Nero Recode 2 as a compilation program
Nero Recode 2 is a program for compiling DVD-Video titles and other video files (that are not copy-protected) onto other media (CD and DVD). If you have DVD-Video titles or other video files on different DVDs and would like to compile your favorite titles onto one DVD, you can use Nero Recode 2 to have the desired DVD-Video titles in a new compilation which you can then 'burn'. It does not matter whether you burn the compilation on a DVD or a CD.
Nero Recode 2 as a conversion program
Nero Recode 2 is a program you can use to convert DVD-Video titles and other video files that are not copy-protected into the Nero Digital format (MPEG-4) and to burn them onto discs.

About Nero Recode 2 6

1.2 System requirements
Nero Recode 2 is installed together with NeroVision Express 3 and its system requirements are the same. You can find more detailed information on the system requirements in the NeroVision Express 3 manual. In addition, you will need to have a computer with a built-in DVD-ROM or DVD recorder, as otherwise you will be unable to read or burn DVDs.

1.3 Installation

Nero Recode 2 is not installed separately but together with NeroVision Express 3. In other words, after installing NeroVision Express 3 you will also automatically possess Nero Recode 2.
1.4 Launching Nero Recode 2
You can start Nero Recode 2 in two different ways either via Nero StartSmart, the 'command center' of the Nero family of products, or directly.
Opening Nero Recode 2 with Nero StartSmart
Open Nero StartSmart and choose a task that you would like Nero Recode 2 to perform, e.g. 'Recode DVD-Video' or 'Convert DVD-Video Movies to Nero Digital '.

About Nero Recode 2 7

Launching Nero Recode 2 separately
Proceed as follows to launch Nero Recode 2: Click on START > (ALL) PROGRAMS > Nero > Nero Digital > Nero Recode.

About Nero Recode 2 8

The Nero Recode 2 interface

2.1 Introduction

Nero Recode 2 is not only available as a full version, but also in a bundle with a CD/DVD recorder in the Nero Recode 2 CE or Nero Recode 2 SE versions. These differ from the full version in the scale of functions they offer, in other words they cannot perform all the tasks described in this manual and the user interface is adapted to the specific version. The Nero Recode 2 interface is independent of the chosen task. This means that there are different commands present on the different interfaces. The individual interfaces are described in the order they appear in the selection area of the start window.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 9
2.2 Copying an entire DVD
With Nero Recode 2 CE, it is not possible to recode a complete DVD and/or the main feature film onto a DVD disc. A DVD may not only contain video files that can be played on a DVD player but also other kinds of data. This data cannot be played on a normal commercially available DVD player but only on a DVD-ROM/DVD burner drive in a computer. When copying a DVD, Nero Recode 2 is capable of copying both the video as well as the data contents. Of course, you can just copy the video element if you wish. You will reach the area for copying an entire DVD by clicking on 'Recode an Entire DVD to DVD' in the start window.
If you do not want to copy the entire contents of the DVD, but only the main movie, choose the 'Recode Main Movie to DVD' task. The 'Recode Main Movie to DVD' command is not available with Nero Recode 2 SE.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 10

DVD-Video

After clicking on the 'Recode an Entire DVD to DVD' field in the start window, the DVD-Video area of the backup window for your DVDs will open.
By clicking on 'DVD-Video Files' you will move to the Nero Recode 2 video area.
By clicking on the 'Import DVD' button you will open a dialog to import the selected DVD.
This button is only enabled if a DVD-Video title has been imported. Clicking on the 'Disable' button will remove titles that were originally present so that they will not be included when you burn your copy.
This button is only enabled if an imported DVD-Video title has been deactivated. Clicking on the 'Enable' button will activate titles that were originally disabled so that they will be included when you burn your copy.

You can change the profile by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting the chosen import profile.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 20
Selecting a Nero Digital profile
Not all Nero Digital profiles are available in the Nero Recode 2 CE version.
This profile is only available when the 'Recode DVDs and videos to Nero Digital', or the 'Recode Main Movie to Nero Digital' task has been chosen. This area allows you to select the desired conversion profile. Depending on the purpose of the converted DVD title, the size of the final result can vary.
You can change the profile by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting the desired profile.
Above version 2.2, Nero Recode 2 also has AVC profiles (Advanced Video Coding) for encoding to Nero Digital. Compared to non-AVC profiles, either the coding quality is better for identical file sizes, or the file size is smaller for identical coding quality. However, encoding takes more time.
Shutting down the computer once burning has been completed
In the Nero Recode 2 burning dialog, the user can decide whether the computer is to be shut down once the burning procedure is finished.
This check box determines whether or not the computer will be shut down once the burning procedure has been completed. In the default setting, this check box is disabled. In other words, the computer will not be shut down after burning but remains switched on.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 21

Book Type settings

The recording dialog in Nero Recode 2 lets the user determine the Book Type Setting for several DVD recorders when burning DVDs. The Book Type field of a DVD helps DVD players to identify the inserted disk and determines the DVDs level of compatibility. Click on 'DVD Book Type settings' on the drop-down button and select the desired setting: Automatic DVD-ROM Physical disk type Current recorder setting Nero Recode 2 automatically selects the most suitable Book Type for this disk. The Book Type is set to 'DVD-ROM'. The Book Type as given on the DVD is not changed. The Book Type setting is read by the recorder.
Setting the burning priority
In the Nero Recode 2 burning dialog, the user can decide how the computer's resources should be employed when burning the disc. This area allows you to select the desired priority.

You can change the profile by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting the desired priority.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 22
Configuring Nero Recode 2
Clicking on the 'Configure' area will open the configuration menu of Nero Recode 2 showing various tabs which determine the behavior of the program. Clicking on the 'OK' button will save the changes and close the window.

