TDK 16x DVD+R media review

Conclusion

During this review, as is now standard for all CDR-Zone.Com reviews, 5 pieces of the TDK 16x DVD+R media where recorded to each drive used. This is with the exception of the Plextor PX-716 which had 10 pieces recorded to ( 5 with Power Rec enabled/disabled ), and only the recording which most represents the average recording to each drive is shown in this review. We feel this is the best way to get a good reflection on well a particular drive/media combination works.

We have also subjected the recorded pieces of the TDK 16X DVD+R media to our two tier Disc Quality tests to try get as much accurate information about the recordings to the TDK 16x DVD+R media as possible. As mentioned in the Disc Quality section, the Plextor allows us a more indepth look at each individual recording. The Liteon results with KProbe in conjuction with the Transfer tests are, in our opinion, still a very valid indication of a good/bad recording. However, we do get a lot more detail about just how good/bad the recording was if using the advanced tests available on the Plextor PX-716A.

If you are to carry out any of the list of available tests we do highly recomend the use of PXScan which can conduct all of these tests in one go and display the results in an easy to understand format. The tests at the recommended settings can take over 1 hr 25 minutes to complete on some formats but it is much more convenient and just as accurate as doing all the tests individually in Plextor own software - Plex Tools Pro.

We found the TDK 16x DVD+R media to be a very consistent media offering a reliable and very good quality solution. All of our review recording devices achieved 16x recording and even the Plextor PX-716A produced a 16x recording to one of five tested pieces with the Power Rec feature enabled. Any Plextor users will understand how rare this achievement is with 16x recordings on this drive with Power Rec enabled. During tests with the Power Rec feature disabled very contrasting results where noted with some very good and some very bad discs recorded. Therefore we recommend leaving the Power Rec feature enabled for this media. The PxScan tests showed that the recorded pits where of a very good shape and well centered with most devcices showing next to excellent results. The KProbe results quite high total PI Failure totals compared to some 16x media we have reviewed but nothing that would give playback devices any problems and all transfer tests carried out on the NEC ND 3540 where completed without any issues.

3 out of 35 pieces tested during this review had visible defects noted. These seemed to be speckled in appearance towards the end of the media. If it had not been for these 3 pieces of sub standard media being found we would have given the TDK 16x DVD+R media a really good rating. We don't expect a company of TDKs high reputation to deliver these kind of sub standard discs. Maybe packing or transportaion played an impact on creating these bad discs and are eager to see other users results to see if this is consistent with spindle versions of TDK media.

Hopefully after reading through the various tests we have conducted during the course of this review, a good understanding of the TDK 16x DVD+R media for our readers. Excellent compatibility at rated speed as well as good playback results where achieved even if the total reported errors where higher than we would come to expect from such media as Taiyo Yuden or Verbatims 16x DVD-R media we have reviewed.

So in summin up, we found the TDK 16x DVD+R media to be of a very good grade and besides those 3 suspect pieces of media we got some very good results. Recommended for 16x recording on all tested review recording devices, the TDK 16x DVD+R seems a decent media.

Of course we will make our readers aware of any variance in this media via our media forum.

Recording devices used for this review As always, please ensure your DVD Writer has the latest firmware to get the best compatibility with this new media. BenQ DW 1620A with firmware version B7V9 Plextor PX-716A with firmware version 1.08 NEC ND-3540 with firmware version 1.01 BenQ DW 1640 [OEM] with firmware version BSLB Liteon 1673S with firmware version JS0C Pioneer DVR 109 XL [OEM] with firmware version 1.58

About TDK:

With global sales of 6.2 billion U.S. dollars (Apr 03 - Mar 04 period), TDK's origins go back nearly 70 years to when Yogoro Kato made a technological breakthrough by inventing ferrite, a ceramic material with excellent electro-magnetic properties. TDK was founded shortly after in 1935, becoming the first company to produce and market ferrite commercially.

The first operations began in Europe in 1970 when TDK opened an office in Frankfurt. Since then, a whole host of companies and operations have been launched in both Western and Eastern Europe to serve the ever-increasing markets for high-tech recording media.

TDK shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Brussels, London, New York, Tokyo and on the securities exchange in Osaka.

Today TDK is a major player in many of the most dynamic markets worldwide, including computers, communications and consumer electronics.

TDK's innovative power is based on three core technologies: materials technology driving product development, process technology comprising the mass production of components and circuit design which unifies circuitry into final products. TDK uses the most advanced technologies to stand by its commitment to zero defects and uncompromising quality.

System setup and software used during this review: