1. Introduction
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
1
- Introduction
is
the latest recorder from Plextor supporting the fastest available recording/re-writing
speeds. Many other manufacturers have shipped drives supporting the same recording
speed (48X), but without the same re-writing speeds. The only drive that can
compete in the re-writing area is the YAMAHA F1 series, which however has lower
maximum recording speeds (44X). Our review plans to examine whether the new
Plextor drive is the "ultimate" recording machine, as many users expect,
or not.
- Embedded Technologies
Most of the information is taken from Plextor's article "The
Process of Writing(TPOW)".
- CAV Recording Technology
Plextor moved from Z-CLV to CAV with the PX-W4824 series. As Plextor says
"...Until recently, Plextor opted for Z-CLV technology as the best compromise
of quality over speed. The newest generations of components and technologies
allow equal quality and performance to be achieved in CAV systems. CAV is the
rotation scheme where the revolutions of the spindle motor (RPM) remain constant,
independent of the position on the disc where the data is read. As a result,
the data will appear faster at the Optical Pick-Up as the readout position is
moved towards the outer radius of the disc..."
Plextor continues "
The greatest challenge of CAV recording lies
in the fact that it is impossible to use a single write strategy and fixed laser
power over the whole disc. Since the transfer speed constantly changes, this
calls for a constantly changing write strategy and increasing laser power. In
theory this would mean thousands of write strategies, which would make the database
unrealistically large.
In Plextor recorders the database of write strategies for all CLV speeds per
unique media has been expanded: every speed in the range from 20X up to 48X
is covered in IX steps and all speeds have been assigned an optimised write
strategy. Additionally the laser power is adjusted on every 1-minute address
(position) increment on the disc. As such, the laser power will gradually grow
as the rotation speed increases
"
- P-CAV Recording Technology
The PX-W4824A series not only support CAV but also P-CAV recording technology.
At the outer position of the disc, more hardware limitations may force the drive
to switch to a safer CLV mode in order to maintain a stable writing. Since only
the first part of the disc is written in CAV, it is called Partial-CAV mode.
- PoweRec Technology
comes
from Plextor Optimised Writing Error Reduction
Control. As Plextor commends "
The most important challenge
facing CD-Recorders is to write high-quality discs with perfect readability
on all available CD-ROM drives. But not every media is suitable for recording
at high speeds. For this reason, Plextor uses PoweRec that "guarantees"
the highest possible recording speed and quality.
In start, PoweRec will identify and test the target disc and select an optimised
write strategy for this media. Running OPC will overcome the variation in dye
characteristics over the disc. Start writing at 20X from 00:00:00mins. The write
strategy changes every 1X speed step while the laser power is adjusted every
1-minute position change. Besides this, PoweRec continuous monitoring of the
write result will cause the drive to switch to CLV mode if the error signals
exceed a certain threshold. In addition, simultaneously a thermistor-based circuit
will adjust the Laser Power should the drive's internal temperature rise too
much
"
Plextor offers the ability to disable PoweRec and write all media up to 48X
recording speeds. However in this case, recording errors could occur causing
un-readable CDs, with low quality media.
- VariRec Technology
comes
from the "Variable Recording" words and allows the change
of the laser power when writing CD-DA or CD-R at 4X. (TAO or DAO). Users are
allowed to make slight adjustments to the default value (0). This will change
the quality of the sound and will also increase the playability or compatibility
(or in extreme cases in-compatibility) with the existing players. Plextor says
that the default setting (0) already reflects to the optimised laser power with
the lowest jitter.
- Black Tray & improved PCB
Plextor
already used black tray in the PX-W4012A series that is also present in the
new PX-W4824A series. As Plextor explains "...During recording a high-power
laser beam is directed to the CD surface. This light is reflected by various
objects: the mirror-like metal layer of the disc, but also the shiny metal screw
heads, the slider bars, the metal body of the pick-up, the pick-up lens, and
so on. This will cause a relative small but existing 'pollution' of reflected
light.
When these reflections find their way back into the detection circuit of the
pick-up, they can cause distortion of the original signal. Plextor has decided
to use a black tray design in order to absorb as much as possible of these reflections.
As this decreases the disturbance of the original reflected light, it will result
in a better-defined signal and less C1 errors. This greatly improves the write
quality..."
In addition, the PX-W4824A series include an optimised PCB (power circuit
board) that reduces the overall power supply induced noise. This greatly improves
the jitter and deviation levels of the drive and produces higher quality writing
results.
- 48X Reading Speed
Lastly, in the new PX-W4824A series, Plextor has kept the rotation speed below
9000 RPM (40X CAV) in order to avoid noise problems and/or possible CD destruction.
A "turbo" mode is available with the use of SpeedRead option that
allows users to reach the 48X reading speed for stamped and recorded data CD's
(only). User cannot use the "turbo" mode with AudioCDs (including
mixed mode) and CD-RW media (RW, HS-RW and US-RW). As a final precaution, Plextor
has redesigned and reinforced the tray and drive's bezel preventing any particles
of an exploding disc escaping from the drive.
- Specifications
Using Nero Info Tool software, we can see the drive's properties/main features.
