Online Backup Guide

Nero 9

Nero, the German software publisher, has come out with another version of eponymous software suite.  The new version Nero 9 is certainly meatier and the StartSmart interface has a revamped interface that complements the Windows Vista look and feel. All functions are integrated into the launch center itself and comes as a relief to those who do not want to start up separate applications for every operation. The CD and DVD burning includes a wide range of functions for video editing, transcoding, DVD authoring, media streaming and file backup.

The highlights of Nero 9 are:

• Improved launch and control interface
• Enhanced Format/codec support
• Ad Spotter
• Music Grabber
• Nero live
• Auto Backup

Work Environment

Nero 9 requires a DVD drive for installation.  It works well with Pentium III and above processors and at least a 256 MB RAM and 1.5 GB hard drive space. The OS needs to be Windows XP and above. Additionally, there are some special requirements for Video editing.

Features

Improved Nero launch and Control interface:

Nero 9’s revamped default interface includes access to improved high-definition support, an enhanced media player, new video-editing options, improved live TV, and new autobackup and data-protection features. Nero 9 template packs provide options for customizing disc menus including the Standard and animated 2D & 3D menu templates. There are three template packs for disc authoring and two template packs for video editing. Nero 9 is available in many languages including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish etc. Nero 9 also comes with some limited features called Nero 9 Essentials. This version is bundled with a PC or a burner and the features are chosen by the hardware manufacturer.

Enhanced format/codec support and Music Grabber:

The application now supports FLAC (lossless audio), Matoska video (.mkv), and AVCHD. Music and video lovers will find the tool just what they are looking for. Creating, editing, digital archiving of old music CDs and LPs are also included in the repository of tools. One convenient new feature is the ability to save audio tracks from videos to MP3. Also appealing is the use of Gracenote instead of CDDB for track, artist, and album information.

Video Editing tools & the movie wizard

Video Projects can be edited in HD (High-Definition) quality and AVCHD disks can be created on a regular DVD medium (red laser) or a BD-AV disk (blue laser). The application sports a theme-based editor for home videos and includes preconfigured transitions and music for events such as weddings, birthdays, and vacations.

Photo editing tools

Photo editing tools can be used to adjust, crop, and rotate pictures. It also allows correction of red-eyes and creating photo slideshows. Using the movie wizard template library, movies can be created. Ad spotter tool can be used to cut the ads that interrupt a movie.

TV Technology, Nero Live and Ad Spotter

In the home entertainment arena,  Nero 9 provides the latest TV technology for HDTV viewing and integrates with Windows Vista Media center and Windows XP Media Center edition. TV shows can now be recorded and played back. It also allows picture-in-picture mode viewing. These facilities are available even for HDTV. Ad Spotter, helps you find and delete commercials in video recordings; and Pre-scan, for previewing and chaptering video straight from DV cameras.

Nero 9 Photo And Video Screenshot

Copy and backup

For those who want to rip, copy, burn or backup data, Nero® StartSmart is a versatile tool that allows customized and auto backup and paid online backup features. It also supports DVD-R dual Layer and DVD+R double layer support thereby allowing more data to be stored on the disc. Nero® DiscCopy allows one-click disc copy. Files can be recovered using Nero® RescueAgent.

The Verdict

Creative users looking for flexibility, feasibility and fun in their user experience with digital media home entertainment software would certainly find Nero 9 an interesting option. This version of the software brings with it all the traditional features of create, rip, copy burn, edit, and share along with a newly introduced feature to upload media online for web style sharing. The user friendly StartSmart interface makes clicking through the menu options a breeze.  The LiveTV feature integrates TV with the Desktop and provides accessible buttons to play, record and pause the TV show. The Nero DiscCopy Gadget complements the Windows Vista interface.

However, while Nero 9 interface is certainly an enhancement over version 8, it will not be worth while for those who are looking for great additional features. It may be more practical to wait and watch what Version 10 has to offer. There are no dramatic changes in Version 9. The application launch is faster and usability of audio, video, photo, data or home entertainment with MP3 edits, capture, video edit, record, playback TV to design of disc covers are much better, but not mind blowing.