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This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,
located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.
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Appeared on: Friday, August 1, 2008
Pioneer DVR-116D


1. Introduction, features

Pioneer just released the all new DVR-116D. This PATA High Speed Dual Format Drive is not just another high speed DVD writer. Bundled with the new Optimal Writing Speed technology, the DVR-116D can adjust the writing speed of every burn, so that the produced disc's data integrity and quality will be as good as possible. All you have to do is one click, and then the drive will take care of the rest, ensuring top burning quality for your media.

The DVR-116D is also Pioneer's first drive capable of burning DVD±R media at 20X and DVD±R DL media at 12X. It's twin brother, the Pioneer DVR-116, will also burn toy DVD-RAM discs and it will be also available soon.

- Drive Features & Specification

Key features DVR-116D
  • Max 20X writing speed for DVD-R/+R
• Max 12X writing speed for DVD-R DL / +R DL (Dual / Double Layer media)
• Max 5X reading speed for DVD-RAM
  • Multi-effect LCD Tilt Servo Compensator Mechanism
• Ultra-DRA (Dynamic Resonance Absorber) low vibration mechanism
• Performance adusting firmware
• Disc-Resonance Stabiliser
• Supports "Buffer Under Run" protection (CD and DVD)
  • Data buffer size: 2MB
Specifications DVR-116D
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)
• 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)
• +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(Class1], (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 12X Z-CLV (16.62 Mbytes/sec)*
Note:
* This specification describes the maximum speed in one zone.
Write Speed DVD-RW 6X CLV (8.31 Mbytes/sec)
Write Speed 8cm DVD-R/RW with Adapter 2X CLV (2.77 Mbytes/sec)
Write Speed DVD+R 20X CAV (27.70 Mbytes/sec)
Write Speed DVD+R Double Layer 12X Z-CLV (16.62 Mbytes/sec)*
Note:
* This specification describes the maximum speed in one zone.
Write Speed DVD+RW 8X Z-CLV (11.08 Mbytes/sec)
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 Z-CLV (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-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 5X CLV (6.92 Mbytes/sec)
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 ATA/ATAPI-7, SFF-8090
IDE Data Transfer Mode PIO Mode4, Multi Word DMA Mode2, Ultra DMA Mode2/Mode4*
Note:
* It is required to use a cable corresponding to U-ATA66 (80-wire conductor cable)
Mounting Orientation Horizontal and vertical (+/- 5 Degrees)*
Note:
* 80mm discs cannot be used when the drive is vertically mounted. The case remains even when an adapter is used.
Power Requirement +5V 1.45A
+12V 1.40A (Average during 20x CAV DVD-R writing process)
Power Consumption 24.05W (Average during 20X CAV DVD-R writing process)
Regulatory Approval UL60950-1 Second Edition, CAN/CSA C22.2 No.60950-1-03, EN60950-1:2001+A11: 2004, 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 0.78 kg

-The Drive

Our test sample is the black-faced version of the drive, named DVR-116DBK.

The sample was manufactured on May 2008 in China.

The drive's is based on the NEC MC-10043B chip, also met at the Optiarc AD-7200S drive.

- Installation

The drive was identified under Windows XP as "PIONEER DVD_RW DVR-116D", firmware version 1.06.


2. CD/DVD reading

For our CD transfer rate tests, we used the Nero Disc 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.

For each CDSpeed graph, you can click on the image to see the complete screenshot, including full measurements.

-CD-ROM

- US RW

The following CD Speed graph shows the reading performance with US-RW media. Reading reached a maximum of 32x, as per the specifications.


- AudioCD

In the CD Speed Advanced DAE quality test, the drive's average speed was 28.93X with a quality score of 100.

A typical DAE task with an 80min non-protected Audio CD produced 27.8X average ripping speed.

Here is some Audio extraction capabilities' info gathered from the Exact Audio Copy application:

- 90/99 mins Audio disc

90min Audio

The reading process of a 99min audio disc failed.

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 12X maximum speed for single layer DVD ROM and at 8X 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 (2-5x media)

- DVD Video Ripping

Ripping of a single layer DVD movie:

Average 12,145KB/s (8.8x)
Maximum 17,214KB/s (12.4x)

- Summary of reading tests

A very good performance from the Pioneer drive, attaining the reading speeds outlined in the specifications with all media.


3. CD error correction

This series of tests checks the drive's ability to correct/conceal possible erroneous data after reading artificially scratched / defective audio discs. The test discs used were the ABEX series from ALMEDIO.

Specifically, a software compares two audio files using FFT analysis. The first audio file has been extracted by a normal audio disc. The second one is the result of the extraction of the another disc which hold the same audio track, but it also has specific defects on its surface. The similarity factor of the the two tracks unveils the error correction capabilities of the drive.

