Results & Discussion: Samsung SE-506AB

*bobmitch* · 02-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

In my experience the Sonys are not any better than the Verbs. I haven't had any problems writing at 6x to this drive with several media, except for one time when I hadn't properly connected one of the two USB connectors this drive requires for adequate power.

I have gone as far as connecting the burner using separate USB hubs...one in the back and one in front...where they are powered separately and still no 6X burns. I really believe it is the EVGA motherboard, because I get better burns on my wife's old Asus P5E motherboard. I think it has to do with ICH voltage and distribution. My laptop, which has more limited power does the same as the E758 board. Only option is to increase my ICH voltage from 1.1 to 1.125, which makes the motherboard gnarley...Oh well

*bobmitch* · 22-05-2012

Interesting turn of events, that show that the SE-506AB IS what it is supposed to be.

Upgraded my desktop machine. Old config: EVGA E758 motherboard with Intel i7 950 chip...6 GB of DDR3-1600. New machine is an Asus Sabertooth z77 motherboard with Intel i7-3770K processor and 16 GB of DDR#-1866. Mainly...the big difference between EVGA and Asus (figured this out on my wife's old P5E). EVGA clocks the Southbridge voltage by default at 1.0V. Asus clocks the iCH at 1.05. That little bit of voltage from Asus seems to help out the USB hubs, where the peripherals are running just a tad brighter. That voltage tweak on the Asus system has made a HUGE difference in my SE-506AB performance...note the images:

I cannot tell you how pleased I am with these results. One other note...the E758 machine is housed in an Antec Nine Hundred case and the new Ivy Bridge is in a Thermaltake Overseer RX-1.

Also...I wasn't aware of this when I purchased the 506AB...but it will write BD-XL discs.

andymation · 21-06-2012

Based on the results and reviews here I am strongly considering the SE-506AB, but I am also considering the Digistor DIG-79102 and I'm not sure which might be better for my setup.

I am running a 2008 24" iMac. Since apparently there is no good burn testing/scanning software for mac, I will not be able to know how good my burns are. I am planning to use SmartBlu BD-R. Based on bobmitch's experience with USB voltage I am a little nervous about ensuring that I'm getting the best quality burns, as I would be connecting the SE-506AB via a powered USB hub. My current hub is the I-Rocks R-8110-BK. It has a power adapter, but I do not know how much voltage each USB port supplies. I am happy to buy a new USB hub if anyone has a recommendation that would be better for the SE-506AB. The Koutech IO-HU1311 looks intriguing although a little expensive and I'm not sure what the exact port voltage is.

The Digistor DIG-79102 looks good to me, but it's is nearly twice the price. It's advantage is that it has an available power adapter, and it has an internal battery which allows for only using single USB port. I was hoping to find some discussion & results for this drive here, but I haven't seen anything...
Customer service for the Digistor is supposedly top notch, but I've been impressed with the discussion of the SE-506AB here, and it's less expensive.
Not sure what the best course of action is. Suggestions?
thanks

*bobmitch* · 21-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by andymation

Based on the results and reviews here I am strongly considering the SE-506AB, but I am also considering the Digistor DIG-79102 and I'm not sure which might be better for my setup.

I am running a 2008 24" iMac. Since apparently there is no good burn testing/scanning software for mac, I will not be able to know how good my burns are. I am planning to use SmartBlu BD-R. Based on bobmitch's experience with USB voltage I am a little nervous about ensuring that I'm getting the best quality burns, as I would be connecting the SE-506AB via a powered USB hub. My current hub is the I-Rocks R-8110-BK. It has a power adapter, but I do not know how much voltage each USB port supplies. I am happy to buy a new USB hub if anyone has a recommendation that would be better for the SE-506AB. The Koutech IO-HU1311 looks intriguing although a little expensive and I'm not sure what the exact port voltage is.

The Digistor DIG-79102 looks good to me, but it's is nearly twice the price. It's advantage is that it has an available power adapter, and it has an internal battery which allows for only using single USB port. I was hoping to find some discussion & results for this drive here, but I haven't seen anything...
Customer service for the Digistor is supposedly top notch, but I've been impressed with the discussion of the SE-506AB here, and it's less expensive.
Not sure what the best course of action is. Suggestions?
thanks

I have since, upgraded to an Asus Sabertooth z77 motherboard, and all of my issues with the USB seem to have gone. EVGA, seems to have issues with bios and settings that effect performance and quality. I have burned Verbatim 6X BD-R at 6X with very good quality and also SmartBlu 4X BD-R at 4x with very good quality. I am confident that the issue stems around EVGA's bios for my old X58 motherboard. There were other issues, in addition to the SE-506AB, that are USB related...

