The latest version of LG Electronics' Super-Multi DVD burner, the GSA-4160B, is another entry in the recent flurry of DL (double-layer) burners. One difference from other entries in this market, however, is the drive's support for the DVD-RAM format. Although not commonly used due to its incompatibility with most DVD players, the DVD-RAM format is convenient for data backup and storage.

An internal drive, the GSA-4160B comes with a white or black front bezel. It uses an EIDE/ATAPI (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics/Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface) connection and is a standard half-height drive at 1.63 x 5.75 x 7.26 inches (HxWxD). You can mount the drive horizontally or vertically. Rear panel connections include power, an EIDE/ATAPI connector, a mode selector jumper, and audio output.

Keeping up with the current crop of DVD burners, the GSA-4160B can write to DVD+Rs at a maximum of 16X. For DVD-Rs the maximum write speed is 8X, and the drive's write speed is 40X for CD-Rs. Maximum rewrite speeds include 5X for DVD-RAM, 4X for DVD±RW, and 24X for CD-RW. Maximum read speeds are 16X for DVD-ROM, 10X for DVD±R/RW, 5X for DVD-RAM, and 40X for CD-R/RW.

If you use the GSA-4160B with the DVD-RAM format, you'll need noncartridge, removable Type2 or Type4 discs. In addition, the drive supports DL (8.5GB) DVD+R media and an assortment of other formats including CD-Extra, CD-Text, CD-ROM XA, and Photo CD. It is compatible with Windows 98/Me/2000/XP systems and comes with a variety of CD and DVD authoring tools. These tools include Ahead Nero, Ahead InCD, and CyberLink Power-Producer Gold2. For DVD playback, LG also provides CyberLink PowerDVD.

The GSA-4160B ships with two drive IDE cables, an audio cable, mounting screws, software on CD, and documentation. LG Electronics' one-year warranty includes parts, labor, and toll-free customer service.

by Carmen Carmack

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