Nero SoundTrax

Table of contents
1 1.1 1.2.1 2.2 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.6 3.3.7 3.4 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4 3.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.6 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.2 Start Successfully About the Manual About This Application Starting the Program Terminology Configuration Project Settings Preferences Device Settings Audio Format Settings User Interface Templates Surround Projects Main Window Menu Bar Toolbar Master Track Area Assignable Effects Area Tracks Area Project Area Track Display Area Effect Chains Plug-ins Tools Effects Enhancement Nero SoundBox Beat Editor Sequencer Text II Speech Ambience Nero ScratchBox Turntables Mixing Console Tools Area Importing And Recording Recording Audio Recording Console Recording Audio File Recording From Record or Cassette Importing an Audio CD 45
Table of contents 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.6.1 6.7.1 7.2 7.2.Editing Track Inserting Clips Adding Sections to a Track Applying Crossfades Creating Crossfade Editing Crossfade Properties Applying Effects and Enhancement Options Creating a Nero ScratchBox Clip Creating a Volume Curve Changing the Surround Sound Distribution Creating a Pan Curve Creating an Effect Chain Creating or Using an Effect Chain Template Creating an Effect Group Adding an Effect Group Curve to The Track Exporting And Burning Exporting a Project to an Audio File Burning a Project to CD Technical Information System Requirements Formats Supported Audio Formats and Codecs Glossary Index Contact 66

Start Successfully

About the Manual
This manual is intended for all users who want to learn how to use Nero SoundTrax. It is process-based and explains how to achieve a specific objective on a step-by-step basis. To make best use of this documentation, please note the following conventions: Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be precisely followed. Indicates additional information or advice. 1. Start The number at the beginning of a line indicates a prompt for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified. Indicates an intermediate result. Indicates a result. OK (see) [] Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program interface. They are shown in boldface. Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as links and are shown in red and underlined. Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.

About This Application

Nero SoundTrax is a professional application for the creation of Audio CDs. Instead of simply compiling audio files into a playlist, you can now mix or change the contents of the audio files. A number of wizards are available to help you copy your LP records or cassettes to your computer in just a few steps. Thanks to the many templates, even demanding projects involving 5.1. Surround or 7.1 Surround are no longer a problem: simply select the template and Nero SoundTrax opens along with the relevant tracks. In addition, the integrated Nero ScratchBox provides user-friendly functions for mixing and scratching.

The following setting options are available on the Audio Settings tab: Drop-down menu Rendering sample rate Specifies the sampling rate. The sampling rate is the frequency with which a signal is scanned per time interval. The default rate is 44100. Drop-down menu Rendering bit depth Determines the bit depth. Bit depth indicates the precision with which a vibration will be captured. The default setting is 16-bit (CD and DAT). The Channels area specifies the number of channels available in the tracks area. The following option buttons are available: Stereo 5.1 Channel Surround 7.1 Channel Surround See also Surround Projects 21 2-channel. This entry is selected by default. 6-channel surround. 8-channel surround.
Starting the Program 2.2.1.2 General Tab

General tab

The following setting options are available on the General tab: Input field Project length Input field Project title Input field Artist's name Input area Notes Check box Automatically add CD track splits Adds a short stop between two audio clips in the same track. Specifies comments for the project. Specifies the name of the artist. Specifies the title of the project. Specifies the length of the project in minutes.
Starting the Program 2.2.1.3 Tempo And Meter Tab

Tempo and Meter tab

The following input fields are available on the Tempo and Meter tab: Beats per minute Specifies the tempo of the project, i.e. the beats per minute.
Beats per measure Specifies the beats per measure for the project.

2.2.2 Preferences

In the Nero SoundTrax Preferences window, you can define output and saving settings as well as determine aspects of display and plug-ins on various tabs. In addition general settings such as a standard export file format and folder in which the music files are saved can be defined. You can open this window via the Options > Preferences entry in the menu bar.
Starting the Program 2.2.2.1 General Tab
The following setting options are available on the General tab: Check box Limit number of undo levels Input field Maximum number of undo levels Input field Default duration of CD track splits (in seconds) Drop-down menu Default export file format Specifies the file format in which Nero SoundTrax will export audio files in the default setting. Specifies the duration of the pause of new CD track splits. Limits the number of steps that can be undone to the value specified in the input field.
Specifies the number of steps that can be undone.

Insert

Audio Tracks

Tools Options Help

3.3.2 Toolbar
The following buttons are available in the toolbar: Creates a new project. Opens an existing project. Saves the project. Cuts out the selected section and saves it to the clipboard.
User Interface Copies the selected section and saves it to the clipboard. Pastes the contents of the clipboard to the selected location. Deletes the selected clips. Undoes the last action. Restores the last action that you have undone. Zooms into the project. Zooms out of the project. Zooms into the project so that the selected section is displayed in a manner that fills the screen. Zooms out of the project in such a manner that the entire project is displayed. Inserts a new track after the selected track. Opens the Open window and inserts an audio file at the selected location. Burns the project to CD. This button is only available if the project contains at least one clip. Opens the selected clip for editing. If the clip is an audio file, then Nero WaveEditor will be opened. If the clip is a SoundBox or ScratchBox clip, then the respective tool will open. This button is only available if a clip is selected. Aligns the selected clips at the same start position; the start position that is furthest to the left will be used. This button is only available if multiple clips are selected. Opens the Add or Remove Buttons menu which allows you to customize the toolbar by adding or removing buttons.

3.3.3 Master Track Area

The Master area allows you to define settings which apply for all tracks inserted into the project. The following setting options are available in the Master area: Display area Shows distribution of the surround sound.
User Interface Slider Adjusts the volume of all tracks in the project.

Button

Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Master window. This is where you can create an effect chain that can be assigned to all tracks. Opens the Project Settings window.
3.3.3.1 Toolbar The following buttons are available in the toolbar: Creates a new project. Opens an existing project. Saves the project. Cuts out the selected section and saves it to the clipboard. Copies the selected section and saves it to the clipboard. Pastes the contents of the clipboard to the selected location. Deletes the selected clips. Undoes the last action. Restores the last action that you have undone. Zooms into the project. Zooms out of the project. Zooms into the project so that the selected section is displayed in a manner that fills the screen. Zooms out of the project in such a manner that the entire project is displayed. Inserts a new track after the selected track. Opens the Open window and inserts an audio file at the selected location. Burns the project to CD. This button is only available if the project contains at least one clip.

User Interface Opens the selected clip for editing. If the clip is an audio file, then Nero WaveEditor will be opened. If the clip is a SoundBox or ScratchBox clip, then the respective tool will open. This button is only available if a clip is selected. Aligns the selected clips at the same start position; the start position that is furthest to the left will be used. This button is only available if multiple clips are selected. Opens the Add or Remove Buttons menu which allows you to customize the toolbar by adding or removing buttons.
3.3.4 Assignable Effects Area
In the Assignable Effects area you can create effect chains that can later be assigned to specific tracks. The following button is available in the Assignable Effects area: Opens the Assignable Effect Groups window. Here you can create and edit the effect groups.

