PC-GUY
1
Conclusion
The ND-2510A is the first NEC Double Layer recorder and has the exact same specs at its predecessor, the ND-2500A. The specs of both drives are exactly the same with the only difference of the DL writing.
The drive's general performance was mixed, with mostly weak performance as a reader. The CD/DVD error correction needs improvement, it cannot make SafeDisc 2.60+ backups, cannot recognize 99mins discs and the supported media list for 8X ±R is rather small, at least with the official v2.15 firmware.
The ND-2510A shows its true value in writing quality tests with certified 8X ±R. The recorder has excellent writing quality, making it one of the best DVD writers available. The writing performance with Double Layer media from Verbatim was very good, while the drive didn't recognize Ritek's DL media, future firmware updates expected to fix this.
Another negative is that the drive doesn't support the Booktype Setting for +R/+RW media. At least as it currently stands, there is the option to change the Booktype of DVD+R DL media to DVD-ROM, increasing compatibility with DVD players.
The price of this drive is considerably low, making it a very good purchase. If you need a good quality writer, but you don't care much about reading performance, this is the choice for you.
- The Good
- Excellent CD writing quality with low Jitter values
- Good DVD writing quality
- Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
- Supports audio protected discs
- Good price
- Low CD/DVD error correction capability
- Not many media (even 8X rated) supported at 8X
- RITEK DL media isn't supported with 2.15 firmware
- Mount Rainier is not supported
- Cannot read or rip 99min Audio CD's
- Cannot create working backups with SafeDisc protected games over v2.60
- DAE speed only up to 32X
- Faster ripping CSS DVD-Video performance
- More supported media for 8X/Double Layer
- Official firmware release to support booktype setting for +R/+RW media
(lets hope they fix that) I'll wait.