Product Description

Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 empowers you to live your digital lifestyle to its fullest potential. Go beyond just CD burning and now organize, edit, preserve and share your digital photos, music, video and data â all within one integrated product that seamlessly combines the complete versions of the latest, award-winning Easy CD & DVD Creator, PhotoSuite, VideoWave, and Napster brands. ... Read more

Features

• Produce professional-looking VCDs, SVCDs, or DVDs
• Includes PhotoSuite 7, VideoWave 7, Napster 2.0, and Easy CD & DVD Creator
• Organize with Media Manager; password-protect and encrypt private data
• Transform still photos with stunning pan and zoom effects
• Take complete control of video with advanced timeline editing tools

Reviews (9)

Doesn't work
This is my first experiance with any Roxio product.I bought it without doing research but on the recommendation of the store manager.He said that Roxio makes wonderful products.

Are you kidding me!The menus are combersome and confusing.The whole program disappears after clicking on a menu option only to reappear a full minute later.

I did like the pan and animated menu features and was able to create one movie.I then started on a second movie using some of the more advanced features but this will not run smoothly.The preview window doesn't synchronize with the timeline indicator.The video preview occasionally is not shown and the audio is choppy and locks into a loop.

This is unusable.A total waste of money.

Stay away - not worth half price.
I have owned and updated this product since before it was bought by Roxio. Now it has been bought out by Sonic. The newest version 7.5 of the product has become bloated and useless, with a built in Napster client as the core feature. Prior version user upgrade prices are handled unethically - The first email they sent me said offered upgrade for $99.99 no exceptions for prior customers (less than a week after I upgraded to version 7.0 which also sent me through the roof - an upgrade that recent should be free), then eventually they sent email offering a lower price but with a 48 hour window, and after about a month I got an email with a half-wise decent upgrade price offer of $29.99, which I took. They have over-hyped version 7.5, which I have found to be mostly useless and frustrating. I spent all weekend trying to burn some DVD movies, only to have half of them ruined because the some features of the product don't work they way they say they do. Very disappointed - I won't buy their next product and I'm looking for something better instead. They're marketing this peice of junk like it's the best product around, and I feel like I've been taken...

cant get it to burn a DVD
I'm sorry but the software seems to have a lot of nice features but I cant get it to do something as simple as burn a DVD.I have tried multiple other programs and never come across this problem before.After a week with the help desk it was...no help.

What a piece of trash.Waste of money & time - BEWARE!
I'm tired of waiting for software that actually works!OK, if Icould rate this a negative number I would.Make sure and back up your configuration and drivers before installing this piece of trash.It has destroyed the drivers on both of my computers (laptop and home).Neither computer will create a CD.It doesn't convert music types (and there is downloadable shareware that does this).Lots of fancy screens, lots of fancy words in their product description.Roxio has joined the ranks of so many other PC software creators (marketing, marketing, marketing).DO NOT BUY THIS SOFTWARE.Matter of fact, send me the $100, you'll be better off!!!!!

Pay $100 to downgrade your music mixing program?!
I have been using the EZCD, now Roxio line of media software to make music mixes for years, since version 2.0.With heavy competition from numerous new music players, I stuck with Roxio and updated from version 6.0 to 7.5, eager to check out and use the promised benefits.Instead I found that 7.5 is actually a major DOWNGRADE of music mixing features and functionality.It's hard to believe, but true.Here are some of the downgrades:
1. 7.5 doesn't list and sort songs by artist or title at all!You have to go by the Windows file name!
2. 7.5 worsens the crossfading control feature, the major benefit of this program over other music mixing programs.7.5 can only apply crossfade or gap settings by whole seconds, rather than fractions as in 6.0, so you can't be as precise with the segues.Also, 7.5 doesn't allow control over the portion of the track you listen to when composing the crossfade, as 6.0 did.
3. 7.5 eliminates the "Audio Central" component of the 6.0 version and uses the old Creator Classic view, with less features.
4. 7.5 won't recognize your mixes (playlists) from 6.0.
5. 7.5 won't recognize and list your song titles and artist names from 6.0.
6. 7.5 has a terrible volume normalizing program that creates big quick blasts of higher or lower volume before finding the normalized level.This feature is applied only when burning, not when mixing, so you can't audition it until it's too late.Volume normalizing is just useless.
7. With 6.0, you could place as many tracks as you wanted into a playlist, then edit down from that to create a mix that would fit on a CD.With 7.5 you are limited to about 100 minutes of material to draw from.

