Nero 8

Pros:
As a renewal of last version, this one provides users a totally different interface, which makes Nero 8 easier to operate; and this version could support HD, AVCHD and Blu-ray formats. This is an all-in-one multi-media program and each function is separated from this big tool.

Cons:
It occupies much space which could almost keep abreast with anti-virus programs. Sometimes, it would require a third party activity or needs other software in conjunction with it. The Help file may be considerate for users to download their own languages yet it is not very convenient for users to read immediately.

Benefits:
It's  an all-in-one program and this tool is really strong in its functions. Besides its disc-ripping and burning capabilities, the digital-media suite also offers a bevy of options for managing movies, music, and photos.

With this program, we could create and edit videos and music files, share that content online, turn our PC into a media center, and back up or recover data in case of disaster. It is said that a new tech means is added in this products--SecurDisk, which is the first and most comprehensive data protection solution for CDs and DVDs, offering multiple levels of protection to safeguard your most valuable and confidential data. So this version could make us feel securer, couldn't it?

The added new features include Converting DVD files for iPod, PSP, or other mobile gadgets. As the most popular video formats are HD, AVCHD as well as Blu-ray, can Nero fall behind? Certainly not, so this new version could also support these hot formats.

The trial version could use for one month and we could import and share videos via Youtube, MySpace, and MyNero--this program can convert files to MP4 and other formats we prefer.
If we get a deeper familiarity with this program, we might feel a little confused by its assorted applications--we should operate every item with care, otherwise another interface may pop up. For example, when we are curious about the backup creating and toy with it, Nero would close the StartSmart window and takes us to the entirely different BackItUp interface.

Nero Express steps us through making music or video disks, such as a Jukebox. We could also utilize it to burn a CD that converts our videos to formats that most SVCD and DVD players can read.

As I mentioned above, SecurDisk could help us copy and recover disks, this tech means could reduce the data losing risk.

Setup
This tool is a quite large one so the installation needs several minutes to finish. It would keep you wait for a little bit. Before start installation, it would check your disk if there is enough to install--the totally installation size is 128MB. This is the largest multi-media program that I've ever met. During the installation, do not operate all clicks by its default as there is a toolbar bundled with this tool--if you do not want it, just uncheck it.

Should you decide to remove this big guy, there is no such a shortcut for uninstall; what you should do is to launch "Control Panel" and find the appropriate program.

Interface
Have installed? OK, let's start now...wait, what is the main program to begin with? There are no fewer than 16 items listed in the Nero 8 folder within Windows' Programs menu. It's recommended that StartSmart screen is the best place to start.

There are several options on the top--Rip and Burn, Create and Edit, Home Entertainment and Back Up. RSS feeds will show updates from Nero, but it's hard to add our own feeds there. The flame icon in the lower-left corner connects to other Nero 8 applications.

System Requirements
Nero 8 requires an operating system as follows: Windows 2000 SP4 or later, XP or Vista computer with a DVD-ROM and a recommended 512MB of RAM for Vista or 256MB for earlier versions of Windows.

Since this tool is a big one, you'd better leave 1.5GB and another 9GB to squeeze in DVD files. While storing hing-definition video files or TV shows, you will need a system beefier than the basic requirements; HD DVD playback requires a plug-in from Nero's website.

Conclusion
This is the first big multi-media I've found so far, which is also an all-in-one program. A certain user commented it good but not great, for the tech is still not perfect. As a saying goes, "to know everything is to know nothing", this hodge-podge toolkit would have its flaws.

It is a little pity that this program could be seen as a resource hog, which might uses lots of memory. Also, some users are satisfied with its great conversion quality.

The whole items in this program could be welcomed by advanced users, as there are not only multi-media tasks, but also some picture design items to utilize. While sometimes this tool could not work smoothly for it could not support all HD formats; however there is no specification on the supported HD formats, so this may be a bug in this tool, and I expect a revisal version.