Drive Specifications

With the introduction of the MRX-525G/GE, Memorex expands its double layer recorder line by introducing the 18X series of double-Layer, Multi Format DVD recorders.  Multi format capability takes the guesswork out of choosing the right discs.  The double-layer feature allows for the creation of commercial quality DVDs with up to 8.5GB of data storage on one disc.  A comprehensive and powerful software suite from Nero makes recording CDs and DVDs easy and fun.

• Special Nero Memorex software suite included.
• Built-in Flash-ROM for online upgradeability
• Built-in Buffer Under-run protection.
• Stylish silver and black design with blue LED indicator.
• Includes vertical stand

Speeds

• 18X DVD+/- R
• 8X DVD+R (Double-Layer)
• 8X DVD-R (Double-Layer)
• 8X DVD+RW
• 6X DVD-RW
• 12X DVD-RAM
• 16X DVD-ROM
• 48X CD-R
• 24X CD-RW
• 48X CD-ROM

BookType (Bitsetting):

The Memorex MRX-525GE supports Bitsetting, and will as default write DVD+R DL media with DVD-ROM BookType. The Bitsetting can be changed in i.e. Nero CD/DVD Speed:

What’s inside the box?

The drive we received was a retail package that comes with all you will need for an easy and quick installation.  The retail package includes the following:

• External DVD Burner
• Hardware and Software Guide
• Software Installation CD
• Power Supply with electrical cord
• USB Cable
• 1 Blank 16X DVD media disc
• Vertical Stand
• US Product Warranty and Registration

Retail Package Contents

As you see the Retail Package contains everything needed to get you started.

Moving along, let’s take a closer look at the Package Details.

Box Front

Box Rear

Box Left and Right

Box Top and Bottom

Ok, we will now have a closer look at the drive itself:

Drive Front

Drive Rear

Left Side

Right Side

Drive Bottom with Sticker

Test machines:

For this review we are using a system with the following configurations:

First Test System Hardware:

• Motherboard:  ASUSTek, Basswood
• Processor:  Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz
• Memory:  2GB, DDR2-533
• Video:  Integrated NVIDIA, GeForce 7500LE
• Sound:  Realtek High Definition Audio, onboard
• Hard Disks:  320GB Western Digital Caviar SATA-II
• Optical Drives: Lite-on SHW-165P6S, TSST TS-H653L, Samsung SH-S183L, Memorex 525G v1

Second Test System Hardware:

• Motherboard:  Abit, KN8
• Processor:  AMD 64X2 4400+
• Memory:  2GB, 4X 512MB
• Video:  NVIDIA GeForce 6800 XT
• Sound:  Realtek AC97 (on-board)
• Hard Disks:  250GB Seagate X2

Optical Drives:  Plextor PX760A, Benq DW-1655, Liteon SHM-165H6S, Liteon SOHR-5239V, Sony DRX-830U

System set-up:

The drive identifies itself as: Memorex DVD+RAM 525Gv1 and is connected via USB2; with firmware G.01 with a 2MB buffer.

Software:

Windows MCE 2005 installed with SP2 is currently on the “Test Systems”.  We will also be using the following software for this review:

• Nero Burning ROM 7 Ultra Enhanced
• Nero CD/DVD Speed 4.7.0.2
• Nero InfoTool 4.2.1.0
• Slysoft CloneCD 5.3.0.1
• K-Probe 2.5.2

Let’s have a look at the included software; during the performance testing we may not utilize this software.

Memorex Software Disc containing the Nero 7 Essentials Memorex Suite:

When you insert the “Software CD” you will be presented with the following “installation Screen”.

The Memorex DVD Software CD will install the powerful Memorex Nero 7 Essentials Suite that allows you to create and copy digital audio, data, photo, and video programs on both CD’s and DVD’s.  The package includes:

• Nero StartSmart 3 Essentials:  This is the command center of the Nero 7 product family and makes it easier to find, identify, and use the comprehensive software programs.  Once you have launched Nero StartSmart all you have to do is select the desired task and the corresponding software starts automatically.
• Nero Express 7 Essentials:  Nero Express 7 provides a simple, uncluttered interface to powerful recording programs on both CD and DVD discs.
• Nero Vision Express 4 Essentials:  With Nero Vision Express you can record video and edit or burn existing video files.  You can also use Nero Vision Express to create convenient slide shows and even use your own music as a soundtrack for them.
• InCD 5 Essentials:  InCD 5 is a packet-writing program that formats rewritable discs allowing you to copy files onto the disc by simply Dragging and then Dropping the files you have chosen on to your new DVD Recorder drive in Microsoft Windows Explorer or save them to a disc quickly and easily using Nero Express 7 Essentials.
• Nero BackItUp 2 Essentials:  Nero backItUp 2 is a convenient, easy-to-operate program for backing up and restoring data.  It allows you to archive your back-ups on either CD or DVD discs and even USB TravelDrives.
• Nero ShowTime 3:  ShowTime allows you to play back nearly all digital recordings with excellent picture and sound quality.  ShowTime also enables you to play back audio tracks.  It supports most current formats; including MP3, WAV, and AAC just to name a few.
• Nero Cover-Designer 2 Essentials:  Cover-Designer Essentials is a user-friendly program for creating individual covers and labels.
• Nero Recode 2 Essentials:  Recode 2 Essentials allows you to make a DVD video from many short DVD vides or from a larger DVD video that you need to fit on a 4.7GB disc. This also works great for converting your videos to iPod, PSP, and other portable video players.
• Nero MediaHome Essentials:  MediaHome allows you to stream video, music and images to all your UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) enabled devices and to Nero ShowTime 3.
• Nero PhotoShow Express 4:  PhotoShow Express allows for storing and editing digital photos and images with professional quality tools and ease.
• Nero TooKit:  Includes the following tools; Nero CD-DVD speed, Nero Drive-Speed, and Nero InfoTool.
• InCD Reader:  This a program that allows you to read discs written in MRW (Mount Rainier ReWritable) format on systems that do not support MRW.
• DVD-Video Plug-in:  In conjunction with the Nero Vision Essentials, the DVD-Video Plug-in allows the encoding of video files in DVD/SVCD format.  You can then play back the video on nearly any DVD player.
• HE-AAC Plug-in:  This plug-in allows you to encode audio files in MP4 format and also to decode them into other formats.

Introduction

Reading Performances