Find The Right Music And Video

Zune 3.0

The Zune software is a great complement to the Zune MP3 player, but there are few reasons to use it as a standalone media jukebox.

Nero 9

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Microsoft Windows Vista SP1, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2, 1 GHz Intel Pentium III, 2 GHz Intel Pentium IV 1 GHz, AMD, 9, DVD-ROM, SVGA monitor, 32 MB video memory, 1 GHz Intel Pentium III, 2 GHz Intel Pentium IV, AMD, 1 GHz, Windows, DirectX 9.0c or later, Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Apple iTunes 8

Apple iTunes 8 is the industry standard for multimedia jukebox software and despite the need for a UI overhaul and some liposuction to remove the bloat, iTunes is a solid choice that most users will enjoy.

Adobe After Effects CS4

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 1.5 GHz or faster (Windows), Intel Multicore (Mac) 1.5 GHz, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, 1.5 GHz or faster (Windows), Intel Multicore (Mac), 1.5 GHz, Windows, QuickTime 7.4.5

Adobe Soundbooth CS4

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 1.4 GHz or faster for DV, 3.4 GHz for HDV 2 GHz, Dual 2.8 GHz for HD (Windows), Intel Multicore (Mac), DVD-ROM, Sound card, 1280 x 900 monitor resolution, 7200 RPM or faster hard drive, OpenGL compatible graphics card, 1.4 GHz or faster for DV, 3.4 GHz for HDV, Dual 2.8 GHz for HD (Windows), Intel Multicore (Mac), 2 GHz, Windows, QuickTime 7.x

Verizon Wireless V Cast Music

The V Cast Music with Rhapsody experience is easy to use and understand, and, by combining both the mobile download and the Rhapsody subscription service in one monthly plan, delivers considerable bang for the buck .

Nero 8

Nero 8 shows off a new interface for getting started that makes the many tools easier to find from the get-go. Some welcome new features include HD support, although this rich suite can still confuse.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions), Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, 1 GHz, 8, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, HD-DVD, DVD-ROM, SVGA monitor, 16 bit sound card, 32 MB video memory, Internet connection, 1 GHz, Windows, DirectX 9.0c, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium

Adobe CS3 Production Premium is ideal if you handle a mix of design, animation and editing tasks for video, the Web, and mobile gadgets. However, beginners should think twice about the splurge, and film pros without deep animation needs should probably stick to Apple Final Cut Studio 2 or AVID.

Final Cut Studio 2

Final Cut Studio 2 is a solid value and worthy upgrade for serious film editors who work on Macs. However, hobbyists should consider simpler software.

Specs: 1 seat, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.9, 1.25 GHz, 2, DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, 1.25 GHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.1.6 or later

Microsoft Expression Studio

Expression Studio includes Microsoft's FrontPage replacement and three other new applications for creating and managing images, Web sites and rich media applications.

Specs: 1 PC, License, MacOS, Windows

Slacker Web Player

If you want good music--right now, with minimal effort, wherever you are (so long as you have an Internet connection)--there's no reason not to take the Slacker Web Player for a spin.

Lala.com

If you have CDs that you don't want anymore, you can trade them on Lala.com, a very cool online swap meet that also offers Internet radio stations and compelling community features.

Roxio Toast Titanium 8 for Mac

Roxio continues to improve a strong suite and keep Toast current with the release of version 8. If the Mac OS and Apple's bundled apps don't meet your disc-creation needs, pick up Toast at once.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 8, CD-R, DVD-R, MacOS, QuickTime 7.1 or later

Windows Media Player 11 for Vista

If you're a Vista user, you can't get rid of Windows Media Player--it's all part of the package. Luckily, the multimedia jukebox is an excellent tool for managing your music and videos--and even photos.

Zune Marketplace

The intuitive and aesthetically pleasing Zune Marketplace works well as an audio jukebox and Zune companion, but it's missing some key ingredients that would make it a one-stop shop.

Apple iTunes 7

Apple iTunes 7 is a required upgrade for movie buyers and owners of a new iPod or iPhone. Its refined interface, particularly Cover Flow, and useful new features trump the fact that the application is processor-intensive.

Talking Panda iRocker

Talking Panda's iRocker won't turn you into a guitar-shredding virtuoso overnight, but it can teach you enough to start writing your own songs.

Specs: Complete package

MusikCube

MusikCube is an efficient, reliable, all-in-one jukebox program for Windows users who dislike DRM and bloated software.

Specs: Mouse

MTV Urge

Despite some glitches, MTV Urge is one of the best subscription music services we've seen to date. If taking your choice of millions of songs with you anywhere sounds appealing, make sure you check out this offering from MTV.

Windows Media Player 11

For Windows XP users, Windows Media Player 11 is a must-have upgrade. It's Microsoft's best jukebox effort to date, thanks to a thoughtful redesign, impressive performance, and a ton of useful features.