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-716A 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 format

- Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

- Ricoh 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

- Mitsubishi Chemicals 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

Only Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD+RW burned at 8X produced acceptable results with both CDSpeed and Plextools scans. In all other cases, there were some rough patches with either one or the other of the two scans indicating inconsistent quality. Ricoh media also produced a high POE count which could mean not very reliable.