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| | This 1.4 Mega Pixel digital camera a waterproof casing a flash can underwater. |
| | The BBC launched a new beta mobile service news coverage displaying limited space available a mobile phone. |
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| | Sony PlayStation 3 owners able watch NBC movies TV episodes PlayStation Network. |
| Link: | Specs
Write Support DVD-R (4.7GB General Discs Only)
DVD-RW
CD-R
CD-RW
Read Support DVD-ROM single layer/dual layer
DVD-R (all types)
DVD-RW
CD-ROM Mode 1
CD-ROM XA Mode 2 (form 1 form 2)
CD-TEXT
Photo CD (single & multiple session)
CD-DA (Audio CD)
CD-Extra
CD-R
CD-RW (Support AM2)
Write Speed
DVD-R 2X-CLV (2.76 MB/s) 1X-CLV (1.38 MB/s)
DVD-RW 1X-CLV (1.38MB/s)
CD-R 8X-CLV (1.41 MB/s) 4X-CLV (0.70 MB/s)
CD-RW 4X-CLV (0.70MB/s)
Read Speed DVD-ROM (Single) Max. 6X-CAV (8.01 MB/s)
DVD-ROM (Dual) 2X-CLV (2.76MB/s)
DVD-R DVD-RW 2X-CLV (2.76 MB/s)
CD-ROM Max. 24X-CAV (4.23MB/s) CD-R
CD-RW Max. 16X-CAV (2.82MB/s)
CD-Audio Max. 10X-CAV (1.76MB/s)
Video-CD 4X-CLV (0.70MB/s)
Access Time* DVD 200 Msec (Random Average) CD 180 Msec
*When DVD-ROM Single Layer Disc CD-ROM Mode1 Disc
Interface ATAPI (ATA/ATAPI-5 & SFFC INF8090 Ver.5) Data Buffer 2Mbytes (Read) 2Mbytes (Write) Mounting Orientation Horizontal & Vertical Power Consumption Maximum 23.8W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 148 x 42.3 x 197.7 mm 5-13/16" x 1-11/16" x 7-13/16"
Net Weight 1.1 kg 2 lbs. 7 oz
Our Test Machine's Specs: Pentium 4 1.5GHz (not over clocked) 384MB SDRAM
DELL (Custom) Motherboard 1 x Maxtor 20GB Hard Disk INTRODUCTION DVD writer based "- (minus) " recording standard an update Pioneer A03 recorder we reviewed last year. wish know a little "minus" recording format then check out our review A03. drive writes DVD-RW disks x1 speed DVD-Rs x2 speed - x2 DVD-R writing a non DVD forum standard Pioneer added own line recorders.
Pioneer only slightly updated A04 adding a few extra features extra features are:
Differences A03 A04
Horizontal vertical mounting now possible
CD writing now burn proof capable (as well DVD)
Support added high speed CD-RW disks (only 4x speed max. though)
DVD-ROM read speed increased 4 X 6 X single-layer DVD-ROM disks only
Shorter 1cm. WxHxD: 5-13/16 x 1-11/16 x 7-13/16 (A03 5-13/16 x 1-11/16 x 8-2/16)
UDMA33 support (A03 16MB/sec max.)
Increased access time just under 15 seconds (A03 18 seconds)
Audio S/N ratio line out over 75db now (A03 70db)
Standby power consumption reduced 3.1W (A03 consumes 6.8W)
Digital audio connector was removed (analogue audio only now)
Better cooling fan
Increased weight 1.2 kg - 2 lbs. 10 oz (A03 1.1 kg - 2 lbs. 7 oz)
CD-R/RW reading speed increased increased x24 (A03 only x16 speed)
DAE speed increased 10 x 24 x speed
2 Mb (write read ) buffer now (A03 was 2MB writing only 512KB Read)
Unfortunately drive doesn't any real writing speed increases over A03 expected DVD forum give go ahead a faster "-" (minus) writing standard bring 2 speed DVD-RW 4 X speed DVD-R writers in October 2002. drive very cheap here in UK can bought £199.00 2 x speed media only costing £1 a huge price drop considering when we reviewed A03 cost over £500.00.
In review we compare recently released (and reviewed) Philips DVDRW228k Pioneer A03 (for drive a replacement). First we take a look see what's inside package... package includes package contains:
1 x Pioneer DVR-104 DVD Writer
1 x Manual
We did receive retail package was an OEM donation package depending country purchase drive can expect a different software package. contents retail A04 package are:
Pioneer A04/104 Drive
Instant CD/DVD 6.4 VOB
Sonic Solutions MyDVD 3
Multilingual Manual
Mounting Kit
1 x DVD-R
Note: Pioneer DVR-104 A04 drive only differ in extras come with. A04 come software package above 104 (OEM) usually come just a manual. front drive a headphone socket a volume control an emergency eject hole only one multipurpose LED lights up green reading orange a write operation. "High Speed Logo" also emblazon tray - means disks can written up 10 speed now recognised drive only supports writing x4 (this an improvement over Pioneer A03 wouldn't even read HS disks).
