1. Features, specifications
Today we put Samsung's SH-B083L Blu-ray disc combo drive under out usual tests. Samsung's SH-B083L can play Blu-ray discs and record to CDs and DVDs. Plus, it has fast read speeds, which go all the way up to 8x. In addition to HD picture support (1920 x 1080 pixels), the SHB083L is available with a capacity of up to 25 GB for a single-layer disc, and 50 GB for a dual-layer disc.
The SH B083L is also equipped with several technologies for smooth operation, including two lenses and two laser diodes for reading and writing data to CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs.
The drive does not offer the writing capabilities found on more expensive units, but its relatively low cost could be attractive to users who need a BD drive in order to watch Blu-ray movies on their computers. It retails retails for about €100 in online stores.
Basic features include 8x BD read speeds, reading of DVD's at 16x and CD's at 48x. In addition, the drive will burn your DVDs at 16 max and your CDs at 48x. Below you can see more details about the drive's basic features:
- SATA interface, 5 ¼" Half-Height internal BD Combo drive.
- Max. 8X BD-ROM/BD-RE/BD-R SL and 4X BD-ROM/BD-R/BD-RE DL CAV reading
- Max.16X DVD+R/-R SL writing, 8X DVD+RDL/-RDL writing
- Max. 12x DVD-RAM writing/reading
- Max. 16X DVD-ROM/+R/-R reading
- Max. 12X DVD+RDL/-RDL/-RW/+RW reading
- Max. 48X CD-ROM/R/RW reading
- Max. 48X CD-R, 32X CD-RW writing
- Speed Adjustment TEchnology (S.A.T.): Automatically write in the most optimized speed for the inserted disc.
- TAC (Tilt Actuator Compensation): For reliable writing in all areas of the disc, the objective lens makes a tilt to compensate if the disc is in a twisted condition.
- Double OPC (Optimum Power Control): Optimizes the laser power checking the writing performance both in the inner and outer side of the media for the most reliable writing performance.
- Buffer Under Run Free Technology: Prevents Buffer Under Run error, enabling high-speed.
- Magic Speed: Enables flexibility of drive operation ; low noise mode and high-speed mode.
- BD read compliant: BD data, BD video of 12 cm diameter
- Serial ATA Revision 2.6, ATA-8, MMC-6 and SFF-8090 V7 compliant
- MPC level 3, PC2001 System Design Guide, MultiRead/UDF compliant
- Support Ultra DMA mode 5
- AACS compliant (incl. Rom mark)
- Lightscribe
|
Retail package
The retail package of the drive includes:
- Samsung SH-B083L BD combo drive
- CyberLink BD Suite: PowerDVD 8 (BD disc playback), PowerProducer 5 (DVD Authoring), MediaShow 4 (Media management), Power2GO 6 (data burning), InstantBurn 5 (packet writing), LabelPrint 2 (Label designs, LightScribe), BDAdvisor 2.
- User's Manual (18 languages)
- Quick Installation Guide
- SATA Cable
- Mounting Screws
The drive sports a glossy finish, and has the stylish operation LED / eject button below the tray:
The rear panel is straightforward and and has a power connector and the SATA interface:
Let's take a look at the drive's internal board. It is recommended not to open the case of your drive since that would void the warranty.
The main board is small as you can see in the picture below:
The drive uses the Mediatek MT1939LSU controller, also used by LiteOn for its iHES208 BD combo drive.
The drive was connected to the PC via a typical SATA interface and was identified as "DVDWBD SH-B083L " firmware version SB00:
2. CD reading tests
For our CD transfer rate tests we used the Nero Disc Speed utility and a set of data and audio CD-R/RW/ROM media. Here we test the maximum reading speed of the Samsung drive (40x/48x) for each type of disc.
-CD-ROM
- US RW
The following CD Speed graph shows the reading performance with US-RW media.
- AudioCD
In the CD Speed Advanced DAE quality test, the drive's average speed was 28.05x with a quality score of 100.
- CD DAE
Digital Audio Extraction or DAE is important when we try to read the files stored on an audio CD and store them in our hard disk drive. The procedure is not always that simple and the fidelity of the extracted data depend on the way each drive handles these data.
The majority of the software that support this procedure, commonly known as "ripping", will just read the audio files and store them on your hard disk. However, this approach is not recommended for all drives, since it may result to read or sync errors if your drive does not support report of C2 error pointer information and also what the author of the EAC (Exact Audio Copy) software describes as "accurate stream" and " non-caching."
According to EAC, the Samsung SH-B083L drive supports "caching, " "Accurate stream" and returns "C2 error" pointer information.
Accurate stream and C2 error reporting is always welcome and contribute to reliable and fast audio extraction. Generally, if you select a drive for extraction better have a look that the drive does not cache audio data.
