Ashampoo Burning Studio 14 Review

Ashampoo's Burning Studio 14 is more than just a disc burning solution that can burn data on CDs, DVDs or Blu-Rays for you. While that may be enough for some users, others may like the additional features that German software company Ashampoo has integrated into the burning software.
It is for instance possible to author movie discs, design your own audio covers, copy existing discs for backup purposes, or create photo slideshows and burn them to disc.
As far as new features go, there are quite a few that found their way into Burning Studio 14. It is now for instance possible to burn encrypted discs or use a new cover application that will retrieve cover art for you while you are ripping music on your system.
Ashampoo Burning Studio 14 Review
The burning software is available as a 10 day free trial version that you can extend with your email address. Installation itself should not pose any troubles to you, and the setup is clean from any third party offers or other nuisances.
The program starts up displaying its main interface to you afterwards. Here you find the features that it makes available neatly sorted into a sidebar on the left.
Burn
Here you can burn data to disc, or use the backup and restore functionality instead. When you hover your mouse over an entry, you are presented with the available modules.
Burn Data for example provides you with options to create a new blank disc operation, create an encrypted disc instead, one that spans over multiple discs, or continue an existing project by burning additional data to it.
Once you have made your selection here, say burn crypted disc, you are taken to the configuration window where you can add files and folders to the disc. Use the add button to add files or folders to it, or drag & drop them directly to the interface from the system's file explorer.
Once you have added files, you can export the file list to a text file, which can be useful if you use disc archiving software or just want a searchable record of what you put on the disc on your PC.
The lower right corner of the screen indicates the disc types the data fits on. This changes dynamically as you add or remove files from the disc.
The only other option provided here is to change the title of the disc before you click on next to proceed.
You are then asked to set a password for the disc, before the burning dialog appears. Here you can select the writer that you want to use, the write speed, and the number of copies that you want in total.
Advanced options become available once you have inserted a blank or rewritable disc into the drive. Options on this screen include shutting down the computer when the burning process completes, burning in Disc at once mode, to copy all data to an image file first, or verify the files and folders after the recording.
The program displays next step suggestions after operations finish. This includes verifying the DVD, writing the same disc again, or printing a cover for it.
Data on the encrypted disc can only be encrypted under Windows, as you need to run an executable file to do so. The data itself is not accessible when you do not run the program, as it is stored as a single image file on disc and not with its original file names and folder structure.
If you run the tool, you are asked for the password set during setup of the burn job. If it is correct, the folder and file structure is displayed to you, and you can either extract data from disc, or open it right away.
The Backup and Restore feature works in a similar fashion. There are some differences though, First, Burning Studio displays the computer's folder structure right away when you start the process, and it is up to you to select the files and folders -- local or network -- that you want to back up.
Here you can also add file exclusions, of which Burning Studio comes with a lot. Once you have made the selection, you need to select whether you want to burn the data to disc -- or multiple discs using the split size feature -- or hard drive in form of an image. The only other options provided are to encrypt the data, and to compress it.
Ashampoo supports the burning of disc images as well, but you won't find it under the burn group but under miscellaneous instead. The program supports ISO, IMG and CUE disc images, as well as the program's own ashdisc format.
The very same menu enables you to create disc images as well from non-empty discs, or to browse existing images without extraction or mounting.
Media
The media options are divided into music and movie & slideshow. Music offers options to rip audio CDs, create new audio CDs using local music, or burn audio files to disc.
This works pretty much as you'd expect it to work. A new audio CD is created in a few simply steps for example. You select the module, add music to it -- supported are several audio formats like mp3, flac or wav as well as playlists files such as m3u, xml or txt --, change normalization settings, or preview individual audio tracks.
As far as movies and slideshows are concerned, they work in pretty much the same way. You select the module, add files to them, for the slideshow various image formats for example, select output formats such as Pal or NTSC, or 4:3 or 16:9 screen formats, before you can add movie files or create movies or slideshows in the next window.
The slideshow window looks different than the other windows. While you can drag and drop images to it, you will notice that other options are displayed on it that let you customize the slideshow.
And when you add images, you get options to define how they are sorted among other things.
You can pick a theme here, logos and subtitles, change the order of pictures, add text to individual images, or add shapes to the slideshow.
Several effects like zooming in or out are available to modify how images are displayed, and about a dozen transition effects define how the slideshow transitions from one image to the next.
