1. Introduction
Liteon
SOSW - 852SX External Burner -
Page 1
Lite-On
IT corporation introduces its fourth in line, external Slim DVD burner,
the SOSW-852SX drive. Manufactured mainly for laptop use, the SOSW-852SX in
some cases supports burning at double the speed of its predecessor, the
SOSW-8D2SX. So where the SOSW-8D2SX supports 4X for all DVD+R media, the new
SOSW-852SX
supports up to 8X.
Moreover, the SOSW-852SX supports 4X for DVD-R, 2X for DVD+RW
and DVD-RW, and 2.4X recording speed for Double Layer media. Finally, the SOSW-852SX
can write and rewrite CDs at 24X speed.
- Features
- SMART-BURN avoiding Buffer UnderRun Error, Automatically adjusting writing strategy & running OPC to provide the best burning quality
- SMART-X function adjusts CD-DA / VCD / DVD data extraction to a fastest allowable speed according to both data request rate from host and disk quality
- Support Fixed Packet, Variable Packet, TAO, SAO, DAO, Raw Mode Burning & Over-Burn
- DVD read compliant: DVD single / dual layer ( PTP / OTP ), DVD-R ( 3.9 GB / 4.7 GB ), DVD-R multi-borders, DVD+R, DVD+R multi-sessions, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW
- CD read compliant: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM / XA, Photo-CD, Multi-session, Karaoke-CD, Video-CD, CD-I FMV, CD Extra, CD Plus, CD-R, and CD-RW
- Conforms to Orange Book : Part 2 CD-R Volume 1, Part 2 CD-R Volume 2 Multi Speed, Part 3 CD-RW Volume 1 ( 1x, 2x, and 4x ), Part 3 CD-RW Volume 2 : High Speed, Part 3 CD-RW Volume 3 : Ultra Speed
- Portable design, using USB 2.0 connection to ensure the best performance
- Plug & Play with emergency manual eject
- Specifications
Interface: |
USB 2.0 |
Buffer Size: |
2MB
|
PC Required : |
Pentium 166 MHz or faster CPU, 64 MB DRAM Required |
|
HDD must have access time < 20 ms, with a minimum of 100 MBytes Free space |
Compatibility : |
Windows 98 / 2000 / ME / XP |
MTBF ( Life ) : |
60,000 Hours |
S/N Ration : |
> 78 dB |
Environment : |
Operating 5C to 45C; Relative Humidity : 8% to 80% |
Non-Operating -20C to 60C; Relative Humidity : 5% to 95% |
Dimension : |
138.0 ( W ) x 24.0 ( H ) x 155.0 ( D ) mm |
Weight : |
405 g |
Power plug type : |
US, EU, UK, and AUS |
DVD Family : |
Write: 8X+R, 4X-R, 2.4X +R9 |
|
ReWrite: 2X +RW, 2X -RW Read: 8X Access Time: 130ms |
CD Family: |
Write: 24X CD-R, 24X CD-RW, Read : 24X |
|
Access Time: 110ms |
Below are the drive's main specs as given by NeroInfoTool, VSO Inspector and DVDInfoPro:
As we can see below, the SOSW-852SX uses the RPC II region control, which
supports region selection changes for at most 5 times. We changed the drive
to region free which can be done for the SOSW-852SX using utilities such
as
Kprobe.
Additional information on LiteOn SOSW-852SX by Kprobe:
- European Retail package
The
retail version includes the LiteOn SOSW-852SX, the power adapter, and along
with these the package includes Nero 6, the well known CD-DVD burning software
and the also famous PowerDVD 5 for your DVD playback needs. Last but not least,
the package includes two Single Layer media, one +R and one -R format.
On the unit's rear panel there are the USB
and power adapter input.
A closer image of the drive's tray...
.
- Installation: The drive was installed with USB cable to
USB 2.0 input on our PC and under WindowsXP was recognized
as "SlimType
DVDRW SOSW-852S".
The drives firmware is the latest version availiable, PSX1. What follows is
a Nero Burning Rom screenshot, listing the supported options for the LiteOn
SlimType, such as
supported media and buffer underrun protection.
For the requirements of this review and for comparison,
we used the NEC ND_6500A and Pioneer DVR-SK12D drives, flashed with their latest
firmware.
Please note
that all three drives (the reviewed drive and the comparison drives), are mainly
for laptop PC use and so the main criteria should be quality,
not speed...
- Testing software
In order to perform our tests, we used:
- Nero CD-DVD Speed v3.40
- CDVD Benchmark v1.21
- ExactAudioCopy v0.9 beta5
- Nero Info Tool v2.27
-
PlexTools v2.17
- DVDInfoPro v3.16
-
Nero Burning Rom v6.6.0.1
-
DVD Decrypter 3.5.1.0
- CopyToDVD 3.0.34.58
2. Transfer Rate Reading Tests
Liteon SOSW - 852SX Burner- Page 2
Transfer Rate Reading Tests
- CD Format
The LiteOn SOSW-852SX supports a maximum reading speed of 24X for CD-R
and CD-RW media. What follows are the results of
the LiteOn SOSW-852SX's performance compared with the other two drives:
In the above graphs we can see that there is not much between the three drives.