The drive under the "normal" working mode supports 40X (CAV) reading
speed. The firmware revision of the drive was 1.00 and as we can see the drive
is "Mt. Rainier" ready:
After the SpeedRead function is activated (either from PlexTools or by pressing
the eject button for more than 3secs) the drive supports 48X reading. You can
disable the SpeedRead option again, by pushing the eject button or by cutting
off the power supply. Plextor send a newer firmware revision (V1.01), after
most tests had finished. However didn't fix anything of our negative issues.
Hopefully future firmware upgrades will fine tuning the drive's performance:
Below we can see the available reading speeds, according to the inserted
disc. The drive normally can read up to 40X (CAV), all Mode1, Mode2, AudioCD
and CD-RW discs. The "SpeedRead" option affects only Mode1 discs.
PleXTools
also gives other information about the drive such as the supported reading/writing
modes and as you can see it reveals the lowest access time of the industry (<65ms)
2. Installation/Package
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
2
- The package
We
got the European retail package which contains: the drive, a PDF manual in 16
languages, an RMA request form, a registration card, a quick installation guide,
5 blank recordable discs (by TaiyoYuden), one 24X US-RW media (by Mitsubishi
Chemicals), an IDE cable, an audio cable and mounting screws.
The
attached CDR software comes from Ahead (Nero 5.5.x/InCD 3.3.x) and a separate
CD with "PlexTools" v1.15. The drive has a 2-year guaranty (only valid
in Europe, Middle-East and Africa) and Plextor's "on-site collect and return
service" (EU countries + Norway and Switzerland). The retail package is
expected to cost 140Euro. Plextor Europe also offers a special edition with
black front bezel, in the same price. However USA buyers may buy the special
black front bezel edition slight higher than the white version....
The front panel of the PleXWriter PX-W4824A is the same as the previous IDE
models. You can see the "48/24/48", "BPRec" and the "Ultra
Speed" logos. The codename of the PX-W4824A is PY-YORK.
The CD indicator lids to green when a CD is loaded, becomes yellow when while
reading and orange while writing. The CD set window ruler indicator blinks to
orange at different speeds, depending on the current write and re-writing speeds.
In the rear panel will find the power connector, the IDE cable connector,
jumpers for setting up the MASTER/SLAVE/CABLE select status and finally, the
analog/SPDIF connectors. There are also 2 jumpers that control the "DMA"
status, in case you need to force the DMA working mode:
The drive was an August 2002 model with TLA#0000 hardware revision:
- Installation
Plextor PX-W4824A was installed as a Master in the primary IDE BUS. The drive
worked in UDMA-33 model. After booting, it identified itself as a "PLEXTOR
CD-R PX-W4824A". WinXP activated DMA without our interference. We used
Nero v5.5.9.9, CloneCD v4.0.1.10 and Ahead InCD v3.37.1 for the recording tests.
User can de-activate PoweRec function under the drive properties. When you
un-tick the "PoweRec enabled" box, a warning message comes up with
information about the usability of this option.
PoweRec can also be disabled within the PlexTools software under the "drive
settings":
3. Data Reading Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W- Page
3
Data Tests
- Notice: To create the graphs, we used both the default reading speed
(40X) and the boost mode (48X) with the activation of the SpeedRead function.
- Pressed CD results: (Click to see the CD Speed Graph
for 40X
& 48X)
Despite its maximum 48X reading speed, the PX-W4824A couldn't reach the
top since the ASUS 4816A and CyberDrive CW088D are faster. The drive's average
reading performance was 35.66X at 48X and 31.5X at 40X reading speed.
Plextor has improved the seek times of the mechanism and the drive reached
the impressive 63ms (40X speed) and 67ms (48X speed). The competition is slower,
and the 89ms of the Asus drive is the second best result.
- CDR Media: (Click to see the CD Speed Graph for 40X
& 48X)
The PX-W4824A performed slightly better with CD-R media, at least for the
maximum 48X speed. The drive's reading speed was 35.71X, but still gets the
third place since the competitor drives also increased their performance. For
the 40X speed, the reading performance of the drive remains the same.
With CD-R media, the drive lowered more its seek times down
to 62ms!
- RW media: (Click
to see the CD Speed Graphs)
For checking the drive's performance with re-writeable media, we used the
US-RW media that came with the retail package of each drive, recorded in the
correspondent maximum supported speed. The PleXWriter PX-W4824A comes second
after the YAMAHA CRW-F1E with 31.44X average speed.
4. Error Correction Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W- Page
4
Error Correction Tests
In the following tests we examine the reading error correction capabilities
of the PleXWriter PX-W4824A.
- EAC CD-R Test Disc
- Introduction
We used the testing methodology as described in EAC website. The CD-R test
disc includes 5 scratches and a black triangle defect. Using the "c2extract.exe"
software and by setting the reading speeds with Nero Drive speed (max &
4X) we ripped the disc. The attached analyse.exe software used to get the necessary
results.
The graph tells a lot about the abilities of the drive. The quality of the
optical system (and/or of the error correction capabilities of the firmware)
is shown in at which time index the error start. The error hiding qualities
are shown when the wedge gets bigger.
