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CD/DVD Write Tests -
Artec Dual DVD±R/RW
Drive |
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The Burning Question... |
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Nero
CD-R & DVD±R Write Tests:
Next we ran a series of write
tests, recording 703MBs of MP3s to a CD-R and 4GBs of AVIs
to both a DVD-R and DVD+R. Below is a grid that breaks down
the results for each drive.
|
Write Test |
Artec Dual DVD |
Plextor PX-708UF |
|
703MB CD-R |
24X |
4:07 |
40X |
3:29 |
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4GB DVD-R |
4X |
23:11 |
4X |
13:36 |
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4GB DVD+R |
8X |
13:45 |
8X |
13:04 |
Here we found ourselves
facing a couple of issues. For one, when performing the recording
tests, Nero reported both drives at 4X with DVD-R and 8X with DVD+R.
However, the results say otherwise. What we found was with our
Memorex 4X DVD-R media, the Artec drive completed this in the time
typically seen with 2.4X DVD-R media. The Plextor drive completed
in the time we expected for 4X recording. With the DVD+R tests we
used TDK 4X DVD+R media. Once again, both drives appeared to be
recording at 8X in Nero, but the times were indicative of both
drives running at 4X. So it looks like we are seeing a media issue
with the Artec drive and Memorex DVD-R media which may be corrected with
a future firmware update. None was available at the time of this
review.
Nero CD
DAE Test:
Our last test focused
on both drive's performance related to digital audio
extraction, the rate at which the drive can copy the files
of an Audio CD to the hard drive.
Artec
DVD±R/RW
|
PLEXTOR
PX-708UF
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With digital audio extraction,
the Artec drive was only 15 seconds slower than the Plextor
drive and utilized only 1% of the CPU compared to the
Plextor's 3% utilization. When it comes to audio
extraction, this is a solid performer while using minimal
CPU cycles.
We must say, that while the Artec Dual DVD±R/RW
performed slightly slower than the Plextor PX-708UF, it was competitive by
and large. We failed to realize any real benefits of the larger 8MB
buffer, however, it should make buffer underruns a very rare occurrence. But when all is said and
done, this drive still managed to compete with the higher priced drive, the only major difference being with 4X DVD write speeds that may be a media
issue possibly correctable with a firmware update.
Ultimately, if you are looking to purchase an
economical DVD
writer that supports multiple formats, the Artec Dual DVD±R/RW is an
good alternative to a premium model. The drive may suffer in some
areas of performance, but overall it functioned well. We found the Artec Dual DVD±R/RW selling
for around $130 at several online retailers, while the Plextor 708A, the
internal equivalent to the PX-708UF we used for testing, hovered around $175.
If you need a capable DVD±R/RW drive for less, the performance and features
of the Artec Dual DVD±R/RW show that it is worth considering.
We give the Artec Dual DVD±R/RW
Drive a Hot Hardware Heat Meter Rating of a 7.5.
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