In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we used 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 8X DVD+RW @ 8X

• MKM 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

• MKM 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

• Traxdata 4X DVD+RW @ 4X

• Traxdata 4X DVD-RW @ 4X

• Traxdata 6X DVD-RW @ 6X

- Summary

Some minor problems appeared when we scanned ReWritable media. Burning quality at 8x with DVD+RW media seemed to be great, similar to the burning quality of 6x writings with DVD-RW media. Unfortunately, these media are not easily found on the market and only Verbatim (MKM) and Traxdata (RITEK) actually manufacture discs supporting these speeds. Traxdata 6x DVD-RW media was unreadable with our LiteON reader, but the Plextools scans indicated rather good writing quality. So, we will have to assume that the disc is unreadable because of the drive's limitations and not because of the disc itself. On the other hand, Traxdata 4x DVD+RW media was a headache for the ND-3530A and we had the worst results with these particular media. Once again, bad interaction between Traxdata media with NEC burners.