detail information

Positive:

• Massive storage capacity with BD-R/RE media
• Excellent build quality
• Supports DVD±R/RW reading and writing
• Supports DVD+R DL/-R DL reading and writing
• Supports Bitsetting BookType DVD-ROM for DVD+R DL
• Virtually silent operation
• Large 8 MB buffer

Negative:

• Does not at present support BD-R/RE DL media
• No support for CD-R/RW
• Slow DVD±R/RW/±R DL reading and writing speeds
• DVD writing quality could be improved

Conclusion:

Let us summarize the most important positive and negative points below:

The main positive points: The storage capacity of BD-R/RE media is awesome, and the drive performed extremely well with our tested Blu-Ray media.

DVD±R/RW/±R DL media types are also supported although with some limitations. But this is a very useful feature to have.

The drive is virtually silent in operation, being inaudible above the sound of the PC system that is hosting the drive.

Build quality is also excellent. The drive is heavy and is also well ventilated thanks to the included cooling vent and fan.

The main negative points:  The only real problem with this drive is DVD±R/RW/±R DL writing quality and speed. Of course we must not forget that the BDR-101A is first and foremost a Blu-Ray drive, and in this department the drive excels. It would also have been handy to have a capability of reading and writing CD-R/RW.

To sum it all up: The Pioneer BDR-101A is at the forefront of technology. As a Blu-Ray recorder and reader, it performs extremely well. As a DVD reader and writer it could be improved.

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Thanks to:

SVP Communications - The United Kingdom for providing the media used in this review.

Medea International - United Kingdom for providing the Infiniti and HP media used in this review.

 Plextor SA/NV (B) for providing the Plextor media used in this review.

Ricoh Europe - For providing the media used in this review.

Verbatim - Germany and United Kingdom for providing the media used in this review.