Freecom FX-50 DVD+/-RW 16X Burner - Page 18

CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 7

In order to test the writing quality and reliability 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.

4X DVD+R Writing Speed

• BenQ 4X DVD+R @ 4X

• Maxell 4X DVD+R @ 4X

• Verbatim 4X DVD+R @ 4X

• Samsung 8X DVD+R @ 4X

• Traxdata 8X DVD+R @ 4X

• Traxdata 16X DVD+R @ 4X

- Summary

Although we encountered some problems with Traxdata 16X, Traxdata 8X and Samsung 8X media, writing at 4X seems to be much safer. All other media reported very good performance and could be read successfully by the LiteON reader.

In general, the drive performed very well with -R media at different writing speeds, but the lack of burning quality with +R media is significant. We hope to see Freecom improve burning quality with +R media format with a future firmware release.