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-712A 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 and DVD-RW Media

• Ricoh 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• Verbatim 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

• Verbatim 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

The burning quality with DVD+RW media at 8X is very good, something we cannot say for the -RW media burned at 6X. Traxdata media could not be scanned producing an error message while Verbatim's CD Speed scan was far from smooth. The Kprobe quality scans have been included due to the inability of the PX 716 to scan the last two -RW discs.