CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review - Club CDFreaks

**Dee** · 21-01-2008

CD Freaks are proud to present.
The Lite-On LH-20A1L Review

You can read the review here

Please feel free to comment on the review in this thread.
You are also invited to post tests results of this drive here as well.

**Albert** · 21-01-2008

Brilliant review, Dee!

Thank you very much for taking your time to do it.

If you'd like me to check over the review [check for typos], let me know.

As of right now, I only see a couple of typos [that I figured I would point out]:

Introduction page: "Our package was the bulk version and contained the Lite-On LH-2-A1L drive, fixing screws, software CD-ROM, and manual."

Conclusiong page: " Negative:

* Introduction Noise levels are high when the drive is running at high speed. "

**Dee** · 21-01-2008

Thanks Albert

Please feel free to point out any typo's.
I'll fix the ones you mentioned now.

Skylon · 22-01-2008

Thank you Dee-27, nice review

geerten · 22-01-2008

A nice review, and useful as always. Looking forward to the next (is there a review of the NEC 7200 coming up ?)
But I missed the Advanced Tests: special features like sheep test, DAE performance etc.

*minaelromany* · 22-01-2008

Very good and extensive review Dee-27

I have an observation though regarding overspeeding media test results :

Why not also test at the maximum rated speed ? different batches of media can cause problems when overspeeding and that is the fault of the media , not the burner

**Dee** · 22-01-2008

@geerten
I have no knowledge of an ongoing 7200 review. So far, Optiarc hasn't sent any one in the review team one for review.
Regarding the advanced tests. We are in the process of restructuring our reviewing methods and testing procedures. The advance tests you mentioned, will be back in my reviews very soon. Along with a few more advanced tests.

@minaelromany
All my review media is kept separate from my own stuff. The same batches are used for all reviews. I know for a fact these discs are good.
Regarding (overspeed) We always burn the media for our reviews at the maximum allowed by the drive. If a manufacturer claims a disc can be burned faster than its rated speed. It should be able to do this.

erzug · 22-01-2008

My only question is what was the firmware level of the the drive at the time of the review? This information is always handy for any drive review because it allows one to check the manufacturer's website to see if they may have just put out a more current version that possibly addresses the detected shortcomings.

Skylon · 22-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by erzug

My only question is what was the firmware level of the the drive at the time of the review? This information is always handy for any drive review because it allows one to check the manufacturer's website to see if they may have just put out a more current version that possibly addresses the detected shortcomings.

The firmware used in the review is BL05 as I seen from Nero Infotool screenshot (it's also stated the firmware under that screenshot)

Quote:

From the screenshot from Nero InfoTool above, we can see the Lite-On LH-20A1L supports DVD-RAM read/write and LightScribe direct to disc labelling. The drive came shipped with firmware version BL05.

erzug · 22-01-2008

Thanks. Don't know how I missed that infotools screenshot.

erzug · 22-01-2008

That's really strange. When I go to the Liteon firmware download page and click on the download button, the file name is 20A1LBL02.zip (dated 1/2/08).

superhero · 22-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by erzug

That's really strange. When I go to the Liteon firmware download page and click on the download button, the file name is 20A1LBL02.zip (dated 1/2/08).

Regional download sites are not updated as frequently as the Global one.

See here for all the latest links: No-Frills Links to Official LiteOn ODD Firmwares.

superhero

erzug · 22-01-2008

Thanks. Funny that the BL05 update date is the same as the file I found on the Lite-on's regional download link (1/2/08). Oh well.

*minaelromany* · 23-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee-27

@minaelromany
All my review media is kept separate from my own stuff. The same batches are used for all reviews. I know for a fact these discs are good.
Regarding (overspeed) We always burn the media for our reviews at the maximum allowed by the drive. If a manufacturer claims a disc can be burned faster than its rated speed. It should be able to do this.

Excellent way to determine burners quality apart from batch inconsistency

Another observation : jitter levels ! Why don't you use nero cd/dvd speed for scanning which also has jitter testing ?

**Dee** · 23-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by minaelromany

Another observation : jitter levels ! Why don't you use nero cd/dvd speed for scanning which also has jitter testing ?

Soon i hope. As i said above, review testing methods are being discussed. So providing some other testing issues can be agreed soon. CD-Speed scans along with jitter tests should be around soon.

Wischmop · 23-01-2008

I´m disappointed about the MCC004-scan

Did u only use 1 MCC004 or more for testing?

**Dee** · 24-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wischmop

Did u only use 1 MCC004 or more for testing?

No, i burned 2 discs. The first one was the better of the two, but not by much and that is the one i used in the review. Same applies to other media which didn't get as good a result as expected. Although sometimes the second burn was better, again, not by much.