If you are sure about the physical condition of your audio CD and you need faster extractions, you may chose other utilities such as the CD DAE software. A typical ripping task finished at an average reading speed of 16.7X, using CD DAE:
- 90 mins Audio disc
Summary
The reading process of all CD media was completed without read errors and at speeds that match the drive's specifications.
3. Reading defected CDs
This series of tests checks the drive's ability to correct/conceal possible erroneous data after reading artificially scratched / defective audio discs.
Using a CD-R in best shape to do the DAE test is generally not a safe way to test the drive's error correction capabilities. If your drive would not read audio CDs error free from an error free disc, you would probably bring the drive back to the vendor. It is far more interesting to see how a drive is behaving under critical conditions (which will also tell something about the DAE quality on CDs that have manipulated C2 error information on purpose). For that a special test CD like the ABEX discs from ALMEDIO can be used, that can be used to do a comparison between different drives. The ABEX test disc is actually an AudioCD that has artificial scratches and other physical disc error patterns on its surface.
Using a special software, we compare two audio files using FFT analysis. The first audio file has been extracted by a normal audio disc without physical error patterns on it . The second one is the result of the extraction of the ABEX test discs which hold the same audio tracks, but it also has specific defects on its surface. The similarity factor of the the two tracks unveils the error correction capabilities of the drive.
The differences between the two compared tracks are translated to a signal (noise) illustrated in the following graphs. Each graph tells a lot about the abilities of the drive. The quality of the optical system (and/or of the error correction capabilities of the firmware) is shown in at which time index the error start. The error hiding qualities are shown when the wedge gets bigger. The X position of a grid line is always a start of a new minute position on the CD (in play time, up to 74 min). The Y axis shows the dB(A) value of the error in the extracted file. The 0 dB(A) baseline at the top is marked slightly different. So the graph shows a range of 6 dB(A) down to -120.0 dB(A). Each line represents 6 dB(A) of volume (6 dB(A) louder means that the sound is double as loud).
- ABEX TCD-721R
Errors total |
Num : 989433 |
Errors (Loudness) |
Num : 51509 |
Avg : -73.7 dB(A) |
Max : -14.2 dB(A) |
Error Muting |
Num : 3176 |
Avg : 1.0 Samples |
Max : 8 Samples |
Skips |
Num : 0 |
Avg :0.0 Samples |
Max 0 Samples |
Total Test Result |
76.8 points (out of 100.0 maximum )
|
The Samsung SH-B083L drive muted many faulty samples. The average value for the errors is not high enough to produce possible audible distortions to sound that will reach your speakers, although some wedges are high (max -14.2 dB(A)). This is a better than average performance for the drive, compared to the results we have seen from other DVD and BD burners.
- ABEX TCD-726R
Errors total |
Num : 13 |
Errors (Loudness) |
Num : 4 |
Avg : -88.8 dB(A) |
Max : -81.0 dB(A) |
Error Muting |
Num : 0 |
Avg : 0.0 Samples |
Max : 0 Samples |
Skips |
Num :0 |
Avg : 0.0 Samples |
Max 0 Samples
|
Total Test Result |
94.1 points (out of 100.0 maximum)
|
The drive started reporting errors before actually reaching the defected areas of the test disc. This could be attributed to either the quality of the optical system and/or of the error correction capabilities of the firmware. The wedge was not high, meaning that it most probably wouldn't reach your speakers as noise. However, its existence was enough to lower the overall score of the test.
- CD-Check Audio Test Disc
The CD-Check Test Disc is another 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 more difficult tests. These tracks are referred to as Check Level-1 through Check Level-5.
The tracks are reproduced through a software multimedia player (e.g. Windows Media Player). Each level is considered as passed, if the tone is smooth, continuous without interruptions, skipping or looping. The higher the Check Level passed, the more reliable the sound reproduction of the tested drive.
Error Level |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Samsung SH-B083L |
5/5 |
5/5 |
5/5 |
5/5 |
0/5 |
As it was expected, the error hiding mechanism of the LiteOn iHOS104 drive as well as the drive's tend to mute faulty samples resulted to a flawless reproduction of all the first four tracks of this test disc. A good performance here.
4. DVD reading tests
DVD-ROM SL media
PTP DVD-ROM
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 its outer range.
OTP DVD-ROM
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 and progresses towards the inner part of the disc.
DVD-R
DVD-RW
DVD+R
DVD+RW
DVD+R DL
DVD-R DL
The specific disc was burned and read back using the Samsung SH-B083L drive. It is obvious that the drive could not read easily read the data around the layer switch area.