3.3.5 Tracks Area

In the tracks area inserted tracks are displayed. You can also edit the track settings here. The following setting options are available in the tracks area: Input area Changes the surround sound, i.e. volume distribution on the various channels/speakers. Adjusts the volume of the track.

Slider

Display field
Visualizes the volume level.

Button / Button

Starts/stops track playback.
Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Track window. Here you can create and edit an effect chain for the track. Opens the Track Settings window. Here you can edit the track settings.

3.3.6 Project Area

The project area is divided into the frequency section and the toolbar. In the frequency section the frequencies of all tracks are displayed. Here the display of the project can be altered with the red square brackets. The following buttons are available in the project area: Opens the Recording Settings window. Plays the project from the point where the cursor is located. Plays the project from the beginning. Plays the project or the highlighted section in an endless loop. Pauses playback of the project. Stops playback. Sets the cursor at the beginning of the project. Moves the cursor back quickly. Moves the cursor forward quickly. Sets the cursor at the end of the project. Adjusts the volume. Specifies the tempo in the BMP unit.

3.3.7 Track Display Area

The track display area is where the channel frequencies of the inserted audio clips are displayed. The audio clips are displayed individually and in different colors. Open the context menu by clicking the right mouse button within the track display. Clicking an audio clip opens the clip's context menu. Here you can delete, select, copy, and cut clips. In addition, you can open Nero WaveEditor, select the output channels, and group clips. Clicking the track opens the track's context menu. Here you can insert clips of various types, delete, copy, and deactivate them. In addition, you have the possibility of inserting effects and effect chains, track splits, CD indices, and labels.

Effect Chains

In Nero SoundTrax effects are organized in an effect chain. You can assign effect chains that consist of multiple effects to a specific track or to the master track. Effects are applied sequentially (e.g. noise reduction, volume change, reverb effect). Once an effect chain is created you can save it as an effect chain template. It is also possible to define effect chains and to assign them to the tracks as an effect group curve. With the effect group curve you can adjust the intensity of the effect group over the length of the track. When putting an effect chain together you can choose from plug-ins, tools, effects and enhancements. You can open the Effect Chain Editor window via the button in the master and/or track area.

3.4.1 Plug-ins

The following setting options are available in the Plug-ins entry: DirectX Settings VST Settings Opens the Preferences window with the DirectX Plug-ins tab. Opens the Preferences window with the VST-Plug-ins tab.

3.4.2 Tools

The following setting options are available in the Tools entry: Deesser Dynamic Processor Equalizer Karaoke Filter Automatically lowers the sibilance level in a voice or song recording. Corresponds to the physical term of loudness (loudness perception). Equalizes sound frequencies and allows sound quality of bases and high notes to be modified (sound design). Filters out frequencies that are exactly the same on both tracks. Frequently in songs the vocal is the same on both tracks and is thus removed. Suppresses soft segments in the signal transmission. It is used to suppress background noise for example. Among other things pitch tuning is used to change the playback speed and the pitch.

Noise Gate Pitch Tuning

Stereo Processor Specifies settings for the left and right audio channel and generates artificial stereo. Time Correction Specifies settings for the playback speed. Transpose Changes the pitch of music passages and their playback speed.

3.4.3 Effects

The following setting options are available in the Effects entry: Chorus Adds several slightly distorted signals to the original signal.
Convolution Reverb Uses convolution to convert depictions of real sounds into audio signals by a computer system. Delay Distortion Doppler Flanger Sends out one or more delayed copies of the input signal, thereby achieving an echo-like sound. Distorts the signal. Frequently used for electric guitars. Simulates a noise source passing by and the resulting special auditory features. Copies the input signal and returns the copy (phase-delayed) to the original. The main difference to the similar phaser effect is the feeding back of the copied signal to the input. The feedback can be finely adjusted. Describes the hearing-based volume. With this effect the perceived volume can be increased without exceeding the maximum permissible amplitude. Simulates a low sampling rate, thereby generating a lower sound quality. Modulates the signal with a selectable control signal. Supports amplitude modulation as well as frequency modulation. Generates individual echoes or a single reflection and describes the number of simultaneously possible echoes. This is a delay effect based on taps. Copies and filters the input signal with a varying band-stop filter. Then the signal is reproduced phase-ddelayed to the original signal. It is similar to the flanger effect. Changes the pitch over the length of the audio file with the help of a speed curve. The length of the audio file can be changed or retained. Creates the impression that the file is being played backwards by reversing only fragments; in reality, however, the file is being played in the correct direction. Offers several effect options by inserting interference effects, such as artificial aging through noise.

Loudness

Low Fidelity
Modulation Multi-Tap Delay

Phaser

Pitch Bend

Pseudo Reverse

Re-analogue
User Interface Reverb Stutter Gives a reverb effect to the file. Produces a stuttering effect through cut-outs or repetitions.
Surround Expansion Offers expanded surround sound settings. Only available if you are editing a surround audio project. Surround Reverb Changes the room sound. A different environment can be artificially assigned to the music file. It is possible to specify the room depth, width, height, and surface as well as other parameters. Modifies the voice in a piece of music. You can change the pitch for example. Is primarily used to influence the sound of electric guitars. The term wah-wah approximates the sound of the induced effect.
Voice Modification Wah-Wah

3.4.4 Enhancement

The following setting options are available in the Enhancement entry: Band Extrapolation Camera Denoiser DC Offset Correction Declicker Declipper Dehum Filter Toolbox Noise Reduction Enables generation of high and low frequency harmonies. Removes (or reduces) the humming noises that frequently occur with video cameras with graphic view. Automatically removes DC components that can be harmful to speakers. Removes pops. The intensity can be adjusted manually. Removes parasitic noise and distortion that result from digital as well as analog saturation. Removes hum. Set of filters that suppress feedback and irregularities. Reduces undesired noise when saving analog signals.

Nero SoundBox

With Nero SoundBox you can create audio clips. Various rhythms, music types, and instruments are available in the Beat Editor, Sequencer and Ambience areas. You can also enter a text in the Text II Speech area which a computerized voice will speak in sync with the music, and add background noises to the audio clip. You can open the Nero SoundBox window via the Insert > SoundBox Clip entry in the menu bar.
General components are repeated in the various sections of the Nero SoundBox interface. In addition, general settings are available in the Nero SoundBox interface and are applicable in all areas within the Nero SoundBox. The following setting options are available: Button Switches the section on and off.

The following jog dials are available in the Effects area: Decay Specifies the length of tones.
User Interface Distortion Cut off Distorts the tone and creates the impression that it seems louder. Designates the frequency up to which the tone will be generated. The higher the jog dial is set, the higher the frequencies will be in the generated tone. Resonance Sound Gives the tone more resonance. Changes the sound using various parameters.
The following buttons are available in the Sequencer area: Graphically represents the tones. Switches between polyphony and monophony. Polyphony plays multiple tones at the same time. Monophony selects one pitch per time unit. Opens a drop-down menu where wave files with characteristic instrument sounds can be selected. Bass, guitar, piano, flute, or saxophone are available.

3.5.3 Text II Speech

In the Text II Speech area you can enter text into the text box. The following setting options are available: Jog dial Time Jog dial Pitch Jog dial Envelope Option buttons Normal, Robotize, Whisper Check box Rapper Input field I'm the box Specifies the text that will be converted to speech. Specifies the pronunciation type. Changes the formants of the voice without changing the pitch. The higher the jog dial is set, the higher the voice formants will be moved. Defines the playback volume. Influences the pitch of speech. Changes the playback speed.

3.5.4 Ambience

In the Ambience area you can select profiles and introduce these as background noises in your sound. The following setting options are available: Jog dial Intensity / Volume Drop-down menu Selects an existing profile. The Intensity and Volume sliders are adapted to suit the imported profile. Specifies volume and intensity of the background noises.

Nero ScratchBox

With Nero ScratchBox you can insert an audio clip in the track. You can open the Nero ScratchBox window via the Insert > ScratchBox Clip entry in the menu bar. Nero ScratchBox consists of two virtual turntables (1) on which audio files can be played. This means e.g. that you can professionally mix the audio files in the mixing console area (3), process the audio files with various effects in the tools area (5), and scratch the audio files.
You can select the files that you want to play on the turntables in the file selection area (4). The familiar Windows folder structure is shown here. In the peak file view (2) the audio file is displayed as peak file.

3.6.1 Turntables

You can play and edit audio files on the turntables. The following setting options are available: Button Starts playback of the audio file.
Stops playback of the audio file.
Pauses playback of the audio file.
Specifies the starting point of a loop.
Specifies the end point of a loop.

4. If you want to specify the target folder in which the imported audio files will be stored, click
the button and choose the folder in which you want to store the imported CD tracks in the directory tree.
5. Select all CD tracks that you want to import in the list box.
You can select multiple entries in a selection list by keeping the shift key held down while clicking them.

6. Click the OK button.

You have imported CD tracks from an Audio CD.

Editing Track

Nero SoundTrax allows you to edit tracks by inserting audio clips and applying various effects and enhancement options. The following requirement must be fulfilled:
You have inserted a track in the track display area and changed the track properties as desired, thereby preparing the track for further modification. One track is inserted by default in the track display area. If this track has been deleted or if you want to insert additional tracks in the track display area, click the Tracks > Insert Track entry in the menu bar.

Inserting Clips

To insert a clip into the track, proceed as follows:
1. If you want to insert an audio clip or audio loop into the track:
1. Open the context menu in the track display area and click the Insert Audio File(s) / Insert Audio Loop(s) entry. A window is opened. 2. Select the audio file that you want to insert. 3. Click the Open button. The audio file is inserted in the track as a peak file.
2. If you want to capture an audio file and immediately insert it in the track as an audio clip:
1. Open the context menu in the track display area and click the Record Audio Clip entry. 2. Make the desired settings and click the Keep button after recording is finished. The audio clip is inserted in the track automatically.
3. If you want to insert a ScratchBox or SoundBox clip:
1. Open the context menu in the track display area and click the Insert ScratchBox Clip / Insert SoundBox Clip entry. The respective window is opened. 2. Create the clip and close the window. The clip is inserted in the track automatically.
You have inserted a clip into the track.
Adding Sections to a Track
With Nero SoundTrax you can add sections to your audio tracks by inserting CD track splits, CD indexes, and labels. These options are especially helpful if you want to create individual audio files from your project and burn them to a CD instead of saving or burning the project as one large audio file.
Editing Track To add sections to a track, proceed as follows:
1. If you want to insert a CD track split:
1. Define the position where you would like to insert a CD track split by clicking the respective location in the track display area. 2. Right-click the track display area to open the context menu and click the Insert CD Track Split entry. The CD track split is inserted in the track. 3. If you want to edit the CD track split properties, right-click the CD track icon and click the Properties entry. The Track Split Properties window is opened. 4. Define the exact position of the track split and the pause length before this CD track as desired, and enter the Title and Artist information in the respective input fields. 5. Click the OK button. You have edited the CD track split properties.

2. If you want to insert a CD index:
1. Define the position at which you would like to insert a CD index by clicking the respective location in the track display area. 2. Right-click the track display area to open the context menu and click the Insert CD Index entry. The CD index is inserted in the track. 3. If you want to edit the CD index properties, right-click the CD index icon and click the Properties entry. The Index Properties window is opened. 4. Define the exact position of the CD index. 5. Click the OK button. You have edited the CD index properties.
3. If you want to insert a label:
1. Define the position at which you would like to insert a label by clicking the respective location in the track display area. 2. Right-click the track display area to open the context menu and click the Insert Label entry. The Label Properties window is opened. 3. Define the exact position of the label and enter a title in the Title input field. 4. Click the OK button. The label is inserted in the track.
You have added sections to the track.

Applying Crossfades

Nero SoundTrax allows you to create a crossfade between two audio files (i.e. to combine these audio files without interrupting their sound). Crossfades create a smooth transition between the audio files and are therefore a great method for creating audio mixes.

5.3.1 Creating Crossfade

To create a crossfade between two audio files, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click the track display area to open the context menu and click the Insert Audio

File(s) entry.

A window is opened.
2. Select the audio file that you want to insert. 3. Click the Open button.
The audio file is inserted in the track as a peak file.
4. Insert a second audio file in the same track as described above. 5. Drag the second audio file over the first one.
A red X appears in the area in which the two audio files overlap. You have created a crossfade between two audio files.
5.3.2 Editing Crossfade Properties
After creating a crossfade, you can edit the properties of the crossfade area (i.e. the area in which the two audio files overlap). To edit the crossfade properties, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click the red X in the crossfade area.
A context menu is opened.
2. If you want to apply a certain crossfade method, click the desired crossfade method. 3. If you want to match the tempos of the two audio files for the crossfade area:
1. Click the Match Tempos entry. The Crossfade Tempo window is opened.
2. If you want to create a smooth transition between the two audio files, select the Gradually alter tempo with transition option button. 3. If you want to create a rather harsh transition between the two audio files, select the Hard tempo scale within transition option button. 4. If you want to manually define the tempo (in bpm) for the crossfade area, move the Common tempo slider to the desired position. 5. Click the OK button.

