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This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,
located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.
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Appeared on: Friday, September 3, 2004
Optorite DD1205


1. Retail Package - Installation

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 1

After the DD1203 recorder, Optorite decided to support the Double Layer format by releasing it's new DD1205 burner. Based for one more time on the Sanyo chipset, the new recorder is ready to face the strong competition, competition which has already moved onto 4X writing speed for DL media.

The dual burner offers 2.4X DVD+R9, 12X DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4X DVD±RW writing and 12X DVD-ROM reading. The drive also supports 40X recording for CD-R media and 24X for HS-RW.

- Features

"Safe-BP" has achieved enough detection performance at more than 40x speed with the improvement of the electric circuit for the detection of disarrangement of pickup servo. When a disarrangement of this servo is detected at high speed recording condition, a drive stops the recording immediately and restarts the recording at lower recording speed.

Shock-BP always monitors the condition of focus servo and tracking servo and stops the recording when it detects the change in rapid servo condition, then, restarts the recording at the stop position after the servo condition is recovered.

A generic name for Flexible Speed and Flexible Strategy. 'FlexSS-BP' technology automatically selects the optimum recording speed for each disc, because some CDs cannot stand high speed recording with high recording power.

Flexible Speed

When a drive determines that it is barely tracing the placed disc correctly due to the variations between discs, and it determines that the placed disc cannot stand a high power laser at high speed recording, the drive selects a suitable recording speed for the disc and continues to record.

Flexible Strategy

It measures and evaluates the recording condition of the recorded area at the switching zones.

HD-BURN
Developed by SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., a high density recording technology that doubles the recording capacity of conventional CD-R media (700MB).

- Specifications

Interface
E-IDE / ATAPI (Ultra DMA mode2)
Internal Buffer Size
2MB
Data tranfer speed ( ATA I/F) 33MB/sec
Random Access Time:

DVD 130ms and CD 100 ms

Write Speed HD-Burn 24X
DVD+R 12X
DVD+RW 4X
DVD-R 8X
DVD-RW 4X
CD-R 40X
CD-RW 24X
Read Speed

DVD+R

12X
DVD+RW 12X
DVD-R 12X
DVD-RW 1X2
CD-R 40X
CD-RW 40X
CD-DA 40X
DVD-ROM 12X single
8X double
CD-ROM 40X
Writng Type DVD+R: Incremental Write (Multi Session Support)
DVD-R: Disc at Once, Incremental Recording (Multi-Border Support)
DVD+RW: Random Write
DVD-RW: Rigid Restricted Overwriting, Incremental Write
CD-R/RW: Disc at Once, Session at Once, Track at Once, Packet Writing (Multi Session Support)
Support Media Type
DVD-ROM, DVD single layer / Dual layer, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM [Mode1, Mode2 (Form1/2)], CD-ROM / XA, Mixed mode CD, CD-R/RW, CD Extra, CD-TEXT
Support Formats
DVD-ROM (UDF Bridge), DVD-ROM (ISO 9660), DVD-ROM (UDF), DVD-VIDEO, DVD-VR
Disc Size 8/12 cm discs
OS Compatibility Windows 98SE/ME/XP/NT/2000
Dimensions (W*H*D) 148.5x42.5x194.2mm
Weight <1.0kg (2.2lb)
Power Requirements DC +5V± 5% / 12V± 10%, Max. 2.0A
MTBF > 30.000 POH (duty 20%)
Enviromental Specifications

Operating Temprature: 5°C to 45 °C
Storage Temprature -30°C to 60°C

Below are the drive's main specifications as given by NeroInfoTool and DVDInfoPro:

As with the DD1203, the DD1205 also uses the RPC II region control, allowing a user to change the drive's region at most 5 times. In our screenshot there are 4 changes left since we had to set the first.

- Retail package

The retail package includes the Optorite DD1205, a quick installation guide, mounting screws and a sound cable. There are also Nero v6 OEM version and Sonic MyDVD. We were also pleasantly surprised to see included, an alternative black bezel.

On the rear panel you can see the analogue and digital outputs (SPDIF), the IDE connector and the power input.

