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 drops. 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

- BenQ 16X DVD-R @ 12X

- ProdiscS05 16X DVD-R @ 12X

- ProdiscF02 16X DVD-R @ 12X

- Philips 16X DVD-R @ 12X

- Maxell 16X DVD-R @ 12X

- Ricoh 16X DVD-R @ 12X

- CMC 8X DVD-R @ 12X

- Datawrite Titanium 8X DVD-R @ 12X

- Datawrite 8X DVD-R @ 12X

- Summary

Here, with 12X burning speed, the drive showed average quality. Smooth speed graphs in the main but some high error levels as well as counts in some cases. Some of the 16X certified media did not differ from 8X certified media burned at 12X and should have produced better results.