Samsung SH-S182D SB02

1. Introduction

Today we will be reviewing the SH-S182D, which is the first 18X DVD±R burner released by Samsung. Many improvements have been made since the previous release models, with the Samsung drives finally supporting 8X writing for DVD-R DL media. The drive now also supports the new 12X DVD-RAM media.

- Drive Features

Let's have a look at the drive's unique features as reported by Samsung.

	Speed Adjustment Technology Intelligent detection of media type. Error-free reading of all media types, increases life of drive.
	Double O.P.C. Technology Provides reliable, zero-error recording.
	Tilt Actuator Compensation Technology Improves recording capability on deformed media.
	Magic Speed Enables flexibility of drive operation, low noise mode, high-speed mode.
	Buffer Under Run Free Technology Prevents Buffer Under Run error, enabling high-speed writing of media.
	Weight Balance System Technology Mechanically designed for minimal vibration and noise.
	Eco-Product Minimal Usage of drive operation, low noise mode, high-speed mode.
	Firmware Live Update Automatically upgrades the latest firmware version through Internet by continued support of newer media.

- Specifications

Model	Samsung SH-S182D
Data Transfer	Media Type	Write	Read
	DVD+R	18X (24.3MB/sec)	12X (16.2MB/sec)
	DVD+R DL	8X (10.8MB/sec)	8X (10.8MB/sec)
	DVD+RW	8X (10.8MB/sec)	8X (10.8MB/sec)
	DVD-R	18X (24.3MB/sec)	12X (16.2MB/sec)
	DVD-R DL	8X (10.8MB/sec)	8X (10.8MB/sec)
	DVD-RW	6X (8.1MB/sec)	8X (10.8MB/sec)
	DVD RAM	12X (16.2MB/sec)	12X (16.2MB/sec)
	DVD ROM	-	16X (21.6MB/sec)
	CD ROM	-	48X (7.2MB/sec)
	CD-R	48X (7.2MB/sec)	40X (6.0MB/sec)
	CD-RW	32X (4.8MB/sec)	40X (6.0MB/sec)
Burst Transfer Rate	PIO Mode 4 (16.6MB/sec)
Burst Transfer Rate	Ultra DMA Mode 2 (33.3MB/sec)
Average Seek Time	DVD : 130ms
Average Seek Time	CD : 110ms
Supported Disc	DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-ROM/XA, CD-Audio, Video-CD, Photo CD, CD-I(FMV), CD-Extra, CD-TEXT
Buffer Memory	2MB
Dimensions (WxHxD mm)	148.2x 42x 184
Weight (kg)	0.75

Information about the drive from various utilities...

- Nero Info Tool

- DVD Info Pro

General drive information, including firmware revision...

And the drive's media support features...

- VSO Inspector

- Retail Package

The Retail package includes:

the SH-S182A burner
IDE cable
audio cable
mounting screws
a comprehensive Quick Installation Guide
bundled software which includes Nero Express 6, InCD4, Nero Showtime, and a wide collection of Nero Utilities

- Front panel view

- Rear panel view

- Top view

We removed the cover to take a closer look inside the drive. Removing the cover renders the warranty void, so we strongly advise against it. Click on the image below for a larger, more detailed view of the drive.

The drive uses the Mediatek chipset, which is widely used in LiteOn drives as well.

- Installation

The drive was installed under WindowsXP and was recognized as "TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-S182D ". The drive came with the SB01 firmware installed, which was an outdated version. Samsung kindly sent us the latest firmware release, SB02.

Throughout this review, we will be comparing the Samsung model with two other latest release drives, the Plextor PX-760A (which is also an 18X burner), and the NEC 4571A.

Having looked at the main features and contents of the drive's retail box, let's move on to the rest of the review and get the testing under way.

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