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This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,
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Appeared on: Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Memorex 16X-DDL-IN


1. Introduction

Memorex was established back in 1971 and since then has been offering quality products such as memory sticks, blank media, iPod Accessories, and various other electronic products. Recently, we received from Memorex their latest 16X internal burner, which supports up to 8X burning speed for DVD+R DL and 6X for DVD-R DL media.

Let's check the drive's features...

The table below shows the supported reading and writing speeds.

Read DVD-ROM (SL) 16x
DVD-ROM (DL) 12x
DVD+/-R 16x
DVD+/-R (DL) 7x
DVD+/-RW 13x
CD-ROM 48x
CD-R 48x
CD-RW 40x
Write DVD+R 16x
DVD+R (DL) 8x
DVD+RW 8x
DVD-R 16x
DVD-R (DL) 6x
DVD-RW 6x
CD-R 48x
CD-RW 32x

Below are the main specs as given by NeroInfoTool and DVDInfoPro:

- Nero InfoTool

The RPC II region control is enforced, allowing the user to change the drive's region no more than five times.

- DVD InfoPro

- Retail Package

We received the retail version of the Memorex 16X that includes:

Bundled version of:

Memorex in their retail package, also provides one blank DVD+R media. :-)

- The Drive

The front panel has a typical Memorex color combination. Black face plate and silver tray door. The activity led shines green when the device is active while on the silver tray door, the Memorex logo is located at centre. Actually, the whole design of the drive reminds us of a NEC drive...

- Front panel view

- Rear panel view

As usual, on the rear panel you will find the analogue and digital outputs (SPDIF), the IDE connector as well as the power input.

- Top view

We do not recommend removing the drive's cover, since this will void the manufacturer's warranty. You can take a look inside the drive with the pictures below. Click on the image below for a larger and more detailed photograph.

Inside the Memorex 16X, we notice that the drive uses the "NEC D6364" chipset which can be also found in the ND-4550A. However, the Memorex does not support DVD-RAM, as Nero Info Tool and DVDinfoPro indicate.

- Installation

The drive came with firmware 1.A3, which at the time of the review was the latest available. The drive was identified as the "Memorex 16X-DLL-IN" under WinXP. Below is a screenshot of Nero Burning Rom's specs for the drive.

We compared the performance of the Memorex 16X against two other latest available drives, the BenQ DW-1655 and the LiteON SHM-165P65.


2. Reading Tests

- CD Format

For our CD transfer rate tests, we used the Nero CD-Speed utility and a set of Pressed CDs. Let's take a look at how the drive performed, compared with the other two external drives.

The Memorex supports 48X CD reading speed. The LiteON and BenQ drives also support the same speed but both reported slightly higher reading speeds.

BenQ seems to be faster with this type of media, while the Memorex follows closely behind.

- AudioCD

In the case of AudioCD extraction, the Memorex supports 40X DAE speed while the BenQ and LiteON support 48X. All drives produced a perfect DAE quality score.


- 90mins Audio disc

The Memorex failed to read the 90min test disc, while it also was unable to recognize the 99min disc.

- 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.

 

Almost the same performance between the three tested drives, with only the speed start producing a lower reading speed from the Memorex.

The two layers of a PTP DVD-ROM disc are read sequentially with the drive starting reading from the inner part of the disc, which is the beginning of each layer, progressing towards its outer range. Here, the LiteOn is the slowest reader, while the BenQ is slightly faster than the Memorex.

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. Again, we see that the LiteOn is the slowest reader and the BenQ only slightly quicker than the Memorex.

The supported reading speeds for DVD±R/RW media are very important since these are the most common formats. The Memorex drive supports up to 16X for DVD±R and 12X for DVD±RW. The BenQ was slightly faster than the Memorex with DVD±R media, but was second behind the Memorex when it comes to DVD±RW media. The LiteON had the lowest reading speed for these media formats.