Wischmop · 24-01-2008

Thx, Dee

Didn´t use Liteon a learning OPC?

mindwarper · 24-01-2008

I was eagerly awaiting a review of this model here @ CDFreaks.com.
Thanks and

for this review!

Useful indeed, I am currently in the market for a LiteOn LH-20xAy drive and this SATA LightScribe could very well be the drive of choice for my "soon" next to be system...

*_chef_* · 31-01-2008

I am really surprised that the DVD+RW 8x Verbatim result were that good.
In the test by c't (german mag) this DVD+RW got really bad results.
Same drive, same firmware, discs tested by Audiodev....

Aside from that result, they stated:
This drive is the best Liteon has published yet! A really good overall performer.

wolverin · 19-09-2008

Is this drive worth purchasing as a replacement for an older IDE liteon writer?

superhero · 21-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverin

Is this drive worth purchasing as a replacement for an older IDE liteon writer?

It's a pretty good drive if your system supports SATA CD/DVD drives. The PATA equivalent ends with an "H" but the newest models have a different naming scheme, e.g. iHAS322 for the SATA 22x model.

xan K · 09-11-2008

sorry for the dumb question, but what speed should I use when doing quality scans with CD-DVD speed? 8X seems to show inconsistent results. 4x is pretty much fine but I don't know if it's wise to scan at this speed.

thanks.

superhero · 10-11-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by xan K

sorry for the dumb question, but what speed should I use when doing quality scans with CD-DVD speed?

This post is off-topic. Next time search the forums first and if you don't find an answer start a new thread.

That said, the scanning speed usually recommended here is 4X.

21-01-2008	#1
Dee Senior Administrator and Reviewer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 9,848	CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review CD Freaks are proud to present. The Lite-On LH-20A1L Review You can read the review here Please feel free to comment on the review in this thread. You are also invited to post tests results of this drive here as well. __________________ My Review PC & Optical Drives We came to wreck everything and ruin your lives, God sent us To become a member of cdfreaks.com just click here to join The Forum Rules The NEC/Optiarc F.A.Q. Liggy & Dee's NEC/Optiarc Firmware Page

21-01-2008	#2
Albert Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 4,574	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review Brilliant review, Dee! Thank you very much for taking your time to do it. If you'd like me to check over the review [check for typos], let me know. As of right now, I only see a couple of typos [that I figured I would point out]: Introduction page: "Our package was the bulk version and contained the Lite-On LH-2-A1L drive, fixing screws, software CD-ROM, and manual." Conclusiong page: " Negative: * Introduction Noise levels are high when the drive is running at high speed. " __________________ If you haven't already, take the time to register at CD Freaks [we welcome new users!]. \|\|\| If you need a refresher of the rules, check them out here. \|\|\| If you need a bit of assistance in posting, the general forum usage FAQ can be found here. \|\|\| If you're new, the Newbie forum is a great place to start out, if you do nothing but introduce yourself. \|\|\| Friendly reminder: Try to avoid sending PMs for technical help; they may get ignored. Besides, that's what the forums are for! Resident college CD Freak, jack of many trades, math major, computer lover, and general geek. Recently nicknamed "Modbert"

21-01-2008	#3
Dee Senior Administrator and Reviewer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 9,848	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review Thanks Albert Please feel free to point out any typo's. I'll fix the ones you mentioned now. __________________ My Review PC & Optical Drives We came to wreck everything and ruin your lives, God sent us To become a member of cdfreaks.com just click here to join The Forum Rules The NEC/Optiarc F.A.Q. Liggy & Dee's NEC/Optiarc Firmware Page

22-01-2008	#4
Skylon CD Freaks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 413	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review Thank you Dee-27, nice review __________________ CPU: Intel E2160 M0 @ 3.0GHz (333x9) @ 1.375v @ Stock HSF GPU: Gigabyte GeForce 8600GT @ 700/1600 RAM: 2 x 1GB Kingston DDR2-667 @ 800 2.0v 4-4-4-12 MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3 PSU: Cooler Master Extreme 650W HDD: 1 x Maxtor 40GB (IDE) + 1 x WD 320 GB (IDE) @ IT8212F IDE RAID Controller Card (ATAPI BIOS) Optical: Sony DRU-810A @ DW1640 BSLB +Speed RPC1 BenQ DW1800 @ LH-20A1P KL0P FBL EOS EOHT6 RPC1 DIY Pioneer DVR-112BK @ DVR-112L 8.25 +Speed RPC1 Gone: Samsung SH-S182D @ TS-H652D KC03 RPC1 Looking for: HardDrive: WD3200JB-00KFA0 or any WDXXXXJB-00KFA0 or PCB with Part Number: 2060-701314-002 REV A (etched on board) or 2061-701314-A00 AG (on sticker)

22-01-2008	#5
geerten New on Forum Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 21	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review A nice review, and useful as always. Looking forward to the next (is there a review of the NEC 7200 coming up ?) But I missed the Advanced Tests: special features like sheep test, DAE performance etc.

