There never was anything really wrong with Adaptec’s Easy CD Creator 4.0 Deluxe, so why am I now writing about version 5.0 Platinum? Because bl**** Windows XP Pro won’t work with the older version, that’s why!
However, it would only be a matter of time before I upgraded my CD-Writer to a ... Read review
Advantages: Huge array of built-in facilities Disadvantages: Could be overkill if you only want to make copies.
...anything really wrong with Adaptec’s Easy CD Creator 4.0 Deluxe, so why am I now writing about version 5.0 Platinum? Because bl**** Windows XP Pro won’t work with the older version, that’s why!
However, it would only be a matter of time before I upgraded my CD-Writer to a newer faster model, and then support for 32-speed models probably wouldn’t exist on version 4 anyway, so the enforced necessity of the upgrade isn’t a COMPLETE waste ... ...is, the Platinum version of Easy CD Creator 5.0, an impressive repertoire of abilities and gadgets. How much you use them is up to you. Whether you think it’s worth £45 is also up to you, after all, if all you want to do is copy CD’s or make compilation albums, then the software that came with the hardware will probably do.
There never was anything really wrong with Adaptec’s Easy CD Creator 4.0 Deluxe, so why am I now writing about version 5.0 Platinum? Because bl**** Windows XP Pro won’t work with the older version, that’s why!
However, it would only be a matter of time before I upgraded my CD-Writer to a newer faster model, and then support for 32-speed models probably wouldn’t exist on version 4 anyway, so the enforced necessity of the upgrade isn’t a COMPLETE waste of money.
In the mean time, the software is now owned by Roxio, which sounds more like a Spanish cinema chain than a software house, but that’s by the by. It was on the support page their web site, www.roxio.com that I ascertained the need for the upgrade. Windows XP only informed me that the old version might not work.
But why buy CD-Burning software when the CD-Writer itself usually comes with its own software package? Because the version supplied is often the “Lite” version, stripped to bare essentials, and I’m a sucker for a gadget!
SO WHAT’S NEW?
Well, there’s the ability to write to DVD-R’s, for one thing. This gives you up to 4.7gbyte capacity, instead of the punier 650-700mbyte afforded by CD-R and CD-RW format.
The suite no longer comes with Take Two back up software, which is a shame because the ability to back your entire C:\ drive up to a series of CD-R’s was very useful.
There is also a new front end, called Project Selector, which breaks down your needs into logical steps. However, there wasn’t much wrong with the old menu-driven front end, so why these people have to tinker is beyond me, and it only serves to slow down the assimilation process. Presumably to convince you that it’s all new, and not something forced on you by circumstances.
USING IT
The initial menu gets you to choose between making 1.) Music CD, 2.) Data CD, 3.) Photo or Video CD or 4.) CD Copy.
1. MUSIC CD’s
This option then breaks down into
a) Soundstream – a short cut way of producing an audio CD from existing .wav or .mp3 files. Just follow the prompts – e.g. where are the source files? Where is the recorder? Hit the record button, that kind of thing. However, nestled within this utility are other processes, like Spin Doctor, which enables you to record from analogue sources like a tape deck or a turntable via your sound card. During this process, the software can be set to reduce tape hiss, or vinyl crackles, find the spaces between tracks, and separate them out for transfer to CD (otherwise your new CD from old Vinyl is going to have just two tracks, side A and side B)
b) Music CD Project – a more comprehensive means of ending at the same result, and those familiar with Windows Explorer’s drag’n’drop methods will probably be happiest here, identifying source files and dragging them to the “assembly area”. Also, you can carry out various “professional” effects like overlapping the fade-out/fade-in of tracks. I would still tend to use this means even if all I want is a verbatim copy of an existing CD (I never said that!), since it allows for access to the Internet to fill in the track titles etc. from a web-based database. This then transfers over into the CD label creator, which prints out the inserts both for a CD case and a circular one for the disk itself if you are that fussed.
c) Create an MP3 CD – not strictly speaking an audio CD, since the final result is still a CD-ROM, but many of the (strangely-enough) cheaper home DVD players are including mp3 playback in their impressive repertoire of formats, and the ability to put hours of music on one disk must be a very strong pull for avid party-throwers.
d) CD Copy – This menu item appears on all menus, since a copy is a copy, sound or data. One tip I have learned over the years, if your are to avoid “creating beer mats” from your precious CD-R’s, is that even with a separate CD-ROM drive to supply the source data, it is still better to let the software create a temporary copy of it on C:\Drive before burning it to the CD-R. This helps prevent any “buffer under-runs” as they are known, which lead to yet another coaster being produced! Once set up, it’s a hands-free operation that you can walk away from anyway! Many newer CD-writers are now claiming “burn proof” technology to put a halt to the march of the beer mat.
