Since Memorex burst onto the recording scene more than 30 years ago with "Is it live or is it Memorex?" a lot has changed. But with each generation, Memorex continues to remain one of the most widely recognized names in CD and DVD media, optical drives, flash drives and media accessories.

The Cerritos, California- based company recently expanded its double layer recorder line by introducing the 18x series of Double-Layer, Multi Format DVD recorders. The new MRX-525GE is an external USB 2.0 DVD burner capable of writing DVD±R media at 18X, DVD±R DL at 8X, DVD+RW at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD-RAM at 12X, CD-RW at 32X and CD-R at 48X.

Memorex has traditionally offered rich retail packages with its optical drives. Our retail package included the following :

• External Memorex Multi-Format DVD Recorder
• Hardware Guide
• Software Guide
• Cables
• Blank DVD Media
• Vertical Stand
• Nero Memorex Software Suite Installation Disc

The Software Suite includes :

• Nero Express 7 Essentials
• Nero ShowTime 3 Essentials
• Nero Vision 4 Essentials
• Nero Cover-Designer 2 Essentials
• Nero Recode 2 Essentials
• Nero InCD Essentials
• Nero PhotoShow Express 4
• Nero PhotoSnap Essentials
• Nero Scout
• Nero MediaHome Essentials
• Nero StartSmart 3 Essentials
• Nero ToolKit

The drive is housed in a stylish black case, and would look good on any desk.

The rear panel includes the USB 2.0 connection and DC power input, as well as a convenient On/Off switch, useful on external portable devices.

Our test sample was manufactured in 2006 in China.

At the "heart" of the DVD burner is the Panasonic MN103SD2GSA chipset, also found in the HLDS GSA-H22N series of drives.

Installation

The MRX-525GE was connected to the PC via a USB 2.0 port and was recognized as "MEMOREX DVD+-RAM 525G".