What follows is a quality check test, which reports the ability of the drive, while reading scratched/defective media. For the tests we used CDVD Benchmark and Nero CDSpeed. The reference test media comes from ALMEDIO.

- Single Layer media

ABEX TDR-821

The following graphics plot comes from CDVD Benchmark v1.21 transfer rate test, using a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM with 4.7GB capacity with an artificial scratch emended on the disc ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

The Pioneer K14L proved more than capable of reading the artificially scratched disc with a small drop in speed at the end of the defective area.

ABEX TDR-825

Similar to the TDR-821 the TDR-825 is a single sided, single layer DVD-ROM of 4.7GB capacity. The difference between the two discs is that the later emulates not a scratch but a group of defective areas with dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 mm and fingerprints sized about 65 to 75 micrometers.

In this case, the K14L progressed smoothly while reading over the first defective area of the drive, but as it moved onto the second defect, the drive showed an inability to overcome the fingerprints and generating an error in the middle of the particular defect. Although it managed to complete the test, a read error was reported.

- Dual Layer media

ABEX TDR-841

Let us see, how the drive does in reading an 8.5GB single sided, dual layer DVD- ROM with artificial scratches of dimensions ranging from 0.4 to 3.0mm on both layers.

Smooth reading in both layers, with slight fluctuations in speed over the defective areas. Overall a good performance.

ABEX TDR-845

Much like the TDR-841, the TDR-845, a single sided, dual layer DVD-ROM disc with a capacity of 8.5GB differs from the first disc in the fingerprints contained in both layers along with the scratched areas. The dimensions of the defective areas range from 0.5 to 1.1 mm and the fingerprints are sized from 65 to 75 micrometers.

Once again, good reading from the Pioneer drive with the PTP DL disc and two defects on both layers. Again, only slight fluctuations in speed for each layer.

ABEX TDV-541

Using Nero CdSpeed we tested the drive with the TDV-541, a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc, with a capacity of 8.5GB. Based on the 540 series for inspection and calibration of DVD-VIDEO players, the TDV-541 inspects the layer switch operation and the error correction capabilities of the drive, including scratches ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

The Pioneer performance is inadequate in this case, with good reading in the first layer but a very large drop in speed just after the layer change and continuing through the second layer.

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.

As with most drives with this disc, the Pioneer successfully read both sides of the media test disc. Good reading.

- Conclusion

In most cases the error correction was good.