The Bottom Line
- Fast DVD Reading Speeds
- Lightscibe Support
- Failed to Properly Burn Multiple DVDs
- Below Average Recording Speeds
Description
- 16x DVD+R and DVD-R Recording Speeds
- 8x DVD+R and 4x DVD-R Dual Layer Recording Speeds
- 8x DVD+RW and 6x DVD-RW Recording Speeds
- 16x DVD-ROM Reading Speeds
- 48x CD-R and 32x CD-RW Recording Speeds
- 48x CD-ROM Reading Speeds
- 120ms CD and DVD Access Times
- 2MB Buffer and IDE Interface
- Lightscribe Media Support
Guide Review - BenQ DW1655 16x DVD DL Burner
05/15/06 – Lightscribe has become a popular way for computer users to be able to create custom labels that can be burned directly to the top side of compatible media by the burning. After recording the data on the disc, the user simply turns over the Lightscribe media so the top is facing down. Then using software, an image can be burned into it. This feature is found typically on more expensive drives from companies such as HP, but BenQ offers it in their low cost DW1655 DVD burner.
The drive supports all the high speed DVD+R formats include 16x for recordable and 8x for dual layer and rewritable media. It is a bit slower for the DVD-R formats with 16x for recordable, 4x for dual layer and 6x for rewritable. CD-R speeds are quite fast with 48x for recordable and 32x for rewritable.
During testing of the BenQ DW1655, things did not go well. On several DVD media types, it failed to properly write the disc on the first attempt rendering the media unusable and in the case of DVD+R DL media, it was unable to write one at all. This is a fatal flaw for any DVD burner and is a red flag for anyone considering this drive. On the flip side, the drive was one of the fastest for reading DVD media, but how many people actually buy a burner simply to read or playback recorded discs?
