Roxio Creator

Editor's Review

Roxio Creator 2011 is a comprehensive media suite that lets users capture, edit, enhance and distribute all forms of multimedia including images, video, and audio. This software is the complete package, covering every aspect of multimedia creation including:

CD or DVD Burning and Copying

Video Editing and Capturing

Media Capturing: Rips and Saves Various Video and Audio Formats

Audio Enhancement, Mixing and Digitization

Photo Organization: Creates Playlists, Calendars and Panoramas

Exports Media to Various Platforms including Mobile Devices and YouTube

New 3D creation and conversion utilities

This suite is the first of its kind to offer any kind of 3D capability. If the user has a 3D video camera, Roxio Creator 2011 will allow the import of 3D video. With the included 3D glasses, users can also convert their own movies to 3D format and use a range of integrated transitions for 3D editing.

This edition of Roxio Creator has contributed notable improvements, one of which is enhanced video playback. The software now optimizes video to match the display characteristics and playback features of the desired playback device. For example, if the video is being exported to a mobile device, then the software will automatically detect the settings of that device and adjust the playback features of the video accordingly.

Web Capture - Also added to the video arsenal is the Web Video Capture feature, which lets users capture online streaming video from popular sites such as YouTube or MetaCafe. Users can also capture audio form streaming internet radio as well. This captured streaming media can then be saved to a desired location on the hard drive, burned to a DVD (or VCD), or exported to a mobile device such as an iPod.

Learning Center - Roxio Creator 2010 includes a comprehensive Learning Center packed with video tutorials and in-depth feature guides that explain every aspect of the software in detail. This area of the software can be particularly helpful as there are many features to learn in this multimedia mega suite. The software also includes access to Roxio CinemaNow, which is a massive online media database packed with new DVD movies. Using Roxio CinemaNow in conjunction with the learning center is a good way to become acquainted with the software.

Redesigned Interface - Although this edition of Roxio Creator is feature-rich and far more comprehensive than it's predecessors, the user interface has been completely redesigned to compliment the extreme functionality with superb simplicity. The design is now "task oriented", which means the more frequently used features are easier to access.

With the desktop burning feature, files can now be burned simply by dragging them onto the Roxio Creator icon located on the desktop. Once the item has been dropped onto the icon the burn process will be activated immediately, saving time and computer resources. Users can also create slideshows from photo compilations and videos, with added effects such as music and professional graphics.

Roxio Creator 2011: What We Liked

The software is extremely simple to use, with a variety of instructional wizards and tutorials that make every process a breeze.

3D functionality is innovative and fun to use.

The Web Capture feature is extremely useful in gathering online media to share with friends and family.

The new video exporting features make device playback far more enjoyable than previous versions of Roxio.

The Desktop burning feature removes the hassle of starting the program and sifting through preferences unnecessarily.

The software has retained all of the previous features and has managed to expand without increasing the difficulty.

Roxio Creator 2011: What We Didn't Like

The software installation has given some users problems. Although this is not a permanent problem it can be a temporary annoyance to some.

Since it is a powerful program it requires ample system resources.

Sonic Solutions Support

Support for this product can be found at Roxio's online support center. The support center offers an in-depth FAQ sheet as well as several methods of contact including email and telephone communication. Roxio offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all of it;s software products.

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions specializes in developing and distributing digital media software. Sonic Solutions offers consumer products through it's Roxio division, which offers a wide range of media creation products. Roxio is the leading distributor of multi-media project applications in North America. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Novato, California, USA.