When we were visiting their support forums in January 8, we just happened to note that there was a brand-new forum for Toast 8. That’s when we first broke the news for Toast 8.

The most remarkable feature on this new version is the adoption of Blue-ray Disc. So the question is should Toast 7 owners upgrade to Version 8? Our answer is no unless you need to use the Blue-ray Disc backup.

Setup & Interface

Sonic Solutions’ Roxio Toast 8 doesn’t seem to have many changes from the previous version. When you launch it for the first time, in fact, you will get the same setup screen you used to seeing. Preferences are pretty much the same as well. Actually, there is a new comer on the setup screen. Toast 8 now supports Blu-ray Disc format.

After setting up Toast 8, you will see a totally new screen interface. Top tabs have disappeared. Instead, those tabs are arranged vertically to the left. Furthermore, if you click on the recorder setting button, you now have access to Blu-ray.

Data

Roxio has added a new feature. Now, you have a fifth item called ‘Photo Disc’ under Data. All you have to do is drag and drop photo images onto the window and then burn a disc or save it as a disc image. For example, if you save the widown as a disc image, you will see an icon titled ‘Slideshow.” Just double-click on it, and a slideshow will start.

Video

There is nothing new much in this section. When you click on ‘DVD-Video’ tab, you will see the same list of 10 menus. Actually, these menus are designed slightly differently. And there is no change under the ‘Encoding’ tab.

Copy

There is a brand-new function called ‘Disc Image Merge.’ It looks like you can combine two disc images. Actually, it’s designed such that you can combine a PC disc image (.iso) and a Mac image to create a hybrid disc image.

Conclusion

If you don’t own DivX 6 and Toast 7, Toast 8 will be a good purchase. As you probably know, DivX 6 QuickTime component comes with Toast 7 and 8. The current promotional price is only 79.99 with a $20 mail-in rebate. If you have Toast 7, the upgrade price is $59.99. That’s a little bit expensive for slideshow function and Blue-ray support.






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