A Complete Multimedia Application for Home Use
Written: Jan 07 '07 (Updated Jan 07 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent packages, user-friendly, complete multimedia applications, stable...
Cons: still requires upgrade to boost the features and applications
The Bottom Line: This is an excellent all-in-one package in multimedia application for home use...and easy to use.
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| paulphoto's Full Review: CyberLink DVD Suite 5 Pro for PC |
CyberLink DVD Suite 5 Pro (CDS5) is the new release of multimedia applications based on its previously popular DVD Solution 4 (CDS4). Compared to its predecessor, CDS5 Pro has gone a complete upgrade both in terms of best selection of software applications and individual program upgrades.
There are two versions of CDS5: Pro and Standard. The CDS5 Pro retail box contains eleven (11) unique application software programs. With them, one can perform virtually any multimedia related applications. A list of these programs followed by a short description will reveal their actual application:
MediaShow 3 -- a slideshow program
Power2Go5.5 -- disc-burning application (data, audio, video, etc)
PowerDirector 5 -- DVD video editing program
PowerDVD 6 -- DVD player program
PowerDVD Copy -- just as the name implies
PowerProducer 3.7 -- DVD video authoring program with Dolby sound
PowerBackup 2.5 -- Full version backup program
InstantBurn 5--a quick CD/DVD burning application software
LabelPrint 2 -- an excellent and practical labeling application software
CyberLink DVD Suite -- CDS5 application manager
iTunes 6
The Standard version contains similar selection of programs listed above, except PowerDirector 5. Currently, making a total of only 10 programs. In addition, its PowerProducer 3.7 and Power2Go5.5 do not support Dolby sound; mp3 for Power2Go5.5 is not supported for the Standard version. The PowerBackup 2.5 is only an Express version.
There is a free trial version available at the Cyberlink web site. In the trial version, many programs carry a 30-day period; many features are disabled. Thus, the free trial will not reveal to true feature-laden of the retail package, especially in regards to operations and perhaps performance. Nonetheless, the free trial will provide a good idea what CyberLink DVD Suite 5 has to offer.
The CDS5 Pro edition is $89.95, currently runs for $75. The Standard edition is $49.95. Download trial version $0. Upgrade from a previous version is also possible.
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 2.4GHz 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
Installation
With the disc inserted in the CD-ROM drive, the program will commence auto run. The wizard display all ten programs to be installed. Different from previous version, CDS5 Pro does not allow option to install each program individually -- all ten must be installed. Afterwards, a CD key must be entered to continue the installation process.
CDS5 Pro will place a work folder (MyWorks) in the largest disk partition in the PC system. For my desktop workstation, installation took about 4 minutes. Once done, CyberLink places an icon (shortcut) for CyberLink Solution Suite on the desktop. It is the program or application manager through which all other applications can be launched. After installation, the system must be rebooted.
Using the Programs: Features and Operations
Once logged on to the system, four of CDS5’s practical application software programs are automatically launched, running in the background. This is InstantBurn program. Four icons (block typed) are stacked on top of one another at the lower right corner of the desktop. A registration wizard pops up with name and e-mail address requesting that the software be registered immediately. The user has a choice to do this later by checking "Remind Me Later". This wizard will pop up every time the program is launched until it has been registered (via the Internet). Each of these four programs (also part of Power2Go application) can launched via a double-click on the mouse. Other application programs can be launched individually via the Windows’ All Programs menu or through the main program manager, called CyberLink DVD Suite.
To make application more direct, I went into the program folders to make shortcuts for those programs I regularly use, without having to launch the main program every time.
MediaShow 3 is a robust slide show program that can import digital or scanned photo images and put them into a very attractive slideshow; background music and narration can be added. The program has many features and options, including image enhancement for editing photo images to improve the quality in the final output. It is one of my favorite slideshow program, because it is easy to use and requires less time to master its applications. Its greatest strength the 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.
Power2Go5 Express
Power2Go5 comes in two versions (regular and express) in CDS5. By default, the express version is launched automatically immediately after logging on. Four applications are being run: Power2Go5 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.
Power2Go5 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 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.
Power2Go5 (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 Power2Go5 is much improved from its earlier version (Power2Go4).
PowerDVD 6 is one of the most popular and powerful software DVD player. PowerDVD 6 is quite comparable to InterVideo WinDVD, both are designed to provide users with total enjoyment of DVD movies. It can, of course, play audio CDs as well as music files.
PowerDVD 6 can decode DVD contents virtually on any DVD discs. There are two ways to access controls and operations on PowerDVD 6: 1) its main control panel, 2) right-click on PowerDVD 6'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 6 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 useful features via the slide-in/slide-out panel, or right-click on the main screen.
During playback, and depending on the recorded material, PowerDVD 6 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 6's parameter to perform a number of different things. For example, in its video tab, I can enable PowerDVD 6 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 6 are quite handy.
