1. The buffer underrun eliminator strikes again!
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page
1
The buffer underrun eliminator
strikes again!
Introduction
Having already tested the SCSI model incorporating BURN-Proof technology this
time we move ahead for the IDE interface. Many users wonder if they should buy
IDE or SCSI CDR-W drives. In past the SCSI CDR-W drives were the only choice
for professional recording since you could chain many devices and even work
without the need for PC. However ,nowdays, many manufacturers (including Sanyo)
present CDR-W drives for both IDE and SCSI interfaces. Also don't forget the
coming ATA100 interface, which can be hooked up to 8 IDE devices! Let's see
if the Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W drive is as good as the SCSI model (CRD-BP2)
which already have been tested for our team.
History
What is this so special feature called "BURN-Proof" that the Sanyo
CRD-BP900P includes? You can read the complete technology background over here
but we will sum it up here for the new readers.
The
cause of Buffer Under Run Error
In order to make CD-DA/CD-ROM compatible discs, it is required to write
the data constantly onto the media. However, the data stream speed is not always
constant, especially when loading and running other applications while burning.
Also, your hard disk/CD-ROM could simply not be fast enough either. Furthermore,
if an unexpected error occurs in the source disc (aka read error), this will
create a Buffer Under Run error. These are the typical causes of a Buffer Under
Run Error.
Once a Buffer Under Run Error has occurred, the
disc cannot be read by any CD-ROM and you will have a bad burn (aka coaster)
or in the worst case, the disc will be useless (i.e. garbage). The right picture
gives you an idea how the Buffer Underrun occurs (courtesy of Sanyo).
The
benefit to users of the BURN-Proof technology.
The new BURN-Proof technology now enables many CD-R/RW drives to record
data seamlessly between the end of one recorded point and the start of another
recording point, even though data transfer may be suspended due to the occurrence
of a Buffer Under Run Error. This means you can now run as many programs as
you wish and your burning will always be successful. The left picture gives
you an idea how BURN-Proof technology works (courtesy of Sanyo).
What will users benefit from BURN-Proof technology?
1) BURN-Proof technology will reduce (or eliminate) the creation of coasters.
2) BURN-Proof technology will allow users to simultaneously run many programs
while burning a CD.
3) Weak performance PCs may also be used for high-speed recording since the
actual recording speed depends only upon the data transfer rate of the PC and
the PC's performance.
Note that the BURN-Proof feature is effective
for only Buffer Under Run errors. Therefore this feature will not work for the
following cases:
1) Power outage or power cut.
2) Malfunction of the PC hardware or software crashing the entire PC.
3) Impact against the drive or inferior condition of the media.
4) Standstill of the data from the source (example: CD-ROM drive and so on)
under the abnormal condition.
The BURN-Proof feature connects the data seamlessly between
the recorded point and the recording start point with high technology. The accuracy
of data read is easily affected by the media condition. Therefore, in some cases
of media condition, the error may occur because BURN-Proof feature cannot connect
the data correctly.
2. Installation
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W -
Page 2
Package
The pre-release OEM version included only
a drive. Below there is a picture of the Sanyo CRD-BP900P:
Sanyo CRD-BP900P CDR-W Specifications:
|
Interface
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EIDE/ATAPI
|
Transfer Rate
|
12X-32x CAV read
(1800KB/s - 4800KB/s Data Transfer Rate)
|
Writing/Reading Speed
|
Writing : CDR 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 12x
CDRW 2x,4x
Reading : 32x (max) Full CAV
Note - Data : 12-32x
- CDDA Extraction : 13x (max)
|
Writing Methods
|
Disc At Once (DAO)
Session At Once (SAO)
Track At Once (TAO)
Packet Writing
|
Data Capacity supported
|
700MB (79min)
650MB (74min)
550MB (63min)
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Burst Transfer Rate
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5mb/s (max) (asynchronous)
20mb/s (max) (synchronous)
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Functions
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Multi Read, Horizontal, Analog output,
Plug & Play/ SCAM Compatible, Flash ROM
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Data Buffer
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2MB
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Supported CD Formats
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CD-DA, CD-ROM (MODE-1,MODE-2), CD-ROM XA
MODE-2(FORM-1,FORM-2), Multi-Session Photo CD, CD-I, Video-CD, CD Extra,
CD+G, CD-RW, CD-Text
|
Installation :
The Sanyo CRD-BP900P is an IDE CDR-W drive. We installed the drive on the
Secondary IDE Channel, as the master drive. During boot-up, the BIOS identified
the drive as the Sanyo CRD-BP900P. This was also true for Windows 98 SE. Minor
configuration changes were made to Windows 98 SE. These were: disabling auto-insert
notification and ensuring DMA was enabled.
