Roxio Creator 7

We might often be told about the multimedia creation possibilities of computers, but actually tapping into this potential can be harder than it sounds, largely thanks to the plethora of software on offer. Roxio Creator 7 provides one application for creating CDs and DVDs, editing photos, videos and much more.

Much of the software behind Creator 7 will already be familiar to some, as it has taken a lot from previous versions of Photosuite and Videowave. The important difference here is that these programs have been worked into a common interface and they work very well together.

The introductory screen is completely new and underlines the integrated approach of this suite. It is divided into three sections: Tasks, Applications and Tools, and Recent Projects. There is a Media Manager for organising files on your hard disk and an image-capture tool for importing digital media from cameras or camcorders.

The Photosuite section allows you to touch up photographs and create lots of different projects using wizards. If you have a lot of photos that need the same work done, there is a batch mode that enables you to change them all at the same time. The project options here include making calendars, magazine covers and postcards. A really useful function is the email preparation tool, which automatically reduces the size of images to be emailed individually or as part of a slideshow.

Creator Classic will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has used Easy CD Creator. There is a simple data back-up tool with handy features, which make it easy to back up certain folders without any Windows system files or large files. If you are worried about security, it's also possible to encrypt back-up files.

The software for the CD and DVD writing is straightforward, although it has been updated to let you design the label and jewel case artwork while the CD or DVD is being created. Depending on the speed your recordable CD/ DVD drive, this can be a great time saver. It's also intelligent enough to retrieve audio CD information and include it on the label. You can create professional-looking DVD menus too.

All of the original features of Videowave are still available. One of the more exciting features is the ability to quickly make a slideshow from a collection of pictures. Once the images have been selected, a music track can be added and the slideshow played in time to the music. There are plenty of transition effects and overlays available to let you personalise the show. The finished production can then be copied to CD, DVD or saved as a movie file.

Creator 7 really is one integrated piece of software. It's easy to use, contains excellent help features and is well priced considering the amount of software included.

Contact: Roxio
www.roxio.com