Overview

Nero 2014 Platinum is yet another omnipotent multimedia suite that burns all possible optical discs, converts video for all devices there are, plays Blu-ray videos. In addition, Nero Platinum offers a large number of advanced features that other more expensive suits offer in the department of media creation and editing. It is featured as shareware, and the free trial period gives you 15 days to estimate the suite. With all the heavy artillery, Nero 2014 Platinum aims at a specific niche of those who can record and play at screen resolutions of 3840 x 2160 and above. Support for a large number of mobile devices is another handy feature that comes new in this edition.

Significant improvements in encoding streaming and supported file formats can not compare to the usability makeover. Nero Media Home came as a success with its streamlined 3D interface, so Nero 2014 Platinum adopts the same stylish looks. Well, almost because Nero Express and Nero Burning Rom modules preserved their old-fashioned GUI. The developers claim their users are unwilling to see their favorite programs change the looks. We strongly disagree. On the other hand, Nero Video, Nero Recode and Nero Blu-Ray Player now sport the new streamlined GUI we so much enjoyed during our test. The above-mentioned Nero MedaHome is one of the modules here, and a very neat and capable media library, organizer, playback and home networking tool.

Installation

Depending on your PC, you may or may not experience some installation issues, such as additional downloads required, such as ‘d3dx9_43.dll.’ However, following the installation wizard with due attention and care will soon complete the tricky procedure. After all, it is a massive piece of software. Nero 2014 Platinum is compatible with Win XP, Vista, 7 and 8 desktop. Minimum requirements are 2 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 5 GB hard, Microsoft® DirectX 9.0.

Interface

As mentioned above, the new Win 8-ish interface is intuitive and smooth offering the outstanding streamlined user experience. However, both Nero Express and Nero Burning Rom are resistant to change. The launch application works in full screen mode or minimized only; this may be either a Pro, or a Con depending on user preferences. We do not find it a very convenient mode. There is a large plethora of artistic content templates, backgrounds, etc.

Pros

• Beautiful, intuitive, neat GUI.
• Wide variety of tutorials and a prompt support.
• Rip and convert feature for Blu-Ray discs, DVD-videos, audio CDs to cloud or mobile device.
• Generous cloud storage.
• Rip and convert online videos.
• Mobile device support for iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets.
• Video editing tools including HD and Ultra HD 4K.
• HQ video enhancement tools include retro film effects, tilt-shift effects, video stabilizer.
• Blend slideshows with music.
• Large collection of artistic templates.
• Restore files deleted by mistake.
• Copy and burn with venerable Nero Burning Rom and Nero Express.

Cons

Launch application runs only in full-screen mode or minimized.

Alternatives