The Sanyo CRD-BP900P supplied was manufactured in April 2000.
The onboard firmware revision was version 3.0p20. After some time Sanyo provided
us with a newer firmware revision for the drive: v3.20. This firmware fixed
several bugs.
Currently, the following software supports the Sanyo CRD-BP900P:
Nero v5.0.0.9, NTI CD Maker 2000 v4.0.22, Prassi PrimoCD Plus v1.1.356, BHA
Bs Recorder Gold (only in Japanese language), Feurio v1.32 and Padus DiscJuggler
v2.00.419 beta. All support the BURN-Proof feature on this drive.
Test Machine:
ABIT BH6
Celeron 300A over clocked to 464 MHz
164 MB SDRAM PC 100
WD 18GB UDMA 66
Quantum Fireball EX 6.4 GB UDMA
DAWI 2975 - PCI (ULTRA) SCSI Host Adapter
Asus 3400 TNT
MS Windows 98SE
Plextor UltraPlex 40max firmware v1.03
Sanyo CRD-BP2 firmware v2.21
Sanyo CRD-BP900P firmware v3.20
3. Data Tests (Pressed CDs)
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page
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Data Tests
(Pressed CDs)
Test Method
- CD WinBench 99 v1.1. This was used to compare the Sanyo CRD-BP900P
IDE CDR-W drive with various others CDR-W drives (see charts).
- CD Speed 99 v0.66 was also used to check the drive performance with
pressed CDs. For that test we used WinBench 99 v1.1 and PlexTools
v1.04 original CDs.
- CD WinBench 99 v1.1 results
- CD Speed 99 v0.66 results:
Verdict of data (pressedCDs) tests
The Sanyo CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W drive performed slightly better than the SCSI
model when reading the pressed CDs. It's average reading speed using WinBench
99 v1.1 was 24.13x and with PlexTools v1.04, a slightly higher 24.18x.
In the WinBench 99 test, the Sanyo CRD-BP900P got the worst overall WinMark
value even though it had the highest transfer rate speed. It reached a transfer
rate of 4.6mb/s and 2.39mb/s on the outside and inside of the disc, which are
better than the SCSI model. It has a seek time of 144ms which again is better
than the SCSI model. The CPU usage is also low (4.56%) since it is UDMA compatible.
Overall the IDE model seems to win SCSI one in pressed CDs benchmarks.
4. Data Tests (74min CDs)
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W -
Page 4
Data Tests
(74min CDs)
Test Method: CD Media 74min tests
We created a DataCD with Nero 5.0 using the Sanyo CRD-BP2 CDR-W
drive. Several copies were created on different media types at 12x speed. This
test was performed in order to test the compatibility with various CD media,
that have been written at 12x, how the Sanyo CRD-BP900P drive performs.
CD Speed 99 v0.66 was used to measure the performance of the drive
with the different media.
Notice when you read the graphs, to check both the three tests
results (start, end, average) since they give the most complete view of each
media performance. Most users however, will prefer just to read only the average
speed results. ;)
As we can see the Sanyo CRD-BP900P does not have any problems
reading various media which are written at 12x. It reads them with an average
20.38x speed.
Data Tests:
(80min and RW CDs)
- 80min tests:
The graph above shows that both Sanyo drives have exactly the
same performance when reading 80min CDs. We have a tie over here!
- RW tests
The SCSI model this time took pole position with a slight higher
reading speed with the various RW discs:
Verdict of CDR Media Tests
The tests results shows that the Sanyo CRD-BP900P has good, solid
performance using both pressed and normal media. In most cases it outperformed
the SCSI model in most tests and gave slightly higher scores. I guess you cannot
make a verdict only from those tests so let's head over for CloneCD tests!