Since upgrading to the Asus...GONE!!!! The SE-506AB is truly a quality piece of equipment. Given the choice all over again...I would purchase it again...Note my post just before yours with the results of my burn on the Asus...Also...I have two Samsung 830 series SSD. Had questions (no issues) and called tech support...the technical support side of Samsung is top notch as well.

Hope that sheds some light

Based on price and quality...the Samsung SE-506AB is a STEAL at this price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151251

It was a bumpy road...but again...the issue was NOT the Samsung...it was my EVGA E758 motherboard. Now that I am back to an Asus...life is stable and good...

andymation · 21-06-2012

That's great bobmitch thanks! Makes me feel more confident about it.
FYI I am thinking of getting this USB hub to power the SE-506AB: Syba 7 Port USB 3.0/2.0 HUB with One Fast Charging USB 2.0 Port (SD-HUB20102)
It has a charging port that supplies up to 2A and 5VDC power, so I assume it would do a good job with the SE-506AB, if need be.

*bobmitch* · 21-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by andymation

That's great bobmitch thanks! Makes me feel more confident about it.
FYI I am thinking of getting this USB hub to power the SE-506AB: Syba 7 Port USB 3.0/2.0 HUB with One Fast Charging USB 2.0 Port (SD-HUB20102)
It has a charging port that supplies up to 2A and 5VDC power, so I assume it would do a good job with the SE-506AB, if need be.

You may or may NOT need it. On my HP Envy 17 3D, I just hook the SE-506AB to the two USB 2.0 ports on the right side of the machine and get plenty of power for it! As long as the cord that comes with the drive can reach two ports...you should be good. A hub may cause issues with ANY drive, because it is indirectly connected to your machine. BTW...I can connect the 506AB to my Asus using just the data cable and enough power gets to it to burn. I still connect both leads, just in case there is an issue where the data cable maxes out on power...

I guess what you can do, if you want that hub, is connect the data cable to your machine and the power end of the cable to the hub...could work as well...I would get just the drive and connect it to two of your usb ports and see if you get enough....if so...why spend the extra $$$

andymation · 21-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmitch

I guess what you can do, if you want that hub, is connect the data cable to your machine and the power end of the cable to the hub...could work as well...I would get just the drive and connect it to two of your usb ports and see if you get enough....if so...why spend the extra $$$

Very good point. I'm going to go ahead and order the SE-506AB, and if I end up needing more power for some reason I'll get the hub. Many thanks for the recommendations.

*bobmitch* · 21-06-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by andymation

Very good point. I'm going to go ahead and order the SE-506AB, and if I end up needing more power for some reason I'll get the hub. Many thanks for the recommendations.

Glad to help. Here is the product page for the drive. Check to see if you firmware needs updating. Latest is TS01

http://www.samsungodd.com/Eng/

Click on Firmware download. Find the 506AB under slim Blu ray writer...and you will find the firmware update, should you need it. Firmware updates usually provide new media codes and improved writing...all good

NutFlush920 · 11-07-2012

Hello, this is my first post here and after reading this thread it seems like this is the place to get some advice.

I just bought the Samsung SE-506AV / TSBD and it has firmware version TS01 on it. The main reason I bought this drive was to rip all my Blu-rays to MKV format using MakeMKV but notice that I am getting a consistant rip speed of 2X (no where close to the 6X as stated by Samsung).

From the research I've done, this is likely because of "riplock"? I have also, read that I can flash the firmware to remove this but have no clue as to how or where to begin. Can anyone help a newbie out?

*_chef_* · 11-07-2012

Use Nero cd dvd speed and perform the drive tests....

albertalbert · 17-07-2012

Thanks jadburner(/all) for testing all the combinations and posting the results. I need a bl-dl burner for archiving purposes and went through lots of postings here until i decided to finally settle on the se-506ab (thanks to this thread). The choice of media still seems like a very intransparent jungle to me, everyone is talking about Taiyo Yuden but good luck finding them in Europe.. Verbatim everywhere..

It also seems like good quality burns and DL are often mutualy exclusive.

*jadburner* · 10-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by albertalbert

Thanks jadburner(/all) for testing all the combinations and posting the results. I need a bl-dl burner for archiving purposes and went through lots of postings here until i decided to finally settle on the se-506ab (thanks to this thread). The choice of media still seems like a very intransparent jungle to me, everyone is talking about Taiyo Yuden but good luck finding them in Europe.. Verbatim everywhere..

Thanks, albertalbert. I'm glad the scans were useful to you. How are your burns with the SE-506AB turning out? I have had good luck with the TY 4x BD-R DLs that you mentioned, but I haven't yet tested them on this drive (I will be in the near future). I do understand they're hard to find in some areas, though. If you're planning to burn data for archival purposes, however, you might want to consider using SL BD-Rs; it will take more, but at least two brands (the Panasonics and SmartBlus) have undergone testing to suggest they might age more slowly than other brands and than DLs. Just a thought. Congratulations on your SE-506AB!

