software - Ahead Software's Nero Burning ROM 5.0, HyCD's HyCD PlayandRecord 3.1.0503 and Adaptec's Toast 4.0 CD-ROM mastering software - Product Announcement

Emedia Professional, July, 2000

Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.0 Now Available

Ahead Software has announced the release of Nero Burning ROM 5.0 CD recording software. New features in version 5.0 include the ability to write to more than one recorder at the same time, improved multitasking capability, and improved speed. Super Video CD support has now been added, which allows the user to record MPEG-2 files directly onto a CD. Nero 5.0 also features enhanced audio filters, which allow the user to test the filters in real time and apply multiple filters simultaneously. New filters include Karaoke and Cross Fading. Also new is a Split function, which allows for the multiple splitting of a sound file. MP3 files are supported, as well as Twin VQ audio files. CD-Extra discs are now supported, and the retail version of Nero 5.0 will include a CD label kit.

(Ahead Software GMBH, Im Stoeckmaedle 6, 76307 Karlsbad, Germany; 49 724 891 1801; Fax 49 724 891 188 8; http://www.ahead.de)

HyCD Releases New Version of Play&Record Software

HyCD, Inc. has announced the release of version 3.1.0503 of its Play&Record software. The new version adds two new features, as well as support for a greater number of CD recorders. The data CD recording capability allows users to create a backup CD of every file on the hard disk. It will allow users to create a backup CD of their MP3 files as well. Along with the data capability, Play&Record now features batch processing for hard-disk-to-hard-disk MP3 encoding. HyCD's Play&Record software is available at a list price of $19.95.

(HyCD, Inc., 5300 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 450, San Jose, CA 95129; 408/244-7007; Fax 408/244-7077; http://www.HyCD.com)

Toast 4 Deluxe Now Offers FireWire Support

Adaptec has announced that its CD recording software for the Macintosh, Toast 4 Deluxe, now offers native support for FireWire CD recorders. Toast 4.1 features improved MP3 decoding technology, which allows MP3 files to be converted to a standard audio CD faster and with improved sound quality. The software also includes PhotoRelay, a cataloging application to store and track digital photos, and CD Spin Doctor, an analog-to-digital converter for burning LPs onto a CD. "Adaptec is committed to supporting Apple's FireWire initiative on the Macintosh platform," says Tom Shea, vice president and general manager of Adaptec's Software Products Group. Toast 4 Deluxe is available at an estimated retail price of $99. Current Toast 4 Deluxe users can download the Toast 4.1 FireWire update from Adaptec's Website.

(Adaptec, Inc., 691 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035; 800/442-7274, 408/945-8600; Fax 408/262-2533; http://www.adaptec.com)