In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we used two readers with two software applications:

• The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
• The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.

In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve, very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer area of the disc.

The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.

DVD+RW and DVD-RW Media

• MKM 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• MKM 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

• Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

It is very interesting to see the quality of DVD+RW and DVD-RW media, since burning speed is increased to 8x and 6x respectively. We should notice that although there are other burners available on the market that can actually burn ReWritable media at these high speeds, the writing performance here was one of the best. On the other hand, the Plextor 716A burner refused to read the -RW 6x media we used in this test. Alternatively, we used the LiteOn 167T and the latest KProbe, which, however, is not that accurate.

In all cases, all discs were burned successfully by our reader and the quality scans we got were very good for -RW media, while average for +RW media.