The LiteOn SOSW-852SX was only marginally slower than the other two with pressed
CD and CDR media but faster with USRW media.
- DVD Format
Using Single Layer media and Pressed OTP (Oposite Track Path) dual layer DVD
ROM media, the LiteOn was slightly faster. With PTP (Parallel Track
Path) Dual Layer media,
the
Pioneer
drive
gave
the
fastest results while the LiteOn drive was a good deal slower reading this
media type.
In general, the LiteOn drive displayed very good reading speeds
with all the formats. The NEC ND-6500A was not that much slower while
the Pioneer DVR-SK12D lagged behind.
Finally, in the DVD ripping test using a pressed DL movie, the LiteOn drive
follows on in the tradition of LiteOn drives,
with the fastest transfer
rate, and hence, fastest DVD ripping...
- Appendix
Nero CD-DVD Speed Graphs
3. CD Error Correction Tests
LiteOn
SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 3
CD Error Correction Tests
How about we check out the drive's scratched and defective disc error correction
capabilities, using the ABEX test disc series from ALMEDIO and the LiteOn
SOSW-852SX. The
results
are given below...
- ABEX TCD-721R
Errors total
|
Num : 2156525
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 89837 |
Avg:-72.0 dB(A)) |
Max:-27.9 dB(A)) |
Error Muting Samples
|
Num:6259 |
Avg: 1.0 Samples |
Max: 11 Samples |
Skips Samples
|
Num: 2 |
Avg: 300.0 Samples |
Max: 300 Samples |
Total Test Result
|
62.7 points (of 100.0 maximum) |
The drive managed to achieve a total test result of 62.7 out of 100, which
illustrates the ability of the drive with the specific test disc. Despite a low Loudness Error level (-27.9 dB(A)) compared to most drives, the total error count is
very high which is why many samples had to be muted
while 2
samples were skipped.
- ABEX TCD-726
Errors total
|
Num:
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 0
|
Avg: -174.0 dB(A)
|
Max: -174.0 dB(A)
|
Error Muting Samples
|
Num: 0
|
Avg: 0 Samples
|
Max: 0 Samples
|
Skips Samples
|
Num: 0
|
Avg: 0 Samples
|
Max: 0 Samples
|
Total Test Result
|
100.0 points (out
of 100.0 maximum)
|
The behavior of drive was much better in this case where it managed to correct
all the disc's errors. The result was a perfect 100.
- CD-Check Audio Test Disc
In order to evaluate the sound reproduction and error correction capabilities of a CD player (currently the LiteOn SOSW-852SX),
we used the CD-Check Audio Test Disc. The disc, designed and manufactured with error paterns, contains five tracks, each track progressively harder to read and reproduce with the CD player. These tracks are referred to as Check Level -1 through Check
Level -5.
The files are reproduced (played) through a software multimedia player (i.e. Windows Media Player). Each level is considered as passed, if the tone coming out from the speakers is smooth, continuous without interruptions, skipping or looping. The higher the Check Level passed, the more reliable the sound reproduction of the tested device.
Error Level
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
LiteOn Slimtype
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
3/5
|
0/5
|
0/5
|
The drive passed only the first two Check Levels of the test and managed only 3 out of 5 with the third level. The performance
reveals less than average error correction. The fourth and the
fifth levels include an error size of 1.125mm and 1.500mm respectively and
the drive produced continuous audible clicks over these tracks, as do many of the drives we have reviewed in the past.
4. DVD Error Correction Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner- Page 4
DVD Error Correction
Tests
In the following tests we examine the DVD reading capabilities of the drive with scratched / defective DVD media. For the tests we used CDVD Benchmark and Nero CDSpeed. The reference test media comes from ALMEDIO.
- Single Layer media
ABEX TDR-821
This is a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM with a 4.7GB capacity, and its surface has an artificial scratch of dimensions varying from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.
The following transfer rate picture comes from the CDVD Benchmark v1.21 transfer rate test.
While the LiteOn SOSW-852SX proved capable of reading the artificially scratched disc, in order to progress and reach the end, the drive had to drop and fluctuate in speed (note the large area of activity over the defective region in the graph above), to the point that it becomes unacceptable.
ABEX TDR-825
This is also a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM of 4.7GB capacity. The data structure of the disc is exactly the same as that of the TDR-821, with the difference that there are no scratches on it but instead, defective areas of dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 mm.
There are also fingerprints sized between 65 and 75 micrometers.
Here the performance is better in comparison with the previous test disc. But the speed fluctuations are once again numerous...
- Dual Layer media
ABEX TDR-841
This is an 8.5GB dual layer single sided DVD-ROM disc with artificial scratches of dimensions ranging from 0.4 to 3.0mm, on both layers.
Don't need to say much about this one, as it is clear as glass... The SOSW-852SX performed poorly in this case, with quite a few errors appearing in the first layer and performance in the second layer was not much better with again, fluctuations in speed. These show the tremendous problems the drive has in reading such defective DL media.
ABEX TDR-845
The disc is a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc of a capacity of 8.5GB. The only difference between the TDR-845 and the TDR-841 is that the TDR-845 includes both defective areas and fingerprints.
