|
DVD Read Tests
In our DVD read tests, I'll be testing both
single and dual layer DVDs. For the dual layer tests, I will be testing
both PTP and OTP discs. We'll also do a comparison with recordable media
as well. Let's start with transfer rates.
Remember that a majority of these drives have
rip locks on them and the results may not be too impressive. However,
this will allow you to compare each of them to see which drive/s have the most
excessive locks and give you a good indication of what to expect if used for
ripping.
Read Transfer Rates
No drive on the market can compete with
Lite-On's 16x drive when it comes to single layer DVD-Video discs. Their
drives do not have a rip lock and therefore, you'll be able to obtain much
higher transfer rates. You can see that it does offer true 16x transfer
on single layer discs with an average speed of 12x. The LG GSA-4160B
doesn't do bad though and offers substantially higher transfer speeds than
both the NEC and Pioneer models.
In our dual layer read tests, we see the Lite-On
and LG drive on par in terms of the highest transfer rates. What I found
particularly disappointing about the NEC and Pioneer models were the extremely
excessive limitations put forth in the firmware. The rip lock was just
intolerable actually. Something to seriously consider for those whose primarily
goal is to rip/backup your DVDs.
As expected, we see some higher numbers with OTP
discs. The Lite-On and LG drives again take a strong lead over its
competitors.
With recordable media, it's quite a different
story. The NEC ND-3500A is simply unmatched and takes a strong lead
above the rest. However, the Pioneer and LG drives do offer some
acceptable performance with recordable media.
Seek Times
So which drive had the lowest seek times?
Let's find out by testing with both single and dual layer DVD-Video discs.
The LG GSA-4160B and Lite-On SOHW-1633s have the
lowest seek times. The Pioneer drive would have the highest and most
disappointing scores.
We again see both the LG and Lite-On models
showing the lowest seek times with dual layer PTP discs. However, things
change a bit when comparing both the NEC and Pioneer drives.
We see similar results when testing with OTP
dual layer discs. The LG providing the lowest seek times when compared
to all others.
Overall, the LG-GSA4160B is once again the leader, offering
the lowest seek times out of the bunch.
CPU Usage
With single layer DVD discs, the LG and Lite-On
drives were able to go through all tests, including at 8x speeds. The LG showed
the lowest usage.
With dual layer PTP discs, the LG once again
showed the lowest utilization. We see a jump though with the NEC drive
at 4x.
The Pioneer seems to handle OTP discs slightly
better but the LG drive continues to show low usage. Overall, the LG
GSA-4160B performs best in these tests.
|
