The DVD Solution for Multimedia and More...
Written: Nov 03 '05 (Updated Nov 04 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great DVD solution package, full feature, provides DVD editing, burning, data back and more
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: Better and much improved from the previous version, CyberLink DVD Solution 4 is definitely a great package for PC users who require the ultimate DVD and multimedia applications.
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| paulphoto's Full Review: CyberLink DVD Solution 4 DVD Burning and Creativit... |
CyberLink DVD Solution 4 (CDS4) is the new and improved updated version of its most popular DVD Solution 3 (CDS3) that features the ultimate multimedia applications.
I have been a constant user of CyberLink software products starting with its MediaShow 3 (slide-show application software), PowerProducer 3, PowerDirector 4 and then LabelPrint; all of which were my favorite and most used application software.
Having been previously exposed to CDS3 Platinum Edition, and based on the application software included in the new and improved package, CDS4 contains an excellent collection of the aforementioned programs as well as many more of CyberLink’s popular products that comprise the best selection applicable to virtually all multimedia applications for home users.
There are a total of eleven (11) unique application software programs:
MediaShow 3 -- a slideshow program
PhotoNow 1.0 -- a quick and simple photo editing program
Power2Go4 -- disc-burning application
PowerDirector 4 -- DVD video editing program
PowerDVD 6 -- DVD player program
PowerDVD Copy -- just as the name implies
PowerProducer 3 -- DVD video authoring program
MusicMatch -- audio/music media application
PowerBackup -- backup program
InstantBurn--a quick CD/DVD burning application software
LabelPrint -- an excellent and practical labeling application software
PowerStarter -- CDS4 application manager
Currently, CyberLink offers three package or download versions of CDS4:
1. CDS4 Deluxe NTSC (468MB)
2. CDS4 Deluxe PAL (438MB)
3. CDS4 Value Edition (both NTSC and PAL) without PowerDirector 4 Express
Based on the description on the retail box, mine is the standard edition (527MB), the original version of these three variants. Unfortunately, there is no free trial version.
System Requirements
The most important thing about software and its usability is the requirement on hardware. Ultimately, it is the hardware and its capability that will ensure productive results. Therefore, the more the powerful the hardware system the better the work experience. CyberLink has provided the following system requirement:
Operating System: Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE
Screen Resolution: 1024x768 pixels, 16-bit color
Memory: 128MB (256MB DDR RAM recommended); DVD authoring: 512MB DDR recommended
CPU: Pentium II 450MHz or AMD Athlon 500MHz; Pentium 4 2.2GHz or AMD 2500+ is recommended for DVD authoring and recording applications.
Hard Drive: 1000MB (3GB recommended) for VCD/SVCD/MiniDVD; 10-15GB for DVD.
Digital Video Interface: OHCI IEEE 1394 compliant device
Based on my experience, particularly for DVD authoring applications, a desktop workstation with an Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz (or AMD with equivalent clock speed) and at least 512MB of RAM (1024MB recommended) should be considered.
Installation
Installing the software is quite straightforward. With the CD-ROM disc inserted in the drive, the program will commence auto run. End-user license agreement and language selection appear; then followed by a CD-Key that must be entered in order to continue on with the installation. The program then displays all eleven available applications with option to install individually by selecting or deselecting. The twelfth one is CyberLink PowerStarter; it is not really a distinct application, but a program manager that handles the rest of the application programs.
During installation, CyberLink DVD solution also searches for the largest disk partition in the PC system to place its dedicated work folder for DVD authoring, called MyWorks. This process avoids crowding the space in the operating system partition; for DVD files can get pretty large fairly quickly. For my desktop workstation, installation took between 6 minutes. All eleven programs are placed in separate folder in the designated system (or the selected program) partition. Once done, CyberLink places an icon (shortcut) for CyberLink PowerStarter on the desktop. It is the program or application manager through which all applications can be launched. The system must be rebooted before using the software.
