In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media, we used two readers and 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.

DVD±RW

- Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Verbatim 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Ricoh 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

- Summary

The writing quality with DVD-RW media is good. Both burns with Traxdata and Mitsubishi Chemicals media reported low PIE error levels while the CDSpeed reading graphs were also good, especially with Mitsubishi Chemicals media. With DVD+RW media, the only disc we managed to burn at 8X due to firmware limitations, was that from Ricoh which reported improved writing quality with fw1.17. Generally, things are slightly better with the newer firmware and re-writable media.