Removing the screws and opening the drive's cover voids the drive's warranty. For reference reasons, we post the following pictures. You can click on the mainboard picture for a higher resolution image:

Click to enlarge

- Installation

The drive was installed as secondary master and WindowsXP recognized it as "OPTORITE DVD RW DD1205". The drive arrived with firmware v100e.

Below is a screenshot from Nero Burning Rom, showing the drive's specs.

We will be comparing the Optorite drive with the previous model, the DD1203 in order to observe the common and not so common points between the two drives.

- Testing software

In order to perform our tests we used:

  1. Nero CD-DVD Speed v3.21
  2. CDVD Benchmark v1.21
  3. ExactAudioCopy v0.9 beta5
  4. Nero Info Tool v2.27
  5. KProbe v2.2.3 (Reader: Optorite LDW-811S firmware vHS0Q, Reading speed 8X CAV)
  6. PlexTools v2.16 (Reader: Plextor PX-712A firmware v1.03, Reading speed 8X CLV for CD-R)
  7. DVDInfoPro v3.07
  8. Nero Burning Rom v6.3.1.20

2. Transfer Rate Reading Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 2

Transfer Rate Reading Tests

- CD Format

The Optorite DD1205 supports up to 40X reading for the CD media. Our tests confirmed this. Below are the transfer rate graphs:

The performance of the two drives is almost identical. There seem to be very few changes here.

- DVD Format

The two layers of a PTP DVD-ROM disc are read sequentially with the drive starting reading from the inner part of the disc, which is the beginning of each layer, progressing towards the outer range for each layer.

The first layer of an OTP dual layer DVD-ROM is read exactly the same way as the first layer of the PTP disc we tested previously. The difference here is the reading strategy of the second layer of the disc. The beginning of the second layer is located in the outer part of the disc, so the drive starts reading from the outer tracks toward the inner part of the disc. The average reading speed was at 6.38X.

Reading performance with DVD media is again identical as was the case with CD media.

The Optorite offers 9524 kb/s average ripping speed, which is more than adequate. The difference here between the drives is negligible.

- Appendix

Nero CD-DVD Speed Graphs


3. CD Error Correction Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 3

CD Error Correction Tests

In the following tests we check the drive's behavior when it comes to reading scratched / defective discs. The test discs we use are the ABEX series from ALMEDIO.

- ABEX TCD-721R

Errors total
Num: 1215438
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
Num: 59181
Avg: -72.5 dB(A)
Max: -5.6 dB(A)
Error Muting Samples
Num: 4531
Avg: 1.3 Samples
Max: 599 Samples
Skips Samples
Num: 81
Avg: 6.4 Samples
Max: 12 Samples
Total Test Result
63.6 points (out of 100.0 maximum)

As with the DD1203, the DD1205's performance is poor with the ABEX TCD-721R. The total error count is not all that high but the maximum error level at -6.8 dB(A) is as is the error level in general, resulting in high number of skipped samples. The total test result score of 63.6 out of 100 is not all that good and is indicative of the drive's performance with this disc.

- ABEX TCD-726

Errors total
Num: 0
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)
Num: 18
Avg: -37.7 dB(A)
Max: -28.9 dB(A)
Error Muting Samples
Num: 0
Avg: 0.0 Samples
Max: 0 Samples
Skips Samples
Num: 2
Avg: 576.0 Samples
Max: 576 Samples
Total Test Result
79.4 points (out of 100.0 maximum)

The performance with the specific media is better than in the previous case, which is logical since this disc is much easier to read. However, the total test result score of 79.4 out of 100 is very low, especially when compared to other drives which achieve scores in the high 90s and even 100. Skipped samples is also unusual for this disc.

- CD-Check Audio Test Disc

The CD-Check Test Disc is a very useful tool for evaluating the Sound Reproduction / Error correction capabilities of a CD player. The disc offers a signal combination with disc error patterns to rate the drive's abilities to read music and reproduce it completely. Five tracks on the disc contain a sequence of progressively difficult tests. These tracks are referred as Check Level-1 through Check Level-5.

