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This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,
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Appeared on: Thursday, February 28, 2008
Pioneer DVR-215 BK


1. Specifications, Features
Introduction

We just received a test sample of Pioneer's new high speed SATA ReWriter, the DVD-RW DVR-215. The subversion that we got on out hands is the DVR-215BK, and its only differrence to the DVR-215 is the black face. There is also a DVR-215D version, which contrary to the previous ones, does not support writing of DVD-RAM media. This drive's specifications look similar to the DVR-115 except that this one is connected via SATA and it has the ability of writing DVD-RAM media. Also, the DVR-115 is using the NEC MC-10041 Chipset, where this one is using the NEC MC-10042.

The writing speeds for the DVR-215 drive are set high. It supports 20X writing of DVD±R, 10X writing for DVD±R DL, 6X for DVD-RW, 8X for DVD+RW and 12X for DVD-RAM. The reading speeds are also very good, with 16X for ±R and ROM DVD media, 12X for Dual Layer DVD media and 13X for RW DVD media.

The current firmware of the drive at the time of the tests being performed, is the "1.18".

- Drive Features & Specification

Key features DVR-215BK
 
  • Max 20X writing speed for DVD-R/+R
  • Max 10X writing speed for DVD-R DL / +R DL (Dual / Double Layer media)
  • Max 12X writing speed for DVD-RAM
  •  
  • Multi-effect LCD Tilt Servo Compensator Mechanism
  • Ultra-DRA (Dynamic Resonance Absorber) low vibration mechanism
  • Performance adjusting firmware
  • Disc-Resonance Stabiliser
  • Supports "Buffer Under Run" protection (CD and DVD)
  • Specifications DVR-215BK
    Write Support
  • DVD-R Ver. 2.0 and 2.1 (for general 4.7GB)
  • DVD-R DL (Dual layer) Ver.3.0 (8.54GB)
  • DVD-RW Ver.1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 (4.7GB)
  • +R Ver 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (4.7GB)
  • +R DL (Double Layer) Ver 1.0, 1.1 (8.54GB)
  • +RW Ver 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (4.7GB)
  • +RW High-Speed Ver 1.0 (4.7GB)
  • DVD-RAM Ver 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2 (Class0), (non-cartridge)
  • DVD-RAM Ver 2.2 [RAM2(Class10], (non-cartridge)
  • Photo CD (single and multiple session)
  • Video CD
  • CD-DA
  • CD-Extra
  • CD-Text
  • CD-R (Type 74 - 650MB, Type 80 - 700MB)
  • CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • HS CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • US CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • US+ CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • Read Support
  • DVD (DVD-5; Single layer, single sided 4.7GB)
  • DVD (DVD-9; Dual layer, single sided 8.54GB)
  • DVD (DVD-10; single layer, dual sided 9.4GB)
  • DVD (DVD-18; Dual layer, dual sided 17.09GB)
  • DVD-R Ver.1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 (4.7GB)
  • DVD-R Ver. 2.0 and 2.1 (for general 4.7GB)
  • DVD-R DL (Dual layer) Ver.3.0 (8.54GB)
  • DVD-RW Ver.1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 (4.7GB)
  • +R Ver 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (4.7GB)
  • +R DL (Double Layer) Ver 1.0, 1.1 (8.54GB)
  • +RW Ver 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (4.7GB)
  • DVD-RAM Ver 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2 (Class0), (non-cartridge)
  • DVD-RAM Ver 2.2 [RAM2(Class10], (non-cartridge)
  • CD-ROM Mode 1
  • CD-ROM XA Mode 2 (form 1, form 2)
  • Photo CD (single and multiple session)
  • Video CD
  • CD-DA
  • CD-Extra
  • CD-Text
  • CD-R (Type 74 - 650MB, Type 80 - 700MB)
  • CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • HS CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • US CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • US+ CD-RW (Supports AM2)
  • Write Speed DVD-R 20X CAV (27.70 Mbytes/sec)
    Write Speed DVD-R Dual Layer 10x Zone CLV (13.85 MB/sec)*
    Note:
    * This specification describes the maximum speed in one zone.
    Write Speed DVD-RW 6X CAV (8.31 Mbytes/sec)
    Write Speed 8cm DVD-R/RW with Adapter 2X CAV (2.77 Mbytes/sec)
    Write Speed +R 20X CAV (27.70 Mbytes/sec)
