LightMan Writer 2.8.0

Overview

LightMan Writer is a CD and DVD burning application that can make data and music disc burning easier.

Create custom data discs using writable or rewritable media. Multi-session discs can be used to extend the use of discs and reduce backup costs. Dual-layer discs can also be used.

Existing discs can be read, copied and burned as a new version to a CD or DVD.

Discs can be burned using a mixed mode rather than only being for a single purpose like burning an audio disc.

Digital audio encoding can be included with the tracks burned to an audio CD.

Record disc images like ISO and CUE/BIN, and then burn the data image to a CD or DVD disc.

Erase a rewritable disc before re-using it. There are multiple methods for erasing a rewritable disc to prevent old data from being accessible later.

LightMan Writer can also integrate into Windows Explorer with a shell integration that brings up context menu options when selecting files or folders.

Installation

The installation completed without any issues.

There was no adware, toolbars or spyware included with the setup package.

LightMan Writer requires Windows Vista, XP, 7, or 8.

Interface

The interface includes a long menu at the top. There is a small cluster of big toolbar buttons below the menu.

The Explorer view below shows the directory structure with files within a selected directory shown in the right panel.

Below this level is the Disc Layout pane which shows the disc layout information, files includes, folders to be added, etc. There is also a bar chart at the bottom indicating how full the select media type will be based on the files added to the Disc Layout so far.

Pros

• Write data to writable and rewritable CDs and DVDs
• Create multi-session, dual-layer, audio and mixed mode sessions
• Create ISO or BIN/CUE disc images and burn them to a disc
• Erase rewritable disc using several different approaches
• Encode auto files correctly before writing a music disc
• Create copies of existing discs
• Integrates via shell to Windows Explorer

Cons

• The interface is a bit cramped and less easy to understand that some other disc burning apps
• Doesn't write Blu-ray discs

Alternatives

ImgBurn can work with CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs and burn many different types of discs. Nero Burning ROM and Ashampoo Burning Studio are two more similar software.

Conclusion

LightMan Writer is a capable, if unimpressive CD and DVD burning application. It can create disc images and burn them. Audio discs benefit from encoded music files. Backups can be performed with the software, but it lacks finesse in the fine print and features.