Nero 9 and Roxio Creator 2009 are massive suites for burning CDs and DVDs of all types, as well as for playing, importing, and manipulating video and audio, in¬cluding HD. Both are very capable, and the new versions offer improvements over previous editions. Nero's revision may not warrant an upgrade, but Roxio offers a revamped interface that's easier to use.

Nero's most noticeable changes are eliminating "Ultra" from the title and making BackItUp a separate, optional install. Regrettably, the multimedia-networking MediaHome 4 module is now sold separately. Other, ifless noticeable, Nero 9 changes are meatier. The Nero StartSfuart application launch center has added en¬tries for playing files (audio and video), as well as one for the new AutoBackup back¬ground backup function. Both modules are integrated into the launch center itself, eliminating the need to start up separate applications.

AutoBackup (the reason BackltUp is now optional) can back up locally or to Nero's new online service, which costs approximately Rs. 48 per GB per month or slightly less depending on the plan you choose. Nero has also revamped its Show¬Time DVD playback module so that the interface is less obtuse. Other tweaks are in Help, and more assistance is available online. Overall, however, Nero 9 does not provide the sweeping rede¬sign we've been hoping for; the interface, which could benefit from a face-lift, remains largely unchanged.

SimpLer Launching

Roxio's suite does get a revamped interface, and it's a welcome update. The new look refines the centralized application launcher found in the last few incarnations. The confusing list of applica¬tion names has given way to a complete task-oriented menu, with clear labels such as 'Create CDs', 'Create Labels', and 'Play Movies'. (The confusingly named 'Plug 'n' Burn video cam to DVD' is still there, howev¬er.) Creator 2009 still has a multitude of separate modules, but the modules now make it much easier to get where you need to go.

Still, depending on your focus, Creator 2009 mayor may not be an exciting improvement. Blu-ray plugin adds support for BDMV (including menus) to the existing data, and for BDAV and AVCHD. Audiobook fans will like the new Audio Book Creator, which will convert CD and MP3 audio books into single files in the .m4b format, playable by Apple's iTunes, iPod, and iPhone-with each chapter accessible under the top level file name, as opposed to being individual files. The application will also download and incorporate the chapter info and cover art if it's available online.
More of Creator's applications now let you upload directly to YouTube. Plus, Roxio has added its own online media-sharing service as a destination for your photos and videos (1GB free, 5GB for approximately Rs:. 2,000 per year).

Both Nero 9 and Creator 2009 are great tools for new users. Roxio is much friend lier, but Nero has its advantages: Its suite is decidedly faster and more powerful in audio and encoding. Roxio is massive and a bit slow to switch between modules, but the look and the feel of the content it produces are excellent.