To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu.

    -----------------------------------------------

     This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,

     located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.

    -----------------------------------------------

---

1. Retail Package - Installation

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 1

Memorex has always been one of the forerunners and proves it one more time with the release of its latest DVD recorder, the F16 ( or D²). No, this is not about the world renowned Falcon fighting jet, but the first 16X DVD+R recorder from Memorex. With support for DL media, the drive is a very attractive offer. We received the F16 at our labs and wasted no time putting it through the paces.

As we have already mentioned, the drive supports 16X for DVD+R, along with 2.4X for DL, 8X for DVD-R, 4X for rewritable DVD media, 48X and 24X for CD-R and CD-RW respectively. It further supports reading speeds of 16X for DVD-ROM and 48X for CD-ROM.

- Features
Record a full DVD disc in less than 6 minutes
Complete Nero Memorex Software Suite included
Built-in Flash-ROM for Online Upgradability
Built-in buffer underrun protection
Stylish silver and black design
RAW Mode support
Double-Layer DVD+R9 compliant

- Specifications

Interface:	E-IDE/ATAPI (Ultra DMA Mode 2)
Write Speeds:	DVD+R:16X / -R: 8X, DVD+R9:2.4X DVD+RW: 4X, DVD-RW: 4X
	CD-R: 48X, CD-RW: 24X
Read Speeds:	DVD+R/-R/+RW/-RW: 8X
	DVD-ROM: 16X, CD-R/RW: 48X
Random Access:	DVD: 160msec, CD: 160msec
Buffer Size:	2MB
Supported Disc Formats:	DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD+R9, DVD-RW, CD-Extra, CD-I, CD-ROM, Audio CD, CDR,CD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD Test, Photo CD, Hybrid CD
Supported Writing Types:	DVD±RW: Disc-at-once, Incremental recording, Multi-border recording, Restricted overwriting
	CD-R/RW: Variable Packet, TAO, SAO, DAO, Raw Mode Burning & Over-Burn
Software Details:	Nero Express 6, Nero InCD, Nero Vision Express 2, Nero BackITup, Nero Showtime, Nero Recode 2, Nero Cover-Designer, Nero Tool Kit, PhotoShow Deluxe

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

The drive also uses the RPC II region control, allowing a user to change the drive's region at most 5 times. However, since this is a LiteOn based drive, you can set the drive to region free using several utilies such as Kprobe.

Below is some additional information from KProbe regarding LiteON based drives:

- European Retail package

The retail package includes the Memorex F16, a quick install guide, mounting screws, and IDE and a audio cable. It also has one DVD+R media certified for 16X recording, the cover of which is shown below. Included software is Nero v6 OEM version.

Now let's take a look at the drive itself.

The color scheme is characteristic of Memorex with a black face plate and silver tray door. The activity led lights up blue when the device is active and on the front, the user will distinguish the DVD+R Double Layer and 16X speed logos.

The rear panel has the usual analogue and digital outputs (SPDIF), IDE connector and 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:

- Installation

The drive was installed as secondary master and under WindowsXP recognized as a "Memorex DVD+/-DLRWL1 F16 ". The drive arrived with firmware version vBWSA but soon after we received a newer version, v BWSB. Below is a picture from Nero Burning Rom, showing supported options such as overburn and buffer underrun protection support.

During this review, we will be comparing the drive with the BenQ DW-1620A and Pioneer DVR-108 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 v2.4.1 (Reader: LiteOn LDW-811S firmware vHS0Q, Reading speed 8X CAV)
6. PlexTools v2.14 (Reader: Plextor PX-712A firmware v1.01, Reading speed 8X CLV for CD-R)
7. DVDInfoPro v3.07
8. Nero Burning Rom v6.3.1.20b

---

2. Transfer Rate Reading Tests

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 2

- CD Format

The Memorex F16 supports up to 48X reading speed for CD-R media and 32X for CD-RW. Below are the transfer rate graphs, where we compare its performance against the other two drives:

As we can see from our tests, the drive is much faster than the other two drives with theCD-R media. This is something to be expected since the Memorex drive supports a maximum reading speed of 48X while the other two drives only go up to 40X. In the CD-RW reading tests, the Memorex proved to be the slowest among the three.

- DVD Format

With Single Layer media, the Memorex was only slighty faster while with Dual Layer, the Pioneer dominate although this is due to the difference in supported speeds.

With DVD-R/+R media, the Pioneer drives was once again the fastest while with rewritable media the difference is negligible.

In our DVD ripping test with a pressed DL movie, the F16 had the fastest tranfer rate and by a fairly large margin.

