Nero Express Operation Manual

Nero Express Manual

Table of Content

1. Start Successfully .................................................................................................................................. 4

1.1. About Nero Express ...................................................................................................................... 4

1.2. Versions of Nero Express .............................................................................................................. 4

1.3. Working with Nero Express........................................................................................................... 6

1.4. Starting Nero Express .................................................................................................................... 6

2. User Interface ....................................................................................................................................... 7

2.1. Start Screen ................................................................................................................................... 7

2.1.1. Extended Area (Start Screen) ................................................................................................ 7

2.2. Compilation Screen ....................................................................................................................... 8

2.3. Final Screen ................................................................................................................................. 10

3. Burn Data Discs ................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1. Burn CD/DVD/Blu-ray.................................................................................................................. 12

3.2. Burn a SecurDisc ......................................................................................................................... 13

3.2.1. About Nero SecurDisc Viewer ............................................................................................. 15

3.3. Saving Data Track ........................................................................................................................ 16

4. Rip and Burn Music ............................................................................................................................. 17

4.1. Create Audio CD .......................................................................................................................... 17

4.1.1. Customizing Properties of the Audio File............................................................................ 18

4.1.1.1. Track Properties Tab ....................................................................................................... 18

4.1.1.2. Indexes, Limits, Split Tab ................................................................................................. 19

4.1.1.3. Filters Tab ........................................................................................................................ 20

4.2. Create Jukebox Disc .................................................................................................................... 21

4.3. Rip Audio CD ............................................................................................................................... 21

4.3.1. Copy Audio CDs to Hard Drive ............................................................................................ 23

4.3.1.1. Source Tab ....................................................................................................................... 23

4.3.1.2. Output Tab ...................................................................................................................... 24

4.4. Gracenote Music Recognition ..................................................................................................... 25

5. Copy Disc ............................................................................................................................................. 27

5.1. Copy a Disc .................................................................................................................................. 27

5.2. Copy an Audio CD ........................................................................................................................ 28

5.3. Methods and Settings ................................................................................................................. 29

5.3.1. On-the-fly Copying .............................................................................................................. 31

Nero Express Manual

5.3.2. Copy Over Image ................................................................................................................. 31

6. Video Compilations ............................................................................................................................. 32

6.1. Burn DVD-Video .......................................................................................................................... 32

6.2. Burn AVCHD ................................................................................................................................ 33

6.3. Burn BDMV.................................................................................................................................. 34

7. Disc Images ......................................................................................................................................... 36

7.1. Burn from Disc Image .................................................................................................................. 36

7.2. Create and Burn a Disc Image ..................................................................................................... 36

8. About Burning ..................................................................................................................................... 38

8.1. Burn Process ............................................................................................................................... 38

8.2. Burn Settings ............................................................................................................................... 38

8.2.1. Extended Area (Burn Settings) ............................................................................................ 39

8.3. Recorder Settings ........................................................................................................................ 41

9. Create Labels ....................................................................................................................................... 43

9.1. LightScribe ................................................................................................................................... 43

9.1.1. Printing LightScribe Label .................................................................................................... 43

9.1.2. LightScribe Print Properties Window .................................................................................. 44

9.2. Labelflash .................................................................................................................................... 45

9.2.1. Burn Label Window ............................................................................................................. 45

9.2.2. Printing Labelflash Labels and DiskT@2 ............................................................................. 46

10. Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 49

10.1. Configuration Options ............................................................................................................. 49

10.1.1. Compilation Settings ........................................................................................................... 49

10.1.2. Cache Settings ..................................................................................................................... 50

10.1.3. Expert Features ................................................................................................................... 50

10.1.4. Ultrabuffer Settings ............................................................................................................. 52

10.1.5. LightScribe Settings ............................................................................................................. 52

10.2. Erase a Disc ............................................................................................................................. 53

11. Nero MediaBrowser ........................................................................................................................ 54

Nero Express Manual

1. Start Successfully

1.1. About Nero Express

Nero Express provides all the performance and efficiency of Nero Burning ROM with a simplified user interface. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Nero Express guides you quickly and easily through your desired burning tasks. The default settings are selected to automatically produce the best possible results. Using the program is remarkably easy: simply select the project to be burned, add the files, and start burning.

