Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition
Software Review by Lee RiceWell, I can tell you right now that this little program is jam packed with exciting and fun ways to handle your photos, videos, music, etc.
One that caught my eye right away was “Analog Recorder” which converts analog sources into digital files on your computer, then can be written onto DVDs or CD-Rs and played on regular DVD, CDs, MP3s, and etc. players. You are stepped through the conversion from your old vinyl records, cassette tapes, reel to reel, and eight track players to digital format. Music quality is improved by adjusting the recording level for you and special filters are used to reduce hissing and popping.
“Audio Converter” converts your audio files to a different format, so your music can be transferred to a portable device. Convert audio files quickly to MP3 and WAV files, and compress existing Win Media Audio, exclude specific audio files and specify the audio format, quality, and location of the converted files
“Photo Story” is great in that you import your pictures, then record narration (creating stories) to go along with your photos. Run mouse pointer over the picture to create panning and zooming until you are satisfied with the results. One thing though - you must use the Import and arrange your pictures page to add, reorder, and delete the pictures on the film strip.
After you’ve set the preferred options, add background music, select how long you want to display the picture, click Preview and your entire story plays. It is important that you view your final story on the Completing Plus! Photo Story page to be sure you are satisfied with the results.
After you quit Photo “Party Mode” plays your favorite playlist on your computer, however, the Party Mode privacy option prevents guests from accessing anything else on your computer.
Click on “Dancer” and animated dancer/dancers dance around your desktop. Start or stop the dancers at any time.
“Effects & Transitions for Movie Maker 2” is used to enhance movies you create and edit using Win Movie Maker. Plus! Effects & Transitions are installed automatically with Plus! Digital Media Edition, and are available when you start Windows Movie Maker
“Alarm Clock”, schedule alarms that play music or audio content in Win Media Player, set it to wake or alert you at any time and date with your favorite music, a special sound, or a simple notification on your desktop.
All in all this is a neat program and full of potential. If you have the time and want to create exciting photos, videos, etc. for friends and family give it a try. It’s a fun thing to do.
Minimum system requirements are:
Windows XP Home or Professional Edition, or Media Center Edition; Pentium® 500MHz, 128 MB RAM, 205 MB free hard disk space, CD-ROM or DVD Drive, Super VGA (800 X 600) or higher resolution video adapter & monitor.
Ordered via the Internet http://www.microsoft.com/windows/plus/dme/dmehome.asp from Microsoft, Plus! Digital Media Edition costs $19.95, but shop locally for discounts.