Ultra 4x4x16 / BenQ DW400A mini review.

[CameraMan]

Picked up the Ultra drive that is being hawked at TigerDirect.ca/com. I paid about $192 Canadian with tax and shipping, but will get back a $20 USD rebate. The .com has it for $99 USD after rebate.

Word around here has is that the Ultra drive is an OEM version of the BenQ DW400A. Stats are

Ultra 4x4x16 +R 16x10x32 2/4mb buffer (conflicting reports)
BenQ 4x4x16 +R 16x10x40 8mb buffer

Well, glad to report that the 'Ultra' that` I got is in fact a DW400A as far as I can tell. My drive has an 8mb buffer, and a top speed of 41.06x CDR reading speed. The drive even comes up as a DW400A in some programs. There is no BenQ logo on the drive tray.

A full DVD burned in 15:04, which is exactly what I expected. I don't have 4x +RW media, but the 2.4x I found worked fine (at 2.4 of course).

Nero's InfoTool says the only thing it can't read is a DVD-RAM disc. And it doesn't do Mount Ranier. There is a firmware update on the BenQ site, but I'm not going to much with that just yet.

I don't have any fancy tests or graphs... I'm a little down about how hard it is to find a good deal on +DVD media, the - stuff is sometimes half the price. It might be worth spending a few $$ more on a good multi-format burner, you save on media costs in the long run.

But for a first time 'toe dipping' drive, this guy is FAST. A 4x +R burner at this price range is nice, but you add that 4x +RW and it's a steal. I often need to send clients 'work in progress' tapes, but from now on, they get +RW (VHS sucks).

Pretty happy.

-John

[sandersk]

4x DVD+RW media can be found at CompUSA.com. I purchased a Memorex 10-pk for $45, which according to a post at cdfreaks.com tested out as manufactured by Ricoh. Now would probably be a good time to get it if it is Ricoh media. The post (sorry I can't access it right now) indicates it performed quite well. Yes, it is not inexpensive, but probably worth it.

There are several other 4x +RW deals offered at CompUSA as well.

[BGPGuy]

I just bought one also. I have been looking at burners for some time. I was waiting for them to break $100.00. I was going to get the Optorite dual format burner for $133.00, but read about it having some issues. I then saw the Pioner A06 (106D OEM version) dual format, but at $166.00, it was a tad too high for me. The NEC ND-1300A looked nice, but had slower read rate then others (I want fast read rate for archived ATSC High Def playback) and needed a firmware upgrade to be happy with some media (sweat bullets as I flash it).

I settled on the TigerDirect $99.00 (after $20 MIR)"Ultra" which is really a BenQ DW400A 4x DVD+R/RW. I went with it over the multi format for the following reasons:
1)Price.
2)It supposedly reads DVD at 12x, while others top out at 5-8x. Too bad no one has tested this drive here.
3)I think DVD+ will win out over DVD- in the long run, so I am not concerned about DVD+ becoming betamax. Look at all the +R drives on the shelves, now count the -R drives. See anythhing interesting?
4)DVD+ 4x media seems to be no more expensive then DVD- 4x media.
5)It writes DVD+RW at 4x. This will be good for swapping HDef content with friends and not spending all day in the house just to burn one movie (10GB an hr.).

Only negative is DVD-R is more compatible in older DVD players, but I do not plan on ripping DVDs via DVDSqueeze to DVD+/-R anyways. Another negative is only -R works in X-Box, but I plan on doing the hard drive for the X-Box (if I ever get one .

I just bought the Memorex 4x DVD+R 25 Pack from Office Depot. They have them at 2 packs for $60.00 (buy one get one free) for either - or +. I added the $15.00 online coupon and got 2 packs for $50.00. Not too shabby finding 4x media at a buck a piece. Look at techbargains.com.

I will post my results when I get the drive. I hope I made the right choice, as I have heard BenQ has quality issues with their CDRs (friend told me this). If anyone has experience with this drive, please post!

[minsight]

Mine chokes on writing CDRWs. I've tried different brands. I've gone to their tech support site. I can't make this thing work. The CDRWs are ones I've used for a while with my other burner, and they've served me well. They didn't work, so I went out and bought other brands. They don't work. Anyone tried using CDRWs with this drive, with any success?