Something shown in picture mounting spring adjustable tabs tray designed prevent disks falling out tray. tray front also spring loaded (this reduce vibration). back drive find usual connectors: jumpers making drive a Master/Slave SPDIF output connector a fan cooling. fan now a sleeve bearing mechanism fan digital audio output connector removed. recommended use an 80-pin IDE cable reasons only known Pioneer.
INSTALLATION most IDE drives now installation simple. We installed secondary master changing jumper back. drive was detected in Windows XP without any problems.
Auto insert notification was enabled we disabled changing registry key "KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/Cdrom/Autorun=0". DMA normally successfully turned default Windows XP can detect it. We experienced difficulty strange behaviour installation. Above can see we examined drive popular program Infotool version 1.01. reporting Read speed is: 24 x write speed 8 CD-R disks. slower Philips 228k (32 read 12 speed write). buffer drive 2,000KB. can see can read DVD-RAM disks can also read competition formats "+" disks i.e. DVD+R & DVD+RW. wrongfully reports buffer underrun protection CDs inaccurate. drive also does support packet writing standard "Mount Rainer" available in newer CD writers.
Installation was easy took around 10mins disassembling machine software installed drive ready use.
Our review drive a May 2002 model came shipped firmware version 1.20 (which currently latest version available drive). software we review was: DiskJuggler 4.01.1002 Nero 5.5.9.0 Record Now Max 4.1 & CloneCD 4.0.1.10. above shows Nero (5.5.9.0) finds drive. Nero does correctly detect burnproof feature supported. can see supports overburning CDs writing CD-Text information. maximum writing speed CD-Rs 8 speed (around 10mins). strange DVD high compatibility option appeared (see review Philips DVDRW228k) aid compatibility certain DVD players padding disk dummy data (to a minimum 1GB). above screen shots DiscJuggler 4.01.1002 information now revealed. We can see reads DVD's x 6 speed (slow today's standards 16 speed DVD-ROM readers out well over 14months). also reports ripping (CDs) 10 speed. drive can only write CD-RWs 4 speed (which much slower Philips 228k's 10 speed) DVD-RWs x1. DVD "+" format wins a huge margin in re-writing stakes (at least specifications). We disappointed learn DAO RAW mode was added since A03. Also drive can read write full 96 bytes sub-codes (only 16 bytes).
CD CAPABILITIES CD writing specifications Pioneer A04 somewhat lower 2nd generation "+" (plus) drives can achieve. Pioneer A04 supports 8 speed CD writing 4 speed CD-Rewriting 24 speed CD-ROM reading (8x4x24).
First we examined speed can write CDs various media. CD media we tried was identified (by CDIdentifier):
Moser Baer India Ltd
Multi Media Masters Machinery SA
TDK Corp.
Ritek Co.
CD-R Media Writing Test drive only supports 8 speed 4 speed writing CD-Rs (a 40 speed disk was inserted): first our CD-R test involved writing a full 80-min CD drive's maximum 8 x speed: Above we can see (using Nero) took 10mins 41 seconds (this excluding verification times).
CD-RW Media Writing Test Our next test timed how long took erase a CD-Rewritable in full erase mode. Nero showed available speed only 4x (unlike Philips 228k had 10 speed disk an option well). Quick Erase We next did a quick full erase test. drive took 1 min 2 secs erase a CD-RW in our quick erase mode test.
Full Erase In full erase test drive took 21 mins 20 seconds erase an 80min CD 4 speed A slow time considering there 24x speed re-writers market writing. DATA CD-RW Next we wanted measure how long take write a full 80-mins data onto a CD-Rewriteable. illustrates test: Here we copied exact contents CD-R test disk can see Pioneer A04/104 took 21 mins 10 seconds write a full 80min data CD-RW.
Note: Although Pioneer A04 took over 21mins write High Speed (HS) re-writeable CD Pioneer A03 could achieve didn't support HS disks.
PRESSED DATA CD READING Reading a pressed CD should an easy task any drive due good reflectivity/quality disks - was first our read tests: can see managed an average 18.12 speed CAV. Towards end CD actually exceeded maximum stated read speed 24. dip in graph see due CD being slightly scratched dirty (minor scratches). Note: We did experience difficulties in creating test disk CD Speed kept refusing so we another cd writer create it.