DVD Ripping speed
Ripping of a single layer DVD movie:
|
Samsung SH-B083L |
Average |
8.118 KB/s (5.9x) |
Maximum |
11.261 KB/s (8.1x) |
Summary
The Samsung SH-B083L is a fast drive for your DVD media. It can easily compete other DVD burners and BD ROM drives. However, it had problems reading the DVD-R DL discs.
5. Reading defected DVDs
In the following tests, we examine the DVD reading capabilities of the drive (error correction) with scratched / defective DVD media. For the tests, we used 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 a 4.7GB capacity, and its surface has an artificial scratch of dimensions varying from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.
The reading process was completed successfully and the defects on the disc's surface did not slow down reading.
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.
No reading problems here.
- 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.
Same as before, successful reading without any speed fluctuations or read errors.
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.
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.
Flawless reading here.
Summary
Overall, the DVD error correction mechanism of the Samsung drive is very good.
6. Reading Blu-ray discs - page 1
Let's now see how the drive performs with various Blu-ray discs. We remind you that the drive uses the 8x (CAV) speed for reading all the Blu-ray disc formats. For this test, we used many BD-R/RE discs burned at high speeds with the Pioneer BD-R 203 and the Sony BWU-S300 burners.
- BD-ROM SL (25GB, movie)
Disc |
BD-ROM SL 25GB |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
A typical reading of a BD-ROM SL disc. The Samsung SH-B083Ldrive finished the task in an average speed of 5.99X.
- BD-ROM DL (50GB, movie)
Disc |
BD-ROM DL 50GB |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
The supported 4X CAV reading with BD-ROM DL media was confirmed.
- Blu-ray Disc Movie
In order to perform our BD Movie Playback tests, we used the "Casino Royale" (BD DL ) movie.
The recommended specifications for BD Playback and Authoring are:
- CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz or higher
- Memory: 1GB RAM or higher
- OS: Windows XP SP2 / Vista/7
- GPU: nVidia GeForce 8000, 9000 series, ATI Radeon 2000, 3000 series or above (for hardware decoding)
- HDCP capable graphics cards with 256 MB RAM, PCI Express x 16, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 32-bit color.
- HDCP capable monitor / TV for HD digital output.
Our testing system consisted of the following:
- Intel Core2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
- 2046MB RAM (Samsung DDR3)
- Windows XP Professional SP3
- NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS with 256 MB RAM
- a typical non-HDCP monitor, using a resolution of 1600x1200 at 85 Hz
- an LG L246WH-BN 24" Full-HD LCD monitor, HDCP ready 1920x1200@60Hz.
First, we connected our non-HDCP monitor with a typical analog (VGA) connector.
Then we connected the an LG L246WH-BN 24" Full-HD LCD monitor, which was HDCP ready and offers a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz.
Cyberlink's BD advisor utility is bundled with the drive, offering you a basic testing of your PC and returns information on whether it is ready to play Blu-ray disc content. The utility will look at your CPU, graphics card (for hardware acceleration), system memory, operating system, graphics card driver, installed software player as well as your card's video connection type (analog, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort etc). In addition, it will notify you whether your system supports Blu-ray's Bonus View, BD Live, hardware dual-video decoding for H.264/ MPEG-2/VC-1 as well as your network connection. Suggestions as to how to upgrade your system if needed are also provided.
Once you are qualified for BD play back, you are ready to start Cyberlink's Power DVD v8 software to watch your BD movie:
The appropriate region code should be set before starting playback of a BD movie:
Cyberlink's PowerDVD v8 is also supporting the 'TrueTheater; video enhancing technology. The software allows you to watch standard-definition content in high-definition quality, enhance image details, naturalize colors and automatically adjust chroma and luminance using the 'TruTheater Lighting' slider, enable smoother video playback with frame-rate up-conversion technology (TrueTheater Motion) and also select among three different effects for your display:
Notice that you cannot enjoy nVidia's PureVideo hardware acceleration (if your Nvidia card supports it) and the TruTheater effects at the same time.
Let's move on with the BD movie play back:
In this frame PowerDVD shows us info about the movie and the video/audio bitrate for a specific scene. This varied from approximately 10Mbps to 45Mbps, depending on the complexity of each scene of the movie.
Playback was flawless with the CPU utilization to hardly reach the 25%, for the specific PC configuration. Forward/reverse operations were resumed without any problems throughout the complete movie.
- BD-R SL (25GB, data)
Here we test the reading capabilities of the Samsung SH-B083L drive with various BD-R discs.