- Appendix

Nero CD-DVD Speed Graphs

• CD Pressed / CD-R / US-RW
• DVD Pressed SL / DVD Pressed PTP DL / DVD Pressed OTP DL / DVD-R / DVD-RW / DVD+R / DVD+RW

---

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: 5175453
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)	Num: 80708	Avg:-53.9 dB(A)	Max: -13.3 dB(A)
Error Muting Samples	Num: 26396	Avg: 1.1 Samples	Max: 12 Samples
Skips Samples	Num: 1771	Avg: 8.2 Samples	Max: 24 Samples
Total Test Result	55.3 points (out of 100.0 maximum)

The first thing to notice here is the maximum error loudnes level which is at 013.3.dB(A). This in itself is not so unusual as many drives will hit a peak somewhere around there. What is bad, is that around the 32 minute mark where it hits its first high peak, it remains consistently high hovering around -24 dB. At such a prolonged, high level, it is no wonder we get a very high total error count of 5,175,453 and correspondingly high muting sample errors and skipped samples. The total result score of 55.3 out of 100 is a very poor score.

- ABEX TCD-726

Errors total	Num:
Errors (Loudness) dB(A)	Num: 0	Avg: -174.0 dB(A)	Max: -174.0 dB(A)
Error Muting Samples	Num: 0	Avg: 0 Samples	Max: 0 Samples
Skips Samples	Num: 0	Avg: 0 Samples	Max: 0 Samples
Total Test Result	100.0 points (out of 100.0 maximum)

The behavior of drive was much better in this case where it managed to correct the disc's errors accurately. The result was a perfect 100.

- 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 ability 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 trackes 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
Memorex F16	5/5	5/5	5/5	0/5	0/5

The drive passed only the first three Check Levels of the test. The performance reveals average sound reproduction and error correction. The fourth and the fifth levels include an error size of 1.125mm and 1.500mm respectively, and the drive produced continues audible clicks over those tracks.

- Conclusion

The performance of the Memorex F16 was average although with the ABEX TCD-721R disc, it was amongst the worst we have seen.

---

4. DVD Error Correction Tests

---

In the following tests, we examine the DVD reading capabilities of the Memorex F16 drive with scratched / defective DVD media. For the tests we used CDVD Benchmark and Nero CDSpeed. The reference test media comes from ALMEDIO.

- Single Layer media

ABEX TDR-821

This is a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM with 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.

The Memorex F16 read the disc accurately and no read errors were reported. However, towards the end where there are no defects, the output resembles a sawtooth where the drive alternates between 6X and 14X speeds. Other than this, the performance reveals very good error correction capabilities with scratched, single layer DVD-ROM discs.

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 instead, defective areas of dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 mm. There are also fingerprints sized between 65 and 75 micrometers.

Exactly the same phenomenon as in the previous test where reading was flawless over the defective regions and towards the end once again we see the sawtooth affect.

- 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.

The smooth graph above reveals excellent error correction with DVD double layer media.

ABEX TDR-845

This test 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 discs is that the first includes defective areas and fingerprints. The dimensions of the defective areas ranges from 0.5 to 1.1 mm and the fingerprints are sized from 65 to 75 micrometers.

One more time the tranfer rate graph was very good. No errors reported.

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.

The Abex TDV-541 is a diificult test for most drives and the Memorex passed it without any difficulties.

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 data surface, sized from 0.4 to 1.0 mm. It also has 65 - 75 micrometer fingerprints.

This disc proved to be no problem for the drive.

- Conclusion

The performance of the Memorex F16 with DVD defective media was very good.

---

5. Protected Disc Tests

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 5

- Reading Tests

To create an image of the various protected titles to the hard disk, we used Alcohol 120% software with the appropriate settings depending on 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	3:07 min	483 sectors/sec
Serious Sam The Second Encounter	SafeDisc v.2.50.051	13:18 min	420 sectors/sec
VRally II	SecuROM v.2	2:22 min	2420 sectors/sec

The ripping speeds for the Memorex drive with all the protection schemes was good although it could be faster with PSX.

- Writing Tests

The Memorex F16 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 (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.

