Playing Video from Disc

You can use Nero ShowTime to play video files from a disc, for example a DVD-Video. You can find more information on Blu-ray support at www.nero.com/link.php?topic_id=416. To play video files from a disc, proceed as follows:
1. Insert the disc into the drive.
Playback starts automatically. If playback does not start automatically, use the
ton to select the drive where the disc is located. but-
The disc is played. The control bar and extended area are available for regulating playback. If a DVD-Video has already played, the DVD Auto-Resume window opens. Here you can choose whether the Video-DVD should be resumed at the last point viewed or started at the beginning. See also: Creating a Playlist 25

Play Audio CD

Nero ShowTime plays an Audio CD. The Audio CD can be automatically identified with Gracenote MusicID when it plays. Metadata (e.g. artist, album title, genre, track title) is accessed by the Gracenote Media Database and assigned to the tracks. Gracenote Album Art provides the matching album cover for the Audio CD.
Media File Playback To play an Audio CD, proceed as follows:
1. Insert the Audio CD into a drive.
ton to select the drive in which the disc is located. but-
The disc is analyzed and the required information is sent to Gracenote. If a Gracenote
Media Database entry matches your Audio CD exactly, the metadata is applied and displayed in the playlist and info area. If several entries are found, the Matches window opens and the possible metadata records are displayed.
2. Select the metadata record that matches your Audio CD. 3. Click the Send New Data button if none of the metadata records match your Audio CD. 4. The Edit Metadata window opens.

Edit Metadata

The Edit MetaData window also opens if no matching entry is found in the database but you want to enter the metadata and make it available.
5. If necessary, edit the metadata (e.g. title, artist, album title, year, genre). 6. Click the Advanced Options button to add information.
The Gracenote MusicID Information window, which originates from Gracenote, opens.
After entering the additional information, you have to close the window so that the Edit Metadata window displays again.

the entry.

8. Click the Subscribe button.
You have subscribed to the web media. A folder is created under the Web Media tab
and the feeds are saved in this folder.
9. Choose the web media you want and click Play.
Time delays may occur because the files are transmitted in real time and are not stored locally.
Playing Streamed Media See also: Playlist window 19 My Nero Video RSS Feeds 24

Playlist

You can use Nero ShowTime to create playlists for playback. These playlists may include media files in different formats. During playback, the files are played in the order in which you compiled them. You can save the created list and load it at a later time to play it again or to edit it quickly and easily. In addition, you can load and play playlists that have been created by other programs. The media files can be from your hard drive, from a UPnP network, or from the Internet.

Playlist window

The Playlist window is the starting point from which you can create, load, and save playlists, as well as select files for playback. The window consists of four tabs.
The following tabs are available: Tab Playlists Tab Local Media Displays the contents of the PC and network folders. Media files can be added to a playlist. Shows your playlists. Playlists can be created, loaded, edited, and played.
Playlist Tab UPnP Tab Web Media Displays media files in the local network. Media files can be shared between your PC and other PCs with compatible software (e.g. Nero MediaHome or Nero MediaStreaming), or between your PC and UPnP devices. Provides the option of entering and playing web media such as web TV and audio casts.
Nero MediaHome is a server that allows clients, e.g. playback devices that request services, such as Nero ShowTime, to play files located in shared folders on the server. Nero MediaHome is a stand-alone product from Nero and can purchased on the Internet at www.nero.com. More information is available in the Nero MediaHome user manual available for download from www.nero.com free of charge.

6.1.1 Playlists Tab

There are two areas available under the Playlists tab. The left area provides an overview of all playlists. The right area lists the contents of a selected playlist. If the playlist's content consists of music files, the artist, title, and track time of the title are shown. With the Get Metadata entry in the context menu, you can have Audio CDs be identified with Gracenote MusicID and call up metadata, such as artist and title, from the Gracenote media database.

Loading and Playing a Playlist
To load and play a saved playlist, proceed as follows:
2. Click the Open button.
The Add Playlist Links window opens.
3. Select the playlist you want to load and click the Open button.
The playlist is available in the Playback window in the Playlists tab.
4. To play this playlist, select it and click the Playback button.
Nero ShowTime starts by playing the playlist. During playback you can use the
ton to view the list and select individual files. See also: Playlist window 19 but-

Editing a Playlist

To edit a saved playlist, proceed as follows:
2. Select the desired playlist. 3. To add files to the playlist:
1. Click the Add Files button. The Add Files to Playlist window opens. 2. Repeat the last step for each file to be added to the playlist.
4. To remove files from the playlist:
1. Select the file you want to remove. 2. Click the Remove button. The file is removed from the playlist. 3. Repeat the last step for each file that is to be added to the playlist.
5. To re-sort the files of the playlist:
1. Right-click to open the context menu. 2. Select the Sort list entry. The sub-entries are displayed. Select the sorting criterion you want here. You can also do a random sort of the list.
6. To save the playlist under a new file name:
1. Click the Export button.
Playlist The Export Playlist window opens.
2. Enter the desired file name in the File Name edit box. 3. Choose a playlist format from the Save As drop-down menu. 4. Select the required folder. The playlist is saved.
7. To save the changes made to the playlist:
1. Click the Save button. The Save As window opens. 2. Select the file name of the selected playlist. 3. Click the Save button. The selected playlist is overwritten.
You have successfully edited a saved playlist.

Identifying Audio Files

You can have the added audio files in the playlist identified with Gracenote MusicID and access metadata such as artist and title from the Gracenote Media Database. This is particularly useful when audio files are not named or are only partially named. The metadata provided by Gracenote MusicID is used for display purposes and is also written to the audio files. Music recognition technology and related data are provided by Gracenote. Gracenote is the industry standard in music recognition technology and related content delivery. For more information, please visit www.gracenote.com. To do this, proceed as follows:
2. Choose a playlist. 3. Select one or more audio files from the playlist. 4. Right-click to open the context menu. 5. Choose the Get Metadata entry.
The audio files are analyzed and the required information is sent to Gracenote. The Edit
MetaData window opens. The metadata received from Gracenote is displayed in the New Info area.

Edit MetaData window

6. If necessary, edit the metadata (e.g. track number, track title, artist, album title, year, genre). 7. Click the Apply button.
The Edit MetaData window closes. The metadata is written to the audio file and displayed in Nero ShowTime.