Good ripping speed was reported from the Memorex and BenQ drives while only average from the LiteON..

-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 behavior when reading scratched / defective audio discs. The test discs used were the ABEX series from ALMEDIO.

- ABEX TCD-721R

Errors total Num: 1764232
Errors (Loudness) dB(A) Num: 122294 Avg: -77.7 dB(A) Max: -35.8 dB(A)
Error Muting Samples Num: 5510 Avg: 1.0 Samples Max: 40 Samples
Skips Samples Num: 0 Avg: 0.0 Samples Max: 0 Samples
Total Test Result 75.3 points (out of 100.0 maximum)
C2 Accuracy 99.8 %

The drive showed average to good performance although it could be better. The total error count is high and is spread over the whole disc. But the maximum error loudness is within acceptable limits and most important, there were no skipped samples.

- ABEX TCD-726

Errors total Num: 3960
Errors (Loudness) dB(A) Num: 5860 Avg: -83.8 dB(A) Max: -53.8 dB(A)
Error Muting Samples Num: 76 Avg: 1.0 Samples Max: 1 Samples
Skips Samples Num: 0 Avg: 0.0 Samples Max: 0 Samples
Total Test Result 82.6 points (out of 100.0 maximum)
C2 Accuracy 100.0 %

The 726 test media, is not a problems for the majority of the latest drives. But in the case of Memorex, the performance was less than average. Since the Memorex is a NEC ND-4550A, it had similar performance to NEC drives...

- 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
Memorex 16X
5/5 5/5 5/5 2/5 0/5

The drive successfully passed 3 out of the five check levels for this test. Almost all drives have difficulties reading the 5th level but good quality drives can read the whole of the 4th level but unfortunately, the drive managed to read only 2 out 5 from the 4th level.

- Summary

Overall, the drive has good CD error correction.


4. DVD Error Correction

In the following tests, we checked the DVD reading capabilities of the Memorex 16X 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 lot of fluctuations with this test disc. Fortunately, the test finished successfully and no error were reported.

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.

Near perfect performance achieved with this disc.

- 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.

The Memorex 16X, performed excellently with the specific test disc. Artificial scratches, ranging in dimensions from 0.4 to 3.0mm are not a problem for the drive.

ABEX TDR-845

The disc is a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc of a 8.5GB capacity. 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.

Smooth reading speed indicating excellent performance. Again, no errors were reported.

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 correcting capabilities of the drive. It also includes scratches from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

Untidy speed graph, but the procedure finished successfully.

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 has also 65 - 75 micro meter fingerprints.

Excellent reading from the Memorex drive. The artificially embedded dots and fingerprints were not a problem for the drive's error correction mechanism.

- Summary

The Memorex, being equipped with a NEC chipset, has a very good error correction mechanism and managed to read all of our discs successfully, without errors. However, we weren't satisfied from its performance with the ABEX TDR-821 and TDV-541 test discs.


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 protections. 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 to 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 in 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:

Memorex 16X 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

Memorex 16X managed to read/rip all of the above AudioCD protections without any problems to be reported.

- 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 chipset weaknesses.

Memorex 16X CDS 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a
Reading performed without any errors.

- Games Protections

To create the image of the various protected titles onto the hard disk, we used Alcohol 120% software and 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.

The PSX and Securom protection schemes are not a problem for the Memorex 16X drive. However, this was not the case with Safedisc protection, where the LiteON reported the fastest performance.

- Writing Tests

The Memorex 16X 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.

- Quake 4 SafeDisc v4.6

- Fifa 2004 - SafeDisc v3.1x

The drive failed to create working backups of the above protected games.


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 36.32X.

- 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 media. Below is a chart showing all recording times with various media.

As we can see form the chart, not all CD-R media were burned at the max 48X speed. SKC media was burned at 32X in 3:39mins, which also happened with the NEC drives... :p.