With Nero Express that is included in Nero Classic you can save audio files from an Audio CD to the hard drive. In the process, the files are encoded, i.e. converted into a format that the computer can read. The Audio CD can be automatically identified with Gracenote. So called metadata such as title, genre, and track title are 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.

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.

1.2. Versions of Nero Express

Nero Express is available in versions with different features.

The full version of Nero Express in Nero Classic, or Nero Platinum provides the complete range of functions, including multimedia features such as saving audio tracks and burning BD-Videos.

Different versions of Nero Express Essentials are available. Essentials or OEM software may differ from the full version in a more or less broad functional range. The feature limitations of your single Essentials version are determined by the contract partner from whom you purchased your copy.

Nero Express Essentials in Nero Classic may not offer the following features compared to the full version:

 Creating labels with LightScribe  Creating labels with Labelflash  Full SecurDisc functionality  Audio CD compilation

Nero Express Manual

 AVCHD compilations  BDMV compilation  DVD-Video compilation  Jukebox compilation  Burn from Image  ISO support  Copying discs  Simultaneous burning with multiple burners  Cross fade with previous track  Save Tracks  Music title recognition with Gracenote

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 of Nero Express in Nero Classic or Nero Platinum.

In addition, the encoding and decoding formats in Nero Express Essentials are restricted. The mp3PRO Plug-in is included as a trial version.

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 Classic. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version.

Nero Express in Nero BurnExpress provides basically the same feature range as the full version of Nero Express in Nero Classic or Nero Platinum.

The following features are not available:

 SecurDisc Surface Scan  mp3 Pro Encoding

Nero Express Manual

1.3. Working with Nero Express

The main function of Nero Express is to select files and folders and to burn them to a disc. This is done in three basic steps. For each step, a new screen is displayed:

 Select a task in the start screen.  Select the files to be burned.  Start the burn process.

Additionally, you can set options regarding the files in the compilation and regarding the burn process.

1.4. Starting Nero Express

There are several ways to open Nero Express, depending on various factors such as the product you have installed and the operating system you are using.

On Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows, you can start Nero Express via:

Start (the start icon) > (All) Programs > Nero > Nero Classic > Nero Express

 the Nero BurnExpress desktop icon if you use Nero BurnExpress as a standalone

product

 the Nero Classic desktop icon if you use Nero Classic

On Windows 8, you can start Nero Express via:

 the Nero Classic tile (Windows 8 Start screen) or the Nero Classic desktop icon

(Windows 8 desktop) if you use Nero Classic

 the Nero Express tile (Windows 8 Start screen) or the Nero BurnExpress desktop icon

(Windows 8 desktop) if you use Nero BurnExpress as a standalone product

Nero Express Manual

2. User Interface

2.1. Start Screen

The main screen in Nero Express is the starting point for all actions. Click here on the relevant menu icons to go to the desired screen where you can compile and work on your project. The selection is categorized into two areas: several formats or options are available for the single compilation methods.

Click the button in the left margin of the window to display an extended area with additional options and features.

The following compilation methods are available:

Data

Allows you to compile and burn all types of files and folders.

Music

Allows you to compile and burn audio files as Audio CD for example.

Videos

Allows you to compile and burn video files as DVD-Video for example.

Image,

Project, Copy

Allows you to copy a source disc and to load an image file or a saved project.

LightScribe

Label

Displays the Disc Label screen. This is where you can create or load a label in order to print on the label

side of special CDs/DVDs in the recorder. A LightScribe recorder must be selected to enable the option.

Only available in the full version of Nero Express in Nero Classic.

The actual disc formats that are available and the actual disc types (e.g. DVD) to which can be written depend on the selected recorder.

2.1.1. Extended Area (Start Screen)

You can access the additional options and features in the extended area of the start screen

by clicking on the button in the left margin of the window. The extended area is available in all Nero Express screens.

The following menu icons are available:

Switch to

Nero

Burning

ROM

Closes Nero Express and opens the start screen of Nero Burning ROM. Nero Burning ROM is able to open Nero Express compilation files and Nero Express is able to open Nero Burning ROM compilation files.

This option is only available in the extended area of the start screen. If you decide to create a project with Nero Express, the option Saves the active

Nero Express Manual

project is displayed in all of the other windows at this point. Only available with Nero Classic.

Saves the

active

project

Opens the Save As window to save your compilation. The file links and settings to be burned are saved.