Today
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22-01-2008	#6
minaelromany CDFreaks Resident Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: EGYPT Posts: 2,314	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review Very good and extensive review Dee-27 I have an observation though regarding overspeeding media test results : Why not also test at the maximum rated speed ? different batches of media can cause problems when overspeeding and that is the fault of the media , not the burner __________________ C2Q Q6600 L804@3.66 (458x8) 1.525 Bios (1.480 CPU-Z) Vcore with OCZ Vendetta 2 Asus X48 Rampage Formula 2x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 4-4-4-12@DDR2 1100 5-5-5-15 2.05v VisionTek Radeon HD4870@815/1150(4600 GDDR5!) Asus MK221H 22" Widescreen LCD WD 1.0TB Black + 2xWD 640GB Blue Audigy2 ZS-Cambridge SoundWorks DTT 3500 Digital HEC Zypher 750 Watt Gigabyte Aurora 3D 570 Case DVD Burners : Samsung 203B SB03 NEC Optiarc AD-7200S ASUS 1608P3S@Pioneer 111L 8.29 Sony 810A@Benq 1640 BSLB Retail Benq 1640 BSLB LiteOn iHAS120 Best Media : Panasonic TYG03 / Samsung Pleomax OPTODISC R16 / Verbatim MCC004 / CMC MAG E01 Boycott every faked/low quality media

22-01-2008	#8
erzug New on Forum Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 26	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review My only question is what was the firmware level of the the drive at the time of the review? This information is always handy for any drive review because it allows one to check the manufacturer's website to see if they may have just put out a more current version that possibly addresses the detected shortcomings.

23-01-2008	#16
Wischmop CD Freaks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 333	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review I´m disappointed about the MCC004-scan Did u only use 1 MCC004 or more for testing?

24-01-2008	#18
Wischmop CD Freaks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 333	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review Thx, Dee Didn´t use Liteon a learning OPC?

24-01-2008	#19
mindwarper CD Freaks Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Netherlands Posts: 122	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review I was eagerly awaiting a review of this model here @ CDFreaks.com. Thanks and for this review! Useful indeed, I am currently in the market for a LiteOn LH-20xAy drive and this SATA LightScribe could very well be the drive of choice for my "soon" next to be system... __________________ FYI here my PC (an oldish one): ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe (nForce2-ST chipset) AMD K7 XP2600+ Barton 1.920 GHz @ 1.920 GHz (no OC) @ 333 MHz FSB 1024 MB DDR-RAM PC3200 @ 400 MHz FSB (no OC) 2.5-3-3-8 Geforce 6200 AGP 8X graphics card 256MB Primary Master: 500 GB WD HDD (WD5000AAKB 7200 rpm) Primary Slave: 500 GB WD HDD (WD5000AAKB 7200 rpm) Secondary Master: BenQ DW1620 FW B7W9 RPC1 speedpatched replacement drive Secondary Slave: LiteOn LTR-16102B CD-RW FW OS0K

31-01-2008	#20
_chef_ CDFreaks Resident Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: @FX labs .de ...watching [Bender's.Game] [Tripping.The.Rift.The.Movie] Posts: 26,503	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review I am really surprised that the DVD+RW 8x Verbatim result were that good. In the test by c't (german mag) this DVD+RW got really bad results. Same drive, same firmware, discs tested by Audiodev.... Aside from that result, they stated: This drive is the best Liteon has published yet! A really good overall performer. __________________ *'Things are now in motion that cannot be undone.' [Gandalf, LoTR]* Enable DMA with micrAp$0ft Enable DMA free at your will busTRACE => Upper/Lower Filters Util DevCon *HOW TO ... Delete the Upper & Lower Filters!* If you expect help then please start now by using the powerful SEARCH. ....................... sick of spam? Try free Spybot and Threatfire ..........................

19-09-2008	#21
wolverin CD Freaks Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 60	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review Is this drive worth purchasing as a replacement for an older IDE liteon writer?

09-11-2008	#23
xan K New on Forum Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	Re: CD Freaks Presents: Lite-On LH-20A1L DVD Burner Review sorry for the dumb question, but what speed should I use when doing quality scans with CD-DVD speed? 8X seems to show inconsistent results. 4x is pretty much fine but I don't know if it's wise to scan at this speed. thanks.

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