CDFreaks have reviewed the Lite-On SHM-165P6S Super Allwrite DVD-burner. The 165P6S supports 16x DVD+R/-R, 5x DVD-RAM, 8x/6x DVD+RW/-RW writing and 8x/4x DVD+R DL/-R DL writing technology, for dual layer storage of up to 8.5 GB. Not only will it write them, but Lite-On even supports writing of DVD+/-R and DVD+/-R DL at above rated the medias rated speed!

The main positive points: The Lite-On SHM-165P6S being a so called "Super Allwrite recorder" and supports recording on currently available media formats (CD-R/RW, DVD+R/+RW/+R DL and DVD-RAM). The Lite-On SHM-165P6S can write CD-R/RW media with excellent/very good quality and can write those media types at high speed. DVD+R/RW writing quality is good with most media, and once again the Lite-On SHM-165P6S is one of the fastest CD burners around. DVD+R/RW media compatibility was also excellent with the Lite-On SHM-165P6S, with all our tested media burning at its rated speed and by using the HT/OS functions which are available via the SmartBurn tool also faster than its rated speed. Also, DVD-RAM is well implemented on the Lite-On SHM-165P6S, Not only can the drive write at 5x using a P-CAV writing method, it can also read DVD-RAM media, regardless of the disc's rated speed at 5x, again using a P-CAV reading method. During our tests the Lite-On SHM-165P6S excelled at ripping audio CD's. The reading performance is excellent, and the DAE quality is also excellent, making the drive an excellent choice for audio ripping. The support for this drive in our forum is also very good, not only from the community but also from some Lite-On engineers (which is highly appreciated by our members).

The main negative points: There are not too many negative things to say about the Lite-On SHM-165P6S. But we did note a few things we would like to see improved. We know that 12x reading for DVD+R DL and full 16x reading support for DVD+/-R is possible for this drive and we would really like to see this implemented with the next official firmware. Although writing quality with DVD+R/RW media was overall good, the writing quality with some media (especially DVD+RW) could be improved. We would also like to see a dual coloured LED, with one colour used for read and a different colour used for writing, instead of the present single coloured green LED.