[sandersk]

I'm not having any trouble using Nero 6 to burn to CDRW or packet writing (using Drag-to-Disc). I'm using Verbatim High Speed DataLifePlus and TDK High Speed. Both are 650 MB discs.

There is a firmware update (B1HY, I believe) available on Benq's site that is designed for greater media compatibility. My drive, however, is using the B1GY firmware. You might consider flashing up to the more current one.

[sandersk]

The drive does seem to be Mount Rainier compliant, at least for DVD+RW. I popped in a Ritek 2.4x +RW disc I got from All Media and under the choices in Drag-to-Disc were quick format (and compression, too, by the way). I didn't believe it, but I tried it, and lo and behold, what had to be a minute or so later, I had Windows report a 4.37 GB volume reading for writing. I then copied about 3 GB of data to it, which took a while (not timed, but not unreasonably long either). After the copy was "finished" the drive kept writing in the background. I tested it by dragging a copied Photoshop file onto a different hard drive from which it came, and it copied and opened fine.

This drive seems like a very good deal so far. It does not do Mount Rainier for CD-RW though. Is that strange? Would seem to me. Or this a regular feature of DVD writers??

[CameraMan]

I might add that TigerDirect has changed the description of the drive in the past few days. It now lists it with an 8 meg buffer.

I'm also going through my rebate forms here, and the UPC on the box says the stock # is DW400A-OC4 which isn't on the list of accepted drive types (unless the other mess of numbers means something to them).

So it's a coin toss if they accept this or not. I hope they do.

Now if I can only find a good source of inexpensive +R media in Canada.

-John

[BGPGuy]

I installed my drive today with factory firmware (not sure what version). I tried using Pinacle InstantDisc v.7.0.0.59(?) and it was seen as a device, but invalid destination when trying to burn a basic data DVD+R. I loaded NeroExpress which came with it, and burned 4 DVDs on both TDK and Memorex 4x +R's. Out of 4, one of the Memorex discs had errors. It took me 20 minutes to burn the full discs, and about 5-6 to error check them. Seems to work as advertised. Hopefully the Memorex coaster was a fluke. Only more tests will tell. I have yet to try any other type of media.

[sandersk]

So far I've burned, with no errors, two Ritek +Rs (2.4x and 4x) and two Memorex 4x +Rs (ones bought because of your tip, by the way). I've also used Drag-to-Disc to packet write to 2.4 and 4x +RWs. It's only taken 15 minutes to burn a full 4x disc and 25 for a 2.4x one, but it takes about 10-1/2 minutes to verify them with Nero 6. I would have thought it would take less reading at 12x. Maybe it isn't since yours seems to do a similar task in 5 to 6 minutes. But maybe it's the software?

You might try the demo pack at All Media. You can get a 10 pieces -- 8 +Rs and 2 +RWs -- for $17.99. It seems to be a decent deal. It's all Ritek media. But they've worked for me so far.

Good luck, and let us know if you can. And thanks again for the Office Depot tip.

[BGPGuy]

Thanks for the media tip! I am not sure about the read speed and sensitivity level of this drive. 26 minutes for write and error check seems too long.

So playing back archived HD TS files recorded with another +R burner, I get some break ups on the Ultra, but smooth playback on my Lite-On LTD163d (Cendyne DVD-ROM). I may move this BenQ Ultra to another machine and get another Lite-On for double disk playback (hate getting up to swap disks). Does anyone have advice for better playback on the burner? I am in UltraDMA mode.

Anyone who has flashed this drive see an improvement in read performance?

[BGPGuy]

Well, with the NEC 1300 now sold for $125.00, and the playback sensitivity being what it is (need better reader), I now have a little buyers remorse. The read speed of the 1300 is not that hot, from reviews I have read, so who knows, maybe I should have shelled out for the A06? Not sure what TigerDirect return policy is. Maybe I expect too much (good reader + burner ability)?

[sandersk]

BGPGuy:

I flashed up to B1HY and got no improvement in read speed. My drive tops out slightly above 8x. Nero CD-DVD Speed reports an average speed of 6.25x. DVD speed adjustment was not available until I flashed with the newer firmware. I was able to add 12x as a speed, but it has had no effect on the drive when I use CD-DVD Speed to set it there or at "maximum."

