Pioneer was kind enough to send us the Pioneer DVR-115DBK for review. In this review we will be seeing how this drive from one the world’s most respected electronics manufacturers performs in our tests.

The Pioneer DVR-115D supports 20x DVD±R, 8x/6x DVD+RW/-RW, and 10x DVD+R/DL-R DL writing technology, allowing Double/Dual Layer discs of 8.5GB to be written. In addition this drive also supports DVD-RAM reading at 5x.

Company Information

We are sure that most of you know Pioneer already, but let us take a look at some of the company information found at: http://www.pioneer.eu/

Pioneer Corporation is a global leader in electronics and audio/video products for the home, car, commerce and industry, particularly in the following core multimedia technologies – digital versatile disc (DVD), plasma display panels (PDP) and in-car navigation and A/V systems.

Founded in 1938 as a manufacturer of audio products and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Pioneer has more than 39,000 employees worldwide. Its shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The company’s track record for developing class-leading technologies has consistently attracted industry acclaim. And its continued focus on innovation remains at the heart of its drive to shape the future of its core consumer electronics markets.

Pioneer world firsts include:

• Separate stereo system, 1962
• Component car stereo, 1975 
• GPS car navigation, 1990
• DVD/LD/CD compatible player, 1996
• Plasma display technology, 1997
• DVD recorder compatible with DVD-RW, 1999
• DVD player for professional DJs and VJs, 2004

Pioneer is focused on four key business objectives to be achieved by 2006:

• To be the global leader in the DVD industry

• To build firm foundations for next generation displays
• To develop and strengthen its network-related product line
• To expand into key devices and key technology businesses

Sound. Vision. Soul

Pioneer’s ethos of ‘Sound.Vision.Soul’ is at the heart of every aspect of its business.  With the world of entertainment developing faster than ever, Pioneer’s aim is to provide visionary products with the ultimate in sound and audio performance, combined with convenience and flexibility to encompass the soul quality of its business and provide the definitive entertainment experience.

Drive Specifications

We found the specifications of the Pioneer DVR-115DBK at the Pioneer website

What’s inside the box

Now it’s time to take a look at the drive itself and what the drive came shipped with.

Our package was the bulk version and contained the Pioneer DVR-115DBK drive and instruction booklet.

Now let’s take a look at the drive.

The bezel of the Pioneer DVR-115DBK is plainly styled. We can also see various logos, an emergency eject hole, single green LED and an eject button.

Drive top

Drive bottom

On the top of the drive we found one label and we can see the drive was manufactured in China during October 2007.

On the rear of the drive we can see an audio connector, jumpers for cable select, slave and master. We can also see an IDE connector and power connector.

Now let’s head on to the next page were we can take a look at the features of the drive….