Nero has announced that Nero 7 Essentials is being shipped with ASUS's new LightScribe capable DVD writer, the DRW-1814BL. Here's part of their press release:
Nero, leaders in digital media technology, announced today that Nero 7 Essentials digital media software suite has been selected as the exclusive software package bundled with ASUSTeK's new DVD-RW drives sold worldwide, beginning with the DRW-1814BL LightScribe DVD-RW drive released today.

Nero 7 Essentials, a "one stop" digital multimedia solution, provides consumers with pre-mastering, recording, packet writing, and photo management applications. In addition, ASUSTeK drive purchasers will be offered a free 30-day trial of SVCD and DVD-Video playback, authoring, and encoding applications via download from www.nero.com.
Only a 30 day trial? That's pretty chintzy considering most drives come with some sort of DVD playback software. Anyway, if you'd like to read more, Nero's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Erik Deppe has released yet another version of CD-DVD Speed. Along with the usual bug fixes and improvements, this version adds TA jitter testing for some of Lite-On's more recent drives as well as support for DVD-RW DL and DVD+RW DL media.
CD-DVD Speed v4.7.5.0 - Download
  • Added TA jitter test for recent LiteOn drives
  • Added support for DVD-RW DL and DVD+RW DL
  • Disc Quality Test
    • Improved jitter reporting for LiteOn drives
    • Added recorder information in statistics window
    • PI/PIF averages calculated differently
  • Added support for hybrid discs
  • File dialogs are resizable
  • Small improvements and bug fixes
More information can be found on the CD Speed website. Also, feel free to share your experiences in our forum. Add a comment
CyberLink has announced that they've released a Vista ready version of CyberLink DVD Suite 5. Here's part of their press release:
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a world leader in digital home solutions, today announced the release of CyberLink DVD Suite 5, a comprehensive collection of Vista Ready DVD software for editing videos, playing DVD movies, archiving and burning data, authoring DVDs, creating photo slideshows, ripping and burning music CDs.

"CyberLink DVD Suite 5 now allows our complete range of DVD applications to be enjoyed on Windows Vista," said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. "Vista users can continue to enjoy the advanced features and technologies related to DVD creation offered by this powerful and easy-to-use software suite."
The Pro and Standard versions of CyberLink DVD Suite 5 are available now and are priced at $89.95 and $49.95 respectively. More information can be found here.

If you haven't already, make sure you check out our interview with Louis Chen, Senior Manager of Product Management Department for next generation DVD and digital home solutions at CyberLink. Add a comment
CyberLink sent out a press release this morning, annoucing the launch of Media Deluxe. Adding greater functionality to Windows Vista Media Center, Media Deluxe lets users do things like capture videos, author and burn discs and share media files across a network.
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a world leader in digital home solutions, today announced the launch of CyberLink Media Deluxe, its plug-ins for Microsoft Vista Media Center, entertainment and personal creativity products.

Designed to seamlessly integrate with and augment Windows Vista Media Center, CyberLink Media Deluxe provides a consistent look and feel while adding greater functionality and expanded entertainment options. Media Deluxe lets users capture videos, edit videos and photos automatically, create slideshows, create sports highlight clips, author and burn discs, and share files throughout their personal network.
CyberLink Media Deluxe is available in both Standard and Pro versions and is priced at $49.95 and $69.95 respectively. More information can be found here. Add a comment
Corel has announced a new version of their DVD authoring and burning application, DVD MovieFactory. According to their press release, DVD MovieFactory 6 Plus offers a number of new features including "Edit Room" video editing tools and support for all Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.
Corel Corporation (NASDAQ:CREL; TSX:CRE) today announced the release of Corel Ulead DVD MovieFactory 6 Plus, available in English, with German and French versions to follow next month. This latest release of the award-winning consumer DVD authoring package is the first consumer entry-level product to offer HD DVD burning capability and is also the first product to be launched from the recently merged Corel/InterVideo/Ulead portfolio.

Packed with features galore to breathe new life into videos, photos and create Hollywood-style menu motion effects, Corel Ulead DVD MovieFactory 6 Plus maintains the ease of use and affordability associated with previous versions. Requiring very little time or effort, users can produce fun and creative DVD projects, with a professional-looking feel, in either HD DVD or standard DVD format. For high definition video aficionados choosing the Blu-ray Disc format, DVD MovieFactory 6 Plus also includes the ability to record HD video directly to Blu-ray Disc. It also comes complete with a free version of WinDVD, the world's number one DVD and video playback software and a free version of DVD copy enabling you to copy your videos and music in three easy steps.
The Standard and Plus editions of Ulead DVD MovieFactory 6 are available now and are priced at $49.99 and $79.99 respectively. More information is available on Corel's website. Add a comment