Panasonic LF-D521 IDE DVD-RAM - Page 12

DVD Recording Tests

- Writing Performance

Panasonic LF-D521 supports 2x CLV writing when using 4.7GB DVD-RAM discs and 1x in the case of 2.6GB media. It is very interesting the fact that data verification and sector management is carried out during the data writing process. Although the process maintains highly reliable data write, preventing data loss due to scratches, dust etc, the overall writing time is increased. Our tests using "Nero burning Rom" showed that the total recording time for 4.316GB of data was 58:52min, which is equal to 1x writing:

In order to achieve lower writing times, you should use the "B's Gold5" software bundled in the Panasonic retail package. The software allows the user to disable the verification function and increases the recording speed to x2. (26:38min in our case).

In the following screenshot you can see the B's Gold5 recording properties window where you can disable the verification function:

As we mentioned, without verification the recording process lasted 26:38min:

We also burned 4.316GB of data using the Panasonic LF-D521 drive and Pioneer 4x DVD-R and 2x DVD-RW media. The results are listed in the following table:

The following pictures come from Nero, after successful DVD-RW and DVD-R burnings. The amount of data is the same for all the tests.

- DVD-R

- DVD-RW

- Drag & Drop writing

After formatting a DVD-RAM disc under the UDF 1.5 mode, the available free space on the disc is 4.26GB:

We drag & drop 4.21GB from HD to the DVD-RAM media. The drive needed 1:02:15 to complete the tests, which equals to 0.9x writing.