1. Introduction
Jitter Tests - Page 1
This article contains the following tests:
- AudioMASTER vs. VariREC vs. TEAC Boost function
- AudioMASTER in depth
- VariREC in depth
- Comparing how the recording speed(s) (4X-48X) affects writing quality using
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
- Comparing various 48X writers
- Comparing various 52X writers
In order to compare Plextor's VariRec, YAMAHA's AudioMASTER and TEAC's "4X
Boost" technologies we burned using the same disc type:
RITEK 80min 48X (JS Type)
Code : 97m15s17f
Disc Type : CD-R
Recording Layer : Dye Type 7: Short Strategy (Phthalocyanine)
Capacity : 79:59.70 (703 MB)
, the same amount of data (80:07:44), with the following drives:
- PleXWriter PX-W4824A (firmware v1.03)
- YAMAHA CRW-F1E (firmware v1.0d)
- TEAC CD-W540E (firmware v1.0H)
All discs measured with LEADER LE-1853 CD/DVD Analyzer using the SEISANKA CD-ROM
reader calibrated with Philips Calibration JT.1 test disc. The correlation factor
for the 3T Land is 0.9975, while for the 3T Pits is 0.998. The reading speed
for all discs was 1X.
The PleXWriter PX-W4824A and TEAC CD-W540E can write the full capacity of the
used media (80mins), while the YAMAHA CRW-F1E only 67mins (due to higher pits
length). That's why the YAMAHA graphs stop at 67mins. In addition, we burned
two discs under the AudioMASTER, one at 8X and one at 4X to see if there the
recording speed does affect or not the AudioMASTER technology.
The three technologies promise optimal results at the 4X writing speed, lets
see if this is true!
2. 3T Pit Results
3T Pit Results
The results show that the YAMAHA CRW-F1E has the lowest 3T Pit jitter. The
recording speed (4X, 8X) does seem to affect the 3T Pit jitter (22.91ns average
for 4X, 24.88ns average for 8X). YAMAHA comments that the 4X speed is the optimal
with the RITEK JS Type media and the drive has this information in firmware.
When user chooses the "BestWriteSpeed" setting, the CRW-F1E series
will write at 4X, not at 8X, producing the lower Jitter values.
The TEAC CD-W540E 4X boost function gives an average 24.49ns jitter, while
PleXWriter PX-W4824A VariRec +0 mode produced higher 3T Pit jitter than the
two other technologies (27.39ns average).
Comparing the three technologies with the normal 4X writing speed, we notice
that with the RITEK JS Type media, the YAMAHA's AudioMASTER 4X speed produced
the best results (22.91ns). The CRW-F1E 4X and TEAC's "4X Boost" speeds
sharing the second place (24ns). The AudioMASTER at 8X produced higher Jitter
(24.88ns) than TEAC's CD-W540E 4X writing speed (24.98ns). Lastly, Plextor's
VariREC +0 function does seem to affect negative the 3T Pit Jitter since the
average Jitter is 27.39ns vs. 26.88ns of the normal 4X writing speed.
3. 3T Land Results
3T Land Results
The above graph shows the 3T Land jitter. The YAMAHA CRW-F1E has the lowest
jitter in either 4X or 8X writing speeds (24.91ns for 4X, 26.79ns for 8X). The
TEAC CD-W540E comes third with a 30.49ns and the PleXWriter PX-W4824A last with
a 31.39ns (average).
Comparing the three technologies with the normal 4X writing speed, we notice
that again YAMAHA's AudioMASTER 4X speed produced the best results (24.91ns).
The AudioMASTER 8X speed gets the second place with 26.79ns, while the CRW-F1E's
4X normal speed had the same 3T Land Jitter as with TEAC's CD-W540E "4X
Boost" (28.98ns). The TEAC CD-W540E 4X normal writing produced higher Jitter
than the "4X Boost" and again, Plextor's VariRec +0 produced worst
results than the PX-W4824A 4X writing speed.
4. Conclusion
Conclusion
After the test results, its clear than YAMAHA's AudioMASTER Pro technology
does work reducing the 3T Pit&Land Jitter compared with the 4X writing speed.