As far as video file support is concerned, Burning Studio 14 supports several important types such as mp4 or avi, but lacks support for others such as flv.
Verdict
Ashampoo Burning Studio 14 is an easy to use burning software for the Windows operating system. It supports a wide variety of features, from burning standard discs to advanced uses such as the burning of photo slideshows, and does a great job at guiding the user through the whole process.
The program could use support for additional video and disc image formats though. While the most important ones are supported, support for formats like flv or dmg would go along way.
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I believe this is no longer open to winning a free license but how does one know for sure?
Have the winners already been picked? If so who won?
Yes winners have been picked, they are announced on the Google Plus page: https://plus.google.com/b/107836925448900328328/+GhacksNet/posts
I have been using Ashampoo since they made burning software. All versions were excelent and easy to use. I do not expect anything less from version 14.
Another excellent review of a very functional product – which I’ve found to be the case for all the Ashampoo® software I’ve extensively used since Ashampoo® Uninstaller Suite became my default installation monitoring program more than a decade ago. This company’s many and varied offerings, combined with innovative features, stable functionality, and excellent customer support, consistently provide enjoyment and satisfaction to the end user.
Have one of the older versions- would like to get this latest one.
Looks like much improved. Thanks
I uses Ashampoo studio several years now and it is great software.
It is easy to use and does an outstanding job!
fantastic giveaway, thanks :)
If the giveaway is still on please do consider me for the draw too. I use the free Burnaware ever since Nero became the monstrosity it is today. Oh for the days of Nero 6 when it was simply the best option for burning CDs and DVDs.
My preference remains RealPlayer plus: http://www.real.com/resources/dvd-burning-software/ Although it wasn’t free, I like it because it’s all inclusive..acts as my media player, video editor, video converter, cd and dvd burner which is nice as opposed to needing to download a ton of software.
thanks…..
please count me in
I use Nero an older Version. Time to replace it…
I don’t believe much in my luck but maybe once I will something usefull like this great software.
Currently I use the Burnware free
I discovered the 2013 version and was quite impressed, mainly because it’s so easy to use. Can’t wait to see how the latest incarnation compares.
I only use ImgBurn.
Great program. Would love to win. Thanks.
it would can cound me infor this giveaway!
I would love to try the software, I am using the fichers that come in windows mediaplayer. It would if you can cound me in, thanks!
I would love to try the software cound me in! I am using only the fichers that come in windows mediaplayer. I would definitly be thankfull if you can cound me in!
Burning Studio 2013
Ashampoo 6 is what I use & trust.
My current burning software is between Roxio Creator 10 DE & CloneCD. I have used Ashampoo Burning Software before but it was the old version Ashampoo Burning Studio 6 i think and found great for its time.But i would love to use the new version. It has evolved alot and matured well.
Ashampoo Burning Studio Free
I wish to win this software. I use Windows Explorer for burning and ImgBurn if needed.
I’m still using Nero Burning ROM 6.6 and I’m still quite satisfied with it.
Also, I’m still using Windows XP and I’m still quite satisfied with it.
:-)
However, may something newer would work better.
So, I would like to win Ashampoo Burning Studio 14.
;-)
Because Microsoft no longer will support Windows XP after july 2014 I’m very disappointed in Microsoft.
:-(
Newer Microsoft OS’s force me to buy new, expensive hardware that I don’t need.
:-(
:-(
I am using CDBurnerXP, but I am interested of trying Ashampoo Burning Studio 14
I am Currently using CDBurnerXP, but i would love to explore and use the rich features that Ashampoo Burning Studio 14 have in this well put together application.
Thanks Martin Brinkmann and GHacks for a great review, i can always count on this website for the best and latest Tech news.
THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY
I HAVE USED ASHAMPOO PREVIOS OLD VERSION!
As always a very insightful review of software Thanks for that Martin. I have used a multitude of burning software over the years and what worries me a little about Ashampoo although I do use version 11 is the it appears to be going the way of Ahead’s nero a touch. you know an all in one solution. This in essence is fine so long as it doesn’t impact too hard on memory and CPU use.Im an old stalwart of Goldenhawks CDRwin which i use for quite a few of my more complicated burning requirements, but for day to day stuff Ashampoo’s offerings is always a reliable choice. I would however like the opportunity to own a license for version 14 please.
