Dual-Layer DVD Burner Roundup

Specifications for BenQ's DW 1620 DL DVD+/- R/RW Drive More 4x DL Action

Performance: •16x DVD+R writing / 4x DVD+RW rewriting / 16x DVD+R reading •16x DVD-R writing / 4x DVD-RW rewriting / 16x DVD-R reading •40x CD-R writing / 24x CD-RW rewriting / 40x CD-ROM reading •8.5GB Dual-Layer Technology @ 4x •WOPC II evaluates writing power to optimize across the entire disk •BLER OPC enhances write quality toward end of disc, an area susceptible to warping •Tilt control repositions optical pickup head to maintain 90-degree angle, even on warped disks •2MB internal buffer •Enhanced IDE/ATAPI interface •Horizontal and vertical operation •Supports DVD+R write speed at 2.4x, 4x, 8x, 12x and 16x •Supports DVD+RW write speed at 2.4x and 4x •Supports DVD+R DL write speed at 2.4x and 4x •Supports DVD-R write speed at 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 12x and 16x •Supports DVD-RW write speed at 1x, 2x and 4x •Supports CD-R write speed at 4x, 10x, 16x, 24x, and 32x •Supports CD-RW write speed at 4x, 8x, 16x, and 24x

Retail Package DW 1620 Writer Hardware quick-start guide Sonic RecordNow!, InterVideo Win Cinema, QVideo 2.0 Audio Cable Mounting Screws

Quality and Setup of the BenQ DW 1620 DL DVD+/- R/RW Drive A Little More Of The Same

BenQ's package is also fairly comprehensive, as it includes the DW-1620 drive, relevant mounting hardware, installation instructions, and a software disc. There's no Nero; rather, BenQ includes Sonic RecordNow! burning software (a $30 value), InterVideo's WinCinema, a suite consisting of WinDVD, WinProducer, WinRip, and WinCoder, QVideo 2.0 Book Type Management, and one blank DVD disc.

BenQ actually sells the DW 1620 in three different colors: black, beige, and silver. The front panel is uniform in whichever shade you purchase, unlike the Plextor and Sony models, both of which include other aesthetic highlights. The drive's backside features an IDE interface and power connector, in addition to analog and digital audio outputs.

As with most other manufacturers, BenQ advertises a handful of unique features that purportedly improve the performance and quality of burns. WOPC II (Walking Optimal Power Control II), for example, is an algorithm that dynamically adjusts laser power to optimize quality across different types of media. The BLER OPC (Block Error Rate Optimal Power Control) feature specifically improves quality near the end of a disc, where it's more susceptible to warping. Whether or not it actually makes a difference will be explored in the upcoming quality investigation. Finally, Tilt Control repositions the pickup head in order to maintain a 90-degree angle over the disc surface, even if it's uneven.

Of course, the most impressive feature is undocumented by BenQ. Although the DW-1620 is advertised as a 2.4x DL writer, flashed with the latest firmware and in conjunction with Nero 6.6, our sample had no problem churning out DL discs at 4x speeds and landing itself in the upper echelon of performance drives in the process.

Another of the DW-1620's redeeming qualities is price. Currently available online for about $65, it's one of the least expensive writers in our roundup, though slightly more expensive than Lite-On's SOHW-1633S. Although CD burning performance lags somewhat at 40x (at least compared to the Lite-On), BenQ maintains an advantage in dual-layer performance and its maximum 16x DVD-R speed.