Import DVD

This check box determines whether (when importing a DVD with data content) the contents will also be taken over. In the default setting, this check box is disabled. In other words, the data content of a DVD will not be automatically copied as well.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 23
Characters from languages such as Japanese and Korean which use a 16-bit Unicode character set that does not match the DVD-Video specifications are not used by Nero Recode 2. However, this restriction can be relaxed as required. In the default setting, this check box is deactivated, i.e. the DVD-Video specifications are not relaxed. Output DVD
This check box specifies whether (when copying a DVD with elements that are blocked for user input) these areas should be made accessible to the user. This is also the standard (default) setting. If, for example, the original DVD contains a section that cannot be jumped over (so that the contents of this section are always shown when playing) Nero Recode 2 can unblock it and the user can skip the section - or view it at fast forward. In the default setting, this check box is enabled, in other words the section is 'unlocked' and the user has access to these areas.
If the original DVD consists of two layers, there is a command on the DVD which will stop the picture for a short time so that the laser can jump from the first to the second layer. When copying with Nero Recode 2 onto a DVD with only one layer, this command is unnecessary and can be removed. The checkbox is enabled in the default setting.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 24

Nero Digital

After creating an MPEG-4 file with Nero Recode 2, the program can determine, after the first pass, that the quality of the resulting video would be improved if the file is passed a second time.
In this case you can stipulate on this tab how Nero Recode 2 should proceed. You can change the setting by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting the desired option. Ask me to confirm which files need a second pass. If a second pass is meant to improve the quality, then a dialog always appears before the second pass in which you can choose if the second pass should be done or not.

Do not ask me. Always do a If a second pass is meant to improve the quality, second pass for those files then this will be done automatically without consulting you. which need it. Do not ask me. Never do a second passA second pass will never be made, even if it improved the quality of the resulting MPEG-4 file.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 25
If you need to change the video resolution when converting to Nero Digital, a special method can be selected by clicking on the drop-down button. The standard setting 'Automatic' obviously selects the best (likely) method.
This check box determines whether the file is analyzed when importing the video. In the default setting, this check box is activated. General
If you have installed the version of Nero Recode 2 CE without Nero SmartStart, you will find a dropdown list box to select the user interface language.
Clicking on the 'Enable All' button will enable all the warning messages again if they had been manually disabled before.
This check box determines whether the program is shown in the system tray when minimized. In the default setting, the check box is activated.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 26
This check box shows whether the disk is ejected after encoding/burning. In the default setting, this check box is deactivated.
When burning a disk, a report on the recording process is generated. This check box shows whether the system asks if the report should be saved. In the default setting, the check box is activated. Preview Window
This area determines the quality of the audio output when the DVD title is being seen in the preview window. You can change the setting by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting the desired option. The audio output is over a number of channels. Multichannel Always downmix to 2 channel stereo SPDIF The audio output is in two-channel stereo (default). If the computer has a sound card with digital output, the sound will be heard from the connected digital audio device.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 27

File input and output

This field determines how the data is read from the drive. Windows File system The data is read via the Windows file system. SPTI / ASPI The operating system (Windows) is bypassed when reading data. This method of reading files is faster than using the Windows file system. (It is the standard setting).
'Windows File System' should be chosen if drives have problems reading with the 'SPTI / ASPI' option. With Nero Recode 2, a message may occasionally appear stating that the DVD cannot be copied while reading, because of the copy protection feature when the 'SPTI / ASPI' option is active. This applies to DVDs that are not copy-protected and that have a copyright bit. In such cases, the 'Windows File System' option should be chosen when reading.

The Nero Recode 2 interface 28
Erasing the contents of a disc
The owner of a recorder that can erase rewritable discs can delete the contents if such a disc is inserted in the drive.
Clicking on 'Erase disc' will open the corresponding window.
Choose Recorder If a number of recorders that can all erase disc contents have been installed, you can select from the recorders available. You can change the recorder by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting another. This area will be disabled if only one recorder has been installed. Select the erase method to be used There are two different methods of erasure. You can choose a different method by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting another one. Quick erasure: The data on the disc is not deleted, only the information on the data on the disc is erased. The disc looks as if it has not been written on even though it is has been. As the data can be restored by experts, this method of erasure is not suitable if there is confidential data on the disc. The advantage of this method is the speed at which the disc is processed. Erasure is complete after about two minutes and the disc can then be burned again. Full erasure: The data on the disc is completely deleted and the DVD is blank. The disadvantage here is the time needed until the data has been completely removed. Depending on recorder and medium, it can take up to about 30 minutes.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 29
Obtaining information on the inserted disc
This field allows information to be obtained on the disc that has been inserted. It does not matter whether the disc is located in a CD or a DVD drive.
Clicking on 'Disc Info' will open the corresponding window.
The upper gray area tells you about the type of disc, the amount of data present, its total capacity, and the number of sessions and tracks. The central white area tells you about the structure of the disc and shows the size of the individual sessions and tracks, for instance. The dropdown button in the lower gray area allows you to choose the drive. Clicking on the 'Eject' button opens the tray of the drive selected. Clicking on the 'Refresh' button reads the inserted disc again. This information will then appear in the upper and central areas of the window. Click on 'OK' to close the window.

Nero Cover Designer

This field opens Nero Cover Designer a versatile and comfortable program that you can use to create covers and labels for the DVDs you have created. Refer to the Nero Cover Designer manual and online-help for detailed information on using the program.
The Nero Recode 2 interface 30

Import profiles

3.1 Creating an import profile
With Nero Recode 2, an import profile can be selected that specifies which audio tracks and subtitles are chosen when you import DVD-Videos and other video files. This information is stored in the profile and can therefore be quickly called up again. Depending on the way the DVD-Video is copied, a number of profiles can be created. Before burning you only need to select the profile you want and then start the copying procedure. However, you can change the settings at any time before burning. If English and German audio tracks and subtitles have been selected for example, other languages (if available) can also be chosen at a later stage or else those that have already been marked can be disabled. 1. Click on 'More' to display Nero Recode's additional functions.
The field with the additional functions includes the profile field, which determines the profile to be used.
2. Click on the 'Profiles' button and the profile window will appear.

Import profiles 31

The tab ('index card') will show you the possible settings for the corresponding features.
3. Click on the 'New' button to create a new profile.
4. As the first step give the new profile a name and specify the source from which the settings should be copied.
In the 'Profile name' field enter the name of the new profile. Specify the source from which the settings are to be copied by clicking on the dropdown button and selecting the profile required from the list of those available.

