In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we used two readers with two software applications:

- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.

- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.

In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve, very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even though a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may not be smooth containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the reading capabilities of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected, especially near the outer area of the disc.

The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.

DVD+RW and DVD-RW Media

• Ricoh 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• Verbatim 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

• Verbatim 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

Thus far, we can say that the Samsung drive is an average to good quality burner with no surprises. So, inserting good quality media, the drive will make the best of it and produce a good quality burn. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for the DVD±RW burning capabilities of the SH-W162C burner which are far from good. Out of the four media tested, only one in each case managed to achieve a full scan. Only Ricoh DVD+RW media at 8X and Verbatim DVD-RW at 6X managed to report average quality burns. For the remaining media, one in each category, the scanning process could not complete, reporting the messages seen in the screenshots above.