DVD ripping test using a single layer 3.85GB media
Seek times could not be calculated as the program
had a 4GB requirement. The 10X DVD rating appears as if it could be easily
attained with a larger capacity disc. Pioneer’s minimum rating of 4.1X is
close enough to the observed 4.05X to satisfy me. Notice the almost perfectly
linear "curve", good consistent performance.
DVD ripping test using 2 layer
7.73GB media
This was a surprise. Not only did the 10X’er
not come anywhere near 10X, introducing the second DVD layer caused to hiccup
near the layer change. The "hump" is caused by the laser reading
the outer track, then switching focus to read the second layer—but still on
the outer portion of the disc, then moving inwards toward the end of the media.
Also, the minimum read speed dropped from 4.05X using a single 3.85GB disc
to 2.92X using a multi-layered disc. The 91mS seek time jibes with the expected
specs of 90mS. The CPU utilization is very good at only 8%. As noted previously,
this doesn’t represent CPU usage when decoding a surround sound movie.
Should You Buy One?
Arguably the best DVD/CD solution, the Pioneer
is not an expensive upgrade. Consider the future of NTSC however, and a very
different picture unfolds. All NTSC broadcasts will be outlawed in a few years
as per the FCC.
I’m willing to predict that although converter set top boxes will crop up
for existing TV sets, no such miracle devices will make video recorders and
DVD players compatible with HDTV.
Mega-speed drives, like the Kenwood 72X true
speed CD-ROM, are priced in the same category as the Pioneer combo drive.
If you need a replacement drive for an existing DVD or need an efficient dual
duty drive it’s a "no contest." The Pioneer 10X will easily meet
or exceed your expectations.
Summation
With ample performance in all the three major
categories, CD data, CD audio and DVD playback, the Pioneer DVD-104S satisfies
with great aplomb. Usable even for CD audio ripping, the 40X data rating keeps
up with the faster 8X writers. Current online pricing places this drive in
the sub $100 category and then it suddenly becomes a "must have."
Got 10X DVD? I do.
Provided by: advanced design
of kentucky
William Yaple
00/01/29