Using the Programs: Features and Operations
Once logged on to the system, four of CDS4’s practical application software programs are automatically launched, running in the background. Four icons (block typed) are stacked on top of one another at the lower right corner of the desktop. These are Power2Go Data, Audio, Movie and Copy programs. A quick operation of each can be achieved via a double-click on the mouse. Other application programs can be launched individually via the Windows’ All Programs menu or simply via the main program manager, called CyberLink DVD Solution (PowerStarter). The PowerStarter offers a more flexible and practical approach to manipulate or combine features of all the programs because it places or links all similar features offered by various applications into one group. The other way is to select the desired application in the Program folder, since CyberLink does not create a shortcut for each of them on the desktop.
MediaShow 3 is a slide show program that allows one to import digital or scanned photo images and put them into a very attractive slideshow, with background music and narration. The program has many features and options, including image enhancement for editing photo images to improve the quality in the final output. In my opinion, the greatest strength of this program is its capabilities to export the final production/project into many different formats, outlined as follows:
Film File—a MediaShow project file. With it I can edit my slideshow with new images or narration.
Distributable File—a self-execute slideshow file that can run on any desktop PC without requiring MediaShow 3 program; one of my favorite program for a slideshow file distribution.
Screen Saver—a slideshow program running as a screen saver.
WEB publishing (HTML, Dynamic HTML)—a slideshow program for the Internet.
VCD/DVD—a slideshow based on mpg formatted file burnt on CD or DVD disc.
The MediaShow3’s consists of the most friendly user interface, requiring less time to learn the features and operations.
PhotoNow is a simple photo-editing program that allows one to fix photo images on the fly. PhotoNow has only one and very simple main user interface. There are only two drop-down menus: File and Help. The File menu has only Open, Save, Save As, and Exit option. The Help menu is a PhotoNow online help. The available features on the main interface are Auto Fix (with auto brightness, auto contrast, auto balance), Manual Fix (with adjustable brightness, contrast, sharpness and saturation), Rotation (90 degree clockwise and counterclockwise), Crop (with various options), Redeye Removal (with auto and manual), Special Effects (basic), Resize (with manual adjust via pixel or by percentage).
The main display or viewable window provides three features: New, Original and New vs. Original. The loaded image will be placed in this window for preview after any changes take effect. Using the New vs. Original, I can preview both original and new image side by side to decide on the improvement on new changes. I can also zoom in and zoom out the image using the available 10 to 800 factor.
Its Auto Fix does a very commendable job. Its Manual Fix, particularly sharpness, is also excellent. In fact, all the available features perform very well. However, being a very simple photo-editing program, it has many short-comings. Among them are:
1. It has limited support of image formats: bmp, jpeg (jpg), png, tga.
2. It has fixed rotation features.
3. It has no color balance adjustment.
4. No control over any portion or part of the image during adjustment
For a simple photo-editing project, this software maybe what most people need. In short, this program is not for elaborate work on photo images that need special touchings or other detailed manipulations.
Power2Go4 Express
Power2Go4 comes in two versions (regular and express) in CDS4. By default, the express version is launched automatically immediately after logging on. Four applications are being run: Power2Go4 Data, Audio, DVD/VCD, and Disc Copy. They are placed on the desktop as four symbolic blocks. Each can be utilized via a simple double-click button.
Power2Go4 express is basically a disc-burning program. With it, I can burn data CDs, audio CDs, bootable discs, disc-to-disc copy as well as DVDs (those that were made by CyberLink PowerProducer or PowerDirector); I can even reformat, erase rewriteable CDs or DVDs. The express version has very simple user interface, merely a drag-and-drop operation, much like Microsoft Windows XP's CD Writing Wizard. It reminds me of NERO Express version, only faster and easier.
Its interface has only a few operation buttons: Burn, Close, Open file/folder, Create folder, Remove file/folder. Additional (or similar) operations (such as disc utilities) can be accessed via the right-click on its block-like icon on the desktop. A scale bar at the bottom associated with a brag-and-drop file or folder displays to indicate the available space on my disc (CD or DVD). For data, the scale is up to 750MB for CD and 4.7GB for DVD. I suppose this program supports disc capacity up to 8.5GB for a dual-layer DVD disc.
For audio, the scale is measured in minutes (up to 80min). Audio files (wav, mp3 or mp4) can be added to the burn buffer via a drag-and-drop method. The program features a media operation so I can playback the imported file before I commit the burn process. There is complete information about each track, such as track number, title, artist, length, file name. However, there is no option to edit the file.
