In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we used two readers equipped 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the burning quality, but as an indication level.

8X DVD+R Writing Speed

- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Ricoh 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Traxdata 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Prodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Datawrite 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Optodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Maxell 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- BenQ 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Summary

Very low error levels and smooth CDSpeed graphs means excellent writing quality. It seems that with DVD+R media at 8X, the SHW-16H5S won't have any problems. Only Maxell media reported errors in CDSpeed although it didn't with Plextools. One disc out of eight cannot mar an overall good performance.