Entered CNET Catalog: 09/29/2007
SKU: CNETNERO8
Manufacturer: Nero Inc.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/28/2007
In addition to the disc-ripping and -burning capabilities with which Nero first made its mark, the digital-media suite also offers a bevy of options for managing movies, music, and photos. Nero helps you create and edit videos and music files, share that content online, turn your PC into a media center, and back up and recover data in case of disaster. Nero 8 includes a revamped entry page in addition to new support for burning and creating HD and Blu-ray CDs and DVDs.
Nero 8 costs $79 to download, $99 for the box, and $49 to upgrade from Nero 7 Ultra Edition. In the past, Nero has not issued a new version of its software every year, unlike so many other brands. Instead, a new package would come onto the market every other year or so. Peppered between each release were significant updates that Nero's 50 million or so active users could download for free. Now, however, Nero will follow an annual version update schedule.
Setup
We had to let an early download of Nero 8 run all night long (the estimate early in the evening was 9 hours), which was maddening. From the disc, luckily, the 30-minute process on our Windows XP test bed was far less arduous. PhotoShow Express and SecurDisc Viewer took about another 10 minutes to install separately. But beware; Nero will install the Ask search toolbar in your Internet browser unless you step through the process slowly and decline, if it's not what you want.
You'll also have to clear or check lots of boxes to tell Nero whether you want its apps to open your photos, videos, and music files by default or not. You'll have to clear five check boxes to prevent Nero from adding that many desktop shortcuts to your computer.
Nero 8 requires a Windows 2000 SP4 or later, XP, or Vista computer with a DVD-ROM and a recommended 512MB of RAN for Vista, or 256MB for earlier versions of Windows. You should have 1.5GB of disk space free and another 9GB to squeeze in DVD files. If you want to record or author high-definition content or record TV shows, you'll need a system beefier than the basic requirements. HD DVD playback requires a plug-in from Nero's Web site, for instance.
Interface
Once everything is installed and you reboot, there will be no fewer than 16 items listed in the Nero 8 folder within Windows' Programs menu. This is a complicated package that can be confusing to navigate. The StartSmart screen is the best place to start. The ketchup-color interface of older versions of Nero is gone, replaced by more subtle bluish and gray tones with a list of topics that feels better organized than the sliding bar from Nero 7.
Options along the top now include Rip and Burn, Create and Edit, Home Entertainment and Back Up. The left-hand navigation lists Data Burning, Audio Burning, Audio Ripping, and Copy Disc functions. The organization is helpful, as each of these menu items takes you to collections of applications whose names you may not understand. RSS feeds near the bottom of the screen will show updates from Nero, but we wish it were easier to add our own feeds there, for instance, to display the latest videos shared through MyNero. Instead, you must visit the Options menu (under File) and add XML URLs. The flame icon in the lower-left corner connects to other Nero 8 applications.
Features
Nero 8's new features include converting DVD files for an iPod, PSP, or other mobile gadgets; playing AVCHD and Blu-ray video; and backing up files to CD, Blu-ray, and both regular and high-definition DVDs. SecurDisc lets you digitally sign and recover data, and it can make bootable Linux discs--no more DOS. There's also a free one-month trial of Nero Mobile. And you can import and share videos via YouTube, MySpace, and MyNero. Nero can convert files to MPEG-4 and other formats you prefer.
Once you dig a bit deeper, however, you can easily get lost within Nero's many applications. For instance, when we tried to toy with creating backups, Nero closed the StartSmart window and took us to the entirely different BackItUp interface. We had to close that window for StartSmart to pop up again. However, some users might like this approach because it keeps fewer windows open on your desktop.
A similar thing happened when we selected options from the Home Entertainment menu, which froze our PC. We had to use the Windows Task Manager to reach the otherwise self-explanatory setup interface of Nero Home. Our Windows Firewall kept blocking Nero Home, but didn't tell us so until we tried returning to the StartSmart view.
Behind StartSmart, the look, feel, and features of the various programs remains largely the same. Nero Vision 5 helps you make DVDs, CDs, and slide shows. You can add chapters and markers to high-definition videos. There's a decent photo editing application, too.
Nero Express steps you through making music or video discs, such as a Jukebox Audio CD packed with your choice of audio files that can be played back on discs supporting MP3, WMA, and AAC formats. You can burn a Super Video CD that converts your videos to formats that most SVCD and DVD players can read.
Nero BackItUp enables you to copy and create recovery discs, schedule periodic data backups, and so on.