    Write Speed +R Double Layer 10x Zone CLV (13.85 MB/sec)*
    Note:
    * This specification describes the maximum speed in one zone.
    Write Speed +RW 8X Z-CLV (11.08 Mbytes/sec)
    Write Speed DVD-RAM 12X P-CAV (16.62 Mbytes/sec)*
    Note:
    * Class0 Media: 2X, 3X, 5X
    * RAM2 Class1 Media: 6X, 8X, 12X
    Write Speed CD-R 40X CAV (6.00 Mbytes/sec)
    Write Speed CD-RW
  • Normal: 4X CLV (0.60 Mbytes/sec)
  • HS: 10X CLV (1.50 Mbytes/sec)
  • US: 24X Z-CLV (3.60 Mbytes/sec)
  • US+: 32X (4.80 Mbytes/sec)
  • Write Speed 8cm CD-R/RW with Adapter 4X CLV (0.60 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-ROM (Single Layer) 16X CAV (22.16 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-ROM (Dual Layer) 12X CAV (16.62 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-Video
    (with CSS, Single / Dual Layer)
    5X CAV (6.92 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-R/+R 16X CAV (22.16 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-R DL / +R DL
    (Dual/Double Layer)
    12X CAV (16.62 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-RW / +RW 13X CAV (18.00 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed DVD-RAM 12X P-CAV (16.62 Mbytes/sec)*
    Note:
    * Class0 Media: Max 5X
    * RAM2 Class1 Media: Max 12X
    Read Speed 8cm DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD-Video with Adapter 3.4X CAV (4.70 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed CD-ROM 40X CAV (6.00 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed CD-R 40X CAV (6.00 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed CD-RW 32X CAV (4.80 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed 8cm CD-ROM CD-R/RW CD-DA with Adapter 6.1X CAV (0.91 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed CD-DA CD-TEXT Mixed CD
    CD-Extra (Play audio)
    9.3X CAV (1.39 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed CD-DA CD-TEXT Mixed CD
    CD-Extra (Data extraction)
    40X CAV (6.00 Mbytes/sec)
    Read Speed Video-CD 9.3X CAV (1.39 Mbytes/sec)
    Access Time DVD-ROM 130 msec (Random Average)
    Access Time DVD-RAM 210 msec (Random Average)
    Access Time CD-ROM 120 msec (Random Average)
    Interface Serial ATA Rev2.5
    IDE Data Transfer Mode Gen1i, 1.5Gbits/sec
    Data Buffer 2MB
    Mounting Orientation Horizontal and vertical (+/- 5 Degrees)*
    Notes:
    * 80mm discs cannot be used when the drive is vertically mounted. The case remains even when an adapter is used.
    Power Requirement +5V 1.85A
    +12V 1.25A (Average during 20x CAV DVD-R writing process)
    Power Consumption 24.3W (Average during 20x DVD-R CAV writing process)
    Regulatory Approval UL60950-1 First Edition, CSA C22.2 No.60950-1-03, EN60950-1:2001+A11, CB Report: IEC60950-1:2001, FIMKO, SEMKO (Optional)
    Dimensions (W x H x D) mm 148 x 180 x 42.3
    (Including height of Front Bezel)
    Net Weight 0.8 kg

    Our test sample was the bulk version of the drive, so we did not get the stuff that the bundle offers. The drive connects to the PC through a typical Serial-ATA interface.

    - Drive Bulk Retail

    Our test sample was manufactured in China on October 2007.

    above

    This drive's electronics are built on the NEC MC-10042 Chipset.

    - Nero Info Tool

    The drive was connected via the SATA interface and was recognized as "PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-215 ".

    Let's proceed to our usual CD/DVD reading and recording tests, as well as the writing quality tests of the Pioneer drive, powered by DaTARIUS.


    2. CD/DVD reading tests
    CD/DVD Readings

    For our CD transfer rate tests, we used the Nero CD-Speed utility and a set of data and audio CD-R/RW/ROM. The drive can read CD media at a maximum speed of 40X (32x CD-RW).

    For each CDSpeed graph, you can click on the image to see the complete screenshot of the software, including the measuring results.

    -CD-ROM

    - US RW

    The following CD Speed graph shows the reading performance with US-RW media.Read it at 32x.

     

    - AudioCD

    In the CD Speed Advanced DAE quality test, the drive's average speed was 27,65X with a quality score of 100.