The files are reproduced (played) through a software multimedia player (i.e. Windows Media Player). Each level is considered as passed, if the tone coming out from the speakers is smooth, continuous without interruptions, skipping or looping. The higher the Check Level passed, the more reliable the sound reproduction of the tested device.

Error Level
1
2
3
4
5
Optorite DD1205
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
0/5

The drive passed the first four Check Levels of the test. The performance is quite good offering better than average sound reproduction and error correction. The fifth level includes an error size of 1.500mm, and the drive produced many audible clicks here. The DD1203 exhibited similar performance.

- Conclusion

The CD error correction for the DD1205 drive is not one of its strong points. Performance with the ABEX test discs could be better...


4. DVD Error Correction Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 4

DVD Error Correction Tests

In the following tests we examined the DVD reading capabilities of the 1205 drive with scratched / defective DVD media. For the tests we used CDVD Benchmark and Nero CDSpeed. The reference test media came from ALMEDIO.

- Single Layer media
ABEX TDR-821

This is a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM with a 4.7GB capacity, and its surface has an artificial scratch of dimensions varying from 0.4 to 3.0 mm. The following transfer rate picture comes from the CDVD Benchmark v1.21 transfer rate test.

ABEX TDR-825

This is also a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM of 4.7GB capacity. The data structure of the disc is exactly the same as that of the TDR-821, with the difference that there are no scratches on it but defective areas of dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 mm. There are also fingerprints sized between 65 and 75 micrometers.

The drive read the single layer test media without problems while no errors were reported. The graph is clean indicating smooth, even reading.

- Dual Layer media
ABEX TDR-841

This is an 8.5GB dual layer, single sided DVD-ROM disc with artificial scratches of dimensions ranging from 0.4 to 3.0mm, on both layers.

ABEX TDR-845

The disc is a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc with a capacity of 8.5GB. The only difference between the TDR-845 and the TDR-841 is that the first includes defective areas and fingerprints. The dimensions of the defective areas range from 0.5 to 1.1 mm and the fingerprints are sized from 65 to 75 micrometers.

Again, excellent performance...

ABEX TDV-541

The TDV-541 is a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc, with a capacity of 8.5GB.The disc is based on the TDV-540 series which is designed for inspection and adjustment of DVD-VIDEO players. The disc checks the layer switch operation from layer 0 to layer 1 and also includes test pictures and test signals for DVD sound files. The current TDV-541 also checks the error correcting capabilities of the drive and includes scratches from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

Although reading started normally, at around 2GB the drive needed to slow down in order to read the contents of the disc on the defective areas. However, no errors were reported and the task finished successfully.

ABEX TDV-545

The TDV-545 disc is based on the TDV-540 series. It is a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc with a capacity of 8.5GB. The TDV-545 includes artificial black dots on the disc surface, sized from 0.4 to 1.0 mm. It also has 65 - 75 micrometer fingerprints.

Black dots and fingerprints on the disc's surface were not a problem for the drive.

- Summary

DVD error correction capabilities of the Optorite drive are very good.


5. Protected Disc Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 5

Protected Disc Tests
- Reading Tests

To create the image of the various protected titles to the hard disk, we used Alcohol 120% software and the appropriate settings, according to the protection type of the inserted discs. Below you can see the duration of each process as well as the transfer rate in each case.

Game Title
Protection Scheme
Duration
Reading speed
PSX "NBA Jam Extreme"
Lybcrypt
04:49min
313 sectors/sec
Serious Sam The Second Encounter
SafeDisc v.2.50.051
1:07:46min
82 sectors/sec
VRally II
SecuROM v.2
05:17min
1084 sectors/sec

There's no improvement from the Optorite DD1205 over the DD1203, continuing to offer slow, ripping performance.

- Writing Tests

The Optorite DD1205 supports the DAO-RAW writing mode. For checking the drive's EFM correction status, we used 3 different game titles with different SafeDisc 2 versions having the latest software patches installed. After making the images of the various titles onto the hard disk, we burned them (at maximum speed) with Alcohol 120% v1.9.2.1705. Two different discs were created for each title; one with the "Bypass EFM error" enabled and one more with the function disabled.