The grid of the graph has the following means:
- The X position of a grid line is always a start of a new minute position
on the CD (in play time, up to 74 min).
- The Y axis shows the dB (A) value of the error in the extracted file.
dB (A) is a weighting/curve that does not look as much at high and very low
frequencies as at medium frequencies, using an A-weighting curve.
- The graph shows a range of 6 dB (A) down to -120.0 dB (A). Each line represents
6 dB(A) of volume (6 dB(A) louder means that the sound is double as loud)
- " For the test CD, everything below -60 dB (A) is quite acceptable
for error correction. Anything higher than -42 dB (A) is quite critical, and
you would hear that in any case. Of course that also depends on the surrounding
music/noise. If the rest of the song is absolutely silent, you will probably
even hear a -96 dB (A) - only by using 24 bit audio files. If it is hidden
in -6 dB music, you will probably not hear -72 dB (A) (or even -66 dB (A)
anymore...
- Explanation
After the analyze finishes, we will get a detailed report about the various
errors:
- Errors total tells about the total number of wrong stereo samples.
This includes areas of wrong samples that may include some correct samples.
- Errors Loudness is the number of FFT analysis done. For that the average
and maximum value tells the power difference of the two signals. No acoustic
model is used for this calculation, so the audible error may differ from these
values.
- Error Muting tells something about error hiding. On bad errors (or
bad error hiding techniques), the last error free sample is held for some time
until a new valid sample is found. The number of these mutings is given as first
result, following the average and maximum sample length of these mutings.
- Skips are occurring when the sync was lost and the drive had to reposition
again (and started on a slightly different position). Non-accurate stream devices
would loose the sync very often and smaller and bigger skips occur (thus samples
are missing or extraneous). The average and maximum values denote the length
in samples of such skips.
- Total Score is calculated according to the previous errors. The higher
score a drive gets the better!
- Test Results (4X Reading)
The PleXWriter PX-W4824A at 4X got a higher score than max speed. The main
reason is that it corrected all the 5 scratches but could not correct the black
triangle defect. In that area, the spikes reach the -4.5 dB (A). The drive gets
a 70.5 score out of 100 (max).
Errors total
|
Num: 771492
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 4892
|
Avg:-74.9 dB(A)
|
Max: -4.5
|
Error Muting Samples
|
Num: 1022
|
Avg: 2.5 Samples
|
Max: 27
|
Skips Samples
|
Num: 14
|
Avg: 6.0 Samples
|
Max: 6
|
Total Test Result
|
70.5 points (of 100.0 maximum)
|
- Test Results (Max Reading)
The PX-W4824A, at full speed, starts reporting errors at 16mins. The errors
within the black triangle defect, reached -6.0 dB. The five scratches are not
repaired as in the 4X reading speed test. The drive gets a score of 69.8, out
of 100 (max).
Errors total
|
Num: 1238512
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 8034
|
Avg: -74.4 dB(A)
|
Max: -6.0
|
Error Muting Samples
|
Num: 1026
|
Avg: 1.8 Samples
|
Max: 93
|
Skips Samples
|
Num: 11
|
Avg: 9.8 Samples
|
Max:48
|
Total Test Result
|
69.8 points (of 100.0 maximum)
|
- ABEX TCD-721R
- Introduction
This test disc includes artificial scratches with lengths from 1.8 mm to 3.0
mm.
Using the ABEX TCD-714 as the reference disc, we created the reference.wav
file that is needed for the comparison. Using the c2 extract software and by
setting the reading speeds with Nero Drive speed (max & 4X) we ripped the
disc. The attached analyse.exe software gave the comparison results. The drive
under the 4X reading speed mode, refused to end the task since aborted at
50%. Therefore only the max speed result is showed.
- Test Results (Max speed)
At the maximum reading speed, the drive got a score of 68.1.
Errors total
|
Num: 14642824
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 48717
|
Avg: -68.6 dB(A)
|
Max: -9.4
|
Error Muting Samples
|
Num: 60753
|
Avg: 2.4 Samples
|
Max: 279
|
Skips Samples
|
Num: 2
|
Avg: 6.0 Samples
|
Max: 6
|
Total Test Result
|
68.1 points (of 100.0 maximum)
|
- ABEX TCD-726
- Introduction
The ABEX TCD-726 includes three kinds of defects, interruption, black dots
and fingerprints. The interruption defects are sized from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.
The black dots are from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm and the fingerprints range from 65
to 75 micro meters.
- Test Results (4X Speed)
At 4X reading speed, the drive showed a very good behaviour. The only two spikes
gave the drive a score of 80.9 out of 100 (max).
Errors total
|
Num: 368
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 15
|
Avg:-76.4 dB(A)
|
Max: -23.7
|
Error Muting Samples
|
Num: 0
|
Avg: 0.0 Samples
|
Max: 0
|
Skips Samples
|
Num: 1
|
Avg: 408.0 Samples
|
Max: 408
|
Total Test Result
|
80.9 points (of 100.0 maximum)
|
- Test Results (Max Speed)
At the maximum reading speed, errors occurred at the same positions as in the
4X reading speed test. However the drive now gets a higher score of 81.5 out
of 100 (max), since the average loudness reaches -72.5dB compared to the -76.4dB
in the 4X reading speed.