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Moser Baer India 25GB BD-R 6x - MBIR06 (000) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim 25GB BD-R 6x - VERBATIMe (000) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Panasonic 25GB BD-R 6x - MEI (RA1) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 25GB BD-R 4x - TDKBLDRBB (000) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim BD-R 25GB 4x - VERBATIMc (000) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 25GB BD-R 6x - TDKBLDRBD (000) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim 25GB BD-R LTH 2x - VERBATIMw (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD-R SL (7.5GB, data)
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim 7.5GB 8cm BD-R 2x - VERBATIMa (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
Summary
The drive easily read all the BD-ROM and BD-R discs of this test. No problems were identified even with BD-Rs burned at 6x and 8x or with the Verbatim LTH BD-R discs. Playback of a Blu-ray disc movie was great and the drive was responsive to any navigation and FF/RW test we did while playing the movie.
7. Reading Blu-ray discs - page 2
We continue our BD reading tests with some BD-R DL and BD-RE DL discs.
- BD-R DL (50GB, data)
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Panasonic 50GB BD-R DL 6x - MEIRB1(001) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 50GB BD-R DL 6x - TDKBLDRFD (000) |
Burning speed |
8x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim 50GB BD-R 2x - VERBATIMb (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 50GB BD-R DL 2x - TDKBLDRFA (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
- BD-RE SL (25GB, data)
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim BD-RE 25GB 2x - VERBATIM0 (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 25GB BD-RE 2x - TDKBLDWBA (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
- BD-RE SL (7.5GB, data)
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
Verbatim 7.5GB BD-RE 8cm 2x - VERBATIM0 (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
BD-RE DL (50GB, data)*
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 50GB BD-RE 2x - TDKBLDWFa (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB00 |
|
This is the first read error we had with the Samsung SH-B083L drive. The specific disc BD-RE DL was made by TDK and had been burned at 2x.
*Update firmware version SB01
We run the same test with a brand new TDK 50GB BD-RE 2x - TDKBLDWFa (000) disc and after flashing the Samsung drive to the latest firmware, Ver. SB01. This time the disc was fully readable:
BD Burner |
Pioneer BD-R 203 Ver.1.10 |
Disc |
TDK 50GB BD-RE 2x - TDKBLDWFa (000) |
Burning speed |
2x |
BD reader |
Samsung SH-B083L ver.SB01 |
|
Summary
The Samsung drive was accurate in this test and reading of the BD-R DL and BD-RE SL discs did not show any problems.
8. CD/DVD testing platform - The IQB Omni CD DVD Analyser by Quantized
All CD/DVD writing quality tests are done using the IQB Omni CD DVD Analyser by Quantized. The IQB Omni from Quantized Systems is a physical disc analyser,
covering all CD and DVD formats,
designed to meet the Quality Control
demands of the duplication and
replication sectors.
Omni's features allows you to identify media quality issues and highlight drive performance and recording problems.
The system is based on a Philips CD/DVD drive. It supports the majority of the optical disc formats, including CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, CD-A
DVD-R/-RW, DVD-R DL, DVD+R/+RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-ROM 5 and DVD-ROM.
The platform can test the media for the following signals:
CD-R/CD-ROM/CD-A |
DVD+R/+RW |
DVD-R/-RW |
DVD-ROM |
Reflectivity |
R-I14H |
R-I14H |
R-I14H |
Jitter |
Modulation |
Modulation |
Modulation |
I11/ITop |
Jitter |
Jitter |
Jitter |
Asymmetry/Beta |
PI Sum 8 |
PI Sum 8 |
PI SUm 8 |
BLER |
PI Unc |
PI Unc |
PI Unc |
E11 to E32 Error Statistics |
POF |
POF |
POF |
Burst Errors |
Beta |
Beta |
Asymmetry |
|
ADER |
|
EDC |
|
ADER Unc |
|
|
Test speeds for CD media are set at 16X and for DVD media at 4X.
The equipment is capable of providing mesasurments on the complete data area or at specific positions defined by the user (Quick Test mode). This zone testing procedure allows multiple areas of the
disc to be tested in a single operation.
All numerical and graphical data are stored in a database. Data can be recalled with user defined criteria to create sets of related key results. Data can also be imported into most common software
packages - MS Excel etc.
For more information on the Quantized IQB Omni Analyser, visit http://www.quantized.com.
In the following pages, we present the writing quality measurements of various CD and DVD recordable and rewritable media, burned with the Samsung SH-B083L BD combo drive.
9. CD-R writing - Memorex 48x CD-R
- Disc Info
Memorex Ritek 48x CD-R
- Writing 48X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 37.11X
- Writing time: 02:40 min
- Reading 40X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Some correctable (E31) digital errors were reported here, which seems to have been corrected at the second layer of error correction, resulting to zero E32 (uncorrectable) errors. Also, the Pit/Land jitter was over the acceptable limits.
10. CD-R writing - Taiyo Yuden 48x CD-R
For this test (and for all ensuing tests with CD-R media), the CD-R disc was burned to its maximum capacity and at its maximum speed. Then, the same disc is read with the Disc Speed software, and the disc was scanned for digital errors (C1 and C2).
