For our CD transfer rate tests, we used the Nero CD-Speed utility and a set of data and audio CD-R/RW/ROM. The drive can read CD media at a maximum speed of 32X.

For each CDSpeed graph, you can click on the image to see the complete screenshot, including full measurements.

-CD-ROM

- US RW

The following CD Speed graph shows the reading performance with US-RW media. Reading reached a maximum of 24x, as per the specifications.

- AudioCD

In the CD Speed Advanced DAE quality test, the drive's average speed was 26.67X with a quality score of 100.

A typical DAE task with an 80min non-protected Audio CD produced 23.5X average ripping speed.

- 90/99 mins Audio disc

99min Audio

99min Audio 

DVD Format

Now let's take 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 12X maximum speed for single layer DVD ROM and at 8X 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

-DVD RAM (2-5x media)

A few problems towards the end with the speed drops but no errors.

- DVD Video Ripping

Ripping of a single layer DVD movie:

- Blu-Ray

BD-ROM SL (25GB)

BD-R SL (25GB)

BD-R DL (50GB)

BD-RE SL (25GB)

- Summary of reading tests

A very good performance from the Pioneer drive, attaining the reading speeds outlined in the specifications with all CD, DVD and Blu-Ray media.