4. Click the volume curve where you want a volume change and move the square box up or 5. Repeat the previous step until you have specified all desired points of the volume curve. 6. If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click the curve point and select the
Remove Curve Point entry in the displayed context menu.
7. If you want to define the settings for a curve point more precisely:
1. Right-click the curve point and select the Edit Curve Point entry in the displayed context menu. The Edit Curve Point window is opened. 2. Enter the desired position of the curve point in the Min. and Sec input fields in the Time Line Position area. 3. Enter the desired volume in decibels in the Volume text box in the Value area. 4. Click the OK button.
You have created a volume curve and added it to the track.
Changing the Surround Sound Distribution
Nero SoundTrax allows you to allocate different output levels to the speakers during playback of a track. This changes the sound center of the room so that the sound "migrates". For this key points are created in the track so that the movement of sound can be re-used in subsequent playbacks. To change the surround sound distribution, proceed as follows: In general: The farther you move the dot away from a speaker the softer the sound in that speaker will be. The nearer you move the green dot to the speaker the louder the sound will be. The sound from the right speaker becomes louder when the dot is moved to the right; the sound from the left speaker becomes louder when the dot is moved to the left. If you place the dot in the corner above one of the speakers then only that particular speaker will provide sound; the other speaker will be completely muted. You can achieve the same effect by double-clicking on one of the speakers to turn it yellow.
1. Click the green dot in the Surround Sound Distribution field located in the track section,
keep the mouse button pressed, and move the dot. The dot movement is marked by key points in the track display area. These key points consist of a dotted line and a diamond at the top of the line. and move it to the right or left.
2. If you want to move a key point in the track, click the diamond at the top of the key point 3. If you want to delete a key point in the track, click the diamond at the top of the key point
and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
You have changed the surround sound distribution of the track.

Creating a Pan Curve

A pan curve allows you to vary the volume in the individual channels over the length of the track. For example, for stereo you can initially make the left channel louder than the right channel, thereby simulating a movement. To create a pan curve, proceed as follows:

1. Select the track for which you want to change the volume distribution. 2. Click the Tracks > Add Pan Curve entry in the menu bar.
The pan curves are displayed in the track. On the left border of the track a percentage
scale from 0 to 100 is displayed for the volume. The starting point of the curve is at 0, which represents consistent volume allocation.
3. Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box in the left corner, to the desired

initial distribution.

4. Click the volume curve at the location for which you want to change the volume distribution
and move the square box up or down.
5. Repeat the previous step until you have specified all desired points of the pan curve. 6. If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click the curve point and select the
1. Right-click the curve point and select the Edit Curve Point entry in the displayed context menu. The Edit Curve Point window is opened. 2. Enter the desired position of the curve point in the Min. and Sec. input fields In the Time Line Position area. 3. Enter the desired pan in percent in the Pan text box in the Value area. 4. Click the OK button.
You have created a pan curve and added it to the track.

Creating an Effect Chain

To create an effect chain, proceed as follows:
1. If you want to create an effect chain for all tracks, click the Insert > Effect Into > Master
Effect Chain entry in the menu bar.
2. If you want to create an effect chain for a specific track, click the Insert > Effect Into >
Track Effect Chain entry in the menu bar.
The Effect Chain Editor window is opened.
3. Click the Add button and choose the desired effect from the displayed menu.
Different control elements are displayed depending on the selected effect.
4. Define the other settings as desired.
The subsequent settings differ depending on the selected effect and are not described in further detail.
5. Repeat the preceding steps until you have added all desired effects. 6. Click the Close button. 7. If you want to delete the effect chain, right-click in a free area of the track, whose effect
You have created an effect chain.
chain you want to delete, and select Edit track effect chain in the displayed context menu.
5.10 Creating or Using an Effect Chain Template
To create your own effect chain template or to use a predefined one, proceed as follows:
Effect Chain entry in the menu bar. If you want to create an effect chain for a specific track, click the Insert > Effect Into > Track Effect Chain entry in the menu bar.
2. Click the Add button and choose the desired effect from the displayed menu.
3. If you want to use a predefined template, select the desired template in the drop-down

You have added an effect group curve to the track.

Exporting And Burning

Exporting a Project to an Audio File
To save a project as an audio file, proceed as follows:
1. Click the File > Export to Audio File entry in the menu bar.
The Save As window is opened.
2. Select the folder in which you want to save the audio file. 3. Enter the desired file name in the File Name input field and select the audio format in
which the file will be saved. The subsequent settings differ depending on the selected effect and are not described in further detail.
4. If you want to define additional settings for the audio format:
1. Click the Options button. A window is opened. 2. Define the other settings as desired. 3. Click the OK button.
5. Click the Save button.
You have saved the project as an audio file.

Burning a Project to CD

To burn an Audio CD, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Tools > Burn to CD entry in the menu bar.
The Audio CD Recorder window is opened.
2. Insert a writable CD in the disc burner. 3. Select the disc burner into which you have placed the writable CD in the Device drop-down
menu. You can also save the project as a disc image if you do not want to burn it to a CD immediately. In this case, select the Image Recorder entry instead of a disc burner in the Device drop-down menu. You can then burn this disc image later with Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express.
4. If you want to perform a simulation to verify whether the disc burner can burn the CD,
select the Simulate before recording check box.
Prior to burning, the program verifies that all files selected for burning are available.
5. If you want to run a speed test prior to burning, select the Test maximum speed before

burning check box.

Prior to burning, the program verifies whether the disc burner is capable of burning the
session with the selected writing speed.
6. If you do not want to normalize the volume, select the Do not normalize option button in
the Volume Level Normalization area. If you want to normalize the volume of the individual CD tracks individually, select the Normalize each track separately option button If you want to normalize the volume of the whole CD, select the Normalize globally option button. the desired decibel value is reached.

Audio input.. 17 Audio output... 17 Audio settings... 8 Audio track.. 7 Band Extrapolation. 30 Beat Editor.. 30, 33 Beats per measure. 10 Beats per minute.. 10 Bit depth.. 8, 12 Burn

Audio CD.. 58

Curve point
Edit..53, 55, 57 Remove..53, 55, 57
DC Offset Correction.. 30 Deactivate

Track... 51

Camera Denoiser.. 30 Capturing
Audio file.. 40 Cassette... 41 LP... 41 Record... 41 Tape... 41
Declicker.. 30 Declipper... 30 Decoder.. 18 Deesser.. 28 Dehum.. 30 Delay.. 29 Derumble filter.. 44 Device settings.. 7, 16
Audio input.. 17 Audio output.. 17

Cassette

Capturing.. 41
CD index... 48 CD text.. 59 CD track split.. 48
Digital monitoring.. 41, 42 DirectX plug-in.. 16 DirectX Plug-ins.. 28 DirectX settings. 28 Distortion... 29
Index Dynamic Processor.. 28 Edit
Curve point.. 53, 55, 57 Effect group.. 56 Key point.. 54

Importing

Audio CD.. 45
CD index.. 48 Label... 48 ScratchBox clip.. 47 SoundBox clip.. 47
Effect chain.. 26, 50, 56 Effect chain template.. 28
Create... 56 Remove... 56
Karaoke Filter.. 28 Key point

Edit... 54 Remove... 54

Effect chains.. 28, 30, 55
Create... 55 Effects... 28 Enhancements... 28 Plug-ins.. 28 Remove... 55 Tools... 28