Import profiles 32

5. In a second step you can specify the quality of the video by selecting the desired option field.
You have three options open to you that affect the relationship between the 'Main Movie' and the 'Extras'. Depending on your selection, the main movie will be granted more, the same or less priority - in other words, the quality of the main movie in comparison the extras will be better, the same, or worse. In the standard setting (default) the main movie will have a better quality than the extras.

Specify whether the menus should be kept in the original quality in this case they will simply be copied and not recoded (this is also the standard setting). If you disable the check box you will be able to recode the files contained in the menus.

Import profiles 33

6. In the third step you can specify the audio tracks that you would like to have after recoding. Click on the 'Audio' tab, to specify the audio characteristics of the DVD-Video title.
By enabling (standard setting) or disabling the check box, you can specify whether only certain languages should be present on the copied DVD or whether they should all be available.
If the check box has been disabled, it will not be possible to select the language!
If you want to determine which subtitle tracks should be used for DVDVideo titles, click on the 'Add' button to open the window for the required audio files.

Import profiles 34

Mark the chosen languages and click on the 'OK' button to save the settings and close the window. Note that only those tracks that are also present in the original can be copied. By clicking on the 'Select All' button you will select all languages, in other words, all the audio tracks on the DVD will be copied. If none of the tracks you have selected are present on the original DVDVideo, the copied video will not have any soundtrack. To prevent this, you can tick the check box. This means that all the available audio tracks will be copied. In the default setting, this option is enabled.
7. In the fourth step you can specify the subtitle tracks that you want to have after recoding. Click on the 'subtitle' tab to set the subtitles.
By ticking (standard setting) or disabling the check box, you specify whether only certain subtitles are to be present on the copied DVD or whether they should be available in all languages.
If this check box has been disabled, it will not be possible to select a subtitle language!

Import profiles 35

If you want to specify which subtitle should be used for DVD-Videos, click on the 'Add' button to open the window for the subtitle files concerned.

6. For each title, specify the audio track or subtitle you would like to use. 7. Click on the 'Next' button as soon as you are satisfied with your compilation. 8. Place a disc in the DVD recorder, select the drive, recording speed and the number of copies you want and then click on the 'Burn' button once you are happy with the settings. You can find more details on burning discs in 'Burning a disc'.

Creating a new DVD 54

5.2 Further options
With the Nero Recode 2 CE and Nero Recode 2 SE it is not possible to compile your own new DVDs by importing and recoding DVD titles. The last section described how you can make and burn your own compilation. For reasons of clarity, additional options such as shortening videos and merging videos were not dealt with. These options are explained in the next two chapters.

Shortening videos

If you do not want to use the entire DVD-Video in your compilation, you can just use a special passage from it by shortening it. 1. Start Nero Recode 2, select 'Remake a DVD' in the start window and then import the desired DVD-Video titles. 2. Highlight the title that you would like to shorten and then click on the 'Start/End' button.
The window that opens will show the first and last frame of the imported DVD title.

Creating a new DVD 55

3. Specify which part of the DVD by defining the first and last frame. Slider to mark the chosen frame manually Button to jump back six seconds within the DVD Button to jump back a few frames within the DVD Button to jump forward a few frames within the DVD Button to jump forward six seconds within the DVD If the DVD-Video is divided into sections, you can jump directly to this frame by clicking on the dropdown button and highlighting the chosen frame. There are three information fields next to these 'active' fields.
This field shows you the frame with which the DVD-Video title begins.
This field shows you the frame with which the DVD-Video title ends.
This field shows you the overall length of the selected frame and its size. 4. Click on the 'OK' button to save the entries and to close the window. You will now be back in the compilation window for your own DVDs. 5. Now you can continue to edit your own compilation.
Merging individual titles
If a self-made DVD compilation contains a number of titles, you can combine these to one single title so they are seamlessly joined. 1. Start Nero Recode 2, select 'Remake a DVD' in the start window and then import the desired DVD-Video titles. 2. Highlight the titles that you would like to merge and then click on the 'Merge Titles' button.

2. Insert the DVD or the disc with the video files that contains the desired title(s). 3. Click on the 'Import Titles' button and import the chosen video title(s).
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 59
4. To ensure that the MPEG-4 file(s) can fit on the target disc, tick the 'Fit to Target' check box, then click on the dropdown button and select the size of disc you want to use.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the titles that you would like converted to an MPEG-4 file are included in your compilation. 6. If you would like to give the disc and/or video a new name, click on 'My Disk' or 'Title' and enter the name you would like to use.
7. For each title, specify the audio track and subtitle you would like to have. 8. Click on the 'Next' button when you are satisfied with your compilation. 9. Place a disc in the recorder, select the drive, recording speed and the number of copies that you want and then click on the 'Burn' button once you are satisfied with the settings. You can find more detailed information on burning in the 'Burning a disc' section.
6.2 Additional conversion options
The last section described how DVD-Video titles and videos can be converted and burned. For reasons of clarity, additional options such as shortening videos and configuring Nero Digital settings were not dealt with.

Selecting an audio track

The number of sound tracks that the Nero Digital file can hold depends on the selected Nero Digital profile For the soundtrack of the MPEG-4 file, you can select one or more audio tracks and specify the encoding format.
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 60
1. Click on the on the dropdown button on the 'Audio' tab and highlight the audio track you would like.
2. You can enter something in this field if the selected audio track is of a quality that permits different qualities of encoding. Specify the Nero Digital audio format by clicking on the chosen option button. Stereo: The audio track is encoded as two-channel stereo. 5.1-channel surround: The audio track is encoded as 5.1 Channel (Surround Sound).
3. Clicking on the 'Settings' button opens the audio settings area for the chosen audio track. For more details, please read the section on 'Specifying the audio settings'. 4. Click on the tab for the next soundtrack and repeat steps 1 to 3 for each of the other soundtracks.
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 61

Selecting the subtitle

The availability and number of subtitle tracks that the Nero Digital file can hold depends on the selected Nero Digital profile. You can select one or more subtitle tracks for the MPEG-4 file - or not have any subtitles at all. 1. On the record menu 'Subtitle', click on the drop-down button 'Main subtitle track' and mark the required subtitle or select 'None', if you dont need subtitles.

