What Version of Nero to Buy?

[LCE]

Hi,
There are what seems like many different types,versions,etc.. of Nero out there.
What is the best one to Buy?
I plan on buying the software off of Ebay(can I say that on here ) as I see some pretty inexpensive prices(I don't have a whole lot to spend ) so if somebody could point me to a reputable seller with the Nero version I need it would be greatly appreciated.

Basically I want to do it all...
I want to be able to Make,Burn,Copy,Convert,Edit,Etc...
DVD's
CD's
VCD's/SVCD's
Photo
Data


Im sure there are other things I would /will like to do either now or in the future that I havent listed but I am sure you all can see that I want a do it all program?

Thank You

[mats.hogberg]

I wouldn't use Nero even if I got paid to. For everything Nero does, there is freeware that do it much better.

/Mats

[peterhun]

You'll be needing Nero 7 Ultra suite if you want to do all that. If you're getting it off eBay then make sure it specifies that it comes in a box otherwise you don't know what you'll be getting. Don't get Nero 7 Essentials.... it doesn't include Burning ROM which is very much needed.

[AlanHK]

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=318396

[guns1inger]

Yes, it will do all that. Most of it will be done poorly or to a barely average standard. The disc cost will be high for what little you actually get. Is it worth it ? Let's see how many times you come back here to get solutions to the problems it causes.

[GKar]

You can try Nero 6 OEM Suite 3 Software for $4.99 delivered, it has everything you need. With the included reg code you can update it from Nero's website to the latest Nero 6.6.1.4 and NVE-3.1.0.25. I ordered it and didn't even need to buy hardware with it even though it says "with hardware purchase". This is the full blown suite, hopefully it supports your drive, it should, but for 5 bucks you can't lose.

http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=SWW12252

[orion940]

I've found ImgBurn, a burning tool by the guy who made DVDDecryptor, is an excellent burning tool. It's lightweight, no bloat, free, and it works.

It will not only burn ISO images, the latest version will let you choose individual files/folders to put on the disk.

http://www.imgburn.com

O.

[Bjs]

Not only versions but suite's as well ... anything listed above v6.3 , and includes the dvd and ac3 plugins will do the job fine .

They have a habit of installing other thing's your serial will not work with unless you get the key updated online to unlock them .

I bought several suite's from a local retailer after weighing up the total cost , including p/h ... and the possible "rip off" in ebay .

[vico1]

Basically I want to do it all...
I want to be able to Make,Burn,Copy,Convert,Edit,Etc...
DVD's
CD's
VCD's/SVCD's
Photo
Data

Well...If you can get the "Ultra" version for Ultra cheap...go ahead.

I've got it, and sometimes use it for some "data" cd discs.
So basically it just sits on my PC.

As was stated, there are a Heck-of-a-alotta' Freeware solutions that do a MUCH
better job at video than Nero.

That being said...The one and Only saving grace video-wise (IMHO) in Nero's Bundle, is Recode.
(which is just an updated version of the freeware, DVDshrink)

[MysticE]

Well count me as a Nero 6 fan with the addition of the multichannel 5.1 pug-in. When it's working right (can be a bit twitchy for some) it does many things well with out the need for a bunch of other programs. It's audio burning is nice with many useful filters and 2 ways to normalize, and Nero Sound Trax and Wave Editor are both useful programs. Nero ImageDrive is good for mounting and using ISO's. For fast decent menus NeroVision Express also works well. Using it's Import Disc function you can do quick, painless movie only PAL to NTSC conversions with decent results. NVE3 will also accept almost any vid file (including VRO), PAL and NTSC in any combination for a project. I recently loaded all the Dolby intros (VOBs) I'd downloaded and ripped in the past into NVE, added random transitions, ticked 'Smart Encoding' (so it would not re-encode), chose DD 5.1 for the audio, adjusted the volume levels, and ended up with a nice little Demo disc in about ½ an hour. Nero InfoTool, CD-DVD Speed, and Nero Speed are also useful programs. Nero Recode works very well and with the addition of this app allows you to fine tune your results based on the source.

http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?t=72150

For SL burning I always use Nero Express, it has yet to let me down and it also will bitset your drive if that feature is available.