Effect group. 56, 57

Create... 56 Edit... 56 Remove... 57
Effect group curve.. 28, 51, 57

Add... 57

Label... 48 LFE channel... 22 LFE track... 23 Loop.. 36, 38, 47, 52 Loudness... 29 Low Fidelity.. 29 Main window.. 22 Manual, conventions.. 5 Master.. 24 Master track.. 24 Master track settings.. 22 Menu bar.. 22, 23 Mixing console. 35, 37 Modulation.. 29 Monophony.. 34 Multi-Tap Delay. 29 Musical direction.. 33 Nero Scratch Editor. 37, 38 Nero ScratchBox.. 35, 47

Clip... 52

Effect groups.. 26 Effects.. 26, 28, 29 Encoder.. 19 Enhancements. 28, 30 Equalizer... 28 Export
Audio file.. 58 File format... 11
Filter Toolbox.. 30 FIR filter.. 12 Flanger.. 29 Frequency.. 27, 33 General components.. 31 General settings.. 31 Hardware Learn.. 38 Help.. 23 IIR filter.. 12 Image Recorder.. 58

Nero ScratchBox clip

Create... 52
Nero ScratchEditor. 53 Nero SoundBox.. 30, 47 Nero SoundTrax.. 5 Noise Gate.. 28 Noise Reduction.. 30, 43 Noise shaping.. 12
Index Noise shaping filter.. 12 Online help.. 23 Open project... 21 Options.. 7, 10, 16, 17, 23 Pan curve.. 50, 54

Create... 54

Sample sounds. 38 Save/Output Settings.. 12 Scratch Editor.. 38 ScratchBox. 35, 47, 52 ScratchEditor.. 37, 53 Scratches.. 38, 52 Scratching.. 35 Select

Nero StartSmart

1 1.1 1.2 1.4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.3 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 4.4 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.6.7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.Start Successfully About the Manual About Nero StartSmart Nero StartSmart Versions Starting Nero StartSmart Start Screen Quick Tasks Data Burning Burn Data Disc Screen Burning a Data Disc Audio Burning Audio Burning Screen Burning an Audio CD Audio Ripping Audio Ripping Screen Converting Audio CDs to MP3s Automatic Music Recognition Identifying Audio Files Copy Disc Copy Disc Screen Copying a disc Methods of Copying Tabs Music Tab Video, Photo Tab Data Tab Tools Tab Knowledge Center Tab Options Setting Up Newsfeeds Technical Information System Requirements Disc Types Disc Formats Audio Formats and Codecs Metadata Feed Formats Glossary Index Contact 41 42

Start Successfully

About the Manual
This manual is intended for all users who want to learn how to use Nero StartSmart. It is process-based and explains how to achieve a specific objective on a step-by-step basis. To make best use of this documentation, please note the following conventions: Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be precisely followed. Indicates additional information or advice. 1. Start The number at the beginning of a line indicates a prompt for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified. Indicates an intermediate result. Indicates a result. OK Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program interface. They are shown in boldface. 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 StartSmart

Nero StartSmart is an easy to use command center. It acts as an application launcher: You merely have to select the desired category (e.g. Music) and the desired task to automatically launch the corresponding application. In addition you can work directly with Nero StartSmart: So-called quick tasks provide frequently-used functions such as burning, ripping, and copying.

Nero StartSmart Versions

Nero StartSmart is available in versions with different features. In addition to the full Nero StartSmart version, there are other versions with restricted features. Nero StartSmart Essentials does not offer the following features:
Audio Burning Music title recognition with Gracenote (not included in standard functionality)
Start Successfully Features that are not available in the Essentials versions are indicated by the icon offers you upgrade possibilities, and gives information about it. Gracenote Plug-in You will need the Gracenote Plug-in to identify single audio files. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version. In addition, the encoding and decoding formats in Nero StartSmart Essentials are restricted. The mp3PRO plug-in is included as trial version. mp3PRO Plug-in You will need the mp3PRO Plug-in for unlimited MP3 and mp3PRO encoding/decoding. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version. The Knowledge Center tab in the Essentials version provides links to upgrade options and information about these options. Upgrading your Essentials version will give you the full version with all the functions. icon. The

Opens the options for the Data Burning quick task.
Image file An image refers to a single file on the hard drive that contains the image of a complete disc. Creating an image file is especially useful when you do not have an available recorder or a blank disc. Later on you can use an application like Nero Express to burn the image to disc. Further information can be found in the Nero Express manual.
4.1.2 Burning a Data Disc
With Nero StartSmart you can compile and burn all types of files and folders. Depending on your installed burner, you can burn a data CD, data DVD or data Blu-ray Disc. To burn a data disc, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Data Burning menu icon.
The Burn Data Disc screen is displayed.

2. Click the Add button.

The Add files and folders window is opened.
3. Select the files that you want to burn to disc. 4. Click the Add button.
The files selected are listed in the Burn Data Disc screen. A capacity bar displays the
total length of the files to be burned to disc. The Add Files and Folders window stays in the foreground until you close it.
5. If you want to delete a file, choose the desired file and click the Delete button.
The selected file is removed from the list.
6. Select a burner from the Destination drive drop-down menu. 7. If you want to include a name for the disc, enter a name in the Disc name input field. 8. Click the Burn button.
A window is opened and prompts you to insert a blank recordable disc into the recorder.
9. Insert a blank recordable disc into the recorder and click the Load button.
A progress bar is displayed at the bottom left of the screen. When the burn process is
finished, a window is opened.

10. Click the OK button.

You have burned a data disc that contains the selected files.

Audio Burning

4.2.1 Audio Burning Screen
You can create audio discs here with just a few mouse clicks.
Audio CD Standard Audio CD that can be played on all standard playback devices, such as home and car stereo equipment. You can select songs from your hard drive or from other Audio CDs and burn them to the new Audio CD. To compile an Audio CD, source files with different audio formats (e.g. MP4, MP3 or WMA) are automatically converted into Audio CD format before being burned. MP3 Jukebox Disc Audio disc with audio files in MP3 format that can be played on all computers and MP3 playback devices. Nero AAC Audio+ Nero Jukebox Disc Audio disc with audio files in Nero ACC Audio format that requires little storage space

Quick Tasks and has surprisingly high sound quality. This type of audio disc can be played on all playback devices that support the Nero AAC Audio format. mp3PRO Plug-in You will need the mp3PRO Plug-in for unlimited MP3 and mp3PRO encoding/decoding. The plug-in can be added to Nero Multimedia Suite. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version. The creation process is nearly identical for all audio discs.