The differences between the two compared tracks are translated to a signal (noise) illustrated in the following graphs.

- ABEX TCD-721R

Errors total
Num : 2436106
Errors (Loudness)
152961
-76.2 db(A)
Max :-33.9 dB(A)
Error Muting
Num : 12408
Avg : 1.2 Samples
Max : 8 Samples
Skips
Num : 0
Avg : 0.0 Samples
Max : 0 Samples
Total Test Result
74.1 points (of 100.0 maximum)

An average score for the Pioneer drive. Although there were no skipped samples and the average level of the Errors Loudness low, noise was reported too early, in areas where the test disc was not defected. This shows us that the drive's error hiding mechanisms are not so good.

- ABEX TCD-726R

Errors total
Num : 34264
Errors (Loudness)
Num : 12986
Avg : -85.6 dB(A)
Max : -47.4 dB(A)
Error Muting
Num : 228
Avg : 1.1 Samples
Max : 3 Samples
Skips
Num : 0
Avg : 0.0 Samples
Max : 0 Samples
Total Test Result
80.5 points (of 100.0 maximum)
C2 Accuracy
100.0 %

Again, a not so good. Error correction starts a bit early, and Errors Loudness Level is a bit high compared to other drives..

- 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-116D
5/5
0/5
0/5
0/5
0/5

Playback of the majority of the tracks (2-3-4 and 5) produced audible noise and interruptions. The majority of the drives we have tested have managed to accurately playback at least the first three tracks. Bad error correction mechanisms for the Pioneer drive as this is a very poor score.


4. DVD error correction

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.

Flawless reading, without any problems and without dropping speed.

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.

 

 

Here too, the drive continues 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 Pioneer drive failed to read the 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.

Flawless reading here, producing a smooth speed graph.

Summary

Overall, the DVD error correction mechanisms are generally good, with an exception the "scratched" dual-layer DVD Video disc. Failure on the TDV-541 is not something rare among DVD drives, as many other drives that we recently tested failed to read the disc.


5. CD-R burning - Memorex 48x

For this test (and for all ensuing tests with CD-R media), the CD-R disc was burned to its maximum capacity and at its maximum speed. Then, the same disc is read with the Disc Speed software, and the disc was scanned for digital errors (C1 and C2).

-Disc Info

Memorex 48x CD-R (burned at 32x)

- Writing strategy

 

Average Writing Speed: 23.84x
Writing time: 04:13min

- Reading speed

- Writing Quality - Nero DiscSpeed 4with LiteON LH-20A1S @ 4X

 

No problems with the specific disc, with overall few digital errors (always correctable).

- About The Quality Tests

In order to test the Disc Quality, we used Nero DiscSpeed 4 with a LiteON LH-20A1S drive. The tests are carried out at the speed of 4X. The screenshots above show the results of the test. The top-most graph shows the C1 (correctable) errors and the other one shows the C2 (uncorrectable) errors. A good burn should have no C2 errors and a low C1 error rate.


6. CD-R burning - Verbatim 48x

-Disc Info

Verbatim 48x CD-R (burned at 40x)

- Writing strategy

 


Average Writing Speed: 30.24x
Writing time: 03:20min

- Reading

 

 

- Writing Quality - Nero DiscSpeed 4with LiteON LH-20A1S @ 4X

 

Another good burn from the Pioneer drive. Low error rates and no uncorrectable errors.


7. CD-RW burning - Verbatim 24x

-Disc Info

Verbatim 24x CD-RW

- Writing strategy


Average Writing Speed: 24.45x
Writing time: 03:51min

- Reading speed

- Writing Quality - Nero DiscSpeed 4with LiteON LH-20A1S @ 4X

Very good writing with Verbatim CD-RW media.


8. Optimal Writing Speed Technology

The effect of the writing speed on the quality of a burn is an issue that has been discussed many times in the past. As the writing speed increases, it is more difficult for a drive to make perfect burns. That's why Pioneer introduced the Optimal Writing Speed Technology. Its main purpose is to change the writing speed of every burn to the highest level at which the drive is able burn with decent quality.

In detail, the OWS technology, supported by the Pioneer DVR-116D drive, is based on a lookup table residing on the firmware of the drive which contains information about every MID and its corresponding Optimal Writing Speed with the selected drive.

To enable the OWS for a burn, we have to run the OWS utility, check the "ENABLE" radio button and click "Apply", without having any disc mounted on the drive.

We also have the option of storing the optimal writing speed for each disc on the drive's memory. This would allow the drive to burn at the Optimal Write Speed, without running the OWS utility before. This is done by checking "Saves optimal writing speed setting to drive" checkbox.

Also, if you click the button "Check setting", the utility will inform you of the current state of the OWS technology (whether it is on or off).