PowerDVD 6 comes with a few preferable skins that include 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 that is specialized in DVD-copying process. With it, I can copy DVD contents from disc onto my hard drive as DVD image or folder for convenient playback. 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 and video features can be selected to be excluded or included in the burn or copying process, and many more.
PowerDirector 5 comes as an Express version only in this package. Together with PowerProducer 3, this program can be the most formidable DVD authoring application software that I have come to respect. 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 5 offers four separate editable media: Video, Title, Voice and Audio. Each can be inserted separately to produce outstanding results.
PowerDirector 5 express provides three major steps under one main interface:
1. Capture
2. Edit
3. Produce (and export DVD contents)
4. Create Disc (available only in upgrade package)
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 in 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 capture 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 for editing. Each video clip can be moved into storyline by simply a drag-and-drop method. PowerDirector 5 express allows recording length in hours, minutes and seconds up to 3 days.
In the edit mode, each video clip can be arranged to make a storyline; audio, title, or blank boards, as well as narration through the Voice layer can be inserted. Transition effects can be inserted in between video clips. Video clips can be trimmed to fit the desired time frame or as desired. 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. There are three options to choose from: 1) create an AVI file, 2) create a streaming file, or 3) write back to DV tape. I often utilize the first option so that I can combine them individually in PowerProducer to create individual chapter.
It is important to note here that PowerDirector 5 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.
The Create Disc option is only available in an upgrade package. In the main interface, this options appears, but once selected, an small window pane pops up suggesting to upgrade in order to utilize its feature. If upgrade action is not taken, this icon will become gray and inoperative throughout the entire session.
PowerProducer 3 is a very practical DVD authoring program. This program has received a new makeover on its user interface and design as well as layout. Its blue colored interface looks nicer than its previous version. 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.
Using its basic approach, a user can put together video clips into a home DVD quickly in 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.
Audio 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, 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.
Impressive home DVD can be accomplished through the program's advanced editing mode. Here, PowerProducer 3 makes use of PowerDirector's features such as add title, edit video clip length or time, color adjustment, etc.
PowerBackup2 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 or other attacks. It can help schedule backup jobs or compare data on different versions. The advantage in PowerBackup is that data can be restored in its original setting. Backup can be done in incremental, differential or full.
There are 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). There are also options on compression of data. In the last step (back up files), PowerBackup2 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).
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. PowerBackup2'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". PowerBackup2 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. PowerBackup2 found those new files and immediately reports them to me. As PowerBackup2 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, PowerBackup2 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, PowerBackup2 is turned on for the scheduled automation. When it hits the date and time for the scheduled backup, PowerBackup2 automatically launches and performs data backup. But before it begins, while I am still using the computer for other tasks, PowerBack2 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. When the system is first logged on, InstantBurn application starts right away, running in the background. The program can be configured not to launch automatically when you start Windows, which can be done via its System Configuration. I disable the program not to launch, but call it when I need to use it.
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.
LabelPrint is the most practical disc labeling program I have used to date. Its best features include LightScribe technology, full support of different types of label templates, custom layout designs and image files in various formats. The program is extremely easy to use, with its four basic steps to producing personalized designed labels. LabelPrint has become my standard disc labeling program for two years now.
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 produce core labels or spine labels. However, I now regularly use LightScribe technology, and its application in this area is quite impressive.
If your PC system has a LightScribe DVD burner, LabelPrint will automatically detect it and make the LightScribe option available. Instead of having the designed layout print on a custom label, LabelPrint can itch that label on LightScribed coated CD or DVD disc.
CyberLink DVD Suite (PowerStarter 2) is the main program that manages all application programs; and it does it very effectively. It is perhaps the main reason why CyberLink placed its icon on the desktop. For Windows XP, all other programs are placed in this folder and can be launched from it directly. Those programs can also be launched in the CyberLink DVD Suite program with its simple interface. (Its execution program is actually called PowerStarter, but CyberLink DVD Suite is the name that appears in the window pane.)
Applications are arranged in group with related program. 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 DVD Suite's disc icon. This category will list a variety of copy applications, such as data DVD, data CD, movie DVD, back up your PC, or Restore your PC. With CDS5 Pro, we do not really use any individual software program per se, but a fragment of every program as a collected work. In most cases, some tasks can be easily accomplished via the PowerStarter.
The only downside for a less powerful desktop is that CDS5 Pro demands unnecessary RAM, because its PowerStarter is still running in the background when any specific program is loaded to perform the task. PowerStarter alone uses 64MB of memory. Any other programs that it executes will run on top of this. For a system that needs to conserve physical RAM, PowerStarter may not need to be run, since each program can be launched individually; and for a large video editing project, 64MB of physical memory can be a good additional space to have rather than wasting it on unnecessary use required by PowerStarter.
iTunes 6 is basically included here as a bundle (or bonus) only that provides the flexibility of creating videos compatible with iPod. It also provides a link to iTunes music store. It provides application for extracting music in audio files from a CD. Its inclusion here provides a variety of format compatibility.
