The
CD & DVD-Maker™ 7 Titanium Suite software comes on a single CD and
automatically launches the main install menu when inserted into a
computer. We first installed the software on our Sony VAIO Laptop
(PCV-K23) to check out some of the features. The installation menu
allows users to install CD & DVD-Maker™ 7, Home Video-Maker and
NTI's DVD Playback software separately. Since our laptop lacked a DVD
burner, we also tested the software on our Sony Vaio (PCV-RZ22G) desktop
machine, which gave us more resources. In both cases, the installation
was simple and went without a hitch. The software comes on a single
install CD. Each of the three items listed in the install menu must be
installed separately or they will not be enabled in the main menu. The
package also includes a QuickStart Guide that briefly explains how to
use each of the various applications included with this suite of
programs.
The
Audio programs are used to create WAV, MP3 or WMA music CDs. The MP3
application has a capacity indicator at the lower area of the window
that lets the user know how much space is used on the disc as it fills
up with files. This helps the user know the exact space required when
making a CD. Users can also record Live Audio directly to disc. CD Extra
discs can be created using the simple interface. An NTI Wave Editor and
Audio Player are included in the package.
The
Data programs provide users with the ability to create CD or DVD data
discs. This is particularly useful for backing up large amounts of
important data onto disc. We liked the ability to store large amounts of
data onto DVD (4.7 GB on single layer and 8.5 GB on dual layer discs).
Mixed Mode CDs can also be created in this area. When using the Mixed
Mode CD format, the first session can contain up to 98 audio tracks and
second session contains the data track. These discs offer excellent
compatibility with both audio-only players as well as CDROM drives in
computers.
The
Video programs are used to create Video CDs and Super VCDs. NTI's
Cinematic Video offers users a simple way to spice up video by having
the software create transitions and effects on the original content.
HomeVideo-Maker is a powerful application designed to capture, edit and
create video discs with support for menus and sub menus. The best part
about this program is NTI makes it easy to preview the disc to see how
the menu system will work before burning the disc. The HomeVideo-Maker
software has some excellent features that are quite intuitive. Also
included is the DVD Fit application, which is designed to automatically
compress video to fit on a single DVD in cases where the source files
are much larger than the target disc capacity. NTI also threw in their
DVD player.
The
Photo programs include Photo Disc, Slideshow VCD, Slideshow SVCD, and
Cinematic Slideshow™. Photo Discs simply include a series of JPEG files
and are compatible with newer DVD players and all computers with CDROM
drives. The VCD and SVCD Slideshow programs are designed to create video
from a series of still images. Background audio can also be added to
the video for a custom presentation. The Cinematic Slideshow allows user
to takes a series of photos and create a wonderful presentation. Once
the disc is burned, the user can select the JewelCase Maker application
for either standard (12 cm) discs or Mini (8 cm) discs.
The Backup programs includes Files & Folders and Disc Image. Selecting launches NTI's Backup NOW! 4 application, a comprehensive backup/restore program that allows users to easily select files for archiving. The software automatically spans the data to multiple discs if required. The program can compare archived files to identify differences and can even backup and restore to a remote server.
The Copy program is capable of duplicating CD or DVD (non-copy protected) media to or from a disc or image. This is a great utility for making multiple copies of a disc. We used it to duplicate the kids DVD videos for family.
The Backup programs includes Files & Folders and Disc Image. Selecting launches NTI's Backup NOW! 4 application, a comprehensive backup/restore program that allows users to easily select files for archiving. The software automatically spans the data to multiple discs if required. The program can compare archived files to identify differences and can even backup and restore to a remote server.
The Copy program is capable of duplicating CD or DVD (non-copy protected) media to or from a disc or image. This is a great utility for making multiple copies of a disc. We used it to duplicate the kids DVD videos for family.
Performance
We
sampled most of the programs included with the CD & DVD-Maker™ 7
Titanium Suite (there are many) including the backup tools for CD and
DVD. Much of our focus was on the HomeVideo-Maker application that
allows users to quickly create a DVD complete with menus. The quick
preview capability was excellent and saves users time when making their
own custom movies. We connected our JVC MiniDV camcorder to our PC using
a IEEE-1394 cable and the software immediately recognized the device.
Transferring our home video to the hard drive for editing was a breeze
and the HomeVideo-Maker software worked well. We were able to quickly
create a DVD of our favorite moments.
Another great set of applications is the Slideshow VCD and Slideshow SVCD that allows users to take a series of still pictures and create an impressive video presentation with background music targeting VCD or SVCD. The playing time for each still picture is user adjustable. The Cinematic Slideshow is a great way to spice up what would normally be a simple series of slides with music. The software automatically creates movement through the still pictures, which produces an interesting cinematic effect.
The DVD and CD backup application was also very useful and easy to use. We took some of our custom home videos of the kids and were able to quickly make duplicates for the family. Making CD copies of our VCD and SVCD Slideshows was just as easy.
Another great set of applications is the Slideshow VCD and Slideshow SVCD that allows users to take a series of still pictures and create an impressive video presentation with background music targeting VCD or SVCD. The playing time for each still picture is user adjustable. The Cinematic Slideshow is a great way to spice up what would normally be a simple series of slides with music. The software automatically creates movement through the still pictures, which produces an interesting cinematic effect.
The DVD and CD backup application was also very useful and easy to use. We took some of our custom home videos of the kids and were able to quickly make duplicates for the family. Making CD copies of our VCD and SVCD Slideshows was just as easy.
Conclusion
The
CD & DVD-Maker™ 7 Titanium Suite offers a powerful set of tools for
both CD and DVD media. Users can quickly capture and edit video, create
music discs, listen to MP3s, watch videos, backup data and much more
all with this one product. The user interface is simple and the product
achieves great results based on what we have tested. What is most
amazing is that the complete software package is available for under
$80. We've seen far less capable products cost considerably more than
the CD & DVD-Maker™ 7 Titanium Suite. The comprehensive set of
programs included with this product is a steal given its price.
How to Install NTI CD & DVD Maker 7.0
Note
This is WinRAR File. You must be install WinRAR v4.65 in your System.
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