Roxio actually lies about these features in their online "comparison" charts, stating that features which are not functional on 6.0 are present on 7.5, when in fact the opposite is true.This is deceptive advertising.

I have written to Roxio to get help on any or all of this, and I have received no response whatsoever.

If you've been using Roxio to make music mixes, it's time to look elsewhere.If you haven't been, don't start now.
... Read more

Features

• Turn your DV camcorder footage into a Video CD, Super Video CD, or DVD
• Share disc burners across a network or the Internet with other Toast 6 Titanium users
• Turn still photos into Motion Pictures using pan and zoom, dissolves, and soundtracks
• Schedule regular, automatic back ups for peace of mind
• Burn files and folders directly from the desktop with a single-click, pop-up menu

Reviews (15)

Don't switch doctors.
If you're happy using Toast 5 and are a heavy user of the bundled Spin Doctor, stick with it--unless you have OSX. Toast is the fastest and handiest CD-burning software I've tried, and I was content with my old version until the application for converting analog to digital (Spin Doctor) refused to open up in OSX, even with the update downloaded from Roxio. Toast 6 solves that problem while providing more colorful graphics and increased automation. The defining of a track is "streamlined," which takes some getting used to, and I haven't figured out yet how to edit wave forms, which are proving useless in this version. In order to recognize and remove "dead space" in a radio broadcast, I'm forced either to use the version of Spin Doctor in Toast 5 or go to the PC application, "Cool Edit." I can't speak to the other new features of Toast, as I don't use them much. I do notice, though, that Roxio has cut back a bit on the packaging (no case for the installation CD) and the instruction manual (it's now mostly under the Help menu).

Since writing the above, I've discovered that Apple's bundled "Sound Studio" is the best way to edit wave forms, after which you can burn them to CD in Toast. Moreover, I've discovered that the distortion I was hearing while recording FM in Spin Doctor (only in the monitoring) is not a problem in Sound Studio. For recording LP's, I still plan to use Spin Doctor, but those colorful wave forms are little more than consumer cosmetics.

mmmm... Toasty
Been a Toast user for years. Loved 5... didn't think it could get any better... but they figured out how to improve on something that was already near perfect.

The interface - already super simple in 5 - is better in 6. They got rid of the "Other" menu (thank you) and added in a Video area. Plus you can now do multiple copies like printing multiple pages, and there's burning right from the desktop with a handy Toast It menu.

Now I'm able to burn DVDs when I want and SVCDs when I want - no matter that my burner is external. It's a bit slow on my G4... but the quality is fantastic... and so it's worth the wait. VCD seems faster than in Toast 5.

Motion Pictures is pretty cool. Sure you can do the same thing in iMovie... but it takes about 20 hours longer to get the same thing done.

Spin Doctor is MUCH improved. I don't have many records to import... but it's done the job great on the first one I tried.

The networked recorder thing is really amazing. My Powerbook doesn't have a burner, but I'm able to record to the burner in my desktop machine with no hassle.

It comes with a detailed printed manual... which is pretty sweet (even though I've barely had to open it)... I can't remember the last piece of software I bought that came with a manual... oh wait.. now I can... it was Toast 5.

This software is great... and definitely worth the price.

Discus 3.0.4 upgrade Label/Jewel Case Software is Tops
I own Toast 6 with two upgrades. (6.0.5) Using OS X 3.4 I needed a software update for my LaCie Burner.
The Technical Help is quick and fast at Toast/Roxio. They told me to download it and gave me the link.
Last night I Toasted some CD-ROM's for training Case Managers. I burned Six CD and Printed Labels and Jewel Case Inserts and Tray liner in a half hour.

