CD-RW Mastering Software Shoot Out! Final Round: Nero Burning ROM 5.0 Douglas Smith
Nero Burning ROM 5.0 (Nero) is the cream-de-la-crop of CD mastering software, with an abundance of features and wizard-driven interfaces. We spent hours playing with this one and just never seemed to stop finding new features to play with. Immediately after installation--which is quick and simple--we noticed how well-designed this program is, from its smart and informative wizard that walks through common recording tasks, to the total control available using its powerful advanced features. A real steal at $49, for total control over existing software. Prospective users can try it for 30 days free. One of the most impressive features was the New Compilation window, the heart and sole of Nero. Quickly create just about any type of CD format with total control of how it is done. Multiple types of format on the left side of the compilation window include Audio-CD, Mixed Mode CD, CD-Copy, Video-CD, bootable CD, and hybrid CDs. On the right side of the window are excellent context-sensitive tabbed menus; for each creation type a customized tabbed menu layout will appear. If overwhelmed by feature glut, relax back into the hands of the wizard with just a click of the mouse.
Need to print a jewel case list after you burn some audio CDs? No problem with Nero. Included is a smart program specifically for this, and it will even format the data to fill the cover, inlay, and CD label quickly and easily. Nero’s ability to burn MP3’s to CD format (with optional encoder) makes the music buff twitch with eagerness at the thought of creating homegrown party CDs. However, the editing capability of Nero’s editor is limited when it comes to doing covers; you can’t edit the text within the frame or apply more than single fonts. According to Ahead, better text editing will be built into future versions of the program.
Nero is one of the most powerful CD Mastering software packages that we have ever seen, but some aspects of the program can be overwhelming for the novice. If you dive deep into the advanced features, you will find options and settings that can have you searching the help files for hours. If not comfortable with the many features, let the wizard help.