YAMAHA promises 30% less Jitter that wasn't confirmed from the test results,
at least with the RITEK JS type media. The biggest improvement comes at the
3T Land Jitter with a 14% improvement:
- 3T Pit Gain: 4.38%
- 3T Land Gain: 14.04%
TEAC's CD-W540E "4X Boost" function worked well and reduced Jitter
up to 8%!
- 3T Pit Gain: 3.92%
- 3T Land Gain: 8.03%
Plextor's VariREC +0 function produced worst results than the normal 4X writing
speed which is at least strange…
- 3T Pit Gain: -1.90%
- 3T Land Gain: -4.63%
The AudioMASTER and TEAC's "4X Boost" technologies produced good
results as each manufacturer was promised. Both technologies will reduce Jitter
(especially the 3T Land values). The CRW-F1E under AudioMASTER will write less
data (68mins with 80min CDs), than the other two technologies which is a drawback.
Of course even at the 4X normal writing mode, the CRW-F1E is still better than
both CD-W540E and PX-W4824A. Using a 90min disc will allow writing up to 74mins
that solves the problem, partially. The 1X writing speed mode didn't tested
since 1X writing can be considered as very slow.
Future tests will revile if the used media affects the performance of each
Jitter reduction technology...
Below are the results from all modes:
|
Drive
|
Mode
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
3T Land Jitter
|
|
YAMAHA CRW-F1E
|
4X
|
24.00
|
28.98
|
|
AAMR 4X
|
22.91
|
24.91
|
|
AAMR 8X
|
24.88
|
26.79
|
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
4X
|
26.88
|
30.00
|
|
VariREC +0
|
27.39
|
31.39
|
|
TEAC CD-W540E
|
4X
|
24.98
|
31.51
|
|
4X Boost
|
24.00
|
28.98
|
5. AudioMASTER in depth - Page 1
AudioMASTER in depth
After compared the three technologies we decided to test AudioMASTER and VariREC
technologies in depth. For that purpose, we used a very well known media, That's
80min 48X certified with the following media information:
Manufacturer: Taiyo Yuden
Code: 97m24s01f
Recording Layer: Dye Type 1: Long Strategy (Cyanine, AZO)
Capacity: 79:59.72 (703 MB)
We burned the same amount of data, with the same drive (YAMAHA CRW-F1E, firmware
v1.0f); from the same media batch (spindle 50 pieces). Under normal recording
mode (DAO), the data was 80:07:43mins, while under AudioMASTER mode 67:07:42mins.
3T Pit Results
The above graph shows how the 3T Pit Jitter changes according to the selected
AudioMASTER recording speed. It's clear that the 1X writing speed will produce
the worst results, while the 4X recording speed the best. The 8X recording speed
will produce the same 3T Pit Jitter at the whole disc area.
Let's now see how the 3T Jitter chances when recording under DAO (normal) mode.
The 1X recording speed produced the best results.
The above graph shows the average 3T Pit Jitter from the special and normal
recording modes. The best results come from the AudioMASTER at 4X recording
speed. The AudioMASTER 8X come second, while the 1X normal speed third. The
AudioMASTER 1X recording speed won't produce very well results as someone may
expect.
6. AudioMASTER in depth - Page 2
AudioMASTER in depth - Page 2
3T Land Results
At the 3T Land Jitter, things are a little different. The 8X recording speed
produced the lowest Jitter values, while the 1X recording speed again produced
the worst.
At the normal recording mode, the 1X recording speed, still produces the lowest
3T Land Jitter.
The above graph shows the average 3T Land Jitter from the special and normal
recording modes. The best results come from the AudioMASTER at 8X recording
speed, while the AudioMASTER 4X come second. The 3T Land under AudioMASTER or
normal recording modes is almost equal.