The extra $20 to upgrade to Discus 3.0.4 is well worth the Time and Money. (Newer Software and Full artwork) Real Pro looking Artwork and Label from a great Library. You can use any brand of Paper (Avery, Neato, Memorex etc.) and even nudge 0.5 mm adjustment if necessary. Memorex tray liners got an adjustment and it work for all futures use of that paper. This software lets you import for iTunes and Toast what you are Toasting for a list of software or Song Lists etc. Software so easy, I did NOT read the directions. Just do what you want to do the MAC way. I Like the Neato Jewel case booklets for Training instructions (Music Album Notes) and Memorex tray liners. I have one software and Four brand of paper
You can even print business cards on which I ton of good comments. "What a Beautiful Card."
Spin Doctor takes out the starches on old LP's for converting to CD's.
I was so happy with the Toast 6 package I did not take the rebate offer. I also used Toast 5 Lite that came with my LaCie.
A New feature lets you Toast to a burner over the internet which are great for Training DVD's to people 15 miles away.

Give the Package Bundle five stars

A must for any Mac owner!
When I bought my eMac, this was the first software I HAD to buy. I make a lot of CDs, so I decided that this was a must, and I've owned Easy CD Creator for the PC, so I knew that it would be easy to use and feature most of the functions I would need.

It's true that it meets most of my needs and with a simple, clean interface. I can make a music CD and store files in no time and it can even create Video CDs and DVDs with menus.

Of course, to many, Toast may seem redundant, as Mac OS X can handle most of your burning needs natively, but I prefer to use 3rd party software for those things, as it was created specifically for that purpose. However, the two things that Toast can do that Panther cannot are create Video CDs and burn DVDs directly from MPEG and Quicktime files without the need to demux audio.

I get some Japanese TV shows from friends in Japan in MPEG format and I like to watch them on my TV, so it's nice to be able to burn them into VCD or DVD format for viewing and backup. If you do a lot of video downloading, this really can come in handy. Also, it works GREAT with EyeTV (sold separately) for the Mac, so you can record your favorite TV shows and put them on CD!

My only complaint is that the DVD/VCD menu option stinks. There is only one menu interface and you cannot choose layout, music, background photo or anything. It's just a plain blue screen with a thumbnail of the video and text titles. And the thing is, it's not very nice--it's borderline gaudy and not what I'd choose for a standard menu layout.

But, with that aside, this is a product I can wholeheartedly recommend for any Mac user with above-average burning needs.

Burn Baby Burn!
Macs come with quite a robust burner in the Finder and the new iLife '04 goes even further than before in giving users more options to customize their discs. So what exactly does Toast do that the Mac OS can't do on it's own?

- Multi Session Burning
- Encrypt data discs with a password
- Burn exact copies of a disc
- Choose which OS the disc will be compatible with
- You can save a burn project so you can burn it again at a later date

These features alone make Toast a very tempting purchase. Thankfully though, it can do much more and it pulls it all off with ease. Drag and drop is about as complicated as the interface gets, but the results are that you have discs burned the way you want that work the way you want. Toast is a powerful, well-rounded, fully featured burning software that just about every user will find useful.

As a bonus you get Discus (for making labels for all those discs you've burnt) and Spin Doctor 2 (for taking out pops and hiss from imported music from records and tapes). ... Read more

Features

• Fast and reliable CD- and DVD-burning software for the Mac
• Easily make high-quality copies of DVD movies; versatile copier
• Powerful video compression; flexible extraction; informative copy summary
• Full DVD support; personalize with custom disc labels and DVD case inserts
• Share DVD burners with Toast users across the network via ToastAnywhere

Features

• Combines creative control and reliability for home video editing
• Automates tedious editing tasks; context-sensitive How-Tos
• Easily transfer footage from DV camcorder directly to the timeline
• Quickly edit footage, add fun effects, and create custom DVDs
• Share videos on VHS, the Web, mobile phones, or Pocket PCs