2. Click on the drop-down button 'Secondary subtitle track' and mark the required subtitle or select 'None', if you dont need any additional subtitles.
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 62
Information on the DVD-Video title and other video files
If you click on the 'Info' tab, you will be shown information on an imported DVDVideo title.
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 63
6.3 Specifying the Nero Digital encoder settings
The Nero Digital encoder settings determine how the video and audio source is converted. Clicking on the 'OK' button will save the changes and close the window. Click on the 'Video' button to access the Nero Digital video settings.
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 64
Specifying the video settings
Click on the 'Video' button to open the dialog window with the corresponding tabs.
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 65

Deinterlace

Nero Recode 2 recognizes automatically whether it is necessary to de-interlace the DVD-Video title, and automatically enables the chosen option. Enable Disable Crop De-Interlacing is used during conversion De-Interlacing is disabled
If the DVD-Video has black edges at the side, these can be cut off (cropped) automatically. This reduces the size of the video and improves its quality. Nero Recode 2 recognizes these edges automatically and crops them (this is the standard setting). Automatic The black edges are automatically recognized and cropped (standard setting).
Converting DVD-Videos and other video files to MPEG-4 files with Nero Digital 66

Disable Custom Crop

The video is converted without cropping the edges. Selecting this option will enable the four input boxes for cropping (upper, lower, right and left) as well as the 'Custom Crop Interface' button. The 'Adjust' button is only enabled if the 'Custom Crop' option has been selected. After you have clicked on the button, a window will open and show an image from the video. You can specify the four cropping possibilities (upper, lower, right and left) manually using the mouse. Clicking on the 'OK' button will save the changes and close the window.

Keyboard shortcuts 83

Service

9.1 FAQs

9.1.1 The copied DVD does not contain the audio tracks I selected. What did I do wrong?
Nero Recode 2 can only copy audio tracks that are present on the original DVD. If the soundtracks you selected in your import profile are not present on the DVD, they will not have been available on the original, either. Please check the 'Audio' tab to see which soundtracks exist.
The copied DVD does not contain the subtitles I selected. What did I do wrong?
Nero Recode 2 can only copy those subtitles that are present on the original DVD. If the subtitles that you selected in your import profile are not present on the DVD, they will not have been present on the original, either. Please check the 'Subpicture' tab to see which subtitles exist.
The DVD I made does have a DTS soundtrack but I cannot hear any sound. What went wrong during recording?
In order to hear DVDs that have a DTS soundtrack you will need a suitable decoder that can convert the sounds. This decoder may either be integrated in a DVD player or in a receiver. If you cannot hear the DTS soundtrack it is likely that the devices you are using do not support this format.
It takes different lengths of time to recode DVDs, depending on the DVD involved. Why is that?
The more a DVD is recoded before burning, the longer Nero Recode 2 needs to carry out the process.
I have inserted a DVD and want to copy it but Nero Recode 2 does not recognize it. What am I doing wrong?
Nero Recode 2 only copies and recodes DVDs that are not copy-protected. Copy-protected DVDs will not be read by Nero Recode 2. You probably inserted a DVD that was copy-protected.

Service 84

I created an MPEG-4 file but I only have one soundtrack. What went wrong?
Unlike DVD-Video titles, which may have a number of soundtracks (and subtitles) MPEG-4 files made with Nero Recode 2 only have one soundtrack (and one set of subtitles).
I would like to obtain a newer version of Nero Recode 2. Where can I find out if an update is available and download it?
You can find all the updates and test versions of other Nero AG products at http://www.nero.com. Nero Recode 2 forms part of NeroVision Express 3 and updates are only possible for the entire product package in other words, an individual update is not possible.
Where can I get help with technical problems?
In the event of any technical problem we recommend contacting our support system at http://englishsupport.nero.com/. If you do not find an answer to your problem there, you can contact our support service by fax (+928 499), e-mail (techsupport@nero.com) or via our hotline (0190 871086; charge: 1.86 per minute can be reached from within Germany only).

Service 85

9.2 Contact
Nero Recode 2 is a Nero AG product
Nero AG Im Stoeckmaedle Karlsbad Germany Web: Help: Mail: Hotline: Fax: http://www.nero.com http://englishsupport.nero.com/ techsupport@nero.com (1,86/min from Germany) +928 499

Copyright 2003 - 2005 Nero AG. All rights reserved.

Service 86

10 Index
F FAQs 84 Fit to Target 12, 52, 60 H Hotline 85
A Adding data 13 Advanced display 20 B Book Type settings 22 Burning a disc 72, 75 Burn options 72 C Changing the structure of a DVD 45 Computer shut down 74 Configuring Nero Recode Contact information 86 Copying a DVD 41 Without changing the DVD structure 41 Copying a DVD (and changing the DVD structure) 42 Creating a new DVD 53 Creating an import profile 20, 31 D Deleting an import profile 39 Deleting titles 48 E Editing an import profile 38 Erasing the contents of a disc 29 Full erasure 29 Quick erasure 29
I Import DVD 11 Import profile Audio 34 Menu quality 33 Profile name 32 Subtitles 35 Video 33 Video quality 33 Importing a DVD 42 Importing titles 54, 60 Installation 7 K Keyboard shortcuts 83 L Level indicator 12 M Making copies that are larger than 4.7 GB 52 Merging individual video titles 57 N Nero Cover Designer 30, 76 Nero Digital encoder 64 Audio settings 68 Video settings 65 Nero Digital Expert mode 79 Nero Digital normal mode 78 Nero Digital settings 77

Index 87

Nero ShowTime 76 O Obtaining information on the disc 30 P Preview 46 Program start 7 Q Quality of the menus 33 Quality of the video 33 S Selecting audio tracks 47 Selecting the Nero Digital profile 21 Selecting the source 43 Selecting the subtitles 47 Separating merged titles 58 Setting the burning priority 22 Shortening videos 56 Shutting down the computer once burning has been completed 21 System requirements 7

Index 88

In this manual transcoding is used synonymously with encoding.

