Plextor PX-716AL

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Reading Tests
3. DVD Error Correction Tests
4. 90/99min CD media
5. CD Recording Tests
6. C1 / C2 Error Measurements
7. Clover System Tests
8. DVD Recording Tests
9. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 1
10. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 2
11. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 3
12. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 4
13. CDSpeed/PlexTools Scans - Page 5
14. Writing Quality Tests - Almedio AEC-1000
15. DVD+R DL - Page 1
16. DVD+R DL - Page 2
17. Booktype BitSetting
18. Conclusion

- DVD Error Correction Tests

We will be posting only the results of the 541 and 545 test media, since the 821-825-841-845 test media were measured and no difference from the 716A in the error correction mechanism regarding these media was noted. For a detailed view on these media please feel free to refer to the PX-716A full review here.

ABEX TDV-541

The TDV-541 is a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc, with a capacity of 8.5GB. The disc is based on the TDV-540 series which is designed for inspection and adjustment of DVD-VIDEO players. The disc checks the layer switch operation from layer 0 to layer 1 and also includes test pictures and test signals for DVD sound files. The current TDV-541 also checks the error correcting capabilities of the drive and includes scratches from 0.4 to 3.0 mm.

Unfortunately, the PX-716AL did not manage to successfully read the 541 test media, producing the above message.

ABEX TDV-545

The TDV-545 disc is based on the TDV-540 series. It is a single sided, dual layer DVD-VIDEO disc with a capacity of 8.5GB. The TDV-545 includes artificial black dots on the data surface, sized from 0.4 to 1.0 mm. It also has 65 - 75 micrometer fingerprints.

While this test media was read successfully, it was not read smoothly as can be clearly seen from the above scan. There are major speed fluctuations which start a little before and continue after the layer change.

From what we can see from the above scans, the DVD error correction with defective media is in no way the same as the PX-716A (at least regarding the 541&545 defective media) due to firmware differences (the caddy drive uses a different firmware from that of the tray loading drive). Not very good DVD error correction capabilities.