See also: Metadata 46

Control During Playback

Navigation bar

During playback in full-screen mode, you can display the navigation bar by moving the mouse pointer to the top of the screen. In addition to the playback duration being displayed, various control options are made available to you. Which buttons are shown in the navigation bar depends on your settings in Options.
Program Interface - Navigation Bar
The following setting options are available: Opens the Options window. [Ctrl+C] Switches between full-screen and normal view. [Z] Jumps to the previous chapter or to the previous media file. [P] Starts playback. [Enter] Jumps to the next chapter or to the next media file. [N] Interrupts playback, then continues it after a second click. [Space] Ends playback. [S] Creates a frame, i.e. a picture of the current playback window. [Alt+C] The frame is stored in the folder that you specified in Options (see Capture Frame 35). Ejects the disc. [J] Navigates steplessly (no chapter boundaries). See also: Configuring the navigation bar 37

Context menu

You can use the context menu to control Nero ShowTime during playback. It is not configurable. The funtions of the individual entries correspond to the buttons on the program interface.
Control During Playback The following entries are also available: Help Tutorial About Opens the Nero ShowTime help. Opens the www.nero.com tutorials page, where you can download interactive tutorials for Nero products free of charge. Opens the About Nero ShowTime window, where you will find information such as the version number.
Controlling external subtitles
With Nero ShowTime you can control the external subtitles of a movie during playback. External subtitles mean that the subtitle information is not in the movie but rather in an external file in a special format. If the subtitle file is in the same folder as the movie and has the same name, Nero ShowTime detects the subtitle file automatically and displays it in accordance with the selected setting. The following requirements have to be fulfilled: The movie is being played back. Playback of external subtitles is enabled. To control subtitles, proceed as follows:

1. To have subtitles displayed from an external file:
1. Display the expanded area. 2. Click the button. 3. Click the External subtitles adjustment > Add subtitles to list entry. A browser window opens. The subtitles are added to the subtitles list and displayed in the movie. 4. Select the desired subtitles and click the Open button.
2. If the movie and subtitles are not synchronized and you want to synchronize them:
1. Display the expanded area. 2. Click the button. 3. Click the External subtitles adjustment > Subtitles control entry. The Subtitles Control window opens. 4. Select the Standard movie speeds or Change to radio button to adapt the speed of the subtitles to the movie. 5. Enter a value in the Delay subtitles by edit box to synchronize the subtitles to the movie. 6. Click the OK button. The changes are applied.
You have displayed the subtitles and controlled the running time.
Control During Playback See also: Subtitles control window 31

Subtitles control window

If the subtitles are not in synch with the movie, you can adjust the subtitles with Nero ShowTime in the Subtitles Control window. You can open the window during the movie in the expanded area of the control bar using the titles button. > Adjust external subtitles > Control Sub-

Subtitles Control window

The following setting options are available: Radio button No change Radio button Normal movie speed Chooses a different speed for the subtitles. The standard frame rates of 23.976 (for NTSC), 24.25 (for PAL), 29.97 (for NTSC), and 30 frames per second are available in the drop-down menu. Choose this setting option if the speeds for the movie and the subtitles are different from each other. This happens, for example, when the movie is coded in NTSC, but the subtitles are coded in PAL (or vice versa). Retains the speed of the subtitles.
Control During Playback Radio button Change to Specifies a user-defined speed for subtitles. You can specify a value between 0 and 200 frames per second. Choose this setting option if the speeds for the movie and the subtitles are different from each other and the default settings in the Normal movie speed drop-down menu are not sufficient to fix this. Defines a synchronization time in milliseconds. Enter a positive value in order to delay subtitle displays. Enter a negative value in order to display subtitles earlier. Choose this setting option if the movie and the subtitles have the same movie speed but are not running synchronously.

Input field Delay subtitles by
See also: External Subtitles 35

Options Window

The Options window provides various options for customizing the appearance of the Nero ShowTime interface and for configuring settings according to your requirements. The window can be opened using the button. It consists of a navigation tree and a screen area. Depending on the entry that is selected in the navigation tree, a different screen area is displayed.

General settings

The General entry provides, e.g. configuration options for the keyboard and mouse, as well as for configuring the navigation bar. The following setting options are available: Check box Always on top Check box Enable Tooltips Button Enable all currently disabled "Never show me again" messages Re-enables all windows that you had disabled with the "Never show me this message again" check box. Nero ShowTime remains in the foreground even if other programs are started. Enables Tooltips.

8.1.1 OSD setting

The OSD setting entry contains configuration options for the on-screen display. The onscreen display indicates the current procedure in the playback window such as "Play" or "Volume increased."
Options OSD setting window
The following setting options are available: Check box Activate Enables/disables the on-screen display, i.e. process messages in the playback window. If the on-screen display is enabled, the current process is displayed in the playback window. Input field Display for Check box Display extra information Radio buttons OSD position Button Set font Button Set text color Defines the text color for the on-screen display. Enables display of additional information, e.g. about the video stream bit rate and audio encoding. Defines the position of the on-screen display in the playback window. Defines the font for the on-screen display. Defines the time of the on-screen display in seconds.
Options Window Button Set background color Defines the background color for the on-screen display.

8.1.2 External Subtitles

The External subtitles entry allows you to enable external subtitles and to define the display. The following setting options are available: Check box Enable external subtitles Buttons New font / text color Check box Use shadow Input field Pixel Defines the pixel width of the shadow. Enables shadows around external subtitles. Enables display of external subtitles. External subtitles are only available if the relevant file with external subtitles is saved in the same directory as the selected film. Defines the font and text color of the subtitles.

8.1.3 Keyboard and mouse

The Keyboard and mouse setting entry contains configuration options for control via the keyboard and mouse. The following setting options are available: Button Use mouse wheel for Check box Inverse Input field Time seek duration Defines the time interval in seconds that makes it possible to jump forwards and backwards in the program using the buttons. and Specifies which function should be assigned to the mouse wheel during playback. The Volume, Time and Previous/Next Chapter entries are available. Inverts the mouse wheel's function.

8.1.4 Capture a frame

The Capture Frame entry provides configuration options for the frame. A frame is a snapshot of the playback window.
Options Window The following setting options are available in the Capture to area: Radio button Clipboard Radio button Background image Radio button File Button Screenshot Folder Radio button Printer The following setting options are available in the Captured aspect ratio area: Radio button Original video source size Radio button Current video window size Saves the frame in the current aspect ratio of the playback window. Saves the frame in the original aspect ratio of the movie. Sends a frame directly to the printer. Defines a folder where the images are saved. Saves one frame immediately as the desktop wallpaper. In the combo box select how the frame should be displayed on the desktop. Numbers your frames and saves them in BMP format. Depending on the configuration of your PC saves one picture only.
8.1.5 Configuring the navigation bar
The Navigation bar setting entry provides configuration options for the navigation bar. The navigation bar is used principally so that the entire control panel does not need to be displayed during playback. It is displayed at the top of the screen during playback if you move the cursor to this position and provides selection and configuration options for the movie being shown (see Navigation bar 29).
Options Navigation Bar Setting window
The following setting options are available: Check box Activate Radio button Always show Radio button Show only in full screen mode Selection list Disabled Selection list Enabled Button Show (all) Adds (all) features of the Enabled selection list. All buttons are displayed in the navigation bar. Displays the features of the navigation bar. Displays the features that are not available on the navigation bar. Enables the navigation bar for playback in full-screen and normal mode. Activates the navigation bar only for playback in full screen mode. Enables the navigation bar.
Options Window Button Hide (all) Button Default Removes (all) features from the Enabled selection list to the Disabled selection list. Resets the Active and Inactive selection lists to the default setting. The most frequently used buttons are displayed in the navigation bar.