The table below shows the results of the attempted backups and whether they worked (game installed / played normally), or not.
Drive

Fifa 2004
SD v3.1

Sims Superstar SD v2.9
Sims Unleashed SD v2.8
Serious Sam-Second Encounter
SD v2.51.051
Max Payne
SD v2.51.020
EFM OFF
EFM ON
EFM OFF
EFM ON
EFM OFF
EFM ON
EFM OFF
EFM ON
EFM OFF
EFM ON
Toshiba
SD-M1502
No
Yes
Creative CD5233E

Optorite DD1205

The drive managed to create working backups only up to version 2.8. Newer versions are still a problem for the DD1205 as they were for the DD1203.


6. DAE Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 6

DAE Tests

- Pressed and CDR AudioCD

The Optorite DD1205 supports up to 40X CAV DAE speed. When using a pressed AudioCD and its CD-R copy with EAC, we logged the following results:

Good performance...

- Advanced DAE Quality

The Optorite DD1205 received a score of 100 (perfect) in the Nero CD Speed Advanced DAE test. CDSpeed showed that the average reading speed was 28.55X, and the drive supports reading of SubChannel data, Leadin / Leadout data and CD Text.

- Reading 90/ 99mins AudioCDs

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

We also tried to rip the contents of both discs on our HD. The process finished successfully with the 90min disc while with the 99min, the disc could go no further than the 24th track out of the 26 tracks on the disc.


7. Protected AudioCDs

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 7

Protected AudioCDs

For the test procedure we used three audio discs with different audio copy protections. The ripping process performed for all protected Audio discs was carried out with Exact Audio Copy v0.9beta5.

The tested protected Audio discs were:

The Cactus Data Shield 200, contains artificial errors that are not easily bypassed by the reader, while the Key2Audio contains a second session, causing problems for readers when they try to read the Table Of Contents (TOC).

The tested tasks are:

The Optorite DD1205 recognized up to the 12th Audio track of CDS200 disc,

and with the "Retrieve Native TOC" option removed, the 13th Data track was also recognized.

The test results are shown in the following table:

Key2Audio
CDS200
Optorite DD1205
Ripping process completed, EAC reports timing problems, Read&Test CRC comparison successful for all tracks
Ripping process completed, EAC reports timing problems, Read&Test CRC comparison not the same for all tracks

The Optorite DD1205 will rip both Key2Audio and CDS200 protected audio discs. Both discs were recognized and their contents were ripped at the maximum speed. However, the drive may not rip 100% accurately the discs since EAC reported timing problems. In the case of the CDS200 disc, the process took us up to 37min where the first track was difficult to be read. The rest of the disc was ok. Notice that other drives can read this disc without slowing down.

This is a "special" CDS200 build, since it doesn't contain any artificial errors during the ripping process. Most problems occur then trying to write the ripped wav files, since the produced CD-R disc contains C2 and CU errors! This "problem" is rumored to be connected with specific chipset weaknesses.

We ripped the disc contents with EAC and burned the produced wav with the latest Nero version as AudioCD+CD-Text. The burned media was checked for C1/C2 errors with PlexTools software using Plextor PX-712A (firmware v1.03).

 

CDS 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a
Optorite DD1205
Reading performed without any errors but writing results a high number of C2/CU errors.

The C1/C2 error graphs indicate that the drive doesn't manage to produce a 100% error free disc.

Lets try to extract all the wav files with the Plextor PX-712A and with PlexTool DAE Error Correction 5th Level enabled:

Errors were reported for all tracks. The drive managed to backup the disc, but not accurately.


8. CD Recording Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 8

CD Recording Tests

The Optorite DD1205 supports up to 40X CD-R and 24X US-RW recording speeds.

The drive supports 4X, 8X, 16X, 24X, 32X, and 40X writing speeds. Below are the recording speeds as detected by Nero Burning Rom.

Click to enlarge

According to Nero CDSpeed, the drive reached the maximum 40X speed. The test started at 18.21X and finished at 41.17X having an average speed of 31.15X. Click on the image to see the complete graph.