7. AudioMASTER in depth - Page 3
AudioMASTER in depth - Page 3
- Conclusion
|
Mode
|
Recording Speed
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max value
|
|
AudioMASTER
|
1X
|
28.32
|
No
|
31
|
|
4X
|
20.91
|
24
|
|
8X
|
25.00
|
25
|
|
Normal (DAO)
|
1X
|
26.05
|
27
|
|
4X
|
27.02
|
28
|
|
8X
|
30.02
|
31
|
|
Mode
|
Recording Speed
|
3T Land Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max value
|
|
AudioMASTER
|
1X
|
30
|
No
|
32
|
|
4X
|
26.41
|
28
|
|
8X
|
24.09
|
30
|
|
Normal (DAO)
|
1X
|
29.95
|
30
|
|
4X
|
32.05
|
33
|
|
8X
|
29.93
|
30
|
With That's 80min 48X media, the best results at 3T Pit&Land Jitter values
come from the 4X recording speed. The 8X recording speed will produce worst
3T Pit but better 3T Land Jitter results. The 1X recording speed under AudioMASTER
will not produce well results. This may be a problem with the specific media,
but anyway, 1X recording speed is slow. On the other hand, under normal recording
mode (DAO), the 1X recording speed produced the best results!
8. VariREC in depth - Page 1
Jitter Tests - Page 8
VariREC in depth - Page 1
- Introduction
After compared the three technologies we decided to test AudioMASTER and VariREC
technologies in depth. For that purpose, we used a very well known media, That's
80min 48X certified with the following media information:
Manufacturer: Taiyo Yuden
Code: 97m24s01f
Recording Layer: Dye Type 1: Long Strategy (Cyanine, AZO)
Capacity: 79:59.72 (703 MB)
We burned the same amount of data (80:07:43), with the same drive (PleXWriter
PX-W4824A, firmware v1.03); from the same media batch (spindle 50 pieces).
3T Pit Results
The above graph shows the 3T Pit Jitter effect of various VariREC settings
(+0. -2, +2) compared with the 4X normal recording speed. The worst results
come from the +2 setting, while the best results from the +0, 4X normal speeds.
The above graph shows the 3T Pit average Jitter from all VariREC settings (-2,
-1, +0, +1, +2) compared with the 4X normal (DAO) speed. The 4X recording speed
produced the best results, +0 setting comes second, while the +2 setting the
worst.
9. VariREC in depth - Page 2
Jitter Tests - Page 9
VariREC in depth - Page 2
3T Land Results
The best results come from the 4X normal recording speed. Again the +2 setting
won't produce very well results.
The lowest 3T Land Jitter comes from the 4X normal speed. The two extreme values
(+2, -2) will give also extreme results, but of course Plextor also suggests
to avoid them.
- Conclusion
|
Mode
|
Recording Mode
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max value
|
|
VariREC
|
-2
|
28.10
|
No
|
29
|
|
-1
|
27.05
|
28
|
|
+0
|
26.44
|
28
|
|
+1
|
28.20
|
30
|
|
+2
|
31.37
|
32
|
|
Normal (DAO)
|
4X
|
26.22
|
28
|
|
Mode
|
Recording Mode
|
3T Land Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max value
|
|
VariREC
|
-2
|
33.61
|
Yes at 4mins
|
36
|
|
-1
|
32.07
|
No
|
34
|
|
+0
|
32.10
|
No
|
34
|
|
+1
|
32.39
|
No
|
34
|
|
+2
|
33.85
|
Yes at 0mins
|
36
|
|
Normal (DAO)
|
4X
|
30.90
|
No
|
34
|
As we had seen with the RITEK JS type media, VariREC won't improve the 3T Jitter
compared with the normal 4X recording (DAO) speed. In case of using the extreme
values (+2, -2) the disc will exceed the 35ns limit!
10. Comparing recording speeds
Jitter Tests
- Page 10
Comparing recording speeds
- Introduction
The need for speed has pushed manufacturers to offer up to 52X
recording speeds. Most manufacturers allow AudioCD authoring in maximum speeds
of 52X that makes interesting to test, what Jitter levels various 52X recorders
produce using 48X certified media. We also are comparing how the latest PleXWriter
PX-W4824A recorder performs at the various recording speeds (4X~48X) and how
a speed selection will affect the Jitter values.
