it will not be sought in MediaHome since it, like BackItUp, disappeared from this version to become a separate software and charges. They console themselves with the opportunity to watch and record TV in SD or HD, provided they have a tuner, or even from the Windows Vista Sidebar, but again it takes a little too much from the original Nero .
Our rating —
Years pass and Nero does not change necessarily for the better. This version 9, although always supplied in component is distinguished more by what it lacks because it brings. Removing BackItUp Nero MediaHome and supply, the German publisher had made her less attractive result, and the news made are certainly expected (especially in the Blu-ray) but not really revolutionary. Since then, Nero has reviewed a copy and now markets a version of Reloaded, which reinstate his suite BackItUp, without anyone really knowing if it is a commercial offer or a permanent reinstatement. We can still welcome the move … For the rest, it has a fairly comprehensive set of modules which are doing their job properly, but do not change substantially from the version 8. Nero 9 is therefore a good result, but not innovative.
When Nero has announced the availability of module BackItUp, once integrated with the Nero suite, there was something to cry foul. With Nero BackItUp and Burn, the publisher seems to want his module suite of backup and burn their own right. Problem: it is more a business thantinkering with a solution quite consistent.
Start with BackItUp essential feature: the automatic backup. On this point, we can appreciate the work of Nero that has completely redefined the interface module to make it much more pleasant and intuitive. The software offers several sections allowing you to backup, restore and synchronize data. The backup can be done automatically in the manner of TimeMachine on Mac, but you can also manually back up one or more folders or save a complete unit. The interface module is distinguished by its simplicity: the work is carried out in stages, icons and descriptions are very meaningful and options "Expert" hidden by default. The software can perform full backups, differential or incremental backups, and enables data compression and encryption as their password.
Backups can be performed on a hard disk, optical disk (CD, DVD and Blu-ray are supported), networked or on the storage solution online Nero. One might think that the publisher’s strategy layer that Symantec and offers with its backup software offers an annual online storage at least adequate to safeguard its critical data. However, it is not: only 3 months are offered, with a rather cramped space of 1 GB! Nero BackItUp can also synchronize two folders so again very simple wizard provides numbered steps to select the two folders to synchronize, the synchronization method (mirror updated, adding new files …) and frequency of tasks.
Burning files —
We have seen BackItUp allows you to backup files on optical disc. For the "& Burn" software, however, one begins to dream of a Nero "light" using the same friendly interface and allows more flexibility to burn selections of files by drag and drop images to burn discs or copy Disk full. Unfortunately, on this point, Nero did not openly trampled: the editor is content to deliver what its like Nero Express, whose interface swear for once with the lifting of BackItUp. While Nero Express component is relatively efficient, but why not proposing a module burn as pleasant to use than the backup module? This "bundle" ugly gives the impression of being a mere pretext for the name of the software. We still specify that the solution also includes Nero RescueAgent, the tool data recovery on a disk damaged by scratches and can also retrieve accidentally deleted data.
Our rating —
With Burn & Nero BackItUp, Nero misses an opportunity to provide a solution to burn leaner and focused on data backup. Ultimately, it is a backup software more efficient and comfortable wearing a burning software aging. That does not help the case of Nero, in addition to the separate marketing of BackItUp who had already done what we gnash teeth … Note however that Nero now sells a new version of Nero BackItUp including 9 & Burn, but the gesture is more like a commercial offer reinstatement to the final module in the suite. In short, in both cases, Nero is new from old is a shame!
Formerly Easy CD Creator and Easy Media Creator, Roxio Creator suffers, like his competitor, exponential inflation of functionality that extends far beyond the burning today. The user can also navigate the excess of features? Try to extract the main …
Interface —
The interface of Roxio Creator 2010 is changing slightly from the 2009 version. We thus find the home interface centralizing the main features of the software and technology happily using WPF (which also require installation. NET Framework 3.5.). In practice, transparency effects and other animations prove rather amusing but not really essential, as is the case in Toast, Roxio software for Mac OS X.
