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Appeared on: Tuesday, February 19, 2002
Sanyo CRD-BP900P CD-RW


1. The buffer underrun eliminator strikes again!

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 1

The buffer underrun eliminator strikes again!

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W DriveIntroduction

Having already tested the SCSI model incorporating BURN-Proof technology this time we move ahead for the IDE interface. Many users wonder if they should buy IDE or SCSI CDR-W drives. In past the SCSI CDR-W drives were the only choice for professional recording since you could chain many devices and even work without the need for PC. However ,nowdays, many manufacturers (including Sanyo) present CDR-W drives for both IDE and SCSI interfaces. Also don't forget the coming ATA100 interface, which can be hooked up to 8 IDE devices! Let's see if the Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W drive is as good as the SCSI model (CRD-BP2) which already have been tested for our team.

History

What is this so special feature called "BURN-Proof" that the Sanyo CRD-BP900P includes? You can read the complete technology background over here but we will sum it up here for the new readers.

Without BURN-Proof TechnologyThe cause of Buffer Under Run Error
In order to make CD-DA/CD-ROM compatible discs, it is required to write the data constantly onto the media. However, the data stream speed is not always constant, especially when loading and running other applications while burning. Also, your hard disk/CD-ROM could simply not be fast enough either. Furthermore, if an unexpected error occurs in the source disc (aka read error), this will create a Buffer Under Run error. These are the typical causes of a Buffer Under Run Error.

Once a Buffer Under Run Error has occurred, the disc cannot be read by any CD-ROM and you will have a bad burn (aka coaster) or in the worst case, the disc will be useless (i.e. garbage). The right picture gives you an idea how the Buffer Underrun occurs (courtesy of Sanyo).

With BURN-Proof TechnologyThe benefit to users of the BURN-Proof technology.
The new BURN-Proof technology now enables many CD-R/RW drives to record data seamlessly between the end of one recorded point and the start of another recording point, even though data transfer may be suspended due to the occurrence of a Buffer Under Run Error. This means you can now run as many programs as you wish and your burning will always be successful. The left picture gives you an idea how BURN-Proof technology works (courtesy of Sanyo).

What will users benefit from BURN-Proof technology?
1) BURN-Proof technology will reduce (or eliminate) the creation of coasters.
2)  BURN-Proof technology will allow users to simultaneously run many programs while burning a CD.
3) Weak performance PCs may also be used for high-speed recording since the actual recording speed depends only upon the data transfer rate of the PC and the PC's performance.

Note that the BURN-Proof feature is effective for only Buffer Under Run errors. Therefore this feature will not work for the following cases:
1) Power outage or power cut.
2) Malfunction of the PC hardware or software crashing the entire PC.
3) Impact against the drive or inferior condition of the media.
4) Standstill of the data from the source (example: CD-ROM drive and so on) under the abnormal condition.

The BURN-Proof feature connects the data seamlessly between the recorded point and the recording start point with high technology. The accuracy of data read is easily affected by the media condition. Therefore, in some cases of media condition, the error may occur because BURN-Proof feature cannot connect the data correctly.


2. Installation
Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 2

Package

The pre-release OEM version included only a drive. Below there is a picture of the Sanyo CRD-BP900P:

The Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W Drive

 

Sanyo CRD-BP900P CDR-W Specifications:

Interface

EIDE/ATAPI

Transfer Rate

12X-32x CAV read
(1800KB/s - 4800KB/s Data Transfer Rate)

Writing/Reading Speed

              Writing : CDR    1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 12x
               CDRW 2x,4x
Reading : 32x (max) Full CAV
               Note     - Data : 12-32x
                           - CDDA Extraction : 13x (max)

Writing Methods

Disc At Once (DAO)
Session At Once (SAO)
Track At Once (TAO)
Packet Writing

Data Capacity supported

700MB (79min)
650MB (74min)
550MB (63min)

Burst Transfer Rate

5mb/s (max) (asynchronous)
20mb/s (max) (synchronous)

Functions

Multi Read, Horizontal, Analog output, Plug & Play/ SCAM Compatible, Flash ROM

Data Buffer

2MB

Supported CD Formats

CD-DA, CD-ROM (MODE-1,MODE-2), CD-ROM XA MODE-2(FORM-1,FORM-2), Multi-Session Photo CD, CD-I, Video-CD, CD Extra, CD+G, CD-RW, CD-Text

Installation :
The Sanyo CRD-BP900P is an IDE CDR-W drive. We installed the drive on the Secondary IDE Channel, as the master drive. During boot-up, the BIOS identified the drive as the Sanyo CRD-BP900P. This was also true for Windows 98 SE. Minor configuration changes were made to Windows 98 SE. These were: disabling auto-insert notification and ensuring DMA was enabled.

