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LG GSA-5163D Triple format DVD Burner
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Posted by Tor Magne
Posted on 25/03/05 21:13
Menu
 Conclusion
 Introduction and specifications
 Features and bundle
 Reading performance
 CD-R/RW writing performance and quality
 DVD Writing performance and quality
 DVD-R quality and DVDRW writing tests
 DVD+R Double layer tests
 Advanced tests
Text Size  Text Size
DVD+R Double layer tests
 

DVD+R Dual Layer writing speed and compatibility:

The LG GSA-5163D supports 4x DVD+R double layer writing speed; let us see how it performs quality and speed wise.

Testing procedure: We created a new compilation using Nero 6 and wrote it using the Disc-at-once writing method: 


Verbatim DVD+R9 Double layer 2.4x written at 4x. Total writing time is 27 minutes and 6 seconds. 




 

Brand:

Verbatim Data Life Plus

Manufacturer:

Mitsubishi (Taiwan)

Code:

MKM 001

Disc Type:

DVD+R DL

Capacity:

8152MB

Certified Speed:

2.4x

Write Speed:

4x

Write Time:

27m:06s

PI-8 errors Average/Sec:

2.23

PI-8 uncorrectable errors(PO) Avg/Sec:

0.02

No spikes at the layer change and all in all a very good result with the Verbatim Double Layer Disc



Brand:

Traxdata - thanks to traxdata for providing it.

Manufacturer:

Ritek

Code:

Ritek.D01

Disc Type:

DVD+R DL

Capacity:

8152MB

Certified Speed:

2.4x

Write Speed:

2.4x

Write Time:

44m:17s

PI-8 errors Average/Sec:

35.62

PI-8 uncorrectable errors(PO) Avg/Sec:

0.53

Again we could see that there are slight problems with the Ritek Double Layer media. But the discs should still be usable.

Here are some comparison results against other drives:

 Drive

Size

Writing
Speed

Writing
Time

Book
Type

KProbe
avg.
PI

Kprobe
avg.
PIF

BenQ
DW1620A

8152MB

4x

27m:26s

DVD-ROM

2.21

0.17

Pioneer
DVR-A08XLA

8152Mb

4x

27m:02s

DVD-ROM

2.42

0.11

Samsung
TS-H552B

8103 MB

2.4x

43m:46s

DVD+DL

8.26

0.01

Philips
ED16DVDR

8103 MB

2.4x

44m:08s

DVD-ROM

3.31

0.01

Mad Dog
MD-16XDVD9

8131 MB

4x

26m:44s

DVD-ROM

2.74

0.12

Memorex
F16

8131 MB

2.4x

43m:48s

DVD-ROM

2.82

0.03

Aopen
1608/ARR

8103 MB

2.4x

44m:01s

DVD-ROM

4.12

0.12

LG
GSA-4163B

8103 MB

4x

26m:55s

DVD-ROM

1.81

0.01

Lite-On
SOHW-1653S

8152Mb

4x

27m:09s

DVD-ROM

2.61

0.15

LG
GSA-5163D

8152Mb

4x

27m:06s

DVD-ROM

2.23

0.02

The discs worked fine in our standalone player, as long as we set the book type to DVD-ROM.

Summary: The drive has no problems with DVD+R Double layer media, just remember to set the book type to DVD-ROM.

Before we complete this review, let us run the drive through some advanced tests at next page…
DVD-R quality and DVDRW writing tests
Advanced tests
Want to submit your own review? Click here
Reactions on this item
Posted by chas0039 on Friday 25 March 2005 16:42
This was a perfect review. You covered everything very clearly. Much thanks.
Posted by Peralph on Friday 25 March 2005 23:18
OC-Freak would you say there are really big advantages to buying a device of this kind, compared to say, take an equivalent LG and put it in an external USB 2.0 casing? Especially considering the big advantage in price that this last option offers. Sure it's really more convenient and tiny, but is it worth paying more in your opinion?
Posted by Scour on Saturday 26 March 2005 19:21
LG does it again :g:g:g

Great writer and a great review.

If LG make better firmware-support the LG-drives should be the absolute best
Posted by OC-Freak on Saturday 26 March 2005 21:38
Yes - with this external case you actually reach 16x writing speed. With many cases for sale in stores you do not reach 16x reading/writing due to different reasons.

The GSA-5163D is also optimized for working in an external enclosure. Take an GSA-4163B and put in the same case - I doubt you will be able to reach 16x at USB at least. 16x on firewire may work.

This is because LG have optimized the GSA-5163D firmware to work at max with this enclosure. And to be honest - this is the first drive I've had that actually reach REAL 16x speed on USB2 - regardless of drive and enclosure (yeah I have lik 5-6 different enclosures).

All respect to LG for really testing that transfer rates could be reached like expected - unlike Samsung ang NU with their external writers which can only reach around 13-14x before slowing down. Very dissapointed that NU and Samsung is marketing 16x external drives that can't reach 16x.

So yes - in my eyes it's worth it - buying this drive brings you a drive that is fully tested at both USB and firewire - I did not have a single problem with USB or Firewire while testing.

Buying a drive x + enclosure x will in most cases lead to problems in a way or another.
Posted by talk on Monday 28 March 2005 06:33
It took my 5163D (firmware A102) 14m 18s and 12m 38s (about 4x speed) to write to Verbatim (MCC004) 16x +R DVDs, the only 16x media I could find locally. I am using Nero 6.6 software and a firewall conection. Also, as noted, it will write only at the stated speed for -R media although my 8x TDK burner would write at 8x using 4x TY(Fuji), Verbatim and TDK -R media, so it is faster there than the 16x LG. It will burn 8x +R media (Maxell) at 12x.

Before I retun it to Samx Club, how did you get the firmware upgraded to A103? I only see firmware upgrades for the internal model on LG's US website, and this version can not recognize my external drive, thus, preventing any attempt at upgrading the firmware..:(
Posted by OC-Freak on Tuesday 29 March 2005 08:46
http://www.lge.co.kr/library/opendata.jsp?p_name=GSA-5163A103(KW)1.zip

GSA-5163D fw A103.

Tried the drive on USB2?
Posted by Kenshin on Sunday 03 April 2005 21:15
Post the details of your problem on LG forum. :)
Posted by Poh Seng Teh (guest) on Sunday 25 March 2007 05:55
I Lost the Cd for above software. So, where can I download above DVD Writer Software?.
Posted by llzpzacp (guest) on Friday 22 June 2007 09:35
bpmlgiuk http://nfavkclb.com rkfyskvb vshottgq
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