Drives & burners

Burn it up Now that you have that nifty new multiformat CD/DVD burner, you're probably rarin' to go. But you'll need software to help you. Today's software packages do more than just help you burn discs. They allow you to capture video and rip audio, back up your PC's data, and play back videos and slide shows, and they'll help you create just about any sort of multimedia presentation. Here are a few of CNET's favorite apps.   Read the full reviews:  Nero 6.0 Ultra Edition  InterVideo DVD Copy  Roxio Easy Media Creator 7.0  Sonic MyDVD Studio Deluxe 5.0

DVD burning 101 Senior Associate Editor John Falcone helps Charles sort out the various DVD formats. See other Ask the Editor questions How to install a burner CNET helps you set up your new CD or DVD burner. It's easier than you might think.   Plextor PX-712A   This single-layer burner has it all: fast read/write speeds, ample documentation, and loads of software. CNET editor's take Check prices   See all new reviews Get RSS feeds of CNET reviews

Quick links to Specs & Prices from this company

New in Reviews Plextor PX-708A Check latest prices Lite-On LTR-52327S Check latest prices Samsung SW-252FRNS Check latest prices TDK Indi DVD 840G Check latest prices Sony DRU-530A Check latest prices

Most popular SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Check latest prices Plextor PX-712A Check latest prices 1 GB Cruzer Mini USB Flash Drive Check latest prices Plextor PX-716A - DVD±RW (+R dual layer) drive - IDE Check latest prices Kingston 512 MB SD Memory Card Check latest prices

	More resources

	Burner buying guide From discs to drives, our CNET editors' guide has everything you need to know about burning CDs and DVDs.			14 tiny USB flash drives There are gobs of products out there to help you send, store, and transport your data, but few can match the simplicity and sheer portability of a tiny USB flash drive.
	Tune-up: Serious speed with Serial ATA Upgrading your hard drive is a great way to wring more performance from your PC, particularly if you frequently load large applications or files.			Camcorders and DVD: all it's cracked up to be? It was a simple dream: the ability to record video to a disc, slide it in your DVD player to share, slip it in your PC to edit, and throw it in the mail to friends and relatives.
	To CD or not to CD: are CD-RW drives obsolete? When a DVD drive can do it all--burn CDs and DVDs--is there any reason to bother with a CD-RW drive? We round up three CD-rewritable drives in search of the answer.			Weekend Project: Vacation videos Does the mere mention of vacation videos invite groans of boredom? We'll show you how to use video-editing software on your PC to turn that armload of videos into something actually worth watching.
	How to convert VHS to digital CNET's guide to the media lets you know how to capture video, choose the right resolution, edit, and burn.			How we test DVD burners CNET Labs puts each drive through a rigorous set of tests. Find out what it takes to make the grade.
	How to add a hard drive Does the thought of popping open your system scare you? We'll walk you through it step by step.			Can you legally copy DVDs? DVD copying is a controversial and highly sought-after process. Not sure if what you're doing is legal? CNET sets your mind at ease.