For the burning tests we created an 80min data compilation through Nero Burning Rom, recording the data on a 700MB disc. The Optorite DD1205 finished the task in 3:13 minutes, for the maximum 40X writing speed. This is the same time as the DD1203.

The writing performance varies according to the inserted media. The ExacLink system will lower the writing speed if the media ID code is not found in the drive's firmware. Below is a chart demonstrating all recording times with various media. As you can see, in the case of Waitec media the time rewuired was much longer since the speed was 16X.

- Other features

CD text reading/writing
Yes
Overburning with 80min CD
81:47
Overburning with 90min CD
91:52
Overburning with 99min CD
81:47

The 99min media was recognized as 80min.

The DD1205 supports a maximum 24X P-CAV rewriting speed with Ultra Speed Rewritable Media (US-RW). Below you can see the Nero CD-DVD Speed writing simulation test with blank 24X US-RW media from Mitsubishi Chemicals.

Click to enlarge

We also used Nero Burning Rom in order to burn a data disc with 24X US-RW media from MC. The data compilation we burned had a size of 651 MB and the duration of the recording process was 3:43 minutes.

- CD-RW Mount Rainier Tests

Mount Rainier isn't supported.


9. Writing Quality - 3T Jitter Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 9

3T Jitter Tests

In the following page you can see the 3T Pit & Land Jitter graphs using various media burned at 40X CAV writing speed.

- 3T Pit results

- 3T Land results

As it can been seen from the graphs above, the drive's CD writng quality is mixed, with some media being good (acceptable) while with others (Waitec, Taiyo Yuden and Benq) it needs improvement. The best choice with this drive is Traxdata media which had the lowest Jitter levels.

In the following page we check the C1 and C2 error rates of the same discs, to come up with more specific conclusions regarding quality.


10. C1 / C2 Error Measurements

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 10

C1 / C2 Error Measurements

We measured the C1 / C2 error rate on the recorded discs we burned at the various supported writing speeds. The software we used was PleXTools Professional v2.16, and particularly the built-in Q-Check utility. The reader was the Plextor PX-712A (firmware v1.04)

BenQ CD-R 52X@ 40X

Maxell CD-R 48X@ 40X

MMore CD-R 48X@ 40X

SKC CD-R 52X@ 40X

Traxdata CD-R 52X @ 40X

Taiyo Yuden CD-R 48X @ 40X

Verbatim CD-R 52X@ 40X

Waitec CD-R 52X@ 16X

The CD recording quality is acceptable, although with specific media (Waitec and Taiyo Yuden), C2 errors were reported, so we further tested that media with CDSpeed and both discs were read without errors.

- Appendix

Media Label
ID Code
Manufacturer Name
Lead Out TIme
BenQ 80min 48X
97m22s67f
Daxon Technology
79:59.74
Maxell 80min 48X
97m15s17f
Ritek
79:59.70
SKC 80min 52X
97m26s26f
SKC Co., Ltd.
79:59.73
MMore 80min 48X
97m17s 6f
Moser Baer India, Ltd.
79:59.74
TraxData 80min 52X
97m15s17f
Ritek
79:59.70
Taiyo Yuden 80min 48X
97m24s 1f
Taiyo Yuden
79:59.72
Verbatim 80min 52X
97m34s23f
Verbatim
79:59.73
Waitec 80min 52X
97m28s26f
Multi Media Masters & Machinery SA
79:59.74

11. DVD Recording Tests

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 11

DVD Recording Tests
- Writing Performance

The Optorite DD1205 supports the DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW writing formats. The maximum supported speed for DVD+R is 12X ( P-CAV) & 4X CLV for DVD+RW media. DVD-R writing offers 8X ( Z-CLV) maximum writing speed and 4X CLV rewriting speed. Nero Burning Rom reported speeds, are shown below. In addition, the most important feature of this drive is Double Layer recording at 2.4X.

Below you can see the simulation writing tests with CDSpeed.

Click to enlarge
DVD+R@12X

Click to enlarge
DVD+R@8X

Click to enlarge
DVD-R@8X

Click to enlarge
DVD+RW@4X

Click to enlarge
DVD-RW@4X

The writing strategy for the Double Layer is CLV.

