Lastly we perform a comparative test of focus and tracking errors with the drives from BenQ and Plextor.

FE/TE Test for BenQ DW1620 and Plextor PX-716A drive
with a DVD+R Verbatim 8x (MC)
 

FE/TE Test for BenQ DW1620 and Plextor PX-716A drive
with a DVD-R Esperanza 4x
 

The results are very similar with high-quality discs, but it’s different with the medium of average quality. The Plextor drive has a lower rate of focus and tracking errors, which may be an indirect confirmation of its having a better tracking/focusing system. Thus, the FE/TE test can be used on low- and average-quality blanks to compare the optical systems of different drives.

We want to make one promise at the end of this review. We will publish small articles like this one from time to time as the manufacturers release new firmware versions for their drives. The problem of re-flashing the firmware or not often stumbles on the simple question “Why to re-flash?” We will be trying to answer this question in our reviews.