Pinnacle Instant CD/DVD Version 8 review

Over the last year, we've seen new versions of Nero and Easy CD Creator - the two big names in disc burning software.

Rather than offering a single CD burning tool, both now include a vast range of new applications, covering practically every task you could want to use a CD writer for. Not to be outdone, Pinnacle has released a new version of its Instant CD/DVD suite, which includes no less than nine programs.

One problem with combining so many programs into a single software suite is that it can become difficult for users to know where to start. Fortunately, Pinnacle has included a helpful startup application. Each time you open the software, you're presented with a menu, from which you choose the task you wish to perform - making a data CD, for instance. The software simply launches the right program for the job.

Those familiar with CD writing will feel immediately at home using InstantDisc, whose straightforward interface makes it a doddle to burn data files to a CD. InstantDisc also allows expert uers to tweak a few of the burning settings should they wish. Another handy feature is the ability to create audio CDs simply by dragging and dropping MP3 files.

If you want to work with MP3s, though, you'll probably prefer to use the InstantAudio program. As well as copying CD music to your PC and burning MP3s to CD, InstantAudio allows you to manage your music collection and create playlists. The program even allows you to add effects like fuzz and vinyl-esque crackles and pops, should you feel a little nostalgic for your old record collection. Unfortunately, the second music utility, composing tool InstantMusic, is cluttered and messy. To be honest, it's a nightmare to use.

InstantBackup is a useful tool that allows you to save a copy of the important files on your hard disk to CD, in case something should go wrong. Its incremental backup function makes copies of only the files that have changed - saving you time and blank CDs in the long run - but backing up to CD is a two-stage process, which beginners might find complicated. Similarly, InstantCopy isn't particularly good: CDs are duplicated easily, but our attempts at copying a home DVD ended in failure.

The suite includes a few other notable programs. InstantCinema is a piece of software for playing DVD movies. InstantWrite, a so-called 'packet writing' program, allows you to drop files to a CD just as you would on to a floppy disk. InstantDrive allows you to copy the contents of CDs onto your hard disk, and then run these 'virtual' CDs as if they were real discs.

The real ace up Instant CD/DVD 8's sleeve, though, is Expression. This excellent tool lets you convert your digital photos and video files into DVDs or VCDs, and allows you to add one of a selection of colourful menus. Video files can be split into chapters with separate menu entries, and you can turn your photos into a slideshow using an MP3 file as a soundtrack.

If all you want to do is copy the odd data CD, we'd advise most users to stick with the built-in CD burning functions of Windows XP. If, on the other hand, you fancy turning some video files or photos into a movie or slide show, the inclusion of Expression makes this mixed bag a little more attractive. Ultimately, though, anyone prepared to spend £40 on CD burning software would be well advised to find an extra fiver, and go for Roxio's superior Easy CD and DVD Creator suite.