Seite 6

Technical information

System requirements

In addition to the general system requirements for Nero Suite, the following individual system requirements apply to Nero Recode: Microsoft DirectX 9.0b or later Optional: DVD video plug-in for DVD video recordings and the "DVD-9 to DVD-5" function Multi-core processor

Seite 7

Program start
StartNero Recode using Nero StartSmart
To start Nero Recode with Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:
1. Click on the Nero StartSmart icon.
The Nero StartSmart window is opened.
2. Click on the arrow button on the left side of the window.
The extended dialog box is opened.

Fig. 1: Nero StartSmart

3. Select the entry Nero Recode in the Applications drop-down list.
The Nero Recode window opens. You have now started Nero Recode using Nero StartSmart.
Start Nero Recode directly
To start Nero Recode directly, proceed as follows:
1. If you are using the Microsoft Windows XP Start menu, click on Start > All Programs >
Nero 7 (Premium) > Photo and Video > Nero Recode. If you are using the classic Start menu, click on Start > Programs > Nero 7 (Premium) > Photo and Video > Nero Recode. The Nero Recode window opens. You have now started Nero Recode.

Seite 8

The Nero Recode start screen
After you launch Nero Recode the Nero Recode start screen will appear. This is where you can choose what you want to do with Nero Recode. Choose the appropriate menu icon to call up a wizard that will guide you through the required task stepby-step.
Fig. 2: Nero Recode start screen
The Nero Recode start screen offers the following options: Menu icons Recode an Entire DVD to DVD Recode Main Movie to DVD Imports DVDs including their menus and extras. Unwanted audio tracks, subtitles or video content can be removed and the structure of the video titles can be changed. Imports the main movie contained on a DVD without menus or extras. Unwanted audio tracks, subtitles or video content can be removed and the structure of the video titles can be changed. Imports video titles and creates an individual DVD from one or more DVDs. Unwanted audio tracks, subtitles or video content can be removed and the structure of the video titles can be changed. Imports video titles from one or more DVDs and converts these into Nero Digital (MPEG-4) files. Unwanted audio tracks, subtitles or video content can be removed and the structure of the video titles can be changed. Imports the main movie on a DVD without menus or extras and converts this into Nero Digital (MPEG-4) files. Unwanted audio tracks, subtitles or video content can be removed and the structure of the video titles can be changed. Opens and closes the extended area in which the basic Nero Recode settings can be made.

Seite 9

Compile a DVD
Recode DVDs and Videos to Nero Digital Recode Main Movie to Nero Digital Buttons More

? Exit

Displays the online help, version and manufacturer information. Closes Nero Recode. Calls up a window containing various tabs that allow you set the way the program operates (see Basic settings). Erases a rewritable disc. Calls up information about the disk in the drive. Launches Nero CoverDesigner in a separate window. Nero CoverDesigner allows you create covers and labels for your DVDs and CDs. You will find further details in the Nero CoverDesigner manual.
Buttons in the extended area Options Erase Disc Disc Info Nero CoverDesigner
Each screen contains quick references, detailed information and explanations for the various buttons, icons and menus. Hold down the mouse button over a control for a few seconds to see the quick reference.

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Nero Recode wizards
All the tasks you can perform with Nero Recode can be divided into four steps: Define the basic settings Import the files you want to recode Set the options for Nero Digital and/or for burning a disk. Burn the disk. The wizards also follow this four-step structure, so that a separate screen appears for each step. You can use the Next and Back buttons to move back and forth through the three screens while performing a task. This means that you can also change settings that you have already made and undo actions. Nero Digital is an MPEG-4 codec. It is compatible with MPEG-4 Video and MPEG-4 High Efficiency AAC and offers high quality Surround Sound and high resolution image signals for your home cinema.

Basic settings

The basic settings are made on the tabs in the Nero Recode Options window. This is opened using the Options in the extended area.
Fig. 3: Nero Recode Options window

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5.1.1 DVD tab
This tab is used to define the settings for importing DVDs. The following input options are available: Prompt to include DVD data files when importing check box Relax DVD-Video specification to allow 16-bit Unicode for the volume label check box Remove P-UOPs (Prohibited User Operations) from target disc check box Remove Layer Break check box This decides whether this content is included in copying when importing a DVD with data content. This box must be checked if the data content is also to be copied.
This relaxes the restrictions on the use of character sets. Nero Recode does not use characters from languages like Japanese or Korean, which have a 16-bit Unicode character set-that does not comply with DVD video requirements. This decides whether the prohibited areas on a DVD are to be made available to the user while copying. For example, if the original DVD contains an area that cannot be skipped, you can use Nero Recode to remove the block, so that users can skip or fast forward through the area. This removes the layer interrupt. If the original DVD consists of two layers, there is a command on the DVD to freeze the image briefly to allow the laser to switch from the first layer to the second. When Nero Recode is used to copy to a DVD with just one layer, this command is redundant and can be removed.

5.1.2 Nero Digital tab

This tab is used to define the settings for conversion to Nero Digital format. Once Nero Recode has created an MPEG-4 file, a check is automatically made to see whether the video quality of would improve by converting the file a second time. The selection menu is used to define how Nero Recode should proceed in this case. The following selection options are available: Ask me to confirm which files need a second pass. Do not ask me. Always do a second pass for those files which need it. Do not ask me. Never do a second pass. If a second conversion would improve the quality, a dialog box opens before the second conversion takes place. This can be used to define whether or not the second step is to take place. If a second conversion would improve the quality, this is carried out automatically without checking.
A second conversion never takes place, not even if this would improve the quality of the resulting MPEG-4-file.

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The following input options are also available: Standard button Enlargement/ Reduction Method drop-down list Analyze files while importing check box Auto-close iTunes after iPod transfer check box This restores the default settings. This enables the method for changing the video resolution to be selected if necessary. The default setting is Automatic which means that the best method is chosen automatically. Analyzes the video file while importing it. Automatically closes iTunes after transcoding to Apple iPod video.

5.1.3 General tab

This tab is used to define general Nero Recode settings. The following input options are available: Enable All button If minimize, minimize to tray check box Do not eject the disc after encoding/burning is complete check box Offer to save detailed report after successful burn process check box Language drop-down list This enables all warnings if these have been disabled manually Specifies that the program should appear in the status bar when minimized.
Prevents the disk from being ejected after burning.
This enables the report generated about the burning process to be saved.
Sets the language for Nero Recode.

