Freecom FX-50 DVD+/-RW 16X Burner - Page 17

CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 6

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.

8X DVD+R Writing Speed

• BeALL 8X DVD+R @ 8X

• CMC 16X DVD+R @ 8X

• Intenso 8X DVD+R @ 8X

• Optodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X

• Philips 16X DVD+R @ 8X

- Summary

BeALL 8X and Intenso 8X media performed very well, but this was an exception. Philips 16X and CMC 16X certified media could be recorded only at 8X but even at this speed, the drive could not produce good quality writing. Unfortunately, the drive seems to "prefer" the -R media format, since with +R media recording quality is reduced.