The German software manufacturer has unveiled its new flagship software package, Nero 9, a one-stop portal that integrates pretty much every area of multimedia creation for the home consumer. In the past, the Nero brand has been associated with CD and DVD burning — and not much else. The Nero 9 suite has a number of new features that add to its core premise of media creation.
Upside
The Nero StartSmart centre has been totally overhauled, including a new, easier to use interface. Essentially, StartSmart is a central launch pad for all the other applications, including burning, video, photo, conversion and backup functions.
Nero's StartSmart Interface
(Credit: Nero)
For budding Spielbergs, the Movie Wizard function now has extra templates based around common events such as weddings, birthdays and holidays, plus there's the special AdSpotter functionality that lets you skip ads in pre-recorded TV shows and movies. There is also now support for AVHCD, as well as a conversion filter that takes standard-definition video and enhances the picture quality to make it look like high-definition video.
Additional functionality is available for Vista users, including enhanced TV integration thanks to the Nero Live Gadget which displays broadcasts in the Vista sidebar.
Downside
Nero 9 is only available for Windows — there are no current plans for a Mac version. At the launch of Nero 9, the company also unveiled another package called MoveIt, which lets users easily transfer digital content in different formats between a computer and portable devices through a simple interface. At this stage, it seems that the two packages will be sold separately rather than bundled together.
Also be prepared to shell out extra for the backup functionality in Nero 9; it's priced in, 5, 15 and 25GB increments for either three or 12 months of service. If you do take up the offer, make sure to read the terms and conditions.
Outlook
Now up to its ninth release, the Nero multimedia package has built a loyal following amongst home users wanting an integrated solution to their ripping and burning needs. Nero 9 builds on the functionality of earlier versions and adds a couple of extra features that may tempt new users to pick up the software, but there's limited room to move once you've mastered the basics.
Nero 9 is available in a retail box set or as a download from nero.com for AU$99.95.
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