The Sanyo CRD-BP900P supplied was manufactured in April 2000. The onboard firmware revision was version 3.0p20. After some time Sanyo provided us with a newer firmware revision for the drive: v3.20. This firmware fixed several bugs.

Currently, the following software supports the Sanyo CRD-BP900P: Nero v5.0.0.9, NTI CD Maker 2000 v4.0.22, Prassi PrimoCD Plus v1.1.356, BHA Bs Recorder Gold (only in Japanese language), Feurio v1.32 and Padus DiscJuggler v2.00.419 beta. All support the BURN-Proof feature on this drive.

Test Machine:
ABIT BH6
Celeron 300A over clocked to 464 MHz
164 MB SDRAM PC 100
WD 18GB UDMA 66
Quantum Fireball EX 6.4 GB UDMA
DAWI 2975 - PCI (ULTRA) SCSI Host Adapter
Asus 3400 TNT
MS Windows 98SE
Plextor UltraPlex 40max firmware v1.03
Sanyo CRD-BP2 firmware v2.21
Sanyo CRD-BP900P firmware v3.20


3. Data Tests (Pressed CDs)

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 3

Data Tests (Pressed CDs)

Test Method

- CD WinBench 99 v1.1. This was used to compare the Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W drive with various others CDR-W drives (see charts).
- CD Speed 99 v0.66 was also used to check the drive performance with pressed CDs. For that test we used WinBench 99 v1.1 and PlexTools v1.04 original CDs.

- CD WinBench 99 v1.1 results

CD-Rom WInMark 99

CD Rom Access Time

CPU Utilization

 

CDRom Tranfer Rate

- CD Speed 99 v0.66 results:

WinBench 99 v1.1  results with CD Speed 99 v0.66

PlexTools v1.04 results with CD Speed 99 v0.66

Verdict of data (pressedCDs) tests

The Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W drive performed slightly better than the SCSI model when reading the pressed CDs. It's average reading speed using WinBench 99 v1.1 was 24.13x and with PlexTools v1.04, a slightly higher 24.18x.

In the WinBench 99 test, the Sanyo CRD-BP900P got the worst overall WinMark value even though it had the highest transfer rate speed. It reached a transfer rate of 4.6mb/s and 2.39mb/s on the outside and inside of the disc, which are better than the SCSI model. It has a seek time of 144ms which again is better than the SCSI model. The CPU usage is also low (4.56%) since it is UDMA compatible. Overall the IDE model seems to win SCSI one in pressed CDs benchmarks.


4. Data Tests (74min CDs)

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 4

Data Tests (74min CDs)

Test Method: CD Media 74min tests

We created a DataCD with Nero 5.0 using the Sanyo CRD-BP2 CDR-W drive. Several copies were created on different media types at 12x speed. This test was performed in order to test the compatibility with various CD media, that have been written at 12x, how the Sanyo CRD-BP900P drive performs. CD Speed 99 v0.66 was used to measure the performance of the drive with the different media.

Notice when you read the graphs, to check both the three tests results (start, end, average) since they give the most complete view of each media performance. Most users however, will prefer just to read only the average speed results. ;)

DataCD comparison (12x write speed)

As we can see the Sanyo CRD-BP900P does not have any problems reading various media which are written at 12x. It reads them with an average 20.38x speed.

Data Tests: (80min and RW CDs)

- 80min tests:

The graph above shows that both Sanyo drives have exactly the same performance when reading 80min CDs. We have a tie over here!

