Nero, has announced that Nero Express 5.5, the easy-to-use DVD/CD application software, is to be included with all U.S. retail versions of the latest Pioneer DVR-A06 DVD/CD writer. With its integrated multi-format DVD support, Nero is also well positioned to take advantage of the Pioneer DVR-A06's Precision Recording Technology, a new writing technique that improves initial writing performance and helps keep the normal deterioration of recording media due to repeated writing to a minimum.

Virtually any kind of CD or DVD can be created with Nero in combination with the Pioneer DVR-A06. Its fast, friendly approach to the writing process ensures a seamless approach to any data, audio, or video creation. Nero's ultra stable CD and DVD writing engine also ensures maximum compatibility on most playback devices.

By supporting the DVD Forum's DVD-R and DVD-RW disc formats, as well as +R and +RW formats, Pioneer aims to decrease the confusion that often exists for consumers who are purchasing DVD/CD writers for the first time as the DVD recordable drive market continues to grow.

Instrumental in the development/performance testing stage has been Nero's CD/DVD Speed, now the de-facto CD/DVD test utility in drive manufacturers R & D Labs throughout the world. CD/DVD Speed comes as part of the included Nero Toolkit, and is an indispensable utility for critical media and drive analysis.

Ahead Software recently became members of the RWPPI (ReWritable Products Promotion Initiative), an organization founded for the promotion of the DVD-R and DVD-RW formats. With future participation in Round Robin testing, Ahead is committed to working with RWPPI partners in furthering initiatives in compliant DVD hardware and software.