CD-R Media Data Reading speeds often achieved pressed CD-ROM media always mirrored CD-R media due quality reflectivity issues (here we tested a TDK branded data CD-R): drive had problem reading disk speed pressed CDs. Although right end CD had problems was enough affect test. average CD-R data reading speed was 18.88.
CD Digital Audio Extraction drive was next tested ability extract audio CDs quality was reported below. test was done "CD Speed" Ahead. Here one test (older) Pioneer A04 wins. overall average DAE speed in test 17.28 speed Ritek test CD-R drive good feeding a burner 10 speed fly - better Philips DVDRW228k. quality score perfect drives can achieve quite a demanding test. drive capable reading CD-TEXT reading subchannel data.
Pressed Audio CD Again we tested DAE instead tester CDR disk we a pressed audio CD. overall average reading speed lower Philips since a 24x reader does exceed rating towards end disk.
C2 Error Information Next we examined ability drive accurately extract audio information. aided something called C2 error information a CD. drive can report C2 information then faster accurate ripping audio. We Exact Audio Copy's "Detect Read Features" option examine drive could do. drive caches audio ideal can affect audio ripping. an accurate stream unfortunately can report any C2 error information CDs. 90 & 99min CD-Rs manufactured differently a finer track definition a shorter lead out area. test demands two things: approved media a drive that's capable overburning in DAO mode (sometimes write a slow speed).
Overburning stores data in leadout area (the leadout area according redbook) contains nothing zeros 90 seconds long. Overburning uses leadout store data.
We Nero CD Speed simulate writing an 80min+ Mirror Max CD-R: Pioneer does support 90min CDs overburning test managed write up 92mins 80min++ CDR (using 8x speed).
99min CD-Rs
Writing We tried an "official" (these kind CDs way out original CD standard) 99-min CD-R tested ability drive cope it: Pioneer DVD writer good overburning managed write a full 99mins worth data onto a disk 8x speed - slightly Philips DVDRW228k. We verified figure actually writing 863MB onto a CD-R disk shown above.
Reading In test we created a disk (x8 writing) Nero filled up 99.23 mins data checked how well Pioneer could read disk: drive managed read full data only had slight problems when came running seek test. one best results particular test we ever seen.
CloneCD CloneCD a popular program backing up protected CDs. We checked capabilities drive under CloneCD: One most disappointing things Pioneer A04 does support DAO-RAW mode even though says RAW-SAO compatible drive doesn't support any RAW mode.
Just Pioneer A03 did when drive was given task writing a CloneCD image failed an error shown above.
Reading We checked read performance popular Safedisk 2 protected game: MaxPayne. Intelligent Bad Sector scanner was turned off Fast Error Skip was turned so compare other drives. drives performance reading protected CDs improved since A03 test CD we tried took a very long time I.B.S off fast error skip turned we had abort test. When we re-tried I.B.S. drive did much better:
Safedisk 2 Read Speed I 19:14:50 Device Scan 0 CD-ROMs 1 CD-Writers I 19:17:54 Starting copy PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104 C:maxpayne.ccd
I 19:17:54 Read Speed Data Tracks: Maximum
I 19:17:54 Read Speed Audio Tracks: Maximum
I 19:17:54 Read SubChannel Data Data Tracks: Yes
I 19:17:54 Read SubChannel Data Audio Tracks: Yes
I 19:17:54 Fast Error Skip: Yes
I 19:17:54 Don't report read errors: Yes
I 19:17:54 Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner: Yes
I 19:17:54 CD contains CD-Text:
I 19:17:54 Reading Track 1... (Blocks 0-358329)
W 19:17:54 Device PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104 doesn't support reading 96 bytes subchannel data (CD+G) I 19:18:20 Fast Error Skip enabled automatically I 19:55:28 Fast Error Skip disabled automatically I 20:30:26 Duration operation: 01:12:31
I 20:30:26 Average Speed: 193 kBytes/s (1.10)
I 20:30:26 Reading finished Philips DVDRW228k: Average Speed: 756 kBytes/s (4.30) Pioneer A04: Average Speed: 193 kBytes/s (1.10) drive took 01:12:31 read CD in needed I.B.S on. much slower other DVD writers can achieve it's still an improvement over A03.
Region Protection Most new DVD-ROM drives region protected only playback a DVD movie title a certain region. controlled use region codes. drive RPC-II region protection (RPC-2 devices allow change drive's region a certain number times before permanently locked).
