In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media we used two readers equipped 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-716A 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 not be taken as the absolute criterion of the burning quality, but as an indication level.

16X DVD-R Writing Speed

- Mitsubishi Chemicals 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Opto 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- ProdiscF01 16X DVD-R @ 8X

- ProdiscS05 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- BenQ 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Traxdata 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Philips 16X DVD-R @ 16X

- Summary

It seems that with DVD-R media at 16X, the scene is quite different. The reported error count and levels by Plextools were high in most cases and our LiteOn reader had problems with specific media, while in some cases, it failed to complete the reading process. We re-burned the discs that our LiteOn DVD-ROM failed to read, but still the same outcome. A new firmware release addressing this problem is a must.