Disc playback

The Disc playback entry provides configuration options for showing videos from a drive.
Options Disc Playback window
The following setting options are available: Drop-down menu Default disc drive Check box Auto play when application started Check box Play automatically upon inserting disc Checks the drives when launching Nero ShowTime and starts playback if an appropriate disc has been inserted. Starts playback as soon as the appropriate disc has been inserted. Defines the drive from which discs are played by default.
Options Window Check box Show the content selection dialog box for DVD Audio Radio button Play title from the beginning Radio button Resume playback from the last scene Check box Prompt before resuming playback Asks the user before playing back a disc that is already known whether it should be resumed at the last position viewed or started from the beginning. Starts playback from the beginning if a disc that is already known is inserted again. Resumes playback if a disc that is already known is inserted again. Shows a window for selecting content before playing a DVD-Audio.

8.2.1 Bookmarks editor

The Bookmark editor entry allows you to edit bookmarks. The Bookmarks Editor area contains a list of all bookmarks that have been set so far under the name of the DVD. You can have the bookmarks of a DVD displayed by clicking the + icon in front of the name of the DVD. The following buttons are available: Go to Selects the point the selected bookmark jumps to in the video. If you close the Options window, you can resume the movie from the selected bookmark. Edits the name of the selected bookmark. Deletes the selected bookmark. Displays the path where the bookmark file is stored. You can change the path by clicking the button.
Edit name Delete Bookmark file

8.2.2 Parental control

The Parental control entry enables you to set up parental control. The parental control feature in Nero ShowTime enables you to prevent your children from watching a movie that is not appropriate for them. You can also create a user profile for each of your children and specify restrictions. If a DVD for which parental control criteria are relevant is inserted, a login window is displayed. A user with a defined profile can log in and show the movie or can be prevented from doing so by virtue of inadequate rights. Children users cannot change their profiles themselves; only an administrator (parent) can view and administer the profiles.
Options Window You must have administrator rights on your computer to be able to create a user or set up parental controls. You also must be logged on as an administrator. The Parental level area displays the restrictions that apply for the user currently logged on. The following setting options are available: G Level 2 PG PG-13 Level 5 R NC-17 Level 8 Unlimited Released without age restriction. Suitable for general audiences. Films up to release Level 2 are played. Suitable for most audiences. Not suitable for children under 13. Parental guidance suggested for children under 13. Films up to release Level 5 are played. Suitable for teenagers. Parental guidance suggested for children under 18. Not suitable for viewers under 18 years old. Not allowed for children or teenagers under 18 under any circumstances. Films up to release Level 8 are played. Maximum age restriction. All films are played.

The following buttons are available: Login Administration Opens the Login window where an administrator or user can log into the system. Opens the User Administration window in which you can create new profiles for administrators and users. You can also view and edit these profiles, e.g. the level of parental control and/or change the password. The button is active only if you have logged into the system as an administrator. Users cannot view or change profiles.

8.2.2.1

Create Administrator
In order to set up parental control, you must first create an administrator. Only an administrator can create users and specify a restriction for watching movies. To create an administrator, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Administrator button.
The User Administration window opens.
2. Click the Add User button.
The Edit User window opens.
3. Enter a name and a password.
4. Select the Unlimited radio button in the Parental level area.
All films will be played only if the Unlimited option has been activated.

5. Click the OK button.

You are entered as an administrator. You can see your profile in the list included in the
User Management window. You can now log into the system in order to create users. See also: Parental control 39

8.2.2.2

Creating Users
An administrator can create profiles for users. You can specify which movies can and cannot be viewed for each user. To do this, define the parental level. The following requirement has to be fulfilled: You are logged in as an administrator. To set up parental control and to create a user, proceed as follows:
1. If you are not logged into the system yet, click the Login button and log in.
The Administrator button is enabled.
2. Click the Administrator button.
3. Click the Add User button.

Edit User window

4. Enter a name and a password for the user. 5. Select the desired restriction option in the Parental level area.

6. Click the OK button.

The desired profile is created and entered in the list.
7. If you want to create other profiles, repeat the last four steps.
You have successfully set up parental control and created users.
If a DVD is inserted for which the parental control criteria are relevant, a login window appears. Only a user with a defined profile can log in and play the movie. See also: Parental control 39

Enable Quiet Disc Playback
The Quiet disc playback entry provides the option of reducing the noise caused by a drive when a CD/DVD is being played.

Key Combinations

The following shortcuts and key combinations are available in Nero ShowTime: + [Enter] [Space] [Q] [R] [Ctrl+R] [T] [Ctrl+T] [U] [Ctrl+U] [Ctrl+Alt+U] [O] [Ctrl+O] [P] [N] [Ctrl+P] [Ctrl+A] [S] [Ctrl+D] [F] [G] [Ctrl+G] [Ctrl+Alt+S] [H] [J] [K] [L] [Z] [Alt+F] Raises the volume. Reduces the volume. Starts playback. Cancels playback/resumes playback. Switches to mute/loud. Repeats a selected part of the movie. Repeats a chapter or title. Jumps one frame forwards. Minimizes the program interface. Opens subtitle selection. Displays or hides subtitles. Displays or hides external subtitles. Opens the playback source selection. Opens the playback list. Jumps to the previous chapter. Jumps to the next chapter. Opens the file. Changes the camera perspective. Ends playback. Enables/disables the zoom tool. Plays the movie forwards. Jumps to the next bookmark. Opens the Go to Time window. Opens the Subtitles Control window. Changes the language. Ejects the disc. Switches between the channels on a karaoke DVD. Opens the selection of the available menus. Changes between full-screen and normal view. Plays the movie backwards.
Key Combinations [Ctrl+B] Jumps back one intra coded frame. An intra codec picture is compressed in the video stream independently of other pictures while the picture is being processed. This corresponds to approximately 10 frames. Creates a frame. Opens the Options menu. Adds a bookmark. Keyboard range 0-9. Shows the Help file. Fast forwards. Rewinds.
[Alt+C] [Ctrl+C] [M] [0-9] [F1] [Page up] [Page down]

Technical Information

10.1 System requirements
Nero ShowTime is installed along with the Nero Suite. Its system requirements are the same. You can find more detailed information on the system requirements under www.nero.com.
In addition, the following requirements apply: DVD drive for playing DVD-Video 16-bit Windows compatible sound card and speakers Optional: Multichannel/DolbyDigital 5.1 channel-decoding plug-in (Dolby Digital 5.1 sound system for audio playback in 5.1 channel) Optional: DVD-Video plug-in for DVD-Video features and encoding in Dolby Digital 2channel sound. This plug-in is already included in the full version.