So, the Optimal Write Speed technology promises to offer good burns with the cost of low speed. Let's see in the following tests if it is going to help.


9. DVD-R burning - CMCMAG 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 (11.54x average) in 05:57min

 

 

The drive was not able to exceed the 16X speed, and a major speed drop took place at that point.

- Reading - 16X (11.72X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

A nice start for the Pioneer drive with no uncorrectable erros being reported.


10. DVD-R burning - DAXON 016S 16x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 20x (13.48x average) in 05:08min

Again, the drive failed to reach its maximum speed.

- Reading - 16X (11.74x average)

ALMEDIO Scans -

The drive continues its good performance, with another good burn.


11. DVD-R burning - MCC 03RG20 20x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 20x (14.58x average) in 04:46min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.77X average)

 

- With Optimal Write Speed Enabled

- Writing - 8x (7.74x average) in 08:00min

 

 

- Reading - 16X (11.74X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

-Scan of the typical 20X burn

-Scan of the OWS enabled burn

As you can see in the graphs above, the scan of the first burn, which was carried out at 20X, reported many PISum8 errors , some times exceeding the limit value of 280. On the other hand, the burn with OWS enabled, which was carried out at 8X was nearly perfect, with no uncorrectable errors and the PISum8 error rate was pretty low.

A bad score for the Pioneer drive, but a good one for the Optimal Write Speed technology.


12. DVD-R burning - RITEK F1 18x

- Media Info - Memorex 16X DVD-R (RITEKF1)

- Writing - 18x (13.10x average) in 05:10min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.76X average)

ALMEDIO Scans -


13. DVD-R burning - TTH02 20x

- Media Info

- Writing - 20x (14.21x average) in 05:00min

As soon as the drive reached the 20X speed, there was a speed drop.

- Reading - 16X (11.73X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -


14. DVD-R burning - TYG03 20x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 20x (14.25x average) in 04:50min

 

As it happened with the TTH02 disc, there was a speed drop as soon as the drive reached the 20X speed.

- Reading - 16X (11.74X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

Another good burn from the Pioneer drive. We can note that the PI error rate peaks at acceptable levels just before the speed drop at the writing process happens.


15. DVD+R burning - DAXON AZ3 20x

- Media Info

- Writing - 18x (12.98x average) in 05:14min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.65X average)

- With Optimal Write Speed Enabled

- Writing - 8x (7.78x average) in 08:03min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.65X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

-Scan of the typical 18X burn

-Scan of the OWS enabled burn

Again, the OWS technology seems to be saving the day, as the typical 18X burn was of average quality. The test reported many errors, especially at the end of the disc. With OWS enabled, however, the burn was nearly excellent, with very low error rates.


16. DVD+R burning - MCC 004 16x

- Media Info

- Writing - 20x (12.98x average) in 05:08min

Again, the drive failed to reach its maximum speed.

- Reading - 16X (11.69X average)

- With Optimal Write Speed Enabled

- Writing - 6x (5.91x average) in 10:10min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.74X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

-Scan of the typical 20X burn

-Scan of the OWS enabled burn

Yet another time,the scan of the drive's high speed burn reported a high PI error rate resulting in uncorrectable errors. On the other hand, the use of the Optimal Write Speed technology continues to achieve good scores, with even lower error rates.


17. DVD+R burning - OPTODISC R16 16x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 18x (13.02x average) in 05:12min

- Reading - 16X (11.73X average)

ALMEDIO Scans -

No uncorrectable errors reported here, though we can see that the PI error rate peaked 2 times near 180, with 280 being the limit for a good burn.


18. DVD+R burning - PRODISC R05 20x

- Media Info

- Writing - 20x (14.53x average) in 04:47min

 

 

- Reading - 16X (11.68X average)

- With Optimal Write Speed Enabled

- Writing - 16x (11.12x average) in 06:05min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.68X average)

 

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

-Scan of the typical 20X burn

-Scan of the OWS enabled burn

This time, the roles were inverted as the OWS enabled burn turned out to be of lower quality compared to the typical 20X burn. Both of the scans reported uncorrectable errors, with the first one being the gentler with lower error rates.


19. DVD+R burning - RICOHJPN R03 18x

- Media Info

- Writing - 18x (13.01x average) in 05:13min

 

- Reading - 16X (11.72X average)

 

ALMEDIO Scans -


20. DVD+R burning - YUDEN T03 20x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 20x (14.58x average) in 04:44min

- Reading - 16X (11.68X average)

 

- With Optimal Write Speed Enabled

- Writing - 16x (11.76x average) in 05:40min

 

 

- Reading - 16X (11.67X average)

 

 

ALMEDIO Scans -

-Scan of the typical 20X burn

-Scan of the OWS enabled burn

Testing of both burns here reported uncorrectable errors and also the PI error rate peaked at the same point of the disc. Nevertheless, the second burn was of higher quality than the first.