Options

Opens the Options window to customize Nero Express to suit your requirements.

Save Audio

Tracks

Opens the Copy Audio CDs to Hard Drive to copy audio files from CD to the hard drive.

Only available with Nero Classic.

Save Data

Track

Opens the Select Track window in which you can save the track of a data disc as an image file.

Erase Disc

Opens the Erase Rewritable Disc window to erase data from a rewritable disc.

Disc Info

Opens the Disc Info window to display information about the inserted disc. The total capacity and available capacity are displayed, in addition to the tracks and sessions.

Create

Covers and

Labels

Opens Nero CoverDesigner. Nero CoverDesigner is used to create and print labels and booklets for burned discs.

Please see the separate Nero CoverDesigner user manual for full instructions on how to make professional looking covers and labels. Only available with Nero Classic.

SecurDisc

Settings

Defines the settings for burning a SecurDisc disc.

Burn Label

Opens the Burn Label window, in which you can create or load a label in order to print a label and/or print directly on the data side of special discs in the recorder.

Available with a Labelflash recorder only. The recorder must be selected to enable the option. Only available in the full version of Nero Express in Nero Classic.

Recorder

Defines the recorder that you want to use for burning and/or the Nero Image Recorder.

2.2. Compilation Screen

You can access the Nero Express compilation screens by selecting the compilation type you want in the start screen. You can add data to your projects in the compilation screens and customize the directory structure on the disc to suit your requirements. The capacity bar near the bottom of the window indicates how much space is being used by the data on the disc. Essentially, all compilation screens have the same structure.

Nero Express Manual

The following setting options are in general available in the compilation screen:

Button

Add

Opens the Add files and folders window. Clicking on the little triangle allows you to open Nero MediaBrowser in

order to add media files.

Button

Remove

Removes the selected file.

Button

Play

Plays a selected audio or video file.

Button

Back

Returns to the start screen.

Button

Switches to the Final Burn Settings screen.

The following setting options are additionally available for Audio CD compilation:

Button

Properties

Opens the Audio Track Properties window for Audio CDs.

Check box

Normalize all

audio files

Enables a filter that brings the volume of the audio files to be burned into line with one another. This is recommended particularly if the files originate from different sources.

Check box

No pause

between

tracks

Establishes that the audio files merge into one another without a pause. If the check box is cleared, a pause of two seconds is inserted between the files.

We strongly recommend using the disc-at-once burn mode. Otherwise the zero pause length may not be supported by all recorders and/or a very short clicking noise may be heard between tracks.

The following setting option is additionally available for all DVD compilations:

Selection list

DVD9 (8.5 GB)

DVD5 (4.7 GB)

Allows you to expand or shrink the capacity bar according to the type of DVD you are going to burn. Choose the DVD9 (8.5 GB) option for a double layer DVD (DVD DL) and DVD5 (4.7 GB) for a single layer DVD.

The following setting option is additionally available for all Blu-ray compilations:

Selection list

BD QL (BDXL)

(128 GB) /

BD TL (BDXL)

(100 GB)

Allows you to expand or shrink the capacity bar according to the type of Blu-ray Disc you are going to burn:

BD QL (BDXL) (128 GB) for a quadruple layer Blu-ray Disc, BD TL (BDXL) (100 GB) for a triple layer Blu-ray Disc,

Nero Express Manual

BD DL (50 GB) /

BD (25 GB)

BD DL (50 GB) for a double layer Blu-ray Disc (BD DL) and BD (25 GB) for a single layer Blu-ray Disc.

Actual capacity of media formats

The actual capacity of the DVD5, DVD9, BD DL, and BDXL media formats is less than as stated by the disc manufacturers. For example, the actual capacity of a 4.7 GB DVD5 is around 4.38 GB only.

This is because of different conversion systems. A DVD5-media format can handle

4.700.000.000 bytes, but this number is not equal to the 4.7 GB stated by the disc manufacturers. The correct conversion factor for bytes is not 1000, but 1024:

1024 byte = 1 KB

1024 KB * 1024 KB = 1 MB

1024 KB * 1024 KB * 1024 KB = 1 GB

A DVD can handle 4.700.000.000 bytes:

4.700.000.000 bytes = 4.589.843 KB = 4.482 MB = 4.377 GB

The capacity bar in Nero Express will always show you the correct amount of bytes measured in MB or GB.