- RW tests

The SCSI model this time took pole position with a slight higher reading speed with the various RW discs:

Verdict of CDR Media Tests

The tests results shows that the Sanyo CRD-BP900P has good, solid performance using both pressed and normal media. In most cases it outperformed the SCSI model in most tests and gave slightly higher scores. I guess you cannot make a verdict only from those tests so let's head over for CloneCD tests!


5. CloneCD Tests

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 5

CloneCD Tests

Procedure

We used the latest CloneCD (v2.3.3.3) and 3 original CDs (Rally Masters, Euro2000 and Incoming) in order to test the reading time for both drives. We also tested the reading performance with the backups of the original CDs since the reading speed varies from original to backup media.

Note we couldn't use the drives for writing since they don't support "RAW" writing at present...All backups were created with the PleXWriter PX-W1210A at 12x writing speed.

Update:
Both drives work fine with the newest CloneCD v2.5.1.3 and SAO-RAW mode. This mean that you can used them, ONLY with SafeDisc and LaserLock protected CDs. ;)

Results:

a) SafeDisc Results:Euro 2000 (Total: 257982 sectors - 10141 bad sectors) - Reading Speed: Max

Drive

Firmware

CD

Fast Skip Error - O retries - Software Correction

Fast Skip Error - O retries - Hardware Correction

Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner

"Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner" + Best "Fast Skip Error" result

Sanyo CRD-BP900P

v3.20

Original

9:37 min

9:41 min

17:08 min

9:39 min

Backup

10:20 min

10:26 min

16:24 min

10:30 min

Sanyo CRD-BP2

v2.21

Original

5:24 min

5:36 min

13:10 min

5:35 min

Backup

5:21 min

5:13 min

11:23 min

5:06 min

b) LaserLock Results: Rally Masters ( Total: 321528 sectors - 6317 bad sectors) - Reading Speed: Max

Drive

Firmware

CD

Fast Skip Error - O retries - Software Correction

Fast Skip Error - O retries - Hardware Correction

Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner

"Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner" + Best "Fast Skip Error" result

Sanyo CRD-BP900P

v3.20

Original

1:38:30 h

Fails the test

12:16 min

Fails the test

Backup

13:15 min

13:25 min

10:11 min

9:58 min

Sanyo CRD-BP2

v2.21

Original

32:55 min

33:32 min

10:34 min

10:28 min

Backup

8:41 min

 8:12 min

5:01 min

4:46 min

Note: The Sanyo CRD-BP900P with original Rally Masters CD failed to complete the reading task at the "Fast Skip Error-Hardware Correction" and "Intelligent Bad Scanner+Fast Skip Error" settings. No matter how many times we repeated we always had the same result..Not a good point the drive's CloneCD overall score.

c) SecuROM Results:
As CloneCD author emailed us both drives do not produce accurate subchannel data so cannot be used for reading such images...

Verdict of CloneCD Tests:
- In the SafeDisc test the SCSI model was faster than the IDE model by 78.81%!!.
- In the LaserLock test, the IDE model failed to complete when using the Fast Skip Error with Hardware correction. The drive stopped reading from the CD after some time, which shows a weakness.. In the other modes, the SCSI model was again faster by 17.83%. Overall in the CloneCD tests, the SCSI model takes the lead over the IDE model and is the winner!


6. DAE Tests (Audio pressed CDs)

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 6

DAE Tests (Audio pressed CDs)

Test Method

We used CD DAE 99 v0.2with AudioCDs in order to check DAE performance of the Sanyo drive and we compared it with SCSI version of the same drive.

- CD DAE 99 v0.2 results

The Sanyo CRD-BP900P DAE performance, with pressed CDs, was very good and outperformed the SCSI model by 3.12%. The most important thing was that it didn't seem to suffer from DAE problems, unlike the SCSI model that has always done so.

DAE Tests (CD media)

Test Method:
We made several copies with Feurio v1.32written at 12x (used the Sanyo CRD-BP2 CDR-W drive) in order to check the DAE performance of the drive. We measured ripping speeds with CD DAE 99 v0.2and compared it with other CD-Roms.