Now, thats a breakthrough... The LiteOn drive did pretty well, managing to achieve good reading with this media test disc. Let's hope it can keep it up...
ABEX TDV-541
Using Nero CdSpeed, we tested the drive with the TDV-541, a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc, with a capacity of 8.5GB. Based on the 540 series for inspection and calibration of DVD-VIDEO players, the TDV-541 inspects the layer switch operation and the error correction capabilities of the drive, including scratches ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.
The LiteOn performed well in reading the test disc. Quite a clean result.
ABEX TDV-545
The
TDV-545 disc is based on the TDV-540 series. It is a single sided, dual layer
DVD-VIDEO disc with a capacity of 8.5GB. The TDV-545 includes artificial black
dots on the data surface, sized from 0.4 to 1.0 mm. It also has 65 - 75
micrometer fingerprints.
Like most drives with this disc, the LiteOn succesfully read both sides of the media test disc.Once again, a well done job.
- Conclusion
Certainly a reader of contrasts with very poor reading with the first few discs but finishing off nicely with the last set of discs. Overall though, it doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.
5. Protected Disc Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner- Page 5
Protected Disc
Tests
- Reading Tests
In order to test the ability of the LiteOn SOSW-852SX drive in creating an image of a protected disc, we used the well known image maker Alcohol 120% and three types of protected media, one being a PSX game, one with SafeDisc protection and one with SecuRom protection. Below are the transfer rates and duration of the drive in each of the cases.
Game Title |
Protection Scheme |
Duration |
Reading speed |
PSX "NBA Jam Extreme" |
Lybcrypt |
4:35 min |
328 sectors/sec |
Serious Sam The Second Encounter |
SafeDisc v.2.50.051 |
10:42 min |
522 sectors/sec |
VRally II |
SecuROM v.2 |
4:40 min |
1227 sectors/sec |
With PSX media, we can see that the drive didn't perform well at all and came in a distant last, being the slowest in this category of the laptop drives. On the other hand, using Safedisc protected media, the LiteOn drive offered much better results in comparison with the other two laptop drives. With SecuRom, the performance was good.
- Writing Tests
The LiteOn SOSW-852SX supports the DAO-RAW writing mode. For checking the
drive's EFM correction status, we used 3 different game titles with different
SafeDisc 2 versions having the latest software patches installed. After making
the images of the various titles onto the hard disk, we burned them (maximum
speed) with Alcohol 120% v1.9.2.1705. Two different discs were created for
each title; one with the "Bypass EFM error" enabled and one more
with the function disabled.
- Fifa 2004 - Safe Disc v3.1x
- The Sims Superstar - Safe Disc v2.9x
- The Sims Unleashed - Safe Disc v2.8x
- Serious Sam Second Encounter - Safe Disc v2.51.021
- Max Payne - Safe Disc v2.51.020
The table below shows the results of the attempted backups and whether they worked (game installed / played normally), or not.
Drive |
Fifa 2004
SD v3.1x |
Sims Superstar
SD v2.9x |
Sims Unleashed
SD v2.8x |
Serious Sam-Second Encounter
SD v2.50.051 |
Max Payne
SD v2.51.020 |
EFM OFF |
EFM ON |
EFM OFF |
EFM ON |
EFM OFF |
EFM ON |
EFM OFF |
EFM ON |
EFM OFF |
EFM ON |
Toshiba
SD-M1502 |
No
|
Yes
|
Creative CD5233E |
LiteOn SOSW-852SX |
The drive is not made for game backups. However, it managed to make a working backup of SafeDisk protection version 2.8.
6. DAE Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 6
DAE Tests
- Pressed and CDR AudioCD
The specific LiteOn drive supports up to 24X CAV DAE speed. Using pressed AudioCD and its CD-R copy, we have the following results:
LiteOn, performed well in this test, achieving the fastest speed among the three drives.
- Advanced DAE Quality
Using the advanced features of the Nero CdSpeed Advanced DAE Quality Test, the LiteOn gave the best overall result a drive could give, scoring 100 points in the quality score.
- Reading 90/ 99mins AudioCDs
The drive could not complete reading of the 90min Audio CD, as is evidenced by the screenshot above.
In this case, the drive managed to read almost perfectly the 99min Audio CD, with a slight drop of speed near the end of reading, but nothing out of the ordinary in this case. An almost perfect reading (always according to the standards of the drive) compared to the 90min disc which reported reading errors and the process failed to finish.
7. Protected AudioCDs
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 7
Protected AudioCDs
For this test we used Exact Audio Copy (EAC) and three audio discs, each recorded with a different copy protection scheme.
The tested protected Audio discs were:
- Sony's Key2Audio from "Celine Dion - New Day Has Come"
- Cactus Data Shield 200 from "Natalie Imbruglia - White Lilies Island"
The "White Lilies Island" from Natalie Imbruglia comes with Cactus Data Shield 200, a disc which contains artificial errors, rendering a reader unable to proccess them, while Sony's Key2Audio on Celine Dion's album "New Day Has Come", contains a second session where readers are unable to access the TOC (Table Of Contents).
