BTC 5224IM

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Data Tests
3. Error Correction Tests
4. CloneCD Reading Tests
5. DAE Tests
6. CDR Tests
7. Writing Quality Tests - Page 1
8. Writing Quality Tests - Page 2
9. RW Writing Tests
10. Conclusion

BTC 5224IM IDE CD-RW RECORDER - Page 10

Conclusion

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

- Supports 52X, 24X writing/re-writing speeds
- Supports SuperLink anti-coaster technology
- Very fast 52X CD-R reader
- Low seek times
- Supports Mt. Rainier format
- Supports hardware EFM correction
- Supports DAO-RAW writing mode
- Reads/writes SubChannel Data from Audio/Data tracks
- Supports reading/writing of 99min CDs
- Supports CD-Text (read/write)
- Supports C2 error information with high accuracy (100%) according to the Nero CDSpeed tests
- Low Price (Euro 60)

- Writing above 48X produces high 3T Pit/Land Jitter
- CD Error correction could be better
- DAE is lower compared with other drives (40X max)
- Didn't recognize Mitsubishi Chemicals US-RW as 24X compatible, only 16X
- Cannot handle any Audio protected discs
- Retail package doesn't include any CD-R, US-RW media!

Fast reading and writing is definitely the strong feature of the new BTC5224IE. The drive not only competes the other 52X CAV recorders in the market, but also takes a slight lead in terms of speed. The new 52X writing record is 2:27 minutes with Mitsubishi Chemicals 48X media. Reading is also combined with low seek times.

But is the absolute speed the panacea? The answer is no, for the most of the experienced users. We are talking about writing quality and reading accuracy. The jitter measurements showed that the writing strategy of BTC 5214IE could possibly lead to increased jitter in audio CDs, especially in the high writing speeds. Although the average 3T Pit and Land jitter values did not exceed the Red Book standard, the recorded audio discs gave some high jitter peaks by the end of the disc, where the writing speed was more than 40X and acceleration to 52X (CAV) was in full progress. This behaviour was noticed with all the media we tested, especially with SKC 48X and Intenso 48X. On the other hand, the situation was much better with Mitsubishi Chemicals and Taiyo Yuden media. Note that the jitter values are measured during reading. High jitter may produce errors during playback (skipping, noise) especially with portable/car cd players.

In the error correction tests with audio CDs the drive performed averagely, but the retrieved C2 error information was accurate (100% according to the Nero CD Speed results). Speaking for audio we should note that the drive gave a 30X DAE speed (average), which is slower than other competitor drives. Audio protected discs are also not supported by BTC 5224IE.

In addition, the drive did not manage to rewrite in the maximum supported 24 X speed, at least with Mitsubishi Chemicals US-RW media. It only supported them at 16X writing speed. We are not aware of the type of US-RW media the BTC supports since no media were included in the retail package. A future firmware upgrade is expected improve the US-RW media compatibility.

On the other hand, the BTC 5224IM is a very good solution for CloneCD users. The drive is not the fastest reader but it produces working backups of SafeDisc v.2 protected discs (hardware EFM correction), reads/writes SubChannel Data from Audio/Data tracks and supports RAW DAO writing. In addition, overburning, CD-Text reading/writing and 99min audioCDs are included in the supported features.

Price is sometimes a strong parameter someone has in mind before buying a product. The BTC 5214IM is priced at Euro 60-70 and it is possibly the cheapest 52X recorder in the market. Thus, with the proper firmware tunings the drive could become a very good solution for the entry-level user.