Verbatim 8x DVD-R Dual Layer review

Transfer and Playback tests

So far in this review I have reported on how well/bad the Verbatim 8x DVD-R Dual 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 proven to is just how well the recorded media can be transferred 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 Dual 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 Optiarc AD-7173A 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 Optiarc AD-7173A at its fastest reading speed of 12x for this format. Please click on a drive thumbnail for the results of the transfer tests. Pioneer DVR 111D[OEM] with firmware version 1.29 Samsung SH-S182[Retail] with firmware version SB03 Optiarc AD-7173A [OEM] with firmware version 1-01 Plextor PX-760A Premium [Retail] with firmware version 1.05 Liteon-It SHM-165P6S [Retail] with firmware version MS0R

Results show that the Optiarc AD-7173A encountered no fatal errors during the CD Speed transfer tests, reaching its maximum Dual layer reading speed of 12x for all pieces of the Verbatim 8x DVD-R Dual Layer media used for this review with one exception. The recording made with the Liteon-IT SHM-165P6S failed to read past the 6 GB point. Subsequent readback tests on other transfer devices also failed to read past this point showing an issue with the Liteon recording. Given these facts I feel there are no reasons why I should see any problems with playback on these devices if an acceptable amount of recording support is available.

One final but no less important final test is the playback test of a DVD Video. For this review I could of chosen the Samsung SH-S182 with firmware SB03 as it was the one recording device that showed a poor layer break according to the Disc Quality results. For this test I chose to record a DVD Video with CopyToDVD of 4464Mb (4.36GB) in size to the Verbatim 8x DVD-R Dual Layer media, again at 8x. This was arguably the most least likeable recording.

Fast forwarding the DVD Video compilation at maximum speed on the PRISM standalone DVD player did not show areas near the end of the first layer where the high speed fast forwarding stopped although during playback a small pause was noted at the layer break. This was not the only device to exhibit such an issue and I would also like to add that this is perfectly normal even with a pressed Dual Layer DVD. A very watch able DVD Video has been created, even with less than perfect quality results in certain areas.