IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 14

- DVD Loader mod - Page 2

Since the drive was recognized by the PC, we tried several benchmarks to see the drive's full capabilities. Using a SL DVD+R disc, we got a strange reading graph. The drive starts reading at 3.76X but soon drops its reading speed, then continues to read in CAV mode until the 3.5GB, where it again dropped reading speed.

Using a DVD9 pressed disc, the reading graph was somewhat smoother:

Then we tried CD/DVD scan quality mode and the drive started reporting PI/PIF errors! Unfortunately, the drive halted a little before the half way point. Also remember that the drive didn't work with Kprobe!

Then we wanted to see if the AvelLink system can recognize another optical storage device, like a LiteOn 1633S drive. Judging from the original CD/DVD drives dimensions, it should be possible to use full length drives as well (see photo below).

We installed the LiteOn 1633S drive and connected the power and IDE cables:

For now, the newly installed drive was free standing but if you decide to use another drive, you'll need to find a way to fasten it so that it doesn't move.

We next powered up the player and all seemed to go ok

It was about time to access the player's menu and check if the drive's ID was recognized:

What we didn't manage to do was to install the original AvelLink front bezel on the LiteOn 1633S OEM drive. The front bezel from the LiteOn 1633S fitted perfectly on the Epox CD/DVD drive... That's the final step in order to complete the player modifications. Any users wishing to make similar modifications to their unit should proceed at their own risk since any tampering with the unit will void the warranty.