Samsung SH-S223Q 22x DVD±RW/RAM

The SH-S223Q is a good example of what we've come to expect from Samsung. Affordably priced, the drive offers a good number of features as well as some of the fastest DVD writing speeds available. While normally a winning combination, there were a number of performance issues that kept the SH-S223Q from getting top marks in our review.

The SH-S223Q performed very well when writing to DVD+R and DVD-R media at 20x. At this speed, it took the drive about 4 and a half minutes to burn an entire 4.7GB DVD. The SH-S223Q also turned in some respectable times with DVD-RW and DVD-RAM media. However, without compatible media, we weren't able to test its full potential when writing to DVD±R DL discs. Nevertheless, the SH-S223Q still performed very well in our tests, burning 8GB of data in less than 14 minutes.

When it came to media compatibility, the SH-S223Q gave us some mixed results. While the drive wrote to all of our test media at its rated speed or better, only two types worked at 22x. More concerning was the SH-S223Q's writing quality. As we showed you in our tests, there were a number of cases where the error rates were quite high. Hopefully, Samsung can address this in a future firmware update.

Samsung's new drive performed relatively well in our DVD read tests. The drive was able to read single layer DVD-ROM's and DVD-Videos at 16x and had some very good seek times. Reading recordable media wasn't a problem for the SH-S223Q either. In our tests, it read DVD±R discs at 16x, and DVD±RW, DVD±R DL and DVD-RAM media at an impressive 12x.

When it came to reading and writing CD's, the SH-S223Q's performance was a mixed bag. While the drive read pressed media at speeds near 48x, its CD-R and CD-RW read speeds were limited to only 40x. This was a little disappointing considering most drives can read pressed and CD-R media at the same speed. The SH-S223Q also lagged behind some of the other drives when packet writing to CD-RW media. However, it had no problems holding its own when writing to CD-R discs. The SH-S223Q's writing quality was a bit concerning though, as the error rates were quite high with all of the media I tested.

Like Samsung's previous DVD writers, the SH-S223Q isn't short on features. Along with support for all major CD and DVD formats, it has a 2MB buffer that is backed up by Super Link buffer underrun protection. The SH-S223Q also supports Samsung's TruDirect technology and has the ability to set the book type of DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL media. Last but not least, the drive features HP's LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling system. An alternative to markers and stick-on labels, LightScribe lets you burn graphics and text onto the tops of specially coated discs.

In the end, it usually comes down to price. For what it offers, Samsung's new "Super WriteMaster" drive is surprisingly affordable. Current prices vary depending on the seller, but the retail version of the SH-S223Q can be picked up for less than $30 on Pricegrabber.

Highs:

• Writes to DVD-R and DVD+R media at 22x
• Writes to DVD+RW media at 8x
• Writes to DVD-RW media at 6x
• Writes to DVD+R DL media at 16x
• Writes to DVD-R DL media at 12x
• Writes to DVD-RW DL media at 2x
• Reads and writes DVD-RAM media at 12x
• Reads single layer DVD-ROM's at 16x
• Reads DVD±R media at 16x
• Reads DVD±RW and DVD±R DL media at 12x
• Features 48x CD-R and 32x CD-RW writing speeds
• Good selection of writing and rewriting speeds
• Low seek times
• Features Super Link buffer underrun protection 
• Supports bitsetting for DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL media
• Includes software from Nero
• Supports 99 minute media
• Serial ATA interface
• Supports LightScribe technology
• Supports TruDirect technology
• Affordably priced

Lows:

• Questionable writing quality with some CD-R, DVD-R and DVD+R DL media
• Had a hard time reaching its rated speeds when reading pressed CD's
• Reads CD-R media at only 40x
• Packet writes to CD-RW media at only 16x