🚀 go-pugleaf

"GraB" <grab@whatever.co.nz> wrote in message 
news:adnrc29itrbi3aoqd6vrg3em3bref4qun9@4ax.com...
>I am considering a drive to add to my Lite-On SOHW-832S and am tossing
> up between the Lite-On 160P6S, or BenQ DW1650.  (Isn't the 160P6S
> based on the BenQ DW1650 with 'learning mode'?)  The only review I can
> find on the Lite-On drive was dated from February and new firmware
> could have changed things a lot since then.  I have seen good review
> of the BenQ.  My main requirement is good writing quality (speed not
> an issue) and good DVD reading ability.
>
> A friend wants to know whether he should consider the LG GSA-4166B or
> would he be better to consider either of the two above?  That would
> only get light use.

After reading all the current posts, here's my take, FWIW.

DW1650 is far superior to DW1670 which uses Panasonic chipset to bring 
DVD-RAM support. You lose scanning ability and burns are poor in comparison 
to 1640/1650. Also, I don't think the DW1670 has made an appearance in aus 
as yet, except as a Sony clone in the DRU820A. The major attraction of the 
DW1650 is it's learning/scanning abilities. Wrting quality can vary drive to 
drive as it did with the DW1640. I have 2x DW1640 and 1x DW1650 and my 
DW1650 is rubbish in comparion to previous models I have. I suspect I got a 
dud and that Colin from SalesMart may have also got a dud in his DW1640 
which influences opinion as reviews/burns/tests are usually very good to 
excellent on both drives. Perhaps luck of the draw as to whether you get one 
that behaves as it should. Pros, pre DW1670 based models: Learning and 
adaptive writing strategy ability, PI/PIF/JITTER scanning ability, 
Bitsetting of booktype on all +R variants, TE/FE scanning ability via Qsuite 
software. Cons: Quality/build control varies.

Sony DWQ-120A = LiteOn SHW-160P6S and Sony DWG-120A = LiteOn SHM-165P6S. The 
Sony's have inferior packaged bundles to the LiteOn models and firmware is 
also better and more frequently updated on the LiteOn models. The LiteOn 
firmwares also give you more control over inbuilt features via software such 
as SmartBurn to enable "Online Hyper Tuning" etc. The price difference is 
generally also in LiteOn's favour. The difference between the two is DVD-RAM 
support in the latter models. There's another model the "SHM-165H6S" which 
also brings LightScribe functions to the drive. In short there's nothing 
really to recommend the Sony over the LiteOn. Pros (may vary as to whether 
Sony or LiteOn model: PI/PIF Scanning, Great range of user tools/programs 
including ability to change RPC status, Learning and adaptive writing 
strategies, Auto Bitsetting on all +R media, Regular firmware updates. 
Cons: -R write quality can be iffy with some MID's, Some duds on shelves 
just as BenQ (I had to return my first SHM-165P6S as it was faulty).


LG's have generally been very good drives. Especially ones that use the 
"Renesas" chipsets such as 4163B, 4167B,.H10A, H10N. The 4166B and other 
LightScribe enabled models however use a Panasonic chipset. The 4166B has 
also now been superceded in some markets. Pros: DVD-RAM support on all 
models, very fast burning, good range of media support, aesthetically good 
looking. Cons: No PI/PIF scanning ability on any LG drive, No learning or 
adaptive write strategy, Firmware improvements/updates infrequent, LG's 
continued aim to burn media faster than any other brand/drive can in some 
cases be too ambitious and produce poor 16x burns on some MID's.

Pioneer 111D shaping up to be a really great drive. Pros: Good to excellent 
burns on most -R MID's, Large user base and support to draw from, regular 
firmware updates, simplicity, build quality. Cons: Lacks adaptive writing 
strategy other drives have, no learning ability, lack of bitsetting support 
to change booktype on SL+R media, no DVD-RAM support, no LiteScribe support, 
erroneous and untrustworthy PI/PIF scanning ability, +R support could be 
better. Summary: A very good drive to choose if you just want to burn 
mostly -R media and not get involved with or care about 
adaptive/learning/scanning ability some drives offer. Some of the missing 
features howevercan be enabled by crossflashing to other drives/models 
firmware, though it will void warranty.

If you want every feature and ability there is only really one drive to 
consider atm and that's the LiteOn SHM-165H6S. If you care little about 
LightScribe or DVD-RAM support then toss a coin between a Lite-On 160P6S, or 
BenQ DW1650 and hope you get a good one. The LiteOn however in my experience 
does have a slight edge in being a better reader/ripper than the BenQ and if 
you care about doing PI/PIF scanning it's more neutral in results when 
scanning media burnt on other burners, whereas the BenQ can give some weird/ 
misleading results when it scans burns from some other burners.

The LG 4166B I wouldn't consider myself as I don't like Panasonic chipset 
based drives, based on reviews I've read of drives that use Panasonic 
chipsets. Research for yourself though may find this drive to be fine. I 
have no problem in recommending the GSA - H10N or Pioneer 111D depending on 
need or otherwise for DVD-RAM support and whether or not you burn a lot of 
+R media. Both burners are excellent but feature/ability list is reduced 
compared to other brands/models often selling around similar price. Just sum 
up what features/abilities you want and the choice shouldn't be too 
difficult to make.