-Disc Info
Taiyo Yuden 48x CD-R
- Writing strategy
Average Writing Speed: 16.99x
Writing time: 06:04 min
- Reading speed
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
The test reported no uncorrectable digital errors. Good writing quality with the Yuden disc.
11. CD-R writing - CMC Magnetics 48X CD-R
For this test (and for all ensuing tests with CD-R media), the CD-R disc was burned to its maximum capacity and at its maximum speed. Then, the same disc is read with the Disc Speed software, and the disc was scanned for digital errors (C1 and C2).
-Disc Info
CMC Magnetics 48X CD-R
- Writing 48X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 37.24X
- Writing time: 02:41 min
- Reading 40X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Another great burn here with the Verbatim CD-R disc.
12. CD-RW writing - Verbatim CD-RW 24x and 32x
-Disc Info
Verbatim 24x CD-RW
- Writing 24X Z-CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 22.05X
- Writing time: 04:00 min
- Reading 40X CAV
-Disc Info
Verbatim 32x CD-RW
- Writing 32X Z-CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 25.86X
- Writing time: 03:49 min
- Reading 40X CAV
The drive burned and read both the 24X and 32X HS-RW discs without any problems.
13. DVD-R writing - CMC MAG AM3 16x DVD-R
We start our DVD writing quality measurements with DVD-R media. A variety of different MIDs were selected and burned at the maximum allowed speed. In each of the following pages, you will find detailed information about each disc, the burning and reading procedure as well as the related signal measurements that construct the overall quality picture for each disc.
You can always navigate across to the different MIDs in this review, using the page navigation drop down menu.
- Media Info
Brand |
CMC Magnetics |
Media type |
DVD-R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
CMC MAG AM3 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.86X
- Writing time: 05:30 min
- Reading 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
The drive's first DVD-R burn was acceptable with no uncorrectable digital errors. The PISum8 error rate reached the upper acceptable limits in the end of the data area. Jitter was also increased after the 42 mm radius of the disc.
14. DVD-R writing - MCC 03RG20 16x DVD-R
- Media Info
Brand |
Verbatim |
Media type |
DVD-R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
MCC 03RG20 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.87X
- Writing time: 05:31 min
- Reading 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Another good burn here with all error rates within limits.PISum8 is rising towards the end of the data area but stays below the 280 limit. Jitter increased after the 49 mm radius of the disc.
15. DVD-R writing - RITEK F1 16x DVD-R
- Media Info
Brand |
Ritek |
Media type |
DVD-R SL 4.7GB |
MID |
RITEK F1 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.89X
- Writing time: 05:31 min
- Reading 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Another nice burn for the Samsung drive, reporting no uncorrectable digital errors.
16. DVD-R writing - TTH02 16x DVD-R
- Media Info
Brand |
Datawrite |
Media type |
DVD-R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
TTH02 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.83X
- Writing time: 05:32 min
- Reading - 16X CAV
The drive had problems reading the disc and slowed down right after the 4.0 GB mark as you can see above.
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
This was not a good burn, with the PISum8 error rate to reach the 442 (max). Although no POFs were reported, the high PISum8 affected the readability of the disc.
17. DVD-R writing - TYG03 16x DVD-R
- Media Info
Brand |
Taiyo Yuden |
Media type |
DVD-R SL 4.7GB |
MID |
TYG03 |
- Writing 16x CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.87X
- Writing time: 05:31 min
- Reading 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
This is a nice burn with the Taiyo Yuden DVD-R disc at 16X. PISum8 almost reached the limits in the end of the disc but stayed within acceptable levels.
18. DVD-R DL writing - MKM03RD30 8x DVD-R
- Media Info
Brand |
Verbatim |
Media type |
DVD-R DL 8.5GB |
MID |
MKM 03RD30 |
- Writing 8X Z-CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 6.19X
- Writing time: 19:13 min
- Reading - 16X CAV
It seems that there is a problem with the data in the end of layer 0 and the beginning of layer 1. The drive managed to read the disc but it slowed down at the specific areas.
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
PISum8 was very high for the layer 1, and jitter was also high for both layers. The Reflectivity (RI14) signal was also low for both layers. This may result in problems with the read-out of the data. In most cases, the cause of an actual value of RI14H should be looked for in the dye or recording material.
19. DVD-RW writing - MKM RW6X01 6x DVD-RW
- Media Info
Brand |
Verbatim |
Media type |
DVD-RW SL 4.7GB |
MID |
MKM RW6X01 |
- Writing 6x Z-CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 5.76X
- Writing time: 10:42 min
- Reading 12X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
A high POF wedge appeared in the beginning of the disc, coupled by an EDC failure.This could be attributed to a local defect of the disc, although we used a brand new one for this test. Other than that, the PISum8 was high but stayed below 280, while PIF and jitter were also high.
