software review - CD&DVD-Maker 6.5

Raising the bar for CD/DVD programs, NTI's CD& DVD-Maker 6.5 offers a variety of tools to burn CDs and DVDs. You can rely on the program to help store or backup data files onto discs; copy discs; and organize digital photos, create a video library or store or play music files on CDs and DVDs. The program is easy to use and even comes with its own sound editor to customize WAV-based audio files.

The program offers good tools to burn large files onto CDs or
DVDs, which can save on hard drive space. The program can
burn music onto a CD and convert files between WAV and
MP3 formats. And a useful new wave editor lets you apply
sound filters; and cut, copy, paste, trim, crop and fade
audio. The program also records live audio onto CDs in
real-time, which may be used to convert audio from LP
records and cassettes.

The program supports VideoCD, a format that can store an hour's worth of lower quality (MPEG-1) video on a single CD. And these CDs may be played on most DVD players to be viewed on a television. The program converts AVI video into MPEG-1 files and can now create single-level VCD/SVCD menus. Of course, the program also works with a DVD recorder to burn videos onto higher-capacity DVD discs.

In addition, support for VideoCD lets you
create photo slide shows out of your digital
photos and add audio tracks, and these
may be viewed through a DVD player as well.
It's a great way to share pictures with
friends and family.

Other new features include useful audio
balancing, which evens out the volume
between CD tracks; DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW
support for DVD Data, an enhanced
Fraunhofer MP3 decoder; and an improved
utility for creating jewel case and CD labels
that supports 8CM disc labels, and can handle background file templates and curved text.

CD&DVD-Maker 6.5 can handle virtually all of your CD and DVD needs. But before you buy, be sure to evaluate the features found in the software that comes with your CD/DVD recorder so you don't pay for capability that you already have or don't need.

Related Reviews:
3D-Album DVD Suite 2.03
MP3 Maker Diamond 2004
TotalBurn Platinum Suite
Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition

11/11/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff