1. Introduction
LiteOn is one of the largest manufacturer in the optical drives market, supplying many other well known manufacturers, such as Sony, with its products. This time round, LiteOn has sent us one of their latest products, the SHW-16H5S, a 16X DVD burner with LightScribe support. New with this burner is 8X DVD+R9 support.
Features
- ATAPI/E-IDE Half-Height internal DVD+R / DVD+RW / DVD-R / DVD-RW / DVD+R9/ DVD-R9/ DVD-ROM / CD-R/ CD-RW / CD-ROM combination drive
- Support Double Layer DVD+/- R9 Recording Function
- SMART-BURN(*1) avoiding Buffer Under Run error, Automatically adjusting writing strategy &
running OPC to provide the best burning quality
- SMART-X(*2) function adjusts CD-DA / VCD / DVD data extraction to a fastest allowable speed
according to both data request rate from host and disk quality
- VAS(*3) system reduce vibration and noise during recording and reading
- Support Fixed Packet, Variable Packet, TAO, SAO, DAO, Raw Mode Burning & Over-Burn
- DVD read compliant: DVD single/dual layer (PTP/OTP), DVD-R(3.9GB/4.7GB), 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
- Support both 8cm and 12cm disc of CD and DVD family
- Conform 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 Volume2: High Speed, Part 3 CD-RW Volume 3: Ultra Speed
- Supported transfer mode: PIO mode 4, DMA mode 2 and Ultra DMA mode 4
- Support Lightscribe direct disk labeling to Lightscribe media
*1 SMART-BURN : Smart Monitoring & Adapting Recording Technology for BURNing.
*2 SMART-X : Smart Monitoring & Adjusting Read-speed Technology for eXtraction.
*3 VAS : Vibration Absorber System
Specifications
| Model |
LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-16H5S |
| DVD |
Write |
DVD+R 16X(21600KB/sec) maximum by CAV |
| DVD-R 16X(21600KB/sec) maximum by CAV |
| DVD+R9 8X(10800KB/sec) maximum by Zone CLV |
| DVD-R9 4X(5400KB/sec) maximum by CLV |
| ReWrite |
DVD+RW 8X(10800KB/sec) by CLV |
| DVD-RW 6X(8100KB/sec) by CLV |
| Read |
16X(21600KB/sec) maximum by CAV |
| Access time |
160ms |
| CD |
Write |
CD-R 48X(7200KB/sec) maximum by CAV |
| ReWrite |
CD-RW 24X(3600KB/sec) maximum by Z-CLV in UltraSpeed disc |
| Read |
48X(7200KB/sec) maximum by CAV |
| Access time |
160ms |
| Lightscribe labeling |
CDR Media 1.6X |
| DVD+R Media 1.6X |
| Buffer Size |
2MB(MAX) |
| PC Required |
Pentium 4 1.3GHz or higher CPU and 128MB or higher RAM are required
HDD must have access time < 20 ms; with a minimum of 650MB free space
9GB free space for creating a DVD image file (9GB for double layer; 5GB for single layer) |
| Compatibility |
Microsoft Windows XP/2000 SP4 |
| MTBF(Life) |
70000 POH |
| S/N Ration |
>75dB |
| Dimension |
145(W) x 41.3(H) x 170(D) mm |
| Weight |
<0.9 Kg |
| Environment |
Operating: 5°C to 50°C; Relative Humidity: 15% to 80% |
| Non-Operating: -40°C to 65°C; Relative Humidity: 15% to 95% |
Below are the main specs for the drive, as provided by NeroInfoTool and DVDInfoPro:
- Nero InfoTool
- DVD InfoPro
The RPC II region control is used, allowing the user to change the drive's region no more than five times. This is however something that can easily be changed with the use of some simple utilities. More about this in the following pages.
Retail Package
We received the retail package of the LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-16H5S. The very good and complete package includes the drive, a quick installation guide, a CD with software applications ( DVD Authoring, writing & editing software, DVD playback software, Backup software, Lightscribe labeling software, user's manual), an audio cable, 4 mounting screws, a LightScribe CD disc and a second bezel coloured black.
- Front panel view
- Rear panel view
On the rear panel you will find the digital and analogue audio outputs (SPDIF),
the IDE master/slave/cs selector pins, the IDE connector and the power input.
We don't recommend removing the drive's cover, since this will void the manufacturer's warrantee. Instead, you can take a look inside the drive with the pictures below. Click on the image below for a larger and more detailed photo.
The drive uses the MT1888LE chipset from Mediatek, known for its LightScribe feature, and also found in many other of the latest burners.
- Installation
The drive came with firmware release LS0R which happened to be the latest at the time of this review, so no flashing was needed. It was identified as the "LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-16H5S" under WinXP. Below is a screenshot from Nero Burning Rom's specs for the drive.
Throughout this review and for the sake of comparison, we will be posting the test results for the LiteOn SHW-16H5S along with the results of two other drives, the HP840b and the BenQ DW1625, all LightScribe enabled drives.
2. Reading Tests
- CD Format
For our CD transfer speed tests, we used the Nero CD-Speed utility and a Pressed CD disc. Let's take a look at how the drive performed compared with the other two drives.
Since the LiteOn drives supports a higher CD reading speed in comparison to the other two drives, the above results were expected. The LiteOn drive not only confirmed its 48X supported speed, but also managed to reach a speed of 50X at the end of the test.