For VCD or DVD, the application is very similar to those of data or audio. I simply drag and drop my selected video or photo image file into Power2Go4 Express video/photo application buffer. This program supports both video files (in mpeg) or image files (in any formats -- I use TIFF), each must be placed in its appropriate buffer; they cannot be mixed.
This program actually links with PowerProducer 3. After having gathered all my video and image files, clicking on the "Next" button will take me to PowerProducer where I can edit individual video file, create chapter menu, add title or background music. I can preview the entire production before burning it onto DVD disc. I have two options here; I can create a DVD or VCD. There is also an option to incorporate PowerDVD player program with the production so that the disc can be played on a PC system that does not have PowerDVD program.
With Power2Go4 video application software, I was able to produce a simple DVD movie consisting of video and image files. I was able to edit my video files with different colors, added background music, create chapter menu for easy navigation. With a 2.0GB of video content, burn process took around 15 minutes.
The disc-to-disc burning application is probably the simpler one, with the same or similar flavor to NERO. The program features a write simulation, in which data or contents of the source disc will be analyzed for disc copy so that there is no error on its actual write speed on destination disc. It is a very useful method in case the burner does not have (or support) burn buffer underrun technology. The process takes twice as long, but the final result is assured for error free. As a comparison, the burn application is actually far simpler to use than NERO Express. Burn quality is excellent indeed. I have had no coasters on burnt CDs.
Power2Go4 (regular) offers full user interface to accomplish many tasks that require extra functions. The only difference between the express and regular version is the complete user interface. In addition, the regular has the complete Disc Utilities absent in the express version. Disc Utilities offers unique operations: Burn Disc Image, Save Disc Image (to hard drive), Erase Disc, and Rip Audio (supports wav, wmv and mp3 formats). The Power2Go4 is much improved from its earlier version (Power2Go3) that I have had several problems with.
PowerDVD 6 is one of the most popular and powerful software DVD player available today. In addition to PowerDVD 6, I often use DVD X Player and InterVideo WinDVD for my PC DVD movie entertainment. Having used all three in various levels, I believe PowerDVD 6 and InterVideo WinDVD are quite comparable. Similar to InterVideo WinDVD, PowerDVD is designed to proivde users with total enjoyment of DVD movies. It can, of course, play audio CDs as well as music files.
PowerDVD can decode DVD contents virtually on any DVD discs. There are two ways to access controls and operations on PowerDVD: 1) its main control panel, 2) right-click on PowerDVD's main screen during playback. Its main control panel is rich with content information and operation buttons, such as play, stop, pause, chapter skip, shuffle, reverse slide, forward slide, volume control, skin toggle, title, chapter, repeat, capture frame, eject, source selection for playback, etc. PowerDVD has the ability to resume the program from where it was left off; for example, when the program ended abruptly. We can access its other rich features via the slide-in/slide-out panel, or right-click on the main screen.
During playback, and depending on the recorded material, PowerDVD offers many advanced features to manage viewing experience. Among them are language, view angle and zoom, chapter navigation, root menu, bookmark, even input vocal for karaoke. In the configuration panel, I can adjust PowerDVD's parameter to perform a number of different things. For example, in its video tab, I can enable PowerDVD to boost hardware performance. I can adjust video enhancement using several different color profiles. Some DVD movies look better under a selected color profile, and the ones offered by PowerDVD are quite handy.
For control preference, PowerDVD offers a couple of different skins (Crystal, Glow, Neo and Oscar). Glow is the default setting; but I like to use Crystal with its mundane layouts.
PowerDVD Copy is CyberLink's DVD copy program specialized in DVD-copying process. With it, I can copy DVD contents from disc onto my hard drive for convenient playback as DVD image or folder. I can create DVD folder on my hard drive and then burn it back onto my back-up DVD disc. Scenes, chapter menu, audio streams (e.g., different languages) and video features can be selected to be excluded or included in the burn or copying process, and many more.