2. DATA CD
a) DirectCD – This offers the ability to use existing file utilities like Windows Explorer or My Computer to drag’n’drop files to a CD-R or RW as if it’s a b*****-great floppy disk. Some prior “prepping” of the disk is needed, and when ejected, you are also given the option of closing the disk so that it can be almost universally used as a CR-Rom, or leaving it open for the addition of further data, until full. Other routines like saving from your word processor also qualify to use the CD-R, if “prepped”.
b) Data CD Project – This is a very similar concept to the Music version, enabling dragging and dropping of files to an assembly area before committing them to CD. I use this for partial back up of C;\Drive’s vital files, (My Documents etc) with the details saved for convenience. This way, I can call up the same disk content next month and make a new back-up copy.
c) Data DVD Project – More or less as above but with infinitely greater disk capacity. Pity I haven’t got a DVD “burner”!
d) CD Copy – there it goes again!
3. PHOTO OR VIDEO CD
To be honest, I haven’t had a lot of use for this kind of thing, but here goes.
a) Photo Album – This allows you to transfer digital photo formats to a CD-R complete with the means for creating logical “Albums” plus the ability to run them as slide shows. This, in the case on Windows XP is slightly superfluous since the operating system itself can do this direct from Windows Explorer.
b) Video Postcard – This enables you to assemble video clips (mpeg files, avi files, what have you) to CD-R. So what you might think, anyone can copy files to a CD-R, but this then creates the ability for the CD to “auto run” if your Windows settings allow this. If you’re not sure what I mean, it’s that moment when slotting in a new CD-ROM causes the PC to run whatever software is on the disk. This is very common with software installation disks. I feel the idea here is to make the operation as hands-off as possible for the recipient of the disk, who may not be as computer literate as the sender.
c) Video Impression – The need for this somewhat cloudy to me, but it seems to enable the user to incorporate a mixture of still and movie shots into an AV presentation, combined with the ability to alter the running order of items. It allows files to be bundled under one single .exe file for ease of e-mailing, although with all the bad press that file attachments get these days, especially .exe files, I doubt if anyone would open it!
d) VCD – VCD is the forerunner to DVD as a domestic picture format. Frankly, it’s about as good as a worn-out VHS tape when it comes to picture quality. However, if you can download from a digital camcorder, or you have some other means of movie capture, then you could start putting your holiday videos onto a playable silver disk. Just make sure that your DVD player categorically states that not only does it support VCD (it probably will) but also that it supports “burned” media like CD-R’s otherwise you are wasting your time. Roxio DO NOT supply the means to manipulate and edit your movie. You would probably use the software that came with your capture device for this, but once you have the .mpeg files.
As I implied at the beginning, I don’t yet have much use for the above video features, and will probably wait until burnable DVD formats are within economic grasp before delving any deeper. Besides, VCD is a step back, and at the very least you need S-VCD, which is ALMOST the same picture quality as DVD but with “mere” stereo sound.
So there it is, the Platinum version of Easy CD Creator 5.0, an impressive repertoire of abilities and gadgets. How much you use them is up to you. Whether you think it’s worth £45 is also up to you, after all, if all you want to do is copy CD’s or make compilation albums, then the software that came with the hardware will probably do.
Advantages: self explanetory, ease of use, works on XP Disadvantages: Could not upgrade from earlier version
...and installed xp to find Easy CD creator would no longer work, so annoyed I wrote a damning opinion on ciao, slating Roxio. Eventually, after three months of calming down and desperately trying to get around the fact that Easy cd creator 3, 4 or Direct cd 2.5 will never work on XP and being fed up with microsofts limited and slow cdwriting package(no re-writing) I decided it was time to buy the Platinum 5 software. I searched the net.....how much? ... ...in a very simple and easy to use format and....much much more.
Cd and data copying is made so simple just dragging and dropping as in windows explorer. The software when loaded enables copying onto CD in several ways and formats and adds a removable infinate hard drive storage disk to your computer.
