Memorex True 8Xn external DVD±R/RW Recorder - Page 1
Memorex,
better known for its media production, has for a while now added production
of DVD burners into its repertoire. The True 8Xn, an external
drive for DVD writing, offers
dual format DVD recording.
The Memorex True 8Xn external drive has one USB 2.0 and two
IEEE 1394 connections and looks like a good purchase for users needing a
fancy, low
noise
and low
priced external
writing device compatible with the dual recording format at 8X
writing speed.
- Drive specifications
The
True 8Xn offers 8X DVD±R, 4X DVD±RW, 32X CD-R & 16X CD-RW
writing. In addition, it supports 12X DVD-ROM and 40X CD-ROM reading specifications.
The external case also features an analogue audio output.
| Interface |
External 1xUSB 2.0 / 2xIEEE-1394 |
| Supported media for writing |
DVD+/-RW, DVD+/-R,CD-R, CD-RW |
| Write speed |
DVD+RW Max. 4X
DVD-RW Max. 4X
DVD+R Max. 8X
DVD-R Max. 8X
CD-R Max. 32X
CD-RW Max. 16X |
| Read speed |
DVD-ROM 12X
DVD+/-RW Max 4X
DVD+/-R Max. 8X
CD-R/CD-RW Max. 24X speed
CD-ROM 40X
|
| Buffer memory |
2MB |
| Disc read/play compatibility |
DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD-Extra, CD-I,
CD-ROM, Audio CD, CD-R/RW, CD-ROM XA, CD Text, Photo CD, Hybrid CD |
| Installation |
Horizontal |
| Weight |
6 lbs |
| Dimensions ( W x D x H) |
12"x 6.13" x 9.50" |
NeroInfoTool gives us a quick look at the drive's specs. The drive uses
a 2MB buffer memory and supports buffer underrun technology for both CD/DVD
formats, RAW DAO 96 writing (CD) with firmware v1.G1 that was used for all
our tests. Mount Rainier isn't supported.
DVDInfoPro gives us some additional details about the drive's abilities as
well:
- The package
The
retail box includes the external drive, one USB 2.0 cable, one firewire IEEE-1394a
cable, the external power supply unit and one CD with Nero Express Software
Suite offering: Nero Express 6, NeroVision
Express
2, InCD,
Nero BackItUp, Nero ShowTime, Nero Cover Designer, Nero Recode 2, Nero Media
Player, PhotoShow Deluxe. Also included are a quick installation guide and
software manual.
The external case has a unique look (see photo above), and plays with
silver & black
colors. On the front panel, there are the brand name next to the 8X logo, CD-RW,
DVD-R/RW
and DVD+RW logos, all on the loading tray, under which we have the activity
led, emergency eject hole, phone jack, volume level control and the eject button.
The rear side has the analogue audio output connectors (Left-Right),
two firewire IEEE 1394, one USB 2.0, the DC in and the power on/off switch.
On the drive's label located topside, is available
the manufacturing date (February 2004) and the manufacturing line (Made in
Malaysia). We can see that the drive is the NEC model ND-2500A.
After removing the bottom plate, we can see the basic layout of the
drive's PCB. The main chipset is from NEC, and the entire board is the
same as the board found in the NEC 2500A drive.
The drive was installed and under WindowsXP recognized
as "Memorex DVD+/-RW True8Xn". Below is a picture
from Nero Burning Rom, showing the drive's characteristics.
- Testing software
In order to perform our tests we used:
- Nero CD-DVD Speed v2.20
- Nero Info Tool v2.11
- KProbe
v2.1.0 (Reader: LiteOn SOHW-812S firmware vUSOJ, Reading speed 4X CLV)
- PlexTools v2.14 (Reader:
Plextor PX-712A v1.01, Reading speed 2~5X CAV)
- DVDInfoPro v2.47
- Nero Burning Rom v6.3.1.10