PowerDVD Copy is most useful in copying DVD contents produced by PowerProducer or PowerDirector application programs. In the past with PowerProducer or PowerDirector, I often render my finished project and burn directly onto DVD discs. Then I discovered that my project go faster if I used PowerProducer to creat a DVD folder on my hard drive and then used PowerDVD Copy to burn that DVD folder onto a DVD disc.
It appears that the performance of this particular software depends on the capabilities of the hardware. I have noticed its great improvement in speed on backup and copy processes on my new PC system that utilizes SCSI and SATA hard drives.
PowerProducer 3 is a very practical DVD authoring program. In my opinion, it is perhaps the best DVD authoring application software available. With it, I can import my video clips from a DV camcorder or capture video streams or clips from an analog video camcorder via a video capture (PCI) card. I have done using both methods with admirable success. The greatest strength of PowerProducer 3 lies in its ability to provide users the different approach to achieve the final DVD production.
With the basic approach, a user can put together his/her favorite video clips into home DVD in the least amount of time with four easy steps:
1) Select a media of choice, such as DVD, VCD, SVCD, VR or DivX.
2) Import video files, DVD contents (from DVD disc), or capture from a digital device.
3) Perform basic editing (cut, merge, split, background music, color adjustment)
4) Burn the Project.
In step 3, only basic video editing features, such as Cut, Merge or Split video clips are available. Audio (music files) can be included in the production. Chapter menu can be created for easy navigation during playback, as well as color adjustments on any video files. In the final step (that is, Burn the Project), there are three available options: Burn to Disc, Save as Disc Image, or Create a DVD Folder. By default, the program selects option Burn to Disc. To increase production speed, I always have PowerProducer 3 create a DVD folder on my hard drive so I can use PowerDVD Copy to transfer that folder onto DVD discs later.
To create impressive home DVD, a user can exploit the advanced editing approach offered by PowerProducer. Here, PowerProducer 3 makes use of PowerDirector's features to enable users to produce impressive home DVD! A subject I will discuss next.
CDS4 only includes PowerDirector 4 Express version. However, working together with PowerProducer 3 (mentioned above), PowerDirector becomes the most formidable DVD authoring application software that I have come to respect. Here, advanced movie editing features can be exploited to produce professional-look home DVD movie. The program can start on its own or operates as the advanced editor in PowerProducer 3. PowerDirector offers four separate editable media: Video, Title, Voice and Audio. Each can be inserted separately to produce outstanding results.
On its own, PowerDirector 4 provides three major steps or operations under one main interface:
1. Capture
2. Edit
3. Produce (and export DVD contents)
I can capture video files from video camcorder via a capture device or a DV camcorder through IEEE-1394 or USB cable. There are capture options on size or length of video files, if so desired. The capturing process is quite straightforward. The program recognizes my capture device (PCI video capture card) automatically. Using the "record" and "stop" buttons provided by the program, I can create video clips as desired. The program then gives me option with filename for the captured video. It saves the video clip (in mpeg format) in MyWorks folder and also places it in the capture library or buffer. PowerDirector 4 allows recording length in hours, minutes and seconds up to 3 days.
The Edit interface is probably the most fun part in the project. Each video clip can be arranged to yield interesting transition effects or storytelling, with combine audio, title, or blank boards, as well as narration through the Voice layer. Transition effects can be inserted. Video clips can be trimmed to fit the desired time frame as well as artistic effects. Audio stream can be added to produce drama. If the recorded voice is added, the audio will be shifted to background sound.
When I'm done with editing, I can move on to the production stage where I can preview my entire storyboard. I can then select the export format for my production. By default, PowerDirector 4 selects disc media (that is, VCD, SVCD, DVD or miniDVD). There are four options to choose from: 1) produce a disc, 2) create a file, 3) create a streaming file, or 4) write back to DV tape. For this project, I test the first two options.
It is important to note here that PowerDirector 4 Express can only put together video clips into one large video file. Unlike PowerProducer, PowerDirector cannot create DVD contents or chapter menus for the final production. The final production, which is a video file (in mpeg1 or mpeg2) is viewable on any DVD decoder program (such as PowerDVD 6, Windows Media Player, or InterVideo WinDVD). This has turned out to be the best feature of all when work in combination with PowerProducer. I will elaborate on this in my conclusion section.
