The burning software we used was Nero 8.3. The media test results were as follows:
- Panasonic 25 GB 2x BD-R – 24 minutes 30 seconds. (2x setting)
- Sony 25 GB 2x BD-RW – Average time of 35 minutes over 4 runs.
The multimedia tests were conducted by our AV expert Siddharth. For this we used a BenQ G2400W 24-inch monitor which has native support for HDCP, and a Viewsonic VX2255WM monitor. And here's what Siddharth had to say:
For multimedia testing we used Independence Day BD, grasping it firmly while PowerDVD ultra loaded. Our BD was region B, which includes Europe and a few other nations, so that had to be set in the software options. Next we slid in the disc and measured the load time. Result: slightly long load time, maybe a few seconds into the noticeable zone. This perhaps was the only negative factor in the performance; once the images started moving, we were quite impressed.
There was no stutter whatsoever, except the obvious catching up when you scroll ahead suddenly. The image was very clear, presumably as we were viewing pure full HD content. The minute film grain was visible too, in all its perceivable beauty and naturality; this is a function of the monitor, LG drive, and of course the source format that we were using (Blu-ray).
Another noteworthy factor is that the drive's silent; it doesn't disturb viewers at all. But with an HD uncompressed audio track thrown at you, there is little scope of picking up any other sound besides the score of the film!
The LG GGW-H20L represents what can be currently termed as 'bleeding edge' technology and hence costs an atrocious Rs 29,000. This puts its out of the reach of just about everyone, considering that's the cost of PS3! We recommend this only if you have money to burn, are a "MUST HAVE NOW!" fanatic, and are willing to put up with the lack of media availability for backup.
Do bear in mind that for this kind of money one can easily assemble a 3 TB backup server, utilizing simple hardware, or pick up a Blu-ray compatible gaming console that will anyway offer significantly greater value for money in immediate returns.
HVD....?