10.2 Formats supported

10.2.1 Disk types
CD DVD You can find more information on Blu-ray support at www.nero.com/link.php?topic_id=416.

10.2.2 Disc formats

Audio CD Mixed mode CDs CD EXTRA Video CD (VCD) Super Video CD (SVCD) miniDVD Audiobook CD DVD-Video
10.2.3 Audio formats and codecs
Advanced Audio Coding (AAC, M4A, MP4) Audible Audiobook (AA)

Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF, AIF) Compact Disc Digital Audio (CDA) Dolby Digital (AC3) Dolby Surround Musical Instrumental Digital Interface (MIDI, MID) Moving Picture Experts Group-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) Moving Picture Experts Group-1 Audio Layer 2 (MP2) Moving Picture Experts Group - 1 Audio Layer 1/2/3 (MPA) Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (MP4) Nero Digital (MP4) OGG Vorbis (OGG, OGM) Recource Interchange File Format WAVE (WAV, WAVE) Windows Media Audio (WMA)
10.2.4 DRM-protected media formats
Windows Media Audio Digital Rights Management (WMA-DRM) Windows Media Video Digital Rights Management (WMV-DRM) Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM)

10.2.5 TV formats

National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) Phase Alternating Line (PAL)
10.2.6 Video formats and codecs
Advanced Streaming Format (ASF) Audio Video Interleave (AVI) Advanced Video Coding/H.264 (BSF) AviSynth (AVS) Backup File of the IFO (BUP) Digital Video (DV) DVD Movie Info (IFO) Flash Video (FLV) Hard Disc Camera Movie (MOD) Micro MV (MMV) Microsoft Digital Video Recording (DVR-MS) Digital Video Express (DIVX)
Moving Picture Experts Group-2 (MPG, MPEG, M2T, M2P, M1V, M2V, DAT, TRP, TOD) Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (MP4) Nero Digital (MP4) OGG Vorbis (OGG, OGM) QuickTime Movie (MOV) 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GP) Video Object (VOB) Packet Video Audio (PVA) Television Input/Video Output (TIVO)
10.2.7 Formats for Playlists
Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 Uniform Resource Locator/MP3 URL (M3U) Playlists File Format (PLS)
10.3 Nero ShowTime versions
Nero ShowTime is available in various different versions:

Nero ShowTime full version Nero ShowTime Essentials Nero ShowTime Essentials SE
The Essentials versions differ from the full version as indicated below: Not all formats are supported No album art and no identification of individual audio files with Gracenote MusicID.
A Adaptive deinterlacing.. 44 Administrator

Create.. 40

E External Subtitles
Control... 30 Customize... 30 Synchronize... 30
Playing from hard drive. 14

Audio cast.. 17 Audio CD

Play... 12

F Film effects.. 45

Chroma.. 45 Luma... 45

Audio file

Identify... 27
Frame rate.. 31 G Gamma.. 45 Gracenote. 10, 14, 21, 27, 47 H Hardware acceleration. 42 Hue... 45 K Key Combinations.. 48 M Manual, conventions. 6 Mouse
Configuring the mouse wheel. 35
B Bass boost.. 46 Bobbing.. 44 Bookmark... 39 Brightness.. 45 C Capture.. 10

Copy... 35

Chapter
Repeat... 10 Select... 10
Configuring the navigation bar. 37 Context menu.. 29 Contrast.. 45 Conventions, manual.. 6 Cover
Audio... 46 Audio output.. 46 Display... 46
N Nero Digital settings.. 45 Nero Digital subtitle settings.. 45 Newsfeed... 23

Download.. 24

D Deinterlacing... 43 Deinterlacing methods
Adaptive deinterlacing.. 44 Bob... 44 Weave... 43
O on-screen display.. 34 P Parental control
Create administrator.. 40 Create Users.. 41
Disc playback.. 38 DRC.. 46 Dynamic Range Control. 46

Playback

Controlling with the context menu.. 29 Exit... 8 Jog shuttle... 8

Select... 8

Playing media files.. 12 Playing Streamed Media.. 16 Playlist
Create.. 25 Edit... 26 Load... 26 Play... 26 Save... 25 Sort... 26
Subtitle settings.. 45 Subtitles
Activate.. 35 Changing the speed... 31 External.. 35
Subtitles control.. 31 System requirements.. 50

Other... 50

Program
Launching the Program.. 7 Startup... 7

U UPnP... 23 User

Create.. 41

Program Interface.. 8

Extended area.. 10 Navigation Bar.. 29 Program Interface.. 29

V Version

Variety.. 52
Q Quiet Disc Playback.. 47 S Saturation... 45 Screen control.. 42 Screenshot.. 10 Settings

Nero ShowTime Manual

Nero AG
Copyright and Trademark Information
The Nero ShowTime manual and all its contents are protected by copyright and are the property of Nero AG. All rights reserved. This manual contains material that is protected by internationally valid copyright. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed without the express written permission of Nero AG.
Nero AG rejects any claims that transcend the clauses of the guarantee rights. Nero AG does not undertake any liability for the correctness of the content of the Nero ShowTime manual. The contents of the software supplied, as well as of the Nero ShowTime manual, may be changed without prior warning.
For versions with 2 channel DTS decoding: DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. and DTS 2.0 + Digital Out is a trademark of DTS, Inc. For versions with 5.1 channel DTS decoding: DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks of DTS, Inc.
All trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The trademarks mentioned here are named for information purposes only.
Copyright 2007 Nero AG and its licensors. All rights reserved. REV 1.0, SW 3.5.0.0

General information

Contents
1 1.1 1.2 1.2.1 2.3.1 3.4.1 4.2 4.5.1 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.3.5 5.3.6 5.4 5.5 General information About the manual About Nero ShowTime Versions of Nero ShowTime Technical information System requirements Formats supported Launching the program Launching Nero ShowTime via Nero StartSmart Launching Nero ShowTime directly Program interface Playback window Control panel Extended area Options window General OSD setting Keyboard and mouse Capturing a frame Configuring the toolbar Tooltip settings Disc playback Bookmarks editor Parental control Video Video mode Video quality Nero Digital settings Film effects Enhance video Multimonitor support Audio External subtitles 22

Page 3

5.6 5.6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3 6.4.4 6.5 6.7.1 7.11 12
DNC Skin browser Playback Playing discs from the drive Play from Folder Playing a media file Playlists from media files Playlist window Creating and saving a playlist Playing a playlist Editing a playlist Playing media Using Internet services Control during playback Toolbar Context menu Key combinations List of figures Glossary Index Contact

Page 4

About the manual
This manual is intended for all users who want to learn how to use Nero ShowTime. It is therefore structured according to operations and provides step-by-step instructions for what you want to do. In order to make best use of this manual, please note the following conventions: Symbol Meaning Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be followed strictly. Indicates additional information or advice.