- Other features

According to Nero's CDSpeed and its overburning simulation test, the Memorex 16X drive is capable of recording 92min on a CD. Note that this test is carried out with a 99min disc. No such overburning is possible on an 80min CD, while not many drives can write to 99min discs.

- CD-RW Format

The Memorex 16X supports 4X, 10X, 16X (CLV), 24X (Z-CLV) and 32X (Z-CLV) rewriting speeds, with Ultra Speed Rewritable Media (US-RW).

Below you can see the Nero CD-DVD Speed writing simulation test with blank 32x US-RW media by Mitsubishi Chemicals.

The drive, when recording at 32X , reported an average writing speed of 29.55X.


7. CD Writing Quality - Plextools
Untitled Document

We measured the C1 / C2 error rate 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.

Verbatim 80min 52X @ 48X

SKC 80min 52X @ 32X

MMore 80min 52X @ 48X

Traxdata 80min 52X @ 48X

BenQ 80min 52X @ 48X

- Summary

According to the above scans produced with Plextools Q-check, the reported C1 levels were low but high C2 values were reported in the case of BenQ and MMore media, while Verbatim seems to offer the best quality. The CD writing quality could have been better...


8. CD Writing Quality - Clover System
Untitled Document

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.

Verbatim 80min 52X @ 48X

SKC 80min 52X @ 32X

MMore 80min 52X @ 48X

Traxdata 80min 52X @ 48X

BenQ 80min 52X @ 48X

- Summary

The recording behavior of the drive as we saw in the previous page with Plextools, is confirmed in the case of BenQ and MMore. Traxdata media in Plextools reported a rather good quality but this is something that is not confirmed here, since the reported E22 and E32 values were high. And again, Verbatim media seems to offer the best quality.


9. DVD Writing Tests

- Writing Performance

Now we will check the burning performance with DVD media. Below, the available writing speed graph can be seen, as reported by Nero Burning Rom.

By using Nero CDSpeed with DVD-R and DVD+R media, we are able to see the 16X writing strategies.

- DVD+R media @ 16X CAV

- DVD-R media @ 16X CAV

- Burning Tests

DVD-R media

The Memorex 16X seems to have a large DVD-R compatibility list for 16X recording. The drive allowed us to record Taiyo Yuden certified at 8X at up to 12X. Unfortunately, the writing times are increased in almost all cases. Most burners need less than 6 minutes to complete a 16X writing process, while at 8X most burners are close to 8 minutes or even lower. At this point, keep in mind that the drive is equipped with a NEC chipset so the increased recording times are similar with those of the NEC drives...

Great compatibility list at 16X for the DVD+R media, but once again increased burning times. Other than that, BeALL 8X certified was burned at 4X. Also with BeALL media, the 4X burning speed is something that we have also faced with the NEC 4550A drive. In any case, the drive also allowed us to burn at 12X, two of our 8X certified media and at 16X the 8X Taiyo Yuden media. The specific media were also burned at these speeds by the NEC 4550A drive.

- Comparison with other drives

The lower the better...

- DVD Overburning Tests

The Memorex 16X does not support DVD overburning.


10. 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

- Optodisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Plextor 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Traxdata 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Philips 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- BenQ 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Verbatim 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- ProdiscR05 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- ProdiscR04 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Ricoh 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- RiDisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD+R @ 16X

- Summary

Good writing quality was reported with most of the tested DVD+R media at 16X, with the exception of RiDisc, Traxdata and Optodisc media, which reported high error values from Plextools. Also note that the last media (Taiyo Yuden) was 8X certified but the Memorex burner allowed us to burn it at 16X. Despite the fact that it was burned at a higher speed, it reported very good quality.


11. 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 for the burning quality, but as an indication level.

12X DVD+R Writing Speed

- BenQ 8X DVD+R @ 12X

- Ricoh 8X DVD+R @ 12X

- Summary

These media were 8X certified but the Memorex managed to burn them at 12X. The quality is good with the Ricoh media, while in case of BenQ, there were fluctuations in the reading graph.


