Although iTunes has always been one of the best pieces of jukebox software available, the company improved upon a great thing with version 7, which added enhanced video capabilities and new ways to view your music library. A cleaned-up left sidebar makes finding your music and videos a snap and the new Album and Cover-Flow view options let you flip through CDs in style. The built-in video player accomodates both your own files and ones you buy at the iTunes Store; right-clicking a clip lets you render it iPod-compatible. With the addition of full-length movies at the iTunes Store (Music is no longer part of the name), you can now view near-DVD quality movies at a resolution of 640x480. The experience of both purchasing and playing movies and videos is almost identical to perfoming the same actions with music, so seasoned users will have no trouble (with fast broadband, movies download in about a half hour).
All the features we love from past versions are still intact, including seamless iPod integration, smart playlists, CD burning, label printing, the ability to rip files in multiple formats (except WMA), network sharing, and, of course, the enormously successful iTunes Store. Rounding out the feature set are parental controls, integrated podcasts, and a smart-shuffle option. Whether you're already among the converted or have yet to try this top-notch player, iTunes 7 should find a home on any media junkie's computer.