1. Start

A number at the beginning of a line indicates a request for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified. Indicates an intermediate result. Indicates a result.

OK Chapter []

Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program interface. They are shown in bold print. Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as links and are shown in red and underlined. Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.

About Nero ShowTime

Nero ShowTime allows you to play back all digital recordings (movies, TV programs, home videos, DVD format) with excellent picture and sound quality. Nero ShowTime features a reminder function for each disc inserted and allows you to create screenshots of the video being shown during playback. Nero ShowTime supports the formats DVD-Video (also from a hard drive), VCD, SVCD, miniDVD, Nero Digital, MPEG-1/-2/-4 as well as AVI - in both PAL and NTSC. The playback window can be scaled down or viewed in full-screen mode. The audio output of Nero ShowTime supports Dolby Digital AC3, LPCM, MPEG-1/-2 and S/PDIF for digital sound.

Versions of Nero ShowTime
Different versions of Nero ShowTime are available: Nero ShowTime Retail Nero ShowTime Essentials Nero ShowTime Essentials CE Nero ShowTime Retail and Nero ShowTime Essentials provide the full functionality. If the DVD-Video plug-in is not installed, Nero ShowTime Essentials CE will have the following functionality restrictions in comparison with the full version:

Page 5

It is not possible to play back from the drive (see Playing discs from the drive) Only the playlist (media files) can be used as a playback source (see Playlists from media files) No read character functionality (see e.g. Bookmarks editor) No parental control (see Parental control) It is not possible to change perspective

Page 6

Technical information

System requirements

Nero ShowTime is installed together with the Nero Suite and the system requirements are the same. Refer to the QuickStart Guide for detailed information on system requirements. The following additional requirements also apply: Microsoft DirectX 9.0c (or higher) must be installed on your operating system. You can download and install the latest version of DirectX from the http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx via the Internet. Plus:
DVD drive for playing DVD-Video 16-bit Windows compatible sound card and speakers

Optional:

Multichannel/Dolby Digital 5.1 channel decoding plug-in (Dolby Digital 5.1 sound system for audio playback in 5.1 channel) DVD-Video plug-in for DVD-Video functions and encoding in Dolby Digital 2 channel sound. (The DVD-Video plug-in is already included in the retail version.)
Installation of the latest WHQL-certified device drivers is recommended. WHQL stands for Windows Hardware Quality Labs and means that the device driver certified by Microsoft is compatible with Microsoft Windows and the relevant hardware.

Formats supported

Nero ShowTime supports playback of the following formats or technologies: Copy protectionmechanisms

WMA (DRM) WMV (DRM) CPRM

Audio formats
Nero Digital Audio Nero Surround DAT Dolby Digital/Dolby Surround LPCM MPEG-1 S/PDIF output for digital sound MPEG-2 WMA

Video formats

Nero Digital Video MPEG-1 MPEG-2 MPEG-4 ASF AVI DV DVD-MS H.264/AVC MOV Windows movies WMV

TV formats

16:9 WideScreen NTSC and PAL

Disc formats

DVD-Video (from disc and hard drive) VCD 2.0/SVCD DVD+VR/-VR miniDVD (DVD files on CD) HD DVD

Page 7

Launching the program
Launching Nero ShowTime via Nero StartSmart
To launch Nero ShowTime via Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:
1. Click on the Nero StartSmart icon.
The Nero StartSmart window will open.
2. Click on the arrow button on the left side of the window.
The extended area will open.

Fig. 1: Nero StartSmart

3. Select the Nero ShowTime entry from the Applications selection list.
The Nero ShowTime window will open. You have successfully launched Nero ShowTime via Nero StartSmart.
Launching Nero ShowTime directly
To launch Nero ShowTime directly, proceed as follows:
1. If you are using the Windows-XP Start menu, click on the menu Start > All Programs > Nero
7 (Premium) > Play > Nero ShowTime. If you are using the traditional Start menu, click on the menu Start > Programs > Nero 7 (Premium) > Play > Nero ShowTime. The Nero ShowTime window will open. You have successfully launched Nero ShowTime.

Page 8

Program interface
The Nero ShowTime program interface is the starting point for all actions that you perform using Nero ShowTime. The program interface consists of a playback window containing the status bar and the control panel with the playback, settings and information areas.
Fig. 2: Program interface
A minimized version of the control panel is also available. You can use the button to switch between the normal and minimized views. The minimized version of the control panel does not contain all buttons.
Fig. 3: Minimized view of control panel

Playback window

The movie is shown and played in the Nero ShowTime playback window. The following buttons are available in the status bar: Minimizes Nero ShowTime in the taskbar. Changes between full-screen and normal view. [Z] Exits Nero ShowTime.

Page 9

Control panel
The control panel allows you to select a file or a video to play, to open options, to adjust the volume and to view information on the file you have just played. Nero ShowTime allows you to play back both discs (e.g. Video-DVD or Audio CD) and media files from the hard drive. The configuration options are not enabled for every playback form, but are sometimes grayed out and cannot be used. The following configuration options are available: Playback area Jog shuttle Rewinds and fast forwards within the track. The further the wheel moves in one direction, the faster it winds. Opens selection of the playback source. This is where you can select the media file or a playlist that is to be played back. [O] Starts playback. [Enter] Jumps to the previous chapter or to the previous media file. [P] Jumps to the next chapter or to the next media file. [N] Interrupts playback, then continues it after a second click. [Space] Finishes playback. [S] Ejects the disc. [J] Navigates smoothly (no chapter boundaries). Selects a rewind speed. [B] Selects a fast forward speed. [F] Adjusts the volume. Move the slider up to increase the volume. Move the slider down to reduce the volume / Switches to mute/loud. [Q] Selects the chapter. Move the slider up to select the next chapter. Move the slider down to select a previous chapter. Information area Among other things, displays the activated function, title, current chapter, and running time. If you double-click on the runtime, the Seek to time dialog box will open. You can select a specific runtime here. [Ctrl+G] Displays the subtitle language, drive, regional code, language, angle, and the audio settings. Settings area Jumps back one intra code picture, approximately 10 frames. [Ctrl+B] Jumps one frame forwards. [T] Jumps to the next bookmark. [G] Adds a bookmark. [M]

Page 10

Opens the Options menu. [Ctrl+C] Shows the Help file. [F1] Minimizes Nero ShowTime in the taskbar. Exits Nero ShowTime. Displays the minimized view of the control panel. Opens selection of the existing menu or the playlist. [L] Changes between full-screen and normal view. [Z]

Extended area

You can open an extended area on the control panel. This contains advanced selection and configuration options.

