Nero unveiled on Wednesday the update of the Nero 7 software suite for the management of data, audio, video, photo and TV content.

The latest version adds Blu-ray data recording and adds many new and updated applications such as Nero Search and Nero Home to empower users even more than before.

Nero Burning ROM and Nero Express enable Blu-ray data recording that is readable on every operating system (Windows 98 SE/Me, Windows 2000, XP and Vista), multi-session writing on BD-R/RE media and the creation of 1:1 copies of any unprotected BD media.

Nero Search is a new application designed to help users find information no matter where it is on a computer or the Internet. It enables users to switch easily between computer and Internet search results within the same windows. Nero Search works in conjunction with the Nero Scout database, allowing all stored media content to be quickly located as needed.

Nero Home enables users to manage their digital files from the comfort of their living rooms with ease. The application now features an integrated Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and also offers access to more content from more sources with support for DVB (T, S, and C) TV standards. The next Nero 7 web update will also support ATSC standards.

Furthermore, Nero Home now gives users more tools to enhance their slide shows. This wide range of tools allows them to customize transitions, add audio to match the slide show length, export a slide show with embedded sound to an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 movie, and find matching photos stored on a PC or an attached device.

Ensuring audiophile quality, Nero Home now enables the recording and playback of surround sound audio files. You can also capture video files from many sources, including TV cards, graphics cards, camcorders, VCRs, and webcams (composite/S-video).

Nero Vision's application automatically generates animated 3D menus for DVDs. Compelling introductory video and transitions between menus and video clips are easily produced with two easy-to-use templates. Additional templates are planned for future updates.

The Nero Vision "Fit-To-Disc" feature automatically sets the highest possible encoding video quality (Bit rate), based on the length of the video files and remaining disc space, before burning a DVD or VR disc.

Performance and convenience improvements have also been made to the Nero BackItUp, Nero SoundTrax and Nero WaveEditor applications.

The latest version of Nero 7 is available for downloading via Nero. Current Nero 7 customers will be able to receive a free online update.