Xilisoft has announced their new all-in-one DVD ripping software, DVD Ripper Platinum. Combining the features of DVD Ripper and DVD Audio Ripper, DVD Ripper Platinum promises to be the "most powerful and comprehensive DVD ripping tool on the market."
Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum is designed to be easy enough for a beginner to use, while still offering great customization capabilities to satisfy the needs of more experienced users. Intuitive default settings can automatically adjust the sound levels and ripping speed of the conversion files. Or high end output settings can be used to allow the user to adjust these features selectively.

DVD's can be ripped to any custom file size necessary. Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum also auto-splits output files into several files to fit on a CD-R or for use on other personal media devices. Media devices such as MP4, PSP, iPod, mobile phones and PDA's are supported. Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum allows you to rip any segment of a DVD, also allows ripping of target subtitle and audio tracks.
If you'd like to try it out, a trial version of DVD Ripper Platinum can be downloaded from Xilisoft's website. Otherwise, more information can be found here. Add a comment
InterVideo has announced that their MediaOne Gallery software suite is being bundled with ASUS's Deluxe motherboards. Here's part of their press release:
InterVideo, Inc. (NASDAQ:IVII - News) announced today that ASUSTeK Computer Inc (ASUS), the worldwide leader in motherboards, is bundling InterVideo MediaOne Gallery with new ASUS motherboards. Using this software suite, consumers can easily create, organize, burn, and share their video, audio and photo files with a single, tightly-integrated interface. This collaboration underscores ASUS's strategy to provide a total value-added multimedia solution for users, so that they can fully enjoy the advantages of digital convergence.

"We're delighted that ASUSTeK has chosen InterVideo's MediaOne Gallery for their Deluxe motherboards," said Steve Ro, CEO and President of InterVideo. "The MediaOne Gallery software suite combined with ASUS motherboards are an unbeatable combination delivering amazing performance and convenience. Together, they provide the perfect blend of power, productivity and entertainment."
If you'd like to read more, InterVideo's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Ulead has reportedly dropped Blu-ray Disc support from the latest version of DVD MovieFactory. According to The Register, the software did not have full Blu-ray Disc verification before it shipped.
Media software maker Ulead has dropped Blu-ray Disc support from the latest release of its DVD MovieFactory video capture and disk-mastering application - even though the software has only been shipping for just over a week.

DVD MovieFactory 5 went on sale on 20 March complete with BD-R support. Today, Ulead said it would be yanking the direct BD recording module from the application and would remove the software's BD authoring support. HD DVD authoring and recording will remain available to users, Ulead said.
The article also points out that Ulead has tried to cover their tracks by removing all mention of Blu-ray. Unfortunately, they've done a poor job of doing so. If you'd like to read more, head on over to The Register. Add a comment
Erik Deppe released new versions CD-DVD Speed and InfoTool earlier today. As usual, he's made a number of changes and improvements to both programs.
CD-DVD Speed v4.50 - Download
  • Added seperate Create Disc function with following improvements
    • buffer level display, both graphically and numerically
    • CPU usage display, both graphically and numerically
  • Added option to set priority
  • Added options button on main screen
  • Greatly improved image burning engine
  • Added menu shortcuts for burning image file
  • Improved erase function
  • Disc Quality Test
    • Added 1x, 2x, 4x, 6x CLV and 8x P-CAV speed settings for BenQ drives.
    • Enabled support for Pioneer drives
  • Small improvements and bug fixes

InfoTool v4.03 - Download

  • Added support for LabelFlash
More information on CD-DVD Speed and InfoTool, can be found on the CD Speed website. Please feel free to share your experiences in our forum. Add a comment
AVS Media has announced the release of the world's first freeware Blu-ray compliant burning software, AVS Disc Creator 2.1. Here's part of their press release:
Online Media Technologies Ltd., the owner of the www.AVSMedia.com project proudly announces the release of AVS Disc Creator 2.1 freeware, the first and the only one free CD/DVD/BD-compliant burning software at the today's international market of multimedia solutions. AVS Disc Creator 2.1 freeware now demonstrates the complete support of Blu-ray disc media (BD-R, BD-RE) burning. As a member of BDA (Blu-ray disc Association) Online Media Technologies Ltd. implements the upcoming Blu-ray technologies in AVS Disc Creator freeware and its other software delivering tomorrow's high-tech multimedia.

