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.

12X DVD-R Writing Speed

• MKM 8X DVD-R @ 12X

• Traxdata 16X DVD-R @ 12X

• TY 8X DVD-R @ 12X

- Summary

All media burned at 12x was oversped, except for Traxdata 16x media. NEC burners have a bad relationship with Traxdata media and even the ND-3530A model supports 4x writing speed with 2.10 firmware revision. With the latest 3.01 firmware revision, Traxdata 16x media can be recorded at 12x.

In general, quality results are rather good, but worse than in the previous page (16x). This is strange, since it is more reasonable to expect that with reduced burning speed, you would achieve higher quality. We hope to see this improved with new writing strategy modifications included in a future firmware release.