Verbatim 8x Double Layer media review

Playback and Transfer tests

So far in this review I have reported on how well/bad the Verbatim 8x DVD+R Double layer media has performed on our 5 used review recording devices and given you a good idea as to how many potential errors may be seen on playback and transfer devices. One thing this hasn't prooven to is just how well the recorded media can be transfered at high speeds, although I can with experience draw an educated opinion on whether the discs will transfer ok from the Disc Quality results shown earlier in this review. Of course playback will be performed at 1x on a DVD playback device and so judging by the results I have shown up to now during previous tests I am happy that no problems with playback should occur on any of the Verbatim 8x DVD+R Double layer media I have recorded to.

Small slowdowns are accepted during a transfer but what we don't want to see is any places where data refuses to transfer on the Plextor PX-755A or any of the recordings refusing to playback properly on our review playback devices.

Nero CD-DVD Speed high speed transfer tests Below you will find the transfer tests carried out on the Plextor PX-755A at its fastest reading speed. Please click on a drive thumbnail for the results of the transfer tests. Plextor PX-755A [Retail] with firmware version 1.01 BenQ DW 1640 [OEM] with firmware version BSOB Pioneer DVR 110 [OEM] with firmware version 1.39 Philips DVDR1660P1 [Retail] with firmware version P1.3 NEC ND-4551A [OEM] with firmware version 1.07

Results show that the PX-755A encountered no fatal errors during the CD Speed transfer tests, reaching its maximum single layer reading speed of 12x for all pieces of the Verbatim 8x DVD+R Double layer media used for this review. Given these facts I feel there are no reasons why I should see any problems with playback on these devices.

One final but no less important final test is the playback test of a DVD Video. For this review I chose the NEC ND-4551 with firmware 1.07 to record a DVD Video compilation with CopyToDVD of 4464Mb (4.36GB) in size to the Verbatim 8x DVD+R Double layer media, again at 8x. This seemed a logical choice as this was the least favourable recording device with this media.

Fast forwarding the DVD Video compilation at maximum speed on the PRISM standalone DVD player did show areas near the end of the first layer where the high speed fast forwarding stopped.This was the only device to exhibit such an issue and I would also like to reconfirm that a high speed transfer on this disc did not produce any slowdowns that may have an impact on the quality of the disc. the PRISM dvd player is a bit fussy and a playback of the same area at a speed of 1x showed no errors. All recording devices used in this review are able to change the booktype of the Verbatim 8x DVD+R Double layer media to that of DVD-ROM, enabling very good support indeed on the playback devices used in this part of the review.

What is Booktype changing ( or Bitsetting ) and how does it work and why is it a good idea to support it in writer firmware?

"Changing the booktype of DVD+R Double layer media basically tricks the reading device into thinking a normal pressed DVD-ROM has been inserted instead of a DVD+R Double layer. Players known not to like DVD+R Double layer media quite often have great success in reading them with their booktype changed. It's an added plus to a drives capabilities if it allows this feature and a minus point if it doesn't in my opinion."