Service and support
Nero 8 includes a detailed digital manual that connects to online help, to which we weren't fully able to connect. A decent QuickStart printed guide is included with a boxed copy of the software.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
User Rating: 
5/10
Great for burning, not great to use
Pros: Start Menu: The SmartStart Menu is the easiest feature. Great for standard
definition DVD burning.
Cons: You'll be staring at the "easiest" feature of Nero 8 Ultra quite often because of the program's tendency to be sluggish (and non-responsive).
Therefore, my overall comments merely confirm, for the most part, what reviewers have already stated. First, the program takes too much time to load. Second, there are frequent crashes. Third, be prepared to go through a great deal of trial and error when working on projects. (Even after months of use!)
Fourth, one month after you begin to use the product, you will find out that you must go through the ordeal of a "third party registration." (Believe me, I'm not talking about just punching in the product code while you're on the product's website.) Suddenly, the package (although legally purchased) will not work fully unless you go online to complete a rather complicated process of registration.
So after my complaining, do I think that this the program is worth it (cost? time?)? Well, I really can't say. I must confess that sometimes I think that the software is still on my computer because (1) I don't want to bother to buy/ install/ and learn how to use (just barely) a similar product; and (2) I'm afraid to discover what might happen to my computer if I were to "uninstall" Nero 8 Ultra.
As other reviewers have indicated: The program is just too loaded with features to be user-friendly. (To avoid possible problems with shutting down your computer, make sure that you "disable" the Nero Scout feature a.s.a.p.)
User Rating: 
6/10
Make it easier to use
Pros: Can do just about anything you'll ever need .
Cons: But its not user friendly.
User Rating: 
2/10
Read the Fine Print or lose your money!
Pros: CD Burner and labeler seem to work
Cons: Not compatible with my capture device
User Rating: 
3/10
Not Easy To Dowload and/or Install
Pros: None that I've really found as yet...
Cons: Difficult to download and install
User Rating: 
9/10
Nero 8 is pretty good and there is online survey that might even improve the software
Pros: huge feature set, better GUI
Cons: sometimes to slow
http://guest.cvent.com/v.aspx?1A,Q3,31a3e3bf-5274-4bbe-9191-f1cc7292b019
User Rating: 
4/10
Not as good as Nero 7 Ultra Edition.
Pros: Still able to burn Video and Files on CD/DVD disk!
Cons: Sometime program doesn't even open!
User Rating: 2/10
very poor, buggy will keep away from it, until bugs are fixed
Pros: May be, support for ipod etc.
Cons: very buggy, unfriendy interface
I had installed on only one machine, but it keeps popping up a dialog box that you have installed it on multiple machines.
On the whole, very poor experience, I have already uninstalled it and re-installed Nero7
User Rating: 
7/10
Nero 8 Updated December 2007
Pros: It has awesome options, makes quality DVDs and CDs, best burning software I have seen on the market in years.
Cons: Too complicated even for average skilled user, Nero 8 should have presented its many options into separate programs....meaning I cannot just download Nero Vision, I have to download everything!
I originally bought this software in October of 2007, initially had problems but finally by January of 2008 have most of it figured out...LOL If Nero corporation was smart, they would sell all their options in Nero 8 as individual downloads and entities. It would make all of their consumers including myself happy! I have no use for most of their extra set of software options.
User Rating: 4/10
okay but Nero 7 is better
Pros: better than Roxio
Cons: slow installation process, non-intuitive
Nero 8 is simply Nero 7 with a redesigned interface. The new interface may have greater appeal to some but using it deprives the user of some options in CD/DVD creation. To access those options you need to bypass the flashy interface and load Burning ROM.
Even though I purchased the boxed version and registered registered Nero 8 it continued to call my installation a "Trial" and encouraged me to "Upgrade". This may have been because I didn't install the entire package. Whatever! For that and other reasons relating to preference, I reverted to Nero 7. (still better than Roxio)
User Rating: 2/10
This product sucks for everything but video
Pros: works well with videos
Cons: Worthless for anything else
User Rating: 9/10
Much Better Than Roxio
Pros: Runs a lot faster than Roxio
Cons: None if you uninstall Roxio first
A word of caution you have to do a clean uninstall of Roxio or you will have problems. You will have to run a program called ?Windows Install Clean Up? you can download this program for free from the Microsoft Web Page. It take some doing to get rid of all the Roxio extensions but once you have removed Roxio and installed Nero Burn I do not think you will regret it.
My Nero out performs Roxio 100% I would highly recommend Nero.
