DVD Read Tests

As I do in all our DVD read tests, I will be testing both single layer and dual layer DVD's. For the dual layer tests, we will look at both PTP and OTP disks. For those who are unfamiliar with these methods, I will briefly try to describe them each of them.

Dual layer discs are more than 4.38GB in size. There are two ways in which they write these discs. One is PTP, which stands for parallel track path, and the other is OTP which stands for opposite track path. In PTP discs, both layers read from the inside of the disc to the outside while OTP discs read from the inside to out and then back in for the inner layer. This allows the drive to read both layers almost continuously, with only a short pause to refocus the pickup lens. This is particularly useful for movies, where long play time without interruption is required.

1. CD-DVD Speed - Single Layer DVD

The LG GSA-4120B is capable of reading DVD-ROM discs at 12x and DVD-Video at 8x.  We were easily able to hit its maximum speed of 8x on our single layer DVD-Video.  What was impressive in our DVD read tests were the really low CPU usage scores achieved.  They were significantly lower than the Lite-ON dual layer drive.

2. CD-DVD Speed - Dual Layer PTP DVD

The dual layer read tests is where you'll really notice a difference in read performance.  The LG, however, did very well in our PTP read tests, especially when compared to the Lite-ON.  What was quite surprising, was the extremely low CPU usage when reading from these discs.

3. CD-DVD Speed - Dual Layer OTP DVD

As expected, it was able to read OTP dual layer discs much better, reaching its maximum 8x read rate.  As far as CPU usage, our Lite-ON failed to read at both 4x and 8x, while the LG drive only failed at 8x. 

One important thing to note here are the recognition times of all three discs.  The LG excels in this category, able to load DVD media much faster than the Lite-ON drive. 

4. CD-DVD Speed - DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW

For these tests, I gathered up some media of all formats and captured its maximum transfer rates using Nero CD-DVD Speed.  Below is a chart of the results.

The LG GSA-4120B is capable of reading DVD+/-R discs at a maximum rate of 10x and DVD+/-RW discs at 8x.  The drive had absolutely no problem reaching its maximum transfer rates on all formats tested. 

The DVD read tests are where this drive really performs.  Also, note the recognition times on the tests we conducted above.  They are quite low and loads DVD's faster than the Lite-ON or any drive I've had the pleasure to use. 

Next: CD Write Tests