Errors total
|
Num: 312
|
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
|
Num: 9
|
Avg:-72.5 dB(A)
|
Max: -23.7
|
Error Muting Samples
|
Num: 0
|
Avg: 0.0 Samples
|
Max: 0
|
Skips Samples
|
Num: 1
|
Avg: 408.0 Samples
|
Max: 408
|
Total Test Result
|
81.5 points (of 100.0 maximum)
|
- Conclusion
Test Disc
|
Reading Speed
|
Score
|
EAC CD-R
|
4X
|
70.5
|
Max
|
69.8
|
ABEX TCD-721R
|
4X
|
Not completed!
|
Max
|
68.1
|
ABEX TCD-726
|
4X
|
80.9
|
Max
|
81.5
|
Average Score
|
74.16
|
The PleXWriter PX-W4824A gets an average 74.16 score out of 100 at our
reading error correction tests.
- C2 Information accuracy
- Introduction
The Advanced DAE Error Correction tests are available in the latest version
of Nero CD Speed. With the A-BEX TCD-721R disc, we can test the drive's C2 error
information accuracy. First we created the image with the A-BEX TCD-714 test
disc. Then we tested with the Advanced DAE Error Correction test, the C2 error
information accuracy. According to the CD Speed author, the C2 accuracy should
be very high (99%) to be useful. The "Quality" test score table is
shown below:
- 0-50: bad
- 51-60: not so good
- 61-70: ok
- 71-80: good
- 81-90: very good
- 91-100: excellent!
- Test Results (MAX Speed)
The PX-W4824A drive got an 83.12% score (out of 100% max) for the C2 accuracy
and 66.6 score for the overall reading error correction capabilities with the
A-BEX TCD-721R test disc. The 83% score is actually very bad because means that
the PX-W4824A misses almost 1 out of 5 errors! In other words you will not get
good results with software which depends on C2 error information, like CD-R
media quality scanners or DAE ripping software like EAC.
5. CloneCD Reading Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W482A IDE CDR-W-
Page 5
CloneCD Reading
Tests
- Procedure
We used CloneCD (v4.0.1.10) and 4 original CDs - Serious Sam 2 (SafeDisc
2), Desperados (LaserLock 2), V-Rally 2 Expert (SecuROM 2) and NBA Jam Extreme
(PSX) - in order to test the reading times of the drive. We also tested the
reading performance with backups of the original CDs, since the reading speed
varies between original and backup media. The following pictures show the drive
reading/writing capabilities as CloneCD reports:
- PSX Pressed Media
For this test we used the PSX game 'NBA Jam Extreme' and we ripped the image
to the HD with CloneCD. The PX-W4824A needs 72secs to finish the task getting
the second position, below ASUS 4816A.
- SafeDisc v.2 Results
The PX-W4824A gets the third position, below the Yamaha and ASUS drives.
- LaserLock v.2 Results
With the pressed disc, the PX-W4824A needs 45mins. The performance
with the backup disc is much higher.
- SecuROM v.2 Results
All drives can read SubChannel data from Data/Audio tracks. The PX-W4824A
has improved the reading speed of Subchannel data, compared with the previous
PX-W4012A series, but still cannot reach the top.
6. DAE Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
6
DAE Tests
- DAE features
- Pressed AudioCD
The PX-W4824A had an average DAE ripping performance and gets the last place
with 30X. The YAMAHA CRW-F1E is slightly faster, due to increased 44X reading
speed, while the ASUS and CyberDrive drives share the first two positions.
- AudioCD-R media
With CD-R media, the PX-W4824A has somewhat lower performance than with
pressed media. The drive is the slowest with 29.9X.
- EAC Secure Extract Ripping mode
EAC's secure extract ripping mode results, which ensures maximum produced
WAV quality. Note that for each drive we used the built-in detection function:
Tested Drives
|
Average DAE Speed (X)
|
Pressed
|
CDR
|
YAMAHA CRW-F1
|
7.2
|
7.3
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
10.6
|
10.5
|
- Advanced DAE Quality
The drive got a 100 score (best) in the Nero CD Speed Advanced DAE test.
The average speed for PleXWriter was 29.86X. The drive can also read data from
Lead-in, CD-text and SubChannel.
- Bad CDR Media results
We used CD DAE 99 software to rip the whole disc (756539616 sectors) to
the hard disk.
|
Average Speed (X)
|
Errors
|
Errors Of Total Disc (%)
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
22.3
|
27041048
|
35.74
|
The PleXWriter PX-W4824A finished the test which a high error rate of 35.74%.
Judging from the average reading speed, we can see that the drive didn't reduce
its reading speed in the problematic disc areas, producing a high error rate.