The tested tasks are:
- Recognition of the inserted disc (Yes/No)
- Ripping all wavs (with EAC's Burst Mode) to the hard disk with copy&compare function.
- Listening to the produced wavs for any clicks/skips.
The LiteOn recognized up to the 12th Audio track of CDS200 disc,
and with the "Retrieve Native TOC" option removed, it then recognized
the 13th track.
The test results are shown in the following table:
|
Key2Audio |
CDS200 |
LiteOn SOSW-852SX |
Ripping process completed, EAC reports
no problems, Read&Test CRC comparison successful for all tracks |
Ripping process completed, EAC reports timing problems, Read&Test CRC comparison not the same for all tracks |
The LiteOn will rip both Key2Audio and
CDS200 protected audio discs. Both discs were recognized and their contents
were ripped
at the maximum speed.
- Cactus Data Shield 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a (Aiko Katsukino - The Love Letter)
This
is a "special" CDS200 build, since it doesn't contain any artificial
errors during the ripping process. Most problems occur when trying to write
the ripped wav files, since the produced CD-R disc contains C2 and CU errors!
This "problem" is rumored to be associated with specific
chipset weaknesses.
We ripped the disc contents with EAC and burned the produced wav with the
latest Nero version as AudioCD+CD-Text. The burned media was checked for
C1/C2 errors with PlexTools using the Plextor PX-712A (firmware
v1.05).
|
CDS 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a |
SlimType SOSW-852S |
Reading performed without any errors, writing produces a few C2 spikes |
- C1C2 Error rate from PleXWriter PX-712A (8X CLV reading speed)
- BETA/Jitter Error rate with the PleXWriter PX-712A
The C1/C2 error graphs show that the drive managed to produce a 100% error
free disc.
We then tried to extract all the wav files with the Plextor PX-712A and PlexTools
DAE with Error Correction 5th Level enabled:
No errors were reported after extracting all files.
8. CD Recording Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 8
CD Recording Tests
The LiteOn Slimtype supports 24X CD-R and 24X US-RW recording speeds.
The drive supported CD recording speeds are...
The following screenshot confirms the maximum speed of 24X. The
test started at 10.01X and finished at 24.05X, having an average speed of 17.11X. Click on the image for a full CDSpeed graph:
For the burning tests, we created an 80min data compilation through Nero Burning Rom and recorded the data on a 700MB disc. In only 5:40 mins, the LiteOn completed the task with a maximum speed of 24X.
In the graph that follows, we can see all the recording times with various discs, with the writting performance varying only slightly depending on the inserted media.
- Other features
Overburning writing
|
No
|
CD text reading/writing
|
Yes
|
The LiteOn supports 24X Z-CLV rewriting speed with Ultra Speed Rewritable Media
(US-RW).
Below you can see the Nero CD-DVD Speed writing simulation test with blank
24X US-RW media from Mitsubishi Chemicals.
The drive starts the writing task at 10.01X and reaches a maximum of 24.05X, having an average speed of 16.39X.
9. Writing Quality - 3T Jitter Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 9
3T Jitter Tests
On this page, you can
see the 3T
Pit & Land Jitter graphs for various media burned at 24X CAV writing
speed.
- 3T Pit results
At 24X writing speed, all media except for Maxell reported low to medium levels, which indicates good performance. Best results came with Creation and BenQ media.
- 3T Land results
Once again, except for Maxell media, the Jitter tests report medium 3T Land levels, indicating good performance. Best results came with Creation and BenQ media again..
On the following page, we check the C1 and C2 error rates of the same discs,
to come up with more specific conclusions.
10. C1 / C2 Error Measurements
LiteOn
SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 10
C1 / C2 Error Measurements
With the aid of PleXTools v2.16 and Plextor 721A, it's time to start measuring the C1 / C2 error rates on the discs we burned with the Nero burning software, at the maximum supported speed of 24X.
BenQ 80min 52X @ 24X
Creation 80min 48X @ 24X
Maxell 80min 48X @ 24X
MMore 80min 52X @ 24X
TY 80min 48X @ 24X
- Summary
The reported uncorrectable errors with BenQ and Maxell media and the C2 in other cases, illustrate average performance.
- Appendix
Media Label |
ID Code |
Manufacturer Name |
Lead Out TIme |
BenQ 52X |
97m22s67f |
Daxon |
79:59:74 |
Taiyo Yuden 48X |
97m24s 1f |
Taiyo Yuden |
79:59:72 |
MMore 80min 52X |
97m17s 6f |
Moser Baer India, Ltd. |
79:59.74 |
Creation 80min 48X |
97m27s18f |
Plasmon Data Systems Ltd. |
79:59:74 |
Maxell 80min 48X |
97m15s17f |
Ritek Co. |
79:59:70 |
11. Writing Quality Tests - Clover System Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 11
Writing Quality Tests - Clover System Tests
The Clover Systems CDX Compact Disc Analyzer is a high-speed tool to quantitatively
measure the quality of a CD. It will analyze CD-DA, CD-ROM,
CD-ROM XA, CD-I, CD-R, Photo-CD, Enhanced CD and CD-RW discs at 4X, 8X, 24X,
32X or 40X speed. It effectively measures disc quality by examining the quantity
and
severity of CIRC errors generated during playback. It also provides the
capability to measure signal parameters related to pit geometry, such as
asymmetry and reflectivity. Together, all these bits of information provide a
thorough analysis of disc quality. The Clover Systems Analyzers can also perform
various format-checking tests on data discs, and do bit-for-bit data comparison
on all types of CDs. All tests are carried out at the maximum speed of 40X.