Features

• Essential software suite for film and video production
• Real-time production tools; common user interface elements
• Professional graphics, video, audio, and DVD authoring applications
• Provides seamless, intuitive, and integrated workflow
• Includes Final Cut Pro HD, DVD Studio Pro 3, and Motion

Features

• Comprehensive toolset for Windows-based video production
• Create stunning motion graphics and visual effects
• Produce quality audio and author-interactive, multi-language DVDs
• Deliver professional results for film, video, DVD, or the Web
• Premiere Pro; Audition; Encore DVD; After Effects Standard

Features

• High quality video capture: get the most out of your PC's Hi-Speed USB controller!
• Works with any video device equipped with analogue video outputs
• Store hours of videos on your hard disk
• Restore damaged videos or edit them automatically in a few minutes with Pinnacle Studio¿ QuickStart
• Preserve and share your movies on CDs and DVDs*

Reviews (1)

Dazzle DVC 90 and Pinnacle Studio Version 9
I tried 3 different capture devices in one week, and this was by far the easiest to use and the most portable, with good quality images. Set up is simple, install discs, install Pinnacle Studio Version 9, which has a great instruction video for beginners on how to capture,edit and make movies. USB2 device, which I am using in conjunction with a laptop. Captured old analogue video images, and off many monitors at work with images I need to use for presentations. Reasonable price for what you get. ... Read more

Features

• Includes PhotoSuite 7, VideoWave 7, Napster 2.0, and Easy CD & DVD Creator
• Organize with Media Manager; password-protect and encrypt private data
• Transform still photos with stunning pan and zoom effects
• Take complete control of video with advanced timeline editing tools
• Produce professional-looking VCDs, SVCDs, or DVDs

Reviews (93)

Must Have Product for Digital Video and Digital Camera Users
Easy Media Creator 7 integrates several full-featured applications together to create a software suite with a consistent user experience. In no time, I was using it and creating projects with it. I use Creator Classic all the time to burn data and music to CD and DVD and appreciate the automated backup feature. Even though I use those features all the time, I really bought Media Creator 7 for all the great digital media creation tools.

Photosuite is a wonderful photo-editing product. Since I am a casual point and shoot digital photographer, I use the autofix option all the time to clean up my pictures, plus of course the red eye removal tool and the clone tool (to remove the date/time stamp I forgot to turn off in some of my pictures). I use VideoWave to transfer/capture my video to my PC, and then edit it down to remove unwanted video clips. I also use it to add text using different fonts, styles and effects, plus add transitions between clips, and background sound tracks. When complete, I then send the output to DVDBuilder for authoring to DVD.

I could go on and on how I use it, but the bottom line, this product is outstanding. It is loaded with excellent features and is a must have product for transforming your digital content to marvelous DVD movies or slide shows.

Easy to Use, Great Features and for the Price it's a Bargain
Easy Media Creator 7 offers an easy to learn and understand interface that enables you to quickly use any of the applications that make up this integrated software suite. My daughter just graduated from high school and this weekend I created a video comprised of digital photos and video clips, select music, transitions, titles, etc. all blended together of all the events this past month leading up to graduation. I am so proud of my daughter but also have great pride and sense of accomplishment in what I just did by creating a great looking video that I burned to DVD.

Roxio provides many materials to help you find all the answers, such as how-to video tutorials, and PDF user guides. The Roxio web site knowledgebase also helps you find answers to any questions, and if you still need help, I found their tech support email responses were quick, only taking 1-2 days to get answers.

I recommend this product for people at all levels.

CD and DVD Media Creation Just Got Easy
Creator 7 has so many great features and capabilities that I suggest you do as I did and read the many pro reviews that thoroughly put the program through its paces. For me, my favorite and most frequently used component is storyboard, which enabled me to combine digital photos, video clips, and songs into a slideshow. It has creative features that include the ability to add transitions, titles, and a narration track. Then using the DVDbuilder component, I can create VCDs or DVDs to master my slideshow creation to disc. Overall, this is a great product for anyone dabbling or serious about working with digital media.

