Alternatives to Powerdvd and Nero?

[50]

Hello all,

I have purchased Nero 6,7,8 and powerdvd (this program is way too overbloated now anyways) versions for way too long. Are there any free or cheaper programs out there that give the full effects of these programs (I don't need blu-ray or hd-dvd burning or encoding)? I've used VLC for a while and really liked it. One question I had was if I start using windows media center vista, do I have to have powerdvd or some program with a dvd encoder buit in so that WMP can play dvds? I remember in earlier versions WMP didn't have a dvd decoder and that's why I bought powerdvd, but now if I have VLC will that be enough? Thanks

 

[Chapbass]

as far as powerdvd: the k-lite codec pack will give you dvd playback support through windows media player, or media center for that matter (i believe). VLC personally is the way i like going (using it right now)...that thing will seemingly play anything. I havent used powerdvd in years, besides my short stint with blu-ray/hddvd playback on an HTPC.


as far as cd burning is concerned, theres programs like burnatonce, burrrn, etc....but honestly I haven't found one thats remotely as useful as nero.


PS: I still use nero 7 with no problems whatsoever, doesn't really NOT do anything i need it to do. In fact, just installed the FLAC audio plugin for burning in nero today...worked like a charm. Is there something in the new versions that you need?

 

[bruceb]

I still use Nero 6.6.x .. also have UltraISO (not free, not too costly, but has lifeitime upgrade / updates) which is a nice, simple program. You can also look at ImgBurn

 

[mc866]

Depending on your needs and what you would like to burn I have found some very nice free alternatives and have listed them below. If you are willing to pay for a different program I've also had great results with Ashampoo. VLC should still continue to play whatever you like in Vista, you may need to install k-lite or cccp if you want to watch the movies in wmp though.

ISO ripping/burning -> Imgburn
CD/DVD/Mp3 burning -> CdBurnerXP
Ripping CD's to FLAC or MP3 -> EAC

 

[idiotekniQues]

CD/DVD/Mp3 burning -> CdBurnerXP

 

[idiotekniQues]

Originally posted by: idiotekniQues
CD/DVD/Mp3 burning -> CdBurnerXP

oh and its free

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: idiotekniQues
CD/DVD/Mp3 burning -> CdBurnerXP

yep and vlc and imgburn...

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: 50
Hello all,

I have purchased Nero 6,7,8 and powerdvd (this program is way too overbloated now anyways) versions for way too long. Are there any free or cheaper programs out there that give the full effects of these programs (I don't need blu-ray or hd-dvd burning or encoding)? I've used VLC for a while and really liked it. One question I had was if I start using windows media center vista, do I have to have powerdvd or some program with a dvd encoder buit in so that WMP can play dvds? I remember in earlier versions WMP didn't have a dvd decoder and that's why I bought powerdvd, but now if I have VLC will that be enough? Thanks

Vista Media Center (as found in Home Premium) has an MPEG2 decoder built in. So you don't need PowerDVD unless you want it.

 

[lokiju]

I use Infrarecorder.

It's totally free and open source with zero bloat.

Works perfect for me.

 

[nordloewelabs]

Originally posted by: KeypoX

Originally posted by: idiotekniQues
CD/DVD/Mp3 burning -> CdBurnerXP

yep and vlc and imgburn...

:thumbsup:

i still use Nero 6.6 in some of my machines.
very light and efficient.
i tried Nero 7 for a day and gave up.

 

[Meanstreak]

Originally posted by: KeypoX

Originally posted by: idiotekniQues
CD/DVD/Mp3 burning -> CdBurnerXP

yep and vlc and imgburn...

I toss my opinion into the hat for

CdBurnerXP
VLC

They are great starting points and will get most if not all of what you would need to do - done.