Nero Multimedia Suite 10 is a big bundle of different tools that tries to cover all the bases of a media suite. The old standby Nero Burning ROM handles the disc burning and ripping, the new Nero Vision Xtra adds video editing and media organisation, while Nero BackItUp & Burn handles system and file-based backup. The organiser and video editing modules are a good match but the multimedia hub, Nero MediaHub, is rather discombobulated and feels like it's changed directions multiple times, never fully settling on any of them.
Nero's front-end start center, StartSmart, has a dated look but provides a one-stop-shop for the full range of suite functionality. You can jump straight to disc burning or media organising by choosing from the tabs at the top of the screen; or you can select music to access tools for ripping and playing back CDs, organising or editing audio files, or even making CD covers. Nero's bundled AnyDVD and DVD decryption software also adds flexibility to the package.
The new Nero Vision Xtra is the suite's major improvement, adding a full range of features to what was already a competent jack-of-all-trades video creation program. It has some surprisingly advanced options, including multi-track video editing with complete keyframe handling. It can even animate picture-in-picture effects and apply various filters. It also offers an easy upgrade to play commercial Blu-ray movies, which is something the competing CyberLink Media Suite 8 can't manage (although you'll have to pay for that). A redesigned Knowledge Centre within StartSmart links to online support services and tutorials without having to open a separate browser window.