Burn Audio Disc screen

The following setting options are available: Input field Title (CD-Text) Enter the desired name for the Audio CD to be burned. This text appears in the display of the playback device during playback. Only available when creating an Audio CD. Input field Artist (CD-Text) Enter the artist name for the Audio CD to be burned. This text appears in the display of the playback device during playback. Only available when creating an Audio CD. Input field Disc name Enter a name for the disc to be created. This text appears in the display of the playback device during playback. Only available when creating a Jukebox disc.
Quick Tasks Drop-down menu Destination drive Allows you to select the drive you would like to use for burning. The Image Recorder entry creates an image file that is initially stored on the computer under the path shown in the adjacent text field. The image can be burned to a CD later. The drop-down menu is available if there is more than one drive, or if the Image Recorder is enabled. Button Add Opens a window in which you can select audio files to be added to the content of your audio CD by clicking the mouse. Click the Open button to view the contents list of the Burn Audio CD screen. The capacity bar indicates the total length of the listed songs in minutes. Removes the selected entries from the contents list. Delete Button Burn Opens the options for the Audio Burning quick task. Starts the burn process or the creation of an image file.

Button

Image file An image refers to a single file on the hard drive that contains the image of a complete disc. Creating an image file is especially useful when you do not have an available recorder or a blank disc. Later on you can use an application like Nero Express to burn the image to disc. Further information can be found in the Nero Express manual. See also Options 35
4.2.2 Burning an Audio CD
In Nero StartSmart, you have the option of selecting audio files from your hard drive to burn an Audio CD that can be played on all standard playback devices. Before burning the Audio CD, the source files in various audio formats (e.g. MP4, or WMA) are automatically converted into the Audio CD format. Some CD players cannot play CD-RWs. Use CD-R discs to burn Audio CDs.
To burn an Audio CD, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Audio Burning menu icon.
The Audio Burning screen is displayed.

Audio Burning screen

2. Click the Audio CD option.
The Burn Audio CD screen is displayed.

3. Click the Add button.

4. Select the audio files that you want to burn to CD. You can select audio files from CDs or

from your hard drive.

5. Click the Add button.
The audio files selected are listed in the Burn Audio CD screen. A capacity bar displays
the total length of the music files to be burned to CD in minutes. The Add Files and Folders window stays in the foreground until you close it.
Burn Audio CD with Audio Files screen
If the capacity bar is displayed in green, all audio files on the CD can be burned. If the capacity bar is red, not all audio files fit on the CD. You have the option of deleting audio files from the list.
6. If you want to delete an audio file, choose the desired audio file and click the Delete button.
The selected audio file is removed from the list.
7. Select a burner from the Destination drive drop-down menu. 8. If you want to include a CD title, enter a name in the Title (CD-Text) input field. 9. If you want to include an artist, enter a name in the Artist (CD-Text) input field. 10. Click the Burn button.
A window is opened and prompts you to insert a blank recordable CD into the recorder.
11. Insert a blank recordable CD into the recorder and click the Load button.

12. Click the OK button.

You have burned an Audio CD that contains the selected audio files.

Audio Ripping

4.3.1 Audio Ripping Screen
The Rip Audio CD screen displays the audio files available on the Audio CD. You can save the audio files from an Audio CD to the hard drive. The files are encoded, i.e. converted into a format that the computer can read. The audio file is usually compressed. The Audio CD can be automatically identified with Gracenote. So-called metadata, i.e. information such as title, genre, and track title, is accessed by the Gracenote Media Database and associated to the tracks. That way you have audio files that are accurately and fully named after the encoding process. Gracenote Plug-in You will need the Gracenote Plug-in to identify single audio files. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version.

Rip Audio CD screen

The following setting options are available: Drop-down menu Source drive You can choose the drive in which the CD containing the tracks to convert was inserted.

Quick Tasks Drop-down menu Output file format You can choose the format in which the tracks should be saved. The following formats are available: AIFF Audio: An uncompressed audio file format with a large file size but high sound quality FLAC Audio: A lossless audio format with high sound quality MP3 Audio: Widely-used format that can be played by all standard computers and MP3 players Nero AAC: Format with an especially small file size and high sound quality OGG Vorbis: Format with a small file size and good sound quality WAVE: Quasi-standard for Microsoft systems You can choose the folder in which the tracks should be saved.
Input field Target directory Check box Enable ripping of each entire Audio CD in a row Button Edit Metadata
Saves the tracks from any number of Audio CDs, one after the other, in the selected target directory; a separate folder is created for the tracks from each Audio CD.
Opens the Edit meta data window. Here, you can edit the Audio CD metadata sent by Gracenote. You can enter the metadata if no entry for your Audio CD exists in the Gracenote Media Database. This metadata is sent to Gracenote, and added to the Gracenote Media Database. Sends a new query to the Gracenote Media Database and completes the Audio CD's metadata including artist, title name, and genre if a matching entry exists in the database. Selects the entire tracklist, i.e. all audio tracks.
Button Refresh Button Select All Button Unselect All Button Save
Deselects the entire tracklist.

Starts the save process.

Opens the options for the Rip Audio CD quick task.
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.

See also Options 35

4.3.2 Converting Audio CDs to MP3s
mp3PRO Plug-in You will need the mp3PRO Plug-in for unlimited MP3 and mp3PRO encoding/decoding. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version.
To save the audio files from an Audio CD to the hard drive, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Audio Ripping menu icon.
The Rip Audio CD screen is displayed and a window asks you to insert an Audio CD

into a drive.

2. Insert an Audio CD into a drive and click the OK button. 3. In the Source drive drop-down menu, select the drive in which your Audio CD is located.
The disc is analyzed and the required information is sent to Gracenote. If an exact
matching entry is found in the Gracenote Media Database, that metadata will be used and displayed.
If several entries are found or the found entry is ambiguos, then the Matches window is
opened and the metadata records in question are displayed.

4. Select the metadata record that matches your Audio CD. 5. Click the Send New Data button if none of the metadata records match your Audio CD.
The Edit MetaData window is opened.

Edit Metadata

The Edit Meta Data window also opens if no matching entry is found in the database but you want to enter the metadata and make it available.
6. If necessary, edit the metadata, e.g. title, artist, album title, year, and genre. 7. Click the Advanced Options button if you want to add additional information.
The Gracenote MusicID Information window, which originates from Gracenote, opens.
After entering the additional information you have to close this window so that the Edit Metadata window is displayed again.
8. Click the Submit Data button.
If you have changed the Audio CD's metadata or filled it in for the first time, the changes
are sent to Gracenote and added to the Gracenote Media Database. The Edit Metadata window is closed and the information is passed on to the Rip Audio CD screen.
Rip Audio CD screen with audio files
9. Select the tracks that you want to save on the hard drive.
1. If you want to copy all files on the disc to your hard drive, click the Select All button. 2. If you want to deselect the files, click the Unselect All button. 3. If you only want to select individual audio files, enable the check box in front of the respective audio files.
10. Choose a file format in the Output file format drop-down menu. 11. Click the Browse button and choose a target directory in which the audio files should be

saved.

12. Click the Rip button.
The selected audio files are copied and converted into the selected file format. A folder
with the name of the album is created inside the desired folder. The audio files are saved in this folder and named by artist and title. Metadata that is identified with Gracenote is written to the audio file. A progress bar at the bottom left of the screen and information on the screen show the progress of the copy process. After the copy process is finished, a window is opened with the message "Ripping was successful!".