5.1.4 Preview window tab

This tab can be used to set the audio quality in the DVD preview. The following input options are available: Preview window area Specifies the audio quality of the preview.

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5.1.5 File I/O tab
This tab is used to define the method for accessing the drive for direct conversion. The following input option is available: File I/O area Specifies the method for accessing the drive during direct conversion.
When reading-copyright DVDs that have a copyright bit with SPTI/ASPI, a message occasionally appears in Nero Recode indicating that the DVD cannot be copied. In this case, select the Windows File System option when reading.

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5.2.2 Data Files tab
Data files can be burned onto the disk as well as the film. These files are imported using the Data Files tab. The following input options are available in the context of every task: Add Files button Delete button This opens a dialog for adding data files. This deletes a data file and is only active if at least one data file has been added. Displays the contents of higher folders and is only active when the user is located in a subfolder. Opens the dialog to create a folder in the disk's data area. Opens a menu in which the way in which the files are displayed in the folders can be changed.
5.2.3 Title import profile
The Nero Recode Profile area allows you to switch to the Title import profiles. A new profile can be created there. The following input options are available in the Title import profile area: Current profile selection menu New button Delete button Indicates the current profile. Calls up a dialog box in which a new profile can be created. Deletes the current profile displayed in the Current Profile drop-down list.
The following tabs are available in the Title import profile window: Video tab Quality distribution area Menus area Audio tab Preselect the following audio tracks check box Add button Remove button From multiple tracks of the same language select drop-down list Defines whether the DVD is to contain audio tracks in specific languages only, or in all languages. This opens a dialog window where audio tracks can be added in different languages. This button is only active if the Preselect the following audio tracks box is checked. Deletes the highlighted audio tracks. This button is only active if at least one audio track has been marked in the overview of selected audio tracks. Specifies the audio format used of there are several audio tracks in the same language on the DVD. Defines the quality ratio between the main movie and the extras. Specifies whether the menus are to be copied in original quality.

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Select all tracks if none meets my selection criteria check box Subtitles tab Preselect the following subtitle tracks check box Add button Remove button Select all tracks if none meets my selection criteria check box

reached The quality of the rest of the content of the DVD will deteriorate proportionately to the improvement in the improvement in the quality of an individual title.
13. Click on the Next button to continue to define the burn settings.
14. Define the settings you require for the burn procedure (see Recoding and Burning screen). 15. Click on the Burn button to start burning the disk.
Burning starts. The Recode and Burn screen appears and you can follow its progress on the progress bar.
16. To cancel burning, click on the Stop button. To pause/ resume burning, click on the
Pause/Restart button. The burning process is complete when the relevant message appears in the information window. You can now return to the burning settings and burn the compilation again. The More button takes you to the What do you want to do now? screen, where you can select the other options or close Nero Recode.

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7.2.1 Trim Title
If you do not want to use the whole of a video title in the imported main movie, you can just use a special clip by trimming the video title. The Trim Movie window where video titles can be trimmed is divided into two areas, the first showing the first frame where the video title is to begin and the second containing the last frame where the video title is to end.
Fig. 9: Trim Movie window
The following input options are available in the Trim Movie window: Button for skipping forward a few frames. Button for skipping forward 6 seconds. Button for skipping back 6 seconds. Button for skipping back a few frames. Control for setting the required frame manually. Select the chapter markers of the video title in the drop-down list. This is only possible if the video title contains chapter markers. First Frame input Last Frame input Total Duration input Total Size input Indicates the first frame of the video title. Indicates the final frame of the video title. Indicates the length of the video title. Indicates the overall size of the video title

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Nero Recode allows you to compile your own DVD from imported video titles and data files.
Fig. 10: My Own DVD Compilation screen with already imported files
In addition to the input options described under Import Files screen, the following buttons are available for the Compile DVD task in the My DVD Compilation screen. Delete Removes video titles. The button is only enabled if a DVD video title has been imported. Locks the automatic change of recoding quality for a DVD video title. It is still possible to make manual changes to the quality settings by moving the control. The button is only enabled if a DVD video title has been imported. Removes the lock on the automatic change of recoding quality. This button is only enabled when a DVD video title has been imported. Opens the Trim Movie window where the selected video title can be trimmed. This button is only enabled if a DVD video title has been imported. This merges marked video titles. The button is only enabled if at least two DVD video titles have been marked. This separates merged video titles. The button is only enabled if at least two DVD video titles have been merged to produce a single title.

9.2.1 Audio settings

Define the settings for the audio encoder in the Nero Digital Audio Settings window. The following input options are available: Audio channels drop-down list Audio channels are available for selection in the Audio Channels drop-down list. These are the same channels available in the selected Nero Digital-Profile for converting the DVD video title to MPEG-4 format.
Nero Digital Audio Profiles area Automatic Settings radio button Automatically adapts to the Nero Digital Profile, so that the quality of the audio track best corresponds to the output medium. Enables the selection of the available audio profiles. Clicking on the drop-down menu activated in this way will show the available audio profiles for the selected Nero Digital Profile. In addition, the quality of the audio track can also be changed by changing the bitrate and the pitch (in Hz). Sets the required volume.

Own Profile radio button

Volume menu

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9.2.2 Create your own subtitle track
The Second Subtitle Track drop-down list in the Subtitle tab allows you to create a subtitle track. This option is only available if you are converting titles into Nero Digital. You can also import an already existing subtitle track. For an import of this kind, the file must be saved in the following format:.SRT;.SUB. The individual subtitles in files in.SUB format consist of a single line. The lines are separated from each other by paragraph marks and must have the following form: {0}{50}Sample subtitle text The first and last frames in which the text is to appear, in curled brackets. Followed - without a blank - by the subtitle text.
Files in.SRT format consist of blocks of 3 lines. They are separated from each other by blank lines and must have the following form: 1 Continuous number, beginning with one, increases by one per block. Precise time in hours, minutes and seconds after which the text is to be displayed. The thousandths of a second are separated by a comma. Blank. 00:01:36,480 --> 00:01:38,360 Arrow, consisting of two hyphens and an angled bracket. Blank. Precise time in hours, minutes and seconds after which the text should no longer be displayed. The thousandths of a second are separated by a comma. Sample subtitle text The text of the subtitle.