20. DVD+R writing - DAXON AZ3 16x DVD+R
- Media Info
Brand |
DAXON |
Media type |
DVD+R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
DAXON AZ3 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.82X
- Writing time: 5:31 min
- Reading - 8X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Here we have to do with a bad writing strategy with the specific disc (DAXON AZ3). PISum8, POF and jitter was way above the limits in the end of the data area.
21. DVD+R writing - INFOME R30 16x DVD+R
- Media Info
Brand |
Philips |
Media type |
DVD+R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
INFOME R30 |
- Writing 16x CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.77X
- Writing time: 5:34 min
- Reading - 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Although no POF were reported here, the PISum8 and the jitter rate was higher than accepted.
22. DVD+R writing - MBIPG101R05 16x DVD+R
- Media Info
Brand |
Moser Baer India |
Media type |
DVD+R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
MBIPG101R05 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.83X
- Writing time: 5:34 min
.
- Reading 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
A relatively good burn here with the Moser Baer 16x DVD+R disc. PISum8 was a little bit high in specific areas but remained well within the limits.
23. DVD+R writing - OPTODISC R16 16x DVD+R
- Media Info
Brand |
Optodisc |
Media type |
DVD+R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
OPTODISC R16 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.87X
- Writing time: 5:32 min
- Reading 16X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
Again, jitter and PISum8 were reported to be high for the specific disc.
24. DVD+R writing - YUDEN T03 16x DVD+R
- Media Info
Brand |
Taiyo Yuden |
Media type |
DVD+R SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
YUDEN T03 |
- Writing 16X CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 11.86X
- Writing time: 5:38 min
- Reading - 16x CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
This time we had a good burn with no uncorrectable digital errors.
25. DVD+RW writing - MKM A03 8x DVD+RW
- Media Info
Brand |
Verbatim |
Media type |
DVD+RW SL 4.7GB 16x |
MID |
MKM A03 |
- Writing 8X Z-CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 7.51X
- Writing time: 7:47 min
- Reading 12X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
A POF spike was reported right at the end of the data area. In addition, jitter was high for the complete disc.
26. DVD+R DL writing - MKM 003 8x DVD+R DL
- Media Info
Brand |
Verbatim |
Media type |
DVD+R DL 8.5GB 16x |
MID |
MKM 003 |
- Writing 8X Z-CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 6.20X
- Writing time: 18:56 min
- Reading 12X CAV
- Writing Quality - iQB OMNI
As it was reported with the corresponding DVD-R DL disc, the drive seems to have problems creating quality burns with DVD+R DL media. This time the problems were reported around the switch layer area, with uncorrectable errors to appear there..
27. DVD-RAM writing - Maxell MXL16 and MXL22 DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM is a rewritable format supported by the DVD Forum. A DVD-RAM can be seen as a removable hard drive. However, as any other hard drive the DVD-RAM must be "prepared" (formatted) before the first use. A DVD-RAM disc must be formatted using the UDF (Universal Disk Format). Usually, a 4.7GB DVD-RAM should be formatted using the UDF 1.5 or the UDF 2.0 format.
Notice that in the above tests we showcase the maximum recording speeds supported by the drive with the specific DVD-RAM media. In case you are using your DVD-RAM discs as a removable hard drive through your Windows OS, you may experience slower burning. That because the DVD-RAM format features an automatic verification technology that results to safer but slower recordings.
Below you can see writing /reading tests with 5x and 12X DVD-RAM discs
- Media Info
Brand |
Maxell |
Media type |
DVD-RAM 4.7GB 5x |
MID |
MXL16 |
- Writing 5X CLV
- Average Writing Speed: 4.96X
- Writing time: 11:34 min
- Reading - 5X CLV
The Samsung drive burned and read the 5x DVD-RAM disc without any problems.
- Media Info
Brand |
Maxell |
Media type |
DVD-RAM 4.7GB 12x |
MID |
MXL22 |
- Writing 12X P-CAV
- Average Writing Speed: 10.23X
- Writing time: 5:50 min
- Reading 12X P-CAV
The 12X DVD-RAM disc could not be read at 12X, and the drive slowed down at 6X to complete the reading task.