Fig. 5: Program interface Extended area
The following operating elements are available in the extended area: / Opens/closes the extended area. Allows you to jump to chapters immediately when playing back VCDs and Audio CDs. Opens subtitle selection. [U] Changes language. [H] Repeats a chapter, a title or everything. [Ctrl+R] Repeats a section or stops repeating. [R] Depending on the format, first set two markers between which the chapter or title is repeated using this button. Changes the perspective insofar as the movie provides different camera settings for individual scenes. [A] Changes channels in a karaoke DVD. This option is only available if a karaoke DVD is inserted. [K] Activates/deactivates the enlargement tool (digital zoom). [D] Creates a screenshot and saves it to the specified folder (see Capturing a frame). [C] This function is only available if hardware acceleration is disabled.

Page 11

Options window
The Options window provides various options for customizing the appearance of the Nero ShowTime interface and for performing settings according to your requirements. You can button. It consists of a navigation tree and a screen area. Deopen the window with the pending on the entry that is selected in the navigation tree, a different screen area is displayed.

Fig. 4: Options window

General
The General area contains general configuration options. The following configuration options are available: Nero ShowTime remains in the foreground even if other programs are started. Re-enables all dialog boxes that you had disabled with the "Do not show this message again" check box.
Always on top Enable all currently disabled "Never show me again" messages

5.1.1 OSD setting

The area General > OSD setting contains configuration options for the on-screen display. The on-screen display indicates the current procedure in the playback window such as "Play" or "Volume increased" for instance.

Page 12

Fig. 5: Options OSD setting window
The following configuration options are available: Enables/disables the on-screen display. Activate Display for Display extra information OSD position Set font. Set text color. Set bkg. color. If the on-screen display is enabled, the current procedure is displayed in the playback window. Defines the time of the on-screen display in seconds. Enables display of additional information, e.g. about the video stream bit rate and audio encoding. Defines the position of the on-screen display in the playback window. Defines the font for the on-screen display. Defines the text color for the on-screen display. Defines the background color for the on-screen display.

5.1.2 Keyboard and mouse

The area General > Keyboard and mouse setting contains configuration options for control via the keyboard and mouse. The following configuration options are available: Use mouse wheel for Inverse Time seek duration Defines which function the scroll wheel on the mouse should take on during playback. The Volume, Time and Previous/Next Chapter entries are available. Reverses the scroll wheel function of the mouse. Defines the time interval in seconds that makes it possible to jump forwards and backwards in the program using the and buttons.

Page 13

5.1.3 Capturing a frame
The Capture Frame entry provides configuration options for the frame. A frame is a snapshot of the playback window. The following configuration options are available: Capture to. Clipboard Wallpaper File Printer Captured aspect ratio Original video source size Current video window size Saves the snapshot in the original aspect ratio of the movie. Saves the snapshot in the current aspect ratio of the playback window. Depending on the configuration of your PC saves one picture only. Saves one snapshot immediately as the desktop wallpaper. Numbers your snapshots and saves them in BMP format. You can use the button to specify the path of the folder where the saved pictures are to be stored. Sends a snapshot directly to the printer.
5.1.4 Configuring the toolbar
The Toolbar setting entry provides configuration options for the toolbar. The toolbar is used principally so that the entire control panel does not need to be displayed during payback. It is displayed at the top of the screen during playback if you move the cursor to this position and provides selection and configuration options for the movie being shown (see Toolbar).
Fig. 6: Options Toolbar setting window

Page 14

The following configuration options are available: Activate Always show Show only in full screen mode Inactive Active Enables the toolbar. Enables the toolbar for playback in full-screen and normal mode. Activates the toolbar only for playback in full screen mode. Displays the functions that are not on the toolbar. Displays the functions on the toolbar. Removes all functions from the Active selection list and moves them to the Inactive selection list. Hide All The toolbar is displayed without any additional buttons. Only button the slider for the content view, time display and the is displayed. Resets the Active and Inactive selection lists to the default setting. The most frequently used buttons are displayed in the toolbar. Show All Adds all functions to the Active selection list. All buttons are displayed in the toolbar.

Standard

5.1.4.1 Toolbar settings To configure the toolbar, proceed as follows:
1. If you want to add a function to the toolbar:
1. Select the desired function from the Inactive selection list. 2. Click on the Show button. The function is added to the Active selection list. 3. Repeat the two last steps until you have added all of the desired functions to the toolbar.
2. If you want to remove a function from the toolbar:
4. Select the desired function from the Active selection list. 5. Click on the Hide button. The function is added to the Inactive selection list. 6. Repeat the two last steps until you have removed all of the desired functions from the toolbar. You have configured the toolbar according to your requirements and can use them during playback.

5.1.5 Tooltip settings

The Tooltip settings entry provides configuration options for the tooltips. Tooltips contain brief explanatory information that is displayed if you hover the cursor over individual elements on the Nero ShowTime interface.

Page 15

The following configuration options are available: Do not show tooltips Show Windows style tooltip Show balloon tooltips Hides the tooltips. Shows the tooltips in classic Windows style. Shows the tooltips in comic style (as "speech balloons").

Disc playback

The Disc playback entry provides configuration options for showing videos from a drive.
Fig. 7: Options Disc playback dialog box
The following configuration options are available: Default disc drive Auto play when application started Play automatically upon inserting disc Show the content selection dialog for DVD-Audio Always play title from the beginning Resume playback from the last scene Prompt user before playback resume Defines the drive from which discs are played by default. Checks the drives when launching Nero ShowTime and starts playback if a relevant disc has been inserted. Starts playback as soon as the appropriate disc has been inserted. Prior to playback of a DVD-Audio disc, shows a dialog box for selecting content. Starts playback from the beginning if a disc that is already known is inserted again. Resumes playback if a disc that is already known is inserted again. Asks the user before playing back a disc that is already known whether it should be resumed at the last position viewed or started from the beginning.

Page 16

5.2.1 Bookmarks editor
The Disc playback > Bookmarks editor entry makes available the bookmarks editor Nero DVD. The Bookmarks editor area contains a list of all bookmarks that have been set so far under the name of the DVD. You can display the bookmarks for a DVD by clicking on the + icon before of the name. The following configuration options are available: Selects the point to which the selected bookmark jumps in the video. If you close the Options window, you can resume the movie from the selected bookmark. Edits the name of the selected bookmark. Deletes the selected bookmark. Displays the path where the bookmark file is stored. You can change the path by clicking on the button.