    - 90/99 mins Audio disc

    90min Audio

    99min Audio

    The drive was able to read none of the 90/99 min audio discs.

    - DVD Format

    Now let's take a look at how the drive performs with DVD media. This time, a set of SL and DL DVD media was used. The drive is capable of reading at 16X maximum speed for single layer DVD ROM and at 12X for dual layer DVD ROM media.

    DVD-ROM SL media -

    PTP DVD-ROM -

    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.

    OTP DVD-ROM -

    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 difference here is the reading strategy of the second layer of 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 and progresses towards the inner part of the disc.

     

    - DVD-R

     

    - DVD-RW

    - DVD+R

     

    - DVD+RW

    - DVD+R DL

     

    -DVD-R DL

     

    -DVD RAM

    -12X

     

    -5X

    5x

    5x

     

    - DVD Ripping speed.

    Riping of a single layer DVD movie:

    Average
    11,724KB/s(8,5)
    Maximum
    17,233KB/s(12,4)

    3. CD error correction tests

    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 : 397810551
    Errors (Loudness)
    Num : 1882477
    Avg : -23,7 dB(A)
    Max : -3,2dB(A)
    Error Muting
    Num : 758554
    Avg : 1,1Samples
    Max : 470 Samples
    Skips
    Num : 15
    Avg :2760.1 Samples
    Max 2939 Samples
    Total Test Result
    47,5 points(of 100.0 maximum
    C2 acurrary 50.1 %

    An average score for the Pioneer DVR-215BK drive. Although there were few skipped samples, the maximum Errors Loudness level is a little high, at -3.2 dB(A), and there were quite a few readings at that level so it is possible that some of these could eventually make their way to your speakers in the form of audible clicks.

    - ABEX TCD-726R

    Errors total
    Num : 397812490
    Errors (Loudness)
    Num : 1882487
    Avg : -23,7dB(A)
    Max : -3,2 dB(A)
    Error Muting
    Num : 760651
    Avg : 1.1Samples
    Max :470 Samples
    Skips
    Num :15
    Avg :2760.1 Samples
    Max 2939 Samples
    Total Test Result
    47,5 points(of 100.0 maximum)
    C2 acurracy :50,0 %

    The drive's behavior with the TCD-726 test disc was very much alike with what we previously got with the TCD-721. It seems that the Pioneer drive handles the various different defects on the surface of a disc in the same manner. The results is not considered as good.

    As it was expected, the performance is very much similar to what we had reported in the previous review with the Pioneer DVR-115 drive.

    - CD-Check Audio Test Disc

    The CD-Check Test Disc is another 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 (e.g. 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
    Pioneer DVR-215BK
    5/5
    5/5
    5/5
    0/5
    0/5

    Noise appeared during playback of the 4rth and 5th tracks of the test audio CD. Playback was Audio We have to say here that we expected more from Pioneer DVR 215.


    4. DVD error correction tests

    In the following tests, we examine the DVD reading capabilities of the drive (error correction) 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.

     

    A flawless reading without any problems and without droping speed in order to read the disc.

    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.

     

     

    - 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.

    Again here the drive continious its good reading performance.

    ABEX TDR-845

    The disc is a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc with a capacity of 8.5GB. The only difference between the TDR-845 and the TDR-841 is that the first includes defective areas and fingerprints.

    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 upon the TDV-540 series which is designed for inspection and adjustment of DVD-VIDEO players. The disc checks the layer switch operation from layer 0 to layer 1 and also includes test pictures and test signals for DVD sound files.

    The current TDV-541 also checks the error correcting capabilities of the drive and includes scratches from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

    The drive was not able to successfully read the defective disc.

    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.

     


    5. CD-R burning tests - Taiyo Yuden 40x

    For this test (and every test with CD-R media from now on), the CD-R disc was burned to its maximum capacity and at its maximum speed. Then the same disc is read with the CDSpeed software, and the disc was scanned for digital errors (BLER, C1 and C2) with our system provided by Clover Systems. To simplify the presentation, we present the BLER, E31 and E32 error rates for each disc, which unveil the most serious errors on each disc.

    -Disc Info

    TajyoYuden 40x CD-R

    - Writing strategy

    Average Writing Speed: 30,18x
    Writing time: 03:20min
    
    

    - Reading speed

    - Writing Quality - Clover Systems

     

    Very good writing quality with all error rates within limits.

