Memorex D² External Recorder - Page 22

The D² external model proved to be a fast reader, with both DVD and CD media. Fast DAE speed was observed without errors. Although CD error correction needs further improvement, DVD error correction tests indicated high error correction capabilities, and no problems were reported with all test media. On the other hand, the drive cannot read/rip 90mins CDs, while 99mins CDs were no problem.

The drive can backup protected audio CDs without problem, and it can make working backups of SafeDisk protected games up to v.2.8. But protected games backup is not a strong point of the Memorex D² External.

Jitter values and C1/C2 values were increased because of the 48X writing speed. This was more or less expected, since at this high writing speed, more errors are produced during the writing process. Nevertheless, the safest writing speed at which to burn a CD is 16X or 24X, and this applies to all writers.

The drive reported very good DVD recording times with +R media, and average recording times with -R media. Unfortunately, the drive cannot overburn DVD media, and writing quality needs further improvement with certain media. On the other hand, DVD writing quality with Double Layer media was very good, reporting low PI/PIF error values. It even supports booktype setting for +R, +RW and +R9 media.

In general, this Memorex proposal is very appealing for notebook users that want to add DVD recording to their laptop. They should not worry about compatibility problems, since it can be used with USB2.0 or Firewire interface. The drive is priced at US$229.99 on the Memorex web-site.

- The Good

• CD reading speed
• Very Good Double Layer media writing quality
• Can backup SafeDisc2 v2.8x protected discs
• Very good DVD error correction
• Can overburn up to 99mins
• Supports protected Audio discs (CDS200, Key2Audio)
• Accurately backed up "Aiko Katsukino - The Love Letter", Audio protected disc
• Can be used for DVD media error measurements
• High DVD ripping speed
• RPC1 utilities
• 16X DVD+R media included in retail package
• Supports booktype change with firmware revision BWSE
• Supports both IEEE1394a and USB2.0 interfaces

- The Bad

• Poor CD error correction
• Doesn't accurately backup SafeDisc2 v2.9x+ protected discs
• Doesn't support reading of DVD-RAM media
• Retail package didn't include any DVD+R DL media
• Doesn't support DVD overburning

- Like to be fixed

• DVD writing needs improvement, drive produces high PI/PIF error rates (could be fixed with firmware upgrade?)
• Limited support media list for 16X/12X DVD+R writing
• High C1/C2 errors with specific media at 48X
• Retail price

Retail Package
Reading
Error Correction
Protected Discs
Writing
Features

To discuss this drive further or to discuss it with other users, go to our forum.