User Rating: 9/10
Big fan of Nero 8!
Pros: Does a wide variety of functions with ease
Cons: May have too many features for some folks
User Rating: 
1/10
Horrible after purchase service due to inflexible company policies.
Pros: none different from any other decent software
Cons: Cannot handle video clips AND photos together
Since Download not needed because I already owned the software, spent months truing to get a refund, all to no avail. Company refused refund due to it being a download. They fought this every way they could, and I ended up "Out" the $81+.
Really good companies like Corel do not have problems like this.
My opinion, DO NOT DO Business with this company. This is the first and only problem I ever had with a company doing business on the internet, and I purchase almost everything on the internet. STAY AWAY........
User Rating: 3/10
Worst software product I ever bought
Pros: Scratching my head
Cons: See my description
1) I bought in advance (3 weeks prior to its release)
2) When I bought it they were offering free phone support, immediately after the product release they stopped it and made it paid phone support.
3) They are non-USA company, much harder to reach and don't live up to standards & expectations of US customers.
4) Once I actually received it and tried my first video capture in MPEG 2 format, the voice trailed 3 seconds behind the video. Tried numerous emails, still no solution.
5) They made it extremely difficult to return the product.
6) I thought, they might fix once they realize it?s a wide spread issue, so waited 6/8 weeks for an update.
7) Now that update is available (8.2.x.x), every time I try to initiate the update process from the original install, it asks you to uninstalls the original product (8.0) and never install the update on top after that. So you end up with nothing! Great!
User Rating: 
8/10
Great Product !!!!!!!!!!
Pros: Tremendous Group of Tools .....
Cons: None Yet ...
I have tried Nero in the past. It just didn't seem to have the capabilities that Roxio had. Recently, I had to remove EMC again due to problems and decided to download and try Nero 8. Wow! contrary to some comments, It loads fast. Runs much faster than Roxio and I find the menu system quite intuitive and easy to use. So far, the tools I've tried are as good, if not better than EMC's. As far as comments suggesting it is too complicated and has too many "things" included, I like to have these tools available. This type of a program is not designed for the week at heart. Someone who is looking for a simpler less crowded tool should be using one of the SE suites designed for less sophisticated users. As far as I am concerned, it integrates well, contains all of the tools that I currently need, runs much faster than EMC and SO FAR, no problems. I bought it! Thanks Nero!
User Rating: 2/10
Fails to perform, no support
Pros: cute windows
Cons: fails to make images, no tech support
User Rating: 8/10
Definate improvement from Nero 6
Pros: Cleaner interface, performs well
Cons: Costs too much.
Nero 8 has an easy to read manual that explains the function of the different modules. I haven't had any problems with any functions crashing. Nicely done.
User Rating: 2/10
Complicated maybe
Pros: Great packaging
Cons: If you want help...it'll cost you. What a concept.
So far, Nero hasn't made it out the gate...
User Rating: 1/10
waste of time
Pros: can't get it to work to find any
Cons: takes over my computer
User Rating: 2/10
The worst version of Nero ever!
Pros: Everything is in one package
Cons: To much to say in 10 letters
Once finally loaded, I was shocked about the bu**s**t this new version ask you. Such as background color etc. In the older version the Nero Smart Smart Start bottom had everything in the software bundled in one place and you could reach every program from here. Now everything is cluttered around in the windows start menu. many programs have not changed at all, why do they charge $ 70 for a software that has gotten just a face lift.
Once I tried to uninstall the software my nightmare began. It took another 45 minutes just to complete and left 100's of registry entries behind which prevented me from installing my old Nero version. Their clean tool is useless and I had to clean my machine manually by search for every single entry of Nero and Ahead in the registry and windows explorer.
KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM NERO 8 UNLESS YOU HAVE EXPERTISE AND COUNTLESS HOURS TO WASTE. SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE THEM TO COURT.
User Rating: 4/10
Too involved for basic use.
Pros: Very detailed.
Cons: Not for average users.
User Rating: 3/10
Beware HD DVD Support
Pros: Feature-rich burning solution
Cons: Only partial HD DVD support
The second major bump to their support is lack of 3xDVD functionality. 3xDVD is a feature that allows you to use existing DVD media (i.e. DVD-R) to make HD DVD compatible discs. This feature is required of all HD DVD products according to the HD DVD specification. After questioning Nero about these problems they have stated they do not support 3xDVD capability and have re-stated that playback requires their plug-in.