• Fifa 2004 - Safe Disc v3.1x
• The Sims Superstar - Safe Disc v2.9x
• The Sims Unleashed - Safe Disc v2.8x
• Serious Sam Second Encounter - Safe Disc v2.51.021
• Max Payne - Safe Disc v2.51.020

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

Drive	Fifa 2004 SD v3.1x		Sims Superstar SD v2.9x		Sims Unleashed SD v2.8x		Serious Sam-Second Encounter SD v2.50.051		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
Memorex F16

 

---

6. DAE Tests

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 6

- Pressed and CDR AudioCD

The Memorex F16 supports up to 48X CAV DAE speed. When using pressed AudioCD and its CD-R copy with EAC, we logged the following results:

The Memorex drive read the pressed and copied audio disc at the same speed and was a good deal faster than the other two drives.

- Advanced DAE Quality

The Memorex F16 received a score of 100 (perfect) in the Nero CD Speed Advanced DAE test. Its average reading speed was again the fastest while it supports reading of SubChannel data. Leadin / Leadout data and CD Text.

- Reading 90/ 99mins AudioCDs

• 90min AudioCD

• 99min AudioCD

Strangely enough, while the drive couldn't read the 90 minute audio CD where it produced an "UNRECOVERED READ ERROR", it had no problems with the 99 minute audio CD.

---

7. Protected AudioCDs

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 7

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

The tested protected Audio discs were:

• Sony's Key2Audio from "Celine Dion - New Day Has Come"
• Cactus Data Shield 200 from "Natalie Imbruglia - White Lilies Island"

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

The tested tasks are:

• Recognition of the inserted disc (Yes/No)
• Ripping all wavs (with EAC's Burst Mode) to the hard disk with copy&compare function.
• Listening to the produced wavs for any clicks/skips.

The Memorex F16 recognized up to the 12th Audio track of CDS200 disc,

and with the "Retrieve Native TOC" option removed, it then recognised the 13th Data track.

The test results are shown in the following table:

	Key2Audio	CDS200
Memorex F16	Ripping process completed, EAC reports no 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 Memorex F16 will rip both Key2Audio and CDS200 protected audio discs. Both discs were recognized and their contents were ripped at the maximum speed.

• Cactus Data Shield 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a (Aiko Katsukino - The Love Letter)

This is a "special" CDS200 build, since it doesn't contain any artificial errors during the ripping process. Most problems occur when trying to write the ripped wav files, since the produced CD-R disc contains C2 and CU errors! This "problem" is rumored to be associated 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 using the Plextor PX-712A (firmware v1.05).

	CDS 200.0.4 - 3.0 build 16a
Memorex F16	Reading performed without any errors, writing produces few C2 spikes

• C1C2 Error rate from PleXWriter PX-712A (8X CLV reading speed)

• BETA/Jitter Error rate with the PleXWriter PX-712A

The C1/C2 error graph indicates that the drive managed to produce a very good disc.

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

No errors were reported after extracting all files. The drive's error correction mechanism corrected the errors.

---

8. CD Recording Tests

---

The Memorex F16 supports 48X CD-R and 24X US-RW recording speeds.

• CD-R Format

The drive supports the following speeds for CD media recording, illustrated in the screenshot below:

According to Nero CDSpeed, the drive confirmed the maximum 48X speed. The test started at 21.78X and finished at 49.11X, having an average speed of 37.16X. Click on the image below for an enlarged view.

• CD-R Recording Times

For the burning tests, we created an 80min data compilation through Nero Burning Rom, recording the data on several 700MB discs. The Memorex F16 finished the task in 2:43 minutes, for the maximum 48X writing speed.

The resulting times for each drive are given in the graph above.

The writing performance varies according to the inserted media, as our tests showed. Below is a chart demonstrating all recording times with various manufacturers media.

- Other features

Overburning writing	Up to 99min
CD text reading/writing	Yes

• CD-RW Format

The Memorex F16 supports 24X Z-CLV 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.

The drive starts the writing task at 16X and reaches a maximum of 24X at the 13:00 min address mark on the disc. According to CDSpeed, the average writing speed is 22.57X.

We also used Nero Burning Rom in order to burn a data disc with 24X US-RW media from MCC. The data compilation we burned had a size of 651 MB and the duration of the recording process was 3:59 minutes.

---

9. 3T Jitter Tests

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 9

On this page you can see the 3T Pit & Land Jitter graphs using various media burned at 48X CAV writing speed.

- 3T Pit results

Only some media produced satisfactory Jitter levels (BenQ, SKC, Mmore, Maxell).The remainder had vrey high levels, however, we should not forget the high speed of 48X.

- 3T Land results

As with the Pit Jitter levels, the 3T Land Jitter levels were also excessively high in some cases. The performance with Waitec media was not at all good but this should not impact on the overall image of the drive.

