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DVD Read Tests
In our DVD reads tests, we 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 without getting too technical before we
begin.
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.
Before I show you the test results, I would like
to say that this drive is, unfortunately, one of those that do lock the
transfer
speed in the firmware on DVD-Video discs. In other words, it is normally
called a "Rip Lock", which is done as a measure to prevent DVD ripping.
This is nothing a third-party firmware cannot remedy, however, we don't
recommend it. With that said, don't expect some impressive results but I
provide them so that you can see just what limitations have been set.
1. CD-DVD Speed - Single Layer DVD
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Test Results |
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Transfer Speed
Average:
3.79x
Start:
2.08x
End: 5.02x |
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Seek
Times
Random:
127ms
1/3: 142ms
Full:
201ms |
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CPU
Usage
1X: 6%
2X: 11%
4X: 21%
8X: N/A |
The lock is pretty excessive, and the results
were slightly lower than Pioneer's 4x double layer writer. Seek times,
however, were lower.
2. CD-DVD Speed - Dual Layer PTP DVD
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Test Results |
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Transfer Speed
Average:
3.13x
Start:
1.90x
End: 3.87x |
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Seek
Times
Random:
148ms
1/3: 146ms
Full:
202ms |
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CPU
Usage
1X: 7%
2X: 12%
4X: 50%
8X: NA |
Transfer speed on double layer DVD-Video discs
were very low, starting at only 1.90x and peaking in at only 3.87x. As
you can see, the limitations are a bit too extreme and most who will be
ripping would probably want to patch the drive.
3. CD-DVD Speed - Dual Layer OTP DVD
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Test Results |
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Transfer Speed
Average:
3.45x
Start:
1.90x
End: 4.54x |
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Seek
Times
Random:
158ms
1/3: 167ms
Full:
227ms |
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CPU
Usage
1X: 6%
2X: 11%
4X: NA
8X: NA |
Results with OTP discs were similar and transfer
speeds peaked in slightly higher at 4.54x. Seek times remained low,
especially when compared against Pioneer's double layer drive.
4. CD-DVD Speed - DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R,
DVD+RW
To test speeds on recordable media, I gathered
up two different discs from each format and captured the maximum transfer rate
of each.
The NEC ND-3500A handled +R and -R media
exceptionally well, maxing in at just under its fast rated speed of 16x.
Re-writable media peaked at 8x.
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