In the case of USRW media, the LiteOn drive seems to support 32X maximum reading speed. The BenQ drive, due to its 40X support, was the fastest.
- AudioCD
For this test we used a pressed AudioCD.
In the case of AudioCDs, the LiteOn drive supports 48X DAE speed and was the fastest among the drives. All drives reported a perfect score in the Advanced DAE Quality Test from Nero.
90min test disc
99min test disc
The LiteOn drive had problems reading both the 90 and 99min test discs. In the case of the 99min disc, it reported an error a minute before the end.
- DVD Format
Now let's have a look at how the drive performs with DVD media. This time, a set of DVD media was used, both SL and DL.
Same specifications for all drives and hence, the similar performance.
The two layers of a PTP DVD-ROM disc are read sequentially
with the drive starting the reading process from the inner part of the disc, which is the
beginning of each layer, progressing towards its outer range.
Once again, the supported reading speeds were the same for all drives, so again we see similar performance.
The first layer of an OTP dual layer DVD-ROM is read exactly
the same way as the first layer of the PTP disc we tested previously, the main difference being the reading strategy of the second layer on the disc. The beginning
of the second layer is located in the outer part of the disc, so the drive
starts reading from the outer tracks towards the inner part of the disc. Similar performance as with the PTP reading test.
Note that the speeds included in the following tables are the average reported and not the maximum. The supported reading speed for all DVD±R/RW media is 12X for the LiteOn drive, which is the fastest amongst the three drives except in case of the BenQ with DVD-RW media which supports 16X.
Similar ripping performance for all three drives with the LiteOn drive being slightly faster.
-Appendix
Nero CD-DVD Speed Graphs
CD Pressed / US-RW / AudioCD
DVD Pressed SL / DVD Pressed DL PTP / DVD Pressed DL OTP / DVD-R / DVD-RW / DVD+R / DVD+RW
3. CD Error Correction
In the following tests, we check the drive's behaviour when reading
scratched/defective audio discs. The test discs used were the ABEX series
from ALMEDIO.
- ABEX TCD-721R
|
Errors
total |
Num:
751821 |
|
Errors
(Loudness) dB(A) |
Num: 44400 |
Avg:
-73.8 dB(A) |
Max:
-37.2 dB(A) |
|
Error
Muting Samples |
Num: 2402 |
Avg:
1.0 Samples |
Max: 7 Samples |
|
Skips
Samples |
Num: 0 |
Avg:
0.0 Samples |
Max:
0 Samples |
| Total Test Result |
77.2 points (out of 100.0 maximum) |
|
C2 Accuracy |
99.6 % |
The performance of the SHW-16H5S with the specific test disc is rather good. The Total Error Count is one of the lowest as is the maximum error loudness at -37.2 dB(A). There were no skipped samples reported and the Total Test Score is quite good.
- ABEX TCD-726
| Errors total |
Num: 0 |
| 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) |
| C2 Accuracy |
100.0 % |
The 726 test media does not present any problems for the majority of the tested drives. In the case of our LiteOn, the performance was perfect.
- CD-Check Audio Test Disc
The CD-Check Test Disc is a very useful tool for evaluating the Sound Reproduction
/ Error correction capabilities of a CD player. The disc offers a signal combination
with disc error patterns to rate the drive's abilities to read music and reproduce
it completely. Five tracks on the disc contain a sequence of progressively
more difficult tests. These tracks are referred to as Check Level-1 through
Check Level-5.
The
tracks are reproduced through a software multimedia player (i.e.
Windows Media Player). Each level is considered as passed, if the tone
is smooth, continuous without interruptions, skipping or looping. The higher
the Check Level passed, the more reliable the sound reproduction
of the tested drive.
|
Error Level
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
| LiteOn SHW-16H5S |
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
0/5
|
0/5
|
With this test disc, the drive reported average performance, achieving flawless reading for only 3 out of 5 tracks.
- Summary
Overall, the CD error correction of the SHW-16H5s drive is good.
4. DVD Error Correction
In the following tests, we checked the DVD reading capabilities of the LiteOn SHW-16H5S drive with scratched/defective DVD media. For our 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 varying in dimensions from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.
The following transfer rate picture comes from the CDVD Benchmark v1.21 transfer rate test.
A very smooth reading graph with no errors. Excellent performance.
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, the only difference being that there are no scratches on it. Instead, there are defective areas, ranging in dimensions from 0.5 to 1.1 mm.
There are also fingerprints sized between 65 and 75 micrometers.
Rather good performance without any errors reported. The graph could have been perfect if not for the speed drop, just before the fingerprints :-)
- Dual Layer media
ABEX TDR-841
This is an 8.5GB dual layer single sided DVD-ROM disc with artificial scratches ranging dimensionally from 0.4 to 3.0mm, on both layers.
Excellent performance. It seems that artificial scratches ranging dimensionally from 0.4 to 3.0mm on both layers are not a problem for the SHW-16H5S.
ABEX TDR-845
The disc is a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc of a 8.5GBcapacity. The only difference between the TDR-845 and the TDR-841 is that the former includes defective areas and fingerprints.
The dimensions of the defective areas range from 0.5 to 1.1 mm and the fingerprints are sized from 65 to 75 micro meters.