And if a complete Nero 6 suite can be had for $6 as was posted what do you have to lose. I would only install the first 2 paks, not InCD. That being said I would not recommend Nero 7.

If anyone is interested I recommend these 2 packs.

http://httpdl1.usw.nero.com/software/Nero6/Nero-6.6.0.18_no_yt.exe

http://httpdl1.usw.nero.com/software/Nero6/NVE-3.1.0.21_no_yt.exe

And if you are experiencing some import problems this patch may help.
http://ww2.nero.com/nero6/enu/Patch_for_NVE3.html

A nice, but unneeded, reg hack will show the exact burning speeds over the course of the burn.

1. Start-> Run-> type Regedit

2. Go to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ahead\Nero - Burning Rom\Recorder"

3. Go to Edit-> New -> DWORD Value

4. Rename "New Value #1" to "ShowSingleRecorderSpeed"

5. Click on it and select "Modify"

6. Now set the value 0 to 1

Sure there are lot's of other programs that may do some things better, but when it's working right Nero 6 can be a most useful program. It may not suit the perfectionist but it definitely has it's place.

Oh well I guess I'll have to go hide now after this massive blow to my credibility.

[LCE]

Hi mats.hogberg,
Could you please explain why you wouldn't use Nero a bit better?

Basically I want a Do-It-All program without having to download a million different programs...

Hi peterhun,
Thanks I'll check out Nero 7 Ultra suite

guns1inger,
I'm not sure how to take your post?
Could you please explain why you wouldn't use Nero better?

Hi GKar,
I'll check out the Nero 6 OEM Suite 3 Software...
Is it above v6.3 , and include the dvd and ac3 plugins like Bjs mentions?
Also how will I know if it supports my drive?

Hi orion940,
Will this ImgBurn do all that I listed above plus?

Hi MysticE,
Thanks for your post,although I didn't understand most of it I think it will help out...


As you all can see I am absolutely clueless with this stuff but I want to learn and that's why I would like a good All-In-One program that will help me along the way and work well while I'm doing it.
I also dont want poor quality Audio,Visual recordings either...
Maybe Im asking to much for a program?

A couple more questions,if you don't mind?
What are the differences between Nero 7 Ultra suite and Nero 6 OEM Suite 3? Which would be the better one to go with for a person that wants it all and no experience?

Secondly if there are other free programs out there that do everything in my first post better then Nero could you list them?
Is there a freeware that does it all and doesn't require downloading a bunch of other programs that's better then Nero?

I apologize for all my questions,I'm trying to learn all of this but the more I read the more confusing things get.

I appreciate the help and suggestions
Thank You
LCE

[mats.hogberg]

Hi mats.hogberg,
Could you please explain why you wouldn't use Nero a bit better?

Basically I want a Do-It-All program without having to download a million different programs...

I use the Swiss Army Knife analogy. Can be handy if you have nothing else, but if you're serious about what you're doing, specialized, dediated tools (like a saw for sawing, a screw driver for...) is far superior. When the latter can be had for free - why even think about the former?

/Mats

[GKar]

LCE,
You'll find the Nero 6 OEM Suite 3 will suit your needs and it is updateable to the latest Nero 6 version with the key it comes with as listed previously.

[LCE]

Hi GKar,
Thanks,Looks like Nero 6 OEM Suite 3 is what I'll be getting and like you and a few others stated "at $5,what have I got to loose?"

How is this place(www.surpluscomputers.com)you linked to,to do business with...reliable,fast shipping and customer service(return policy)?
Do they have a minimum order?
I look over their site and didn't see anything about a minimum.

I Appreciate the help
Thank You
LCE

[bendixG15]

That being said...The one and Only saving grace video-wise (IMHO) in Nero's Bundle, is Recode.
(which is just an updated version of the freeware, DVDshrink)

Ihave seem posts saying Nero's Recode=DVDShrink
and other posts saying it is not.

Can anyone verify any of this ???