- Burning Tests

We burned 4315MB of data on various DVD±R, DVD±RW media. We used the maximum allowed writing speed for each disc, with the ExacLink feature enabled. For the 12X DVD+R burning speed, four of our media allowed the speed. The best recording time for the DVD+R format came with Maxell 8X media at 6:44 mins burning time.

Below are all the burning results with the various media types used. The disc information and the maximum allowed speed are summarized as they were reported from DVDinfoPro.

Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
Traxdata 2.4X
RITEK D01
2.4X
37:44
Verbatim 2.4X
MKM 001
2.4X
37:41
Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
CMC 8X
CMC MAG E01
8X
7:45
BeAll 8X
BeAll000P80
8X
8:00
SKC 4X
BeAll000P40
4X
-
TDK 8X
RICOHJPNR02
12X
6:36
Traxdata 8X
RITEK R03
8X
7:51
Maxell 4X
YUDEN000T01
4X
-
Taiyo Yuden 8X
YUDEN000T02
12X
6:36
BeAll 4X
BeAll000P40
4X
-
Traxdata 4X
RICOHJPNR01
4X
-
Optodisc 8X
OPTODISCOR8
8X
8:19
3A 8X
Plasmon1C01
4X
-
3A 4X
POMSC001002
4X
-
BenQ 4X
DAXON AZ1
4X
-
Maxell 8X
MAXELL 002
12X
6:36
Intenso 8X
PRODISC R03
8X
7:48
Taiyo Yuden 4X
YUDEN000T01
4X
-
MMore 4X
MBIPG101R03
4X
-
Optodisc 4X
OPTODISCOR4
4X
-
Philips 8X
PHILIPS C08
4X
14:12
Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X
MCC 003
12X
6:37
Mitsubishi Chemicals 4X
MCC 002
4X
-
CMC 4X
CMC MAG F01
8X
8:11
Intenso 4X
PRODISC R02
4X
-
MMore 8X
MBIPG101R04
8X
7:50
Infosmart 4X
IS01 001
4X
-
Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
Traxdata 8X
RITEKG05
8X
9:46
Taiyo Yuden 4X
TYG01
4X
-
SKC 4X
SKC Co Ltd
4X
-
3A 8X
POMS3A
4X
-
Mitsubishi Chemicals 4X
MCC 01RG20
4X
-
CMC 8X
CMC MAG AE1
8X
9:48
Datawrite 8X
FUJIFILM03
8X
9:45
Princo 4X
PRINCO
4X
-
BenQ 4X
SONY04D1
4X
14:38
Intenso 4X
ProdiscS03
4X
-
Intenso 8X
FUJIFILM03
8X
9:43
Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X
MCC 02RG20
8X
9:44
TDK 8X
TTG02
4X
-
Ritek 4X
RITEKG04
8X
10:57
MMore 4X
MBI 01RG20
4X
-
Traxdata 4X
RITEKG04
8X
-
BeAll 4X
BeAll G40001
4X
-
Maxell 4X
TYG01
4X
-
Optodisc
OPTODISCOR004
4X
-
Maxell 8X
MXL RG03
8X
9:47
Mam 4X
MAMG4X02
4X
14:40
MMore 8X
FUJIFILM03
8X
-
Infosmart
SKC Co Ltd
4X
-
Taiyo Yuden 8X
TYG02
8X
9:44

- DVD Overburning Tests

In order to test the drive's DVD overburning capabilities, we used two media types, one from Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X DVD-R and one from Waitec 8X DVD+R.

The Optorite DD1205 can overburn the minus format up to 4768MB.

The Optorite DD1205 cannot overburn with DVD+R format.

- DVD+MRW Tests

Mount Rainier isn't supported.


12. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 1

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 12

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 1

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Optorite DD1205. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3, 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 errors but only PIF errors, despite what KProbe reports. In addition, all discs have been scanned with PX-712A v1.04 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, 2~5X CAV for PlexTools).

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.

