Cyberlink Power Producer 3 Encore

CyberLink's PowerProducer 3 is primarily a DVD creator but it also includes the software to create photographic slideshows and distribute them on disc.

It includes templates for creating disc menus, and will work with VCD, SVCD and DVD (single layer, double layer and DVD-VR) discs. Installation was painless, although it requested that we shut down MSN Messenger before starting.

It also requested that we stopped any antivirus programs before installing it, but we ignored this as it's best not to turn off anti-virus protection if possible. PowerProducer 3 installed without a problem.

The hard-copy manual takes you through the process of creating a disc, in simple, easy-to-follow steps.

The program itself is easy to follow anyway, as it's just a matter of clicking a button to proceed from step to step. The content section allows importing of video files and pictures, with the ability to add soundtracks and titles.

It's even possible to edit video, but this is a bit fiddly. You can also change the way the disc menu will look, choosing from several templates.

This is a versatile program and using it is quick and effortless but users are largely stuck with the supplied templates, and the non-standard window and buttons may not be to everyone's taste.