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

---

10. C1 / C2 Error Measurements

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 10

We measured the C1 / C2 error rate on the recorded discs we burned at the maximum supported writing speed of 48X. The software we used is PleXTools Professional v2.16, and more specifically the built-in Q-Check utility. The reader was the Plextor PX-712A (firmware v1.04).

BenQ 80min 52X CD-R @ 48X

Maxell 80min 48X @ 48X

SKC 80min 52X @ 48X

MMore 80min 52X @ 48X

TraxData 80min 52X @ 48X

TY 80min 48X @ 48X

Waitec 80min 52X @ 48X

- Summary

The CD writing quality is good for the Memorex drive if we keep in mind the high recording speed of 48X. Most media burned ok, while in two cases C2 errors were reported. However, in both these cases there was no error with CDSpeed.

- Appendix

• Media ID codes

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
Waitec 80min 52X	97m28s26f	Multi Media Masters & Machinery SA	79:59.74

---

11. DVD Recording Tests

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 11

• 8X DVD+R Single Layer writing

• 12X DVD+R Single Layer writing

The start, end and average speeds for the Memorex were 6.67X, 12.08X and 10.91X respectively. The task finished after 6:17min

• 16X DVD+R Single Layer writing

The drive completed successful DVD writing at 16X in 5:48mins. It started writing at 6.66X, reached a maximum writing speed of 16.00X and reported an average speed of 11.97X.

Below is a table with the average writing speeds for various 16X recorders as measured by Nero CDDVDSpeed, showing that the Memorex achieved the fastest average 16X recording speed:

Drive	Writing Strategy	Writing Speed	Average Writing Speed
Memorex F16	CAV	16X	11.97X
BenQ DW1620A	CAV	16X	11.52X
ASUS DRW-1604P	Z-CLV	16X	10.11X
Pioneer DVR-108A	Z-CLV	16X	10.03X

Disc Label	Disc Information	Max Allowed Writing Speed	Total Recording Time (mins)
Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X	MCC 004	16X	5:47
Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X	MCC 004	12X	6:16
CMC 16X	CMC MAG M01	16X	5:45
CMC 16X	CMC MAG M01	12X	6:11
Verbatim 8X	MCC 003	8X	8:00
3A 8X	Plasmon1C01	8X	8:08
Philips 8X	PHILIPS C08	8X	8:00
Intenso 8X	Prodisc R03	8X	8:15
Traxdata 8X	RITEK R03	8X	7:59
Taiyo Yuden 8X	YUDEN000T02	8X	8:08
MMore 8X	MBIPG101RO4	8X	8:02
Maxell 4X	YUDEN000T01	4X	14:13
TDK 8X	TDK002	8X	8:03
Ricoh 8X	RICOHJPNR02	8X	8:02
Infosmart 4X	ISO1001	4X	14:19
CMC Magnetics 8X	CMC MAG E01	8X	8:21

- Supported media list/Burning Tests

We burned 4315MB of data on various DVD±R and DVD±RW media. We used the maximum allowed writing speed for each disc. With the current firmware (vB7H9), there's not a lot media being supported at 16X, especially for the DVD-R format. Future firmware releases are expected to support more media at 12X/16X for both the DVD±R formats.

- Writing Time Results

• DVD-R media

The writing strategy of the F16 with DVD-R media is Z-CLV.

Disc Label	Disc Information	Max Allowed Writing Speed	Total Recording Time (mins)
Verbatim 8X	MCC 02RG20	8X	9:14
MMore 8X	MBI 02RG20	8X	9:13
Maxell 8X	MXL RG03	8X	9:16
TDK 8X	TTHO1	8X	9:13
Intenso 4X	ProdiscS03	4X	14:35
Datawrite 8X	FUJIFILM03	8X	9:14
Optodisc 4X	OPTODISCOR004	4X	14:54
Mam 4X	MAMG4X02	4X	14:30
Infosmart 4X	SKC Co Ltd	4X	14:33
CMC Magnetics 8X	CMC MAG AE1	8X	9:14
Traxdata 8X	RITEKG05	8X	9:11
Taiyo Yuden 8X	TYG02	8X	9:12

Below are Nero screenshots for recording done at 16X and 12X:

According to firmware revision BWSB, the supported media and their speeds are as follows:

