NEC ND-3520A Burner - Page 21

CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 6

In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we are using 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.

12X DVD+R Writing Speed

• Ricoh 8X DVD+R @ 12X

• CMC Magnetics 16X DVD+R @ 12X

- Summary

Only two media could be burned at 12X, since most 8X media were oversped directly to 16X, or did not overspeed at all. This means that we do not have enough evidence to certify burning quality for 12X. Ricoh 8X media did not produce good quality scans, and high PI error levels were reported. On the other hand, CMC Magnetics 16X media produced far better results. Unfortunately, according to NEC's media support list for the 3520A model, no other media is supported at 12X at this time.