CIRC error correction uses two principles to detect and correct errors. The first is redundancy (extra information is added, which gives an extra chance to read the disc), and the second is interleaving (data is distributed over a relatively large physical area). The CIRC error correction used in CD players uses two stages of error correction, the well known C1 and C2, with de-interleaving of the data between the stages.
The error type E11 means one bad symbol was corrected in the C1 stage. E21means two bad symbols were corrected in the C1 stage. E31 means that there were three or more bad symbols at the C1 stage. This block is uncorrectable at the C1 stage, and is passed to the C2 stage. Respectively, E12 means one bad symbol was corrected in the C2 stage and E22 means two bad symbols were corrected in the C2 stage. E32 means that there were three or more bad symbols in one block at the C2 stage, and therefore this error is not correctable.
BLER (Block Error Rate) is defined as the number of data blocks per second that contain detectable errors, at the input of the C1 decoder. Since this is the most general measurement of the quality of a disc, you will find BLER graphs for all media tested below. If you click on the images you can see a more detailed table, indicating error levels. The Red Book specification (IEC 908) calls for a maximum BLER of 220 per second averaged over ten seconds. Discs with higher BLER are likely to produce uncorrectable errors. Al low BLER shows that the system as a whole is performing well, and the pit geometry is good. However, BLER only tells us how many errors were generated per second, and it does not tell us anything about the severity of those errors.
BenQ 80min 52X @ 24X
Creation 80min 48X @ 24X
Maxell 80min 48X @ 24X
MMore 80min 48X @ 24X
TY 80min 48X @ 24X
- Summary
Taiyo Yuden media revealed the best writing quality. All other media brands reported E32 errors.
12. DVD Recording Tests
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 12
DVD Recording Tests
- Writing Performance
The maximum supported speed for DVD+R media is 8X while
with DVD-R it is 4X, and for rewritable media 2X.
The supported recording speeds as shown by Nero Burning Rom...
By using Nero CD-DVD Speed with DVD-R and DVD+R media, we should be able to see the 8X recording technology being used by the recorder for +R media, and 4X recording technology for -R media.
Although we expected to see 8X writng, the drive successfully completed the simulation task at only 4X in 15:00mins, no matter which media we tried, even that certified for 8X.
The test started at 2.01X, reached a maximum writing speed of 4.12X and
reported an average speed of 4.02X.
The test started at 2.01X,
reached a maximum writing speed of 4.11X and reported an average speed of 4.02X. As we can see from the above graphs, the drive could not stand true to the task and offer 8X recording for +R which is the official maximum speed supported by the drive. All that remained was in the great majority, discs burned at 4X for +R/-R media, and some at 6X which as we will see, is the highest practical speed supported by the SOSW-852SX burner.
- Burning Tests
The maximum writing speed supported by the LiteOn with -R media is 4X. The best performance in terms of speed (burning time), came with Sony 8X media, burned in 14:37 mins.
In the category of +R media, the LiteOn drive officially supports up to 8X. Although Nero reported 8X, the final burning times indicate a different speed. Best performance was reported with Ricoh 8X media, which was burned in 14:20 mins with most of the remaining media hovering around 14:30 to 15:00 mins.
- Comparison with other drives
With DVD±R and DVD+RW media, the LiteOn had very good writing times. Best performer overall was the NEC ND-6500A which had very fast, steady times while the Pioneer DVR-SK12D was also steady but slow.
- DVD Overburning Test
Unfortunately, the drive does not support DVD overburning for both -R and +R media formats, giving the above error messages.
- DVD+MRW Tests
The drive does not support the Mount Rainier feature.
13. Media Support list
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 13
Media Support list
What follows is a comlpete list of the media supported by the LiteOn SOSW-852SX, according to the BSX1 firmware version on the drive.