[mats.hogberg]

If I'm informed correctly, the author of DVDShrink got hired by Ahead (to do Recode), so you could say Recode is a decendant of DVDShrink. My guess is that the trancoding engine of Recode has (or had) much in common with the DVDShrink ver.

/Mats

[ArthurDaley]

I use Nero 7 Ultra suite on all my machines, no problem, great set of tools.

[MysticE]

That being said...The one and Only saving grace video-wise (IMHO) in Nero's Bundle, is Recode.
(which is just an updated version of the freeware, DVDshrink)

Ihave seem posts saying Nero's Recode=DVDShrink
and other posts saying it is not.

Can anyone verify any of this ???

DVDShrink had sat without updates for quite a while. One day Mr Shrink surfaced and said he wanted to improve it's output quailty and started a thread asking for suggestions and beta testers for a new version. It made for some good reading as various folks chimed in as to what would be needed to improve quality, most of the discussions were quite technical (way over my head). I believe the AEC enhancements that Shrink ended up with were based on the way InstantCopy (great transcoder, so so program) transcoded. He also provided small un-labeled clips for folks to view and guess which transcoder/encoder where used. Many times the best clips that folks always assumed were CCE generated were from DVDShrink. The next version of Nero Recode implemented these very same AEC enhancements but without the 4 choices that DVDShrink provides. Recode basically defaults to DVDShrink's 'Sharp' without mentioning AEC. The existance of the Recode AEC Changer app I posted pretty much verifies all this as any DVDShrink user will recognize this screen.



Recode is a bit faster than DVDshrink, but for the average 2 hour 'Movie Only' copy either one provides excellant, no hassle results. The AEC choices provide a way to fine tune the output based on the source material and personal tastes, not just the compression ratios that the Changer screen suggests.

[fritzi93]

Instant Copy is an interesting case. It's my understanding that, to put it most simply, it works like this:
1) Decode the frame
2) Shrink (requantize), by removing DCT precision data
3) Decode the requantized frame
4) Compare the difference between the original and the requantized frames
5) Calculate the difference
6) Add/subtract the difference to the next frame
7) Loop for each frame

This lessens one annoying problem, the tendency for a "pumping" sensation when requantization is "heavy". It also allows IC to distribute the compression more evenly across I, B, and P frames. Good results but it's slow, of course. Really, who uses IC since DVDRB came out? For that kind of time you might as well re-encode.

As to DVDShrink/Recode, I doubt there are any really significant differences, tweaks maybe. The requantization is prioritized towards B frames. No other frames refer to B frames, so it makes sense to target them, errors don't accumulate. The process goes downhill when, having requantized all B frames, it must requantize P and I frames as well. Accumulated errors probably mean it's a bad idea to choose "sharp" at heavy compression, due to a tendency towards jerkiness.

AFAIK, all transcoders (except IC) work essentially the same way. If interested, one can actually adjust the requantization with Solveig MPEG2Requant. Fun to play with, but hardly worth the trouble. The deep analysis function of DVDShrink is worthwhile for spreading around the "compression" most effectively. JMHO, but at just a few percentage points, you're better off using DVDShrink rather than re-encoding. Objectively better off, because re-encoding always means a quality hit, however small.

As to the OP's original question...

If you go with Nero, I'd advise you to uninstall Daemon Tools, if you have it. They won't get along together if you install Nero's image drive. Also resist the temptation to install InCD. As others have already stated, most of the functions of recent Nero suites can be done better with freeware. But that's supposing a fair bit of knowledge on the user's part. Nero's, hmm, okay.

Good luck.

[LCE]

Thanks Everyone,
I ordered Nero 6 OEM Suite 3 so it should be here hopefully sometime this week since the place is only about 5 hours south of here.

fritzi93,
I don't have Daemon Tools(that I am aware of?)I do have ROXIO 5 that I plan on uninstalling as I have been told that it also doesn't get along well with Nero.
As for installing InCD I'll try not to although I'm not even sure what that is?

Thank You all for the help

[Capmaster]

I stopped upgrading Nero Burning ROM with 6.3.1.25. After that it got flaky.