To export the final project to disc, I select Burn. Here, PowerDirector 4 actually needs PowerProducer's disc utilities program; and it therefore calls on such program to complete the task. Burn procedure is quite straightforward, although it took longer than I anticipated. A 1.2GB took about 40 minutes.
MusicMatch is not CyberLink's product. Its inclusion here is to complete the ultimate suite in multimedia application. During its first launch, I was asked to register the product so I can benefit from its upgrades and new offerings. The one included here is the Basic. To upgrade to a Plus version that features quicker CD burn process (up to 48x burn speed), faster audio ripping, special tag on audio tracks, CD label print application and MP3s recording, a $19.99 installation fee is required and done via the Internet. For me, I selected the Basic version (and for the reason that I already own the retail version of MusicMatch Jukebox 8.1).
With MusicMatch, the Basic version, I can burn music CDs, rip/record unlimited mp3, wma and wav files onto my hard drive. I can play music from CDs or from hard drive. I can manage my music library, listen to radio, or download music on the internet and many more. As noted above, the apparent limitation in the basic version is its slow ripping speed on audio CDs. I have attempted to rip different kinds of recording CDs and all were successful. The basic version rips music at maximum speed of 5x. I have monitored its ripping speed to be around 4.8-5x. Ripping a 12-song Audio CD took about 10 minutes. To speed up the ripping process, we need to buy an upgrade.
Sound quality on ripped audio files is excellent. Compared to other audio ripping program, such as Nero, MusicMatch is able to rip audio CDs with continuous playback songs. However, because of its limited features, I later removed MusicMatch JukeBox Basic version and installed the retail version which I purchased earlier last year ($19.99). I believe the one I own (on CD-ROM) is perhaps the version offered online for a download for $19.99 (mentioned above). The MusicMatch JukeBox full version (or Plus version in this case) offers for more features both on practicality and usefulness than the Basic offer included in CDS4.
PowerBackup is probably the most important software program to have. It can help restore data from a back-up file to a PC system that has been crippled by virus attacks, crackers or hard disk failures. It can help schedule backup jobs or compare data on different versions. In the past, I mostly backup my data using Windows' built-in backup program (Ntbackup.exe) onto DVDs and my spare hard drives. With PowerBackup, the process can be similar, but only easier and faster. The advantage in PowerBackup is that data can be restored in its original setting. Backup can be done in incremental, differential or full.
PowerBackup has four basic operations: Backup, Restore, Compare and Scheduler. Backup and Restore both have similar functions, but only in opposite flow of operation, each involves four steps. In my data hard drive, I have a separate partition for photo images. To back them up onto DVD discs, from Backup option, I select source and navigate to photo partition and folders. Then I select destination. I can back up to another hard drive or DVD media. Here I select DVD burner as the destination. I can select backup method in full (copy all files), differential (copy only files that have added or modified since last full backup) or incremental (files that have been added or modified since last incremental). Since this is my first attempt to back up, I select full. There are also options on compression of data. In the last step (back up files), PowerBackup shows the selected files and folders to be backed up. I can add this job to scheduler if so desired. Pressing "Back Up Now" the program starts it job. PowerBackup performs a number of things during backup. It inspects files and folders, creates a backup file, copies files to this backup; then write data to disc and compares them. PowerBackup writes back-up files in its native format called .PBF (PowerBack Files).
As a test, I attempted to restore this same data back to my system. The process was straightforward, with DVD disc (back-up disc) as the source and selected partition as destination. A new destination can be selected for backup. There are three options for restore path: original, alternative or single.
In the restore method, there are four options on how back-up data files are copied. It is very helpful for restoring data back to its original destination, so that files are not overwritten. I select "do not overwrite". In the fourth step, restore data, I need to verify my selections, then press "Restore Now" to begin. After backup is done, I can view the restore report. All tagged files for backup were successful.
Sometimes it is helpful to know which files have been updated or changed since last backup. PowerBackup's Compare option comes in handy for this job. Compare procedure is easy and similar to the other processes. I simply select the source, which is my DVD back-up disc, then select the location of original data. In the third step (Compare Files), I again verify the selected options, and press "Compare Now". PowerBackup then compares the two data. If there are any changes, it will report back to me.
