Fall 2004 DVDR Roundup: Dual Layer and 16X DVD+R
by Anand Shimpi & Virginia Lee on November 1, 2004 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Storage
LiteOn SOHW-1633S
Our roundup would not be complete without an offering from LiteOn. LiteOn has continuously proven itself as a solid (but generally not outstanding) OEM and retail manufacturer.| LiteOn SHOW-1633S 16X DVD-/+RW Drive | |
| Interface | PATA |
| CD Write Speed | 48X, 40X CAV 32X, 24X P-CAV 16X, 8X CLV |
| CD Rewrite Speed | 24X Z-CLV 16X, 10X, 4X CLV |
| CD Read Speed | 40X MAX CAV |
| DVD-R Write Speed | 8X, 6X Z-CLV 4X, 2X, 1X |
| DVD-RW Rewrite Speed | 4X, 2X, 1X CLV |
| DVD+R Write Speed | 16X CAV 12X, 8X P-CAV 6X, 4X, 2.4X |
| DVD+RW Rewrite Speed | 4X, 2.4X |
| DVD+DL Write Speed | 2.4X CLV |
| DVD Read Speed | 16X MAX CAV |
| Supported Modes | DAO / DAO-RAW 16 & 96 TAO SAO / RAW SAO, RAW SAO 16 & 96 Packet Write Multi-Session |
| Supported Formats | DVD±R/W (DAO, Incremental, muti-border, restricted overwriting) CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-DA, (variable packet, TAO, SAO, DAO, raw burning/overburn) |
| Access Time | CD: 160ms DVD: 160ms |
| Buffer | 2MB |
Once again, LiteOn went with a MediaTek based DSP, the MT1828E. Below, you can see a scan of the double-sided PCB. Using a PCB with components on both sides slightly increases the cost and complexity of the unit, but also decreases the size of the drive. This is why most MediaTek burners have a smaller form factor.
Click to enlarge.
On the front side of the mainboard, there is not a whole lot to see other than the Samsung 3.3V DRAM module. The reverse side of the main PCB can be seen below.
Click to enlarge.
Coupled with the analog controller, the MT1616E, the SHOW-1633S provides all the features of NEC and Pioneer, as well as additional features like error feedback. All MediaTek controllers provide feedback to the PC on the number of C1/C2/C3 (or PI/PO) errors produced during a burn. Software like K-Probe allows the PC to record and graph these errors in the same manner that Q-Tools reports errors. This is a great feature if you are a hardware reviewer, but not something that we would recommend as a factor in a purchase decision.
Although we are accustomed to high pitch whines while writing discs, the LiteOn 1633S was extremely noisy.
Feel free to download the performance graphs for the SOHW-1633S here.
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gtanuel - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
Just want to add an info about BenQ DW1620 pricing. I bought DW1600 3 days ago at SG$ 98 (that's about US$54-58). After upgrading the BIOS, it's now on DW1620's firmware B7M9. If the physical is the same as DW1620, it's effectively the cheapest 16x among the rest.kernelgui - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
On page 13 where you published the test results with Ritek G05 media the graph heading indicates DVD-R 8X write speeds, however the smaller print below that indicates DVD+R media. Can you perhaps clarify if this table is based on + or -Thanks,
Fionavar - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
Thanks for the great review! Just one note of possible mistake - you have the DL R speed of the ND 3500a @ 2.4 when I believe it should be 4x.KristopherKubicki - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
Maverick215: Testing 8 DVD drives takes more than just a few days. Our roundup was submitted Mid October and posted Nov 1.The zip files are at the bottom of each drive page. Look at the bottom of page 6 for the Benq.
http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=22...
Kristopher
Maverick215 - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
KristopherKubicki: Let me see if I got this.You say that you tested the most recent firmware available on the Benq. Your previous review was posted September 29th, 2004. The next firmware released was B7K9, files in that zip are dated 9.27.04 and it was posted to benq's US site 9.29.04 (the same day the initial review was released) So if you "... tested with the newest firmware possible" then either http://images.anandtech.com/reviews/storage/16xosd...
is outdated or you tested the drive for 'this' roundup 'before' the previous review was released. I'm inclined to think the latter is true based on the features of B7K9. Similarly, "(your) second look at the DW1620 uses the same firmware, although (you) were able to get some better media." I assume you got this media prior to 9.29.04 as well...
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Just trying to figure this out for myself here (btw I can't seem to find the .zip files you refer to). I have no vested interest in any of this, just like to see things clearly.
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Back to the firmware issue. B7K9 introduced a great many write strategies changes.
I will pick out the media tested that seems to have changed since before B7K9
Mitsubishi (MCC 03 RG20) DVD-R is now 16x (should put speed about the same as NEC)
Mitsubishi (MCC 003) DVD+R is now 12x (should be about the same as the RITEK test on the BENQ)
Ritek (RITEK R04) DVD+R is a 16x supported media
Mitsubishi (MCC 004) possibly had a write strategy change (uncertain) to make it full 16x; same for (RITEK R03)
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#35+KristopherKubricki
Don't get me wrong I understand you guys can't test the latested of the latest ultra alpha zeta laser tool chain master firmware (yes I made that up as I went) and compile a review/comparison instantly. But I would expect if you are using new material for a new review that you use the latest firmware/software etc that is available at the start of that review/comparison. At the VERY least you could mention that firmware revisions/updates/etc have been made (google is easy to use) and likely improve the results of XYZ. Further mentioning new features have been introduced, such as in B7M9 (released 10.27.04) where high speed (8x) disc quality testing with nero cd/dvd speed has been added (must use latest firmware, with latest software).
I may not expect to see such things on (insert company fanboy website here) but I certainly expect nothing less than what I suggest from "the leading IT source for hardware analysis and industry news"
Bozo Galora - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
BTW CDfreaks says the 1.01 firmware is out.Bozo Galora - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
Actually if you look at store pickup it shows in stock (for me) at several places. But no one at those friggin stores ever answers the phone.Going out there right now to see, pick up 3 if they have them.
Thanks for heads up.
Dennis Travis - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
The Modesto, Calif Best Buy had 5-6 the night I got mine. I was shocked to see it there. I am glad I bought it. My friend has the 712 and never a coaster after at least 500-600 DVD's and hunderds of CDR's. And the DVD's play on anything in my house including a Sony DVD that hates all burned media.Same with the 716a so far.
KristopherKubicki - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
We will test a PX-716A as soon as we get a sample.Kristopher
Warder45 - Monday, November 1, 2004 - link
Nm they are backordered till the 11th - 17th. I'll have to check my local BB's to see if any of them got it in.