LG GSA-4081B Multi DVD Recorder - Page 3

CD Error Correction Tests

In the following tests we examine the error correction capabilities of the LG GSA-4018B Multi DVD Recorder, when reading artificially damaged CD-R media. For this series of tests we used the Almedio ABEX pressed discs, and the EAC test disc.

- ABEX TCD-721R

The total score for the LG drive is 75.0 points out of 100. The total errors reported from this test are 2233459 which is a little on the high side. The drive also produced errors over a greater area of the disc's surface than we have come to expect as can be seen from the graph. However, the average error loudness is -75.1 dB(A), which is quite acceptable. With an average number of 1.2 samples muted and no samples skipped, all in all it performed quite well. The C2 accuracy score for the drive is 99.8

- ABEX TCD-726

The Abex TCD-726 test disc is much easier for drives in general to read, or so we thought. The LG drive proved that there is always an exception to the rule. We have become used to seeing graphs with nothing on them for this test, but the LG GSA-4081B Multi DVD Recorder changed that. The final score of 79.6 is woeful when compared to other drives that manage scores in th ehigh 90s and even 100.

- CD-Check Audio Test Disc

The CD-Check Test Disc is a very useful tool for evaluating the Sound Reproduction / Error correction capabilities of a CD player. The disc offers a signal combination with disc error patterns to rate the drive's abilities to read music and reproduce it completely. Five tracks on the disc contain a sequence of progressively difficult tests. These tracks are referred to as Check Level-1 through Check Level-5.

The tracks are reproduced (played) through a software multimedia player (i.e. Windows Media Player). Each level is considered as passed, if the tone coming from the speakers is smooth, continuous without interruptions, skipping or looping. The higher the Check Level passed, the more reliable the sound reproduction of the tested drive.

The drive had severe problems with this test disc. At worst, all drives have passed at least the first two levels. The LG drive could only pass the first level, and managed just one in five attempts from the second level where the drive produced audible clicks. The error size on the 2nd track is 0.500mm.

- Summary

Combining the two scores from the ABEX tests gives an average total score of 77.7 points out of 100. This score is certainly not one of the better scores we have seen from a drive and certainly indicates that there is room for improvement here. What is obvious is that while the drive can probably handle minor defects on a discs surface, it does have problems with anything more serious.