    - About Clover Systems

    The Clover Systems CDX Compact Disc Analyzer is a 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 speed of 4X.

    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.


    6. CD-R burning tests - CMC Magnetics 40x

    -Disc Info

    CMC MAGNETICS 40X CD-R

    - Writing strategy

     

    Average Writing Speed: 30,38x
    Writing time: 03:17min
    
    

    - Reading speed

    - Writing Quality - Clover Systems

     

    Again, very nice writing quality.

     


    7. CD-R burning tests - Verbatim 40x

    -Disc Info

    VERBATIM 40X CD-R

    - Writing strategy

    Average Writing Speed: 30,26x
    Writing time: 03:16min
    
    

    - Reading speed

     

    - Writing Quality - Clover Systems

    Another good result for the Pioneer DVR-215, while burning at the maximum speed of 40x.


    8. CD-RW burning tests - Verbatim 32x

    -Disc Info

    Verbatim 32x CD-RW

    - Writing strategy

    Average Writing Speed: 24,52x
    Writing time: 03:48min
    
    

    - Reading speed

    - Writing Quality - Clover Systems

    A good burn with no uncorrectable errors.


    9. The DaTARIUS DVDAnalyzer R 2x
    The DaTARIUS DVD Analyzer R 2x is one of the cornerstones in DVD quality control equipment, and is truly unique in the industry. It allows checking of replicated DVDs with single and dual layer structure (DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-14, DVD-18) and written DVD recordable, at 1X and 2X speed. It is based on the Pulstec Reference Pickup and Drive, developed in close co-operation with Pulstec and according to the standards of the DVD Forum.

    In short, the device's features include:
    Analysis of pre-recorded DVDs, single and dual layer, and written DVD Recordable
    Analysis of pre-recorded DVDs, single and dual layer, and written DVD recordable
    Double and single speed analysis
    Double-check function at reference speed
    Double-check function at reference speed
    Multi-dimensional calibration
    HF, jitter, mechanical and tracking parameters checked
    Radial tilt control, focus offset compensation and slicing level adjustment for jitter measurement
    Local defect detection/missing pits
    Error flag analysis (PI-errors, PI-fail, PO-fail)
    According to DVD Forum specification
    Double-Check function
    Control datasimulation
    DVD-9 OTP sector number check

    An explanation of the various parameters the DaTARIUS DVD Analyzer R 2x offers is available here. At the same page, you can read more details about the error signals and a brief analysis the possible meaning of its parameter in the overall quality of each burn.

    In the following pages, we present the writing quality measurements of various DVD recordable and rewritable media, burned with the Pioneer BD-DVD DVR 215BK DVD burner.


    10. DVD-R burning tests - CMC MAG AM3 18x

    We start our DVD writing quality measurements with DVD-R media. A variety of different MIDs were selected and burned at the maximum allowed speed. In each of the following pages, you will find detailed information about each disc, the burning and reading procedure as well as the related signal measurements that construct the overall quality picture for each disc.

    You can always navigate across to the different MIDs in this review, using the page navigation drop down menu.

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing -18x (13,14x average) in 05:13min

     

    - Reading - 16X (11,77X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Very nice start for the DVR-215, with the only uncorrectable error being reported at the edge of the disc, which however did not affected readability.


    11. DVD-R burning tests - CMC MAG AM4 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,09x average) in 05:19min

    - Reading - 16X (11,62X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

     

     

    Perfect writing quality again.


    12. DVD-R burning tests - CMC MAG AE1 12x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 12x (9.68x average) in 07:05min

     

    - Reading - 12,46X (9.25x average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    As you can see Jitter was increased at the areas of the disc where the drive changed the burning speed from 4x to 8x. In the specifica area, correctable errors were reported, although the next swift in the burning speed (12x) was responsible for the limited POfs on the graph. An average burn here.


    13. DVD-R burning tests - MCC 03RG20 20x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 20x (14,64x average) in 04:55min

     

    - Reading - 15,72X (11,80X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Excellent burn here despite the 20X writing speed.


    14. DVD-R burning tests - PRODISC F01 8x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 8x (7.64x average) in 08:12min

     

    - Reading - 12,47X (9.26X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Another excellent burn for the Pioneer drive at 8x.