12. 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.

8X DVD+R Writing Speed

- BeALL 8X DVD+R @ 4X

- Traxdata 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Optodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Summary

Low error rates and smooth speed graphs were reported with Traxdata and Optodisc media, whereas BeALL media produced an unsteady speed graph and high error values.


13. 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.

16X DVD-R Writing Speed

- ProdiscF02 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Traxdata 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Philips 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- BenQ 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- ProdiscS05 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Optodisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X DVD-R @ 16X

 

- Summary

With DVD-R media at 16X, the scene is completely different. Despite the fact that the reported error levels in Plextools were low in almost all cases, our LiteOn reader had a different opinion and in some cases failed to complete the reading process. To be on the safe side, we repeated the reading procedure with a second LiteOn drive, but the results were the same. Nevertheless, this is something that we have also faced with the NEC drives...


14. 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-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 for the burning quality, but as an indication level.

12X DVD-R Writing Speed

- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R @ 12X

- Summary

Once again, low error rates with Plextools but fluctuating speed graph. Keep in mind that Taiyo Yuden media, was burned at a higher speed...


15. DVD Writing Quality - Page 6

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

- CMC Magnetics 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- ProdiscF01 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Traxdata 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- RiDisc 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- BenQ 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Datawrite 8X DVD-R @ 8X

 

- Summary

All media reported errors within the acceptable levels but once again, some of the tested media could not be read by the LiteOn reader. Once again, we repeated the CDSpeed reading tests with a second LiteOn reader, but the results were the same.


16. DVD Writing Quality - Page 7

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

- Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- MKM 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

The Memorex 16X burner, according to Plextools, reported rather good performance with Traxdata and MKM DVD-RW 6X media, though the LiteOn again had a different opinion. While with MKM DVD+RW 8X media, it produced high error rates and a fluctuating CDSpeed graph.


17. 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.

- Philips 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- BenQ 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- CMC 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- ProdiscF01 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Datawrite 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R @ 12X

- Summary

According to the Almedio AEC-1000 error checker, the drive has good writing quality. The media we chose to measure are those which either failed in CDSpeed, or produced unsteady graphs with the LiteOn reader. In Plextools, Taiyo Yuden media reported lower error rates... but the Almedio checker has a different opinion.


18. 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 8X DVD+R DL @ 8X

The specific DL disc from Mitsubishi Chemicals is certified for 8X burning, one of the few if not the only one. Since it is new, most burners don't support it at 8X, while it seems the Memorex does, being a quite new burner.

According to the graph, the writing strategy is Z-CLV. The reported time of 19:37min is a little high, something that can be explained by looking at the graph. The drive starts the burning process at 4X and then speeds up to 6X. After 2.2Gb, the speed reached the maximum 8X which it didn't maintain for very long, where just before the layer change was reduced down to 6X. The last 800MB were burned at 4X. Some of the NEC drives that we have tested, had the same performance with this type of media.

Mitsubishi Chemicals 4X DVD-R DL @ 6X

This DVD-R DL media, according to manufacturer, is certified for 4X recording while the Memorex burned it at 6X. The writing strategy is Z-CLV. Most of the disc's surface was burned at 6X apart for 900MB at the beginning and at the end where the speed was 4X. Once again, this is something that had also happened with the latest NEC drives...


19. 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.

- MKM DVD-R DL 4X @ 6X

- MKM DVD+R DL 8X @ 8X

- Summary

Very good quality was reported with MKM DVD+R DL 8X. MKM DVD-R DL 4X media on the other hand, had low error rates in Plextools but the LiteON had difficulties reading it. Here too, we tested it with another LiteOn drive but unfortunately, the results were the same.


20. Booktype Setting

The BookType setting feature is a "must", which all the latest models released on the market, should be equipped with.

