TDK 1616N Recorder - Page 22

Conclusion

The TDK 1616N is the first 16X Dual DL DVD recorder released by TDK, and our impressions of this drive are very good. Most users will like the black stylish front panel that TDK uses for these drives.

The new 1616N model is a step up on previous TDK models with less reading errors being reported with the various test discs. However, the DAE speed is still low, compared to other recorders available on the market. The DVD error correction was satisfactory, while the drive needs further improvements with the CD format, since high reading errors were produced when reading the Abex TCD-721R/726 test discs. The drive cannot make SafeDisc 2.60+ backups, due to the NEC chipsets used and cannot recognize 99mins discs.

When CD-R media was used to test writing performance, we discovered that some well known media could not be burned at high speed (48X) but only at 32X. For example, TY CD-R media is supported only at 32X. This produces better quality burns, but speed is reduced. With 48X recording speed, writing quality was reduced, and these discs reported high jitter values. This is a point that TDK should consider for the next firmware release.

On the other hand, DVD recording performance was way better than CD-R media recording. Very fast recording times with 16X certified media, and good times with 8X media that were recorded at 16X or 12X.

Media quality measurements indicated that TDK keeps on improving recording quality and low PI/PO error levels were reported. Excellent performance from TDK! However, there are small exceptions, like Ritek 16X media that can be recorded only at 4X, and CMC and Philips 16X media at 8X.

With DVD+R Double Layer discs, the TDK 1616N is the fastest drive at 22:51 mins, while the recording quality with Verbatim and Ritek media was very good. The default DVD-ROM booktype (DVD+R DL media) offers the highest compability with DVD Players, while the announcement of the upcoming v2.x8 firmware supporting default DVD-ROM booktype for +R/+RW media will make users happy!

An overall very good buy with an expected low price from TDK, makes us reccomend the drive to all users who desire a fast and reliable burner.

- The Good

• Excellent CD writing quality at 32X with low Jitter values
• Very good Single Layer DVD writing quality
• Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
• Supports audio protected discs
• High C2% accuracy
• Fast recording with Double Layer media and very good writing quality
• Good DVD error correction capability
• Can read/rip 90mins Audio CDs
• Can overburn up to 88mins CDs

- The Bad

• Mount Rainier is not supported
• Cannot recognize 99min Audio CD's
• Cannot create working backups with SafeDisc protected games over v2.60
• DAE speed only up to 32X
• Slow ripping CSS DVD-Video performance
• Cannot overburn DVD recordable media
• Medium CD writing quality at 48X

- Like To be fixed

• Official firmware release to support booktype setting for +R/+RW media (planned to be fixed with upcoming 2.80 firmware release)
• Better writing quality with 48X CD-R media