Rating: 
Summary: Problems importing movies
Review: I bought this suite mainly because I wanted to create DVDs. The program that came with my computer for this purpose has several problems that I don't think will ever be resolved. Considering the rebate and the extra programs, it seemed like a great deal.The suite is divided in three main groups of applications: backup, tools and create. The applications contained in the first two groups work fine, but I didn't really perform any critical or complicated tasks with them (based on other reviews, they work great). Where I found problems is in the DVD creation tool, called Expression. First of all, you cannot import just any .AVI file, it has to be in DV format, which is not the case with many clips (you can always convert them using another application like Windows Movie Maker, but it means an extra step and extra time to finish your project). I also tried to import an MPEG-2 movie. Even when the program did not give me any errors while doing this, it only recognized the first 5 seconds of the movie (when it lasts for about 40 minutes). I think the problem is related to the "auto-detect scenes" feature, but even disabling this option I got the same problem. Overall, and considering the price, it is still a good deal, but I found that other products, like Ulead DVD factory does a better job when it comes to create DVDs. Just keep this in mind if you are considering this product mainly to perform this task.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth - even for free
Review: I have been using this program for about 2 months now. My main use for it is backing up dual layer (DL) 8.5 GB DVDs onto a single 4.3GB recordable DVD. Instant CD/DVD use to take 8 hours to do this on my nicely equiped PC. With the latest 7.06 patch, released in May '03, it now takes about 3 hours. That's pretty good. There is free software available on the internet that will resize DL DVDs too, but I am very impressed with the final DVD quality when using Instant CD/DVD. (I have not tried the free stuff) Three things worth noting:
- Instant CD/DVD does not decrypt any copyrighted DVDs, which makes it useless as a backup tool by itself.
- There is free DVD decrypter software that will copy your DVDs to a HD and remove the protection to allow a backup.
- I have read that this is illegal to do in the US. A step backwards because fair use laws would allow backup copies of VHS tapes. What gives? This software is a suite. I have not fully explored the other features. I have created a DVD from the included Expression authoring software. It worked well, but I am still a novice. I am satisfied with my purchase, and believe it is well worth the money. My Computer: Windows XP Pro, AMD Athlon 2200+, HP DVD300i DVD+R, and 120GB HD.
Home Theater: Progessive scan DVD player, 52" progressive scan RP-TV, Dolby Digital audio system, and surround sound speakers.
Rating: 
Summary: Faster now with the Instant CD/DVD 7.06 patch
Review: I have been using this program for about 2 months now. My main use for it is backing up dual layer (DL) 8.5 GB DVDs onto a single 4.3GB recordable DVD. Instant CD/DVD use to take 8 hours to do this on my nicely equiped PC. With the latest 7.06 patch, released in May '03, it now takes about 3 hours. That's pretty good. There is free software available on the internet that will resize DL DVDs too, but I am very impressed with the final DVD quality when using Instant CD/DVD. (I have not tried the free stuff) Three things worth noting:
- Instant CD/DVD does not decrypt any copyrighted DVDs, which makes it useless as a backup tool by itself.
- There is free DVD decrypter software that will copy your DVDs to a HD and remove the protection to allow a backup.
- I have read that this is illegal to do in the US. A step backwards because fair use laws would allow backup copies of VHS tapes. What gives? This software is a suite. I have not fully explored the other features. I have created a DVD from the included Expression authoring software. It worked well, but I am still a novice. I am satisfied with my purchase, and believe it is well worth the money. My Computer: Windows XP Pro, AMD Athlon 2200+, HP DVD300i DVD+R, and 120GB HD.
Home Theater: Progessive scan DVD player, 52" progressive scan RP-TV, Dolby Digital audio system, and surround sound speakers.
Rating:
Summary: Copying DVD's - Don't waste your money!
Review: I have used several Pinnacle products in the past and when Instant CD/DVD came out I bought the package right away. Having already had a few DVD's ruined with scratches, I thought I would back them up. What a mistake as it turns out Instant CD/DVD will not copy any copy protected movies, and practically all are protected. Buy DVD X Copy or try some of the free programs. Don't waste your money if you are buying to just copy DVD's. If for other reasons, go ahead, as the package has some nice features.
