Pioneer DVD-104S DVD ROM

Review Pages

1. Region Codes
2. Installation
3. Tests
4. Results
5. Results (2)
6. Conclusion

Pioneer DVD-104S IDE DVD ROM - Page 6

Conclusion

Positive (+)	Negative (-)
- 10x DVD Read - Multi Read - CD Text Support - CAV - Good Seek Times - Good Data Transfer Times - Good DAE speed (up to 12x) - Digital Output - Flash Memory - Low CPU Usage - Ultra DMA 33	- Region Locked - Price (120-140$) - Noise :(

Overall the Pioneer DVD-104s seems to be very a very good drive. Data and DAE parts are very satisfactory and the high CPU load bug of Pioneer's 6x (IDE) models has been fixed. We used the drive as a source for writing CDs ,with Sanyo CRD-BP2, at 12x and drive managed it ok for data. If you plan to use it for AudioCD copy with 12x writing you will have problems.

Previous Pioneer 6x model didn't had good data performance and when used for CD to CD copy this caused buffer underruns and coasters. The SPDIF digital output will please power users, who can connect it to suitably equipped sound cards (such as Creative's SounBlaster Live! series). Also notice that drive produces enough noise to fill your ears when it spins up CD. I hope into next model Pioneer fix this..

DVD Performance is very good and CPU usage is average when using software players. It's price is some overrated and current Pioneer 6x DVD owners hardly will find reasons to change their drives and buy the newest 10x.Also remember that drive is region locked (which most of 10x DVD Rom are..) and if have a big collection of different regions DVD this will cause you problems. For you consider going for the 6x model which is region free (you can change regions with DVD Genie).