Ricoh has quite a good reputation for their DVD media range. They have produced some very good quality media, carrying their own media identifier codes. This 16x DVD-R however comes from CMC Magnetics. Thanks to Ricoh Europe we had a chance to test Ricoh 16X 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 CMC MAG. AM3 Manufacturer ID

The test method

In this test we burned a number of discs using the Plextor PX-716UF, Pioneer DVR-110D, LG GSA-4163B and BenQ DW1640 with the latest firmware. Your results may vary depending on your recorder. We will add more results later. 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-110D

The Pioneer gave us odd results with this media, and it would seem that the firmware needs a tune-up. We have burned huge amounts of discs with the 110D, but none of them so far have given this kind of strange PIF spikes through the disc. The PIE levels are also a bit high, rising towards the end of the disc. While the disc most likely will play Ok, at least in devices that are not media picky, the results clearly show a sub-optimal performance.

Performance using Plextor PX-716UF

The Plextor result is good, until the recording speed reaches roughly 14x speed. The PIE curve starts rising at the speed of 12x and bumps considerably higher at the 14x marker. At the very end of the disc the drive makes a correct assumption to reduce the recording speed, and the PIE levels immediately drop back to a respectable level.

Performance using LG GSA-4163B

Unfortunately LG GSA-4163B did not support higher than the 4x writing speed. We have to wait for firmware update. Results are quite good.

Performance using BenQ DW1640

BenQ DW1640 burned the disc successfully with 16X speed. In the begin there is little higher PI Error values, but nothing serious though, rest of the curve PI Error rate is fairly low and linear. It is quite interesting why BenQ has trouble in the beginning of the disc, but it is able to handle the media all the way up to the 16x speed without raised error levels.

Conclusions

The results are a mixed bag, and once again we can point at the DVD recorders' manufacturers to upgrade their firmwares. Pioneer showed some odd PIF spikes, while LG was only able to use a 4x recording speed, which is ridicilous for a 16x media. However, the results with Plextor and Pioneer could suggest that this media has slight problems when approaching the highest recording speeds above 12x. On the other hand, BenQ has issues in the beginning but finished quite nicely at 16x. The test results suggest that this is a decent quality disc, but for optimal results you should consider recording at slightly reduced speed.

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.

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