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Author Topic: InfraRecorder  (Read 32773 times)

lanux128

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InfraRecorder
« on: April 16, 2007, 11:43 PM »
Basic Info

Infra Recorder is a free CD burning solution for Microsoft Windows.

App NameInfra Recorder
App URLhttp://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net
App Version ReviewedVersion 0.42.1.0 (Unicode)
Test System SpecsPentium 3 733Mhz, 512MB RAM, WinXP Pro SP2
Supported OSesWindows 9x/ME/2000/XP/x64; tested on WinXP Pro SP2
Support MethodsHelp file included with the program. Other methods of support: the author's email and a very nascent FAQ on the website.
Pricing SchemeFreeware, donations accepted.
Author Donation LinkDonate to Christian Kindahl, the Author
Reviewer Donation LinkDonate to Lanux128, the Reviewer
Relationship between Reviewer and Product I am not affiliated with this product and its developer in any way.


Introduction

I have fond memories of Nero, which came with the first CD-RW drive that I bought years back. However over the years, I became disenchanted with Nero, the bundle-ware and began actively looking for a light-weight alternative. On such a journey, I discovered Infra Recorder - which I didn't know much about except that it uses cdrtools and the programmer is also involved with TugZip. However I was pleasantly surprised with the program's simple interface, and even more with the easiness of use.

Like most of the burners, InfraRecorder can work with audio, data and mixed-mode CDs. This program is also able to handle disc images (CUE, ISO) and RAW images, supports on-the-fly recording, erase rewritable discs and save audio and data tracks to files. Full list of features can be found at the website.


Screenshots of the Program

Main Window
ws-sshot-1.png
About Box
ws-sshot-2.png
Configuration
ws-sshot-3.png
Infra Recorder's 'File' menu
ws-sshot-4.png
Infra Recorder's 'Actions' menu
ws-sshot-5.png
Infra Recorder's Wizard Mode
ws-sshot-6.png

Who is this app designed for:

This program will be most useful to regular 'burners' in two basic ways. Firstly: those who do not need any handholding, which means with no wizard mode interruption, users can get down to the actual burning right-away. And secondly, for users who have their own choice of complementary software to aid them. In other words, this is a single program as opposed to suites provided by major vendors.


The Good

Light (about 3MB in zipped version), both options - installers and zipped portable available. Modern UI features such as drag and drop, explorer integration and very low system requirements (32 MB RAM and 7.2 MB hard-disk space). The author is actively updating the program, check out the roadmap.


The needs improvement section

The current version is quite good even though a tad bit slow to start-up, maybe it has something to do with my system, which 3 optical drives. Other than that, I have not encountered any problems at all.


Why I think you should use this product

This program is most suitable for users who want burn a CD or DVD quickly without the fanfare. However new users will not have much problems, either and there is also the Wizard-mode GUI similar of Nero Express (see screenshot above).


How does it compare to similar apps

I have looked at several others, namely DeepBurner, ImgBurn, SilentNight Microburner and Burrrn (audio CD only) while all the others have their own plus points but I find InfraRecorder is easier for someone on a transition as it much more flexible and the GUI is quite standard, therefore more suited to my needs.


Conclusions

I had a good time using InfraRecorder and since it's still in active development, you can be sure that things will only get better. With ample documentation, it'll be only a matter of time before you feel right at home. Do give it a try.


Links to other reviews of this application

I couldn't find any reviews, there's Wikipedia entry though.


lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2007, 11:54 PM »
P.S. didn't realize this earlier.. Nighted had already mentioned InfraRecorder here..

ws-nighted-1.png

Dr-Leech

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2007, 02:15 PM »
Really nice app..

I've using it some time ago bc Nero and those heavyweight tools.
Works like a charm..

Thanks for the review..

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2007, 09:38 PM »
glad you liked it,Dr-Leech. btw i have also notified the author about this mini-review and DC and he has replied that he'll drop by to have a look.. :)

clif_notes

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2007, 10:52 PM »
Nice review Lanux!

Would you mind if I mention your review and post a little of it in my newsletter next week?
http://freewarewiki....wiki.com/NewsLetters

I always include a link back to DC and the forum post.

