DVD SlideShow Reviewer's Comments

The #6 pick, DVD SlideShow by ArcSoft, is very capable and easy-to-use slideshow software. With a wide variety of features and quality results, DVD slideshow is a close runner-up to #5-ranked DVD SlideShow Builder. But its lack of telephone support and a less user-friendly design kept it from receiving any higher ranking.

Ease of Use:  

We found DVD Slideshow extremely easy to use. The main screen of this program is separated into three distinct tabs: Add Media, Design and Produce. With each tab, there are additional options offered specific to that stage of the slideshow creation process.

Then again, limitations within the program made it harder to work with. For example, if you want to create a DVD slideshow, you can import pictures, add transitions and set picture zoom effects to your show, but if you choose to create a CD slideshow, the quality is visibly inferior and you cannot add either zoom or transition effects to it.

Design Features:  

DVD SlideShow had many of the features that we looked for, including drag-and-drop capabilities, photo editing and the ability to preview your slideshow. We also liked that this product features a menu editor, which offers many pre-made downloadable templates.

But unfortunately, this program does not offer an undo function, hotkeys, or come with any pre-existing library of photos and music—all of which reduce DVD Slideshow’s overall level of convenience.

Input/Output:  

DVD SlideShow offers CD and DVD publication, but does not provide for other methods like email, web and iPod publication. DVD SlideShow also lacks direct importing from scanners and digital cameras, requiring additional uploading and reformatting.

Slideshow Quality:  

Although it’s not as good as our top-ranked software, we found the quality of slideshows created by DVD SlideShow to be amazingly good. The program presents the slideshow with high-quality pictures and clear, undistorted music. We were, however, disappointed in the quality of CD slideshows, which pulled down this software’s overall quality score.

Help/Support:  

AcSoft supports DVD SlideShow through a technical manual and step-by-step tutorials, FAQs and email support. This product, however, does not come with a telephone support line, which we feel is essential.

Summary:  

If you are looking for an easy-to-use program that creates high-quality DVD and CD slideshows, then DVD SlideShow by Arcsoft may be for you. But, if you want versatile slideshow software that can keep pace with your imagination, we suggest checking out the top-rated Polaroid My Memories Suite .