For our CD transfer rate tests, we used the Nero CD-Speed utility and a set of data and audio CD-R/RW/ROM discs. Each CDSpeed graph can be enlarged by clicking on it.

- CD-ROM

- US RW

The following CD Speed graph shows the reading performance with US-RW media. For all the CDSpeed graphs, you can click on the image to see the full CDspeed snapshot.

The USRW disc was completely read although the drive had hard times to read the disc after the 55min mark.

- AudioCD

In the CD Speed Advanced DAE quality test, the drive's average speed was 14.80X with a quality score of 100.

- 90 mins Audio disc

- 99 mins Audio disc

The Optiarc drive was incapable of reading the 90mins and 99mins audio discs giving back the error message "NO SEEK COMPLETE".

- DVD Format

Now let's have a look at how the drive performs with DVD media. This time, a set of SL and DL DVD media was used. The drive is capable of reading at 8X maximum speed for single layer DVD ROM and at 6X for dual layer DVD ROM media.

- DVD-ROM SL media

- PTP DVD-ROM

The two layers of a PTP DVD-ROM disc are read sequentially with the drive starting reading from the inner part of the disc, which is the beginning of each layer, progressing towards its outer range.

- OTP DVD-ROM

The first layer of an OTP dual layer DVD-ROM is read exactly the same way as the first layer of the PTP disc we tested previously. The difference here is the reading strategy of the second layer of the disc. The beginning of the second layer is located in the outer part of the disc, so the drive starts reading from the outer tracks and progresses towards the inner part of the disc.

- DVD-R

- DVD-RW

- DVD+R

- DVD+RW

- DVD-R DL

- DVD+R DL

- BLU RAY

- Blu Ray Movie

An 25GB Blu-ray movie was read at 2x CLV, as it was expected.

In the corresponding play back tests, Optiarc BC-5500A also performed flawlessly, allowing us to enjoy a movie on a Sony VAIO laptop PC. Forward/reverse as well as Pause/start actions of the movie while reproduction resumed without any issues. Cyberlink's PowerDVD Ultra software was used for the specific tests.

- TDK BD-R 25GB

- Verbatim BD-RE 25GB

Note that both BD-R and BD-RE discs were recognized as BD-ROMs by the CDSpeed test, although all the reading graphs are pretty smooth on all cases. Excellent overall behavior by the Optiarc drive.

- DVD Ripping speed

A typical DVD video ripping test with the optiarc drive gave the following results:

• Average speed- 4,000KB/s (2,9X)
• Maximum speed - 5,545 kB/s (4,0x)