DVD-R |
DVD+R |
AN32 /00 [2x]
BeAll G00001/50 [2x]
BeAll G40001/00 [4x]
CMC MAG. /00 [2x]
CMC MAG. AE1/00 [4x]
CMC MAG. AF1/52 [4x]
DAXON004 /00 [4x]
Dvsn /52 [4x]
FORNEX101 /00 [4x]
FUJIFILM03 /52 [4x]
GSC001 /50 [2x]
GSC001 /52 [4x]
GSC002 /52 [4x]
LD /00 [2x]
LEADDATA /00 [2x]
LEADDATA01 /00 [2x]
LONGTEN 001 /00 [4x]
MBI /50 [2x]
MBI 01RG20 /52 [4x]
MCC 00RG200 /00 [2x]
MCC 01RG20 /52 [4x]
MCC 02RG20 /00 [6x]
MCI4XG01 /52 [2x]
MCIG01 /50 [2x]
MEI 00V001 /50 [2x]
MEI 00V002 /00 [4x]
MXL RG01 /50 [2x]
MXL RG02 /52 [4x]
MXL RG03 /00 [6x]
NANYA P1861 /00 [2x]
NANYA-JC001 /00 [4x]
OPTODISCK001/00 [2x]
OPTODISCR004/52 [4x]
PRINCO /50 [2x]
PRINCO /52 [2x]
ProdiscF01 /00 [4x]
PRODISCG02 /00 [2x]
ProdiscS03 /00 [4x]
ProdiscS04 /52 [4x]
PVC001001 /00 [2x]
PVCR001002 /00 [4x]
RITEKG03 /50 [2x]
RITEKG04 /00 [4x]
RITEKG05 /00 [4x]
RITEKG06 /00 [4x]
RITEKM02 /00 [2x]
SKC Co.,Ltd./00 [4x]
SONY /00 [2x]
SONY04D1 /00 [4x]
SONY08D1 /00 [6x]
TAIYOYUDEN /00 [2x]
TAROKO-MX4 /00 [4x]
TDKG02000000/50 [2x]
TTG01 /52 [4x]
TTG02 /00 [6x]
TTH01 /00 [6x]
TYG01 /52 [4x]
TYG02 /00 [2x,4x]
TYG03 /00 [6x]
Yi Jhan 001 /52 [4x] |
AML /001/00 [4x]
BeAll000/P80/00 [4x]
CMC MAG /E01/00 [2.4x,4x]
CMC MAG /F01/00 [4x]
CMC MAG /M01/00 [2.4x,4x]
CMC MAG /R01/00 [2.4x]
DAXON /AZ1/01 [2.4x]
DAXON /AZ2/00 [4x]
DT-D02 /02 /00 [4x]
DT-D03 /004/00 [4x]
GSC502 /002/00 [4x]
INFODISC/R10/02 [4x]
INFODISC/R20/00 [4x]
INFOME /R20/00 [4x]
LD /A02/00 [4x]
LD /S03/00 [6x]
LONGTEN /002/00 [2.4x]
MAXELL /001/00 [4x]
MAXELL /002/00 [2.4x,4x]
MAXELL /003/00 [6x]
MBIPG101/R03/00 [4x]
MBIPG101/R04/01 [4x]
MCC /002/00 [4x]
MCC /003/00 [4x]
MCC /004/00 [2.4x,4x]
MJC /003/00 [4x]
MPOMEDIA/040/00 [4x]
MPOMEDIA/080/00 [4x]
MUST /002/01 [4x]
NANYA /CHX/00 [2.4x]
NANYA /CLX/00 [4x]
NANYA /RJB/00 [2.4x]
OPTODISC/OR4/00 [2.4x]
OPTODISC/OR8/00 [4x]
PHILIPS /C08/00 [4x]
PHILIPS /C16/00 [4x]
Plasmon /c01/00 [4x]
PRODISC /R01/01 [2.4x]
PRODISC /R02/00 [4x]
PRODISC /R03/03 [6x]
PRODISC /R04/04 [2.4x,4x]
RICOHJPN/R00/01 [2.4x]
RICOHJPN/R01/02 [4x]
RICOHJPN/R02/03 [6x]
RITEK /M02/01 [4x]
RITEK /R01/01 [2.4x]
RITEK /R02/01 [4x]
RITEK /R03/01 [4x]
RITEK /R03/02 [4x]
RITEK /R04/01 [4x]
SONY /D11/00 [6x]
SONY /D21/00 [2.4x,4x]
TDK /001/00 [4x]
TDK /002/00 [2.4x,4x]
VDSPMSAB/001/01 [4x]
YUDEN000/T01/00 [4x]
YUDEN000/T01/01 [4x]
YUDEN000/T02/00 [6x] |
+R9 |
CMC MAG /W01/00 [2.4x]
CMC MAG /W02/00 [4x]
DAXON /D41/00 [4x]
DAXON /D42/00 [4x]
INFODISC/A01/00 [2.4x]
INFODISC/A10/00 [4x]
MBIPG101/W03/00 [2.4x]
MBIPG101/W04/00 [4x]
MCC /A01/00 [2.4x]
MKM /A02/00 [4x]
NANYA /DRW/00 [4x]
NANYASC /DRW/01 [2.4x]
OPTODISC/OP1/01 [2.4x]
OPTODISC/OP4/01 [4x]
PHILIPS /010/02 [2.4x]
PHILIPS /041/00 [4x]
PRODISC /W01/00 [2.4x]
PRODISC /W02/00 [4x]
RICOHJPN/W01/00 [2.4x]
RICOHJPN/W11/01 [4x]
RITEK /001/01 [2.4x]
RITEK /004/00 [4x]
RITEK /W04/00 [4x]
SENTINEL/W01/00 [2.4x]
SENTINEL/W02/00 [4x]
SONY /S11/00 [4x] |
DVD-RW |
DVD+RW |
CMCW02 /00 [2x]
DAXON_RW2X01/00 [2x]
JVC/VictorT7/00 [2x]
JVC0VictorD7/00 [2x]
JVC_VictorW7/00 [2x]
MCC 00RW11N9/00 [1x]
MCC 01RW11n9/00 [2x]
MCC 01RW4X /00 [4x]
OPTODISCW002/00 [2x]
OPTODISCW004/21 [2x]
PRINCO /20 [1x]
PRINCO /21 [2x]
Prodisc DW04/21 [2x]
ProdiscDVDRW/00 [1x]
PVCW000001Q9/20 [1x]
PVCW00V00245/00 [2x]
RITEK000V11A/00 [1x]
RITEKW01 /00 [2x]
RITEKW04 /00 [2x]
SONY000000U9/20 [1x]
TDK401saku=3/20 [1x]
TDK501saku]3/20 [1x]
TDK502sakuM3/00 [2x]
TDK601saku /00 [4x]
|
CMC MAG /W01/00 [2.4x]
CMC MAG /W02/00 [4x]
DAXON /D41/00 [4x]
DAXON /D42/00 [4x]
INFODISC/A01/00 [2.4x]
INFODISC/A10/00 [4x]
MBIPG101/W03/00 [2.4x]
MBIPG101/W04/00 [4x]
MCC /A01/00 [2.4x]
MKM /A02/00 [4x]
NANYA /DRW/00 [4x]
NANYASC /DRW/01 [2.4x]
OPTODISC/OP1/01 [2.4x]
OPTODISC/OP4/01 [4x]
PHILIPS /010/02 [2.4x]
PHILIPS /041/00 [4x]
PRODISC /W01/00 [2.4x]
PRODISC /W02/00 [4x]
RICOHJPN/W01/00 [2.4x]
RICOHJPN/W11/01 [4x]
RITEK /001/01 [2.4x]
RITEK /004/00 [4x]
RITEK /W04/00 [4x]
SENTINEL/W01/00 [2.4x]
SENTINEL/W02/00 [4x]
SONY /S11/00 [4x] |
As we saw in the DVD burning tests, the drive did not produce 8X burning speed with any of the +R media. Here, we can clearly see that this is indeed the case where no media brand is listed at 8X...
14. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 1
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 14
CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 1
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though
a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth
containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities
of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer
area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
8X DVD+R Writing Speed
- Summary
In general, the writing quality was good.
15. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 2
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 15
CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 2
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though
a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth
containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities
of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer
area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
4X DVD+R Writing Speed
- Summary
The best Plextools and CD/DVD Speed reading was produced by Traxdata 4X DVD+R media, a good combination...
16. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 3
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 16
CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 3
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned
media we used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though
a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth
containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities
of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer
area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
8X DVD-R Writing Speed
- Summary
TY media gave the best results with both CD/DVD Sspeed and Plextools. With the remainder, quality was average.
17. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 4
Waitec Action 16 Burner - Page 17
CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 4
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned
media we used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though
a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth
containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities
of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer
area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
4X DVD-R Writing Speed
- Summary
At 4X writing speed, the drive did not give the expected results, even though the recording speed was 4X, as supported by the drive. BenQ media reported the best readings.
18. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 5
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 18
CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 5
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the
burned media we are used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though
a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth
containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities
of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer
area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
4X -RW, +RW Writing Speed
- Mitsubishi 4X DVD-RW @ 4X
- Summary
We'll just say that the best readings came with TDK 4X media and move on to another page...
19. DVD+R DL - Page 1
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 19
DVD+R DL - Page 1
- Writing Tests
We burned two DVD+R DL discs with DVD-Video content. The source
disc was "Gladiator Movie - Special Edition" disc1 with a total
size of 6.86GB. First, we transferred the movie to the hard disc with DVD
Decrypter in ISO format (single file). Afterwards, we used CopyToDVD v3.0.0.26.
The writing process was finished after 39:30 minutes.
The average speed was 2.24X as reported by CopyToDVD software. The recorded
disc had the DVD+R9 format booktype setting.
The writing process was finished after 38:56 minutes. The average speed was 2.28X as reported by CopyToDVD software. The recorded disc had the DVD+R9 format booktype setting.
Disc Label |
Disc Information |
Max Allowed Writing Speed |
Total Recording Time
(mins) |
Verbatim 2.4X |
MKM 001 |
2.4X |
38:56 |
Traxdata 2.4X |
RITEK D01 |
2.4X |
39:30 |
For comparison reasons, we post DL burning times for
other writers, with the same disc content and same recording software:
Drive |
Time (mins) |
ASUS DRW-1604P (4X) |
23:10 |
Pioneer DVR-108A (4X) |
23:10 |
NEC ND-6500A |
37:42 |
ASUS DRW-1604P (2.4X) |
38:08 |
LG GSA-4120B |
38:12 |
Pioneer DVR-108A (2.4X) |
|
LiteON SOHW-832S DVD+R DL BookType |
38:33 |
LiteON SOHW-1633S |
38:34 |
LiteON SOHW-832S DVD-ROM BookType |
38:36 |
SONY DRU-700A |
|
LiteOn SOSW-852SX |
38:56 |
BenQ DW830A |
39:14 |
BenQ DW1620A |
40:03 |
BenQ DW1600A DL |
40:16 |
Well, as we can see form the above list, the review drive isn't first, but at least it's alos not last in the list of DL burners. In any case, as we mentioned in the beginning, being a laptop drive, emphasis should be given to quality and not speed.