CD DAE 99 v0.2 results:

- FujiFilm 74min AudioCD

No surprises here as again the IDE model beat the SCSI one...:

Maxell media-DAE results

Verdict of DAE Results

Both Sanyo drives have limited DAE ripping speed and are locked to 12-13x. Even though some people will say it's good enough, Plextor and up-coming Yamaha models promise to deliver up to 24x DAE speed...We feel this is a point that Sanyo should address and improve upon. Back to IDE vs SCSI model war! The winner in this test is definitely the IDE drive. It proved to be best in all tests and gave an average 12.8-12.9x ripping speed using CD DAE 99 v0.2.


7. CDR Tests

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 7

CDR Tests

We mostly tested the Sanyo CRD- BP900P IDE CDR-W drive on it's capabilities to write CDs in different write speeds (4x, 8x, 12x) ,media and modes.

Feurio v1.34 beta properties:

- Reading properties:

- Recorder properties:

Feurio Device Info

As we can see the Sanyo CRD-BP900P supports all current CDR/W writing and reading modes exept "RAW" writing and "OverBurn" (dispite Feurio says it does). As we have been told ,Sanyo will possibly add this feature with next firmware update. Let's head over to the CDR tests now:

Tests:
- Software used: Nero v5.0.0.9 /  Padus DJ v2.00.419 / PrimoCD Plus v1.1.356
- Media: Prodisc / Prostech / Ritek / Princo 8x, 12x / Basf / Maxell / Mitsui Gold & SG / TDK / Verbatim / DataBank 4x-8x RW / Yamaha 4xRW / LeadData 4x RW / BTC 2x RW

Procedure:
We tested the Sanyo CRD-BP900P with all available writing modes and writing speeds (4x,8x,12x) with different media doing different jobs:

- On the Fly CD Copies (for Data and Audio) (with Plextor PX-40TS)
- Data CDs written at various writing modes (TAO, DAO, SAO)
- Multisessions CDs
- AudioCDs (from mp3 and wav files) + CD-Text CDs
- VideoCD

The Sanyo CRD-BP900P doesn't have any problem writing cds at 12x(max) and re-write them at 4x(max). Using several media the drive's performance was great and didn't  had any compartibilty issues. Creating CDs at 12x ,with BURN-Proof enabled, gives you another feeling...for sure ;)

BURN-Proof Tests:
As we had mentioned previously in section 1, BURN-Proof technology should be able to remove any worries you may have about buffer under runs. This is what we did to calm those fears. We opened Nero v5.0.0.9 and prepared a DataCD for writing it at 12x with BURN-Proof enabled.

Applications already running:

- 2 WinAMP windows running OpenGL plug-ins
- Padus DJ doing two images from both Plextor and Teac40x in the same HD
- Surfing at CDRInfo's forum and answering questions...
- HD Tach98 measuring same HD performance
- Sisoft Sandra 2000 benchmarking PC at the same time which all above programs running.

Under normal circumstances, if you try to run all of the above programs simultaneously and starting writing CDs, the result is a buffer under run. However if you enable the BURN-Proof option you will nothing to fear?.except possibly a power cut..!

Feurio v1.34 was used to copy an Audio CD from a Teac 540E to the Sanyo CRD-BP900P. When the writing bar indicator reached 20% the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys were pressed to halt the burning process. After a minute the escape key was selected. This was repeated between 20% to 40% (on the writing bar indicator) at intervals of 1%. After 40% we left the recording to continue until it had finished. No errors were reported during this test!!!! After creating the CD, using the above method (with the burn proof option enabled), we decided to see if the disc was as good as the original CD. How we did this?

EAC was used to "rip" wav files from both CDs. All of the wav files were then compared with the original CD. As we suspected the wav files were identical. We also checked the CD for possibly C2 errors using CD Speed 99 v0.66 beta (CD Quality mode) and no differences!

As previously stated, the BURN-Proof technology uses the location of the last successful sector and positions the Optical Pickup. As soon as the buffer is full again, the CD-Recorder will start recording again. According to the "Orange Book" specifications, the distance between the last successful sector and the new sector may not be more than 100 µm. The BURN-Proof technology ensures that the distance between the 2 sectors lies at around 40µm (i.e. well within the limits set by the Orange Book), and in this way data is written to disc without errors.

