Nero Enables DVD Creation, Utilizes mp3PRO
Recent crack downs on the illegal distribution of digital media are set to be challenged by the introduction of robust new audio formats and storage devices into the consumer mainstream. As these technologies become more commonplace, several forward looking companies adopt support early on. Ahead Software has done just that by incorporating support for mp3PRO and multi-function DVD recording drives into Nero 5.5.
mp3PRO is the successor to the wildly popular MP3 audio format, which opened the flood gates for online music swapping through services such as Napster. Ahead introduced the first recording software to utilize MP3, and has since licensed mp3PRO as well, banking on the format's continued dominance. However, competing file formats such as Ogg Vorbis, Windows Media, and Real have garnered attention from music fans by offering their own distinct advantages.
mp3PRO proprietor, Thompson Multimedia, is marketing mp3PRO as being capable of accommodating 128 kbps audio quality in a 64 kbps encoded file -- without sacrificing playback. This means more music can be effectively stored on each CD. The new format is fully backward compatible with the original MP3 codec, a feature meant to ease the transition.
According to the press release, "Nero will now include DVD ISO/UDF/UDF Bridge, Bootable DVD, DVD Copy, and DVD Image." The latest release of InCD, version 3.0, will also sport UDF v1.5 support for all compatible drives. InCD allows removable media to take on the same role as a hard drive or floppy -- making DVDs a solution for added storage needs.
The use of recordable DVDs is expected to take off when prices begin to fall, as DVD media offers considerably higher capacity than traditional CDs. A single DVD is capable or storing many albums and even a series of movies such as The Godfather. New drives often include a combination of supported media formats, requiring recording software like Nero to provide an integrated solution to its customers.
Ahead has also announced the retail version of its new MPEG-2 encoder to convert and record VCDs that is currently available for
distribution on the Nero Web site.
Jenny Menhart, Ahead Software's Marketing Manager, said, "The unparallel growth of consumer based DVD systems, and new lower cost DVD ReWritable systems, mean affordable desktop video creation is very much a reality. To compliment the MPEG-2 encoder and Nero's overall DVD support, we can look forward to more related products in the future."
Nero 5.5.4.0, with newly added support for DVD recording and mp3PRO, is currently available for download via FileForum. InCD 3.0 will be officially unveiled later this month.
Ahead was not available for comment by press time.