- Used media (for PX-W4824A 4-24X)
RITEK 80min 48X (JS Type)
Code : 97m15s17f
Disc Type : CD-R
Recording Layer : Dye Type 7: Short Strategy (Phthalocyanine)
Capacity : 79:59.70 (703 MB)
- Used media (for PX-W4824A 32X-48X)
CMC Magnetics 80min 48X
Code : 97m26s66f
Disc Type : CD-R
Recording Layer : Dye Type 6: Short Strategy (Phthalocyanine)
Capacity : 79:59.71 (703 MB)
11. PX-W4824A (4X-24X)
PX-W4824A (4X-24X)
3T Pit Results
The 3T Jitter values are affected from the writing speed. The best results
come from the lowest recording speed (4X). The incensement of writing speed
does affect the Jitter values as the above graph shows. The differences between
each recording speed can be found below (average values). The 24X writing speed
has a 32.56ns while the 4X 26.88ns (17.44% difference). The rest recording speeds
(8X/16X/20X) are very close.
3T Land Results
The 3T Land values are affected less from the writing speed. The difference
between 24X and 4X is now only 5.45%.
To determine which recording speed gives the best results we have to compare
each recording's speed overall Jitter and consider the recording time for each
speed:
|
Recording Speed
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
3T Land Jitter
|
Burn Time (secs)
|
|
4X
|
26.88
|
30.00
|
1272
|
|
8X
|
31.41
|
31.56
|
643
|
|
16X
|
32.10
|
30.12
|
342
|
|
20X
|
32.00
|
30.02
|
265
|
|
24X
|
32.56
|
31.73
|
242
|
Judging from the test results, the best time/recording speed is the 20X (CLV)
speed, while the optimal is the 4X recording speed.
12. PX-W4824A (32X-48X)
PX-W4824A (32X-48X)
3T Pit Results
The 3T Pit Jitter values from the 32X ~ 48X recording speeds are affected from
the incensement of the recording speed. The 48X writing speed exceeds the 35ns
limit and at the end of the disc reached 40ns. The PoweREC function affects
the Jitter, at least at the maximum speed. The below graph shows the average
3T Pit values:
3T Land Results
The 3T Land values are also affected from the recording speeds. Again the 48X
writing speed exceed the 35ns limit value. Disabling the PoweREC function will
produce higher 3T Land Jitter. The below graph shows the average 3T Land values:
To determine which recording speed gives the best results we have to compare
each recording's speed overall Jitter and consider the recording time for each
speed:
|
Recording Speed
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
3T Land Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max
|
Burn Time (sec)
|
|
32X
|
30.88
|
29.37
|
No
|
31ns
|
197
|
|
40X
|
32.20
|
29.78
|
No
|
34ns
|
182
|
|
48X
|
33.66
|
30.68
|
Yes at 66mins
|
40ns
|
176
|
|
48X (PoweRec Off)
|
32.24
|
30.10
|
Yes at 66mins
|
40ns
|
176
|
The maximum recording speed is not suggested for AudioCD authoring; while there
will be no problems with the 40X speed. The difference in recording time is
low, while the Jitter never exceeds 35ns. As a final note we noticed that disabling
PoweREC doesn't affect the writing time, while producing lower Jitter!
13. 48X Writing - Page 1
48X Writing - Page 1
- Tested drives
- TEAC CD-W548E firmware v1.05
- ASUS CRW4816A firmware v1.12
- CyberDrive CW088D firmware v1.20M
- LiteOn LTR-48246S firmware vSS08
- YAMAHA CRW-F1E firmware v1.0d
- PleXWriter PX-W4824A firmware v1.03
- Used media (for all recorders, except PX-W4824A)
RITEK 80min 48X (JS Type)
Code : 97m15s17f
Disc Type : CD-R
Recording Layer : Dye Type 7: Short Strategy (Phthalocyanine)
Capacity : 79:59.70 (703 MB)
- Used media (for PX-W4824A)
CMC Magnetics 80min 48X
Code : 97m26s66f
Disc Type : CD-R
Recording Layer : Dye Type 6: Short Strategy (Phthalocyanine)
Capacity : 79:59.71 (703 MB)
14. 48X Writing - Page 2
48X Writing - Page 2
3T Pit Results
At the 48X recording speed, the four tested drives, showed a mixed image. The
lowest 3T Pit Jitter values come from YAMAHA's CRW-F1E drive with a 30.20ns
(average). The below graph shows the average 3T Pit Jitter of various 48X writers,
with RITEK JS type media.