Verdict of CDR Results

After living with the Sanyo CRD-BP900P for almost 1 month, we can say for sure that the BURN-Proof works very well with the IDE interface. The drive has no problems when writing at maximum speed (12x). Buffer under runs are a distant memory! All tests were completed ok and didn't have many problems.

The only complaints from the CDR capabilities are:
a) The lack of "RAW" writing feature for CloneCD compatibility.
b) No "Overburn" features.

Hey don't be afraid to start playing your favourite game at the same time you burn a CD. This is a must for all gamers ;)


8. Conclusion

Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page 8

Conclusion

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

- Burn Proof (anti-coaster) Technology!
- 12x Writing
- CD-Text
- Support most burn speeds (1x,2x,4x,8x,12x)
- Supports (2x,4x) CD-RW burn speed
- True 32x (max) Data performance
- Solid 12x DAE speed
- All know burning method  (TAO,DAO,SAO,Packet Writing) support
- No problems with uncertified 12x Media
- Works fine with IDE interface
- Low CPU usage
- You can play Q3 at the same time you BURN CDs!

- No MMC DAO Raw writing
- No Overburn
- DAE speed could be faster...
- Not so good CloneCD reading performance

Sanyo has moved its BURN-Proof technology to the IDE platform and improved their drive's mechanism since some minor problems found on the Sanyo CRD-BP2 model are not present. Most users find the SCSI solutions more reliable than the IDE ones, because they're worried about high CPU usage and possibly buffer underrun problems. Sanyo solution seems the antidote to their fears and can really make your burning life smoother.

Back to the drive's capabilities, no big surprises here since the drive performed very good to all the tests we did. The drive seems to be improved in the DAE ripping speeds since it can now rips wavs with 12x reading speed whereas Sanyo CRD-BP2 (SCSI model) had some problem (which still don't have been fixed even with latest firmware version v2.21.)

So maybe you have been confused...What I should buy since BURN-Proof technology is very well exploited in both drives? Making a small comparison of Sanyo's 12/4/32 BURN-Proof drives could come up:

Sanyo CRD-BP2 (SCSI)

Sanyo CRD-BP900P (IDE)

Much better CloneCD reading performance!

Slight better DAE performance

 

Slight better Data reading performance

So when it comes to choose between the two possibly solutions (IDE or SCSI) keep in mind the above table and also that BURN-Proof technology works the same way in both drives.

Finally ,I would like to comment that Sanyo CRD-BP900P may not have many chances to survive in market since Sanyo next models (CRD-BP3 and CRD-BP1300P) supports HS RW recording speeds (4-10x) and Plextor's HS RW recording (PleXWriter PX-W1210A) solution will start selling possibly end of this month... I think the drive should have at least been released one month ago. Who will buy the 12/4/32 IDE solution since he could get the new 12/10/32 IDE model in few weeks?

In order to prevent a mail war where you could possibly buy a BURN-Proof drive:

1) Sanyo don't sells CDR-W drives under their brand. Sanyo sells OEM which means you will find similar drives under others brands ( Lacie, Plextor, Iomega)
2) You can buy a drive based at Sanyo CRD-BP2 at www.perfectcdrw.com (US and Canada)
3) You can buy a drive based at Sanyo CRD-BP900P from www.iomegadirect.com hopefully soon...(Wordwide shipping?)

Other Manufacturers which sell BURN-Proof enabled drives:

- I-O Data Device (Japanese or English homepage)

Models:
CRD-BP2 internal - CDRW-SB124BG / Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD Ver.1.6x"(Japanese)

CRD-BP2 external - CDRW-SX124BG / Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD Ver.1.6x"(Japanese)

CRD-BP900P internal - CDRW-AB124B / Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD"(Japanese) and DigiOn "DigiOnDisc" (Japanese)

- DigiOn (Japanese homepage)

Models:
CRD-BP900P external (with PCMCIA ATA Card. For notebook set)- CDRW-i124B/CI / Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD"(Japanese) and DigiOn "DigiOnDisc" (Japanese)

- Mitsubishi Chemical Media (Japanese homepage)

Models:
CRD-BP2 external - "MKRWT4BP" / Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD Ver.1.6"(Japanese)



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