LiteOn DX-401S

Review Pages

1. Specifications, features
2. Reading tests - CD
3. Error correction tests - CD
4. Reading tests - DVD
5. Error correction tests - DVD
6. Reading tests - Blu-ray disc
7. BD Movie Playback
8. Final words

The DX-401S is LiteOn's new External BD-ROM drive. This stylish-looking drive supports reading of all the CD/DVD/BD media currently available. Its specifications are good, with BD media being read at 4X, DVD±R at 12X, DVD±R DL at 8X, DVD-RAM at 5X and CD media at 32X.

The DX-401S is in fact based on the DH-401S LiteOn drive, bundled with a stylish case that supports external USB 2.0 connectivity, so that you can connect it to any PC, anywhere.

In the following pages we will examine the performance of LiteOn's new offering for Blu-ray discs, in terms of reading speed and reliability.

For comparison, we have also included the results of two other BD-ROM drives currently available on the market. The LiteOn DH-401S (internal) and the Pioneer BD-ROM BDC-202.

But first, let's have a closer look at the drive's features.

- Specifications in detail:

BD Family	Read
	BD-ROM	4X
	BD-RE	4X
	BD-R DL	4X
	BD-RE DL	4X
	Access time	160ms
DVD Family	Read
	DVD+R/-R	12x
	DVD+R/-R DL	8x
	DVD+RW/-RW	8x
	Access time	160ms

CD Family
	Read	32X
	Access time	160ms
PC Required	Pentium 4 2.0GHz or faster CPU and 512MB or higher RAM are required. > 30GB HDD available capacity.
	For High Definition BD Playback & Authoring: (Only Windows XP SP2) Pentium D 3.4GHz or faster CUP and 1GB or higher RAM are required. GPU : nVidia Ge Force 7600GT / 7800GTX512 / 7900GX2 / 7900GTX / 7950GX2 and ATI X1600 / X1800 / X1900 series are recommended. >60GB HDD available capacity.
	HDCP capable graphics card with 256MB RAM, PCI Express x16, 1920x1200 resolution, 32bit color. HDCP capable Monitor or TV for High Definition digital output.
Compatibility	Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 / XP SP2 / Vista
General	Environment
	Operating	5°C to 50°C; Relative Humidity: 8% to 80%
	Non-Operating	-20°C to 60°C; Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%
	Dimension	145.8(W) x 41.4(H) x 180(D) mm
	Weight	< 0.8Kg
	Voltage Requirements
	+5V +/-5% ripple: 100mVpp
	+12V +/-10% ripple: 200mVPP

-Retail Box

The retail box offers the following items:

LiteOn DX-401S External BD-ROM drive
Cyberlink PowerDVD BD Playback Disc
Quick Installation Guide
USB Cable
Power Supply
Vertical Stand

-System Minimum Requirements

CPU: Pentium 4 2.0GHz or higher
OS Requirement: Microsoft® Windows® 2000 SP4/XP SP2/Vista
Memory: 512MB RAM or higher
Hard Drive: 10GB or higher available capacity
Interface: USB2.0 Port required for BD Playback. (Compatible with USB 1.1: Performance will be limited under USB1.1 specifications).

The drive's case is neat and stylish, as you can see in the pictures below. Sized slightly bigger than an internal ODD and with a weight of less than 800gr. , the drive can be installed on your desk in either vertical or horizontal position.

The rear panel includes the USB 2.0 port, a DC input as well as a useful power switch.

Underneath the drive there are four rubber pads that helps keep the drive in place when it’s sitting down flat, and also helps to reduce any vibrations.