Best wishes

Clif

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lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2007, 11:01 PM »
no problems at all, clif.. actually it's an honour that you're considering my review for your newsletter.. :)

zridling

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #6 on: April 24, 2007, 10:12 AM »
Thanks for the great review, Lanux. I did everything I could to get InfraRecorder to screw up but it worked every time, and for everything I wanted it to do. Well worth a donation to the author, indeed.

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2007, 09:02 PM »
thanks for the compliments, zridling.. :) yes, InfraRecorder is very fine product.. imagine, it even prompted me to do a mini-review.. ;)

skywalka

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #8 on: April 24, 2007, 10:43 PM »
To avoid installing Nero, an application that supports NRG filetypes is required.  I had a quick browse & InfraRecorder doesn't seem to support this.

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #9 on: April 24, 2007, 10:54 PM »
well, the author is actively updating the program and has promised look into the matter as an answer to such a query..

ws-infra-sshot-1.png
Source: http://infrarecorder...et/?p=21#comment-115


also, in the same thread, there is a suggestion to use this program in the meantime..
convert2ISO.png

skywalka

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #10 on: April 24, 2007, 11:05 PM »
Now where getting somewhere.

Thanx for that link.

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #11 on: April 27, 2007, 01:53 AM »
found another tool that does the same: nrg2iso.. :Thmbsup:

nrg2iso.png

This program converts Nero CD images into ISO-9660 CD images. Nothing more and nothing less.

Warning: This program can not convert audio CDs.
-website

clif_notes

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #12 on: April 29, 2007, 10:24 PM »
no problems at all, clif.. actually it's an honour that you're considering my review for your newsletter.. :)


Hi Lanux,

Your review was just published. You can see it at this address:
https://freewarewiki...otesNewsletter070429

Thanks for letting me show it off.

Clif

Devoted to promoting freeware and free information

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #13 on: May 02, 2007, 09:03 PM »
you're welcome, Clif.. :) btw, nice work you're doing there.. :up:

clif_notes

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #14 on: May 02, 2007, 11:28 PM »
you're welcome, Clif.. :) btw, nice work you're doing there.. :up:

Thanks Lanux. Like most folks here, I do what I can with the time I have to give.

Clif

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Hirudin

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #15 on: May 10, 2007, 02:00 AM »
Sorry, didn't read this thread (I do have InfraRecorder installed though, I just haven't actually burned anything with it yet). But if you're looking to convert image formats, another option is to use a virtual CD-ROM, like Virtual Clone Drive (my current favorite) or Daemon Tools (there's also Alcohol 52% and surely a couple more). Mount the image, open your new favorite burning app and create a new image (or just do a "disc" to disc copy and burn it without changing file types). It probably wont be as fast as using a converting program, but virtual CD drive programs can be so useful you might just want to install one anyway.

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #16 on: May 10, 2007, 10:03 PM »
nice list, hirudin.. add this one too - Clone Drive..

ws-clonedrive-1.png
http://www.elby.ch/f.../software/index.html


lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #17 on: May 13, 2008, 04:06 AM »
a new version of InfraRecorder has been released (version 0.45), featuring several bug-fixes and some new features. Full details in the changelog.

D/L: http://infrarecorder...forge.net/?page_id=5

J-Mac

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #18 on: May 14, 2008, 01:23 AM »
a new version of InfraRecorder has been released (version 0.45), featuring several bug-fixes and some new features. Full details in the changelog.

D/L: http://infrarecorder...forge.net/?page_id=5

Hi lanux!

So, are you still as much in love with InfraRecorder as you were last year?  That's the true test of an app.   ;)

Thanks!

Jim

lanux128

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Re: InfraRecorder
« Reply #19 on: May 14, 2008, 01:43 AM »
So, are you still as much in love with InfraRecorder as you were last year?  That's the true test of an app.
@J-Mac: this sounds like a trick question, like the time when a friend asked me when is my anniversary - in front of my wife! ;)

however i digress, if you're asking if i'm still using InfraRecorder then the answer is yes. but whether it's the only one then i'm afraid not because as a true DC'er, i'm always on the lookout for alternatives/bargains and a recent offer for a free version of Ashampoo Burning Studio was too good to pass.