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 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.

8X,4X DVD-R Writing Speed

- Bulkpaq 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Datawrite 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Datawrite MACH4 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Datawrite Yellow 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- ProdiscF01 8X DVD-R @ 4X

- RiDisc 8X DVD-R @ 4X

- Summary

Average quality was reported with 8X media. Some media produced high POE counts and/or levels while the CDSspeed graphs were in the main good with the odd glitch. Bulkpaq was probably the worst overall while best results came with Datawrite 8X and Taiyo Yuden. Note that the Prodisc and RiDisc media were 8X certified but were burned at 4X.