DVD Capabilities Reading Next we tried various flavours DVD disks included: DVD-R DVD-RW DVD+RW DVD+R DVD-RAM a pressed DVD-ROM disk our read tests.
DVD-R Firstly we checked performance a DVD-R disk Nero DVD Speed: drive's overall speed was slow compared DVD-ROMs DVD writers - here got 2.06 speed throughout DVD-R disk (using CLV).
DVD-RW read speed performance "-RW" disks was identical "-R" disks. In test had an average speed 2.06.
DVD-ROM Pioneer A04's DVD-ROM specifications state a 6 speed reader can see does manage achieve speed.
We think A04 an extremely slow drive reading DVDs weren't test where redeems itself slightly. also uses CAV reading DVD-ROMs opposed CLV DVD-R & DVD-RW disks manages a decent average 4.77 speed.
DVD+RW drive can read oppositions re-writable "DVD+RW" disks - also x2.06 CLV.
DVD+R was most surprising test drive managed read write-once "+R" disks a lot faster (using CAV) own "-R" disks also faster Philips DVD+RW writer can. can see above managed an average 4.79 speed.
DVD-RAM completeness we checked how behaved a DVD-RAM disk out caddy (the Toshiba SDM-1612 DVD-ROM can read DVD-RAM disks this). We didn't expect A04 read didn't.
ERASING DVD-RW Disks Full Erase
We timed how long took a full erase a DVD-RW disk:
A full erase took 56 mins 40 seconds - much longer "+" standards 23 mins.
Quick Erase Erasing DVD-RWs in quick mode only takes little 8 seconds.
DVD CSS RIPPING Next we examined speed drive could rip movies content scrambling system (CSS).
There legitimate uses ripping movies hard disk example might want rent a DVD movie watch a later date. In case programs CladDVD XP DVD Decrypter come in handy storing hard disk. I 16:18:12 1x DVD-RW I 16:19:59 Operation Started I 16:19:59 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104 1.20 (D
I 16:19:59 Destination Folder: C:ULTIMATE_T2VIDEO_TS
I 17:08:53 Operation Successfully Completed - Duration: 00:48:53
I 17:08:53 Average Read Rate: 2,612 KB/s (1.9x) - Maximum Read Rate: 2,816 KB/s (2.0x)
Pioneer DVR-A03 Average Rip Speed: 2.1 x Panasonic LF-D311 Average Rip Speed: 5.8 x
Philips DVDRW228k Average Rip Speed: 2.2 x
Pioneer DVR-A04 Average Rip Speed: 1.9 X a poor result A04 worst DVD writer ripping movies.
DVD-Video Dual Layer Reading Above we tested drive's performance a dual layered movie (the movie title was "Terminator 2 : Ultimate Edition Disk 1"). can see uses CLV 2x speed read layers - specifications.
Playstation 2 We copied game "Tekken 4" a DVD-R disk booted successfully our PAL Playstation 2 (swap trick aided Action Replay). We also a backup onto DVD-RW Playstation 2 can read re-writable disks without drive modifications (we told does play -RW disks only latest consoles).
X-BOX Microsoft's X-Box games console also capable reading DVD disks. console comes a Thomson / Philips DVD-ROM drive can read various media designed specifically ignore certain media types i.e. CD-R media. consoles games stored single layered (dual layered possible used) DVD-ROM disks written outside-in - a scheme once employed defunct Dreamcast console (done prevent piracy).
Unlike Playstation can 1:1 copies disk copying software PC transfer files console first (download net use an alleged hacked firmware transfer PC an Ethernet dev kit). Pioneer A04 can produce X-Box backup DVDs DVD-RW -R disk types produced recognised booted our homebrew modded X-Box. We -R +R disks we tested X-Box favoured -R format disks every time 1st time. (This media almost +R disks currently rebranded Riteks).
DVD Writing Performance test drive's writing performance we Nero 5.5.9.0 wrote 4469MB data disk timed it. DVD-R can select a slower speed just CD-Rs above Record Now Max says x2 disk take 31mins 30 seconds in reality only took 28mins 42 seconds write a full 4469MB data.
2 Speed Writing Unlike DVD+RW format's write once "+R" disks "-R" disks can written single speed take around 57 mins fill a full DVD-R double speed where take around 28 mins write a full DVD-R. Two speed writing a Pioneer specific invention only a few disks can written speed. When Pioneer released A03 there was an uproar people felt should control over speed burn risk consquences making an unreliable disk.