I had imported a few files since last backup as well as updated a few of them in that folder. PowerBackup found those new files and immediately reports them to me. As PowerBackup compares files, it lists every file in its status table, which file does not exist and which has been changed. In the report, it indicates number of files have been compared, number of files were nonexistent, and how many were dissimilar.
For a day-to-day project, where data can be added or modified constantly, PowerBackup can be a life saver with its scheduler backup procedure. To enable the scheduler, I need to perform the first regular backup and save the file, then add it to the scheduler. For the scheduler, I have option on how frequently I need to perform backup: once, daily, weekly, monthly. I select weekly to perform this procedure for one month to see how things change. I need to select what day and at what time. This is very important, because the computer needs to be running in order for it to perform the task. Once selection is complete, PowerBackup is turned on for the scheduled automation. When it hits the date and time for the scheduled backup, PowerBackup automatically launches and performs data backup. But before it begins, while I am still using the computer for other tasks, PowerBack displays a small pop-up windows to warn me of the backup procedure, with a 30-second time for auto-execution. I have the option to cancel the backup process, if I am still using the source partition.
InstantBurn program has burn features and capabilities similar to Windows XP's built-in CD Writer program. For this reason, I believe the program would present its usefulness on an operating system other than Windows XP. InstantBurn features a packet-writing application software. A storage medium, CD or DVD, is formatted in Universal Disc Format (UDF). Its usefulness being to allow an easy drag and drop copy of files or folders onto CD/DVD until it is full. Any unwanted files can be removed to the recycle bin for deletion. The drawback is its incompatibility with other application programs, such as the powerful and featured laden Power2Go4. I have used InstantBurn several times on my CD-RW to back up my data merely to explore its capabilities.
LabelPrint is the most practical disc labeling program I have used to date. Its best features include full support of different types of label templates, custom layout designs and image files in various formats. Most importantly, it is very easy use; its operations are often self explanatory. Its four basic steps to producing personalized designed labels or those from the design bank make LabelPrint the most versatile disc labeling program that even supports the new lightscribe technology. LabelPrint has become my standard disc labeling program, since I first used it early this year as an individual application software before the CDS4.
The program offers various ways to customize the layout design using different types of images. It is very responsive and cleverly makes use of the system resources compared to other label programs I used in the past. Its only drawback is its limitation on the kind of labels; that is, LabelPrint can only produce disc labels and jewel case insert. It cannot product core labels or spine labels.
PowerStarter manages all eleven programs very effectively. This is perhaps the reason why CyberLink only placed its icon on the desktop for users to launch any program from it. To watch DVD movies, I simply insert the disc into the drive, close it, then select "Watch a DVD Movie". To rip Audio CDs, I select the appropriate icon for the required task. To perform disc-to-disc copy, I do the same from PowerStarter's pull-down menu, etc. There are several ways to get the job done. Sometimes PowerStarter executes the express version of the required program, sometimes it executes the whole program. Within PowerStarter, we do not really use any individual software program per se, but a fragment of every program as a collectiveness. In most cases, some tasks can be easily accomplished via PowerStarter.
The only downside for a less powerful desktop workstation is that the program demands unnecessary RAM, because it is still running in the background when any specific program is called upon to perform a certain task. PowerStarter alone uses 51.2MB of memory.
Manual
The retail packaged CDS4 contains a hardcopy user manual that explains the basic features and operations of each application software program, such as what each program can do; in most cases, it provides a step-by-step approach to get things done in the most basic way that the program can offer.
For first-time users, especially when embarking on the DVD authoring territory, the manual offers some helpful guides. Ultimately, to fully understand and thus appreciate the capabilities of PowerProducer or PowerDirector, no amount of reading or the manual will help provide a successful DVD project. Only by working through the actual project with failures and successes can a user become fluent in these programs. With that said, I think the manual serves its purpose in familiarizing the users the operations in the programs and nothing more.
Online and Phone/Fax Support
As usual, CyberLink offers technical support through a number of ways: phone, fax, and online at their web site. Phone support is offered through a long distance call to Taiwan during their business hours 9AM-5PM in Taiwan local time (that is, GMT +8:00). Support (phone or fax) is offered to registered users only, and we must provide the CD-key to talk to one of the technical assistants.