You can:
1. Make music CD's from any music source such as other CD's or audio files
2.Turn vinyl into CD
3.Encode you mp3 files
4.Make MP3 CD's ...
elmersattic 12.03.2002 (16.03.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Easy CD Creator Platinum 5.0 Complete package
Advantages: so easy a monkey could use it Disadvantages: direct cd and take2 issues
...of friends and tried Roxio's easy cd creator 5 platinum. A word of warning though. During installation you have the choice of installing a program called 'take 2' which automatically starts on startup and runs in your task bar. It is meant to be there for quick and easy drag and dropping files onto a blank cd to automatically save it. Bah! Humbug! It's a real waste if you ask me. It just sucked up valuable proccessing power, made start up a longer ... ...just that. for quick and easy copying of a disk this option does it for you. there is even a cd label creator option at the end of every burn. This program has a very simple layout which doesn't require reading a manual. When you go into an option all that needs to be done is right in front of you. it so simple a monkey could do it. If you do experience problems, such as the program not recognising your burner, then go to the roxio website and look ...
kmoerman 10.02.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Easy CD Creator Platinum 5.0 Complete package
Advantages: Easy to Use and Packed with useful features Disadvantages: None
Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum is the best CD Creation/Writing software that I have come across to date. I discovered it by accident when I was trying to replace my damaged version of Adaptec Easy CD Creator 4.
Quite different software altogether!
Roxio's product offers so many extras that I did not have before. The Cd creator is so easy to use that my husband can master it (and that is no mean feat!)
When launched the 'Select A Project' screen ... ...more CDs in a few easy steps. A must for anyone who has had to restore their PC from scratch after a HD failure.
MAKE A VIDEO OR PHOTO CD - Using:
~Photo Album~ to organize your photos into albumsand save them on CD.
~Video Postcard~ great to save video clips on a self-running CD to share with friends and family.
~Video Impression~ for editing your own videoand saving it to CD.
~Video CD~ to create CDs of your favourite MPEG video clips and ...
tracythomson 05.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Easy CD Creator Platinum 5.0 Complete package
Advantages: Easy to set up and does what it says on the can Disadvantages: Not compatible with Windows 2000
...overview
This latest offering of Easy CD Creator package is an easy to use CD burning software package.
Whether you want to create an audio, data or mixed-mode CDs it's simple, yet powerful interface allows you to backup yours CDs quickly and efficiently. You can also fine tune your music tracks allowing you to remove noise or add special effects.
You can also burn MP3 files directly to CD, and the CD labeller kit, labels and jewel case cover ... ...Make a CD
Soundstream - Easy to use music file compilation tool. Selct the source CD, Music library or file directory and then select the tracks and the desitination. Easy to use.
Music CD - I like this feature. Select the source files using a file manager style of drop down box then add your files using add button. So what I hear you say. Well it remembers which CD they came from and if files where they came from and will prompt insertion into ...
Stefan2003 04.02.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Easy CD Creator Platinum 5.0 Complete package
Advantages: *sometimes* works as it should Disadvantages: it does NOT work properly
...me.
i dont like easy cd creator "platinum". im sorry.
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UPDATE
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Ok sorry for being so negative about this. This is my update to the first posted opinion and it will include the things that Easy CD Creator Platinum can do (as far as I know), so here goes…..
Firstly, this piece of software was previously owned by Adaptec, and for some reason the brand changed to Roxio. The Adaptec version I had was not meant to ... ...or “platinum” look) and again easy to use. Say you have a new blank CD and you want to write to it over a period of time, so here is what Direct CD is all about. First thing you need to do is format the CD (as u do with a new floppy disk) in order to make it writeable using ordinary Windows style drag n drop (e.g using Windows Explorer), and that’s basically it…you’re ready to go cd writing until it fills up.
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I hope that this brief ...
triton1 18.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Easy CD Creator Platinum 5.0 Complete package
Product Information for "Easy CD Creator Platinum 5.0 Complete package" »
System requirements
OS Required
Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional , Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP
Upgrade to Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum and go way beyond the software that came with your CD recorder. Now you can burn and share anything on CD - your music just the way you like it, your photos, your videos - even backup your critical data - faster and easier than ever. Record from CDs, LPs, MP3s and more and create your own high-quality music CDs. Make collections of your photos and create powerful slide shows and video presentations to share with family or for business. Keep your important data secure by storing it on CD. The sleek new interface makes simple work of the most creative task. Open up a new world of CD recording with an upgrade to Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum and realize the full potential of your CD-R.
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