Recommend it to everyone
Installed fine on my XP system, although it was a slow process. Nice interface and the tutorials and help files made it easy to learn. Use Creator classic, Photosuite Videowave and DVDbuilder all the time and everything has worked flawlessly. Haven't used all the other features yet, but its nice to know they're there when needed. What a deal - all these features for the low cost.

works great after upgrade
had problems out of box ( mostly with DVD-r burning ) but after a 53MB download from website it's working great. Very easy to use compaired to others I've tried (U-lead, Movie maker). Tutorials are weak, more of an overview of what you can do than a how to, but help files are good. Great product for the money! ... Read more

Features

• CD/DVD burning suite with a complete set of media tools
• All-in-one solution to data, audio, video, photo, and backup
• Make a photo CD, slide show, or DVD from home videos
• Playback digital media files; archive song collection in MP3
• Backup personal data; legally recode DVDs

Reviews (1)

All in one IS the best way to describe this!
I think it's an excellent software for burning CDs and DVDs. I enjoy using all the applications and Nero StartSmart chooses which application would work best for me automatically. Very user friendly and fun to use! ... Read more

Features

• Comprehensive toolset for Windows-based video production
• Create stunning motion graphics and visual effects
• Produce quality audio and author-interactive, multi-language DVDs
• Deliver professional results for film, video, DVD, or the Web
• Premiere Pro; Audition; Encore DVD; After Effects Pro; Photoshop CS

Product Description

Visual Communicator 2 Pro creates newscast-style video presentations that can be delivered via email, CD/DVD, PowerPoint or on the Web. ... Read more

Features

• Includes the simple-to-use TMPGEnc DVD Source Creator for easy encoding
• Add the power of 2-channel Dolby Digital Audio with the TMPGEnc Sound Plug-in AC-3
• Create your own titles, transitions and menus with a library of buttons and artowrk

Features

• Software DVD player for watching movies on your PC
• High-definition audio and video technologies
• Quick Clip and smooth reverse playback
• Supports playback of Real Player, Quick Time, and WMP files
• Smart Stretch for customizing viewing image

Product Description

Capture and import any video from camcorders VHS tapes DVD recorders TV programs slideshows and digital filesImport and edit DVD discs recorded with set-top DVD recorders and play them on any DVD playerTake advantage of the latest technology to design personalized fun-to-watch DVDs with speed & unlimited creativityEnjoy and share professional-looking movies with motion menus on any DVD player or computer ... Read more

Features

• Capture and import any video from camcorders, VHS tapes, DVD recorders, TV programs, slideshows and digital files
• Import and edit DVD discs recorded with set-top DVD recorders and play them on any DVD player
• Take advantage of the latest technology to design personalized, fun-to-watch DVDs with speed & unlimited creativity
• Enjoy and share professional-looking movies with motion menus on any DVD player or computer

Reviews (1)

Ulead DVD MovieFactory 4
I have been using the try before you buy copy. And so far it has done everything that I have asked of it. I look forward to using the full version. I really like the fact that I do not have to use a menu with it. Which makes it like using a VCR and having the tape autoplay when you put it in. Menus are good if you are wanting to add extra stuff. But make no sense to me if you are only putting a movie on the DVD. I also found it easier to edit the beginning and ending of a movie. I look forward to using more of the features. ... Read more

Features

• The software works through simple modules that capture video, edit the film, and burn it to DVD
• Work with hundreds of new text effects, styles and animation options
• Design your own photo slideshows and add them to your DVD -- the DVD Slideshow Wizard makes it easy
• Advanced file rendering -constant or variable bit rate, with Smart Rendering for faster video compilation
• Customize your storyboard and change the video track style to make working on your projects easier

Reviews (1)

