i just got a test pack -r disks from my friend. ty 4, 8x; maxell 4x, ritekg4, g5, sony 4x, prodiskf1 & burnt with 1620(uped from 1600 with official firmware)
result is ugly, no -r disks were played with ps2 & 712a scan showed ugly results from half of them....perhaps benq/philips try to steer us to buy +r disks
anyway 1620/1600 is a disappointing rather +r only drive
not recommended unless very inexpensive