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.

16X DVD-R Writing Speed

- MKM 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- CMC Magnetics 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- BenQ 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Optodisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Traxdata 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R @ 16X

- Summary

Writing quality with DVD-R 16X media is not good, with a high PIE error count and levels keeping just within within acceptable levels. Quality is not as good as we expected, considering we are dealing with a very mature drive on the market with many updates in firmware. The CDSpeed graphs are also not good reporting average performance.