Lite-On SOHW-812s - Page 4

DVD reading tests

- Single Layer DVD-ROM (Click for CDSpeed results)

To check the reading performance of LiteOn with single layer DVD-ROM, we used NeroCDSpeed and 820A test disc by Abex.

The LiteOn drive managed to reach and do slightly better than the manufacturers specification for 12x maximum reading speed for single layer DVD-ROM. CAV reading strategy was used and the test finished with a reported average speed of 9.29x. while similar speeds were reported for the Teac drive.

The seek times of the LiteOn and Teac drives are similar and quite acceptable for random and 1/3 modes. The 179ms reported full seek time of the LiteOn is slightly higher than Teac's and a bit over the acceptable level.

- Dual Layer PTP DVD-ROM (Click for CDSpeed results)

The two layers of a PTP DVD-ROM disc are read sequentially, with the drive starting the read process from the inner tracks on the disc, where lies the beginning of each layer and progressing outwards towards to the outer tracks for each layer.

Just like the previous tested DVD-ROM the two devices reported similar reading speeds in all three measurements as shown on the above graph. LiteOn read the disc under CAV reading strategy and NeroCDSpeed reported that the drive finished each layer with end speed 8.39x while the average reading speed was 6.28x, a value that was 0.4x slower than Teac's.

The reported seek times of the LiteOn and Teac drives for dual layer DVD-ROM reading, are similar to those of the single layer disc. Fast random and 1/3 seek times for both devices while on full seek, the LiteOn proved to be 11ms slower than the Teac.

- Dual Layer OTP DVD-ROM

The first layer of an OTP dual layer DVD-ROM is read exactly the same way as the first layer of the PTP disc we tested previously. The difference here is the reading strategy of the second layer on the disc. The beginning of the second layer is located in the outer part of the disc, so the drive starts reading from the outer tracks inwards towards the inner tracks of the disc.

All pressed discs were read under CAV mode and the OTP disc was no exception. The drive once again outdid the manufacturer's specification for 8x, ending the test at 8.35x. The seek times, except for full seek are quite acceptable. As shown on the above screenshot, NeroCDSpeed indicates a smooth reading process and 6.26x average reading speed.

- DVD Ripping Tests

We measured the DVD-Video ripping speed of LiteOn using the latest version of DVD Decrypter. The DVD Video title is the "Matrix" pressed DVD-Video.

Both devices proved slow with DVD ripping. Although the average speed of the tested writers is not the slowest we have experienced, the 6.3x average ripping speed for the LiteOn needs some improvement.

- DVD Recordable / Rewritable reading Tests

The chart below shows the Nero CDSpeed average reading speed results with the following media by MC:

• 8x DVD+R
• 4x DVD+RW

• 8x DVD-R
• 4x DVD-RW

The LiteOn drive read all four media types under CAV mode. The drive returned 6.07x and 6.09x average reading speed for DVD+R and DVD-R respectively . With the rewritable reading tests, the reported average speed for both media was slightly faster in comparison to the writable. Similar results were reported for the Teac, as shown by the above graphs.