2.3. Final Screen

Once you have successfully concluded the burn or save process with Nero Express, the final screen is displayed with the options Burn same project again, New project, and Save Project. You can select one of these options to continue working with Nero

Express or you can click the button to exit the program.

The following setting options are available

Entry

Burn the same

project again

Returns to the Final Burn Settings screen. You can burn the same project again with the same or different settings.

Entry

New project

Opens the Nero Express start screen. You can create a new project here.

Entry

Save project

Opens the Save As window. You can save the current project if you want to access it again later.

Nero Express Manual

Entry

Nero

CoverDesigner

Opens Nero CoverDesigner. Please see the separate Nero CoverDesigner user manual for full

instructions on how to make professional looking covers and labels.

Entry

Burn Labelflash

Label

Opens the Burn Label window in order to create and burn a Labelflash label.

Only available if a Labelflash recorder is connected.

Nero Express Manual

3. Burn Data Discs

3.1. Burn CD/DVD/Blu-ray

With Nero Express you can compile and burn all types of files and folders. If a Blu-ray recorder is installed on your computer you can burn data CDs, data DVDs and data Bluray Discs. If you have a CD recorder you can only burn data CDs. The procedure for all data compilation methods is identical.

A data disc is particularly useful for storing files on a disc and for burning backups.

To create a data disc, proceed as follows:

1. Click the Data menu icon in the Nero Express start screen.

 The data disc options are displayed.

2. Click the option you require: Data CD, Data DVD, or Blu-ray Data Disc.

 The Disc Content compilation screen for data discs is displayed.

3. If you want to add files using your browser:

a. Click the Add button.

 The Add files and folders window is opened.

4. If you want to use Nero MediaBrowser to add media files:

a. Click the triangle next to the Add button and choose Add > File from

Nero MediaBrowser.

 Nero MediaBrowser is opened.

5. Select the files that you want to add to the compilation and click the Add button.

6. Repeat the previous step for all files that you want to add.

7. Click the Close button.

 The files are added to the compilation and displayed in the compilation screen.

8. Click the Next button.

 You have successfully compiled a data disc and can now burn this compilation.

Nero Express Manual

3.2. Burn a SecurDisc

SecurDisc is a technology with which you can create discs with special protection properties. No special hardware is needed.

Discs that are created with Nero Express and the SecurDisc compilation type include data integrity and reconstruction. Additional SecurDisc features include the possibility to protect the data on your disc against unauthorized access using a password, to digitally sign the disc, and to configure the data redundancy.

To be able to copy the protected data to your hard drive and to check the security of the data you will need a special application named Nero SecurDisc Viewer. The Nero SecurDisc Viewer is burned automatically to the SecurDisc disc and can be downloaded free of charge at www.securdisc.net or www.nero.com.

More information on SecurDisc technology can be found at www.securdisc.net.

This function is limited in the Essentials version. The full version offers unlimited password protection, unlimited data redundancy, and the digital signature feature.

You can always upgrade your Essentials version at www.nero.com to get the full version with all the functions.

To compile a SecurDisc disc, proceed as follows:

1. Click the Data menu icon in the Nero Express start screen.

 The data disc options are displayed.

2. Click the SecurDisc option you require.

 The Disc Content compilation screen for SecurDisc discs is displayed.

3. If you want to add files using your browser:

a. Click the Add > Files button.

 The Add files and folders window is opened.

4. If you want to use Nero MediaBrowser to add media files:

a. Click the triangle next to the Add button and choose Add > File from

Nero MediaBrowser.

 Nero MediaBrowser is opened.

Nero Express Manual

5. Select the files that you want to add to the compilation and click the Add button.

6. Repeat the previous step for all files that you want to add.

7. Click the Close button.

 The files are added to the compilation and displayed in the compilation screen.

8. If you want to enable the password protection for all files:

a. Select the Password protection check box in the extended area of the

compilation screen.

 The SecurDisc – Protect Data window is opened.

b. Enter the desired password in the Password input area and then click

the OK button.

 A lock symbol shows that all data is protected.

When appropriate, a wizard offers suggestions in an additional Tips dialog box when entering and selecting the password. The wizard estimates the security level, i.e. the quality of the password, during entry.