DVD-R

DVD+R

4M SYS 202C1/52 [ 4x ] AML /52 [ 4x ] AN30 /52 [ 4x ] AN31 /52 [ 4x ] AN32 /52 [ 4x ] Auvistar /50 [ 2x ] BeAll G00001/50 [ 2x ] BeAll G40001/52 [ 4x ] CMC MAG. /50 [ 2x ] CMC MAG. AE1/52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] CMC MAG. AF1/52 [ 4x ] DATA TRACK /52 [ 4x ] DAXON004 /52 [ 4x ] DAXON008 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] DKM_01 /52 [ 4x ] Dvsn /52 [ 4x ] FORNEX001 /50 [ 2x ] FORNEX101 /52 [ 4x ] FUJIFILM03 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] GSC001 /50 [ 2x ] GSC001 /52 [ 4x ] GSC002 /52 [ 4x ] GSC003 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] INFODISC-R01/52 [ 4x ] INFODISC-R20/52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] LD /50 [ 2x ] LEADDATA /50 [ 2x ] LEADDATA S03/52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] LEADDATA01 /52 [ 4x ] LGE04 /52 [ 4x ] LGE08 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] LONGTEN 001 /52 [ 4x ] LONGTEN 009 /52 [ 4x ] MAM4XG01 /52 [ 4x ] MBI /50 [ 2x ] MBI 01RG20 /52 [ 4x ] MBI 03RG30 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MCC 00RG200 /50 [ 2x ] MCC 01RG20 /52 [ 4x ] MCC 02RG20 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MCI4XG01 /52 [ 4x ] MCIG01 /50 [ 2x ] MEI 00V001 /50 [ 2x ] MUST 001 /52 [ 4x ] MXL RG01 /50 [ 2x ] MXL RG02 /52 [ 4x ] MXL RG03 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] NANYA-JC001 /52 [ 4x ] ONIDTECH /52 [ 4x ] OPTODISCK001/50 [ 2x ] OPTODISCK001/52 [ 4x ] OPTODISCR004/52 [ 4x ] OPTODISCR008/52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] Plasmon1A /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] POSG04 /52 [ 4x ] POSJ 01 /50 [ 2x ] PRINCO /50 [ 2x ] PRINCO /52 [ 4x ] PRINCO8X01 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PRINCO8X02 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] ProdiscF01 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PRODISCG02 /50 [ 2x ] ProdiscS03 /52 [ 4x ] ProdiscS04 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PVC001001 /00 [ 2x ] PVCR001002 /52 [ 4x ] RITEKG03 /50 [ 2x ] RITEKG04 /52 [ 4x ] RITEKG05 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] RITEKM02 /52 [ 4x ] SKC Co.,Ltd./52 [ 4x ] SONY /50 [ 2x ] SONY04D1 /52 [ 4x ] SONY08D1 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] TAIYOYUDEN /50 [ 2x ] TAROKO-MX4 /52 [ 4x ] TDKG02000000/50 [ 2x ] TTG01 /52 [ 4x ] TTG02 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] TTH01 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] TYG01 /52 [ 4x ] TYG02 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] UME01 /52 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] VANGUARD /52 [ 4x ] VDSPMSAB 01 /52 [ 4x ] VDSP­SAB 01 /52 [ 4x ] Yi Jhan 001 /52 [ 4x ]

AML /001/00 [ 4x ] AML /002/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] BeAll000/P40/00 [ 4x ] BeAll000/P80/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] CMC MAG /E01/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] CMC MAG /F01/00 [ 4x ] CMC MAG /F01/01 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] CMC MAG /M01/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x, 12x, 16x ] CMC MAG /R01/00 [ 2.4x ] DAXON /AZ1/00 [ 4x ] DAXON /AZ2/00 [ 4x, 6x ] DAXON /AZ3/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] DT-D02 /02 /00 [ 4x ] DT-D03 /004/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] EMDP /000/00 [ 4x ] GSC502 /002/00 [ 4x ] GSC503 /H01/00 [ 4x ] INFODISC/R10/02 [ 4x ] INFODISC/R20/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] ISSM /001/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] LD /001/00 [ 2.4x ] LD /A02/00 [ 4x ] LD /S03/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] LONGTEN /002/00 [ 4x ] MAXELL /001/00 [ 4x ] MAXELL /002/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MAXELL /003/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MBIPG101/R03/00 [ 4x ] MBIPG101/R04/01 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MCC /001/00 [ 2.4x ] MCC /002/00 [ 4x ] MCC /003/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MCC /004/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x, 12x, 16x ] MEDIA ID/001/00 [ 4x ] MPOMEDIA/001/00 [ 2.4x ] MPOMEDIA/040/00 [ 4x ] MPOMEDIA/080/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MUST /002/01 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] MUST 002/ /02 [ 4x ] NANYA /CHX/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] NANYA /CLX/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] NANYA /DR /00 [ 2.4x ] NANYA /RJB/00 [ 4x ] OPTODISC/OP1/00 [ 2.4x ] OPTODISC/OP2/00 [ 2.4x ] OPTODISC/OR4/00 [ 4x ] OPTODISC/OR8/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] Philips /081/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PHILIPS /C08/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PHILIPS /C16/01 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] Plasmon /c01/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PRODISC /R01/00 [ 2.4x ] PRODISC /R02/00 [ 4x ] PRODISC /R03/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] PRODISC /R04/04 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] RICOHJPN/R00/00 [ 2.4x ] RICOHJPN/R01/02 [ 4x ] RICOHJPN/R02/03 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] RICOHJPN/R03/04 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] RITEK /M02/01 [ 4x ] RITEK /R01/00 [ 2.4x ] RITEK /R02/01 [ 4x ] RITEK /R03/01 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] RITEK /R03/02 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] RITEK /R04/01 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] SKYMEDIA/R01/00 [ 2.4x ] SONY /D01/00 [ 4x ] SONY /D11/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] SONY /D21/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x, 12x, 16x ] TDK /001/00 [ 4x ] TDK /002/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] TDK /003/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ] ULTRAN /202/00 [ 4x ] VDSPMSAB/001/01 [ 4x ] YUDEN000/T01/00 [ 4x ] YUDEN000/T01/01 [ 4x ] YUDEN000/T02/00 [ 4x, 6x, 8x ]