Quick Tasks If you want to save audio files from several Audio CDs, enable the Enable ripping of each entire Audio CD in a row check box. The copy process then runs automatically for the other Audio CDs as described here. The settings that you defined at the beginning are used. A dialog box is displayed at the end of the copy process and prompts you to insert another Audio CD or to cancel the operation. When automatically copying more than one Audio CD in a row, only the entire Audio CD can be copied.
You have copied audio files from one Audio CD to your hard drive in the required file format.
4.3.3 Automatic Music Recognition
With Gracenote MusicID Nero StartSmart can identify music files. So called metadata such as artist, title, and genre are accessed from the Gracenote Media Database and displayed in Nero StartSmart. The identified metadata is written to the music file and is then available. Identification is possible for single audio files as well as complete original Audio CDs. If the metadata of the Audio CD is not yet included in the database then you can enter it and make it available. The metadata is sent to Gracenote and added into the database. With Gracenote you can have audio files identified out of any sort of audio compilation. This is particularly useful when audio files are not named or are only partially named. The metadata that is made available by Gracenote is used for the compilation and is written into the audio files. In this way your music collection is correctly tagged with all information. During the following actions, original Audio CDs can be automatically identified in Nero StartSmart with Gracenote MusicID.
Copying Audio CD Saving Tracks from the Audio CD to Hard Drive 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.
4.3.4 Identifying Audio Files
You can have the added audio files in the music compilations identified with Gracenote and access metadata such as artist and title from the Gracenote Media Database. Gracenote Plug-in You will need the Gracenote Plug-in to identify single audio files. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version. To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Select the type of compilation to burn a music CD.
The compilation screen is displayed.
2. Add audio files from the hard drive to the music compilation. 3. Select one or more audio files in the compilation. 4. Right-click to open the context menu. 5. Select the Get Meta Data entry.

The audio files are analyzed and the required information is sent to Gracenote. The Edit
Meta Data window is opened. The metadata received by Gracenote is displayed in the New Info area.

Edit Meta Data window

6. If necessary, edit the metadata, e.g. track number, title, artist, album title, year, and genre. 7. Click the Apply button.
The Edit Meta Data window is closed. The metadata is written into the audio file and accordingly shown in Nero
StartSmart. If the Adjust all file name(s) check box is selected, the file on hard disk is renamed accordingly (if technically possible).

Copy Disc

4.4.1 Copy Disc Screen
You can copy a disc very quickly here. Just insert a disc and click Copy. If you have more than one drive, drop-down menus in which you can choose the source and destination drives are displayed.

Copy Disc screen

The following setting options are available: Drop-down menu Source drive Drop-down menu You can choose the drive in which the disc to be copied is inserted. Only available if you have more than one drive. You can choose the drive with the recordable disc to which you want to burn the copy. All drives connected to your computer are listed. You can
Quick Tasks Destination drive also select the Image Recorder entry to create an image of the disc to be copied, which can then be burnt to a disc at a later point in time. In this case, click the Browse button to choose the path in which to save the image file. The drop-down menu is available if there is more than one drive, or if the Image Recorder is enabled. Triggers the copying process or the process to create an image.

Button Copy

Opens the options for the Copy Disc quick task.
See also Options 35 On-the-fly Copying 28 Copy Over Image 28

4.4.2 Copying a disc

With Nero StartSmart you can copy a disc. That means you make an exact copy of a source disc and burn it to a target disc. If your source disc is an Audio CD, for example, your copy will be an Audio CD as well. Depending on your installed burner, you can copy CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray Discs. The target disc must be the same disc type as the source disc. For example, you can copy a DVD only to a DVD. In any case, Nero StartSmart will give you a message when the disc type does not match. To copy a disc, proceed as follows:

1. Click the Copy Disc menu icon.
The Copy Disc screen is displayed.
2. Select the Source drive and the Destination drive.
If you want to copy the disc using the Image Copy method, choose the same drive for the source and the destination. If you want to copy the disc using the On-the-fly method, choose different drives for the source and the destination. If you only have one drive, the drop-down menus are not available. You therefore skip the step above. Just insert the disc you want to copy and click the Copy button.
3. Insert the disc that you want to copy into the selected drive. 4. Insert a blank disc into the target drive if you are choosing different drives for copying (Onthe-fly copy method).
5. Click the Copy button.
The copy process starts. A progress bar is displayed at the bottom left of the screen. If you are using a single drive for copying, you will be prompted to remove the source
disc and to insert a suitable blank disc after the image file has been written. The burn process then starts automatically. When the copy and the burn process are finished, a window is opened.

6. Click the OK button.

You have copied a disc.

4.4.3 Methods of Copying

If you have more than one drive, there are two options for copying a disc
On-the-fly, i.e. the disc to be copied and the recordable disc are in different drives Image copy, i.e. you use the same drive for the disc to be copied and the recordable disc
Each one of the methods can be better for different situations, depending on your requirements. 4.4.3.1 On-the-fly Copying When using the on-the-fly method, insert the original disc into a drive and a recordable disc into the drive. The original disc in the drive is copied immediately without any time delay to the blank disc in the recorder. The on-the-fly method allows you to copy discs very quickly, and does not require any additional space on the disc. In order to be able to use the on-the-fly method, you will need at least two drives: one for reading the disc and a disc burner for writing. The following requirements apply to the read drive and disc burner:

The disc burner must feature buffer underrun protection, or the drive must be capable of delivering the data sufficiently quickly. The read speed should be at least twice as fast as the write speed.
The read drive must be capable of delivering information on the number and type of sessions, otherwise Nero StartSmart may not be able to produce an exact copy.
If you want to copy Audio CDs, we recommend the copy image method because the quality of the read audio files can suffer depending on the drive. 4.4.3.2 Copy Over Image With the copy over image method, an image of the original disc is saved to a file first. The image file is then burned to a blank disc. Copying using copy over image takes longer, but it often produces better results. You must have sufficient storage space to use the copy over image method. The copy over image method is particularly suitable in the following situations:
Only one drive is available. You would like to make several copies of the same disc. You think it likely that read errors may have occurred on the source CD (for example because it is scratched). You attach importance to the best possible reproduction (particularly in relation to index positions and the quality of Audio CDs).
Frequently occurring tasks have been assembled on tabs in the Nero StartSmart categories. All tasks are linked to Nero applications, as mentioned in the task text. Detailed information about the individual applications is available in the respective manuals, which are available for download from www.nero.com free of charge. If you have not installed the respective application, the task will be unavailable. This status will be indicated by an exclamation mark. The tasks mentioned here only fully apply to the full version as not all applications may be available in the Essentials version. If an application is unavailable in your Essentials version, it will be indicated with an upgrade icon. You can always upgrade your Essentials version at www.nero.com to get the full version with all the functions.
Music tab Contains the most important tasks for music, such as ripping, playing and burning Audio CDs, and recording and editing audio files. Video - Photo tab Contains the most important tasks for video and photo, such as creating and burning videos and slide shows, playing videos and slideshows, and converting movies. Data tab Contains the most important tasks for data, such as burning, copying, backup, and recovering. Tools tab Contains tools that can be used to test your drive performance, analyze your drives and your system, and reduce drive noise. Knowledge Center tab Offers links to Web sites where you can get support, view online tutorials, and download manuals. The Knowledge Center tab in the Essentials version provides links to upgrade options and information about these options. Upgrading your Essentials version will give you the full version with all the functions.