TDK 8X DVD+R @ 12X

Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD+R @ 12X

Maxell 8X DVD+R @ 12X

Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X DVD+R @ 12X

- Summary

According the PIE/PIF scans we can say that the Optorite DD1205 had good performance. Although Kprobe reported increased PIE/PIF levels, the combination of Plextools and Plextor is more reliable. Furthermore, all the discs were playable on our standalone players.

- Appendix


Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
TDK 8X
RICOHJPNR02
12X
6:36
Taiyo Yuden 8X
YUDEN000T02
12X
6:36
Maxell 8X
MAXELL 002
12X
6:36
Mitsubishi Chemicals 8X
MCC 003
12X
6:37

13. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 2

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 13

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 2

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Optorite DD1205. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3, 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 errors but only PIF errors, despite what KProbe reports. In addition, all discs have been scanned with PX-712A v1.04 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, 2~5X CAV for PlexTools).

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.

CMC 8X DVD+R @ 8X

BeAll 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Traxdata 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Optodisc 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Intenso 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Philips 8X DVD+R @ 4X

With this media Plextools reported the following error message:

 

CMC 4X DVD+R @ 8X

MMore 8X DVD+R @ 8X

The previous error message is also appearing here:

- Summary

The DVD recording quality at speeds lower than the previous 12X is better with some media but in some cases worse with high levels of PIE/PIF. Once again, all the discs were playable on our standalone players.

- Appendix

Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
CMC 8X
CMC MAG E01
8X
7:45
BeAll 8X
BeAll000P80
8X
8:00
Traxdata 8X
RITEK R03
8X
7:51
Optodisc 8X
OPTODISCOR8
8X
8:19
Intenso 8X
PRODISC R03
8X
7:48
Philips 8X
PHILIPS C08
4X
14:12
CMC 4X
CMC MAG F01
8X
8:11
MMore 8X
MBIPG101R04
8X
7:50

14. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 3

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 14

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 3

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Optorite DD1205. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3, 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 errors but only PIF errors, despite what KProbe reports. In addition, all discs have been scanned with PX-712A v1.04 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, 2~5X CAV for PlexTools).

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.

Traxdata 8X DVD-R @ 8X

CMC 8X DVD-R @ 8X

Datawrite 8X DVD-R @ 8X

BenQ 4X DVD-R @ 4X

Intenso 8X DVD-R @ 8X

Verbatim 8X DVD-R @ 8X

Ritek 4X DVD-R @ 8X

Maxell 8X DVD-R @ 8X

Mam 4X DVD-R @ 4X

Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R @ 8X

- Summary

All the discs were playable on our standalone players and this is very important. As for the quality, although Kprobe and Plextools reported completely different results, we concluded that in general, the quality is acceptable.

- Appendix


Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
Traxdata 8X
RITEKG05
8X
9:46
CMC 8X
CMC MAG AE1
8X
9:48
Datawrite 8X
FUJIFILM03
8X
9:45
BenQ 4X
SONY04D1
4X
14:38
Intenso 8X
FUJIFILM03
8X
9:43
Verbatim 8X
MCC 02RG20
8X
9:44
Ritek 4X
RITEKG04
8X
10:57
Maxell 8X
MXL RG03
8X
9:47
Mam 4X
MAMG4X02
4X
14:40
Taiyo Yuden 8X
TYG02
8X
9:44

With the latest firmware, v120E, the situation regarding the allowed speeds for supported media hasn't changed, with the exception of Traxdata 8X DVD+R (RITEK R03) media, which can now be burned at 8X.

We can also confirm the maximum allowed speed for the Philips C08 and C16, Taiyo Yuden YUDEN000 T01 which is 4X in all cases. For Optodisc (OPTODISC OR8) the speed is 8X.


15. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 4

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 15

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 4

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD-R/RW media we burned with the Optorite DD1205. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3, and the reader is the LiteOn SOHD-167T with "9S14 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 PIF errors, despite what KProbe reports. In addition, all discs have been scanned with PX-712A v1.04 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 (6X CAV for KProbe, 2X CLV for PlexTools).

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.

Traxdata 2.4X @ 2.4X

Verbatim 2.4X @ 2.4X

- Summary

The DVD recording quality with Double Layer media is very good, approaching that of pressed discs. Both Verbatim and Traxdata media reported low levels for PIE/PIF. However, the discs were not playable on our standalone players since there was not bitsetting option.