28. Summary of CD/ DVD burning tests, Overburning, Book Type
In the following table, we have gathered the findings of the CD and DVD quality measurement tests. On the left side of the table (green tabs) you can find the discs that did not produce uncorrectable digital errors (POF), while on the right side (red tabs) there are all the discs that gave uncorrectable errors (E32 for CD or POF for DVD's) For detailed measurement data, visit the corresponding pages:
Media type |
Digital errors within limits |
Uncorrectable errors /Jitter |
CD-R |
Taiyo Yuden CD-R 48x certified (97m24s01f) |
|
CMC Magnetics CD-R 48x certified (97m17s06f) |
Memorex (Ritek) CD-R 48x certified (97m26s66f) |
DVD-R
|
Moser Baer India DVD-R 16x certified (MBI 01RG40) burned at 16x / Jitter slightly increased |
Datawrite DVD-R 16x certified (TTH02) burned at 16x / PISum8 high, No POF, Jitter slightly increased |
Verbatim DVD-R 16x certified (MCC 03RG20) burned at 16x / Jitter slightly increased |
CMCMAG AM3 16x burned at 16x --- Jitter |
RITEK F1 16x burned at 16x / Jitter increased |
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 16x certified (TYG03) burned at 16X --- jitter slightly increased |
DVD+R |
Moser Baer DVD+R 16x certified (MBIPG101 R05) burned at t 16x --- Jitter slightly increased |
Philips DVD+R 16x certified (INFOME R30) burned at 16x --- PISum8, No POF, Jitter |
|
Taiyo Yuden DVD+R 16x certified (YUDEN000 T03) burned at 16X --- Jitter |
Optodisc DVD+R 16x certified (OPTODISC R16) burned at 16x --- PISum8, No POF, Jitter |
|
Moser Baer India DVD+R 16x certified (BIPG101R05) burned at 16x / jitter slightly increased |
DAXON DVD+R 16x certified (DAXON AZ3) burned at 16x --- PiSum8, POF, Jitter |
DVD+RW |
Verbatim DVD+RW 8x certified (MKM A03) burned at 8x -- PISum8, Jitter increased |
|
DVD-R DL |
|
Verbatim DVD-R DL 8x certified (MKM03RD30) burned at 8x / PISum8 high for L1, No POF, Jitter increased for both layers |
DVD+R DL |
|
Verbatim DVD+R DL 8x certified (MKM 003) burned at 8x --- Pisum8 , POF, jitter |
DVD-RW |
|
Verbatim DVD-RW 6x certified (MKM 01RW6X01) burned at 6x --- POF, jitter |
- Booktype Settings
- CD/DVD Overburning
As we can see, the drive does not support overburning of DVD recordable media, according to Nero Disc Speed.
29. Samsung MagicSpeed, Live Update, LightScribe
Magic Speed
ODD products launched nowadays are providing a high reading speed.
With the increased reading speed, faster data processing has become possible. However, high rotation speed often causes louder noise, and it is more possible to crash the cracked or bent discs. Against this backdrop, Samsung has developed a speed-down algorithm and applied this technology to newly-launched products to provide safer and more comfortable environments for PC users. The algorithm establishes a safer disc reading speed in operating the device in order to prevent possible disc crashes in using CDs with cracks in starting. In addition, for users who want to play CDs at its maximum speed, MAGIC SPEED program offers the function of selecting reading speed, so that users can set the speed as they want. (Recording speed will run at recordable speed without limit)
Samsung's MAGIC SPEED utility is included in the drive's DVD-ROM software disc.
The software supports user to select at his or her discretion the reading speed of CD disc between two modes offered by drive: Maximum Speed Mode (Max Mode) and Silent Mode. Here we should note that any mode set by Magic Speed will be reset to "Low noise mode" when the PC restarts, so check the current mode if you want to use "The maximum speed mode" and change the settings where necessary.
The utility can be downloaded at www.samsung-ODD.com.
Once installed it is accesible through the MAGIC SPEED tray icon. Select right-click to execute the program. Select the mode you want to use on Program Execution Window and select "settings". Then, reading speed of the drive will run in selected mode. Select "Close" to exit Program Execution Window.
In this occasion, reading speed will be run in the set speed if there is no separate mode change or program exit.
LiveUpdate
The Samsung SH-B083L BD combo drive also supports the Firmware LiveUpdate. This is is a program that automatically upgrades the latest firmware version through the Internet.
Until now, when new firmware was released and posted on the manufacturers' website s managed by themselves , users had to visit the website to check if the firmware supports their models and download and install it on their own. Samsung Electronics has developed a system, which enables users firmware to be upgraded to the newest version automatically upon its release. But, to get this service, users have to install the Firmware LiveUpdate program on their computers and the computers should be connected to the Internet.
Basically, the model names and the firmware versions are recorded in all firmware of Samsung Electronics ODD products. Every time a user turns on a PC and Internet, the Firmware LiveUpdate program checks the latest firmware version by sending firmware information of the ODD model installed in users' PC to Samsung Electronics firmware database to determine if there is new firmware version has been released. If users' firmware is the latest version, the program is automatically closed (It takes less than one sec.), but if there is a new version, it will confirm user ' s intension, and then, automatically starts to upgrade. Times it takes will be different depending on Internet transmission speed. The size of the Samsung Electronics Firmware is generally less than 1MByte.