3T Land Results
At the 3T Land Jitter, the PleXWriter PX-W4824A gets the first place with 30.68ns
(average). The below graph shows the average 3T Land Jitter of various 48X writers,
with RITEK JS type media.
Conclusion
All drives passed the 35ns Jitter limit in either Pits or Lands area. The CRW-F1E
has the lowest average Jitter (31.15ns) and the max value is 36ns. The PX-W4824A
gets the second place with 32.17ns and the CyberDrive CW088D the third place
with 33.31ns. The rest three drives exceed 40ns at various points, especially
at the outer limits of the disc. Remember that Jitter effects above 35ns are
exponential, meaning there is a big difference between 36 and 40ns values.
|
Drive
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
3T Land Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max
|
Burn Time (sec)
|
|
ASUS CRW4816A
|
37.66
|
38.95
|
Yes at 44mins
|
48ns
|
162
|
|
CyberDrive CW088D
|
33.10
|
33.51
|
Yes at 74mins
|
36ns
|
159
|
|
PleXWriter PX-W4824A
|
33.66
|
30.68
|
Yes at 66mins
|
40ns
|
176
|
|
YAMAHA CRW-F1E
|
30.20
|
32.10
|
Yes at 31mins
|
36ns
|
188
|
|
LiteOn LTR-48246S
|
33.71
|
35.95
|
Yes at 58mins
|
42ns
|
158
|
|
TEAC CD-W548E
|
38.22
|
39.61
|
Yes at 16mins
|
46ns
|
152
|
15. 52X Writing - Page 1
52X Writing - Page 1
- Tested drives
- ASUS CRW5224A firmware v1.16
- LiteOn LTR-52246S firmware v6S08
- AOpen CRW5224 firmware v0.95
- CyberDrive CW099D firmware v1.20M
- Used media
RITEK 80min 48X (JS Type)
Code : 97m15s17f
Disc Type : CD-R
Recording Layer : Dye Type 7: Short Strategy (Phthalocyanine)
Capacity : 79:59.70 (703 MB)
16. 52X Writing - Page 2
52X Writing - Page 2
- 3T Pit Results
The lowest 3T Pit Jitter values come from AOpen CRW5224 with a 33.39ns (average).
The LiteOn LTR-52246S comes second with 34.34ns, while the ASUS CRW5224 third
with 36.80ns. The CyberDrive CW099D comes last with a 44.88ns!
- 3T Land Results
The lowest 3T Land Jitter values come from AOpen CRW5224 with a 32.61ns (average).
The LiteOn LTR-52246S comes second with 36.29ns, while the ASUS CRW5224 third
with 38.59ns. The CyberDrive CW099D comes last with a 42.27ns!
- Conclusion
All drives passed the 35ns Jitter limit in the Pits area. The AOpen CRW5224
is the only drive that didn't passed the 35ns limit, only at the 3T Land values.
The CRW5224 has also the lower average Jitter (33ns)...
|
Drive
|
3T Pit Jitter
|
3T Land Jitter
|
>35ns
|
Max
|
|
|
CyberDrive CW099D
|
44.88
|
42.27
|
Yes at 0mins
|
60ns
|
152
|
|
AOpen CRW5224
|
33.39
|
32.61
|
Yes at 60mins
|
39ns
|
149
|
|
LiteOn LTR-52246S
|
34.34
|
36.29
|
Yes at 15mins
|
42ns
|
149
|
|
ASUS CRW5224
|
36.80
|
38.59
|
Yes at 0mins
|
41ns
|
188
|