Introduction
In this review I’ll be taking a look at Lite-On’s SOHW-1633S 16x DVD±RW drive, which features DVD Plus (+) burning of DVD Recordable discs at 16x and Minus (-) burning of DVD Recordable discs at 8x and DVD Rewritable discs at 4x. The drve also has a Write/Rewrite/Read speed at 48x24x48.

Click image for a larger view

Before I get to the review, I would like to provide some background on Lite-On.

Lite-On I.T. branched off from Lite-On Group in 1999 in a highly successful attempt to create a division to focus solely on the manufacturing of optical storage devices. Now, five-years later, Lite-On I.T. is the number-one CD-ROM drive manufacturer in Taiwan and the number-three CD-ROM drive manufacturer in the world.

Lite-On makes a wide-variety of optical storage devices, including DVD±RW and CD-RW drives, as well as combination drives. Although, probably most recognized for their CD burners, Lite-On is quickly becoming a contender for the DVD burner crown.

Specifications

Contents, features and specifications can be found on LiteOn's website.

Write:
DVD+R 16X(21600KB/sec) maximum by CAV
DVD-R 8X(10800KB/sec) maximum by Z-CLV
DVD+R9 2.4X(3240KB/sec) maximum by CLV
CD-R 48X(7200KB/sec) maximum by P-CAV
ReWrite:
DVD+RW 4X(5400KB/sec) by CLV
DVD-RW 4X(5400KB/sec) by CLV
CD-RW 24X(3600KB/sec) maximum by Z-CLV in UltraSpeed disc
Read:
DVD - 16X(21600KB/sec) maximum by CAV
CD - 48X(7200KB/sec) maximum by CAV
Access Time: 160ms
Buffer Size: 2MB
Compatibility:
MS-Windows 98 / NT4.0 / ME / 2000 / XP
MTBF (Life): 70000 Hours
S/N Ration: >75dB
-ATAPI/ E-IDE Half-Height internal DVD+R / DVD+RW / DVD-R / DVD-RW / DVD+R9/ DVD-ROM / CD-R/ CD-RW / CD-ROM combination drive
-Support Double Layer DVD+R9 Recording Function
-SMART-BURN(*1) avoiding Buffer Under Run error, Automatically adjusting writing strategy & running OPC to provide the best burning quality
-SMART-X(*2) function adjusts CD-DA / VCD / DVD data extraction to a fastest allowable speed according to both data request rate from host and disk quality
-VAS(*3) system reduce vibration and noise during recording and reading
-Support Fixed Packet, Variable Packet, TAO, SAO, DAO, Raw Mode Burning & Over-Burn
-DVD read compliant: DVD single/ dual layer (PTP/ OTP), DVD-R(3.9GB/ 4.7GB), DVD-R multi-borders, DVD+R, DVD+R multi-sessions, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW
-CD read compliant: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM/ XA, Photo-CD, Multi-session, Karaoke-CD, Video-CD, CD-I FMV, CD Extra, CD Plus, CD-R, and CD-RW
-Support both 8cm and 12cm disc of CD and DVD family
-Conform to Orange Book: Part 2 CD-R Volume 1, Part 2 CD-R Volume 2 Multi Speed, Part 3 CD-RW Volume 1 (1x, 2x, and 4x), Part 3 CD-RW Volume2: High Speed, Part 3 CD-RW Volume 3: Ultra Speed
-Supported transfer mode: PIO mode 4, DMA mode 2 and Ultra DMA mode 2

Packaging

Click image for a larger view

The Lite-On SOHW-1633S comes perfectly packaged, in a well designed box. The drive itself is held in the middle of the box by two cardboard peices to prevent any damage. The design on the box showcases the SOHW-1633. The side of the box lists the features, package contents, system requirements and awards Lite-On has recieved. The back displays the specifications.

Contents

Click image for a larger view

-DVD±RW Drive
-Quick Installation Guide
-Nero OEM Suite (Nero Express 6, InCD 4, NeroVision Express 2, Nero BackItUp, DOS driver)
-CyberLink PowerDVD XP
-User’s Manual
-Audio Cable
-Mounting Screws
-DVD+R / DVD-R Media (one each)

Testing
Testing of the SOHW-1663S was done with the following system:

16x DVD-ROM Performance

While most DVD writers fail to offer decent read rates due to optimizing the laser for burning, the Lite-On SOHW-1633S delivered an impressive average rate of 12x when testing with singe layer pressed media. First up was a single layer DVD movie, Twin Warriors. The movie Mission Impossible 2 was used to determine read rates for pressed dual layer DVD media.

Click images for a larger view

16x DVD+R Performance

In DVD+R mode, the Lite-On SOHW-1633S provided superb performance. Nero CD-DVD reported an average burn rate of 11.91x, making the 1663S the fastest DVD+R drive I've yet to see. There were a few minor bounces in rotational speed during the burn, but the actual burn curve was smooth with no problems to note. Lite-on supplied Verbatim 16x DVD+R discs with our media review sample. The discs are recognized as "MMC 04" by Nero. Read quality for our burned Verbatim 16x media took a severe hit around 8x. In contrast, pressed media, which offers greater reflectivity than burned discs, proved reliable enough for data extraction up to the drive's top-rated speed (shown earlier).

Click images for a larger view

8x DVD+R Performance

I used consumer-grade media currently available on store shelves in order to test 8x DVD+R performance. The discs were branded Philips, but the actual media manufacturer was CMC with a "MAG E01" identifier. Performance testing with 8x media was inline with expectations. Burn quality was superb, and the overall process went without a single problem.

Click images for a larger view

2.4x DVD+R Dual Layer Performance

Dual layer testing consisted of manufacturer-supplied Verbatim 2.4x DVD+R DL media, recognized as "MKM 001" by Nero. Performance was acceptable, and burn quality passed our tests with no notable problems.

Click images for a larger view

4x DVD-R Performance

Just like the DVD+R testing, the Lite-On SOHW-1633S proved more than capable of producing quality DVD-R media. Generic, Ritek "G04" discs were used during this portion of the testing phase.

Click images for a larger view

Conclusion
In all honesty, the SOHW-1633S isn't for everyone. While the drive's DVD-RAM capabilities will be appreciated by some, most consumers probably won't ever use this feature. For these people, there are better DVD writers out there. What might sway some consumers though, is its price. Available in both black and white, the SOWH-1663S can be found for under $80, which is a steal with bundled software.