In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media, we used two readers equipped 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 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion for the burning quality, but as an indication level.

16X DVD+R Writing Speed

- Datawrite Classic 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- ProdiscR05 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- ProdiscR04 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Plextor 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Verbatim 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- BenQ 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Philips 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Optodisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Traxdata 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- RiDisc 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Datawrite Titanium 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Maxell 16X DVD+R @ 16X

- Summary

According to CDSpeed and Plextools, the writing quality was good with most of the tested media. Almost all media produced low error values but in some cases, CDSpeed on the LiteOn showed a different picture. If we compare the results with the PX-755A, we could say that the burning quality has undergone some improvements, at least with 16X media. At this point, it is really interesting that the Plextor (TY) media reported low error rates but when it was recorded at 18X, it had high error rates, while Verbatim also reported low error rates but an unsteady speed graph, something which did not happen when the same ID media was burned at 18X. Nevertheless, Maxell media reported low error levels but it could not be read with the LiteOn, so we used another LiteON drive. The results remained the same.