Of course, when I upgrade from my Pioneer 109 to something newer, I'll probably be forced to upgrade it so Nero will properly recognize the burner.

[vico1]

I do have ROXIO 5 that I plan on uninstalling as I have been told that it also doesn't get along well with Nero.
As for installing InCD I'll try not to although I'm not even sure what that is?

I have Roxio 9 and Nero 7 on one of our PCs, no probs...Big caveat...NO InCD!
I also read InCD will not get along with Roxio's Packet Writing software, long time ago.

[GKar]

Thanks Everyone,
I ordered Nero 6 OEM Suite 3 so it should be here hopefully sometime this week since the place is only about 5 hours south of here.

fritzi93,
I don't have Daemon Tools(that I am aware of?)I do have ROXIO 5 that I plan on uninstalling as I have been told that it also doesn't get along well with Nero.
As for installing InCD I'll try not to although I'm not even sure what that is?

Thank You all for the help

Don't forget you can update with your key to any later version of Nero 6 you want. Also, if you wish to strip stuff out of your installation and create a customized Nero 6 install try NCAB-211, you can enter your key and strip alot of stuff out and make a more efficient and compact Nero install:

Topic:
http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=44603&st=300

Download:
http://www.wpiw.net/downloads/NCAB-211.exe

Latest Nero 6 updates, just update packages 1&2 the rest are not really of any use:
http://www.nero.com/nero6/enu/nero-up.php

NCAB-211 is very good, I used it and it works very well. A silent, compact and no info entry install. Download the update packages from Nero (1&2) and use them with NCAB, both packages are full installs, just copy and paste your key code into NCAB with both packages (1&2) and create a customized Nero 6 install.

[LCE]

Hi Capmaster,
I am planning on buying a Pioneer 111D External burner...will it work with Nero 6 when I upgrade it to the latest version?

Hi vico1,
Glad to know your not having problems with Nero and ROXIO on the same computer. I might just leave ROXIO 5 on here,then again why would I need ROXIO 5 since NERO will do it all plus...
Could you please explain what InCD is and how I can avoid installing it? I went back over all the posts and that part must be going right over my head.

Hi GKar,
Thanks for the reminder on the Key and upgrading.
I'm not really sure if I should even try customizing and stripping stuff out of the installation as I wouldn't have a single clue at what I am doing.
I think it would be a different story if I had somebody to walk me through the install when the program gets here.
I like the idea of having a more efficient and compact Nero install though.

I'll let you know when the program arrives(I'm expecting it here by the end of the week)as I am sure I will have more questions when/before I install it.

You all have been a big help
Thank You

[vico1]

Hi vico1,
Glad to know your not having problems with Nero and ROXIO on the same computer. I might just leave ROXIO 5 on here,then again why would I need ROXIO 5 since NERO will do it all plus...
Could you please explain what InCD is and how I can avoid installing it? I went back over all the posts and that part must be going right over my head.

Actually both are on my son's PC, and he did almost all installs on it.
He told me he did a "Custom Install" with Nero, and just "unclicked" a few apps that
he didn't want to install that were in the Nero bundle, InCD one of them.

InCD is whats called a "Packet Writing software."
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packet_writing

[LCE]

Hi vico1,
Thanks for the link on InCD.
I will be sure to keep an eye out during the install for InCD and "unclick" it.

I Appreciate the Help
Thank You

[GKar]

If you downloaded the 2 updated packages from nero I listed above and apply your key code, incd is a seperate package and the issue will not even come up. Only if you install from the cd will you have to make the choice.

[LCE]

Hi GKar,
I sent you a PM

Thank You

[GKar]

I returned your PM LCE...It had been so long since I installed with the CD that I forgot that the key is embedded. Initially you WILL have to install via the cd, then open the Nero Smart Start and clicking on the Nero Product Center (Flame icon lower right corner) , Serial Number tab, and you can write down the Nero Registration code. All your subsequest installations using only the downloaded update files can use this reg code. Sorry about the mistake.

[LCE]

Thanks GKar,
I found it...

Sent you another PM

Thank You