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 the OptiDrive Control software. The reference test discs are made by 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.

 

	Pioneer BDR-S06 XLB	LiteOn iHBS112
Read errors	No	No, but speed slowdowns

The graph looks smooth without any speed fluctuations, meaning that the Pioneer drive had no difficulties while reading the test disc. No read errors were reported.

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.

 

 

	Pioneer BDR-S06XLB	LiteOn iHBS112
Read errors	No, but speed slowdowns at the end of the disc	No

This time the drive slowed down a bit in order to read the outer parts of the disc.

 

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.

 

	Pioneer BDR-S06XLB	LiteOn iHBS112
Read errors	No	No

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.

	Pioneer BDR-S06XLB	LiteOn iHBS112
Read errors	No	No

Flawless reading here.

Summary

Overall, the DVD error correction mechanisms are adequate, although they could be improved , especially when the drive reads heavily scratched DVDs.