So be very careful when you buy Nero. They may advertise complete HD DVD support but all you really get is the ability to burn on HD DVD-R media and nothing else.
User Rating: 2/10
Not like Nero 7
Pros: The only thing good nero 8 has going for it is the Nero name.
Cons: Hard to navigate. It's nothing like nero 7. My favorite windows are not avalible.
User Rating: 9/10
Okay, but still lacks graphics card support
Pros: Plenty of great uses
Cons: Won't support so many graphics and TV cards
Other than the lack of ATI support, the program seems really nice like all the previous versions. I don't burn HD DVDs yet, so have no opinion on that.
Roxio Media Creator 9 does support my ATI cards. Pinnacle 11 SOMETIMES (?) supports the TV capture. Nero does not support the TV capture at all.
I still recommend Nero for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is the Nero burning engine is great and universally usable with many DVD ripping programs.
User Rating: 5/10
good but not great
Pros: streamlined interface, idiot proof, hi def support
Cons: streamlined interface, hi def support
the things i like about nero 8 are mostly cosmetic, that seems to be the biggest change of all. the new interface is very appealing, but selecting any burning/storage/vide-photo editing options navigates you away from nero start smart, making an incorrect menu selection a hassle as you have to back track or simply close and restart the app until you find the one you were looking for. that said, nero still performs basic backup jobs with ease, although when using start smart you may find yourself hunting around for more detailed status information, since all that is provided is progress.
the new stuff: hi def support, nero mobile, and all the other "add-ons". firstly, these add-ons don't come with nero 8 ultra, contrary to the websites information. nor do they come cheaply, at about 25 bones a pop you could well spend over 200 dollars to get the fully decked out nero suite. i was excited to get my hands on the HD add-on since i've been looking for a program to replace the latest cyberlink offering. cyberlink fails to play HDDVD discs with web-enable content through an xbox 360 add on drive. now i'm not sure if this has to do with the hardware i'm using, but since the box is MS you would expect it to work, or is simply a software failure. whatever the case i can't watch disc 6 of heroes on my high end pc, that blows. how did nero do? well astonishingly worse actually. according to nero my device isn't AACS compatible, or at the very least has some problem with the AACS system. in other words nero won't even play an HDDVD disc when using the 360 drive, 25 dollars well spent. since blue ray drives are still a ways out from being reasonably priced i'm stuck with a piece of useless software and 25 fewer greenbacks.
nero home works well enough, as configuring it to begin indexing libraries at startup is very simple. this praise is only relative because home still doesn't play well with the 360. the box recoginsises the "nero" pc, and you can even view video files in any format, as opposed to .wmv and .mp4 files. the problem starts with streaming and encoding. i'm running a q6600 quad core at stock speeds, and never see any of my cores near 40% while streaming, yet home crashes again and again. i was able to view about 16 seconds of an .avi file on my box, a first for me let me assure you, but nero quickly froze on me, and required a manual system reboot to straighten itself out.
overall nero 8 works well for basic tasks, but if you're looking to do hd dvd playback or back up hddvds you will be disappointed. the same goes for streaming non windows formatted videos to an xbox 360, while there are clunkier solutions out there that address this deficiency it would've been nice to see nero pull this off in a what is a really nice package. the pay to play add-on system is a disappointment to say the least, and the only add on you may want (the hd package) doesn't play well with others, at least in the hddvd camp. while it's still very early in nero 8's lifespan i can only wonder at the lack of promised functionality in nero 8. if you already have nero 7, and can manage to get it working on a vista system, stick with that, you're not missing out on anything special here. at least not yet, nero is well known for being a prolific updater of software, but they have a long hard road ahead of them there.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent for AVCHD video
Pros: Excellent quality AVCHD video even with still photos, very versatile
Cons: The video editor is a bit clunky, but the results are great
I did have performance issues with Nero 8 that were solved by flashing my BIOS & latest video driver's. I was able to take video from the camera, add stills & a sound track, and export it directly back to my camera, or save on the HDD or send to DVD (regular DVD or HD on DVD media). The quality is EXCELLENT!! The stills in the video are very sharp - as good as any display I've seen on my LCD HD panel.
The editor in Nero 8 (Vision 5) is clunky to use compared to PS11. There's no way to animate stills (pan/zoom,etc), you need to split an audio track to lower the volume in a section, it's cumbersome to preview your files, it doesn't mark the files to have already added to the track - things like that. However, you can put together a nice HD video and the quality is GREAT.
I haven't even touched the other modules in Nero 8 - the video editor alone is well worth the price.
