Next in line for our DVD recordable media reviews is a 16x DVD+R by Ricoh. Ricoh is a manufacturer which has a very good reputation in the market for constantly delivering good results. Thanks to Ricoh Europe we had a chance to test this high speed DVD+R media.

The product

Our test discs were in the 10 pcs spindle. The disc itself has a golden top coating. Good looking disc. The discs carry a RICOHJPN R03 Manufacturer ID.

The test method

In this test we burned a number of discs using the Plextor PX-716UF, Pioneer DVR-110D, Pioneer DVR-110 (Multi), LG GSA-4163B and BenQ DW1640 with the latest firmware. Your results may vary depending on your recorder. For error rate analysis we used nero CD/DVD Speed software and the BenQ DW1640 and Pioneer 110D drives. This test method is not scientifically valid or 100% accurate, but usually gives a good idea of the quality.

Performance using Pioneer DVR-110

It seems that Pioneer DVR-110 (Multi) really likes these discs even though the max writing speed is only 12X. Very good results. We are waiting for firmware update for 16X writing speed.

Performance using BenQ DW1640

BenQ DW1640 did burn the disc with 16X speed but results are not that good. In the beginning results are perfect but after 2.5 Gig PIF levels are too high.

We also burned with 12X speed and results are very good. So the writing strategy for the 16X speed is definitely wrong and we are waiting for firmware update.

Performance using LG GSA-4163B

Same thing with LG GSA-4163B as with BenQ DW1640. The 16X writing strategy needs some tuning. In the beginning results are good but PIE/PIF values increased at the end.

Again it seems that 12X writing strategy is much better choice for this disc. Results are good.

Performance using Pioneer DVR-110D

The Pioneer 110D delivers a reference quality result with this disc. The average and maximum values for PIE and PIF are very low, and the curve is linear. Pioneer uses Zone recording, but the speed steps seem to have no effect on the error rates which remain very low all the way. Excellent result.

Performance using Plextor PX-716UF

The Plextor would need, once again I must say, a firmware tune-up. The PIE levels from disc to disc were inconsistent. Speed reductions occurred on every disc and sometimes the drive even slowed down to 6x early in the disc. This scan result is one of the better ones, dropping to 12x at the end. Slightly increased PIE values at the ends, while very good results on the early parts of the disc. PIF levels remain low, and discs are perfectly readable.

Conclusions

As it seems to be the trend with high speed media, the results vary from drive to drive. Clearly the Ricoh DVD+R 16x has the potential to give very good results, if recorded with proper write strategy. The Pioneer (110/110D)results show the quality potential of this media. For example the Plextor 716 however has problems when high speeds are used - if the speed is decreased, the results will be good also using a Plextor. Same thing with LG and BenQ writers. We just need to wait for firmware updates from BenQ, LG and Plextor.

We welcome you to use our comment feature in order to give your feedback about this media. We will still continue using and testing this media and update this review if needed.

You can discuss Ricoh and DVD media in general at our DVDR Media Forum