The media from Traxdata with ID R04, certified for 16X speed, is not included in the current firmware and so the maximum speed for that media was 8X.

Some media had problems while playing back in our test DVD players. More details in the table below:

	Philips DVD 763SA	Philips DVD 963SA	Philips DVP 720SA	Pioneer DV-370	Pioneer DVR-320
CMC 8X DVD-R@ 8X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	OK	OK	cannot access disc
Optodisc 4X DVD-R@ 4X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	freezes at last chapters	freezes at last chapters	freezes at last chapters
Verbatim 8X DVD-R@ 8X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	freezes at last chapters	freezes at last chapters	freezes at last chapters
Infosmart 4X DVD-R@ 4X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	played with freezes	freezes at last chapters	freezes at last chapters
Intenso 8X DVD+R@ 8X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	OK	OK	-
CMC 8X DVD+R@ 12X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	OK	OK	-
CMC 8X DVD+R@ 16X	cannot access disc	cannot access disc	OK	OK	-

- Comparison with other drives

With DVD-R media, the Memorex was significantly slower than the other two drives due to its 8X supported speed which for the Pioneer and BenQ drives is 16X. On the other hand, with DVD+R media, all three drives support the same maximum speed of 16X, but there is a large difference in the reported times where the Pioneer drive was 86 seconds slower than the Memorex.

With DVD re-writable media, all drives support the same speed. The Memorex drive proved to be the fastest.

- DVD Overburning Test

• DVD+R

• DVD-R

- DVD+MRW Tests

The drive doesn't support the Mount Rainier feature.

---

12. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 1

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 12

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Memorex F16. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3 and the reader was 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 can only report PIF errors and not PO, 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 16X DVD+R @ 16X

MKM 16X DVD+R @ 16X

CMC 16X DVD+R @ 12X

MKM 16X DVD+R @ 12X

- Summary

Judging from the PI/PIF scans we can say that the Memorex F16 needs improvement at these recording speeds. We would like to see lower PI/PIF levels.

- Appendix

Disc Label	Disc Information	Max Allowed Writing Speed	Total Recording Time (mins)
Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X	MCC 004	16X	5:47
Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X	MCC 004	12X	6:16
CMC 16X	CMC MAG M01	16X	5:45
CMC 16X	CMC MAG M01	12X	6:11

---

13. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 2

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 13

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Memorex F16. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3 and the reader was 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 can only report PIF errors and not PO, 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).

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.

Verbatim 8X DVD+R @ 8X

3A 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Philips 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Intenso 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Traxdata 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD+R @ 8X

MMore 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Maxell 4X DVD+R @ 4X

TDK 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Ricoh 8X DVD+R @ 8X

Infosmart 4X DVD+R @ 4X

CMC 8X DVD+R @ 8X

- Summary

Only a few media burned with the F16 had low PI/PIF levels. In most cases, both Kprobe and Plextools revealed high levels. This is something that has to be fixed. In many cases, Plextools reported errors which is mainly due to the Plextor drive being much more sensitive than the LiteOn.