Version 2 Is a Winner
I gave version 1 of ShowBiz a low rating due to the numerous problems I encounter in editing and burning a production onto a DVD. I am happy to report that all the previous issues have been solved with version 2. I recently completed a 13 min. production that was a complete success and the software worked flawlessly. This is one of the few editing packages that will burn a project directly onto a DVD without resorting to a second party DVD authoring program.
I did not give ShowBiz 5 stars because of the difficulty in utilizing the highly desirable zoom and pan motion features. These features are not found on other low cost editing packages but are difficult to impossible to incorporate into a production. Zoom and pan are accessible only in the "make a DVD' area and should be integrated with the other transition, text, and media functions. I recommend this software for its ease of use and low cost to all users with the exception of the high enders that require more control over sound and added features.
ArcSoft if you are listening, please make the changes the zoom, pan features and I will give your product a "best in class" rating. ... Read more

Features

• Includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and GarageBand music application
• Use iLife to have more fun with digital media
• Easily create professional-quality slideshows, music, movies, and DVDs
• Seamless integration--iLife applications work together better than ever before
• Single installer that updates all existing iLife applications

Reviews (11)

I would have preferred an upgrade option, but...
The latest update to "your digital lifestyle" is a great one. iMovie includes more options for editing and adding titles. iDVD adds more great themes, easier interfacing with iMovie, and ups the final production minutes from 90 to 120. iTunes is a free download anyway (cause Apple makes money through the iTunes Music Store. iPhoto, to be honest, I don't play with a whole lot because I already use PhotoShop, ImageReady and Fireworks.

Then, there is GarageBand. It may not be the most necessary piece of software ever, but it certainly is the coolest. I managed to create a short song in less than an hour. Me! I can't make music with anything resembling an instrument. Apparently though, I can produce music. The ease with which the program works is astounding. Adding new loops is as easy as click and drag.

The minor complaint here, at full screen GarageBand eats memory. My iBook starts to scream in pain when I open the program. On a G5 or my G4 iMac it works great though. You can ease the memory requirements by using less screen space for the program, but it only eases the issues, doesn't resolve it.

Also, considering that Apple just made us buy the program to begin with last year, an upgrade option for those of us who did would be nice. At least they kept it at a fairly reasonable price though.

Buy it for Garage Band alone.
I won't even talk about the other iLife apps. Good though they are, the real story of iLife '04 is Garage Band. It is a powerful, easy-to-use non-linear audio editor. Now, it won't be all things to all people. It is primarily designed as a loop-based music creation system. However, you can add non-software instruments (including vocals) as well, filtering them through various effects, including several adjustable guitar amp modelers. The results--for the price--are absolutely astounding.

This program is to music creation what PageMaker was to desktop publishing, lo those many years ago. Unfortunately, that means that everyone with a Mac will now become a 'composer,' but that sort of power-to-the-people freedom is great, in my opinion.

Important note: if you buy it, make sure you immediately install the Garage Band update (version 1.0.1?), which is available at the Apple site. It clears up several issues in the initial release.

One other important note: This program is a total resource hog! You need a fast G4 or G5 processor and at least 512MB of RAM. It also helps if you have a faster hard drive.

(By the way, to the other reviewer who couldn't rename tracks: sure you can. Simply click on the instrument in question, click the "I" button and choose "save instrument." This allows you to rename the track. You can even rename regions within a track. Click on the region and rename it in the name window in the lower left-hand corner of the main window.)

Make your personal computer be a personal compter!
Computers are wonderful tools that have greatly changed just how we do just about everything. Apple iLife software continues this tradition. I have used both Mac and PC computers. I have also used software written for both. There is nothing easier or more intuitive than Apple iLife. It is not the most powerful software. For $400-$600 you can by professional grade software that will blow the socks of iLife. However, for the average "Joe" there is nothing better. It doesn't take a lot of computer savvy. iLife does most of the work for you - and quickly. Other software we have used for loading pictures is slow, hard to manage and less desirable in many ways. I used this software at my sister-in-laws wedding. In no time at all I had a wonderful slide show set to music for everyone to watch. Doing all this work on a PowerBook G4 15" laptop allowed me to later show my father-in-law what he missed due to some health issues.