Good performance with near perfectly smooth reading speed. Again there were speed drops just before the fingerprint but these did not affect the reading.
ABEX TDV-541
The TDV-541 is a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc, with a capacity
of 8.5GB. The disc is based on the TDV-540 series which was designed to inspect and adjust DVD-VIDEO players. The disc checks the layer switch operation
from layer 0 to layer 1 and also includes test pictures and test signals on
DVD sound files.
The current TDV-541 also checks the error correction capabilities of
the drive. It also includes scratches from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.
As smooth as it gets... perfrect reading.
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.
Excellent reading from the LiteOn drive. The artificialdots and fingerprints were not a problem for the drive's error correction mechanism.
- Summary
The LiteOn SHW-16H5S has a very strong error correction mechanism when it comes to DVD media, and it managed to read all of our discs successfully, without any errors being reported.
5. Protected Discs
At this point we will check the drive's ability to read and backup protected CDs.
- AudioCD protections
For the test procedure we used three audio discs with different audio copy protection schemes. The ripping process on all protected audio discs was carried out with Exact Audio Copy v0.9 beta5.
The protected Audio discs tested, were:
| Audio Discs |
Protection |
| Celine Dion - New Day Has Come |
Sony's Key2Audio |
| Natalie Imbruglia - White Lilies Island |
Cactus Data Shield 200 |
| Aiko Katsukino - The Love Letter |
Cactus Data Shield 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a |
The Cactus Data Shield 200 contains artificial errors that are not easily bypassed by the reader, while the Key2Audio contains a second session causing problems for readers when trying to read the Table Of Contents (TOC).
The tested tasks are:
- Recognition of the inserted disc (Yes/No).
- Ripping all wav files (with EAC's Burst Mode) to the hard disk through copy&compare function.
- Listening to the produced wav files to detect any possible click/skips.
The drive recognized up to the 12th Audio track on the CDS200 disc,
and with the "Retrieve Native TOC" option removed, the drive recognized the 13th track.
The test results are shown in the following table:
| LiteOn SHW-16H5S |
Key2Audio |
CDS200 |
| Ripping process completed, EAC reports no problems, Read&Test CRC comparison successful for all tracks |
Ripping process completed, EAC reports no problems, Read&Test CRC comparison successful for all tracks |
- 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 which create problems 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 connected to specific drive chipset weaknesses.
| LiteOn SHW-16H5S |
CDS 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a |
| Reading performed without any errors. |
The LiteOn drive managed to read/rip all of the above AudioCD protections without any problem.
- Games Protections
To create an image of the various protected titles onto the hard disk, we used Alcohol 120% software with the appropriate settings, in accordance with the protection type of the inserted discs. Below you can see the duration of each process as well as the transfer rate in each case.
LiteOn drives have always been good when ripping games. However, in the case of the PSX disc, it could be faster.
- Writing Tests
The LiteOn SHW-16H5S supports the DAO-RAW writing mode. To check the drive's
EFM correction status we used 5 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 (at maximum speed) with
Alcohol 120% v1.9.2.3105. Two different discs were recorded for each title -
one with the "Rectify Sub-Channel Data" enabled and one with the function
disabled.
- Fifa 2004 - SafeDisc v3.1x
- Quake 4 - SafeDisc v4.6x
None of the above games worked when copied with the SHW-16H5S.
6. CD Recording Tests
- CD-R Format
The drive supports 8X, 16X, 24X, 32X, 40X and 48X (CAV) writing speeds.
According to Nero CDSpeed, the reported average speed when recording at 48X
is 36.47X.
- CD-R Recording Times
We created an 80min data compilation with Nero Burning Rom and recorded
it on a 700MB disc. The writing performance varies according to the inserted
media. Below is a chart depicting all recording times with
various media.
Similar times for all burned media at 48X with the exception of the SKC disc which the LiteOn burned at 40X.
Since the SHW-16H5S supports 48X CD writing speed, it was faster than both the HP and BenQ drives which support 40x.
- Overburning
- CD-RW Format
The SHW-16H5S 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, when recording at 24X, reported an average writing speed of 22.52X.
7. CD Writing Quality - Plextools
We measured the C1 / C2 error rates on the recorded discs we burned at the
various supported writing speeds. The software we used is the latest PleXTools Professional, and in particular the built-in Q-Check utility. The Plextor PX-716A was the reader used.
BenQ 80min 52X @ 48X
SKC 80min 52X @ 40X
MMore 80min 52X @ 48X
Taiyo Yuden 80min 48X @ 48X
Traxdata 80min 52X @ 48X
- Summary
We were not impressed with the CD writing quality of the SHW-16H5S since in almost all cases we had C2 or even CU errors. Only SKC media reported good quality and this probably due to the reduced writing speed of 40X. The 48X CD writing speed is too high for safe recordings and as it seems, a lower speed is always preferable. However, LiteOn should improve the writing quality when burning at 48X.
8. CD Writing Quality - Clover System
The Clover System 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 speeds. 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. When put together, all these facts provide a thorough analysis of disc quality. The Clover System 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 a 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 @ 48X
SKC 80min 52X @ 40X
MMore 80min 52X @ 48X
Traxdata 80min 52X @ 48X
Taiyo Yuden 80min 48X @ 48X
- Summary
A more professional as well as reliable look at the burned media is accomplished through the CDX system, provided by Clover Systems. It seems that both CDX Analyzer and Plextools were not far off. Only the SKC disc had a good quality, while the rest reported E22 and E32 errors.