Music Tab

Here you can perform tasks regarding music.

Music tab

The following tasks are available: Play back and Organize Music Opens Nero MediaHub. Here, you can play back your audio files in a convenient manner and also create playlists.
Rip and Burn Opens Nero Burning ROM. Here, you can create, burn, and rip Audio Music Advanced CDs. A wide range of file formats is supported. Mix Music and Digitize LPs and Tapes Edit and Record Music Opens Nero SoundTrax. Here, you can create music mixes in a virtual music studio with the help of wizards.
Opens Nero WaveEditor. Here, you can edit and record music using a variety of filters and sound optimization methods.

Video, Photo Tab

Here you can perform tasks regarding video and photo.

Video - Photo tab

The following tasks are available: Create Video and Photo Slide Show Play back Multimedia Opens Nero MediaHub. Here, you can easily create videos and slide shows. Opens Nero MediaHub. Here, you can play back your video files and pictures in a convenient manner.
Create Video and Opens Nero Vision. Here, you can create videos and slide shows. Photo Slide Show For your project you can set advanced options, such as multi track Advanced editing, and various professional effects and menus. Convert Video Opens Nero Recode. Here, you can convert DVD-Videos to different video formats.

Data Tab

Here you can perform tasks regarding data.

Data tab

The following tasks are available: Burn and Copy Data Back up Data Opens Nero Express. Here, you can select the files for a data disc and burn them to CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc. Opens Nero BackItUp. Here, you can choose files to back up and then initiate the backup process. You can also enable Autobackup, for instance, which will perform automatic backups of your data. Opens Nero Burning ROM. Here, you can select the files for a data disc and burn them to CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc. Advanced options can be applied to burn projects (e.g. defining the character set or splitting large files to multiple discs with the Nero DiscSpan compilation type). Opens Nero RescueAgent. Here, you can quickly and easily recover files from storage media that, for instance, has been damaged by scratches or cannot be read correctly due to age.
Burn and Copy Data Advanced

Restore and Recover

Tools Tab
Here you can perform tasks with Nero tools.

Tools tab

The following tasks are available: Disc Drive Performance Test Opens Nero DiscSpeed. Here, you can test the speed and performance of your media or recorder and view the results in a graph or test log.
System Opens Nero InfoTool. Here, you can call up information about the Configuration and most important features of installed drives, inserted discs, installed Analysis software, and much more. You obtain detailed data on drive properties such as firmware, buffer size, serial number, production date and the current DVD region code for DVD drives. Furthermore, Nero InfoTool tells you the name and version number of the operating system, the installed burning applications, and the hardware configuration of the computer. Restore and Recover Opens Nero RescueAgent. Here, you can quickly and easily recover files from storage media that, for instance, has been damaged by scratches or cannot be read correctly due to age.

Knowledge Center Tab

The Knowledge Center tab provides direct links to manuals, the tutorial of the month, the Nero community, and information about other Nero products, e.g. useful plug-ins.

Knowledge Center tab

The Knowledge Center tab in the Essentials version provides links to upgrade options and information about these options. Upgrading your Essentials version will give you the full version with all the functions.

Options

In the Options window, you can define settings for the quick tasks and Nero StartSmart. Use the button > Options to open the window.

Options window

The following entries are available: Data Burning Displays the Data Disc Burning Options screen. You can select the burn speed here and choose whether the data should be checked after burning. Displays the Burning Options screen. In this screen you can select the burn speed and determine whether the data should be checked after burning - separately for Audio CDs and Jukebox CDs. Displays the Audio Ripping Options screen. You can specify the file format, the encoding quality, the read speed, and enable the Gracenote database. The Gracenote database is enabled by default. Copy Disc Displays the Copy Disc Options screen. You can select the burn speed, specify whether the data should be checked after burning, and whether the burn process should be simulated prior to burning. In addition you can specify whether the on-the-fly method should be used. You can also specify the storage path for the image file when copying over an image.

Options Newsfeed Displays the Newsfeed Options screen. You can specify the interval after which the next newsfeed headline is displayed in the News area and decide to which newsfeeds you would like to subscribe (see Setting Up Newsfeeds 36). The Nero feed is subscribed by default. Misc Displays the More Options screen. You can define whether Nero StartSmart is closed, remains open or is minimized when opening a Nero application. You can also specify whether the Nero StartSmart settings are saved when closed. In addition, you can enable the integrated Image Recorder for all applications and specify whether online content (e.g. Newsfeed and Knowledge Center) is allowed. Burn and Read Speeds The following burn and read speeds are available: Minimum: Slowest speed for the most reliable burning. Safety mode: Moderate speed with emphasis on safety. Automatic: Optimal speed for the selected disc burner and the data to be burned. Maximum: Maximum speed of selected disc burner.
The Image Recorder is also suitable for creating an image of a disc type not supported by the connected recorder. For example, you can therefore create a DVD image without having installed a DVD recorder. You can then write the image to a disc at any time.

Setting Up Newsfeeds

Nero StartSmart can act as a newsfeed reader that displays the newsfeed to which you have subscribed in the News area. Only text feeds are supported. The Nero feed is displayed by default. A so-called feed consists of a file that only includes the structured content as it might appear on a page but without layout, navigation, or other additional information. Its address can be purchased in the Internet. It is often indicated by the To subscribe to newsfeeds, proceed as follows: icon. An example for a newsfeed is the Nero press release feed http://rss.nero.com/nero-news-enu.xml.
1. Click the Newsfeed button in the Options window.
The Newsfeed Options screen is displayed.

Newsfeed Options window

2. Use the arrow keys to select the desired update interval. It is specified in minutes. 3. Select the corresponding check box if you want to subscribe to the Nero feed. 4. Click the Subscribe button to create a new newsfeed.
The Add newsfeed window is displayed.

Add Newsfeed window

5. Enter the address of the desired newsfeed in the Address text box and click the OK button.
You have subscribed to the new newsfeed. The newsfeed is displayed in the Userdefined newsfeeds list.
6. If you want to cancel a newsfeed subscription:
1. Select the respective entry from the list in the Newsfeed Options window. 2. Click the Unsubscribe button. 3. Confirm your choice in the displayed dialog box. You have unsubscribed from a newsfeed. You have set up newsfeed. The news items of the newsfeed you have subscribed to will be displayed in the News area in the Nero StartSmart screen.