    15. DVD-R burning tests - PRODISC F02 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,05x average) in 05:17min

    - Reading - 15,65X (11,78X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    The DVR-215 keeps stunning us by continuing its excellent performance.


    16. DVD-R burning tests - PRODISC S05 16x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 16x (11,74x average) in 05:44min

    - Reading - 15,79X (11,77X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Average writing here, with some uncorrectable errors being reported.


    17. DVD-R burning tests - RITEK F1 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,06x average) in 05:23min

     

     

    - Reading - 15,67X (11,81X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Adequate writing quality with only one uncorrectable error being reported.


    18. DVD-R burning tests - TTH02 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing 18X (12.35X average in 5:32)

    The drive started recording using a 18X CAV strategy, which changed to a strategy for 16X at around 2.3GB of the disc.

    - Reading

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Another excellent burn, performed by the Pioneer drive.


    19. DVD-R burning tests - TYG03 20x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 20x (14.56x average) in 04:48min

    - Reading - 16X (11,60X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    First bad performance for the Pioneer drive. Many uncorrectable errors reported, especially in the outer part of the disc where the burning speed was higher.


    20. DVD+R burning tests - CMC MAG M01 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,14x average) in 05:22min

     

    - Reading - 15,01X (11,73X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Very bad writing quality with the CMCMAGM01 disc.


    21. DVD+R burning tests - CMC MAG M02 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,16x average) in 05:13min

     

    - Reading - 15,82X (11,76X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    A good quality here with the PISum8 errors to reach the acceptable limits.


    22. DVD+R burning tests - DAXON AZ3 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,07x average) in 05:15min

     

     

    - Reading - 15,78X (11,73X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    The DVR-215 continues its good performance, now with DVD+R discs.


    23. DVD+R burning tests - INFOME R30 003 18x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 18x (12,96x average) in 05:15min

     

    - Reading - 15,66X (11,76X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -


    24. DVD+R burning tests - MAXELL 003 18x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 18x (13,18x average) in 05:15min

     

    - Reading - 15,69X (11,80X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

     

    The Pioneer drive made us expect nothing less than a perfect burn.


    25. DVD+R burning tests - MCC 004 20x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 20x (14,71x average) in 4:53min

    - Reading - 15,62X (11,79X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Overall a good burn at 20X, although an uncorrectable error was reported.


    26. DVD+R burning tests - PRODISC R04 18x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 18x (13,10x average) in 05:19min

    - Reading - 15,57X (11,74X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Again, only one POF error reported.


    27. DVD+R burning tests - PRODISC R05 18x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 18x (13,08x average) in 05:14min

    - Reading - 16X (11.73X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    And another exceptional burning for Pioneer with nothing to report here :-)


    28. DVD+R burning tests - RICOHJPN R03 12x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 12x (9.81x average) in 07:03min

    - Reading - 12,35X (9.27X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    The reported POFs near the end of the data area caused a slight drop in the reading speed. The Pioneer drive seems to need some work in the Z-CLV writing strategy.


    29. DVD+R burning tests - YUDEN000 T03 20x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 20x (14,70x average) in 04:53min

     

    - Reading - 15,92x (11,78X average)

    DaTARIUS Scans -


    30. DVD-RW burning tests - MKM 01RW6X01 6x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 6x (6,02x average) in 10:14min

     

    - Reading - 13,38X (9,93X average)

    - Writing Quality - Almedio AEC-1000

    A well burned RW disc, reporting no uncorrectable errors.

    - About Almedio AEC-1000

    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. In the case of PI, it counts the number of rows corrected by the PI error correction in each group of eight consecutive ECC blocks. In the case of UncPO, it counts the number of ECC blocks in which more than one byte is uncorrectable in eight consecutive ECC blocks. For our quality scans, we set for 1X CLV and Fine Mode which is the slowest and with the safest results. Also, we chose to measure all the media burned at the maximum available writing speed.


    31. DVD+RW burning tests - MKM A03 8x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 8x (7,84x average) in 08:34min

     

    - Reading - 13,34X (9.94X average)

    - Writing Quality - Almedio AEC-1000

    a


    32. DVD-R DL burning tests - MKM 01RD30 8x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 8x (7,33x average) in 16:59min

     

    - Reading - 12,22X (9,18X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Layer 0

    a

    a

    Layer 1

    a

    a

    a

    Excellent writing quality on both layers of the DVD-R DL disc.


