Nero released today the latest update (v7.8.5.0) of Nero 7 will include an array of technologies including Nero's own SecurDisc.

SecurDisc combines SecurDisc certified CD/DVD hardware and Nero's software applications. Users will be able to encrypt data on optical drive media using Nero Express, and will be able to read the data with the Nero InCD Reader, available free of charge on the SecurDisc web site at www.SecurDisc.net. Note that the first DVD burners that will support the feature will be available next month.

This Nero 7 update also introduces the AVCHD playback and authoring solution. AVCHD, jointly developed by Sony and Panasonic, is a new High Definition digital video camera format that enables the recording of video in 1080i or 720p resolution on various storage media, including recordable DVD discs, hard disks, and SD and Memory Stick PRO memory cards. The AVCHD format uses the same MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) video codec adopted in the AVC profiles of Nero's Nero Digital A/V format.

AVCHD recordings can be played without modification in most set-top Blu-ray Disc players, PlayStation 3, and with Nero's AVCHD-enabled software player Nero ShowTime 3.

The Blu-ray Disc License Entity has certified Nero 7 for its support of BD-AV playback and authoring within Nero Vision and playback within Nero ShowTime. Both applications support Blu-ray in High Definition format up to 1080p in MPEG-2. Nero Vision lets users create editable BD-AV video discs on BD-RE and BD-R media, supports on-disc direct writing and editing, and supports the full disc capacity of single layer BD-RE and BD-R media up to 25 GB. Nero ShowTime plays back and navigates editable BD-RE and BD-R discs.

However, the specific free upgrade (v7.8.5.0) does not offer HD DVD playback. With a plug-in available as an additional purchase through Nero's online Shop for €25, this updated version of Nero 7 will support HD DVD playback in Nero Vision and Nero ShowTime up to 1080p as well as high definition surround sound.

This downloadable update is available free of charge to current Nero 7 users at www.nero.com.