It nevertheless finds a hierarchy of intuitive features grouped into 4 categories: Data Copy, Video – Movies, Music – Audio and Photos. A home page provides access to common tasks and tutorials. Note a few cosmetic changes in the 2010 version, and a slight reorganization of each section, highlighting the main functions with icons. As for Nero, the main interest of this interface is to perform most tasks without running an external module. It is not the case with all the features some of the modules will launch in separate windows. The user interface allergic to this plant will, as with Nero, run applications directly "classic" burning files and audio discs. We continue however to blame the weight of this interface that simply steals alone a hundred MB!
Burning and copying data —
We do not see more changes on the burning part of data that is similar to the previous version, with one exception: as Nero and Cyberlink Power2Go, Roxio now has its gadget burning drag and drop. The latter appears only when a disk is inserted into the reader and provides a visual overview of the space occupied by files ready to be burned. It automatically dispatch to those above on several discs if capacity is chosen too low. Finally, a menu provides access to options and the list of files prepared.
Otherwise, there are features of the 2009 version, the most classical to some peculiarities, like the analysis that can automatically search for videos, photos, audio files or Office files to add them to a disc. For more advanced users, the module "Roxio Creator Classic" is still present. The latter allows for recall of the interface switch to "traditional" and have more advanced options and extended capabilities such as automatic distribution of files across multiple discs if they are too bulky.
The burning disk images ignores traditional format of rival NRG Nero and the 2010 version does not break tradition, to our great regret (recall that the same Roxio supports it in its software for Mac, Toast). Let us conclude this overview by the possibility of backing up data, provided by the module BackOnTrack. It can automatically save all files in a specified path, or music files, video, photos and office on a daily, weekly or monthly. The module, as burning files, provides encryption and data compression. Again, no revolution on the horizon: Roxio has apparently not touched that module.
Burning audio files —
What’s new level of audio in Roxio Creator 2010? We know this area often distinguishes Roxio offers options absent from its competitor. At this level, the only novelty introduced by the 2010 version has nothing to revolutionize the genre: it is a feature of web radio capture to export the tracks to iTunes! Specifically, the module will capture the output of the sound card and automatically separates the tracks recorded. One option to disable the sound from other applications that may interfere records. Once registered, securities are deemed to be "Tagged" by the Gracenote database and added to iTunes. In our tests, the import failed, perhaps due to an incompatibility with iTunes 9.
Other audio features, already very rich, are still in the game. In addition to burning audio CDs and MP3 CDs, you can always find enough to produce original DVD accompanied by audio menus. The creation involves three steps: the choice of tracks, the choice of style menus and burning. The obtained DVDs can be played on a standalone player, and is practical enough to make a compilation where you can browse by artist or album.
More advanced users will appreciate the burning mode "Classic", always handy for managing transitions between audio tracks, or scanning of vinyl. They enjoy a rather well made module that automatically detects and tracks the Tagguer. The conversion module audio, limited to AAC, MP3 and WMA, has unfortunately not changed.
Burning video files —
In terms of video, Roxio Creator 2010 provides the main support hardware acceleration via CUDA (NVIDIA) or ATI Stream regarding the video conversion. This assumption obviously requires a compatible graphics card with one of these two technologies. Roxio announces a performance gain enough gigantic conversion would be up to 5 times faster. In practice, the gap is smaller on our tests, but nevertheless significant. On our test machine, a Core 2 Quad Q9450 at 2.66 GHz and equipped with a NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT, converting a DivX video of 66 minutes to PSP compatible format H264 done in 15 minutes software mode and 8 minutes with hardware acceleration enabled. Note that hardware acceleration provided by the graphics card does not relieve the processor: in fact our four core remained sought to 80/90% throughout the conversion process. The graphics card is thus reinforced.
We nevertheless appreciate the ease of use of the conversion module Copy & Convert which can add videos by drag and drop and select presets for many mobile devices represented here by their visual. The more advanced users can search through the settings. Copying DVD Video is also allowed provided that they are unprotected. Finally, the module Copy & Convert also allows you to download and save videos from community sites.
Roxio allows as its 2010 predecessor import from AVCHD camcorders, and allows burning videos to DVD (approximately 60 minutes) or Blu-ray … a fee for this last possibility. It will in effect pay fifteen euros to buy the plug-in allows burning movies on Blu-ray. As for audio and data, Roxio Creator offers two ways to proceed depending on whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and those they do not move in the 2010 version. Thus, regarding the editing of the film, you can choose between Cinemagic, a wizard that automatically creates a montage or VideoWave, a more complete application, which is almost in the court of "real" editing software.
