Roxio Popcorn 2

CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Setup and interface: 9.0
Features: 7.0
Performance: 8.0
Service and support: 8.0
Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 10 reviews
• See all user reviews

Product summary

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed by: Tim Gideon
• Edited by: Jasmine France
• Reviewed on: 04/12/2006
• Released on: 04/12/2006

Roxio, maker of Toast and Jam--the two standards in CD-burning and mix-making software for the Mac--released Popcorn, its DVD-burning program, in December 2004. With the popularity of personal video players such as the latest iPod and the PSP, Roxio risked dating itself by not quickly revising Popcorn to include compatibility with these devices. Enter Popcorn 2 ($49.99), which not only improves upon the previous version's DVD-burning features but adds the ability to convert movies for iPods, PSPs, 3GP mobile phones, and DivX handhelds. Those familiar with Toast and Jam (particularly the former) will find Popcorn a breeze to use--but you should ask yourself if you need it and whether you have the operating system to handle it, as Roxio Popcorn 2 requires Mac OS 10.4.Installing the software for Roxio Popcorn 2 on your Mac couldn't be easier; after you insert the disc, a window pops up instructing you to drag the Popcorn icon into Applications, which is conveniently located within the same window. After a few Continue and I Agree notices, you're ready to roll.

The interface will be a piece of cake for anyone familiar with Toast; Popcorn is basically identical. The main screen offers two simple "copy to" options: a DVD-R icon or a portable player icon. In the center of the screen, a source and an Options tab are listed; this is where users can customize their DVDs. To the left, a tab displays the options the user has for sources (for example, video files and DVDs) based on what task they have chosen: to burn a DVD-R or to copy to a portable player. For those unfamiliar with Toast, Popcorn is so visually intuitive that we can't imagine a very challenging learning curve for anyone who knows how to operate such complex software as, say, iTunes.

Possibly the most useful of Roxio Popcorn 2's features is the ability to compress a 9GB dual-layer DVD to a 4.7GB DVD-R, as well as the ability to compress individual files into formats such as MPEG-4, H.264, QuickTime, and DivX. The ability to pick and choose what pieces of a DVD you would like to burn is also quite useful since burning to a 4.7GB DVD is often an exercise in space management. We would've liked to see a feature allowing users to burn DVDs from their video files, but currently, video files can only be converted to other file types--still a useful feature if you want to play a video file on your iPod or PSP. Ultimately, this option feels limited, especially considering that the latest version of Toast has this feature.

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Where to buy

Roxio Popcorn 2: $25.52

store	price	in stock?	rating
Amazon.com	$25.52	Yes

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• Amazon.com $25.52 Yes
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