Memorex D²

Review Pages

1. Retail Package - Installation
2. Transfer Rate Reading Tests
3. CD Error Correction Tests
4. DVD Error Correction Tests
5. Protected Disc Tests
6. DAE Tests
7. Protected AudioCDs
8. CD Recording Tests
9. 3T Jitter Tests
10. C1 / C2 Error Measurements
11. DVD Recording Tests
12. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 1
13. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 2
14. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 3
15. KProbe/PlexTools Scans - Page 4
16. DVD+R DL - Page 1
17. DVD+R DL - Page 2
18. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 1
19. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 2
20. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 3
21. F16 vs. SA300 - Page 4
22. BookType Setting
23. Conclusion

Memorex D² DVD±RW/DL Recorder - Page 1

Memorex has always been one of the forerunners and proves it one more time with the release of its latest DVD recorder, the F16 ( or D²). No, this is not about the world renowned Falcon fighting jet, but the first 16X DVD+R recorder from Memorex. With support for DL media, the drive is a very attractive offer. We received the F16 at our labs and wasted no time putting it through the paces.

As we have already mentioned, the drive supports 16X for DVD+R, along with 2.4X for DL, 8X for DVD-R, 4X for rewritable DVD media, 48X and 24X for CD-R and CD-RW respectively. It further supports reading speeds of 16X for DVD-ROM and 48X for CD-ROM.

- Features
Record a full DVD disc in less than 6 minutes
Complete Nero Memorex Software Suite included
Built-in Flash-ROM for Online Upgradability
Built-in buffer underrun protection
Stylish silver and black design
RAW Mode support
Double-Layer DVD+R9 compliant

- Specifications

Interface:	E-IDE/ATAPI (Ultra DMA Mode 2)
Write Speeds:	DVD+R:16X / -R: 8X, DVD+R9:2.4X DVD+RW: 4X, DVD-RW: 4X
	CD-R: 48X, CD-RW: 24X
Read Speeds:	DVD+R/-R/+RW/-RW: 8X
	DVD-ROM: 16X, CD-R/RW: 48X
Random Access:	DVD: 160msec, CD: 160msec
Buffer Size:	2MB
Supported Disc Formats:	DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD+R9, DVD-RW, CD-Extra, CD-I, CD-ROM, Audio CD, CDR,CD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD Test, Photo CD, Hybrid CD
Supported Writing Types:	DVD±RW: Disc-at-once, Incremental recording, Multi-border recording, Restricted overwriting
Supported Writing Types:	CD-R/RW: Variable Packet, TAO, SAO, DAO, Raw Mode Burning & Over-Burn
Software Details:	Nero Express 6, Nero InCD, Nero Vision Express 2, Nero BackITup, Nero Showtime, Nero Recode 2, Nero Cover-Designer, Nero Tool Kit, PhotoShow Deluxe

Below are the drive's main specs as given by NeroInfoTool and DVDInfoPro:

The drive also uses the RPC II region control, allowing a user to change the drive's region at most 5 times. However, since this is a LiteOn based drive, you can set the drive to region free using several utilies such as Kprobe.

Below is some additional information from KProbe regarding LiteON based drives:

- European Retail package

The retail package includes the Memorex F16, a quick install guide, mounting screws, and IDE and a audio cable. It also has one DVD+R media certified for 16X recording, the cover of which is shown below. Included software is Nero v6 OEM version.

Now let's take a look at the drive itself.

The color scheme is characteristic of Memorex with a black face plate and silver tray door. The activity led lights up blue when the device is active and on the front, the user will distinguish the DVD+R Double Layer and 16X speed logos.

The rear panel has the usual analogue and digital outputs (SPDIF), IDE connector and power input.

Removing the screws and opening the drive's cover voids the drive's warranty. For reference reasons, we post the following pictures. You can click on the mainboard picture for a higher resolution image:

- Installation

The drive was installed as secondary master and under WindowsXP recognized as a "Memorex DVD+/-DLRWL1 F16 ". The drive arrived with firmware version vBWSA but soon after we received a newer version, v BWSB. Below is a picture from Nero Burning Rom, showing supported options such as overburn and buffer underrun protection support.