20. DVD+R DL - Page 2
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner - Page 20
DVD+R DL - Page 2
- Writing Quality
Now, let us have a look in the writting quality of the drive, using the LiteOn SOHD-167T and the Plextor PX-712A drives.
- Traxdata Double Layer media @ 2.4X
Reading the DL media with Nero CDSpeed, we got the above graph which indicates poor quality performance. Simply too many speed fluctuations.
Using Plextools, we got the above scan, with the PI/PIF to the max. The LiteOn performed poorly in the specific DL tests and maybe a possible future upgrade would improve its performance with DL writing. Moving on...
- Verbatim Double Layer media @ 2.4X
Again, using CDSpeed, we got the above quality scan, smooth from the beginning until the completion of the reading test. Now this is closer to what we expected.
The graphs above speak for themselves... Verbatim reported good quality but we expected it to be better, as we expected for Traxdata as well.
21. SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 1
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 21
SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 1
For checking exactly what
the Action 16 reports, we used three different media, burned with other
recorders. The three media have been measured with the well known AudioDev
SA300 DVD
CATS system at 1X.
The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those
measurements for various reading speeds:
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn drive. Using other drives, even another SOSW-852X, can produce totally different
results. Be aware!
#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
The PI/PIF error values differ from those of the SA300, but the trends are similar.
#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 6X Reading speed
Once again the trend lines are similar for both systems while the values differ but not by too much.
#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed
Here too the trend is the same even though the values may differ.
22. SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 2
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 22
SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 2
For checking exactly what the Action 16 reports, we used three different media, burned with other recorders. The three media have been measured with the well known AudioDev SA300 DVD CATS system at 1X.
The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those measurements for various reading speeds:
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn drive. Using other drives, even another SOSW-852X, can produce totally different results. Be aware!
#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 6X Reading speed
#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed
The reported error values from the SA300 are totaly differrent from the error values given by the LiteOn. The trendlines however are similar.
23. SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 3
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 23
SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 3
In this instance, the drive could not recognize the MCC DVD-R disc, hence the blank page...
24. SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 4
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 24
SOSW-852SX vs. SA300 - Page 4
For checking exactly what the Action 16 reports, we used three different
media, burned with other recorders. The three media have been measured
using the well known AudioDev SA300 DVD CATS system at 1X.
The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those
measurements at various reading speeds:
- 3~8X CAV
- 2~6X CAV
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn drive. Using other drives, even another SOSW-852X, can produce totally different results. Be aware!
#4th Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
#4th Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed
25. BookType Setting
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 25
BookType Setting
The BookType Setting for DVD+R/RW formats is supported by the Waitec Action 16. Prior to burning +R, +RW, +R9 media, the user can change to the preferred booktype setting in order to achieve maximum compatibility.
One click away before changing the booktype setting, with the default setting set to normal DVD+R for DVD+R media:
click made, booktype set to DVD-ROM:
26. Conclusion
LiteOn SOSW-852SX Burner -
Page 26
In concluding this review, there is quite deal to say, some good and some not so good, that was noted and taken into account during the course of this presentation of the LiteOn SOSW-852SX. Before beginning, we reiterate that in this review as a whole, we are more interested in quality rather speed since we are reffering to a drive that is meant for Laptop PC use.
During the CD/DVD reading tests, the LiteOn did rather well for a laptop drive, with good transfer rates and fast ripping. Error correction however, was a weak point for this drive with both CD and DVD media. With Audio Extraction and Video ripping, the LiteOn managed to provide nice, steady performance with no surprises in as far as speed or quality are concerned. As for the protected media disc tests, the LiteOn managed to overcome the usual array of protection schemes and as with almost all drives, managed to backup up to SafeDisk v2.8.
CD Burning was satisfactory. Jitter levels were relatively low. However, it is with DVD media that the burner had most problems. Burning speed was not satisfactory where despite the fact that the drive is specified as having 8X writing speed with DVD+R media, it burned all discs, even those rated as 8X, at 4X. This was further confirmed by the drives firmware media list, which supports up to 6X, but since there are not many 6X rated media for burning out there, if the potential buyer expects fast burning, he will propably be dissapointed.
Finally, the drive supports up to 4X speed for DVD-R media and 2.4X burning DL media, with average writing quality.
According to the latest market prices, the drive costs around US$240 (VAT included).
- The Good
- Supports protected Audio discs (CDS200, Key2Audio)
- High DAE speed
- Good Video Ripping capabilities
-
Region free utilities
- Supports booktype setting changes
- The Bad
- Cannot write +R 8X certified media at high speed
- Doesn't accurately backup SafeDisc2 v2.9x+ protected discs
- CD/DVD writing with specific media
- Bad error correction capabilities
- Doesn't support DVD overburning
- Like to be fixed
- DVD/CD writting quality with certain media.
Retail Package |
|
Reading |
|
Error Correction |
|
Protected Discs |
|
Writing |
|
Features |
|