- Appendix

Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
Traxdata 2.4X
RITEK D01
2.4X
37:44
Verbatim 2.4X
MKM 001
2.4X
37:41

16. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 5

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 16

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 5

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD-R/RW media we burned with the Optorite DD1205. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3, 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 PIF errors, despite what KProbe reports. In addition, all discs have been scanned with PX-712A v1.04 using PlexTools v2.16 for comparison levels.

Comparing the KProbe/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, 2~5X CAV for PlexTools). It's interesting to see the disc scanned at low & high speed, since when the error rate increases at a specific disc region, 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.

Maxell 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

Traxdata 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

Mitsubishi Chemicals 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

Traxdata 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

- Summary

The writng quality with rewritable media is rather good. Both Kprobe and Plextools reported PI/PIF levels below the limit. For one more time all the discs were playable on our standalone players.

- Appendix

Disc Label
Disc Information
Max Allowed Writing Speed
Total Recording Time (mins)
Maxell DVD+RW
PHILIPS 041
4X
13:43
Traxdata DVD+RW
RICOHJPNW11
4X
13:47
MC DVD-RW
MCC01RW4X
4X
14:39
Traxdata DVD-RW
RITEK W04
4X
14:42

17. HD - BURN

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 17

HD - BURN

HD-BURN allows writing twice the amount of data than can normally fit on a CD-R disc. This means that up to 1.4GB of data can be recorded on 700MB CD-R media. The Optorite DD1205 supports 24x writing speed with the HD-Burn option.

To check the performance of the Optorite DD1205 under HD-Burn, we used NeroBurning Rom, which supports the HD-Burn function. The available HD-Burn compilations are CD-ROM (ISO, UDF, ISO/UDF, Bootable), HD-BURN -Video or just copy an HD-BURN disc.

The supported reading speed for the HD-BURN according to the manufacturer is 74X. In our test, the drive reached 80X reading speed at the end of the test.

Our output HD-Burn disc was playable without problems under Windows Media Player.


18. BookType Setting

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 18

BookType Setting

The DD1205 doesn't support the bitsetting option, and for this reason the produced DVD+R DL media wasn't playable in our test standalone DVD players from Philips and Pioneer.


19. Conclusion

Optorite DD1205 Dual DVD±RW Recorder - Page 19

Conclusion

The Optorite DD1205 is a good CD reader with high speeds and low seek times. However we would like error correction to be better, as it performed below average with our defective test CD media.

According to our DVD reading tests, the drive performed very well with fast speeds and once again low seek times. The DVD error correction here is strong and all of our test media did not pose a problem for the drive. The DVD ripping speed is also very good.

With protected games, the drive had poor performance. The ripping speed for all the game protections we tried was low while the drive didn't manage to make working backups with SD protection over v2.8. The performance is the same as its predecessor, the DD1203.

The DD1205 managed to play and rip both Key2Audio and CDS200 protection schemes. However, the drive may not rip the discs 100% accurately since EAC reported timing problems. Our 90min test disc was played successfully while the 99min reports problems in the last few tracks.

The CD recording quality is good with most media we tried, something that has been fixed since the DD1203.

As for the writing quality with DVD media, it was good, while in the case with DL and RW, very good. However, there were cases with increased PI/PIF levels. This is also something that we would like to see improved. However, no matter what the recording quality was, all the media we burned were playable on our standalone DVD players from Pioneer and Philips, excepting DL media since there is no bitsetting option, something else that we would like to see fixed as soon as possible.

Concluding, we can say that as a reader, the DD1205 performs identically with the DD1203. Some differencies that you might see are negligible. As a writer, the drive has improved its media compatibility and writing quality. However, we would like to see more 4X certified media burned at 8X and better recording quality. The most important difference is the Double Layer writing option.

At the time of the writing of this review, the retail price was around US$70, which is rather low making the burner a good choice since at the same price you can usually buy only 8X and DL.

- The Good

- The Bad

- Like to be fixed



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