Review: Collectorz.com Music Collector v5
Inexpensive Downloadable Music Collection Database Software
Apr 25, 2008
Whether looking to better organise a home music collection, manage a CD lending library or simply assess the value of a collection for home contents insurance, Music Collector has a range of options to suit most situations. This versatile, user-friendly cataloguing software package is part of a suite of products marketed by Collectorz.com and developed by Dutch software company Bitz and Pixelz.
Music Collector v5 Features
Features include:
- To enter a new item, simply place a music CD in computer disk drive to access details or enter album title/artist name manually
- Collectorz.com and other searched databases provide playlist, cover image and other album details for many albums.
- Compatible with barcode scanner.
- Variety of screen views including individual item details, collection listing and cover image thumbnails.
- Data entry fields include a range of album information (title, artist, playlist, label, genre), special support for classical music (composer, conductor, orchestra and composition subfields), options for track details and multidisc sets, extra details (recording date, tour name, studio, country, format) personal details (purchase price, value, rating), production credits and facilities for additional images, notes and website links.
- Multiple search and sort options.
- Loan facility (Pro version only) allowing users keep track of loaned books.
- Collection statistics and print options.
- Network safety feature allows only one active user (other users automatically placed in read-only mode).
- Manual and help menu
- Easy database back-up
Benefits and Limitations
Music CDs are easily loaned and just as easily misplaced. The Music Collector loan management feature (Pro version only) allows users to note a name, date and comments whenever a disc is borrowed. The software has adequate details to suit a CD lending library, although there is only one field to enter borrower details. This field allows sufficient characters to note a name and contact number or membership number if desired.
As CD collections increase in size, it is easy to waste money on duplicate purchases. By maintaining an up-to-date database of CDs it is possible to avoid these unnecessary purchases, saving money.
Music collections can represent a significant investment. When purchasing home contents insurance, it is important to ensure that the value of book, music and movie collections are adequately covered. Music Collector has a facility for recording purchase price and current value for collection items, providing an easily accessed estimate of the collection value and a detailed inventory should a claim need to be made.
Music Collector Standard and Pro versions
Music Collector standard version has the full range of database fields, excluding the loan manager, but allows only simple print list format.
Additional Pro version features:
- Export to iPod, PDA, HTML, Text (CSV) and XML formats
- Print lists and other layouts (including user created templates)
- Integrated Loan Manager
System Compatibility
The Windows edition of Music Collector is compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista. It is available in the following languages: English, Dutch, German, French, Polish, Italian, Spanish, Indonesian, Portugese.
The Mac OS X edition of Music Collector is compatible with OS X 10.3 or higher, including Leopard. The Mac edition is available in English only.
Music Collector includes integrated support for the Centurion CD and Ziotek CD Carousel devices.
Other home inventory software from Collectorz.com includes:
- Book Collector
- Movie Collector
- Comic Collector
- Games Collector
- Photo Collector
- MP3 Collector
A limited entry trial version of Book/Movie/Music Collector is available from the Collectorz.com website. The software can be purchased for immediate download for $24.95 (Standard) or $39.95 (Pro). Discounts are offered for multiple package purchases.
Preparing a home inventory is the best way to ensure that home contents are adequately insured. Music Collector and other home inventory databases from Collectorz.com simplify cataloguing large home collections such as music, movies and books.