5. CloneCD Tests
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page
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CloneCD Tests
Procedure
We used the latest CloneCD (v2.3.3.3) and 3 original CDs (Rally
Masters, Euro2000 and Incoming) in order to test the reading time for both drives.
We also tested the reading performance with the backups of the original CDs
since the reading speed varies from original to backup media.
Note we couldn't use the drives for writing since they don't
support "RAW" writing at present...All backups were created with the
PleXWriter PX-W1210A at 12x writing speed.
Update:
Both drives work fine with the newest CloneCD v2.5.1.3 and SAO-RAW mode.
This mean that you can used them, ONLY with SafeDisc and LaserLock protected
CDs. ;)
Results:
a) SafeDisc Results:Euro 2000 (Total: 257982 sectors -
10141 bad sectors) - Reading Speed: Max
Drive
|
Firmware
|
CD
|
Fast Skip Error - O retries - Software
Correction
|
Fast Skip Error - O retries - Hardware
Correction
|
Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner
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"Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner"
+ Best "Fast Skip Error" result
|
Sanyo CRD-BP900P
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v3.20
|
Original
|
9:37 min
|
9:41 min
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17:08 min
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9:39 min
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Backup
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10:20 min
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10:26 min
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16:24 min
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10:30 min
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Sanyo CRD-BP2
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v2.21
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Original
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5:24 min
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5:36 min
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13:10 min
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5:35 min
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Backup
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5:21 min
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5:13 min
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11:23 min
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5:06 min
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b) LaserLock Results: Rally Masters ( Total: 321528 sectors
- 6317 bad sectors) - Reading Speed: Max
Drive
|
Firmware
|
CD
|
Fast Skip Error - O retries - Software
Correction
|
Fast Skip Error - O retries - Hardware
Correction
|
Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner
|
"Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner"
+ Best "Fast Skip Error" result
|
Sanyo CRD-BP900P
|
v3.20
|
Original
|
1:38:30 h
|
Fails the test
|
12:16 min
|
Fails the test
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Backup
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13:15 min
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13:25 min
|
10:11 min
|
9:58 min
|
Sanyo CRD-BP2
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v2.21
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Original
|
32:55 min
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33:32 min
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10:34 min
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10:28 min
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Backup
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8:41 min
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8:12 min
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5:01 min
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4:46 min
|
Note: The Sanyo CRD-BP900P with original Rally Masters
CD failed to complete the reading task at the "Fast Skip Error-Hardware
Correction" and "Intelligent Bad Scanner+Fast Skip Error" settings.
No matter how many times we repeated we always had the same result..Not a good
point the drive's CloneCD overall score.
c) SecuROM Results:
As CloneCD author emailed us both drives do not produce accurate subchannel
data so cannot be used for reading such images...
Verdict of CloneCD Tests:
- In the SafeDisc test the SCSI model was faster than the IDE model by
78.81%!!.
- In the LaserLock test, the IDE model failed to complete when using the Fast
Skip Error with Hardware correction. The drive stopped reading from the CD after
some time, which shows a weakness.. In the other modes, the SCSI model was again
faster by 17.83%. Overall in the CloneCD tests, the SCSI model takes the lead
over the IDE model and is the winner!
6. DAE Tests (Audio pressed CDs)
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page
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DAE Tests (Audio
pressed CDs)
Test Method
We used CD DAE 99 v0.2with AudioCDs in order to check
DAE performance of the Sanyo drive and we compared it with SCSI version of the
same drive.
- CD DAE 99 v0.2 results
The Sanyo CRD-BP900P DAE performance, with pressed CDs, was very
good and outperformed the SCSI model by 3.12%. The most important thing was
that it didn't seem to suffer from DAE problems, unlike the SCSI model that
has always done so.
DAE Tests (CD
media)
Test Method:
We made several copies with Feurio v1.32written at 12x (used the
Sanyo CRD-BP2 CDR-W drive) in order to check the DAE performance of the drive.
We measured ripping speeds with CD DAE 99 v0.2and compared it with other
CD-Roms.
CD DAE 99 v0.2 results:
- FujiFilm 74min AudioCD
No surprises here as again the IDE model beat the SCSI one...:
Verdict of DAE Results
Both Sanyo drives have limited DAE ripping speed and are locked to 12-13x.