Rating:
Summary: Copying DVD's - Don't waste your money!
Review: I have used several Pinnacle products in the past and when Instant CD/DVD came out I bought the package right away. Having already had a few DVD's ruined with scratches, I thought I would back them up. What a mistake as it turns out Instant CD/DVD will not copy any copy protected movies, and practically all are protected. Buy DVD X Copy or try some of the free programs. Don't waste your money if you are buying to just copy DVD's. If for other reasons, go ahead, as the package has some nice features.
Rating: 
Summary: Good suite, if a bit slow
Review: Instant CD/DVD includes a very good suite of tools for burning CDs and DVDs. It includes all the features found in "Instant Copy," which allows you to copy DVDs, even fitting a 9GB DVD onto a regular CD-R or CD+R disc. In addition, Pinnacle throws in tools to capture videos and burn homemovie DVDs and also rip and burn CD music. Usually these tools are not worth the extra you'd pay, but the rebate makes this a very good deal. The only downside is Instant CD/DVD is slower than the DVD burning program that came with my burner. But, truth is, since burning DVDs usually takes tons of time anyway, whether it's 15 hours or 16 hours doesn't really make a difference to me, hence I still give Instant CD/DVD 5 stars for bringing all your burning needs together nicely. Since it worked out-of-box on my WinXP laptop, I have no contact with tech support so can't comment on that. My tip for successful burning is: #1, buy a brand-name DVD burner; stick with Sony, Pioneer or Toshiba; the money you save on a generic brand ain't worth the troubles. #2, see tip#1.
Rating:
Summary: Good suite, if a bit slow
Review: Instant CD/DVD includes a very good suite of tools for burning CDs and DVDs. It includes all the features found in "Instant Copy," which allows you to copy DVDs, even fitting a 9GB DVD onto a regular CD-R or CD+R disc. In addition, Pinnacle throws in tools to capture videos and burn homemovie DVDs and also rip and burn CD music. Usually these tools are not worth the extra you'd pay, but the rebate makes this a very good deal. The only downside is Instant CD/DVD is slower than the DVD burning program that came with my burner. But, truth is, since burning DVDs usually takes tons of time anyway, whether it's 15 hours or 16 hours doesn't really make a difference to me, hence I still give Instant CD/DVD 5 stars for bringing all your burning needs together nicely. Since it worked out-of-box on my WinXP laptop, I have no contact with tech support so can't comment on that. My tip for successful burning is: #1, buy a brand-name DVD burner; stick with Sony, Pioneer or Toshiba; the money you save on a generic brand ain't worth the troubles. #2, see tip#1.
Rating:
Summary: Good suite, if a bit slow
Review: Instant CD/DVD includes a very good suite of tools for burning CDs and DVDs. It includes all the features found in "Instant Copy," which allows you to copy DVDs, even fitting a 9GB DVD onto a regular CD-R or CD+R disc. In addition, Pinnacle throws in tools to capture videos and burn homemovie DVDs and also rip and burn CD music. Usually these tools are not worth the extra you'd pay, but the rebate makes this a very good deal. The only downside is Instant CD/DVD is slower than the DVD burning program that came with my burner. But, truth is, since burning DVDs usually takes tons of time anyway, whether it's 15 hours or 16 hours doesn't really make a difference to me, hence I still give Instant CD/DVD 5 stars for bringing all your burning needs together nicely. Since it worked out-of-box on my WinXP laptop, I have no contact with tech support so can't comment on that. My tip for successful burning is: #1, buy a brand-name DVD burner; stick with Sony, Pioneer or Toshiba; the money you save on a generic brand ain't worth the troubles. #2, see tip#1.
Rating:
Summary: Tedious
Review: It may be the best thing out there, but it is still quite tedious to make music CD's using this program.
Rating:
Summary: Don't go there
Review: My laptop came pre-installed with Instant DVD/CD but my experience is the same as many of your other correspondents; I have yet to burn a DVD successfully - it appears to go all the way then either slows to a trickle, never quite completing the burning operation, or simply crashes. Their web-site is no help, I've installed the most up-to-date patches but there's no improvement and apparently no help. I think I will go back to Nero if I can actually remove this successfully from my PC!
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