- Ripping 90 and 99mins AudioCDs
Tested drives
|
Ripping up to
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
The drive has problems reading 99min
written discs.
|
- Reading/Ripping Protected AudioCDs
For the test procedure we used 2 protected AudioCDs, which we
tested in both recognition and ripping (with EAC) processes:
* Pressed AudioCD with Sony Key2Audio (Celine Dion - New Day Has
Come)
* Pressed AudioCD with Cactus Data Shield 200 (Natalie Imbruglia - White Lilies
Island)
|
Key2Audio
|
CDS200
|
EAC
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
Rips entire disc without problems
|
With the Manual TOC option, it detects
all tracks, but cannot rip above the 9th track. All tracks from 1st-9th
contain errors when ripping with EAC's Burst mode.
With PlexTools it can rip all tracks but
again errors are reported...
|
The drive can handle Key2Audio protected audio discs without any issues, while
seems to have glitches with CDS200 discs, at least with EAC software. Using
PlexTools software the CDS200 problem can be overpassed, but PlexTools reported
errors after the end of the process, so user is advised to use the very good
error correction capabilities of PlexTools....
7. CDR Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
7
CDR Tests
PleXWriter PX-W4824A offers a variety of recording speeds from 4X up to 48X,
using the CLV, P-CAV or CAV recording technologies. The drive's various writing
speeds and recording technologies are shown in the following screen.
Under the Nero software, user is able to select all recording speeds, regardless
of the PoweRec setting. AudioCD authoring also permitted up to 48X.
After the recording starts, you cannot see the actual recording speed, unless
you have activated a hidden Nero's feature ;-).
- Checking maximum recording speed
After inserting a CD-R media, user can see which recording speed has been automatically
selected by the PoweRec system in two ways:
a) through Nero. Under the drive's properties un-tick the "PoweRec
Enabled" option and Nero will show the recommended writing speed of the
disc. Of course it would be much easier to see that under the Writing tab where
we select the writing speed...
b) through PlexTools. If you try to disable PoweRec function, PleXTools
will prompt about this and will also indicate the maximum permitted recording
speed. PleXTools "PoweRec Disable" function can be also used in cases
you use other software that doesn't support disabling PoweRec function.
Important: While performing the tests, we noticed that if the data size
were higher than the disc capacity (meaning that you will overburn), recording
would be performed at the locked 24X (P-CAV) writing speed.
Plextor explains: "....With a new firmware upgrade, we plan to tackle
the issue of overburning speed. When stressing the media beyond the standards,
will result in unexpected behavior and bad results. Media that allows recording
above 80 minutes is not yet standarised and our tests indicate increased errors
at high speed recording in this area. But time pressure forced us to come up
with a solution in regards to such media. The current strategy to limit all
overburning to 24X may be considered too robust at this moment, but we have
been working on it and a new strategy is already developed. It will be implemented
in firmware later on and it will relieve the speed limit for overburning media
with <80 mins capacity..."
The following screen shows the overburning effect. Even 48X recording speed
selected with the proper media, the recording time indicates 24X writing speed:
- Full CAV recording method
Using an 80min disc, we can see the drive's starting and ending recording
speeds, according to the Nero CD Speed software. The drive starts writing at
21.47X and gradually reaches 48X at the end of an 80min disc. With some discs,
we experienced maximum recording speeds of 49.11X (!), however the average theoretical
recording speed in all cases remained the same (36.79X):
- Recording Tests
As we explained earlier, we wrote slightly lower amount of data than in our
usual tests (80:01:26), since else the drive will write at 24X. At the maximum
recording speed, the drive finished the test at 167sec getting the third place,
below CyberDrive CW088D and ASUS 4816A.
The above graph shows the recording performance of the drive at its various
recording speeds between 16X (CLV) and:
- 48X (CAV): 173secs
- 40X (P-CAV): 169secs
- 32X (P-CAV): 152secs
- 24X (P-CAV): 110secs
- 20X (CLV): 71secs
It is also very interesting to note that the 40X (P-CAV) and 48X (CAV) recording
speeds have only 4secs difference!
Below is the screenshot of the best recording result with PoweRec disabled.
When PoweRec was enabled the lowest recording time was one second higher (2:48mins).
- Overburning Tests
The drive can overburn up to 94mins without any problems.
- CD-Text Results
The drive can read/write CD-Text without any problems.
- CloneCD Writing Tests
The CloneCD software reports that the drive supports the DAO-RAW feature.
With the use of proper media, DAO-RAW writing can be performed up to 48X (CAV).
CloneCD doesn't offer any option to disable PoweRec, but PleXTools can be used
for that propose.
For checking the drive's EFM correction status, we used 2 different game
titles with various SafeDisc 2 versions. For getting the maximum of them, we
used the latest software patches. We used the PX-W4824A both as reader/writer
at maximum reading/recording speed. We burned two discs for each game (Amplify
Weak Sectors On/Off) and the results are posted in the below table:
Game Title
|
Tested Drive
|
SD2 Build
|
Amplify Weak Sectors On
|
Amplify Weak Sectors Off
|
Max Payne v1.05
|
Creative 52X CD-ROM
|
v.2.50.020
|
OK
|
OK
|
TEAC 40X CD-ROM
|
OK
|
OK
|
LiteOn LTR-32123S
+ Hide CDR
|
OK
|
OK
|
Serious Sam - The Second Encounter v1.07
|
Creative 52X CD-ROM
|
v.2.60.052
|
NO
|
NO
|
TEAC 40X CD-ROM
|
NO
|
NO
|
LiteOn LTR-32123S
+ Hide CDR
|
OK
|
OK
|
As the test results showed, the PX-W4824A drive can backup up to SD2 v2.50.020
version without the need of Amplify Weak Sectors. However with the latest v2.51.021+
builds it will not produce 100% correct playback disc. The backup (either with
AWS on/off) worked only in the LiteOn LTR-32123S recorder (with Hide CD-R activated),
in the drive itself & in the YAMAHA CRW-F1 series. However will not work
in normal readers..