9. DVD Writing Tests
- Writing Performance
Now we will check the burning performance with DVD media. Below, the available writing speeds can be seen, as given by Nero Burning Rom.
By using Nero CDSpeed with DVD-R and DVD+R media, we are able to see
the 16X, 12X, 8X and 6X writing strategies.
- DVD+R media @ 16X CAV
- DVD-R media @ 16X CAV
Because of the CAV writing strategy as we can see here from Nero CDSpeed, the recording times should be good...
- Burning Tests
DVD-R media
Very stable performance from the LiteOn burner. It managed to burn all media at their certified speed, all with similar times. For 16X burning with DVD-R discs, you'll need under 6 minutes which makes the SHW-16H5S quite fast. Some overspeeding though, with certain media would be welcomed.
DVD+R media
Once more, the writing performance of the SHW-16H5S with DVD+R media was stable, but no overspeeding. Close to 6 minutes for a 16X burn.
- Comparison with other drives
The graphs speak for themselves. The lower, the better...
- DVD Overburning Tests
The SHW-16H5S failed to overburn with both the DVD-R and DVD+R formats.
10. Supported Media List
Below you can find the supported media list for firmware LS0R.
| Overall supported media types |
325 |
| DVD+R9 supported media types |
17 |
DVD+R supported media types
|
109 |
DVD+RW supported media types
|
37 |
| DVD-R9 supported media types |
3 |
| DVD-R supported media types |
123 |
| DVD-RW supported media types |
36 |
| DVD+R9 supported media types: 17 |
CMC MAG D01-000 4x,2.4x
CMC MAG D02-000 8x,6x,4x
CMC MAG D04-000 8x,6x,4x
FUJIFILM DL1-000 8x,6x,4x
INFOME D01-000 2.4x
MKM 001-000 4x,2.4x
MKM 003-000 8x,6x,4x
PHILIPS CD2-000 2.4x
PHILIPS PD2-000 2.4x
PRODISC D01-000 2.4x
RICOHJPN D00-001 4x,2.4x
RICOHJPN D01-002 8x,6x,4x
RITEK D01-001 2.4x
RITEK D03-001 8x,6x,4x
RITEK S01-000 4x,2.4x
RITEK S04-001 8x,6x,4x
RITEK X08-001 8x,6x,4x |
| DVD+R supported media types: 109 |
AML 001-000 4x
AML 002-000 8x,6x
AML 003-000 8x,6x
BeAll000 P40-000 4x
BeAll000 P80-000 4x
BeAll000 PG0-000 12x,8x,6x
CMC MAG E01-000 2.4x
CMC MAG E01-000 8x,6x
CMC MAG F01-000 4x
CMC MAG F01-001 2.4x
CMC MAG M01-000 2.4x
CMC MAG M01-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
CMC MAG R01-000 2.4x
DAXON AZ1-000 4x
DAXON AZ2-000 8x,6x
DAXON AZ3-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
DAXON CY3-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
DDT 01 001-001 4x
DT-D02 02 -000 4x
DT-D03 004-000 8x,6x
EMDP 000-000 8x,6x
FTI 016-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
GSC502 002-000 4x
GSC503 H01-000 8x,6x
GSC503 H02-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
INFODISC R10-002 4x
INFODISC R20-000 8x,6x
INFOME R20-000 6x
INFOME R30-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
ISSM 001-000 8x,6x
ISSM 003-000 12x,8x,6x
LD 001-000 2.4x
LD A02-000 4x
LD S03-000 8x,6x
LD S04-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
LGEP16 001-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
LONGTEN 002-000 4x
MAM M02-000 8x,6x
MAM M04-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
MAXELL 001-000 4x
MAXELL 002-000 8x,6x
MAXELL 003-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
MBIPG101 R03-000 4x
MBIPG101 R04-001 8x,6x
MBIPG101 R05-001 16x,12x,8x,6x
MCC 001-000 2.4x
MCC 002-000 4x
MCC 003-000 8x,6x
MCC 004-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
MEDIA ID 001-000 4x
MJC 005-000 12x,8x,6x
MPOMEDIA 001-000 2.4x
MPOMEDIA 040-000 4x
MPOMEDIA 080-000 8x,6x
MUST 002-001 8x,6x
MUST 006-000 8x,6x
MUST 002 -002 4x
NAN YA FLX-000 12x,8x,6x
NANYA CHX-000 8x,6x
NANYA CLX-000 6x
NANYA RJB-000 4x
NSD R40-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
OPTODISC OP1-000 2.4x
OPTODISC OP2-000 2.4x
OPTODISC OR4-000 4x
OPTODISC OR8-000 8x,6x
OPTODISC R16-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
PHILIPS C08-000 8x,6x
PHILIPS C16-001 16x,12x,8x,6x
PRODISC R01-000 2.4x
PRODISC R02-000 4x
PRODISC R03-000 2.4x
PRODISC R03-000 8x,6x
PRODISC R04-004 16x,12x,8x,6x
PRODISC R05-001 16x,12x,8x,6x
Philips 081-000 8x,6x
Plasmon c01-000 8x,6x
Plasmon2 C01-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
RICOHJPN R00-000 4x
