Selecting CD, VCD, DVD Multimedia Authorizing Tools
CD Makers
- CD Maker allows you to make CDs. These CDs can be played on CD players or
on Computers.
- Requires blank CDs (CD-R or CD-RW); hard drive (RW CD-ROM drive or RW DVD/CD-ROM drive).
Window Media Player
- Your window comes with window media player. It can rip CDs into MP3s and
burn MP3s into CDs.
Real Player
- Real Player can also rip CDs into MP3s and burn MP3s into CDs. It's free
for download.
- It makes VCDs (putting together a
bunch of short video clip files).
DVD Makers
- DVD Maker allows you to make DVDs to play on DVD players or
Computers.
- Requires blank DVDs (DVD-R or DVD-RW); hard drive: (RW DVD/CD-ROM drive).
- Best with duel-or-multiple processors, large RAM, large hard disk. Check system requirements before download.
Windows DVD Maker
- Pros: Good for adding pictures, and creating cool menus. It comes
with the latest Window Platform. If not, here is a link to
Download, and its
SDK
kit.
- Cons: Not so good for video clips, and it seems to take much
longer time than other software.
DVDStyler
- Pros: It's good for adding a bunch of short video clips, and a
few long movie clips. It's free (open source). It burns at a much faster
rate. The menu is highly customizable.
- Cons: It looks static. Once you get around it, you might hope for
more function than it was initially designed for.
Roxio Creator
- Pros: It serves multiple function: creating CDs, VCDs, DVDs, data
backups, etc. Best for data backups, making music CDs and music DVDs.
- Cons: If you get it from a package, then you have it. Else, it's
not free. It has limited functions with video clips (maybe the upgraded
version will fix many compatibility issues).
Memo:
- Data files should be stored separately in a Data CD, or a Data DVD.
These are the original files before conversion into a flat
picture-sound display (music or movie).
- Music CD, music DVD are stable forms of storage (much
like the tapes of the old days). It should stored in a paper, or plastic
case in a temperature and moisture controlled environment (not too hot or
too cold, not too moisture or too dry). Multiple ones (serials)
should be bundled and stored in a package (a brown paper, plastic, or
leather box).
- Music CDs (Audio CD and MP3 CD): Audio CD is different from MP3 CD.
Check your software and your disc player before make Music CDs.
In general, audio CD is the de-facto form of Music CD. MP3 CDs are more
or less a trendy thing (much smaller file size, mostly used as a walkman,
listening while on the go).
- Movie VCD, movie DVD has skip issue (depending on reading/speed
level of the movie disc player). In general, the VCDs or DVDs should be
written to the full capacity (at least 80%). I find the best usage is
between 80-90%. Again, check your VCD/DVD player manufacture
documentation before investing too much into this.
As to why we have this multimedia/tool page:
Multimedia Tools:
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