- Appendix

Disc Label	Disc Information	Max Allowed Writing Speed	Total Recording Time (mins)
Verbatim 8X	MCC 003	8X	8:00
3A 8X	Plasmon1C01	8X	8:08
Philips 8X	PHILIPS C08	8X	8:00
Intenso 8X	Prodisc R03	8X	8:15
Traxdata 8X	RITEK R03	8X	7:59
Taiyo Yuden 8X	YUDEN000T02	8X	8:08
MMore 8X	MBIPG101RO4	8X	8:02
Maxell 4X	YUDEN000T01	4X	14:13
TDK 8X	TDK002	8X	8:03
Ricoh 8X	RICOHJPNR02	8X	8:02
Infosmart 4X	ISO1001	4X	14:19
CMC Magnetics 8X	CMC MAG E01	8X	8:21

---

14. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 3

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 14

KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 3

- DVD-R@8X,4X

---

15. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 4

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 15

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Memorex F16. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3 and the reader was 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 can only report PIF errors and not PO, 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 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

Maxell 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

Traxdata 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

Mitsubishi Chemicals 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

- Summary

The writing quality of the drive with rewritable media is about average but the PI/PIF levels are a little on the high side.

- Appendix

Disc Label	Disc Information	Max Allowed Writing Speed	Total Recording Time (mins)
CMC Magnetics DVD+RW	CMCMAGW02	4X	13:38
Maxell DVD+RW	PHILIPS041	4X	13:36
Traxdata DVD+RW	RICOHJPNW11	4X	14:13
Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD-RW	MCC 01RW4X	4X	13:37

---

16. DVD+R DL - Page 1

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 15

---

17. DVD+R DL - Page 2

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 16

- Double Layer

In the following screenshots you can see the PI/PIF scans for the DVD+R/RW media we burned with the Memorex F16. The software we used for all measurements is KProbe v2.2.3 and the reader was 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 can only report PIF errors and not PO, 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.

Pressed Disc

Verbatim 2.4X DVD+R DL @ 2.4X

Traxdata 2.4X DVD+R DL @ 2.4X

- Summary

Inspite of the poor writing quality with the previous media types, the Memorex F16 is very good with DL media. Both samples revealed excellent writing quality.

- Appendix

Disc Label	Disc Information	Max Allowed Writing Speed	Total Recording Time (mins)
Verbatim 2.4X	MKM 001	2.4X	37:19
Traxdata 2.4X	RITEK D01	2.4X	37:22

---

18. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 1

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 17

For checking exactly what the Memorex F16 reports, we used three different media, burned with other recorders. The three media have been measured with the well known AudioDev SA300 DVD CATS system at 1X.

The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those measurements for various reading speeds:

• 3~8X CAV
• 2~6X CAV
• 4X CLV

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex F16 drive. Using other drives, even another F16, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed

The PIF error rate trend line is similar to that of the SA300.

#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 6X Reading speed

#1st Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed

With this test disc, all the speeds we tested (8X, 6X and 4X) showed that at the end of the disc, the PI/PIF error rate increases. The SA300 system also measured similar performance. It's rather interesting that the 4X reading speed gave the "worst" results with the same trend line for PI/PIF errors but with lower values than at 8X speed. In all cases, the the y-axis values themselves were double those of the SA300...

---

19. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 2

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 18

For checking exactly what the Memorex F16 reports, we used three different media burned with other recorders. The media have been measured using the well known AudioDev SA300 DVD CATS system at 1X.

The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those measurements at various reading speeds:

• 3~8X CAV
• 2~6X CAV
• 4X CLV

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex F16 drive. Using other drives, even another F16, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed

We can see that at the 8X reading speed, the PI error trend line rises up at the end. This is also what the SA300 system showed, even though the levels differ by a magnitude of 100. The PIF error trend line as reported by the F16 shows the same behavior as the SA300 system but again the levels differ.

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 6X Reading speed

The Memorex F16 used as a reader at 6X reports PI/PIF error levels that are much lower than CATS, leading the user to conclude that the disc is in top shape when in fact, that may not be the case.

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed

The Memorex reported totaly different results in comparison to the SA300 with this disc. Neither the trend nor the values are the same.

---

20. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 3

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 19

For checking exactly what the Memorex F16 reports, we used three different media, burned with other recorders. The media were measured using the well known AudioDev SA300 DVD CATS system at 1X.

The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those measurements at various reading speeds:

• 3~8X CAV
• 2~6X CAV
• 4X CLV

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex F16 drive. Using other drives, even another F16, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed

The F16's PI trend differs from the CATS as well as having much lower values. PIF is much closer in both trend and values but it is difficult to tell whether indeed the F16 at 8X is an accurate reader since the particular disc's levels for PI and PIF are quite low, since it appears that the difference between the F16 and CATS is most noticeable when the levels are high.