RICOHJPN R00-001 2.4x
RICOHJPN R01-002 2.4x
RICOHJPN R01-002 4x
RICOHJPN R02-003 8x,6x
RICOHJPN R03-004 16x,12x,8x,6x
RITEK F16-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
RITEK M02-001 4x
RITEK P16-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
RITEK R01-000 2.4x
RITEK R02-001 4x
RITEK R03-001 8x,6x
RITEK R03-002 2.4x
RITEK R03-002 8x,6x
RITEK R04-001 16x,12x,8x,6x
RITEK R05-001 16x,12x,8x,6x
SAST A01-000 12x,8x,6x
SONY D01-000 4x
SONY D11-000 8x,6x
SONY D21-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
TDK 001-000 4x
TDK 002-000 8x,6x
TDK 003-000 16x,12x,8x,6x
ULTRAN 202-000 8x,6x
VDSPMSAB 001-001 4x
VDSPMSAB 004-000 8x,6x
WINGSHIN 001-049 8x,6x
WINGSHIN G04-000 4x
YUDEN000 T01-000 4x
YUDEN000 T02-000 8x,6x
YUDEN000 T03-000 16x,12x,8x,6x |
| DVD+RW supported media types: 37 |
CMC MAG W01-000 2.4x
CMC MAG W02-000 4x,2.4x
CMC MAG W03-000 8x,6x
DAXON D41-000 4x
DAXON D42-000 4x
DAXON W81-000 8x,6x
INFODISC A01-000 2.4x
INFODISC A10-000 4x,2.4x
INFODISC A10-001 4x,2.4x
INFOME A20-000 8x,6x
MBIPG101 W03-000 2.4x
MBIPG101 W04-000 4x,2.4x
MBIPG101 W05-000 8x,6x
MCC A01-000 2.4x
MKM A02-000 4x,2.4x
MKM A03-000 8x,6x
NANYA DRW-000 4x
NANYASC DRW-000 2.4x
OPTODISC OP1-001 2.4x
OPTODISC OP4-001 4x
OPTODISC OP8-000 8x,6x
PHILIPS 010-002 4x
PHILIPS 041-000 4x,2.4x
PHILIPS RW8-000 8x,6x
PRODISC W01-002 2.4x
PRODISC W02-000 4x
RICOHJPN W01-000 2.4x
RICOHJPN W11-001 4x,2.4x
RICOHJPN W21-001 8x,6x
RITEK 001-001 2.4x
RITEK 004-048 4x
RITEK 008-000 8x,6x
RITEK W04-000 4x
SENTINEL W01-000 2.4x
SENTINEL W02-000 4x
SONY S11-000 4x,2.4x
SONY S21-000 8x,6x |
| DVD-R9 supported media types: 3 |
CMC MAG. AD4 4x,2x
MKM 01RD30 4x,2x
RITEKP01 4x,2x |
| DVD-R supported media types: 123 |
4M SYS 202C1 4x
AML 4x
AN30 4x
AN31 4x
AN32 4x
BeAll G16001 12x,8x,6x
BeAll G40001 4x
BeAll G80001 8x,6x,4x
CMC MAG. 2x
CMC MAG. AE1 8x,6x,4x
CMC MAG. AF1 4x
CMC MAG. AM1 12x,8x,6x
CMC MAG. AM3 16x,12x,8x,6x
DATA TRACK 4x
DAXON004 4x
DAXON008S 8x,6x,4x
DAXON016 12x,8x,6x
DAXON016S 16x,12x,8x,6x
DKM_01 4x
Dvsn 4x
Dvsn-160 16x,12x,8x,6x
ENGAGE 01 4x
FORNEX001 2x
FORNEX101 4x
FTI RG16 16x,12x,8x,6x
FUJIFILM03 8x,6x,4x
FUJIFILM04 16x,12x,8x,6x
GSC001 2x
GSC001 4x
GSC002 4x
GSC003 8x,6x,4x
GSC004 6x,4x
GSC005 12x,8x,6x
INFODISC-R01 4x
INFODISC-R20 4x
ISSM 01 4x
ISSM R02 12x,8x,6x
ISSM R01 8x,6x,4x
KIC01RG080 8x,6x,4x
KIC01RG160 16x,12x,8x,6x
KIC01RG20 4x
LEADDATA S03 8x,6x,4x
LEADDATA S04 16x,12x,8x,6x
LEADDATA01 4x
LGE04 4x
LGE08 8x,6x,4x
LGE16 16x,12x,8x,6x
LONGTEN 001 4x
LONGTEN 009 4x
MAM4XG01 4x
MBI 2x
MBI 01RG20 4x
MBI 01RG40 16x,12x,8x,6x
MBI 03RG30 8x,6x,4x
MBI 03RG40 12x,8x,6x
MCC 00RG200 2x
MCC 01RG20 4x
MCC 02RG20 8x,6x,4x
MCC 03RG20 16x,12x,8x,6x
MCI4XG01 4x
MCIG01 2x
ME 153 4x
MEI 00V001 2x
MUST 001 4x
MUST 007 12x,8x,6x
MXL RG01 2x
MXL RG02 4x
MXL RG03 8x,6x,4x
MXL RG04 16x,12x,8x,6x
NAN YA A01 6x,4x
NAN YA F02 12x,8x,6x
NANYA-JC001 4x
NSDR40 16x,12x,8x,6x
ONIDTECH 4x
OPTODISCK001 2x
OPTODISCK001 4x
OPTODISCR004 4x
OPTODISCR008 8x,6x,4x
OPTODISCR016 16x,12x,8x,6x
POSG04 4x
POSG06 8x,6x,4x
POSJ 01 2x
PRINCO 4x
PRINCO8X01 8x,6x,4x
PRINCO8X02 8x,6x,4x
PRODISCG02 2x
PVC001001 2x
PVCR001002 4x
Plasmon1A 8x,6x,4x
ProdiscF01 8x,6x,4x
ProdiscF02 16x,12x,8x,6x
ProdiscS03 4x
ProdiscS04 8x,6x,4x
ProdiscS05 16x,12x,8x,6x
RITEKF1 16x,12x,8x,6x
RITEKG03 2x
RITEKG04 4x
RITEKG05 8x,6x,4x
RITEKM02 4x
RITEKM16 16x,12x,8x,6x
SKC Co.,Ltd. 4x
SKC M801 8x,6x,4x
SONY 2x
SONY04D1 4x
SONY08D1 8x,6x,4x
SONY16D1 16x,12x,8x,6x
TAIYOYUDEN 2x
TAROKO-MX4 4x
TDKG02000000 4x
TTG01 4x
TTG02 8x,6x,4x
TTH01 8x,6x,4x
TTH02 16x,12x,8x,6x
TYG01 4x
TYG02 8x,6x,4x
TYG03 16x,12x,8x,6x
UME01 8x,6x,4x
UME02 12x,8x,6x
VANGUARD 4x
VDSPMSAB 01 4x
VDSPMSAB 04 12x,8x,6x
VDSPSAB 01 4x
Yi Jhan 001 4x |
| DVD-RW supported media types: 36 |
CMCW02 2x
CMCW03 4x
CMCW04 6x,4x
DAXON_RW2X01 2x
JVC/VictorT7 1x
JVC0VictorD7 4x
JVC1Victord7 4x
JVC_VictorW7 2x
MBI01RWG 20 4x
MCC 00RW11N9 1x
MCC 01RW11n9 2x
MCC 01RW4X 4x
MEI 02RW0002 2x
MKM 01RW6X01 6x,4x
OPTODISCK001 1x
OPTODISCW002 2x
OPTODISCW004 4x
OPTODISCW006 6x,4x
PRINCO 1x
PRINCO 2x
PRINCORW0004 2x
PRINCORW2X01 2x
PVCW00D002K9 2x
PVCW00V00245 2x
Prodisc DW04 2x
Prodisc DW06 4x