Pioneer didn't release any information label packaging appropriatley time inform customers could only write x2 most expensive media. Now things different Pioneer informing customers x2 recording only possible a few disks:
"With launch DVD-103 DVD-R/RW drive Pioneer included a feature allowing 2X recording DVD-R. feature brought Pioneer’s own engineering endeavor. drive media specific optimizations called ‘write strategies’. write strategies tailor specific media making 2X DVD-R recording possible.
Currently DVD forum’s specification DVD-R 1X DVD-R recording. Pioneer was able base 2X DVD-R recording feature DVD forum’s specification making possible include benefit customers. 2X DVD-R record compatible ‘For General’ media steps completed before consideration. First media pass DVD forum’s verification 1X DVD-R. Once cleared media maker’s cooperation Pioneer fine tunes media 2X recording then confirms mass production DVD-R media. Only passing tests media considered 2X DVD-R compatible media.
Due use development system depending media’s release date 2X DVD-R recording may possible. Unlike high speed CD-R recording 2X DVD-R recording requires optimization. Without optimization possibility exists recorded media lack desired playback quality. system implemented in order avoid customer confusion over DVD-R media deemed compatible 2X recording.
Pioneer best effort understandable end user making information available in our instruction manual product packaging other methods communication. We continue contact various media manufacturers increase number 2X record compatible DVD-R media. Pioneer suggests use DVD-R media 2X recording. list shall updated 2X DVD-R media becomes available. media manufacturers listed above there does exist media 2X DVD-R compatible. confirm whether media intended use 2X DVD-R compatible ask point purchase. 2X DVD-R record feature a media specific feature.
Depending media record speed may default 1X."
Media Quality We feel quality DVD-R media out very poor often notice there a problem until manage write outer edges DVD (near maximum capacity disk i.e. 4,400MB). Disk writing often successful whilst reading data back a verification process find data written outer edges fail unreadable. problem only existed cheapest spindle DVD-R media expensive media worked perfectly every time.
Compatibility Test Compatibility one area much debated recordable formats ("minus" "plus") below we added "Pioneer DVR-A04". note: table done user contributions.
PC DVD-ROM RECORDABLE FORMATS COMPARISON
Drive Tested -R +R -RW +RW
Toshiba SDM-1612 YES YES YES YES‡
Pioneer 116 YES YES YES
PSX2 YES YES NO
X-BOX YES YES YES YES
Philips DVDRW228k YES YES YES YES
Pioneer DVR-A04 / 104 (NEW) YES YES YES YES
‡Only latest firmware upgrade (version 1806 later).
CONCLUSION Pros Supports writing 99min CDs
Fast & perfect audio ripping
Can produce X-Box & Playstation compatible disks
Can read & write CD-Text
Disks compatible "+" format
Low cost drive
Very cheap media (as low 50p each)
Can read full 99mins data CDs
Cons Only 2 speed -R -RW +RW dual layered read performance CD-R RAW modes
Slow x2 speed CSS ripping
Slow Safedisk 2 performance
Poor quality media
High full seek time
Slow -RW (x1) writing Mount Rainer
We had hoped Pioneer included faster reading writing speeds when A04 was announced rather being a completely new drive Pioneer A04 offers only a few improvements over A03 drive (which we reviewed last year). new improvements UDMA33 vertical mounting CD-R burnproof support increased DVD-ROM read speeds only real improvements a user notice.
Although drive can write 4.7GB data onto blank DVD-R's we experienced problems certain media when reading back. Certain brands media jump/skip DVD players even best PC DVD-ROMs difficulty reading disks certain points. a problem drive something needs looked when backing up important data onto cheap DVD-R / DVD-RW media (especially near disks maximum capacity).
One strength Pioneer drive over rival "plus" recordable format ability create highly compatible DVDs - we disks created drive worked in most DVD players older DVD-ROMs recognition time being fastest. was also only DVD writer could read a full 99mins non standard CD-R 99min CDs (its CD features a little old entirely useless). drive was very quiet problem free. Pioneer improved CD writing ability still lacks a DAO-RAW mode most drives now (to a true replacement CD burner). re-writable 1 speed DVD-RW process painfully slow when a drive plus recordable format thankfully only takes 28mins create a "-R" disk. Pioneer other companies working faster DVD writers write 4 speed DVD-R 2 speed DVD-RW we expect arrive autumn though. drive currently retails £199.00 in UK 2 speed 4.7GB disks only £1.09 hard recommend drive. want know can backup movie collection drive does job: yes does sort need a little work yourself simple selecting copy in Nero swapping disks CDs (find out in our forum).
Why use 7 CDs swap storing data when can use a Pioneer A04 burn whole lot in 28mins DVD writing affordable thanks Pioneer any prospective buyer disappointed drive. |
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