Once you start the Firmware LiveUpdate utility, you are prompted to enter some information about you:
The software can automatically searches the latest patch program and installs it.
LiveUpdate is set to search for a new firmware every time turning on a PC, but this function gives a choice that a users can set up the auto-execution schedule:
The Error Report" is a function that a user can send an error report when he or she has an error while using, Samsung ODD products.
LightScribe
Samsung SH-B083L supports the LightScribe disc labelling technology. LightScribe is technology that uses a special disc drive, special media, and label-making software to burn labels directly onto CDs and DVDs. Because the labels are laser-etched—not printed—there's no ink, no smudging, and no peeling.
You can create one-of-a-kind designs with your own photos, text, and artwork using your label-making software. Or choose from the many free backgrounds the software provides.
Once you create your design, be sure to follow these three steps:
How it works? The laser inside a CD/DVD disc drive with LightScribe technology focuses light energy onto a thin dye coating on the label side of the disc. The light from the laser causes a chemical change in the dye coating that shows up on the disc. With laser precision, the drive renders the text and images that you created for the label.
In order to use LightScribe, you must have a LightScribe-enabled disc drive such as the Samsung SH-B083L, install the LightScribe System Software (LSS), which is similar to a driver and it will automatically be installed once you install the Labeling application, which is CyberLink's labelPrint software in our case.
Let's start a typical disc labelling task using LighScribe. We open CyberLink's LabelPrint software and choose to create the "LighScribe" type of label:
You can use either LighScribe CD or DVD recordable media for your labels. We used a LightScribe CD-R by Memorex:
The next step is to add any text, image of background image on the layout. Then you are ready to edit the properties of the text, such as its aligment, size, font etc. The LabelPrint software is also offering some layout styles as well as background images for your labels. Of course, you are free to add any other image you like:
We are ready to begin labeling the LighScribe CD-R:
The softwaware supports three labeling modes: Best, Normal and Draft. Each mode represents a different labeling quality:
Below you can see a preview of our label:
Generally, a full label on CD-R media would take you no more than 28 minutes, depending on the amount of text and the complexity of the images you have added to the label. Labelling on DVDs woud take a couple of more minutes:
Our label was ready in just 10 minutes.
30. Final words
The Samsung SH-B083L Blu-ray combo drive will do the job and will definitely do it fast. The drive is a reliable CD/DVD/BD reader, it will burn your CDs and DVDs and it's stylish front panel will match pretty well to to your new PC case.
First of all, the drive proved to be a good CD reader, performing all tasks with speeds according to specifications, and being able to complete them successfully. DAE tasks will be performed fast enough at approximately 20x, while the CD error correction is more than the average, with the drive to sport good error hiding capabilities.
Next on, are DVD tests that we performed. The drive was fast and reliable, even when the DVDs we tried to read were not at a perfect physical condition.
The drive is also faster than most of the BD-ROM drives currently sold out there, offering 8x max speed for 25GB and 4x for 50GB Blu-ray discs. In addition, it will playback your BD-ROM and BD-R/RE disc smoothly enough for a great HD viewing experience using the CyberLink's PowerDVD software bundled with the package. CyberLink's PowerDVD is also supporting the 'TrueTheater' image enhancing technology, which will make your DVD videos look greater using up-scalling agorithms.The drive was also responsive to any navigation and FF/RW test we did while playing the movie.
Besides reading, the Samsung SH-B083L is able to burn CDs and DVDs. Our tests showed that the drive can reliably burn on CD-Rs and DVD-R discs. This does not mean that you will not be able to use our favorite DVD+Rs. The drive burned them well with some exceptions, as it always happens with the majority of DVD burners. On the weak side, the drive needs some work in the way it burns DVD+R/-R DL discs. The measurements we took on the burned discs showed high digital error rates.
With all these in mind , the choice is yours as always. With the optical drive market to be stalled, it's nice to see Samsung deciding to finally release new drives, especially when these support Blu-ray disc reading. The SH-B083L can be tracked online at a retail price of around €100 - a reasonable price for a BD combo drive if you ask me. If you need to spend less, you should look in other BD-ROM solutions which, however, lack the CD/DVD burning options. But it you need to replace your DVD burner and add your PC BD capabilities, the Samsung SH-B083L could be a great choice.
Positive
- Fast and reliable CD/DVD reader
- Strong with defected CDs/DVDs
- Fast Blu-ray reader
- Generally good CD/DVD writing quality
- BookType support
- Overburns CD-Rs
- Great software bundle
Negative
- Writing quality of DVD-R/+R DL and specific DVD+Rs