However, one may ask questions about this module which seems extremely heavy, especially on projects from HD video, which have managed to block it completely. Convergence has its limits and it is may be better to rely on specialized software for such tasks. Regarding the creation of discs with menus, no surprise: he used the module MyDVD to create DVDs, Blu-Ray DVD or AVCHD. It is obviously not a complete solution for authoring as DVDit Pro HD Sonic, but the application offers many customizable menu styles.
Our rating —
Roxio Creator 2010 is still an impressive result and very complete, sometimes even too full. If certain features are quite welcome, especially in the audio software which offers almost everything one might need for conversion and burning (except for users of formats more "power user") others, such as video editing, are always surplus. The 2010 version of the suite does not really have any fundamental improvement: faster NVIDIA CUDA and ATI Stream video conversion, a gadget or feature it reviewed by that: users of the 2009 version should think twice before performing the update. For newcomers, all depend on the interest that you may have for all modules proposed.
On Mac OS X software called Roxio Toast. The suite provides functionality similar to that found in Creator 2009, but still significantly refocused on burning. The explanation is probably simple: Roxio has little interest in venturing into the fields of library management, photo or video editing because in these classes, all new Macs is already equipped with iTunes and iLife !
Interface —
Unlike most burning suites that offer an interface reference to different modules, Toast 10 still concentrated most of its functionality on a single software. It offers a unified interface with the side panel allows access to 5 main functions: data burning, audio recording, video recording, disk copy and convert video to mobile devices. For each section, a menu provides access to several tasks (for example, Audio: Audio CD, DVD music, MP3 Disc …), while a sliding panel also offers some additional options. The main part of the window is designed to drag and drop files. Note that it is enhanced by animations frankly unnecessary. Finally, the lower part is occupied by an indicator of remaining space, a button a little too light to start burning and a control panel to preview or user to audition the audio / video. It should be noted finally that, like many other software for Mac, Toast 10 proposes a floating panel giving access to iTunes and iPhoto libraries as well as Mac’s Movies folder. Ultimately, we will describe the interface efficient, but we regret the few fantasies frankly unnecessary, such as morphing between windows.
Hard copy of data —
What does Toast do for burning data ? Probably the most: it is possible to burn a disc in Mac, Mac / PC DVD-ROM (UDF), ISO 9660 or Photo CD. The Mac format disks offer two options: the files can be compressed and encrypted. In both cases, two options to avoid splitting files when you burn files across multiple disks and automatically display the window disc insertion thereof. Managing disk images Toast is however quite limited. If the software can open almost all popular formats (ISO, NRG, DMG …), he obviously has its own format (. TOAST) to create an image from a disk or selected file.
We finally found a plugin to achieve backup. Appointed Get Backup RE, the tool can perform manual or automatic backups of iPhoto and iTunes libraries, Mail accounts, the Documents folder and the Address Book of Mac OS X. It is also possible to add the folders of your choice. The destination may be a disk location or a blank disc, in which case Toast will automatically open the corresponding files added to the selection. The application handles the incremental backups and planned, and is fairly easy to use.
Audio discs —
The burning options are audio Toast again fairly standard: it is possible to create an audio CD, a DVD with menus, an MP3 disc or an audio CD "Enhanced," that is to say, offering a track data in addition to audio tracks. Regarding the audio CD you will appreciate the ability to easily adjust the pause time and the transition between two tracks. Burning DVD-Audio provides for its choice from among a menu of dozens of models, or the quality of encoding audio tracks.
Regarding the music we appreciate the presence of the module Spin Doctor. Independent Toast, but can integrate with it. Spin doctor is primarily intended for digitizing LPs or audio cassettes. The straightforward interface allows you to record and edit in a few clicks of the faces of 33 laps or cassettes, to automatically detect the songs (with the possibility of correcting errors), Tagguer of different titles and send it Toast to the creation of a disk, or to iTunes! Version 10 now allows the export of live tracks as and extent of registration.
