Forgive me, this post is slighlty off-topic, but at least DVD is involved. My CD/Rom died and I got Plextor external drive which can do both CDs and DVDs (all formats). It's a 'B'-stock item and naturally I want to test of all its features. I know how to rip/burn Red Book format (CDR), but is there a test to check how well this drive can record some movie I can play back? Is there some standard test to 'record a movie' (MPEG format, I assume) I can download and give a try? (of course, that should be 100% legal.) Which format should I test: DVD+ or DVD-. Sorry for asking probably elementary questions, I've been doing mostly audio. TIA.

Moved to CD Hardware/Software


A test can be made using Nero CD-DVD Speed and KProbe, burning at various speeds and checking the disc for C1 and C2 errors. You can use different brands and different kind of DVD formats your burner supports.


You don't have to download a video in MPEG format or whatever: simply use a standard DVD as a source for your test.


Both DVD+R and DVD-R. Also DVD+-RW and DVD-RAM if you want to perform a more complete test with your drive.

I hope it's useful to you and I'm sure someone will provide you better information about your questions.