In House Review - BenQ DW1625 LightScribe 16x DVD±RW

[Ian]

Today, CDRLabs takes an in depth look at BenQ's new LightScribe capable DVD writer, the DW1625. This highly anticipated drive offers 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD±RW and 2.4x DVD+R DL writing speeds and a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. More importantly, its one of the first drives to support LightScribe. With this new technology, the DW1625 is able to burn silkscreen-quality labels onto the tops of CD's and DVD's. Simply burn the data, flip the disc and then burn the label.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DW1625 and see how it compares to some of the 16x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does LightScribe live up to the hype? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=262]
BenQ DW1625 LightScribe 16x DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any comments or questions about this review, the BenQ DW1625 or LightScribe, please post them in the forum by clicking the link below.

[oslik3]

link fix, please....

[Ian]

Oops.. fixed.

[MonsterMan]

If you're taking requests then, how 'bout an broken-up "Performance" section?

Yeah, yeah, "We're working on it."

[dolphinius_rex]

If you're taking requests then, how 'bout an broken-up "Performance" section?

Yeah, yeah, "We're working on it."

I think we'll just take out the conclusion page and call it "performance part II"

[Ian]

If you're taking requests then, how 'bout an broken-up "Performance" section?

Yeah, yeah, "We're working on it."

[hoxlund]

i tested out our new HP computer at work today with the lightscribe

i was actually very impressed with the level of detail when you see it first hand

btw today was my last day of working for staples, after 2 years and 2 months

[Ian]

Yeah, the detail is really good when set to Best on CD-R media. It doesn't look as good on DVD+R discs though due to the darker surface.

[jberry]

this drives seems a step back from the 1620...almost seems like a "filler" drive until a new model comes out...not sure what the purpose is.

suprised the 1640 doesn't have LS

nice review as always though

[Ian]

this drives seems a step back from the 1620...almost seems like a "filler" drive until a new model comes out...not sure what the purpose is.

It's purpose is LightScribe. Through the whole review, BenQ kept emphasizing that with this drive, they focused first on LS and second on writing quality. Performance took a back seat.

If LS takes off, I'm sure we'll see drives with faster speeds. As far as the DW1640 goes.. it's going to be their flagship DVD writer. I'm sure they didn't feel it was worth increasing the price of it, just to add LS as a feature.

[LoneWolf]

I remember hearing rumors that using Lightscribe was supposed to either (forget which) a) reduce the life of the laser in burners that contained the feature or b) reduce the life of the discs on which Lightscribe was used. Any truth to either of them?

[Ian]

I've heard that too and I haven't gotten any companies to actually admit that it is true. You gotta figure though.. you're essentially burning twice for every disc instead of just once. To me, that's not really shortening the laser's life.. just using up its total operation hours a little faster.

Here's what HP says about this (taken from http://www.lightscribe.com/faq.aspx):

Does the additional use of the laser in a LightScribe-enabled drive shorten its life?

Under typical labeling circumstances, there is no significant reduction in laser life. Based on typical use for both data and label sides of the disc, the laser is well within the design specifications.

[Ian]

Oh yeah.. discs. Aside from LS discs fading over time, I haven't heard many down sides. I'm sure someone will eventually do a study and see if LS effects the readability of media over extended periods of time. We'll just have to wait and see.

[dolphinius_rex]

Oh yeah.. discs. Aside from LS discs fading over time, I haven't heard many down sides. I'm sure someone will eventually do a study and see if LS effects the readability of media over extended periods of time. We'll just have to wait and see.

What... What?!?

Why is everyone looking at *ME*

[MediumRare]

Oh yeah.. discs. Aside from LS discs fading over time, I haven't heard many down sides. I'm sure someone will eventually do a study and see if LS effects the readability of media over extended periods of time. We'll just have to wait and see.

What... What?!?

Why is everyone looking at *ME*

Do you have one? Go ahead and make some tests- it's mostly patience involved (the "over time" part).

I won't be jumping on this wagon- I like printing my disks in colour with my Canon i865.

G

[dolphinius_rex]

Do you have one? Go ahead and make some tests- it's mostly patience involved (the "over time" part).

I won't be jumping on this wagon- I like printing my disks in colour with my Canon i865.

G

Nope, don't have the media or a compatible drive... but it's a matter of time I suspect.

[jberry]

1640 the flagship? It will not be DVD-R DL will it? Seems like the flagships of others will have DVD-R DL.

Benq gonna have DVD-R DL?

They admitted that performance took the backseat????????? Will pass on this one....bozos for admitting it to you

[Ian]

It's not like they're hiding anything. Looking at the specs, its pretty obvious DVD writing speeds weren't top on their list.

I don't think the DW1640 supports DVD-R DL.. at least initially.

[eleewhm]

Ian...i have the DVD LS media from verbatim..and the disc is not supported...as below pic...when you guys review the drive ..did you update the LS_HSI file??

[Ian]

Ian...i have the DVD LS media from verbatim..and the disc is not supported...as below pic...when you guys review the drive ..did you update the LS_HSI file??

I tried (http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=19632) but Nero's latest doesn't support it either. I went ahead and used the generic profile which seemed to work fine.

[RJW]

I won't be jumping on this wagon- I like printing my disks in colour with my Canon i865.

CANON I865 rules with printers like this I won't expect Lightscribe to become big. However because HP doesn't seem to have printers that can print on cd-r's they probally needed such thing as lightscribe.

[RJW]

b) reduce the life of the discs on which Lightscribe was used. Any truth to either of them?

Well that's weird if you know that the bandwith of the laser shouldn't be in the critical range.
Bonding quality should be the same. And UV resitance for the data site can allways be boosted up with filters.(FUJI's black filter !)
So I don't see any reason why lightscribe disc's should have reduced life when compared with normal disc's of the same manufacturer.

However there might be something we don't know. But so far I call it a rumour.

[eleewhm]

thanks Ian for the conrimation...i have fedback to my contacts in taiwan benq RD ...hope they chase the HP ppl to release it asap

[Ian]

thanks Ian for the conrimation...i have fedback to my contacts in taiwan benq RD ...hope they chase the HP ppl to release it asap

Yeah, them or Nero.

[eleewhm]

looks like its Nero's problem...SureThing's Host update works..and the LS DVD+R is recognise....

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=19632