detail information

Test machine:

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

Hardware:

• Motherboard: Asus A8V Deluxe
• Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (Venice) 1000 MHz HyperTransport
• RAM: 1 GB Corsair Kit PC3200 DDR
• GFX: MSI GeForce 6600 GT
• Sound: Onboard Realtek AC'97
• Hard disk: Seagate Barracuda ST3250823A 250 GB

System set-up:

The Lite-On SLW-831SX was connected to the USB2.0 interface and identified itself as Slimtype DVDRW SLW-831S. 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:

• Ahead Nero CD-DVD Speed
• Ahead Nero InfoTool
• KProbe

Installation:

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

Our drive came shipped with firmware WS01. The only drawbacks we could see are: The missing Mt. Rainier support along with no CD+G reading support.

Features and techniques:

To see if the Lite-On SLW-831SX supports Bitsetting we tried with Lite-On's official tool:

As we could see, it supports Bitsetting. The write now button is for directly changing the BookType on a DVD+RW disc. You could also use the Bitsetting feature in KProbe under the tools menu:

Even in Nero Burning ROM 6, you can change the Book-Type:

Let us see if BookType changing actually works:

DVD+R with BookType DVD-ROM

DVD+RW with BookType DVD-ROM

DVD+R DL with Booktype DVD-ROM

Error/Quality scanning:

The Lite-On SLW-831SX supports error reporting just like earlier drives from Lite-On. Here are two examples of programs you may use for checking your written discs for errors.

KProbe scan done at 2x (CLV)

KProbe is developed by a Lite-On employee, but it's not an official Lite-On program. This is what we use in our reviews. But you may also use Nero CD-DVD-speed:

Quality scan done at 8x (CAV)

Nero CD-Speed is just as good and also gives you an indication of the quality by giving a score. Higher score is better; a good result should at least be over 80 in quality score. Nero CD-DVD speed is included with newer Nero 6.x and 7.x versions or available as a separate download from www.cdspeed2000.com.