In the following tests we examine the DVD reading capabilities of the drive with scratched / defective DVD media. For the tests we used CDVD Benchmark and Nero CDSpeed. The reference test media comes from ALMEDIO.

- Single Layer media

ABEX TDR-821

This is a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM with a 4.7GB capacity, and its surface has an artificial scratch of dimensions varying from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

The following transfer rate picture comes from the CDVD Benchmark v1.21 transfer rate test.

While the LiteOn SOSW-852SX proved capable of reading the artificially scratched disc, in order to progress and reach the end, the drive had to drop and fluctuate in speed (note the large area of activity over the defective region in the graph above), to the point that it becomes unacceptable.

ABEX TDR-825

This is also a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM of 4.7GB capacity. The data structure of the disc is exactly the same as that of the TDR-821, with the difference that there are no scratches on it but instead, defective areas of dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 mm.

There are also fingerprints sized between 65 and 75 micrometers.

Here the performance is better in comparison with the previous test disc. But the speed fluctuations are once again numerous...

- Dual Layer media

ABEX TDR-841

This is an 8.5GB dual layer single sided DVD-ROM disc with artificial scratches of dimensions ranging from 0.4 to 3.0mm, on both layers.

Don't need to say much about this one, as it is clear as glass... The SOSW-852SX performed poorly in this case, with quite a few errors appearing in the first layer and performance in the second layer was not much better with again, fluctuations in speed. These show the tremendous problems the drive has in reading such defective DL media.

ABEX TDR-845

The disc is a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc of a capacity of 8.5GB. The only difference between the TDR-845 and the TDR-841 is that the TDR-845 includes both defective areas and fingerprints.

Now, thats a breakthrough... The LiteOn drive did pretty well, managing to achieve good reading with this media test disc. Let's hope it can keep it up...

ABEX TDV-541

Using Nero CdSpeed, we tested the drive with the TDV-541, a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc, with a capacity of 8.5GB. Based on the 540 series for inspection and calibration of DVD-VIDEO players, the TDV-541 inspects the layer switch operation and the error correction capabilities of the drive, including scratches ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

The LiteOn performed well in reading the test disc. Quite a clean result.

ABEX TDV-545

The TDV-545 disc is based on the TDV-540 series. It is a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc with a capacity of 8.5GB. The TDV-545 includes artificial black dots on the data surface, sized from 0.4 to 1.0 mm. It also has 65 - 75 micrometer fingerprints.

Like most drives with this disc, the LiteOn succesfully read both sides of the media test disc.Once again, a well done job.

- Conclusion

Certainly a reader of contrasts with very poor reading with the first few discs but finishing off nicely with the last set of discs. Overall though, it doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.