Manual
There is a good start-up booklet in the retail package of CDS5 that outlines the basic features and operations of each 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. The book does not talk about iTunes at all. Obviously, to make use or get the most out of this suite, one would have to sit down and learn by themselves, sometimes through trial and error. This manual is also available as an electronic file with the program.
Online and Phone/Fax Support
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.
CyberLink now begins providing an unlimited voice support via telephone for a special fee $29.00.
Summary & Conclusion
In CDS5 Pro, a few programs initially appeared in the previous version were excluded from the package (or merged), such as PhotoNow or MusicMatch. PhotoNow, for instance, is a component program that MediaShow 3 uses in its editing application. I have MusicMatch software installed on my system, and CyberLink DVD Suite recognizes it and incorporates it into the suite so that I can launch MusicMatch from the Power Starter. Individually, there are actually nine programs; the Power Starter is basically a program that manages all the nine programs merely for an added convenience.
CDS5 Pro makes many things in invididual program easy to operate; most are done by a drag-and-drop method. For instance, copying files using Power2Go5 simply involves a drag-n-drop. Creating a storyline in PowerDirector involves this simple drag-n-drop operation. The method makes it quite natural, quick and easy and it eliminates a learning curve.
PowerDirector 5 Express only contains basic designs and layouts as well as features. It would be awesome if CDS5 Pro included the complete package of PowerDirector 5. To get the complete features, especially video special effects, etc, one would have to upgrade the package.
For example, PowerDirector 5 Express has no Video Effects. When its icon is selected, a window pane appears suggesting an upgrade to Deluxe package that will include 47 video effects and 103 transition effects as well as other stylish designs. I have loaded a captured video clip containing Dolby Digital into the library and PowerDirector 5 Express prompted an upgrade in order to maintain its sound quality. Upgrade package will include a few other nice features, such as split, multitrim, picture-in-picture, magic effects, etc.
As a stand-alone software, PowerDirector 5 Express is merely a video editing program that can only render edited video clip(s) into an AVI file (or create a streaming file or write back to DV tape). For a complete authoring of DVD, PowerProducer 3 is required. For such application, PowerProducer and PowerDirector are perhaps the best combined application software programs in this package, despite the fact that the PowerDirector is only an express version -- and you will do fine without the advance features.
I often utilize these two programs together to accomplish effective work and application. I use PowerDirector to edit my video clips and create AVI file. Then I use PowerProducer to combine all of these video files to make my production with menus and navigational chapters. This method allows me to work on an individual file without having to handle a large file all at once. This helps avoid or eliminate a system crash that requires a project to be reworked and waste unnecessary time. With individual files already created, the final project only involves combining them and render into the final production that can be stored on a hard drive or burnt onto a DVD disc.
Based on my experience, it seems more productive to work in PowerProducer utilizing its advanced editing feature that basically calls up PowerDirector to help perform the editing task. At one point, I was working on a large 4.35GB video clip in PowerDirector. After editing, I used PowerDirector to create an AVI file. For some reason, at the final stage of rendering, the program crashed, especially after waiting for almost 15 minutes. Then I used PowerProducer to basically perform the same task...and it pulled through in less than 20 minutes. At the end, I could create a DVD folder or burn onto a DVD disc using PowerProducer.
Motion menus in PowerProducer are awesome! But they use quite a good amount of disc space (or memory). For a project that is planned to be written onto a 4.7GB DVD disc, care must be taken not to overload the space. Depending on the navigational chapters, motion menus could use up to 400MB on top of the video contents.
Unlike its previous version, CDS5 Pro does not allow individual software installation; all ten programs are installed altogether during its initial setup. Perhaps this will ensure its stability. However, each program can be uninstalled later (via Add/Remove program in the Control Panel) if one wishes; but some components may not work properly.
In conclusion, CDS5 Pro contains an excellent list of software programs for multimedia applications that is virtually complete in its own form, aside from the few shortcomings I mentioned above particularly in the video authoring category. The program is quite stable and powerful. Individual programs can combine work without any conflicts. Its Power Starter offers an excellent way for a new user to make effective use of the suite and feel right at home. The overall expense is cheaper than buying individual program separately.
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My hardware system currently used under CyberLink DVD Suite 5 Pro
Motherboard: Tyan Thunder K8W S2885ANRF (dual processor)
CPU: Opteron 246 HE, dual configuration (2.0GHz each)
RAM: Transcend PC3200 4x512MB (2048MB) ECC Registered RAM
Video: ATI Radeon 9700 Pro 128MB 8x
CD/DVD: LiteOn 20x DVD-RW, Lite-On 16x DVD-RW
Hard Drive (SCSI): 2xFujitsu MAS3367NP 36GB 15K RPM, 2xMAP3367NP 36GB 10K RPM (RAID 0, 73GB), 1xMAW3073NP 73GB 10K RPM via LSI 22320 PCI-X SCSI 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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