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 6X Reading speed

In general, the F16 seems to report much lower levels possibly leading to a wrong conclusion as to the disc's true quality.

#2nd Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed

At 4X, the differences in level between the F16 and CATS remains but is not so great. The trends seem to be about the same. At all speeds, the biggest differences is in the PI levels where the values are an order of magnitude off.

---

21. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 4

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 20

For checking exactly what the Memorex F16 reports, we used three different media, burned with other recorders. The three media have been measured using the well known AudioDev SA300 DVD CATS system at 1X.

The drive is capable of reporting PI/PIF errors, so we will compare those measurements at various reading speeds:

• 3~8X CAV
• 2~6X CAV

Please note that the posted results are only valid for the specific tested Memorex F16 drive. Using other drives, even another F16, can produce totally different results. Be aware!

#4th Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 8X Reading speed







#4th Test Disc - PISum8/PIF Comparison - 4X Reading speed







The trend and levels are totally out here. Strangely enough, the F16 reports much higher PI levels than CATS.

---

22. BookType Setting

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 21

BookType Setting

The Memorex F16 doesn't supports BookType Setting for DVD-R/+RW formats, with firmware revisions BWSA and BWSB, something that surprised us, since the drive is LiteOn based. This is also the reason that the prodused DL media wasn't playable in our standalone DVD players from Philips and Pioneer.





We believe that this will be fixed soon...

*23/9/2004 Updated

The release of firmware BWSE changed this...









Memorex D² now supports the booktype feature...

---

23. Conclusion

---

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 22

Conclusion



The F16 from Memorex is a fast CD reader with good seek times. We would like to see an improvement in the area of error correction, which was below average to average.

In the DVD reading tests, the drive displayed good performance, with error correction being very good this time. DVD ripping with DL pressed discs was also fast.

The performance of the drive when reading AudioCD's was very good. The reading speed was high while, according to Nero's Advanced DAE test, the drive qualified with a perfect score of 100. The good behavior continued with the protected AudioCD's which the Memorex F16 can read, rip and backup without problems.

Protected games backup is not a strong point of the F16 drive. However it did manage to make working backups of SafeDisk protected games up to v2.8.

The 48X recording speed for CD-R media is high and there are not too many recorders that support this speed in combination with the other features that the F16 has to offer. The writing quality at such speeds revealed slightly increased levels of C1 errors and some C2, while the Jitter levels were also increased. But we cannot condemn the drive keeping in mind that the safest CD recording is achieved mostly at 16X or 24X.

According to our DVD recording tests, the drive supports CAV strategy for the 16X DVD+R which is a good feature. The time needed for such writing is 5:45min, a rather low time. The recording speed for the DVD-R format could be higher than the currently supported 8X. As for the writng quality with both formats, this needs improvement. The reported PI/PIF levels, as they were reported with Kprobe and Plextools, were high. This is something that, with a newer firmware upgrade, will probably be fixed. Despite this, the writng quality for Double Layer media is very good.

Another imprortand issue that should be added in the drive's features is that of bitsetting. We expected it to be included, since the drive is LiteOn based. The produced burned disks, despite being of good writing quality, were not recognized in our standalone DVD players from Philips and Pioneer.

This drive can be used for DVD media error measurements, which is an advantage for the F16.

At the time of this review, the price for the retail package as posted on the Memorex website was US$149.99, which we consider pricy since there are other drives available on the market with similar specifications for below $100.

- The Good

• CD reading speed
• Excellent Double Layer media writing quality
• Can backup SafeDisc2 v2.8x protected discs
• Very good DVD error correction
• Can overburn up to 99mins
• Supports protected Audio discs (CDS200, Key2Audio)
• Accurately backup "Aiko Katsukino - The Love Letter", Audio protected disc
• Can be used for DVD media error measurements
• High DVD ripping speed
• RPC1 utilities
• 16X DVD+R media included in retail package
• Supports booktype change with firmware revision BWSE

- The Bad

• Poor CD error correction
• Doesn't accurately backup SafeDisc2 v2.9x+ protected discs
• Doesn't support reading of DVD-RAM media
• Retail package didn't include any DVD+R DL media
• Doesn't support DVD overburning

- Like to be fixed

• DVD writing needs improvement, drive produces high PI/PIF error rates (could be fixed with firmware upgrade?)
• Limited support media list for 16X/12X DVD+R writing
• High C1/C2 errors with specific media at 48X
• Retail price