Ulead DVD MovieFactory 4

Submitted by pcsnpixels on December 31, 2005 - 12:51pm.

by Rick Castellini
May 2005

Testing new software that allows the creation of DVD slideshows from digital photos and movies always gets my juices flowing. I am forever looking for the ultimate in slideshow creation. Ulead's DVD MovieFactory 4 comes pretty close to what my image of an easy to use, yet complete program can be.

Ulead provides two versions of the software; Standard and the Disc Creator version. I tested the latter version. The Disc Creator version appears to be a package worthy of competing with the newest suite offerings from CD/DVD burning giants Nero and Roxio. And it holds its own.

When fully installed, Ulead places a "Quick Drop" icon list on your desktop to allow quick drag and drop access to data, music and slideshow CD or DVD creation. Don't let the name of the product scare you if you don't currently own a DVD burner, the product is fully compatible with most CD burners as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Windows XP allows for fairly easy music and data CD creation, I opted to focus on the multimedia functions of the program, and it didn't disappoint. MovieFactory is capable of creating full fledge DVD movie disk from your home Digital Video movies, and great looking (and sounding) slideshows of your digital pictures on either CD or DVD. Menus and buttons are easily found in the intuitive menus and layout screens. As with all multimedia authoring programs, a working knowledge of file structure and organization.

I created three nice picture slideshows in MovieFactory's SVCD (super video CD) mode. Each of the slideshows contained about 75 photos, with their own background music and a nice DVD menu with its own music as well. MovieFactory includes about a dozen songs geared for popular occasions, but I opted to use music from my own collection. I was pleased to see that MovieFactory could use both MP3 and WMA formats. Users can pick between about a dozen picture transitions, rotate their photos, record narration over the slide and more.

The drag and drop features of the DiscCreator version work well for those who want to quickly burn a CD or DVD without needing to customize the content. One other interesting feature that Ulead added is the "synchronize" feature. It allows you to use Ulead as a backup program to keep files synchronized on any type of removable media.

Overall, I really enjoyed working with Ulead's DVD MovieFactory 4 and feel that most computer users would feel comfortable authoring their own slideshows and movie DVD's. Visit Ulead's web site in the links I provided in this review for detailed information regarding features and even flash movie

 


Castellini on Computers Rating
(1-5 mics)
Recommended Market: Digital Photography and video enthusiasts
Approximate cost: $49.99 for the Standard edition, $99.99 for the Disc Creator edition
Company and Web Site: Ulead
If this helped, consider buying me a beer or an Americano!