Pros: Lets me burn DVD-Video discs on DVD-R and DVD+R, stable, features
Cons: Price
The Bottom Line: I use Nero 5.5 for DVD-Video burning on DVD-R and DVD R discs and highly recommend it for this purpose as well as for CD-R/W recording
dkozin's Full Review: Ahead Software Nero 5.5 Full Version for PC
After having all sorts of problems with Roxio CD and DVD Creator 6, I reverted back to Nero 5.5. The main reason: Nero 5.5 lets you burn DVD-Video Discs.
Roxio 6 was supposed to let me make DVD-Video discs, but it would not work properly (in addition to crashing) and would not have the advanced functionality that Nero 5.5 does have.
Features
I have used Nero to burn CD-R and CD-RW (including CD-Audio, Video CD, Super Video CD, XVCD, Data CD, MP3 CD, UDF) discs before I got my dual-format DVD burner. Now I can also burn DVD-Video and DVD-Data (including UDF and ISO) discs on DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW.
DVD-Video
There are two basic needs I had in regards to DVD recording: making my own DVD-Video discs and making backup copies of DVD titles I own.
First, you need to have .VOB, .IFO and .BUP files that are going to be written on the blank DVD disc. I use Pinnacle DV Studio to create my own video material and convert it to these files. To make backup copies of DVD-Video discs, I use DVD Shrink software (available free). DVD Shrink also produces all the files you need.
After you have the files (which will go to the DVD-Video disc’s VIDEO_TS directory), you can open Nero and select “DVD” in the dropdown list in the upper left corner of its wizard. Then, select DVD-Video in the list in the left part of the window and, leaving the settings at their default values, click “New” button in the upper right corner.
Next, drag all the files you created (weather by using your editing software or by using DVD Shrink) to the VIDEO_TS folder on the disc layout. Then, slick the “Burn” button and set recording parameters (speed, etc). That’s it!
The recording status window shows you the progress of your recording and the buffer utilization. You can engage buffer underrun protection to avoid dreaded "Buffer Underrun" coaster-producting errors.
When I burn DVD-Video projects, I keep the option to verify data after writing selected (in the burn status window) to make sure everything was written correctly.
Other Formats
DVD recording options include DVD-ROM (ISO), DVD Copy, DVD-Video, DVD-ROM (bootable), DVD-ROM (UDF), DVD-ROM (UDF/ISO).
The bootable DVD option lets you use Harddisk Emulation to be able to fit more than one floppy's worth of data on the disc.
You can record CD-R/W in the same manner as DVD. Selection of the “CD” in the dropdown described above displays the available types of CD projects, including Data CD and Video CD.
CD Options include: CD-ROM (ISO), Audio CD, Mixed-Mode CD, CD Extra, CD Copy, Video CD (unchecking "Create standard compliant CD" option lets you make XVCD), Super Video CD, CD-ROM (Bootable) (also has Harddisk emulation available), CD-ROM (Hybrid), CD-ROM (UDF), CD-ROM (UDF-ISO).
All project types have multiple options. For example, "CD Copy" lets you select "Ignore illegal TOC type" and "Force raw reading" checkboxes to be able to copy some copy-protected computer games.
The program also lets you write CD Text if you recorder supports it. This may be useful if you are planning to play your audio CD-R or CD-RW in a CD or DVD player that can display CD Text on the front panel or on the TV screen (my Panasonic S35 DVD player can display CD Text on the TV screen).
You have access to other advanced features as well, if you so desire. E.g. you can select file allocation strategy, conduct a "test" burn before the "real" burn (simulation), title the disc (Author, publisher, title, dates, etc.)...
You can “overburn” CD media (provided you recorder supports it). I have not done it and do not intend to try.
Utilities
Nero comes with additional utilities called Nero CD Speed, Nero Drive Speed, Nero Info Tool. They let you test the speed of your CD drive and hard drive and display results graphically as well as see informtaion about your CD/DVD drives/recorders (e.g. DVD-RW support, speeds, etc.)
Performance
I found Nero 5.5 to be much more stable than the Roxio products, especially their version 6 product. I have used Imation DVD-R and KHypermedia (CNC) DVD+R and have not had a single coaster yet with my NEC 2500a burner (they were recorded at their maximum supported speeds: 2x and 2.4x respectively). I have not tried burning DVD-RW or DVD+RW discs (because I haven't purchased any yet).
I have also used NERO 5.5 with my previous burner (48x BUSLink) and it worked well with it (producing speeds of up to 48x on CD-R discs that supported it).
Software Updates
The Nero web site features a difficult to navigate structure, but includes software updates for their products, including NERO Burning ROM 5.5. Last time I checked for updates, they had version 5.5.10.56 (which I am currently running).
Bottom Line
I use Nero 5.5 for DVD-Video burning on DVD-R and DVD+R discs and highly recommend it for this purpose as well as for CD-R/W recording.
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