I'm going to call Benq tech support on Monday. Maybe they can make some suggestions or failing that, pave the way for returning the drive if I choose to. But perhaps my drive is "defective."

Outside of this read speed problem I have no complaints. The drive works with programs I use (Drag-to-Disc, Nero, NTI Backup Now! Deluxe) and burns at the rated speed. It even does Mt. Rainier with DVD+RW.

Do I understand you correctly that your drive is reading at 12x?

I did watch a few minutes of a burned DVD+R (an old Dr. Who VHS tape) from a friend and playback was fine. I'll try to watch a commercial DVD-Video soon and let you know.

[BGPGuy]

Well, I may be a little premature in my assesments, since I am not doing any real comprehensive testing. I have not checked my read speed, as I think the occaisonal video breakup on playback was due to a fingerprint I put on the disk. I wiped it off, and had much fewer breakups. The disc I watched was from another burner, so maybe that has something to do with it.

I think it is just too sensitive a reader, as the same disc (pre-cleaning) ran without breakups in my lite-on rom. Other then that, it is working okay. I will keep it and buy another rom before I give Tiger 15% restocking fee. I will look at nero speed if it is in nero express suite, and report back my tp read speeds.

[BGPGuy]

Well, using NeroExpress 5.5.10.26, I tried making a Data Disk on both the TDK and Memorex media I have successfully burned DVD-Video. No luck. It doesn't see the media. I then flashed it to B1HY and still cannot see the media. This is very strange. Is there a trick to this?

[sandersk]

Have you tried using "Disc Info" (I believe that's what it's called) to access the disc? Or is that what you've tried already??

[seaegg]

Hey CameraMan I live in Winnipeg as well and you should check out http://www.blankmedia.ca for your +Rs. Their priced are decent and the shipping isn't prohibitive.
You could also try here http://www.ez-buy.com/ but they're a little more expensive but both are still light years cheaper than buying retail even with shipping and tax.

[BGPGuy]

I am at work, so cannot check with "Disc Info". Well I have an approved RMA. I am stuck with 20%!!! restocking fee cash return for a defective drive. Otherwise, I can upgrade or replace with another DW400a. They hem and haw about price match to other sites for upgrade, and the selection is limited. My narrowed choice is replacement DW400a, a cheaper NEC ND1100 ($99.00), Optorite DD0203 ($159.00), or the BMI(?) rebadged ND-1300a ($169.00) .

My fears from least to worst:
The Optorite scares me with its -R problems (and higher then livewarehouse price).
The BMI ND-1300a scares me with its reported slow read spead and unknown 3rd party reseller.
The BenQ DW400a scares me with its reputed cheaper quality and too sensitive reading.
The ND1100 scares me with its reported slow read speed.

Damn. Anyone have any ideas? Since I mostly burn +R, I am leaning towards the Optorite if Tiger will price match LiveWarehouse.

[sandersk]

Would you mind briefly recapping the other problems you are having with the drive, if any? The two I am sure of are: reading sensitivity and non-recognition of a disc.

I guess I'm a "bit" surprised, because I have resolved my so-called speed issue -- which was my own misunderstanding, corrected thanks to reading some cdrlabs reviews. The drive is only supposed to be able to read DVD-ROM (pressed) at 12x max. DVD+R/RW discs it reads, as tested by Nero DVD Speed and CD-DVD Speed (my testing that is), at 8x max (average 6.25), which both are faster than drives costing considerably more than this one.

Regarding the time it took for writing and verifying (Nero 6 BackItUp) -- about 26 minutes -- that's not bad in light on an average read speed of something approaching 6.25x, it seems. Also the time it takes to verify will vary depending on the software used and the files being checked (compressed or non-compressed, for example I would venture).

On +R discs the Sony DRU510A reads at an average 4.01x and the Teac DV-W50D at 4.68x, according to a cdrlabs review. There may be other factors to consider as well that might balance that out in the Sony and Teac's favor. But I'm not aware of what those factors might be regarding speed.

I would compare the drive's stated performance on different media: DVD-ROM (dual and single layer), DVD+R/RW, and DVD-Video with other drives, and then, of course, test the DW400A's performance yourself.