Summary
For my personal application, I regularly use CDS4’s
PowerProducer 3
PowerDirector 4
PowerDVD Copy
LabelPrint
MediaShow
Power2Go4
PowerDVD 6
I seldom use CDS4’s
PhotoNow
PowerBackup
InstantBurn
My project solely dictates the usefulness and practicality of each of these programs. I prefer Photoshop over CyberLink PhotoNow. For a quick copy of files onto CD-Rs, I mostly use the simple Windows XP’s CD Writer Wizard. I seldom perform a system-wide backup, and thus seldom require PowerBackup program. Nonetheless, these three programs do not render themselves useless. For instance, those who don’t have Photoshop (or do not prefer to use it), will find PhotoNow to be the perfect simple photo editing program to accomplish most simple tasks.
Now, for my DVD editing and authoring, PowerProducer and PowerDirector are perhaps the best combined application software programs available at my disposal. I have discovered that I could achieve a much more productive work by editing my video clips using PowerDirector and create video folder in the form of a chapter individually. Then using PowerProducer, I can combine all of these video files to make my production with menus and navigational chapters, etc. In this way, my work was more productive and I could work on an individual file or folder than having to handle a large file under PowerProducer all at once. The completed production can be stored on hard drive as DVD folder for viewing or for transferring onto DVD media.
This advantage was something that I could not accomplish with CDS4’s predecessor (CDS3 Platinum Edition) for its limited compatibility and features, since it only included PowerProducer 2 Gold instead of the powerful PowerProducer 3 included in CDS4.
In short, CDS4 contains all the powerful and most practical application software programs for virtually all types of multimedia and DVD applications.
Conclusion
With CDS4, CyberLink has done it--putting together the perfect solution for DVD and multimedia applications, all for under $100! CyberLink DVD Solution 4 has been greatly improved from its predecessor (CDS 3 Platinum); most notably is the full feature and true compatibility between PowerProducer and PowerDirector that work together to combine versatility and capabilities in DVD editing projects, in addition to the inclusion of LabelPrint and InstantBurn applications.
Recently, I have started using the professional DVD authoring program by Adobe (Adobe DVD Premiere Pro 1.5). This application software runs at $500. Of course, by comparison, Premiere Pro 1.5 is the superb DVD authoring program available, particularly for its non-linear video editing application. However, for users who would like to produce impressive and professional-look home video without having to dig deep into the pocket and spend countless hours learning the Premiere Pro 1.5, CyberLink DVD Solution 4 is perhaps the best application software available.
After a number of months using CDS4, particularly its powerful PowerProducer 3 and PowerDirector 4, I am convinced that CyberLink has produced the best DVD application software at an affordable price. It is far more powerful and stable than the previous version (CDS3 Platinum) which I initially had a few problems with. Because of the problems, I even uninstalled my CDS3 Platinum and went back to install my individual CyberLink programs (PowerProducer 3, LabelPrint, PowerDVD Copy, etc) prior to using CDS4. It wasn't always easy to use individual program. If I had to use PowerDirector, I had to uninstall PowerProducer to avoid program conflict. What a hassle with the install and uninstall procedure. Now, with CDS4, I don’t have to do that any more. I can install all programs, all in one powerful package!
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My hardware system currently used under CyberLink DVD Solution 4
Motherboard: Tyan Tiger K8W S2875ANRF (dual processor)
CPU: Opteron 246 HE, dual configuration (2.0GHz each)
RAM: Transcend PC3200 2x512MB ECC Registered RAM
Video: ATI Radeon 8500LE 128MB 4x
CD/DVD: Sony DVD-ROM, Lite-On 4x DVD-RW
Hard Drive (SCSI): Fujitsu/Compaq 18GB 10K RPM, Fujitsu MAM3184MP 18GB 15K RPM, MAP3367NP 36GB 10K RPM via Adaptec 29160N PCI controller
Hard Drive (SATA): Seagate 250GB SATA 8MB 7200.8RPM
OS: Windows XP Pro SP-2
Video Capture: ProLink PixelView
Video Device: Sony CCD-TRV72
Recommended:
Yes
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