Nero's latest update of the Nero 8 suite brings users BDMV authoring and playback, improved file encoding speed, support for Mini HD DVD-Video discs, and more.

Nero 8 has received certification for authoring and playback of writeable Blu-ray Disc Video (BDMV) titles and with the new update now supports advanced and interactive features for High Definition audio and video. The certifications were presented by Sony?s Blu-ray Disc testing center.

The latest update of Nero 8 also includes play back of Mini HD DVD-Video discs, and burning of HD DVD-Video onto DVD-R/RW media. Smart Encoding, a feature that detects compliant incoming data formats from AVCHD camcorders, avoids time-consuming re-encoding by skipping the recoding step for AVCHD content when the destination format is also AVCHD. Advancements in the Nero 8 home entertainment features offer even more flexibility by letting users fast forward, and pause content streamed throughout the digital home via Nero?s home media server application.

"Nero 8 now offers users the opportunity to create, edit, and play back their High Definition content in the same format as used on commercial Blu-ray Discs," said Charly Lippoth, Chief Technology Officer, Nero AG. "From brilliant 3D menu templates to 5.1 surround sound audio, Nero 8 gives users innovative options for creating cutting-edge, professional-looking Blu-ray Discs."

The BDMV features, as well as play back of Mini HD DVD-Video discs, are available with the Blu-ray / HD DVD Plug-in for users of Nero 8, which can be purchased via the Nero Online Shop. Current users of the Plug-in simply need to update to enjoy these new capabilities.

For more information about Nero 8 and the Blu-ray / HD DVD Video Plug-in, or to download the latest update, visit www.nero.com.