ProdiscDVDRW 1x
RITEK000V11A 1x
RITEKW01 2x
RITEKW04 4x
RITEKW06 6x,4x
SONY000000U9 1x
TDK501saku]3 1x
TDK502sakuM3 2x
TDK601saku 2x
TDK701saku 4x |
11. DVD Writing Quality - Page 1
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers equipped 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-716A 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the
burning quality, but as an indication level.
16X DVD+R Writing Speed
- BenQ 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Optodisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Philips 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Prodisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X (Prodisc R05)
- Prodisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X (Prodisc R04)
- Ricoh 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Ridisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Summary
The writing quality at 16X with DVD+R media is good but a further improvement is required. The SHW-16H5S burned the Ridisc disc with excellent quality while the rest were simply good to average.
12. DVD Writing Quality - Page 2
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers equipped 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-716A 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the
burning quality, but as an indication level.
8X DVD+R Writing Speed
- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Ricoh 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Traxdata 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Prodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Datawrite 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Optodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Maxell 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- BenQ 8X DVD+R @ 8X
- Summary
Very low error levels and smooth CDSpeed graphs means excellent writing quality. It seems that with DVD+R media at 8X, the SHW-16H5S won't have any problems. Only Maxell media reported errors in CDSpeed although it didn't with Plextools. One disc out of eight cannot mar an overall good performance.
13. DVD Writing Quality - Page 3
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers equipped 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-716A 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the
burning quality, but as an indication level.
16X DVD-R Writing Speed
- BenQ 16X DVD-R @ 16X
- Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X DVD-R @ 16X
- Optodisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X
- Philips 16X DVD-R @ 16X
- Prodisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X (Prodisc F02)
- Prodisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X (Prodisc S05)
- Traxdata 16X DVD-R @ 16X
- Summary
The writing quality at 16X with DVD-R media is rather good with almost all the media we tried. With BenQ and Traxdata though, the quality needs improvement.
14. DVD Writing Quality - Page 4
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers equipped 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-716A 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the
burning quality, but as an indication level.
8X DVD-R Writing Speed
- Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- BenQ 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Traxdata 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Datawrite 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Maxell 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Prodisc 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Bulkpaq 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Ridisc 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Ridisc Red 8X DVD-R @ 8X
- Summary
Low error rates in almost all cases and smooth CDSpeed graphs. The quality is very good when recording at 8X with DVD-R discs. Only with Ridisc media, did the drive report average quality.
15. DVD Writing Quality - Page 5
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we
used two readers equipped 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the
burning quality, but as an indication level.