I’m currently using BurnAware, which is lightweight and gets the job done, but Ashampoo’s slideshow feature rounds out a more feature-rich package nicely.
Thanks for the review!
I’m currently using Ashampoo Burning Studio 10, bought and paid for.
I love the program but have had issues occasionally when burning CD’s. It will say “Could not read file, etc, etc” but when I switch to Windows Media Player it records the disk fine.
I have held off purchasing the upgrade offered by Ashampoo because of this. I would love to try the new features and see if version 14 plays everything. I’m surprised that version 10 cant record/read files that Windows Media Player can. I would prefer to use Ashampoo.
Thanks again!
Oh yeah, I thought I posted this earlier today but apparently forgot to hit submit.
Hi, I have been using Roxio creative for a few years, and am tired of creating coasters out of my cds because the program won’t buffer correctly. If you would be so kind as to give me one of your licenses, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you for the offer.
Thanks. I have Ashampoo Burning Studio 10.
Jojo here: I’ve used CDBurner XP for a long while but lately it is causing me problems. Like taking 2+ minutes to startup and sucking 50% of my CPU cycles while doing it among other problems. So I am looking for a new solution.
I use whatever free solutions that I can find – windows dvd burning – dvd encrypter … need an upgrade!
will be great,ty
I use an older free version of Ashampoo Burning Studio. I’d appreciate the features in the full version.
I am using an old version that has been very good. Would love version 14 with all the new things it will do. Please enter me in the drawing/
I am using the Cyberlink DVD Suite. It came with my computer, but its old.
Have older version and it is great. Would love to win newest version!
I use Free Any Burn, would like to try Ashampoo for it’s clean image!
I’m currently using Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 that is currently giving away around internet.
Now I use Ashampoo Burning Studio 12, the new version of this application has a simpler interface, and you can create well-protected discs with using strong encryption algorithm AES-256. Great review Martin. Thanks!
Thanks for the giveaway.
I´m using ImgBurn Martin, and would like to leave the chance for the others readers!
Oh, Mr. Brinkmann!
What a coincidence I just purchased the Ashampoo Slideshow Studio HD2 Program.
(Had I known that the Ashampoo Burning Studio 14 contained this I would have purchased this one, instead!)
Anyway, I would L-O-V-E to receive the Burning Studio as it looks Awesome and also because I am now very excited about producing exciting slideshow videos and putting them on DVD’s to give out to others.
I already have several slideshows for view on Youtube!
My future plans will also include producing videos of a timely nature.
Videos covering topics from doing proper money management to taking better care of our Environment . . . on the one planet we live on.
I intend to spread information in the cloud and also by using physical media.
I cannot wait to get this fully off the ground and with the Help of Ashampoo products I will do just that . . . one step further into achieving CD/DVD Burning Greatness to help others and myself to improve our lives.
Thank You,
TheRube
USA
I have been using the Ashampoo software for a while now. I like it. It would be great to get the updated version!
Currently using ImgBurn for almost everything but could do with something more multi-functional. Like the look of the CD cover maker also!
I have Ashampoo Buning Studio 2013. Thanks for giveaway.
I have been using Ashampoo Burning Studio 2011 it has always served me well and never let me down, and I would love to be put into draw for a copy fo Ashampoo:s latest edition. Thank you
I am especially eager to try the disc encryption function. That will eliminate having to use another app to encrypt sensitive data.
Thanks for the review, Martin.
I´ve been big fan and user, of all Ashampoo products, for years. I´ve used, tried and tested Burning Studio since version 10. Very good software, indeed. It´s really enough, for most of advanced users also.
Beside all burning features, I´m delightful of it´s “cover studio” features. Very easy to create nice dvd and cd box covers.
Also I like multilingual UI and very easy program settings. With this software, You can´t go wrong…
And Oh Yeah… Thanks Ghacks. :)
Currently i’m not using any burning software for want of smart suite. I’ve installed all types of apps. from portable CD burner XP to heavy Nero 15, CD burnerXP burns very slowly and Nero’s are space guzzlers and slows down the pc. Maybe Ashampoo is both Fast and LIte burning app. So please favor me a License. Thanks in advance.
Thank you for the review and the giveaway! I’m currently using CDBurner XP but I would like to win a license for Ashampoo Burning Studio 14.
Currently I just use Windows’built in feature.