With iLife, you can edit your pictures. You can order copies with just a click of a button. With just another click, you can e-mail them to anyone in your e-mail address book. Another click you can post them on a web-sight for your friends to see. For example, we recently moved to a new state. I posted a slide show of our new home for all our old friends to see. We had over 60 different friends view the web sight. Can you image the cost of making prints for all those people? In addition, you can set your pictures, web sights to your favorite music in iTunes.

Speaking of iTunes, I love music - always have. If you like to listen to music, make your own recordings of your favorite tunes you will love iTunes. Plus, iTunes makes it easier and more affordable to buy music. I don't understand why the music industry continues to over-price their CD's but they do. And who can afford to buy an entire CD for just two or three songs. Now, with iTunes you can buy only the songs you want from a particular CD. Once down loaded, you can arrange them in any order you want, burn them on your own CD or hook your Mac to your home stereo and listen through you speakers. In addition, whatever music you have in iTunes is easily used in iPhoto, iDVD or the other applications iLife opens for you. You will not be disappointed with iLife unless you desire to spend tons of money for three or four different software programs that will not work together as seamlessly as iLife.

...what you've all been waiting for...
Face it. Most of those interested really want Garageband above all. That being the main program I use from iLife, I'll review it.

Garageband is the Final Cut Pro of Music. It's excellent for musically talented and musically challenged.

No need to worry about beats or anythin', because Garageband makes any and all set loops go together with ease.

Disregard the review by a fellow who claims it is a program for kids and idiots who want to show everyone else their noise. It IS a very sophisticated music editor while remaining simplistic and fun to use. I spent hours mixing and matching endlessly. The possibilities are infinite.

The "drag and drop" style of operating masks movie-editor Final Cut Pro, also available here at Amazon. It's an easy to learn, easy to use tool that most people will love.

I recommend, that, if you planned on buying iLife '04 solely for Garageband, then by all means, do so. I really think that if you love music and you love making it, regardless of playing an instrument, that you will adore this product.

Another Apple hit... well worth the price.
The iLife suite has been completely revised for the new iLife '04 release. In this review, I'll list some of the improved features.

iDVD received a nice update with some new themes and other small features. I wasn't incredibly impressed by this particular update, but that's because I rarely use the application. Not a major interface overhaul, but some nice updates.

iMovie has been significantly sped up along with an improved interface and new transitions, effects, and more. You'll quickly notice all the new features in this update if you use iMovie frequently.

iTunes has been updated, but you can simply download the update... you don't need to buy the suite to get the newest version of iTunes.

iPhoto previously suffered from extreme performance issues before this revision... if you had a large amount of images in the database there would be a large slowdown, but this revision fixes that issue. It allows you to rate photos 1-5 stars, which is handy but not a necessary feature. Another nice new feature is the ability to create "smart albums" like "smart playlists" on iTunes... you can make albums that only contain, say, five-star pictures containing the phrases "Katie" and "1st Birthday" with little effort.

And, finally, the application that almost everyone is buying this for... GarageBand. GarageBand is Apple's new music editing program. It's a music mixing application that allows you to record songs on your Mac.

GarageBand has a nice variety of realistic-sounding musical instruments which can be played using a MIDI keyboard or guitar plugged into your Macintosh. You can then add effects, use amplifiers, and so much more.

If you don't know how to play any instruments, GarageBand also includes a wide variety of amazing-sounding loops for use in your songs. Not only are they nice for people who can't play any instruments, but they're nice if you're in a band and you want to hear how a song sounds but your drummer isn't there to play a drum track.

GarageBand lacks a few features that would make it a professional music creation title... the ability to change the tempo throughout the song instead of using just one for the whole song would be nice; but one could even run a small professional band on this program if they had to.

I can count the number of times I've completely crashed my Mac on one hand, but it did crash (not a kernel panic, just a crash) during the install. After a restart, all worked well again.

Another thing to note with this software title is that while it does work on *most* Macs, GarageBand and iDVD require a G4 or better, at *least* 256MB of RAM, and a DVD player to use the install DVD. Actually, you can install GarageBand on a 600MHz (or higher) Mac with a DVD drive, but you can't use software instruments then.

All in all, a nice package, and worth the price. ... Read more