The drive by default, is set to DVD-ROM for DVD+R and DVD+RW. With the contribution of some helpful utilities, you can change the booktype of all media. Below you can see some screenshots from DVDInfoPro and Nero CD/DVD Speed. Only with CDSpeed were we able to change the default booktype setting on the Memorex.

With Nero Burning Rom, you cannot set the booktype...


21. Memorex vs SA300 - Page 1

For checking exactly what the Memorex 16X 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 8X reading speed.

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex 16X drive. Using other drives, even another Memorex 16X, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed


Click on the image for details

There's a slight resemblance in the trends but the values are different between the CATS and the Memorex drive.


22. Memorex vs SA300 - Page 2

For checking exactly what the Memorex 16X 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 8X reading speed.

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex 16X drive. Using other drives, even another Memorex 16X, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed


Click on the image for details

Again, only a slight resemblance but very different values.


23. Memorex vs SA300 - Page 3

For checking exactly what the Memorex 16X 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 8X reading speed.

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex 16X drive. Using other drives, even another Memorex 16X, 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 between the Memorex and the SA300 for both PI and PIF.


24. Memorex vs SA300 - Page 4

For checking exactly what the Memorex 16X 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 8X reading speed.

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex 16X drive. Using other drives, even another Memorex 16X, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#4th Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed


Click on the image for details

Only trends appear to be similar but values are very different.


25. Conclusion

The Memorex 16X is a fast reader, offering good seek times. The drive supports 48X reading speed for CD/CD-R which is now the standard for almost all DVD burners, while it also supports 16X reading speed for DVD+R and DVD-R formats, the highest available. The drive was already loaded with firmware version 1.A3, which was the latest available at the time of this review.

When it comes to CD error correction, the reported performance was average, where with the ABEX TCD-726 test media, while most of the latest drives gain a perfect score, the Memorex could only manage 82.6%. In DVD error correction, the performance was satisfactory and the drive managed to completely read all of the tested media, at quite high reading speeds.

The drive in our DAE tests, confirmed its 40X reading speed but unfortunately did not manage to read the 90/99min test discs. This may be due to the fact that the Memorex 16X is equipped with a NEC chipset and as far as we know until now, none of the NEC drives are capable of reading these media...

Most of the latest drives are able to bypass all the tested AudioCD protections and the Memorex 16X was no exception. Similarly, in games protections, as with most drives, the Memorex 16X was unable to make working back-ups of the latest Safedisc protection schemes, so we do not recommend this drive for games back-ups.

The CD-R at 48X writing speed is considered too high to expect good quality and the Memorex proves us right with the exception of Verbatim media, which in our Clover Systems tests reported excellent quality. But, we recommend lower burning speeds for safer results.

The Memorex 16X supports high writing speeds for DVD±R media, with near excellent burning quality for most of the DVD+R brands, whereas with DVD-R, the speed graphs according to LiteON CDSpeed fluctuated, and in some cases the drive failed to completely read the media. Fortunately, for the same media, no errors were produced with the Almedio AEC-1000, which reported good writing quality. Nevertheless, the writing times for 16X and 8X are a little bit high, but keep in mind that this also happened with NEC drives... ;-)

As for the booktype setting, we noticed that the booktype cannot be changed with Nero Burning ROM, but we could change it with CDSpeed. A firmware revision may fix this.

The suggested retail price, according to Memorex, at the time of the review for the drive was US$79.99.

- The Good

- High DVD±R/RW reading/writing speed
- 6X DVD-R DL and 8X DVD+R DL support
- DVD error correction capabilities
- Can burn DVD+RW media at 8X, and DVD-RW media at 6X
- Supports audio protected discs
- Writing quality with most media
- Retail package

- The Bad

- Performance with 90/99min Audio CD's
- Cannot create working backups of the latest SafeDisc protected games
- Cannot overburn DVD recordable media

- Like To be fixed

- Writing quality with specific media

Retail Package
Reading
Error Correction
Protected Discs
Writing
Features


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