    33. DVD-R DL burning tests - MKM 03RD30 10x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 10x (8.40x average) in 15:59min

     

    - Reading - 12,19X (9,11X average)

     

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Layer 0

    a

    a

    Layer 1

    a

    a

    a

    For one more time, excellent writing quality on both layers of the 10x DVD-R DL disc.

    We also tried to burn the new MKM 04RD30 DVD-R DL media for 12x with the Pioneer drive. Though such speed for DVD-R DL is not supported and thus, not any specific writing strategy has been included in the firmware, Pioneer DVR-215BK burned the disc at 2x.


    34. DVD+R DL burning tests - MKM 003 10x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 10x (8.56x average) in 15:03min

    - Reading - 12X (9,20X average)

     

    DaTARIUS Scans -

    Layer 0

    a

    a

    Layer 1

    a

    a

    a

    Again, excellent writing quality on both layers of the DVD+RDL disc.


    35. DVD-RAM burning tests - 5x

    - Media Info

     

    - Writing - 5x (4.98x average) in 11:04min

    - Reading - 4,94X (4,93X average)


    36. DVD-RAM burning tests - 12x

    - Media Info

    - Writing - 12x (10.37x average) in 5:36min

    - Reading - 11.56X (10.08X average)


    37. Summary of DVD burning tests, Overburning, Bitsetting

    In the following table we have gathered the findings of the DVD quality measurement tests. Note that each disc was measured under the same conditions with the DaTARIUS equipment. On the left side of the table you can find the discs that did not return uncorrectable digital errors, while on the right side are the rest of the discs. For detailed measurement data, visit the corresponding pages.

    Media type
    Digital errors within limits
    Digital errors exceed limits
    DVD-R
    CMC MAG AM3 burned at 18x CMC MAG AE1 burned at 12x
    MCC 03RG20 burned at 20X ProdiscS05 burned at 16x
    ProdiscF01 burned at 8x TYG03 burned at 20X
    ProdiscF02 burned at 18x  
    RITEKF1 burned at 18x  
    TTH02 burned at 18X  
    DVD+R
    Daxon AZ3 burned at 18x CMC MAG M01 burned at 18x
    INFOME R30 burned at 18X CMC MAG M02 burned at 18x
    MAXELL 003 burned at 18X RICOHJPN R03 004 burned at 12X
    Verbatim MCC 004 burned at 20  
    PRODISC R04 000 burned at 18x  
    PRODISC R05 001 burned at 18x  
    YUDEN000 T03 burned at 20X  
    DVD-R DL Verbatim MKM 01RD30 burned at 8x  
    Verbatim MKM 03RD30 burned at 10x  
    DVD+R DL Verbatim MKM 003 burned at 10x  
    DVD+RW Verbatim MKM A03 burned at 8x  
    DVD-RW Verbatim MKM 01RW6X01 burned at 6x  

    - Booktype Settings

     

    The drive does not support booktype feature...

    - DVD Overburning

     

    As we can see the drive does not support overburning DVD recordable media, according to CDSpeed.


    38. Final words

    The Pioneer DVR-215 BK drive has been tested thoroughly, as all the drives that we receive. The results of the tests left us with a shock, as the drive proved to be an exceptional one. Let's take a look at the test results summary:

    First of all, the drive is a good reader, with adequate reading speeds supporting all kinds of DVD media currently available, including the 12x DVD-RAM. The tests we performed reported nice scores, placing the drive within the competition.

    Moving on to error correction, the drive sort of disappointed us.CD error correction mechanisms are mediocre, producing a score of 50/100 and also relatively high levels of noise which some times could be audible. DVD error correction was average, successfully reading most of the defective discs. The TDV-541by ABEX was not readable however, making the drive fail, as it was approaching the end of the first layer.

    The Pioneer drive's strongest point, though, was its CD & DVD writing speed and quality. The drive managed to burn all media with speeds within specs, which, by the way, are very good. Furthermore, this high writing speed, did not affect at all the writing quality, making the majority of the burns exceptional. Drives with such good writing quality are not often produced, making the DVR-215 even more of a success. It was able to perform well on both 20X (16X) and 8X compatible discs.

    To sum up, the Pioneer drive impressed us with its excellent writing capabilities. Apart from that, we have nothing bad to note, except of the mediocre error correction mechanisms.

    This drive is highly recommended, and can be found at the stores for about $40-$50.



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