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First look: BenQ DW1640 DVD Burner
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Posted by Jan S.
Posted on 23/04/05 23:04
Number of views 7549
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Features
 

Test machine:

For this review we will be using a computer with the following configuration:

Hardware:

  • Motherboard: ECS Elitegroup N2U400-A with Nvidia nForce 2 Ultra-400 and nForce MCP chipset.
  • Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2800+ (Barton) 333 MHz FSB.
  • RAM: 1 GB Infineon PC2700 DDR
  • GFX: ATI Radeon 9600 XT
  • Sound: SoundBlaster Audigy
  • Hard disk: Samsung SP1614N 160 GB

System set-up:

The BenQ DW1640 was connected as Secondary Master and identified itself as BENQ DVD DD DW1640. DMA (Direct Memory Access) and autorun was enabled for all devices.

Software:

Windows XP professional is installed on the computer along with Service Pack 2 for windows XP. We will be using the following software in this review:

Installation:

We quickly installed the drive without any problems and here is a screenshot from Nero info tool:

Our drive came shipped with firmware BSDB and was updated to BSGD. (See below). The only drawbacks we could see are the inability to report C2 errors as well as missing Mt Rainier support along with a bit small buffer. A larger buffer would at least smoothen up the data transfer to the drive a bit on stressed systems.

 

Features and techniques:

Write Right Technology-- Best Quality in DVD

BenQ's exclusive Write Right Technology utilizes two powerful features: Tilt Control and WOPC II (Walking Optimal Power Control II). By using these features, the DW1640 is able to maintain perfect control over the laser beam angle and the power rate being projected onto the disc, ensuring your data is written at the best possible quality.
 

BenQ QSuite - Optimizing DVD ReWriter Control

QSuite is an innovative application suite that compliments and enhances the convenience of DVD recording technology. Through the use of four built-in functions: Book Type Management, QScan, Test Write, WOPC enable / disable; you can easily adjust drive settings to gain greater control.

 

Dual Cooling System

BenQ's exclusive Dual Cooling System (DCS) features an Anti-Dust Cooling System (ADCS) and Air Flow Cooling System (AFCS) to effectively reduce the risk of over-heating during high-speed reading and writing.

Air Flow Cooling System (AFCS)

AFCS accelerates the circulation inside the drive and speeds up the heat elimination through the drive's steel housing.

 

Anti-Dust Cooling System (ADCS)

With an integrated heat chimney design, ADCS redirects the heat flow out of the drive, while still providing protection from dust.

 

All-In-One Digital Media Solution

Digitally preserve your precious photographs and home movies on DVD or CD, ready for playback on most DVD players and computer CD/DVD drives. With the addition of Double Layer technology and DVD+R DL media, you can take advantage of the increased storage capacity of 8.5GB per disc or up to 4 hours for DVD quality video.

What is double layer recording technology?

Introduced by Philips and Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM) in 2003, double layer recording technology offers two recordable layers on a single DVD disc, providing nearly double the capacity of 4.7GB single layer DVDs. The two individual layers are separated by a transparent buffer layer and are accessible from the same side of the disc, so recording can occur completely uninterrupted.

When a double layer disc is inserted into a compatible drive, the laser will focus on one of the layers and attempt to read an ADIP (Address in Pregroove) signal. From this signal, the drive is able to detect if the disc is a double layer DVD+R disc and which layer it's focusing on. Once the media type and layer are determined, the laser can adjust its range of focus to read one of the two recordable layers.

8X DVD+R9 DL writing speed:

The BenQ DW1640 is the world's first drive to support 8x writing speed on DVD+R9 DL media.

The BenQ DW1640 use P-CAV, (Partial-Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R9 DL at 8x. The average speed is 7.50x and total writing time is 15:04 minutes. (Could it be done under 15 minutes? - I guess we will know sooner or later).
Introduction
Reading performance
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Reactions on this item
Posted by dodecahedron on Sunday 24 April 2005 08:05
very nice preview!:g
a question: why is there no DVD-R DL read test ?
Posted by swifty7 on Tuesday 26 April 2005 03:47
who cares about dvd-r DL media anyway!!!
-rDL is not compatible in anything unlike +rDL with dvd-rom booktype!!:)
Posted by swifty7 on Tuesday 26 April 2005 03:48
I do wish it had high speed Lightscribe though!!!!:c
[edited by swifty7 on 26.04.2005 03:49]
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