Cyberlink Technologies DVD Suite 7 Ultra

The updated PowerDVD now decodes AAC audio tracks, too, and it has new library functions that allow you to keep track of the videos on your system more easily.

Other elements of DVD Suite 7 are PowerBackup, a convenient file-based backup utility whose only shortcoming is that it can't back up open files; Power DVD Copy, which can duplicate non-copy-protected discs of most types; Label Printer, an uncomplicated label creator; the InstaBurn packet-writing application for use with rewritable CD and DVD media; and access to Cyberlink's new online content and community. If you feel constrained by the limited quantity of included DVD menu templates or other content--as I did--you can head online and look for more; the offering I found there were all free and seemed to be of a high quality.

DVD Suite 7 performs just about every disc-related task that the competition can handle--and does so extremely well. Include it in your comparisons with Roxio and Nero when you shop; it's that good.