I got my new Plextor 708A dual format writer this week, and it performs great. Too bad I can't find any stores nearby that sells 8x DVD+Rs... It works will both el'cheapo discs and high priced verbatims. I've heard reports from users with Sonys dual format drives that some cheap discs didn't work. Anyone wanting more info will have to instruct me how to get it.
I got my Plextor last week (updated to 1.01 firmware) and have been comparing it to my Pioneer A-05. I burned Memorex DVD+R (Ricoh) at 8x and 4x and Ritek DVD-R (G03) at 1x to compare to the Ritek burned on the A-05 at 1x. The scores from LiteOn's KProbe are average and max. PX-708A__PI__________PO 8x_+R____40/187(max)_0.68/122 4x_+R____18/71_______0.65/46 1x_-R____14/92_______0.64/84 A-05_____PI__________PO 1x_______2.7/10______0.59/3 1x_______6.7/40______0.60/38 The 8x burn took 8 minutes but at a cost of a higher error rate than 4x. I haven't run KProbe on all the discs ao there may be some variation.
I've tried Platinum DVD+R 4x discs and they work fine in 8X. Do note however that I've had trouble with Nero 6.0.0.15 and DVD+R discs. It breaks with "Could not perform end of disc at once". I've tried an unofficial patch () but with no luck. Stick with 6.0.0.11 until fix it.