21. DVD-R DL burning - MKM 03RD30 10x

- Media Info

- Writing - 10x (8.15x average) in 15:18min

- Reading - 12X (9.16X average)

 

- Writing Quality - Nero DiscSpeed 4with LiteON LH-20A1S @ 6X

The LiteON drive was not able to perform the measurments on the disc at the 4X speed , so we tried at the 6X speed.


22. DVD-R DL burning - MKM04RD30 12x

- Media Info

- Writing - 12x (8.78x average) in 15:05min

- Reading - 12X (9.15X average)

 

- Writing Quality - Nero DiscSpeed 4with LiteON LH-20A1S @ 8X

The LiteON drive was not able to perform the measurments on the disc neither at the 4X speed nor at the 6X speed, so we tried at the 8X speed.


23. DVD+R DL burning - MKM 003 10x

- Media Info

- Writing - 10x (8.35x average) in 14:39min

 

- Reading - 12X (9.15X average)

ALMEDIO Scans -

Mediocre burning quality here, with some errors being reported at the layer change.


24. DVD+R DL burning - RITEK S06 12x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 12x (8.64x average) in 14:30min

 

 

- Reading - 12X (9.15X average)

 

 

ALMEDIO Scans -


25. DVD-RW burning - MKM01RW6X01 6x

- Media Info

- Writing - 6x (6x average) in 10:21min

 

- Reading - 13X (9.87X average)

ALMEDIO Scans -


26. DVD+RW burning - MKM A03 3.3x

- Media Info

 

- Writing - 8x (3.30x average) in 17:09min

 

 

The drive did not manage to accelerate at 8x and lept the writing speed at 3.30x.

- Reading - 13x (9.92X average)

ALMEDIO Scans -


27. Summary of DVD burning tests, Bitsetting, overburning

In the following table, we have gathered the findings of the DVD quality measurement tests. On the left side of the table, you can find the discs that did not produce 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 MCC 03RG20 burned at 20x
DAXON 16S burned at 20X  
MCC 03RG20 burned at 8x with OWS  
RITEKF1 burned at 18x  
TTH02 burned at 20X.  
TYG03 burned at 20X  
DVD+R
Daxon AZ3 burned at 8x with OWS Daxon AZ3 burned at 18x
Verbatim MCC 004 burned at 6x with OWS Verbatim MCC 004 burned at 20x
Optodisc R16 000 burned at 18x PRODISC R05 001 burned at 20x
RICOHJPN R01 002 burned at 18x PRODISC R05 001 burned at 16x with OWS
  YUDEN000 T03 burned at 20x
  YUDEN000 T03 burned at 16x with OWS
DVD-R DL   Verbatim MKM 03RD30 burned at 10x
  Verbatim MKM 03RD30 burned at 12x
DVD+R DL RITEK S06 076 burned at 12x 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 the booktype feature.

- DVD Overburning

As we can see, the drive does not support overburning of DVD recordable media, according to Nero Disc Speed.


28. Conclusion

Apart from being able to burn DVD media at high speeds, Pioneer DVR-116D is bundled with the new Optimal Write Speed technology, that aims to ensure top burning quality with a cost on speed. Let's take on overview on the results of the tests that we performed.

First of all, the drive proved to be a good reader, attaining the reading speeds outlined in the specifications with all media. Error correction mechanisms on the other hand, are mediocre, especially with CD media. With DVDs, the drive managed to read the artificially defected test discs, expect from the scratched dual-layer DVD.

Moving on to the burning tasks, the drive many times failed to reach the designated speed , and showed some major speed drops. These may have also affected the burning quality, as there were some error rate peaks at the point of the drop-downs. In general, burning quality was good and most of the times tests on the burned discs reported no uncorrectable errors.

The Optimal Write Speed technology also turned out to be helpful, as sometimes, when the drive failed to make good burns on its own, the OWS enabled burn was of high quality. This was something that we expected, though, as lower burning speeds usually lead to better burns. The utility could prove useful to the mainstream users who need a quick and easy answer on which recording speed is the appropriate for their discs.

The 20x burning speed had been considered as extremely high some time ago. Today, ODD makers try to make it a mainstream, even of their drives use this burning speed with limited amount of media. The Pioneer drive follows a more quality-conscious approach and chooses to resume burning tasks in lower speed as soon as it detects that the inserted disc is cannot handle the selected speed. This strategy is welcomed in most cases. However, if you like speedy burnings, you may consider it as negative behavior.

The DVR-116D has potential to hit the top as soon as some improvements are made.



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