Chapter Video

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10.2 Recode

To recode a main movie for Nero Digital, proceed as follows:
2. Select the Recode Main Movie to Nero Digital task in the Nero recode start screen.
The My Nero Digital Movie Backup screen appears.
8. Select the drive or hard drive folder containing the DVD and click on the OK button.
DVD video titles will be imported. The capacity bar at the bottom of the screen shows how much memory the imported files require. If the imported files are greater than the target medium, the central area of the Nero Digital Titles tab shows how the files are recoded in accordance with the selected profile.
9. Mark the audio tracks you want to copy as required on the Audio and #2 tabs in Dolby
Digital format and specify the format to which the audio files are to be converted (stereo or 5.1-channel surround).
10. To change an audio setting, click on the Settings button (see Audio settings). 11. Mark the subtitle tracks you want to copy on the Subtitle tab. 12. Create a subtitle track of your own as required (see Create your own subtitle track).

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13. To trim a video title:
1. Mark the video title you want to trim in the Nero Digital Title tab. 2. Click on the Trim Movie button. The Trim Movie window is opened. 3. Trim the video title by defining the first and last frames (see Trim Title). 4. Confirm your selection by clicking on the OK button. The video title is trimmed.
14. If you want to add additional; chapters to individual video titles:
1. Mark the video title to which you want to add more chapters in the Nero Digital Title tab. The Chapter window is opened. 2. Add additional chapters to the video title (see Set chapter markers). 3. Click on the OK button. The video title contains new chapters.
15. If you want to change the Nero Digital Video settings for certain video titles:
1. Mark the video title whose video settings you wish to change in the Nero Digital Title tab. 2. Click on the Video button. 3. Change the required settings (see 4. Define video settings). 5. Click on the OK button. The video settings have been changed.
16. Select the required Nero Digital category in the Nero Digital Category drop-down list. 17. Select the required Nero Digital profile in the Nero Digital Profile drop-down list. 18. Move an area control in the Video Quality column until the required video title quality is

11.2.1 Create a new profile
To create a new profile for the Nero Digital settings, proceed as follows:
1. Click on the New button.
The New Profile dialog window will open.
2. Enter the name for the new profile. 3. Select the profile from which the settings are to be copied from the drop-down list. 4. Click on the OK button.
You have now created a new profile. You can now continue to make more settings in expert mode.

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11.2.2 Encoding mode
The Encoding mode setting allows you to choose between the Real-time encoding (1 pass) and High quality encoding (2 pass) settings. Coding in a single pass may take less time, but it does not offer the same quality as coding in two passes. If coding in a single pass is selected, two fields are available, Min. quant. and Max. quant. You can use these to set the range for the permitted quantization factor. This determines the degree of compression for the output file. Remember that while greater compression reduces the output, it also involves a loss of quality. For this reason you should never exceed a quantization factor of 31.
This setting option is only available if you have selected Nero Digital, Sony Memory Stick-Video or Apple iPod in the Nero Digital category.

11.2.3 Quality/Speed

The Quality/Speed entry enables you to make settings in relation to the quality and speed of the coding process. The Performance/Quality drop-down list can be used to select settings for the best possible configuration of the options. When you choose Custom you can select the options yourself. These options are explained below. This setting option is only available if you have selected Nero Digital, Sony Memory Stick-Video or Apple iPod in the Nero Digital category.

11.2.3.1

Motion search
In the Motion search drop-down list you can choose between None, EPZS (Enhanced Predictive Zonal Search) and EPZS. These are algorithms for reducing image information in P and B-VOPs. EPZS produces the best results in this setting, but requires more time for encoding. The None setting produces the lowest coding efficiency. For this reason it is not recommended.

11.2.3.2

NC Prediction
You can use the NC Prediction drop-down list to set the speed of the prediction of noncoded macroblocks. If you choose Fast, an attempt will be made to use a fast process to close the current macroblock from neighboring, non-coded macroblocks. However, the quality of the output file is poorer. The None setting delays the coding process because the non-coded blocks are not predicted but are rather analyzed in detail. This produces the best possible quality. The Normal setting is recommended as it is the middle way.

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11.2.3.3

Scene cut

If you check the Scene cut box, you can use the control to set the sensitivity with which the encoder detects scene changes. For efficiency, it inserts keyframes at these points whose information is used by the P- and B-VOPs. This is necessary in scenes involving a lot of fast movement in order to reproduce the details of the picture accurately. We advise a central control setting because inserting too many keyframes is inefficient.

11.2.3.4

Fast ME
The Fast ME setting speeds up the encoding process by accelerating motion prediction.

11.2.3.5

Low/High noise
The Low/High noise setting requires you to judge for yourself whether your source features minor or major interference. If your source does have such interference, you should check the corresponding box. The encoder will then try to resolve the problems during encoding.

11.2.3.6

High B-VOP quantization
If you check the High B-VOP quantization box, you will increase the quantization of the BVOPs. The increase in quantization will improve the compression of the output file, making it smaller. However, this also means a reduction in quality This option is only relevant if B-VOPs are permitted in the Advanced entry (see Advanced).

11.2.3.7

Rate distortion optimization
The Rate distortion optimization setting enables the encoder to guarantee the ratio between quality and targeted compression level with automatic decisions.

11.2.3.8

Maximum MV range
The Maximum MV range drop-down list allows you to use predefined values to set the maximum range for motion vectors.

11.2.3.9

Psycho visual quality level
The Psycho visual quality level setting uses human perception patterns to achieve better overall quality. This means, for example, that the quality is better in the middle of the frame than at the edges because the eyes tend to focus more on the middle and a slight lack of detail on the edge will not be noticed. Because quality is "saved" on the edge, it is possible either to improve the overall quality or to increase compression.

11.2.4 Advanced

You can make further settings relating to various areas of the encoding in the Advanced entry. These are explained below. These setting options are only available if you have selected Nero Digital, Sony Memory Stick-Video or Apple iPod in the Nero Digital category.

