TDK 1616N Recorder - Page 16

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 5

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD-R media we burned with the TDK 1616N. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.4.2, and the reader is the LiteOn LDW-811S with "HS0Q patched" firmware, being able to read DVD±R/RW media up to 8X CAV. All scans have been performed at 8X with PI/PIF Sum8. Note that LiteOn drives cannot report PO but only PIF errors, despite what KProbe reports. In addition, all discs have been scanned with PX-712SA v1.05 using PlexTools v2.16 for comparison levels.

Comparing the KProbe and PlexTools scans, we can see major differences in the reported PI/PIF error rates. The main explanation is that we have two different readers, with different pickup/chipset combinations, scanning at different reading speeds (8X CAV for KProbe, 2X CLV for PlexTools). It's interesting to see the discs scanned at low & high speeds, since when the error rate increases at a specific disc area, it should appear in both scans...else it would be, perhaps, a reading glitch of the tested reader.

Note: PI/PIF errors only give us a quick look at the error rate of the burned media. Those scans should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality but as an indication level.

12X DVD+R Writing Speed

• Ricoh 8X DVD+R @ 12X

- Summary

DVD recording at 12X was supported with only one media from the discs we tested. High PI error levels were reported, but we cannot give a good or bad ruling for the drive from only one media test result. Unfortunately, according to NEC's media support list for the 3500A model, no other media is supported at 12X at this time. However, we will test 12X writing further with more +R discs when future firmware releases arrive. You can always check our forum for these burning quality results.