If I understand what you're saying, I think I would try another DW400A before I threw in the towel. Otherwise I would go for the Lite-On LDW 401S (newegg has it for $120). It seems to spec out about the same as the DW400A, but costs more, and being a Lite-On, would probably be worth it. The build quality of the DW400A I don't know, but based on comparing its specs with drives costing a lot more, it seems like a more than decent deal.

Needless to say, if it doesn't work, it's no deal at all.

A question I have is whether that version of NeroExpress supports the drive, although I would imagine it does -- it came with the drive, right (my copy is not handy)?

Let us know what's going on, if you can.

[BGPGuy]

----EDIT/UPDATE----
I realize I didn't answer your request for summary of my issues. Besides the reading sensitivity issue, and it simply breaking, I am happy with its performance. LOL! Hopefully it's reading breakups were symptomatic of it gasping it's dying breath. If the replacement burns and reads fine, I will praise it as a good value. At the rate burners are dropping in price right now, that recomendation will not have a long shelf life though!
----END UPDATE----

I tried disc-info tonight on previously burned +R discs. The disc is seen in my ROM reader drive but no media is seen in the BenQ through DiscInfo or burn session attempts. This thing burned 3 +R discs successfully (and one coaster) and now it does not see any media. The drive appears shot. I deinstalled it and let W2K find it and reinstall on PC reload. Still does not see written or unwritten media. I thing it is a bad drive. The NeroExpress came with the drive, and is what I am using (Pinacle software did not play well, and is bloatware anyways).

Since I am limited to other TigerDirect drives in exchange (unless I want to give them $24.00 restock fee and take the remaining refund), I am limited to the list above. I will try another DW400a replacement. If that replacement fails, I have to make a choice on another model.

Thanks for clearifying the read speed and just being supportive in general. I will hopefully get the replacement unit soon.

[CameraMan]

Well, I just burned a disc. Here's some info from Nero.

User Data Written: 4,539,536 KB (1000 base, not 1024) 77 files

11:24:04 Started the burn 4x (5,520KB/s)
11:38:56 Burn done (14:52)

11:38:56 Data Verify Started
11:49:22 Verify Complete - No errors (10:26)

I'm using Maxell DVD+R 4x media.

The disc wasn't quite full, but I couldn't get anything else on it.. burning a 5 disc set tonight, free up some HD space on my NLE system.

So far I've not found anything super magic about the drive, but also no bad things either. I'm sure by the time I use it for actual video production (right now it's just data backup and the odd movie backup) 4x will be old school, but for now I'm happy with the cost/performance. No coasters yet!

[Agent248]

Have any of you tried to do a 700MB CD with it ? I was tring to put 685MB on a 700MB CD (it's a Verbatim, Nero report 703MB on it) and I always receive an "Not enough space on disc"... I've updated the firmware to the last one (B1HY) and still have the same problem. I don't have any other brand of CD to test it out. Do you thing it's the burner or the my CD ?!

By the way, i've done some screen shot of Speed Test with the Nero tool that i've post to my web site and I get strange result. It's impossible to speed test a double layer disc (without have error at the second layer, but read it perfectly fine with PowerDVD), and i got like 900ms full seek time for a DVD+R (seem a bit slow). If you want to see them http://membres.lycos.fr/agent248 but my page is in french.

[BGPGuy]

Sorry, I have not tried CDRs. I will when I get the replacement drive. I recall their being some kind of conservative "safety buffer" when trying to burn full capacity DVD with Pinacle software, like they cannot accurately tell exactly how much disc space they need to burn???? Maybe CDR is the same way? I was burning +R on another burner at like 4.3GB max capacity with Pinacle due to this. [Virtual head scratching]

[sandersk]

Agent248:

What version of Nero are you using? Version 6.0.0.15 has a known bug that might be the cause of your problem. See the post here, which also contains a link to the bug patch.

And thanks for putting up test results on the "Ultra 4x4x12" on your page.

Hope this helps.

[Agent248]

Thanks Sandersk, it work perfectly fine now !

I'm gonna try to do some more benchmark when I'll have the time, so keep checking ! I'll put them on my web site as soon as they are ready !

[BGPGuy]

I burned a CDR and found no issues with it. It took 6 minutes and reported by Nero as burning at 16x.

I give up. I got my RA number and will consider this a failed experiment for my needs. Others with less demanding read requirements may have no issues. Now if anyone can give me a solid reader with fast seek and steady read performance, that would be great.