8. Writing Quality Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
8
Writing Quality Tests
We used various media and burn them at the maximum writing speed of 48X,
either with PoweRec on/off. Using Nero's (and PlexTools) feature, we recognized
which media are permitted by the PoweRec system to be written at the 48X speed.
For those media we burned discs either with PoweRec on/off, while for the rest
only with PoweRec off. The main idea is to see how the drive performs either
with good or with lower quality media. Plextor USA has published a media list
over here.
A bigger list with recommended
and compatible
media can be found at Plextor's Japan website.
Lastly, Plextor Europe recently added a large list with supported CD-R
and CD-RW
media.
From our test results the following media can be written at:
- 48X speed (with PoweRec On):
- Mitsubishi Chemicals 80min 48X
- Mitsui 80min 40X (and probably 32X)
- Ciba Plasmon 80min 48X
- Prodisc 80min 40X
- CyberDrive 80min 48X
- Hitachi-Maxell 80min 40X
- 32X speed (with PoweRec On):
- Maxell 80min 32X
- SanyoDigital 80min 24x
- Taiyo Yuden 80min 32X
- Octron 80min 24X
- Prodisc 80min 16X
- Imation 80min 32X
The writing quality scores are illustrated in the following table:
Brand
|
PoweRec Status
|
C1 Errors
|
Average Burning Time (mins)
|
Comments
|
Max
|
Average
|
SanyoDigital 80min 24x
|
Off
|
44
|
5.3
|
2:48
|
|
SKC 80min 24X
|
Off
|
18
|
2.9
|
2:49
|
FujiFilm 80min 40X
|
Off
|
16
|
0.7
|
2:58
|
Mitsubishi Chemicals
80min 48X
|
On
|
14
|
0.6
|
2:48
|
Off
|
16
|
0.4
|
2:49
|
Mitsui 80min 40X
|
On
|
21
|
0.6
|
3:00
|
Off
|
25
|
0.8
|
2:56
|
Ciba Plasmon 80min 48X
|
On
|
59
|
2.7
|
2:47
|
Off
|
21
|
1.2
|
2:48
|
Prodisc 80min 40X
|
On
|
34
|
1.9
|
2:54
|
Off
|
144
|
1.6
|
2:49
|
C2 errors at the end of the disc
|
CyberDrive 80min 48X
|
On
|
61
|
5.7
|
2:50
|
|
Off
|
48
|
3.5
|
2:49
|
Hitachi-Maxell 80min 40X
|
On
|
23
|
1.2
|
2:50
|
Off
|
18
|
1.8
|
2:49
|
Prodisc 80min 16X
|
On
|
118
|
5.6
|
3:11
|
Off
|
78
|
8.0
|
2:48
|
Plextor 80min 48X
|
On
|
15
|
0.7
|
2:48
|
Off
|
18
|
0.5
|
2:48
|
Maxell 80min 32X
|
Off
|
23
|
2.3
|
2:50
|
Taiyo Yuden 80min 32X
|
Off
|
101
|
1.2
|
2:50
|
C2 errors at 10mins
|
Imation 80min 32X
|
Off
|
65
|
5.5
|
2:59
|
|
Octron 80min 24X
|
Off
|
41
|
4.4
|
3:02
|
The writing quality of the PX-W4824A was very good with many tested media
from various manufacturers. The best results came from Mitsubishi Chemicals
48X certified media. The Plextor 48X media (by TaiyoYuden) performed very well,
while the lowest time came from Ciba Plasmon 48X media (PoweRec off). Disabling
"PoweRec" will permit 48X writing speed with most of the media with
acceptable writing quality, but in some cases also with C2 errors. Make your
own tests and decide if the inserted media can written at 48X with PoweRec disabled.
- C1 Error rate from Prodisc 80min 16X @ 48X (PoweRec Off)
- C1/C2 Error rate from Prodisc 80min 40X @ 48X (PoweRec Off)
- C1/C2 Error rate from TaiyoYudenc 80min 32X @ 48X (PoweRec Off)
In the following table you can see the manufacturing details of the media
we used for our tests.
