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 sudden 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the burning quality, but as an indication level.

16X DVD-R Writing Speed

- ProdiscF02 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Optodisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- RiDisc 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- MKM 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Maxell 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Ricoh 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Moser Baer 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Datasafe 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Summary

Most of the DVD's produced smooth speed graphs, with the only exception of Moser Baer media. which reported fluctuations in speed and rather high error values. There were also high error counts for most of the media with the exception of MKM media, which was also the best overall disc, Prodisc and Maxell media.