I’d surely use it if I won.
Thanks Martin & Ashampoo.
Good luck to everyone!
thanks for this giveaway contest, current software burning is Ashampoo Burning Studio 12
Stuck with Nero 7.
I am currently using NTI Media Maker 9, it mostly does what I need from a burning software. I do know I purchased it 3 years ago so I’m sure that newer software like ashampoo burning studio 2014 would most likely be a big improvement. I feel that media maker 9 has been a very easy to use program. The only real problem I have had is that system mechanic12 likes to disable it if you don’t exclude media maker in the registry repair section. (not really nti’s fault)
I would put burning studio 2014 to good use.
Currently have ImgBurn and an older
version of Ashampoo Burning Studio.
I am currently using ASHAMPOO BURNING STUDIO 2013 and find it amazing I have used Ashampoo programs for sum 6 years now and find them very reliable
Martin,
I’ve use Burning Studio for some time now but am still at version 12. Would love to get this.
Rob
Hi Martin
Still using Nero 7 that came with a LG DVD player many moons ago
Regards
Jacques
Hi, i’m currently using windows built in burning tools.
Would like to update my 2010 version!!
Hi there team, I have been using Ashampoo burning software for years because, like all the programs, they are rock solid. The version I am currently using is version 12 and I am very satisfied with it but HEY who wouldn’t jump at the chance to upgrade for free. Please count me in for a copy of Ashampoo Burning Studio 14.
Thank you..
please count me in
I just use ISORecorder by Alex Feinman
Thanks for the opportunity to win Ashampoo’s Burning Studio. Currently I am using IMAGBURN , and an old Nero app as my disk burning programs
Thanks to for Ghacks!…I have dowloaded tons of securtiy programs that are currently being used. I would not have these superb programs without Ghacks!!.
Hi martin, i am using nero right now, have been using this for long time, but i want to try these program, interface is really user-friendly,features are also good, did not used anytime! will surely use it if i win a key .Thanks
I am using ImgBurn.
Count me in !!.
Thanks, and Merry Christmas
I use Nero Ultra 7.0
Thanks
Ashampoo Burning Studio is a program that I’ve been buying perhaps for 10 years. I’ve always liked the layout and the functions. I’m currently using Burning Studio 2011 and have been thinking about updating. Usually the giveaways are a scaled down version so I appreciate the chance to get the complete version. Thanks….
Currently I’m stuck with Roxio or Windows default.
I’d much rather have Ashampoo’s software because of the wider variety of options
available with it.
Generally I don’t have much luck with contests but because of gHack’s revues of software, I’m hoping that luck will change!
Thanks for the excellent reviews even if I’m not fortunate enough to win.
I have used Ashampoo Burning software for years and really like it. I would love to win a copy of this latest version.
My husband and I are both using Ashampoo Burning Studio 13 that we got from GOTD. This would really be nice to have as it is more current. Most Ashampoo products are very good.
Thank you for the giveaway contest.
Thanks Martin, I’ve been using Ashampoo 11 and 12, can’t make up my mind which one I like best. I also use other Ashampoo products.
Bob
Hi guys,
I use BurnAware Free, but i would like to try ABS, if possible.
Thank You
I use BurnAware Free.
Older Nero Version
I am using ImgBurn :)
I had 2013, and it worked really well, somehow it “disappeared” , would like to get it back, but 2014 would be better………….
usinng Cdburnerxp portable. Want to get this giveaway.
I use Burning Studio Free. It’s a wonderful program. Upgrade to 2014 is a dream. With a little luck, you never know ! Please, count me in. Thanks.
Thanks You so much Dear Martin for this Awesome Giveaway.
Awesome Giveaway.
Please kindly to count me in too.
Using CD XP and could really use the advanced feature set you reviewed!
Ashampoo burning studio 6 free is what i use
14 would be nice upgrade
thanks for the chance ghacks
Don;t really use one, ImgBurn sometimes. Would be nice to get into this aspect of computing.
Am currently using Nero 10. It came with my new computer.
Had used Ashampoo burning software on the old computer because it worked great!
Would really like to add this to the new desktop.
Thanks!
This is exactly what I need. I am trying to make a ‘collection DVD’ of past family photos and movies for our Christmas gifts to family. THIS is what I need. Thanks for the opportunity.