Name
|
Real Manufacturer
|
ID Code
|
Capacity
|
Mitsubishi Chemicals 80min 48x
|
Mitsubishi Chemicals
|
97m34s23f
|
79:59.73
|
Prodisc 80min 32x
|
Prodisc
|
97m32s19f
|
79:59.74
|
Hitachi-Maxell 80min 40x
|
Hitachi Maxell
|
97m25s29f
|
79:59.74
|
Emtec 80min 24x
|
Unknown
|
97m25s07f
|
79:59.00
|
SanyoDigital 80min 24x
|
Plasmon
|
97m27s19f
|
79:59.74
|
Octron 80min 24x
|
Ritek
|
97m15s17f
|
79:59.73
|
Mitsui 80min 40X
|
Mitsui
|
97m27s58f
|
79:59.74
|
CyberDrive 80min 48X
|
Ritek
|
97m15s17f
|
79:59.70
|
Maxell 80min 32X
|
Taiyo Yuden
|
97m24s01f
|
79:59.73
|
FujiFilm 80min 40X
|
Fuji
|
97m26s45f
|
79:59.73
|
Mitsubishi Chemicals 80min 40x
|
Mitsubishi Chemicals
|
97m34s23f
|
79:59.74
|
Taiyo Yuden 80min 32X
|
Taiyo Yuden
|
97m24s01f
|
79:59.73
|
Ciba Plasmon 80min 48X
|
Plasmon
|
97m27s18f
|
79:59.74
|
CyberDrive 80min 48X
|
Prodisc
|
97m32s19f
|
79:59.72
|
Imation 80min 32X
|
CMC Mangetics
|
97m26s66f
|
79:59:74
|
Plextor 80min 48X
|
Taiyo Yuden
|
97m24s01f
|
79:59.72
|
9. RW/Packet Writing Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
10
RW Writing Tests
- Introduction
The PX-W4824A is the second drive, after Yamaha F1 series, which supports
24X writing with the use of the new Ultra speed re-writing media. Below are
displayed all three available re-writing standards (there is a new logo for
US-RW enabled drives):
- Normal speed (NS-RW) can rewrite up to 4X
- High Speed (HS-RW) can rewrite between 4X and 10X (or with some drives up
to 12X/16X)
- Ultra Speed (US-RW) can rewrite between 8X and 32X (PX-W4824A supports only
24X writing with such media)
With US-RW media, the PX-W4824A can write at 24X (P-CAV), while with HS-RW
at 10X (CLV). Compared with the PX-W4012A we see a difference, since now 12X
re-writing is not supported under the HS-RW format. With US-RW media, the PX-W4824A
drive starts writing at 21.46X and reaches 24.00X at 6mins. The average theoretical
re-writing speed is 23.91X, almost 24X CLV ;-)
- Test Results
Let's now compare the drive with the competition. The YAMAHA CRW-F1E (OWSC
On) was faster than PX-W4824A (PoweRec On) by 3secs. Of course if user decides
to disable the PoweRec function, the PX-W4824A takes the first place. The rest
two drives from ASUS and CyberDrive cannot compete since they support the 16X
re-writing speed.
Using Nero, we saw two different performances, with PoweRec enabled/disabled.
or with PoweRec disabled:
The PoweRec function does affect the re-writing speed of the drive. When
was enabled, the drive finished at 3:44mins, while when was disabled at 3:21mins.
That's a full 23secs difference!!
Important: We had burned two Mitsubishi Chemicals 24X US-RW certified
media with the YAMAHA CRW-F1E drive. While the PX-W4824A could read them perfectly,
it couldn't either erase them (quick, full) or even write upon them.
In all cases we had "Power Calibration Errors" displayed with Nero
software.
- Packet Writing Tests
- Introduction
We used Ahead InCD v3.37.1 for the packet writing tests with the 24X US-RW
media.
The formatted disc had 534 MB of free space. We copied a 403 MB file (403.147
kbs) from a Hard Disk (on the same PC as the writers) to the formatted RW media
using Windows Explorer (we dragged and dropped) and we completed the test twice
to eliminate any possible time measurement faults and user errors
- Test Results
The PX-4824A gets the second place at the writing/reading tests behind YAMAHA
CRW-F1E drive (recording) and CyberDrive CW088D (in the reading test). With
4-10X HS-RW media, the drive had a 7.43X average writing and a 17.35X average
reading speed.
10. Mt. Rainier Tests
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
10
Mt. Rainier Tests
- InCD Tests
For testing the Mt. Rainier performance of PleXWriter PX-W4824A, we used
was InCD v3.37.1 by Ahead Software. After the format process, we immediately
started the recording process (drag & drop). When the drive finished, we
started the reading process back to the HD.
Drive
|
Average Writing Speed (X)
|
Average Reading Speed (X)
|
YAMAHA
CRW-F1DX
|
12X HS-RW
|
7.08
|
20.31
|
24X US-RW
|
12.7
|
20.89
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
10X HS-RW
|
6.36
|
16.60
|
24X US-RW
|
12.80
|
16.13
|
- EasyWrite tests
- Introduction
The Philips Easy Write tests checks the quality level of the implementation
of Mt Rainier feature. The PleXWriter PX-W4824A did accept the EasyWrite test
suite commands so we had the chance to test its performance. We didn't test
the drives with defect media since it failed to complete the tests with normal
HS-RW media.
Plextor said that: "...A new firmware will address the issues that arose
after the Mount Rainier plugfest. Easy Write support is planned for later this
year. We also plan to transport our achievements to our previous model, PX-W4012TA,
in due time..."
