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.

Now, before I begin with the DVD read tests, I think it is only fair to say that if you do plan on using the drive primarily for ripping/backups, this drive is not for you.  It certainly bothers me that they would severely cripple an excellent product this way.  The rip lock on both NEC and Pioneer drives have always been a bit extreme.  With that said, don't expect impressive results in the following tests.  There are simply faster drives on the market in terms of ripping performance.

1. CD-DVD Speed - Single Layer DVD

Now, despite these rather poor results, the rip lock is not as bad as that found in earlier models such as the ND-3500A.  Max read rate on single layer DVD-Video was just under 8x.  Seek times and CPU usage was pretty good.

2. CD-DVD Speed - Dual Layer PTP DVD

The dual layer read rates were actually not that bad, especially when compared to their ND-3500A.  Read rates were substantially higher and seek times were low.  The drive seems to max in at about 6x with PTP discs.

3. CD-DVD Speed - Dual Layer OTP DVD

With OTP discs, the results were a major improvement over their previous model.  For example, the ND-3000A would max at under 5x while this new drive was able to hit 7x easily.  Seek times were also much lower in comparison. 

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.

This drive had its good and bad with recordable DVD media.  First, the good is that the transfer rates are excellent, hitting 16x with DVD+R and DVD-R discs and just under 14x with rewritable media.  The problem with the drive, however, was that occasionally, I would get read errors.  I never encountered this with any other drive I've tested so this was quite odd.  It mainly happened with the -R format.  The test discs I use are all scratch free and in excellent condition.

Next: CD Write Tests