DVD+RW and DVD-RW Media
- MKM 8X DVD+RW @ 8X
- MKM 6X DVD-RW @ 6X
- Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X
- Summary
A further improvement with RW media would be more than welcomed. Low error rates in Plextools, but our LiteOn DVD-ROM found it difficult reading with all three media tested while in the case of Mitsubishi Chemicals, it reported an error just before the end. We repeated the burning and scanning but still, the same outcome.
16. DVD Writing Quality - Almedio
The AEC-1000 consists of a DVD Drive and the "ALChecker" error measurement application which can check the written data quality. The application is capable of 1X CLV measurement as well as 4X CLV on DVD-Video/ROM and finalized DVD+R/-R media.
There are three measurement modes:
- Fine Mode: checks a series of eight consecutive ECC blocks,
- Rough Mode: checks eight consecutive ECC blocks every 100h ECC blocks
- Quick Mode: checks three specified areas
The checking status is shown graphically in real time while you can save the error graph at the end of the test. The reported errors are the PI and the UncPO. The PI counts the number of rows corrected by the PI error correction in each group of eight consecutive ECC blocks. The UncPO counts the number of ECC blocks in which more than one bytes are uncorrectable in eight consecutive ECC blocks. For our quality scans, we set for 1X CLV and Fine Mode which is the slowest and produces the safest results. Also, we chose to measure all the media burned at the maximum available writing speed, namely 16X.
- BenQ 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Prodisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Ridisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X
- Traxdata 16X DVD-R @ 16X
- Summary
Half of the media we chose to scan with Almedio's AEC-1000, reported increased error levels, above the 280 limit. A newer firmware release for the SHW-16H5S might fix this.
17. DVDR DL - Page 1
- Writing Tests
We burned some DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs with data content. For this task we used "Create Data Disc" from Nero CDSpeed in order to fully burn the discs.
Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD+R DL 8X
The specific DL disc from Mitsubishi Chemicals is certified for 8X burning and it was at this speed that the SHW-16H5S managed to burn it.
According to the reported graph, the writing strategy is Z-CLV. The reported time of 16:59min is rather good. The drive starts the burning process at 4X very briefly, then raises the speed up to 6X, and at around 1.5Gb the LiteOn reached the maximum speed of 8X which it maintained till the end of the layer. The second layer was a mirror copy of this.
Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD-R DL 4X
This disc, according to the manufacturer, is certified for 4X recording and this is the speed that the SHW-16H5S burned it at. The writing strategy was CLV.
18. DVDR DL - Page 2
- Writing Quality
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we used two readers equipped 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-716A 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
- Verbatim DVD+R DL 8X @ 8X
- MKM DVD-R DL 4X @ 6X
The writing quality with DL media is good although there is a small speed drop in CDSpeed with the LiteOn drive just before the layer change. The error levels in Plextools were within the acceptable levels.
19. Booktype Setting
The BookType setting feature is a "must", which all the latest model drives released on the market should be equipped with. The SHW-16H5S is set by default to DVD+R and DVD+RW booktypes for the DVD+R and DVD+RW formats respectively, while for DVD+R9 it is set to DVD-ROM. You can change the booktype for the DVD+R and DVD+RW formats but not for the DVD+R9.
Nero CDSpeed
DVDinfoPro
20. 16H5S vs SA300 - Page 1
For checking exactly what the LiteOn SHW-16H5S 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 at 4X reading speed.
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn SHW-16H5S drive. Using other drives, even another LiteOn SHW-16H5S, can produce totally different results. Be aware!
#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
Click on the image for details
If you ignore the absolute values, which differ from software to software, the error trend lines are quite similar for both PI and PIF.
21. 16H5S vs SA300 - Page 2
For checking exactly what the LiteOn SHW-16H5S, 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 at 4X reading speed.
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn SHW-16H5S drive. Using other drives, even another LiteOn SHW-16H5S, can produce totally different results. Be aware!
#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
Click on the image for details
In the case of the PISum8, similar scans from the LiteOn burner and the CATS system in terms of trend lines.
22. 16H5S vs SA300 - Page 3
For checking exactly what the LiteOn SHW-16H5S, 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 4X reading speed.
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn SHW-16H5S drive. Using other drives, even another LiteOn SHW-16H5S, can produce totally different
results. Be aware!
#3rd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
Click on the image for details
The error trend lines are quite similar for the LiteOn and the SA300 for both PI and PIF.
23. 16H5S vs SA300 - Page 4
For checking exactly what
the LiteOn SHW-16H5S reports, we used four 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 at 4X reading speed.
Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested LiteOn SHW-16H5S drive. Using other drives, even another LiteOn SHW-16H5S, can produce totally different
results. Be aware!
#4th Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed
Click on the image for details
As you can plainly see in the graphs above, the error trend line follows the same pattern as the CATS system scans, but value levels are different.
24. Firmware Hacks
Since the drive is a LiteOn, the RPC region control can be easily disabled and the drive made region free.
With the appropriate utility, we can read the supported media list from the drive's firmware as well as define the recording speed of the media.
25. LightScribe Feature
As mentioned in the opening page of this review, the HP 840b, among other things, also features the LightScribe technology. Even though the technology itself has become wide-spread and well known since its release approximately one year ago, never the less, we offer a brief run down of the basics of LightScribe before moving on to the drive's capabilities and performance regarding this feature.