As distinct from other standard burning solutions for its extended list of supported disc types (CD-R/RW, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+/R, Double/Dual Layer), AVS Disc Creator 2.1 now enables you to burn your data on high-capacity BD discs that considerably saves your storage costs and enhances the protection of your important data. So, you can take full advantage of storing your data in the highest possible quality due to the unique BD data capacity of 25 or 50 GB per disc.
AVS Disc Creator 2.1 can be downloaded here. Otherwise, more information can be found on AVS Media's website. Add a comment
Nero has announced that they will be previewing the newest version of the Nero 7 software suite at CeBIT. Among other things, this new version features an Electronic Program Guide, surround sound recording and playback and built in internet telephony.
Nero, leaders in digital media technology, will preview the newest version of the Nero 7 software suite, an all-in-one solution for the management of data, audio, video, photo and TV content, at CeBIT 2006 (Hall 2, Booth B20). A powerful enabling tool for today's digital home, the revised platform provides 18 new and updated applications. The new version of Nero 7 will be available in April. Current Nero 7 users will be able to receive a free online update at www.nero.com.
If you'd like to read more about these new features, Nero's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Roxio has announced the release of their Blu-ray Disc Technology Preview Kit. Here's part of their press release:
Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital media software, today released its Blu-ray Disc (BD) Technology Preview Kit. The Kit is a collection of software applications that enable PC and drive manufacturers to qualify a full range of BD capabilities including data backup of as much as 25GB on Blu-ray Disc Recordable (BD-R) or Blu-ray Disc Rewritable (BD-RE) media, non-protected Blu-ray disc copying, and BDAV format recording and playback. The Blu-ray Disc-enabled and Windows Vista-compatible functionality is currently being integrated into Roxio's line of premier consumer retail and OEM applications such as Roxio Easy Media Creator, Roxio WinOnCD, and Roxio MyDVD.
If you'd like to read more, Roxio's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
If you're heading to CeBIT, you might want to stop at the booth for InterVideo and Ulead as the two companies will be demonstrating their latest Blu-ray authoring, burning, navigation and playback software.
InterVideo, Inc. (Nasdaq:IVII - News) and its partner Ulead Systems, Inc. (TSE:2487 - News), industry leaders in video, image and DVD software, today announced that they will demonstrate Blu-ray (BD) authoring, burning, content navigation and playback software at their CeBIT Booth #B36 in Hall 22. As active members of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), InterVideo and Ulead BD products will also be featured at the BDA Press Conference, Room 1A in the CeBIT Convention Center.

"InterVideo and Ulead share a common vision of bringing BD solutions to consumers and making them easy to use," said Steve Ro, CEO and president of InterVideo and chairman of Ulead Systems. "Through our collaboration, we are leveraging the synergy of Ulead's advancements in HD-DVD technology and InterVideo's strengths in Blu-ray technology. Because our areas of expertise complement one another, they are helping us accelerate the development of complete, easy-to-use applications that will set the pace for next-generation DVD technology."
If you'd like to read more about Intervideo's and Ulead's new Blu-ray products, their entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Droppix has announced that they've released Droppix Label Maker Deluxe 2.0. This new version of the software supports both Lightscribe drives and Direct-to-Disc printers and has the ability to automatically import CD-Audio information.
Droppix today announced the release of Droppix Label Maker Deluxe 2.0, an advanced new solution for CD and DVD label authoring. Droppix Label Maker Deluxe puts a professional CD and DVD personalization solution at users' fingertips. Its powerful graphics module lets users create professional quality labels quickly and easily. Droppix Label Maker includes a variety of label templates and background images, logos, and fonts that for use in projects in addition to the users' own images and photos. In addition, Droppix Label Maker Deluxe can print labels in a series, each with a unique serial number, and can be configured to automatically import information from any audio CD, playlist or database. Droppix Label Maker Deluxe is fully compatible with LightScribe technology from Hewlett Packard and can also be used with any desktop printers.
More information on Droppix Label Maker Deluxe 2.0 can be found here. Otherwise a 30-day trial version can be downloaded from the Droppix website. Add a comment
Nero released a new version of Nero 7 yesterday afternoon. There still is no change log. However, this new update brings the version count up to 7.0.8.2. If you'd like to check it out, the update can be downloaded here or via BitTorrent. As usual, feel free to share your experiences in our forum. Add a comment