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Nero Linux moves ahead with HD DVD, Blu-ray support

By Michael Hatamoto, BetaNews

March 5, 2008, 4:33 PM

During the CeBIT computer show in Hannover, Germany, Nero announced plans to launch Nero Linux 3.5, which now promises to run on Linux subnotebooks with smaller screen resolutions.

Although there are several different options for Linux users wanting to create CDs or DVDs, Nero Linux is different because it offers users the ability to back up Blu-ray and HD DVD content easily. Further, the GUI in the Linux version is very similar to the one used in Windows.

Windows users who transition to an open source Linux distribution are oftentimes left with very few programs that operate similarly in both Windows and Linux - Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird being the best examples. The Nero Linux GUI is very similar to Nero for Windows, though some subtle changes had to be made.

Originally known as Nero Burning ROM software, Nero is one of the most popular burning software among Microsoft Windows users, with more than 275 million copies of Nero software sold around the world. Nero first introduced Nero Linux in 2005, though like its Windows-based cousin, it's a commercial product. Users have to pay $24.99 after the trial period of the software ends.

A trial version of the older Nero Linux 3 is still available to users making the transition to Linux. Nero Linux 3.5 should be available later this month.

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By aredo

edited Mar 6, 2008 - 12:33 PM

The problem is that for HD-DVD titles now Cyberlink is removing playback support for it from PowerDVD 8. The real issue with the HD-DVD dead format it's just that if you bought a collection of discs you won't be able to use your HTPC to play them anymore.. unless you want to try breaking the encryption and rip them, which is a really silly thing if you own the originals, but it seems that manufacturers are forcing customers to pursue that way.

Score: 0

By Hocuspokus

posted Mar 6, 2008 - 12:40 PM

"The problem is that for HD-DVD titles now Cyberlink is removing playback support for it from PowerDVD 8".

- So what's the big deal with me sticking with Cyberlink 7.3 Ultra?

I don't have Blu-ray so I don't need & nor could I care less about any other versions.

It's not even as if Cyberlink 7.3 Ultra (which plays every HD DVD perfectly) is hard to find on the net (free).

Close but no cigar.

If you're going to try and pretend that HTPCs can't or soon won't be able play HD DVD properly then you're going to have to do better than that.

Score: 0

By Tenoq

posted Mar 5, 2008 - 6:48 PM

When there are so many free alternatives on Linux for burning - even Nero look-alikes - it's hard to imagine your average Linux user seriously considering paying for Nero. You'd have to *really* like Nero... and recently I reckon it's software has become far to bloated and invasive.

Score: 0

By zridling

posted Mar 6, 2008 - 12:48 AM

Actually this new version is pretty good, although I agree that free alternatives available right now, e.g., K3b, can do it all. I do appreciate the effort and the updated UI for Nero, though.

Score: 0

By meb

posted Mar 7, 2008 - 6:47 AM

Nero under Linux has never really taken off.

Those that do make the transition to Linux find substitute programs pretty quickly.

Leading the way on the front of media burning is indeed K3B, though there is a range of others like Brasero.

For ripping/producing, many use dvd::rip, dvd95 and DeVeDe or qDVDAuthor. There really isn't a need to go and purchase a commercial utility.

It's also important to remember that many of these GUI programs are basically front-ends to the actual CLI commands, which offer a range of powerful options.

Take dvd+rw-tools (growisofs), wodim,libdvdcss, mencoder, transcode -- many of these options can be undertaken.

Sure HD-DVD and Bue-ray support is lacking in many of the free OSS tools.. but it will be a matter of time before they are put in place.

Score: 0

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