Philips DVDRW228 DVD+RW

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. CD/DVD Data Tests
3. CloneCD Reading Tests
4. DAE Tests
5. CDR Tests
6. HS-RW/Packet Tests
7. DVD Tests
8. Conclusion

Philips DVDRW228 IDE CD/DVD+RW- Page 8

Conclusion

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

- Super Combo recorder supporting both CD and DVD formats
- Can playback DVD movies
- Supports "Just-Link" anti-coaster technology
- Supports 'LossLess Linking' avoids buffer underruns problems for DVD format
- Good data reading performance with CDs/HS-RW media
- Good reading/writing packet writing performance
- Good access times
- Very good DVD playback/reading performance
- Supports HS-RW standard (10x re-write)
- Supports DAO-RAW
- Supports reading of SubChannel data
- Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
- Supports Overburning (up to 99mins)
- Supports Ultra-DMA 33
- 2 years of warranty
- Complete retail package

- Price is higher than DVR-A04
- DVD+R has less compatibility than DVD-R (with tested drives)
- Doesn't support defect management (DVD+MRW)
- Doesn't support hardware EFM correction
- Low DAE speed with CD-R media
- Bad DAE quality with dusted/scratched CDR media

After Ricoh, Philips is the second manufacturer that ships a second generation DVD+RW recorder supporting both DVD+ and DVD+RW formats. The drive is equipped with features that can directly compete Pioneer's DVD-R recorders. The test results showed that Ricoh MP5125A is faster in many tests that Philips DVDRW228, with however small performance differences.

Comparing the drive with Pioneer's DVR-A04 proposal we can say that the Philips drive is a faster recorder and reader in both CD and DVD formats and it is bulked with better Video Editing software. Both drives offer 2 years of warranty for European customers. The point where Pioneer DVR-A04 wins is the lower price of the package & DVD-R media and at the compatibility with DVD-ROM drives.

For sure Philips DVDRW228 complete package will not disappoint its possible buyer. If price was at the same levels as for Pioneer DVR-A4 we could suggest it without any doubt. A bare Pioneer DVR-A04 can be found at prices of 250-270$, while the second generation DVD+R/+RW drives are found at 400-450$.