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

CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 5

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.

16X DVD+R Writing Speed

• TDK 8X DVD+R @ 16X

• TY 8X DVD+R @ 16X

• Verbatim 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Summary

As with the -R media format, so too with +R TDK media, the Freecom FX-50 performed brilliantly. Unfortunately, TY 8X media written at 16X did not meet our expectations and not even Verbatim 16X certified media could report good quality results at 16X writing speed. Freecom should look into this in a future firmware release.