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Features
Like their previous model, the DW1620, this
drive is capable of reading and writing to CD-R media at 40x.
Writing at up to 16x is supported with DVD+R media. Its exclusive WOPC
feature is used when writing to this type of media.
Despite its 16x writing to DVD+R discs, this drive only supports 8x writing to
DVD-R media and is one of its most unappealing features. Hopefully a firmware upgrade will increase its write speed.
Unfortunately, the most disappointing feature
though is
its 2.4x double layer write support. While BenQ did state to me that all
their 16x writers now support 4x double layer writing, this is apparently not the
case. Hopefully, a firmware will be released to increase its write
speed, but for now, you'll have to live with its slow 2.4x writing.
BenQ
drives also carry a few of their own exclusive features designed for ultimate
write quality as follows:
As writing speed is increased, signal loss
becomes the key cause of a Significant decrease in writing quality. BenQ’s
High-Speed Signal Algorithm manages the high EFM(Eight-to-Fourteen Modulation)
frequency signal loss that often takes place at high-speed writing - ensuring
superb writing quality.
Unlike other drives which preset the writing power before the actual writing
of data, the WOPC II (Walking Optimal Power Control II) algorithm constantly
evaluates writing quality and adjusts the writing power accordingly in order
to ensure optimal writing quality over the entire disc. The BLER OPC (Block
Error Rate Optimal Power Control) further enhances the writing quality near
the end of the disc, where the risk of warping is higher.
Installation
As with any drive in a Windows XP system,
installation is a breeze and the drive is properly identified in Device
Manager.
The latest version of Nero's InfoTool supports a
wider range of drives and features. It reported all supported features
correctly. However, based on the specs of this drive, I'm almost certain
it does not support double layer writing to the DVD-R format. The
firmware reported was BBBA. While there are currently no official
firmware releases for this drive, it has been brought to my attention that
there were early samples that do have a BBAA firmware. What exactly has
changed is uncertain at this time.
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