X-bit labs

Two DVD±RW Dual Layer Burners Reviewed: Pioneer DVR-110D and Toshiba SD-R5472

Category: Storage

by Andrey Kuznetcov

[ 10/17/2005 | 01:15 PM ]

As new DVD media types emerge, the DVD burners become more and more affordable in price. Today we are looking at the solutions from two well-known optical drives makers: Toshiba and Pioneer. Which one is going to become the best buy for the buck?

Table of contents:

• Closer Look AT Testing Participants
  
• Pioneer DVR-110D
  
• Toshiba SD-R5472
  
• Testbed and Methods
  
• Nero Info Tool and DVDINFOPro
  
• Performance
  
• CD WinBench 99
  
• Nero CD-DVD Speed: Basic CD Tests
  
• Nero CD-DVD Speed: Basic DVD Tests
  
• Nero CD-DVD Speed: Advanced DAE Quality Test
  
• Nero CD-DVD Speed: Advanced DAE Error Correction Test
  
• Nero CD DAE
  
• Exact Audio Copy
  
• Nero CD-DVD Speed: Disc Quality Test with Different Media
  
• Digitex DVD+R 8x
  
• RIDATA DVD+R 16x
  
• TDK DVD+R 8x ScratchProof
  
• TDK DVD+R 16x
  
• Verbatim DVD+R 16x
  
• Digitex DVD-R 8x
  
• TDK DVD-R 8x ScratchProof
  
• Fujifilm DVD+RW 4x
  
• TDK DVD+RW 4x
  
• Digitex DVD-RW 4x
  
• Verbatim DVD-RW 4x
  
• Conclusion
  

I am offering you a review of two drives capable to burn DVD media. Such devices have got quite affordable nowadays not only due to fierce competition among the manufacturers but also due to the imminent arrival of next-generation optical drives that will work with new DVD media types. It is possible that the price factor will become a reason for you to buy one of the devices I’m about to discuss, to replace your older and less functional optical drive.

Closer Look AT Testing Participants

Pioneer DVR-110D

This DVD-burner from Pioneer doesn’t try to entice you with original design solutions. There is just a bare minimum of details on the front panel – a rectangular Eject button and a LED indicator on the front panel. The rear panel carries power and interface connectors, an analog audio output and a jumper with pins (another jumper is meant for factory testing purposes). The drive’s speed formula looks like that:

• CD-ROM read speed: 40x max
• CD-RW read speed: 32x max
• DVD-ROM read speed: 16x (single-layer) or 12x (dual-layer)
• DVD-R, DVD-RW read speed: 12x
• DVD+R, DVD+RW read speed: 8x
• CD-R write speed: 40x max
• CD-RW write speed: 32x max
• DVD write speed:
  • 16x (DVD+R and DVD-R)
  • 8x (dual-layer DVD+R and DVD-R)
  • 8x (DVD+RW)
  • 6x (DVD-RW)
• Supported DVD and CD formats: DVD-ROM, DVD-Video (single & dual layer), DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R (single & dual layer), DVD+RW & DVD-RAM, CD-ROM (Mode 1 & 2), CD-ROM XA, CD-DA (CD Audio), Video CD, PhotoCD (single/multi-session), CD Extra, CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW
• Buffer: 2 megabytes
• Access time: 120 milliseconds (CD), 130 milliseconds (DVD)
• Interface: ATA-5
• Dimensions: 148 x 42.3 x 180mm
• Weight: 1kg

The drive can be positioned vertically as well as horizontally. Its average retail price is $59.