9. If you want to sign the disc with a digital signature:

a. Select the Digital signature check box in the extended area of the

compilation screen.

 The SecurDisc – Digital Signature window is opened.

b. If you have already created a digital key, click the Browse button and select

the key.

c. If you want to create a digital key, click the Start button.

 The SecurDisc – Create Digital Key window is opened.

d. Read the instructions and click the Next button.

 The SecurDisc Key Creation Process window is opened.

e. Move your mouse at random until the creation process is complete.

 Nero Express uses the random data to create the SecurDisc key. You can

monitor the status of the creation process using the progress bar.

The Next button is enabled as soon as the process is complete.

Nero Express Manual

f. Click the Next button.

 The SecurDisc – Key Creation Completed window is opened.

g. Enter a file name for the key you have created and click the Finish button.

 The SecurDisc – Digital Signature window is opened again and the selected

key appears in the drop-down menu.

h. Click the OK button.

 The corresponding window is opened to inform you that the disc is being

digitally signed with the selected key.

i. Click the OK button.

You can pass on the relevant public key to recipients to enable them to verify the signature.

10. If you want to enhance the burning speed by limiting the data redundancy or to

configure the data redundancy:

a. Select the Data redundancy check box in the extended area of the screen.

 The option buttons are enabled.

b. Select the desired reliability level.

If the Data redundancy check box is cleared, the disc will be filled completely with copies of the chosen data and checksums. A display panel in the compilation screen indicates the current redundancy level.

11. Click the Next button.

 You have compiled a SecurDisc disc with settings according to your requirements and

can now burn the disc.

3.2.1. About Nero SecurDisc Viewer

Nero SecurDisc Viewer is a standalone application that is part of the SecurDisc technology platform. SecurDisc is a technology developed by Nero and HLDS to create discs with special protection properties. No special hardware is needed.

Nero Express Manual

Nero SecurDisc Viewer is available as a free download at www.securdisc.net or www.nero.com and is also included automatically in a SecurDisc disc that is burned

with Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express.

Discs that are created with Nero and the SecurDisc compilation type include data integrity and reconstruction. Additionally, the data on the SecurDisc disc can be protected against unauthorized access by using a password. The data can also be digitally signed. Nero SecurDisc Viewer allows you to copy the protected data to your hard drive and to check the security of the data.

More information on SecurDisc technology can be found at www.securdisc.net.

3.3. Saving Data Track

With Nero Express you can save a data disc as an image file. The image file can later be burned to a recordable disc. The result is a copy of the original data disc.

To save the data disc as an image file, proceed as follows:

1. Insert the data disc in a drive.

2. Click the Save Data Track button in the extended area of the start screen.

 The Select Track window is opened. The track list shows you the sessions and data

tracks that are found on the disc. Due to the technical reasons, only the first data track of the first session can be saved.

3. Select the first data track.

4. Click the Save Track button.

 The Save As window is opened.

5. Select a file name and a storage location.

6. Select the desired output format (ISO or NRG) for the image file in the Save

As drop-down menu.

7. Click the Start button.

 The Progress window is opened and displays the progress made while saving. When

the save process is complete, the window is closed automatically.

 You have successfully created an image file starting from a data disc. Now you can

burn the image file to a disc.

Nero Express Manual

4. Rip and Burn Music

4.1. Create Audio CD

Some of the functions mentioned here are restricted or not available in the Essentials version. You can always upgrade your Essentials version at www.nero.com to get the full version with all the functions.

With Nero Express you can create an Audio CD that contains music files. It can be played in all standard CD players. To compile an Audio CD, source files with different audio formats are automatically converted into Audio CD format before being burned.

Some CD players cannot play CD-RWs. Use CD-R discs to burn Audio CDs.

The encoding and decoding formats in the Essentials version are limited. You can always upgrade your Essentials version at www.nero.com to get the full version with all the functions.

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 Classic. You can obtain the plug-in at www.nero.com. The plug-in is already included in the full version.

To create an Audio CD, proceed as follows:

1. Click the Music menu icon in the Nero Express start screen.

 The compilation methods for music are displayed.

2. Click the Audio CD button.

 The My Audio CD compilation screen for Audio CDs is displayed.

3. If you want to add files using your browser:

a. Click the Add > Files button.

 The Add files and folders window is opened.

4. If you want to use Nero MediaBrowser to add audio files:

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