Introduction:
If you want to watch movies on your computer, your going to need a DVD drives. So today, I am looking at what Sony has to offer with their DDU1612 16x DVD-ROM. This review will be mostly based on the performance when used for CD's, because the drive will primarily be used for CD's and occasionally for a DVD. This was an OEM drive purchased for $28.99 from Directron.

Packaging/Installation:
The drive sports on the front a headphone jack, volume control, LED and the eject button. On the rear of the drive, you have the usual IDE interface, power connection, and analog audio output connector. The drive is physcly smaller than my 52X32X52 CD-RW and my 52X CD-ROM.
Installation of the Sony drive was a snap. After plugging in the power connector and the IDE ribbon, I enabled the drive in my Bios. Windows recognized the drive immediately and with no problems.


Features:
16X DVD-ROM
Compatible with all CD formats
40X CD-ROM

Specifications:
Buffer Memory: 512 KB,
Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.75 x 1.63 x 8"/146 x 41.4 x 203 mm,
Weight: 1 lb 13 oz / 906 g,
Mounting: Horizontal or Vertical,
SUSTAINED DATA TRANSFER RATE: 1, 800~3, 600 KB/s (CD), 8, 788 (inner) ~21, 632 KB/s (outer) Single Layer, 5, 586 (inner) ~13, 520 KB/s (outer) Dual Layer,
ACCESS TIME Full Stroke: 165 ms (typical) (CD), 80~220 ms (typical (DVD),
Drive Read Speed: 16X (DVD-ROM), 40X (CD-ROM),
MTBF: 100, 000 POH,
POWER REQUIREMENTS Supply Voltage: 5V +/5%, 12V +/-10%.

Benchmarking:
To test the unit out I used Nero 6's CD-DVD Speed Tool. Using a 869MB DVD, a recruiting DVD from Vanderbilt University, I got these results.


Here are the results using my Quake 3 Arena disc.


For comparison, here is my Quake 3 Arena disc in my 52X32X52 CD-RW.



Conclusion:
As you can see from the above results, the drive performs slower than the manufacturer's specifications. Nonetheless, the DVD play back is very good and the price cannot be beat.

Pros:
- Affordable
- Quiet
- Small Size

Cons:
- Slower performance than specified

PimpRig Rating:
(9.5 Pimp hats)

*bumpage* only 4 views?!

well written review, Spectrum. I guess some people aren't in the market for DVD-ROMs

Quote: Originally Posted by DuplexEmotions well written review, Spectrum. I guess some people aren't in the market for DVD-ROMs

I agree...nice review...thanks for posting that...

Good review!

Just a heads up though. Not sure about that particular Sony model, but my Sony drives have the drive speed set at a default of 40X. You have to enable what Sony calls "TURBO BOOST" to gain the full speed.

To enable the boost, you have to hold the eject button in for 5 seconds when closing the drive after inserting media. Also, it reverts back to default when you open the drive, so you have to reengage it each time.

Most media isn't compatable with speeds much over 40X anyway and you have a tendency to get more errors(coasters) at faster speeds, especially with lower grade media brands.

Just thought I'd let anyone who didn't already know, KNOW. LOL!!!

MY 2 CENTS!!! LOL!!!

Sweeet little review........Keep up the great work..

Bad post, ignore.

And also thank's for the review. I really wish there were more done at this site. I'd rather read some good info anyday over the mindless gossip.

This review is a year old... but I'm glad you guys liked it. I have another review I submitted this tuesday of the Rio Carbon 5GB MP3 player, but it hasn't been approved yet...

Quote: Originally Posted by Slaymate Bad post, ignore.

I hope you weren't referring to MY post being bad.

If you are, I assure you that I got the info straight from my Sony drives manual.

I have also seen mention of this "Turbo Boost" thing on other forums where people are complaining about speed not being as labeled.

Just for info purposes, my drives are:
DRU-720A
CRU-320E

If you were referring to someone elses post, MY BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

I installed this same model about 5 months ago in my wifes computer . hasent missed a beat when recording a dvd at 8 or 16 x .Paid about $60 delivered . Money well spent i would say. I bought a plextor 16 x dual layer for my machine. and i dont see where its really any better for what i use it for.Thumbs up for the sony , >>one users opinion>>Mike