-What is LightScribe?
With a view to replacing the "old" fashioned CD markers, the LightScribe technology is an integrated system that with the combination of three key elements, manages to produce "precise" as it is said, CD and DVD labels. These three elements are the Lightscribe enabled drive, the specially dye coated discs, and the specific supported software. Note, that the use of specific coated media is required and cannot be done with any ordinary printable media.
-How it works?
In layman's terms, the LS enabled drive, uses a laser that emits light energy onto the thin dye coating of the disc (the label side of the media) chemically changing it so that visible points appear on the disc. As the disc spins inside the drive, the light beam marks even more points on the dye, following the pattern given to the drives mechanism by the LS software mentioned previously. The result is a a precision image on the label side of the disc.
- LITEON SHW-16H5S LightScribe Drive
The process is quite easy, accomplished with the aid of a wizard that is integrated into the latest Nero releases, as well as in the bundled NERO OEM suite included in the retail package.
As soon as you press the LightScribe button, located on the top right in Nero Burning ROM's main screen, the wizard prompts you to select the image you want to "print" on the disc media. You can scale the image, use fonts, etc, common tools found with all CD labeling software. You then choose the preferred print quality (print time is dependent on the quality level, which ranges from draft to best) and you are ready to print. The package also contains the SureThing labeling software which will work flawlessly with the drive and labeling process.
Note that in order to print on LS enabled media, you must put it in the tray upside down. This may seem a bit strange, but this is the way it must be done.
Last step, we start printing the media. The Printing process depends on the print quality selected and differs from drive to drive.
Our tests confirmed the quality - time ratio given by the manufacturer. For a best quality print, the time required was approx. 28mins. In our case was 28:03min.
The results of this test were quite good...
That's about it for the LightScribe capabilities of the SHW-16H5S. Now let's move on to the last page and the conclusion of the LiteOn review.
26. Conclusion
The SHW-16H5S is one of the latest releases in the DVD burners market featuring the LightScribe technology. The drive is a fast CD reader with 48X support, while in our tests, it reached 50X. Its DAE speed is also fast while it reported a perfect score in the Advanced DAE Quality Test from Nero. The only glitch was that it failed to read/rip the 90/99min test discs. With the DVD format, we confirmed the 16X reading support for DVD-ROM SL, but we would like something more than the very common 8X with DVD-ROM DL. The drive will also read up to 12X, all your DVD±R/RW discs which is rather good but 16X for the DVD±R would be much better. Its ripping ability with CSS DVD-Video discs is average to good.
Speed is always good as long as it is accompanied by quality. So, what about error correction with this drive? According to our tests, it seems to be rather good with both CD and DVD. In the case of the ABEX TCD-721R test disc, we have one of the best performances while in case of DVDs, all of the test discs were read successfully without any errors reported.
The LiteOn managed to read/rip all of the AudioCD protections we tried, but it had no luck with the latest versions of Safedisc, where it failed to create working backups of v3.1 or more recent. Previous SD versions are not something you will find on current games so there is no reason to mention them.
The CD writing speed of 48X is rather high from which to expect good quality and our tests confirmed this. All four burned media at 48X reported low quality, while the one which allowed a maximum 40X, had rather good quality. Both Plextools and Clover System agreed on this.
With DVD media, the drive managed to burn every single disc we tried at the certified speed, reporting good times, especially for the minus format. No overspeeding or overburning was possible, but these are not issues for most users. The writing strategy for both DVD+R and DVD-R is CAV.
We strongly believe that the writing quality with DVD media is the most important thing for a DVD burner. In this department, the SHW-16H5S did a good job. Most of the media we burned, from both DVD-R and DVD+R formats, reported low error rates in Plextools and smooth reading graphs in CDSpeed. Especially at 8X, the performance of the drive was rather good. In the case of 16X, it was good but with certain discs a further improvement would be welcomed. A new firmware release should also improve things with DVD RW discs, where the reported quality was average. No problems with the DL writing quality...
As with most LiteOn burners, so too, the SHW-16H5S has plenty of features. First of all, you can set the Booktype for the plus media to DVD-ROM, there is an option to make the drive region free, you can measure the writing quality on CD/DVD media, you can adjust in the firmware the maximum writing speeds for media and the last, which cannot be found on many of the latest burners, LightScribe support.
At the time of the review, the price for the SHW-16H5S was €47.50 (ex. VAT) for the bulk version, €51.88 (ex. VAT) for the retail package plus a spare bezel and
€54.38 (ex. VAT) for the retail package plus a spare bezel and 4 pcs. of LightScribe DVD+R media.
- The Good
- Good CD/DVD error correction capabilities
- Good writing quality with most media
- LightScribe enabled drive
- Can overburn CD media up to 99mins
- Good retail package
- Supports BookType Setting
- 8X DVD+R DL support
- Can burn DVD+RW media at 8X, and DVD-RW media at 6X
- The Bad
- Performance with 90/99 min test discs
- Cannot create working backups with SafeDisc recent protected games
- Cannot overburn DVD recordable media
- RW writing quality with certain media
- Like To be fixed
- Writing quality with specific media
| Retail Package |
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| Reading |
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| Error Correction |
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| Protected Discs |
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| Writing |
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| Features |
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