Great giveaway. I currently using Ashampoo Burning Studio Elements and ImgBurn. Thanks.
I’ve always used ImgBurn primarily because it’s free, but recent versions have included increasing quantities of adware in the installer with various “tricks” to confuse people into installing various toolbars, etc. and I’m looking for a better alternative.
Hi, I am currently using ImgBurn, and also CDBXP for all my burning needs, but I would realy like to replace them with a single program…
I tweeted this @ https://twitter.com/ecsjjgg/status/408233507555528704
Currently looking for good burning SW so this would be great.
I already won this year so don’t count me on this one,thanks Santa :)
I always use openSUSE to burn any discs.
I’m currently using the free version of Ashampoo Burning Studio.
I am currently using Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 free version and this would be a natural upgrade to the best software that I have been using for some time now.
Please, coun me in.
Now i am use Ashampoo Burning Studio Elements.
I am using 2013 and like to work with video so would be great for burning discs.
Hi,
I am currently using mainly Burnaware but it has an issue when verifying DVD on a given DVD burner (it works with other hardware). I’ll definitely like to move to ABS 14.
.merle1.
Thanks, Martin. I always enjoy reading your articles with so much info! You do all the work and I get all the benefits. I’ve been using ImgBurn and InfraRecorder for many years. InfraRecorder most because it was one of the first ones that could span CDs when CDs were the only backup device available. I’d love to have a full featured program like Ashampoo.
I use other Ashampoo products including Burning Studio 2013 and find then brilliant. More importantly, the Help line is excellent and most understanding.
I am currently using both ImgBurn and CDBurnerXP depending on what I am needing to do. This giveaway would let me accomplish all of my needs in one package.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great software package.
Currently use the free version and love it. So easy to use.
I currently use windows built in burning software but would love to try this program out.
I’ve been using InfraRecorder for the past few years. Wouldn’t mind switching to a better alternative.
I use cdburnerxp and infrarecorder
I’m actually still using Ashampoo version 7 and would very much like to try a much needed upgrade :)
Currently XP burner but I’ve tried so many and have a wide variety of problems. I do need to make some protected DVDs and this sounds promising.
I use the burnware pro. Very good giveaway
I have Ashampoo Buning Studio 2013.
behaves well
Thanks you
I’m using Burning Studio 2013. great software! worth recommending to others.
thanks
I am currently using Alcohol 120%.Thanks you
I am using Ashampoo Buning Studio 2013.
Thanks for the giveaway
Currently using BurnAware. Great giveaway, count me in, please.
Best regards!
Using Infrarecorder and Burning Studio 2013, thanks
Burnaware Free – has all the basic features and doesn’t leave a large footprint in HDD space.
My current burning software is Ashampoo Burning Studio 12, this giveaway version will no doubt be better……
I will appreciate a license……..
Thank you.
Thanks 4 this post . i like Ashampoo Burning Studio . i replaced nero with Ashampoo Burning Studio .
I like this software, thank’s :)
Currently using Ashampoo Buning Studio 2013.
Nice piece
Ashampoo Burning Studio 14 is a very convenient tool for burning discs. Currently I use only with Windows Media Player. Thanks for this contest.
Using Burning Studio 2013 now. Hopefully, I will get a chance to upgrade. :)
would e nice to get this. I am using Ashampoo burning studio 11
Currently i am using CdBurnerXP.. Plese give me license for Ashampoo Burning Studio 14
A mix of ImgBurn and CDBurnerXP.
ImgBurn is the one I personally use, mainly because it gives me tons of configuration options and it doesn’t hide stuff I want to know behind a pretty interface. CDBurnerXP is easier to use, so I put that on my family members’ PCs and I also recommend it to friends.
I am currently using CDBurnerXP Portable and DVD Flick.
Thanks for this giveaway.
I am using Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 and gBurner.
For basic burning I have been using CD Burner XP.
However, I have recently had a lot of old home family movies filmed on VHS converted to movie files. I’d love to be able to create a DVD disc to make for my parents where I can add some of these home movies into a nice and easily watchable for like DVD.
This software looks like just what I need
I am using nero .
I have always used this program in the free version, but now I want to try Ashampoo Burning Studio 14.
Thanks for the opportunity.
I am using Burning Studio 2013 for burning and want to win this because it is better.
Hi
I wish win this software
I am using Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010 Advanced. Would love the latest.
Ardith