Even though some people will say it's good enough, Plextor and up-coming Yamaha
models promise to deliver up to 24x DAE speed...We feel this is a point that
Sanyo should address and improve upon. Back to IDE vs SCSI model war! The winner
in this test is definitely the IDE drive. It proved to be best in all tests
and gave an average 12.8-12.9x ripping speed using CD DAE 99 v0.2.
7. CDR Tests
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page
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CDR Tests
We mostly tested the Sanyo CRD- BP900P IDE CDR-W drive on it's
capabilities to write CDs in different write speeds (4x, 8x, 12x) ,media and
modes.
Feurio v1.34 beta properties:
- Reading properties:
- Recorder properties:
As we can see the Sanyo CRD-BP900P supports all current CDR/W
writing and reading modes exept "RAW" writing and "OverBurn"
(dispite Feurio says it does). As we have been told ,Sanyo will possibly add
this feature with next firmware update. Let's head over to the CDR tests now:
Tests:
- Software used: Nero v5.0.0.9 / Padus DJ v2.00.419 / PrimoCD Plus
v1.1.356
- Media: Prodisc / Prostech / Ritek / Princo 8x, 12x / Basf / Maxell / Mitsui
Gold & SG / TDK / Verbatim / DataBank
4x-8x RW / Yamaha 4xRW / LeadData 4x RW / BTC 2x RW
Procedure:
We tested the Sanyo CRD-BP900P with all available writing modes and writing
speeds (4x,8x,12x) with different media doing different jobs:
- On the Fly CD Copies (for Data and Audio) (with
Plextor PX-40TS)
- Data CDs written at various writing modes (TAO, DAO, SAO)
- Multisessions CDs
- AudioCDs (from mp3 and wav files) + CD-Text CDs
- VideoCD
The Sanyo CRD-BP900P doesn't have any problem writing cds at
12x(max) and re-write them at 4x(max). Using several media the drive's performance
was great and didn't had any compartibilty issues. Creating CDs at 12x
,with BURN-Proof enabled, gives you another feeling...for sure ;)
BURN-Proof Tests:
As we had mentioned previously in section 1, BURN-Proof technology should
be able to remove any worries you may have about buffer under runs. This is
what we did to calm those fears. We opened Nero v5.0.0.9 and prepared a DataCD
for writing it at 12x with BURN-Proof enabled.
Applications already running:
- 2 WinAMP windows running OpenGL plug-ins
- Padus DJ doing two images from both Plextor and Teac40x in the same HD
- Surfing at CDRInfo's forum and answering questions...
- HD Tach98 measuring same HD performance
- Sisoft Sandra 2000 benchmarking PC at the same time which all above programs
running.
Under normal circumstances, if you try to run all of the above
programs simultaneously and starting writing CDs, the result is a buffer under
run. However if you enable the BURN-Proof option you will nothing to fear?.except
possibly a power cut..!
Feurio v1.34 was used to copy an Audio CD from a Teac
540E to the Sanyo CRD-BP900P. When the writing bar indicator reached 20% the
Ctrl+Alt+Del keys were pressed to halt the burning process. After a minute the
escape key was selected. This was repeated between 20% to 40% (on the writing
bar indicator) at intervals of 1%. After 40% we left the recording to continue
until it had finished. No errors were reported during this test!!!! After creating
the CD, using the above method (with the burn proof option enabled), we decided
to see if the disc was as good as the original CD. How we did this?
EAC was used to "rip" wav files from both CDs. All
of the wav files were then compared with the original CD. As we suspected the
wav files were identical. We also checked the CD for possibly C2 errors using
CD Speed 99 v0.66 beta (CD Quality mode) and no differences!
As previously stated, the BURN-Proof technology uses the location
of the last successful sector and positions the Optical Pickup. As soon as the
buffer is full again, the CD-Recorder will start recording again. According
to the "Orange Book" specifications, the distance between the last
successful sector and the new sector may not be more than 100 µm. The BURN-Proof
technology ensures that the distance between the 2 sectors lies at around 40µm
(i.e. well within the limits set by the Orange Book), and in this way data is
written to disc without errors.
Verdict of CDR Results
After living with the Sanyo CRD-BP900P for almost 1 month, we can say for
sure that the BURN-Proof works very well with the IDE interface. The drive has
no problems when writing at maximum speed (12x). Buffer under runs are a distant
memory! All tests were completed ok and didn't have many problems.
