Why You Can Trust CNET Iomega Super DVD Writer 16X16 USB 2.0 review: Iomega Super DVD Writer 16X16 USB 2.0
The double-layer, external, USB 2.0-based Iomega Super DVD Writer 16X16 has a plain-Jane appearance that belies its quick performance, with especially fast times in single- and double-layer DVD ripping and burning, as well as in writing data to DVD+RW discs.
The Iomega Super DVD Writer 16X16 USB 2.0 adheres to the old adage: What's inside matters most. This double-layer USB 2.0-based DVD burner has a plain-Jane appearance that belies its quick performance, with especially fast times in single- and double-layer DVD ripping and burning, as well as writing data to DVD+RW discs. It also ships with a detailed user guide and several handy software apps for creating, viewing, and/or listening to discs. To top it off, the Iomega Super DVD Writer's price is comparable to those of other burners that offer slower overall performance. All of these considerations add up to a very solid device for any home or small-business user seeking an external DVD writer.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
The Iomega Super DVD Writer 16X16 USB 2.0 won't win any prizes for prettiest external DVD burner, but its functional design gets the job done. The black and gray case has a straightforward, rectangular shape that lacks any aesthetic curves, with the exception of its slightly rounded seams. Its front edge houses a convenient headphone jack, a volume wheel, and an LED that lights up when the drive is in the use. Its back edge features only its USB 2.0 and AC power ports.
Iomega bundles a ridiculously long quick installation guide with the Super DVD Writer 16X16 USB 2.0 that repeats the same instructions in 20 different languages. The actual installation process is over in just a few steps: install the Iomega Hotburn software on either your PC or Mac; connect either end of the included USB cable to the drive and to your computer's USB port; and plug the power cable into the drive's AC port and the wall. This procedure is detailed through a series of helpful pictures in the quick-install guide and is explained again in the user manual, which also includes in-depth information on using and troubleshooting the drive.
Once the Super DVD Writer 16X16 USB 2.0 is up and running, you can choose to install any one of the additional applications that Iomega provides with the drive. The list includes Sonic MyDVD 6.1LE for creating discs and editing captured files; Sonic CinePlayer 2.1 and Musicmatch Jukebox for respective DVD and CD playback; Iomega Automatic Backup for saving extra copies of your files; and Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 Starter Edition for arranging photos.
The Iomega Super DVD 16X16 USB 2.0 drive's strong speed ratings paid off in CNET Labs' tests. It's the fastest external DVD burner we've tested in these areas: writing data to DVD+/-RW discs; ripping and burning a 4.4GB video to a single-layer DVD; and ripping a 7.9GB video. The Super DVD 16X16 USB 2.0 also made quick work of burning that 7.9GB video to a double-layer DVD--though it wasn't as quick as the LaCie 16X d2 at this task. While the Iomega Super DVD 16X16 didn't take the top spot in audio CD ripping/burning and DVD+/-RW reading, its scores were only a few seconds off from the LaCie's and those of other external DVD burners, such as the HP dvd630e.
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
 | 4.4GB DVD Video burn test | | 4.4GB DVD Video rip test (from DVD Video) |
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
| 7.9GB DVD Video burn test | | 7.9GB DVD Video rip test (from DVD Video) |
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
| 74:35 CD Audio burn test | | 74:35 CD Audio rip test |
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
| 4.22GB RW write test | | 4.22GB RW read test |
Unless otherwise mentioned, all write tests are run with Verbatim media, rated at the drive's maximum speed.
Find out more about how we test optical drives.
Warranty coverage for the Iomega Super DVD Writer 16X16 lasts for the typical one year. The term includes phone support, but because the number is not toll-free, you have to pay long-distance phone charges for each call. After your warranty period is up, you must also pay a $25 fee for each incident. Lastly, the phone-support lines are open only Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. At least Iomega balances out this limited phone-support policy with a 24/7, real-time tech-support chatting feature on the company's support Web site.