OAK SimpliCD CD-R Software

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Installation/First Look and feel
3. SimpliCD ROM - Page 1
4. SimpliCD ROM - Page 2
5. SimpliCD Recorder - Page 1
6. SimpliCD Recorder - Page 2
7. SimpliCD Recorder - Page 3
8. SimpliCD Copy
9. SimpliCD ReWriter - Page 1
10. SimpliCD ReWriter - Page 2
11. Final Conclusion

OAK's "SimpliCD" review - Page 11

Final Conclusion

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

- Currently the easiest to use CDR software for novice or intermidiate users
- The software intergrates inside OS..Look it's everywhere!
- Supports CD-Text
- Supports UDF format
- Supports TAO/SAO
- Supports CDDB on-line database
- First ever software that supports CD-CA (compressed Audio format)
- Support "MultiPlay" standard
- Supports conversion of AudioCDs to CD-Text on the fly
- Supports Slide-Show CDs authoring
- Support VCD 2.0 CDs authoring
- Very good ID3 Mp3/WAV tag management
- Internal MP3/WMA encoder
- Great on-line CD Guide application

- Supports limited formats (no Mixed Mode, CD-Extra, Hybrid..etc) for CD authoring
- CD Copy engine cannot backup protected PC and/or PSX CDs
- No build-in Mpeg1 Encoder
- No VCD/SVCD Menu creation
- No SVCD authoring
- Doesn't support RAW writing
- No support for 90/99minute CDs
- No internal wave editor and cover designer
- No record/antivirus verification option
- No Windows session selector for multisession CDs
- Doesn't support multiple recorders
- Printed manual could be better...
- High Price
- SimpliCD Recorder doesn't include any playback visulation features

OAK's first attempt to enter the CD Recording arena can be judged as succeful. SimpliCD is currently the easiest CDR software for novice users. The software really integrates inside Windows OS system and with simple moves you can burn CDs without need to open external software. SimpliCD also offers some unique features, for now, since it's the first software that supports fully the new "MultiPlay" standard and "CD-CA" authoring. Soon DVD and CD stand alone devices will come out that will support both formats and SimpliCD is prepared. SimpliCD also includes a very well done on-line help application called "CD-Guide" that can easily help you discover the software internal secrets.

But as always nothing is perfect. The product's price makes it directly comparable with long traditional contesters ,Nero and NTI (Ez CD Creator's price is much higher) that currently control the CDR software market. SimpliCD biggest disadvantage is the lack of many CD project tasks like Nero/Ez CD Creator and NTI CD Maker 2000 support, for covers the advanced user needs. Also its CD Copy engine is weak with protected CDs and needs improvement.

We think that OAK's SimpliCD will take a share from the CD-Recording software pie but for dominating the market will need to add much more features to win the advanced users also...