The only complaints from the CDR capabilities are:
a) The lack of "RAW" writing feature for CloneCD compatibility.
b) No "Overburn" features.
Hey don't be afraid to start playing your favourite game at the
same time you burn a CD. This is a must for all gamers ;)
8. Conclusion
Sanyo
CRD-BP900P IDE CDR-W - Page
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Conclusion
Positive (+)
|
Negative (-)
|
- Burn Proof (anti-coaster) Technology!
- 12x Writing
- CD-Text
- Support most burn speeds (1x,2x,4x,8x,12x)
- Supports (2x,4x) CD-RW burn speed
- True 32x (max) Data performance
- Solid 12x DAE speed
- All know burning method (TAO,DAO,SAO,Packet Writing) support
- No problems with uncertified 12x Media
- Works fine with IDE interface
- Low CPU usage
- You can play Q3 at the same time you BURN CDs!
|
- No MMC DAO Raw writing
- No Overburn
- DAE speed could be faster...
- Not so good CloneCD reading performance
|
Sanyo has moved its BURN-Proof technology to the IDE platform
and improved their drive's mechanism since some minor problems found on the
Sanyo CRD-BP2 model are not present. Most users find the SCSI solutions more
reliable than the IDE ones, because they're worried about high CPU usage and
possibly buffer underrun problems. Sanyo solution seems the antidote to their
fears and can really make your burning life smoother.
Back to the drive's capabilities, no big surprises here since
the drive performed very good to all the tests we did. The drive seems to be
improved in the DAE ripping speeds since it can now rips wavs with 12x reading
speed whereas Sanyo CRD-BP2 (SCSI model) had some problem (which still don't
have been fixed even with latest firmware version v2.21.)
So maybe you have been confused...What I should buy since BURN-Proof
technology is very well exploited in both drives? Making a small comparison
of Sanyo's 12/4/32 BURN-Proof drives could come up:
Sanyo CRD-BP2 (SCSI)
|
Sanyo CRD-BP900P (IDE)
|
Much better CloneCD reading performance!
|
Slight better DAE performance
|
|
Slight better Data reading performance
|
So when it comes to choose between the two possibly solutions
(IDE or SCSI) keep in mind the above table and also that BURN-Proof technology
works the same way in both drives.
Finally ,I would like to comment that Sanyo CRD-BP900P may not
have many chances to survive in market since Sanyo next models (CRD-BP3 and
CRD-BP1300P) supports HS RW recording speeds (4-10x) and Plextor's HS RW recording
(PleXWriter PX-W1210A) solution
will start selling possibly end of this month... I think the drive should have
at least been released one month ago. Who will buy the 12/4/32 IDE solution
since he could get the new 12/10/32 IDE model in few weeks?
In order to prevent a mail war where you could possibly
buy a BURN-Proof drive:
1) Sanyo don't sells CDR-W drives under their brand. Sanyo sells
OEM which means you will find similar drives under others brands ( Lacie,
Plextor, Iomega)
2) You can buy a drive based at Sanyo CRD-BP2 at www.perfectcdrw.com
(US and Canada)
3) You can buy a drive based at Sanyo CRD-BP900P from www.iomegadirect.com
hopefully soon...(Wordwide shipping?)
Other Manufacturers which sell BURN-Proof enabled
drives:
-
I-O Data Device (Japanese
or English
homepage)
Models:
CRD-BP2 internal - CDRW-SB124BG
/ Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD Ver.1.6x"(Japanese)
CRD-BP2 external - CDRW-SX124BG
/ Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD Ver.1.6x"(Japanese)
CRD-BP900P internal - CDRW-AB124B
/ Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD"(Japanese) and
DigiOn "DigiOnDisc" (Japanese)
- DigiOn (Japanese
homepage)
Models:
CRD-BP900P external (with PCMCIA ATA Card. For notebook set)- CDRW-i124B/CI
/ Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD"(Japanese) and
DigiOn "DigiOnDisc" (Japanese)
- Mitsubishi Chemical Media (Japanese
homepage)
Models:
CRD-BP2 external - "MKRWT4BP"
/ Photo
Attached writing software B.H.A."B's Recorder GOLD Ver.1.6"(Japanese)