Video Discs —
As we said in the introduction, Toast offers, on video, features smaller than those found on its PC counterpart, Creator 2009, which even offers a tool rather advanced editing! None of that here, but that does not mean that the video is the poor relation of Toast 10. At the creation of records, first of all, the software now allows the burning of Blu-ray. Beware, however: this feature requires the purchase of additional plug-in. We also recall for all practical purposes that Apple still reluctant to provide a Blu-ray with its computers. They console themselves with the opportunity to create DVDs in AVCHD format, new in version 10.
The owners of mobile or salon are not forgotten: 10 Toast to convert a DVD or VIDEO_TS folders (unprotected), and video files to a resolution and format compatible with these devices. The functionality is quite well implemented and offers numerous presets, the iPod classic to Apple TV via the PS3, Xbox 360 and PSP. These presets will suffice for ordinary users, but we can adjust more precisely the size, flow rate or the resolution if you want more control over the outcome. Finally we note the integration of new functionality, Streamer, that advertises on their iPhone or iPod Touch content from your Mac, using the Wi-Fi. Finally, a specific module manages TiVo recordings, but it applies only to U.S. users.
Our rating –
Despite its price a bit high, Toast Titanium software 10 remains attractive. We particularly appreciate the fact that it offers more features than the freeware. Also, it does not scatter too, unlike the suites on Windows. In addition, its user interface is childish. We regret only its price: at least 100 euros for the standard version, the price to stay up to date does not necessarily justify. In the absence of competitor on the Mac, we still recommend its purchase, not essential but facilitates the achievement of certain tasks.
Unlike Roxio and Nero, Cyberlink does not offer a suite indivisible, but a compilation of software is also available separately. The DVD continues publisher has fairly well-known software such as PowerDVD and PowerDirector, but also more specialized modules in creating data discs, audio CDs or DVDs. If you do not want to opt for the full suite, you can still buy separately Power2Go burning software publisher, at a price below that offered by its competitors. To test this, we discuss mainly DVD Suite, but also the differences between the full suite and version standalone product.
Interface —
Speaking interface for DVD Suite is fairly complicated, since the software is by definition independent of each other. However, Cyberlink has fairly well-kept consistent throughout all its software as more or less share the same color coding and visual elements. In addition, everything comes together in a home interface rather elegant, which we sense a very strong inspiration from Apple: dock, icons that are reflected on a black background, scrolling images in transparency … all breathe the sense of finishing. We see that does not necessarily find this finish to all floors of the suite, but some modules, including MediaShow are quite successful on this point.
Burning data and copies —
Part burning files DVD Suite 7 is ensured by the burning software Power2Go, a tool rather minimalist, but effective. It happens once more quickly on opportunities burn: they are more traditional. It is thus possible to produce CD, DVD or Blu-ray data by dragging and dropping files from Windows Explorer, copy a disc with the same, burn a disc from a disc image or create an image. A big black spot on the image formats supported: only the proprietary software (P2I) and the ISO format is recognized, reading as writing.
Note the option to make bootable CD or self executable and create a secure area on the disk where you can add files protected by password. An executable will be added to the disc, you can open and extract these files. Like Nero 9, users of Windows Vista will appreciate the presence of a gimmick to drag and drop files from Explorer to the Windows Sidebar, and then burn the selection by clicking. The data part of DVD Suite is quite effective, but fairly limited: you will not find any module for example, to perform automatic backups of certain directories in regular intervals. On the other hand, following Cyberlink is more oriented towards media and not the backup.
Burning audio files —
Always associated with Power2Go, the audio DVD Suite is equally limited: the only options available are the creation of audio CDs and creating CDs or DVDs MP3 or WMA files. Needless to find any scanning module vinyl record, an audio editor or some extended capabilities such as the creation of crossfades between tracks: Power2Go merely the bare minimum material. Note in better standardization of sound between the tracks, an opportunity to explore the library audio tags (artist, album, genre) and integration with the Windows Vista gadget, again very useful to quickly create a CD audio by dragging and dropping tracks.