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11.2.4.1
Simple Profile (QuickTime compatible)
If you check the Simple profile box, a number of options in expert mode are grayed out and cannot be changed. The output file is thus encoded in the MPEG-4 simple profile (see MPEG-4 profiles).

11.2.4.2

The Quantization drop-down list allows you to choose between H236 Quantization and MPEG Quantization. Select MPEG if you want to use your own quantization matrix or change the existing one. If you do not want to do this, leave the setting at H263 quantization.

11.2.4.3

Pixels
You can choose between Half and Quarter Pixel in the Pixel drop-down list. Motion is then sought in quarter or half pixel steps. If estimation is in quarter pixels, the coding process takes longer, but the quality is better

11.2.4.4

Spatial prediction
The Spatial Prediction setting is used to encode macroblocks in correlation with neighboring macroblocks. In other words, they are coded with difference information relating to these neighboring macroblock and on the basis of the probability of similarity. The information from several intracoded neighboring macroblocks is used to be able to predict a macroblock more accurately.

11.2.4.5

The P-VOP setting enables encoding using P-VOPs.

11.2.4.6

Unrestricted Motion Vectors
If you check the Unrestricted motion vectors box, you allow the motion vectors also to relate to points outside the frame. This option improves coding efficiency on the edge of the frame.

11.2.4.7

4 motions vectors per macroblock
The 4 motion vectors per macroblock setting allows the encoder to divide the macroblocks of 16x16 pixels into four 8x8 pixel macroblocks for the motion search. This means that there are now four motion vectors instead of one. This option improves the quality but slows down the encoding process.

11.2.4.8

Bidirectional VOP
The Bidirectional VOP setting permits encoding with the help of B-VOPs.

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11.2.4.9
Support of interlaced VOP
The Support of interlaced VOPs setting allows the Interlaced process. This process, which is used to display a TV picture in PAL standard, displays two half frames in succession. As the frame is generated, only the odd lines from the output device are displayed for the first half frame and, one this is complete, the second half frame is generated from the even lines. The two frames are coded separately. The relatively high refresh frequency means that the eye picks this up as a single frame. This function is not supported by all hardware.

11.2.4.10

Global Motion Compensation
The Global Motion Compensation setting is used to compensate for camera movement. This is achieved by means of pre-set vector fields for motion vectors. The vector corrections required if the vector fields are incorrect are less complex than the creation of a completely new vector field. This setting requires a lot of time with little increase in quality.

11.2.5 Keyframes

The Keyframes entry allows you to set the intervals between keyframes. These setting options are only available if you have selected Nero Digital, Sony Memory Stick-Video or Apple iPod in the Nero Digital category

11.2.5.1

Smallest/largest keyframe interval
The Keyframe Interval setting defines the maximum and minimum values for the GOP size. Remember that the value for the largest interval may not be greater than 300, but should not be set too low either because the coding efficiency at other locations can become poorer if there are too many keyframes.

11.2.6 Matrices

The user can edit existing qualification matrices or upload their own matrices under Matrices. The matrices determine how the various frequencies in the macroblocks are displayed. These setting options are only available if you have selected Nero Digital, Sony Memory Stick-Video or Apple iPod in the Nero Digital category

11.2.6.1

The matrix in the Intra entry is responsible for the quantization of I macroblocks because this is intracoded.

11.2.6.2

The matrix in the Inter entry is responsible for the quantization of P and B macroblocks because these are intercoded.

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11.2.7 AVC Encoder
The AVC (Advanced Video Encoding) entry and its subentries can be used to make AVC encoding settings for your data. 11.2.7.1

Thread Count

Nero Recode supports multi-core processors. If you have one of these, you can distribute the encoding process to the required number of threads.

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List of figures
Fig. 1: Nero StartSmart.....8 Fig. 2: Nero Recode start screen.....9 Fig. 3: Nero Recode Options window....11 Fig. 4: Importing video titles in Nero Recode....14 Fig. 5: Nero Recode burning settings....18 Fig. 6: Nero Recode burning process....20 Fig. 7: My DVD Backup screen with already imported DVD...21 Fig. 8: My Movie Backup screen with main movie already imported...25 Fig. 9: Trim Movie window....28 Fig. 10: My Own DVD Compilation screen with already imported files..29 Fig. 11: My Nero Digital Disk screen with already imported files..33 Fig. 12: Nero Digital Subtitle Settings window....38 Fig. 13: My Nero Digital Movie Backup screen with already imported files..42

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46 Keyframe 47

ASP Audio settings AVC

Layer Break Letterboxed 12 41
Basic settings Burn Options Burn-at-once Burning 19 19, 27, 31, 36, 44
Macroblock Movie Trimming Multi-core Processor 47 25, 29, 33, 42 53
CABAC Capacity Bar Chapter Markers Contact Conventions Custom Crop 5 40
Nero Digital expert settings Nero Recode Starting using Nero StartSmart Nero StartSmart Noise 8 47
Data Compression Decoding Deinterlace Disk Image DVD Importing 15

Options 11

Preview Profile Advanced Simple Simple Program start Progress Bar P-UOPs 12

Encoding 6

Fitting To Target 14
Quantization Quick References 47, 51 10
H263 H264 High Quality Mode 19
Recode Recoding Resolution 34 6, 19, 22, 26, 27, 30, 31, 36, 43, 44 40
Import Profile Audio Subtitles Video Importing Information Technical Interlace Interlacing Process 16 14, 21, 25, 29, 33, 46 40
Start screen Starting Nero Recode Directly Subtitle track Creating your own System Requirements 37 7

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Transcoding
Target Group Title Disabling Enabling Lock Locking Trimming Unlocking Titles Merging Separate 22, 29 26, 28, 31, 35, 44 22, 29, 29
Versions Video files Converting Video Settings Defining VOP Bidirectional Intracoded Predicted 5 33, 47

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Contact

14.1 Contact details

Nero Recode is a product of Nero AG.
Nero AG Im Stoeckmaedle Karlsbad Germany Web: Help: E-mail: Fax: www.nero.com http://support.nero.com techsupport@nero.com +892 8499
Copyright 2006 Nero AG. All rights reserved.

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