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 2x
OPC on
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 2x
OPC on
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

Jitter scans for this burn...

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 4x
OPC on
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 4x
OPC on
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

Jitter scans for this burn...

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 2x
OPC off
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 2x
OPC off
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

Jitter scans for this burn...

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 4x
OPC off
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

*jadburner* · 24-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

Maxtek 4x BD-R
White inkjet hub printable
INFOMER30 (MIT)
SE-506AB TS01
Burned at 4x
OPC off
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

Jitter scans for this burn...

*jadburner* · 27-08-2012

SmartBlu 4x BD-R (Branded)
TDKBLD-RBB
SE-506AB TS01
OPC on
Burned at 2x
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

*jadburner* · 27-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

SmartBlu 4x BD-R (Branded)
TDKBLD-RBB
SE-506AB TS01
OPC on
Burned at 2x
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

Jitter scans for this burn...

*jadburner* · 27-08-2012

SmartBlu 4x BD-R (Branded)
TDKBLD-RBB
SE-506AB TS01
OPC on
Burned at 4x
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

*jadburner* · 27-08-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadburner

SmartBlu 4x BD-R (Branded)
TDKBLD-RBB
SE-506AB TS01
OPC on
Burned at 4x
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

Jitter scans for this burn...

*jadburner* · 27-08-2012

SmartBlu 4x BD-R (Branded)
TDKBLD-RBB
SE-506AB TS01
OPC off
Burned at 2x
Final scan with PX-LB950SA using PlexUtilities

11-07-2012	#135
_chef_ MyCE Resident Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: @FX labs .de ...playing LLAMATRON :-] Posts: 30,611	Use Nero cd dvd speed and perform the drive tests.... __________________ Enable DMA with micrAp$0ft Enable DMA free at your will busTRACE => Upper/Lower Filters Util DevCon *HOW TO ... Delete the Upper & Lower Filters!* If you expect help then please use the powerful SEARCH. Try ThreatFire I am looking for DVD-R for Authoring & HD DVD media. Please PM me if you can help me. Vamos Tribbles! V-a-m-o-s!!

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21-06-2012	#128
andymation New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 3	Based on the results and reviews here I am strongly considering the SE-506AB, but I am also considering the Digistor DIG-79102 and I'm not sure which might be better for my setup. I am running a 2008 24" iMac. Since apparently there is no good burn testing/scanning software for mac, I will not be able to know how good my burns are. I am planning to use SmartBlu BD-R. Based on bobmitch's experience with USB voltage I am a little nervous about ensuring that I'm getting the best quality burns, as I would be connecting the SE-506AB via a powered USB hub. My current hub is the I-Rocks R-8110-BK. It has a power adapter, but I do not know how much voltage each USB port supplies. I am happy to buy a new USB hub if anyone has a recommendation that would be better for the SE-506AB. The Koutech IO-HU1311 looks intriguing although a little expensive and I'm not sure what the exact port voltage is. The Digistor DIG-79102 looks good to me, but it's is nearly twice the price. It's advantage is that it has an available power adapter, and it has an internal battery which allows for only using single USB port. I was hoping to find some discussion & results for this drive here, but I haven't seen anything... Customer service for the Digistor is supposedly top notch, but I've been impressed with the discussion of the SE-506AB here, and it's less expensive. Not sure what the best course of action is. Suggestions? thanks

21-06-2012	#130
andymation New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 3	That's great bobmitch thanks! Makes me feel more confident about it. FYI I am thinking of getting this USB hub to power the SE-506AB: Syba 7 Port USB 3.0/2.0 HUB with One Fast Charging USB 2.0 Port (SD-HUB20102) It has a charging port that supplies up to 2A and 5VDC power, so I assume it would do a good job with the SE-506AB, if need be.

11-07-2012	#134
NutFlush920 New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 1	Hello, this is my first post here and after reading this thread it seems like this is the place to get some advice. I just bought the Samsung SE-506AV / TSBD and it has firmware version TS01 on it. The main reason I bought this drive was to rip all my Blu-rays to MKV format using MakeMKV but notice that I am getting a consistant rip speed of 2X (no where close to the 6X as stated by Samsung). From the research I've done, this is likely because of "riplock"? I have also, read that I can flash the firmware to remove this but have no clue as to how or where to begin. Can anyone help a newbie out?

17-07-2012	#136
albertalbert New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 2	Thanks jadburner(/all) for testing all the combinations and posting the results. I need a bl-dl burner for archiving purposes and went through lots of postings here until i decided to finally settle on the se-506ab (thanks to this thread). The choice of media still seems like a very intransparent jungle to me, everyone is talking about Taiyo Yuden but good luck finding them in Europe.. Verbatim everywhere.. It also seems like good quality burns and DL are often mutualy exclusive.