Go to Edit name. Delete Bookmark file

5.2.2 Parental control

The Disc playback > Parental control entry enables you to set up parental control. The parental control feature in Nero ShowTime enables you to prevent your children from watching a movie that is not appropriate for them. You can also create a user profile for each of your children and specify restrictions. If a DVD - for which parental control criteria are relevant - is inserted, a login window is displayed. A user with a defined profile can log in and show the movie, or can be prevented from doing so by virtue of inadequate rights. Users (children) cannot change their profiles themselves, only an administrator (parent) can view and administer the profiles. You must have administrator rights on your computer in order to be able to set up parental control. The Parental level area indicates the restrictions that apply for the user currently logged on. The following levels are available: Released without age restriction. Suitable for general audiences. G Level 2 PG PG-13 Level 5 R NC-17 Level 8 Unlimited Films up to release Level 2 are played. Suitable for most audiences. Not suitable for children under 13. Parental guidance suggested for children under 13. Films up to release Level 5 are played. Suitable for teenagers. Parental guidance suggested for children under 18. Not suitable for children under 18. Films up to release Level 8 are played. Maximum age restriction. All films are played.
The following buttons are available: Opens the Login window where an administrator or a user Login can log into the system. Administrator Opens the User administration dialog box where you can create new profiles for administrators and users. You can also view and edit the profiles of the administrators and the

Page 17

users. For example you can change the parental control level and/or the password. The button is only active if you have logged into the system as an administrator. Users cannot view or change profiles. To create a user you must have created an administrator first and then log into the system as an administrator. 5.2.2.1 Setting up parental control: creating an administrator In order to set up parental control, you must first create an administrator. Only an administrator can create users and specify a restriction for them for watching movies. To create an administrator, proceed as follows:
1. Click on the Administration. button.

The User administration dialog box will open.
2. Click on the Add User button.
The Edit user dialog box will open.
3. Enter a name and a password. 4. Select the Unlimited option button in the Parental level area
All films will be played only if the Unlimited option has been activated.
5. Click on the OK button.
You are entered as administrator. You will see your profile in the list in the User administration dialog box. You can now log into the system to create users.
5.2.2.2 Setting up parental control: creating a user An administrator can create profiles for users. You can specify which movies can and cannot be viewed for each user. To do this, define the parental level. To set up parental control and to create a user, proceed as follows:
1. If you are not logged into the system, click on the Login button and log in.
The Administrator button is enabled.
2. Click on the Administrator button.
3. Click on the Add User button.
The Edit user window will open.

Page 18

Fig. 8: Edit user dialog box
4. Enter a name and a password for the user. 5. Select the desired restriction option in the Parental level area (see Parental control). 6. Click on the OK button.
The desired profile is created and entered in the list.
7. If you want to create other profiles, repeat the last four steps.
You have successfully set up parental control and created users.
If a DVD for which the parental control criteria are relevant is inserted, then a login window appears. A user with an established profile can log in to watch the film.
The Video entry provides configuration options for playing videos. The following configuration options are available: Hardware acceleration Activate Screen control Run full screen Keep aspect ratio Hide video window Video mode preference Shows the movie automatically on the full screen. Shows the movie in proportion to its original aspect ratio. Only shows the playback window when the movie has been played. Establishes the format in which the videos are played. Enables hardware acceleration. This means that DVD-Video image acceleration is performed by the graphics card. This reduces the load on the main processor.

Page 19

5.3.1 Video mode
The Video mode entry provides configuration options for interlacing. In interlaced mode video images are shown as two half images. In the first half image every second line (1, 3, 5, , 575) is shown. The second half image displays the rest of the lines in the image (2, 4, 6, 576) so that it appears as a complete picture to the eye. Most video material consists of half images. A deinterlacer is required for display on a full-screen device (monitor, projector). Nero ShowTime supports the deinterlacing techniques weave, bob and adaptive. Weave, the simplest type for filling in the half images consists of displaying even and uneven half images simultaneously. In this way a half image fills in the missing lines in the other half image. This method is appropriate when both half images originate at the same time and can interleave without being conspicuous. With adaptive deinterlacing the missing lines in the fields are found and added taking into consideration the surrounding fields. Good adaptive deinterlacers take into consideration up to five images in both directions. The more images the algorithm takes into account, the more the output may lag. With bobbing the missing lines in the fields are found thus expanding each field to form a full image. The result of this technique is soft blending and some horizontal details may be missing. The following configuration options are available: No deinterlacing Defines that deinterlacing is not used. Defines that the computer performance takes over the deinterlacing process. Depending on the processor, there may be interruptions in the images. This is not possible if the hardware acceleration is deactivated. Adjusts the picture quality. Defines that the hardware takes over the deinterlacing process. Recommended in particular for older PCs with less than 600 MHz processor performance. Restores the default setting.

5.3.6 Multimonitor support
The Multimonitor support entry allows you to access multiple monitors. The following configuration options are available: Enable Automatically Crop Letterboxing Monitor Border Size Activates multimonitor support. Fits a video with black bars into the playback window. Changes the distance between the video content and the margin of the playback window.
The Audio entry provides configuration options for the output of audio files. The following configuration options are available: Audio Output Output mode Enable Cover Art Enable Display of Nero Digital Audio Logo Defines the number of loudspeakers used. Defines the output mode. Displays the cover in the playback window during playback of Nero Digital audio files. When Nero Digital audio files are started, displays the Nero Digital Audio Logo in the playback window.

External subtitles

The External subtitles entry allows you to enable external subtitles and to define the display. The following configuration options are available: Enable external subtitles Set font. Set text color. Use shadow Enables display of external subtitles. External subtitles are only available if the relevant file with external subtitles is saved in the same directory as the selected film. Defines the font of the subtitles. Defines the font color for the subtitles. Enables shadows around external subtitles.

Page 22

The DNC entry provides configuration options for Dynamic Noise Control. It reduces the noise produced by the drive during playback. The following check box is available: Enable DNC Enables dynamic noise control if the integrated drive supports this function.

Skin browser

The Skin browser entry allows you to adjust the appearance of the skin or graphical interface of Nero ShowTime. It is opened by default when you launch Nero ShowTime for the first time.
Fig. 9: Options Skin browser dialog box
The following configuration options are available: Select skin Skin folder Defines the desired graphical user interface. Defines the folder where the templates are installed.
Two files are required so that a skin can be loaded in Nero ShowTime. One file in the format *.skn and one *.bmp file, both of which must have the same file name (e.g. Blue_Interface.bmp and Blue_Interface.skn).

