NEC ND-3520A Burner - Page 24

CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 9

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.

DVD+RW and DVD-RW Media

• MKM 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

• Optodisc 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

• MKM 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

• Traxdata 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

• Datawrite 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

• MKM 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• MKM 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

The ND-3500A model had some minor problems with ReWritable media, producing unreadable media, or high PI error values. NEC engineers seem to have done some work on this matter, and the new ND-3520A not only managed to produce 100% readable media, it further improves quality from the former ND-3500A model. When writing at high speed, Verbatim DVD+RW 8X media could be written at 8X. Writing quality at this speed was reduced, but again, it was satisfactory. Verbatim DVD-RW 6X media was burned at 6X, and again, writing quality was reduced, but PI error levels remained below the 280 limit. In all cases, all media could be read by our LiteOn reader.