Burning video files —
Cyberlink’s approach on video is quite ingenious. If you opt for the complete DVD Suite, it offers full versions of other software range: PowerDirector for video editing, PowerProducer for DVD authoring and MediaShow to manage videos and photos as well as the rapid creation slideshows. Let us briefly review PowerDirector insofar as the latter has already been treated in our comparison video editing. While not extraordinary, the program suffers from poor ergonomics and a certain heaviness, but rather is due at the end, at least in significant improvement over previous versions. PowerProducer offers for its solution quite simple and efficient to create a video disc (CD or DVD for the Ultra version, Blu-ray DVD and AVCHD). After selecting the media type, you can customize your disk among several models of menus that are not all the best taste, add video files or photos, or capture video from an external device.
Even if it’s not really the purpose of this comparison, we can also discuss the application MediaShow, manager of photos and videos recalling widely iPhoto or Picasa, and very obviously inspired by their elegant interface, even do too much. Thus, the transitions between each screen are enhanced by a 3D cube effect absolutely free. MediaShow is however very effective and intuitive to make a slideshow on disc. Simply select photos and / or videos from the library or drag and drop, select the theme menu, possibly adding a soundtrack to the slideshow and burn the disc. Finally we note the presence of famous PowerDVD, but again, only the Ultra version of the suite you will read Blu-ray.
If you prefer simply Power2Go, it integrates full version tools equivalent, although somewhat less elegant interface Power2Go is usually quite minimalist in its kind. You can still create video or photo discs by adding a few clicks in your clips, a menu theme and a soundtrack for it, or cut your videos so do keep that section.
Our rating —
Faced with the monolithic suites Roxio and Nero, Cyberlink offers a choice between burning software cheaper, but less complete, and a full suite, but more expensive in its most comprehensive. The software Power2Go in itself seems still quite expensive for what it offers: its minimalist features make this tool not really more advanced than many free burning software. The result can be a good investment, but then falls into the trap of competitors: you may not need all the software available.
Conclusion :
Do we still need a result of burning music? That is the question one is tempted to ask at the end of this roundup. The answer is not obvious, but it is clear that except for Toast and Power2Go (in the version independent), the software presented here are becoming harder to justify their need. Their problem is that too scattered, they return to compete with dedicated tools that do the same thing, sometimes even free. Do we really need a module to digitize vinyl so that Audacity works fine? Left to spend a little less money for a program does is it better to not invest in a real video editing solution such as Studio or Premiere Elements? Even if Nero or Roxio Creator offer advanced burning features that can make a difference for some users, the question arises as to the general public will have a more casual use, especially since the issue of updating arises . Side Roxio, the 2010 version of the suite offers some improvements, but nothing substantial can be outside of the support for CUDA and ATI’s Stream. In Nero, it seems that the publisher simply repackage this year’s version 9 as the Nero Reloaded 9. Enjoying compatibility with Windows 7, this version includes Nero Back It Up & Burn (the waltz BackItUp, Nero used component continues …). In short, nothing new for this autumn 2009.
Cyberlink’s case is somewhat different in that the Taiwanese publisher has at least the intelligence to propose the following components separately. However, the price even Power2Go is not necessarily justified: we cannot say that the burning software offers unique features compared to freeware like InfraRecorder or CD Burner XP Pro. Similarly, the suite includes software interface as MediaShow attractive enough, but there are still many free competitors like paying (ACDSee, Picasa …). In addition, after accusing a certain age now as new versions of PowerDVD, PowerDirector and MediaShow have emerged since. In the same vein, we regret the missed opportunity with Nero BackItUp. In announcing the backup and burning, we were quite concerned by the prospect of finding a program that goes to fundamentals. In reality, it is simply the makeover of a component built previously Nero (through version 8) and decked with Nero Express. This may be of interest to users who seek it without paying an exorbitant sum, but would have preferred a better integration. Sign of the times: the editor suggested, therefore, his gift with Nero Reloaded 9. Admission of failure?
Our conclusion is therefore reluctantly yes Nero 9, Roxio Creator 2010 and Cyberlink DVD Suite software are good. No, you will not necessarily need at the price they are sold. At a time when operating systems already include similar tools, and where many publishers offer free software just as efficient and ergonomic, it seems difficult to tell you to jump on these suites, unless they have specific needs. We have published a selection of free burning software, which may prove sufficient in many cases. On Mac, Roxio seems to have succeeded one software a little more targeted, which may attract a certain audience, although it remains very expensive and, again, many freeware burning exist.