Page 23

Playback
Nero ShowTime allows you to play media files. You can select the following media files to play: Video files Audio files Video movie that is available in a video folder structure, on a DVD or hard drive for instance Audio CD Picture files You can start media files from different sources. Select the source using the button.

Playing discs from the drive
Nero ShowTime can play media files that are contained on an optical disc (e.g. CD or DVD). You can play a video movie for example from DVD or an Audio CD. To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Insert the optical disc in the drive. 2. Click on the
button. The selection list for the source will open.
1. Select the drive containing the optical disc. 2. Click on the

button.

The media file or files are played by the selected drive. If a DVD-Video has already been played, the DVD Auto-Resume dialog box opens. You can select here whether the DVD-Video should be resumed at the point last seen or from the beginning. Normally each DVD-Video has a menu with various options with which you can define the language of the movie, the picture size or view bonus material. Playback of the feature movie is also started in the menu. These menus in your DVD-Video are independent of Nero ShowTime!

Play from Folder

Nero ShowTime can play media files that are contained in a folder. The folder can contain a video title such as a DVD-Video movie copied to the hard drive or any other media files. To play media files from a folder, proceed as follows:

1. Click on the

The selection list of the source will open.
2. Select the Play from Folder entry.
The Select folder dialog box will open.

Page 24

3. Select the folder you want and click on the OK button.
Playback from the folder starts. If the folder has a video title, the video movie is played. If the folder contains any number of media files, the files are played in alphabetical order. You can use the files. button to view the list during playback and to select individual

Playing a media file

Nero ShowTime allows you to select an individual media file to play it. To do this, proceed as follows:
The selection list for the source will open.
2. Select the File entry.

A dialog box is opened.

3. Select the media file you require and click on the Open button.
The media file is played back. You can only select one media file using the File entry. If you would like to select multiple media files to play, create a playlist using the entry Media Files (see Playlists from media files).
Playlists from media files
Nero ShowTime allows you to create playback lists. A playlist can contain media files of different formats. During playback, the files are played in the order in which you compiled them. You can save the playlist you created and load it again later in order to play them again or to edit them quickly and easily.

6.4.1 Playlist window

The Playlist window is the starting point for creating, loading, saving and editing playlists. It consists of various buttons and three areas where - if the Browser tab is selected - you can select folders from a navigation tree, select files and compile the playlist.

Page 25

Fig. 10: Playlist window
If the Browser tab is selected, a navigation tree is displayed in the left-hand area from which you can select the media files. The familiar Windows folder structure is always displayed. The MediaHome Network entry may also be available. The MediaHome Network entry contains accessible files if a Nero MediaHome Server has been started in the local network. Nero MediaHome is an application in the Nero 7 program suite and is automatically installed while Nero 7 is being installed. Nero MediaHome is a media server, which makes files available in a local network and transcodes them in real time as required. Please refer to the Nero MediaHome manual for further information. If you subscribe to Nero Scout Internet services such as Internet TV or Internet radio, the Internet Services entry contains these Internet addresses. Nero Scout is an application in the Nero 7 program suite and is automatically installed while Nero 7 is being installed. Nero Scout indexes and catalogs all media files on your computer. Please refer to the Nero Scout manual for further information. The files in the selected folder are shown in the top right-hand area. The bottom right-hand area shows the playlist. It contains the media files that you have added to the list using the Add button. The following configuration options are available: Browser File Type Add Remove Load list. Save list. Remove All Displays the folder and services in a navigation tree. Displays a selection list with formats. This is where you can select which formats should be displayed. Adds a selected media file to the playlist. Removes a selected media file from the playlist. Loads a saved playlist. Saves the current playlist. Removes all media files from the current playlist.

Page 26

Add All OK Cancel
Adds all media files in the selected folder to the playlist. Closes the window and begins playing the playlist. Cancels the procedure and closes the window.
6.4.2 Creating and saving a playlist
To create and save playlists, proceed as follows:
The source selection list will open.
2. Select the Media Files entry.
The Playlist window will open.
3. Select the desired file. 4. Click on the Add button.
The file is added to the playlist.
5. Repeat the last two steps for each additional file that is to be added to the playlist. 6. Click on the Save list. button.
The Save As dialog box will open.
7. Select the desired playlist format in the File Type text box.
The formats PLS, M3U and RSS are available for selection.
8. Enter the desired file name in the File Name input field. 9. Click on the Save button.

Page 33

[C] [Ctrl+C] [M] [0-9] [F1] [Page up] [Page down]
Creates a snapshot. Opens the Options menu. Adds a bookmark. Keyboard range 0-9. Shows the Help file. Fast forwards. Rewinds.

Page 34

List of figures
Fig. 1: Nero StartSmart Fig. 2: Program interface Fig. 3: Minimized view of control panel Fig. 4: Options window Fig. 5: Options OSD setting window Fig. 6: Options Toolbar setting window Fig. 7: Options Disc playback dialog box Fig. 8: Edit user dialog box Fig. 9: Options Skin browser dialog box Fig. 10: Playlist window Fig. 11: Program interface- Toolbar

Page 35

Glossary

Container format

A container format defines type and structure, in other words sets out the framework for packing the file types. AIFF for audio, AVI for video, MPG or MP4 for audio, video, and subtitles for instance are particularly commonly used containers.
Abbreviation for Digital Rights Management. The purpose of digital rights management is to protect intellectual property rights against illegal copying by means of pirated editions and to create billing options for licenses.

Dolby Surround

Dolby Surround is an analog system that makes four channels from two audio tracks. In addition to the stereo channels (left and right) there are two other surround channels (rear left and rear right). The surround signal is mono and is extracted from both stereo channels. Furthermore, the frequency range is restricted.
Dolby Surround Pro Logic II
Dolby Surround Pro Logic II is a further improvement on Dolby Surround. The surround channels are in stereo and the rear channels have no frequency restrictions.
Digital Theater System. This multi-channel sound format works for Video-DVDs with a bit rate of 754.5 or 1509.25 Kbps. DTS works with higher data rates than Dolby Digital and therefore requires more space on the DVD.
High Efficiency AAC Audio
High Efficiency AAC Audio is an audio compression process based on the MPEG-4 specification. Compared to other formats such as MP3, High Efficiency AAC Audio has a variety of advantages, for instance improved quality at the same file size or support for multi-channel audio with up to 48 sound channels.

Intra Codec Picture

An intra codec picture is compressed independently of other pictures in the video stream while the image is being processed. It corresponds to approximately 10 frames.

miniDVD

A miniDVD is simply a CD-R or CD-RW, which has been burned in UDF format with a DVD structure. It has the same technical options and qualities as a DVD. MiniDVDs can be played on the computer without any problem whereas there is no guarantee that they can be played in all DVD players.