- Basic Command Test Results
Below are the test results using MRW PartA v1.60 validation script.
|
Tests
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
Mandatory Startup Basic Command Set
|
MRW Feature
|
Passed
|
SMART Feature
|
Supported Profiles
|
Mode Sense Pages
|
Background Format
|
Minimal Blank
|
Check Format Capacity for Mode 24 Hex
|
Format Unit
|
Read Disc Information
|
Check Write Mode Page
|
Set Write Mode Page Parameters
|
Test GAA Addressing
|
Set GAA Area Addressing
|
Write Data Outside GAA Area
|
FAILED : Write10 Command
: Succeeded (Should have Failed) (Sense Code 00/00/00)
|
Write Data Inside GAA Area
|
Severe Error : No Further Tests Performed
!
|
Synchronize Cache
|
Read Data Inside GAA Area
|
Verify Data Inside GAA Area
|
Set DMA Area Addressing
|
Read/Write in Ice
|
Read Track Info
|
Write in Iced Area (Address = 128205
- Blocks = 236)
|
Synchronize Cache
|
Read & Verify Iced Area (Address
= 128205 - Blocks = 236)
|
Early Eject
|
Eject Disc with Background Format in
Progress
|
Close Track/Session
|
Eject Disc
|
Script Validation Time
|
|
00 Hours 01 Minutes 13 Seconds 296 MSec
|
The PleXWriter PX-W4824A failed to pass the "Basic Command Test".
- Light/Heavy Rock'N'Roll Tests
Below are the test results using the Light & Heavy Rock'N'Roll validation
scripts. Again the PX-W4824A failed to pass both Light & Heavy Rock'N'Roll
scripts.
Tests
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
Light R&R
|
FE
|
Light R&R Test Duration
|
0 Hours 01 Minutes 08 Seconds 107 MSec
|
Heavy R&R
|
FE
|
Heavy R&R Test Duration
|
0 Hours 01 Minutes 20 Seconds 976 MSec
|
Remarks:
Time: hours:mins:secs:msecs
FE = Fatal Error
11. Conclusion
PleXWriter
PX-W4824A IDE CDR-W - Page
11
Conclusion
Positive (+)
|
Negative (-)
|
- 48X writing permitted for Audio authoring
- Satisfactory supported media list for the 48X writing speed
- Lowest seek time of the industry (<65ms)
- Very good "Writing quality"
- Average error correction capabilities
- "PoweRec" technology can be de-activated
- "VariRec" recording mode
- Good DAE ripping speed
- Fair CloneCD reading performance
- SD2 v2.51.021+ backups will work in many CD-RW drives
- Can "handle" protected Audio discs
- Supports CD-Text (read/write) and overburning (up to 95mins)
- Supports Ultra-DMA 33 connection interface
- Complete retail package (Nero 5.5x, 5 pieces of 48x CDR media and PlexTools)
- European retail package offers 2 years of warranty
|
- Mt. Rainier implementation needs improvement
- Disabling "PoweRec" may cause C2 errors. Test it first!
- SD2 v2.51.021+ backups will not work with most CD/DVD-ROMS
- Some glitches with written US-RW media
- Cannot recognise 99min discs
- C2 error information is supported but with low accuracy
|
For sure the PX-W4824A was one of the most awaited drives since the adoption
of CAV recording technology would enable higher writing speeds and lower recording
times. Plextor has added several other features, like the lowest seek times
of the industry (<65ms), Mt. Rainier support and the option to de-activate
"PoweRec" quality media detection system, enabling writing at full
speed for all inserted CD-R media.
One of the main strong points of the PleXWriter PX-W4824A was its very good
writing quality either with PoweRec enabled/disabled. Most of the produced CDs
had a very low C1 error rate. The supported media list for the 48X (CAV) recording
speed is satisfactory and newer firmware plan to support even more as Plextor
promised. In case PoweRec is enabled, the drive will automatically select the
best writing speed protecting user from writing errors. Disabling the "PoweRec"
function will normally produce good discs, with few exceptions.
At the Audio part, the drive can write AudioCDs up to 48X, can read protected
Audio discs (with the proper software), offers "VariRec" for higher
AudioCD authoring and of course can write CD-Text. The DAE ripping speeds were
average below the competition. The reading is very quiet and Plextor offers
the ability to force the reading at 48X (by disabling SpeedRead) - only for
Mode1 CD-R and pressed discs.
In the negative points, the drive couldn't manage to get the first place
in many tests, the Mt. Rainier implementation needs improvement and backups
of SD2 v2.51.021+ discs will work only in many CD-RW and not CD-ROM drives.
In addition 99min written discs are not recongized, we had some problems with
already written 24X US-RW media and even C2 error information is supported,
its accuracy is low.
The PleXWriter PX-W4824A despite its various negatives is a very good choice
for users who wish un-problematic burning, at the maximum speed with the highest
recording quality. The retail package is excellent with Nero 5.5x, 5 pieces
of CD-R media and the exclusive "PlexTools" software that boosts even
further the drive's capabilities. The European retail package is expected around
140 Euros (maybe even lower).
Future firmware upgrades may fix some of the negatives, making the drive
even better. The PX-W4824A gets our "Safe Buy Award" for its performance/price
ratio.