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Introduction
Review: Waitec MEGALUS
Reviewer: G@M3FR3@K
Provided by: Waitec
Firmware: version 6.34
24x recorders aren’t that uncommon anymore and in fact most brands are already releasing a 32x model or are even planning to
release a 40x model. But still a 24x drive is nice to have Most people will however only know the top brand models like
the Plextor PX-W2410A and the Lite-On 24102B. But, since we already reviewed these drives we thought we would take a look at
a different brand named Waitec. Their 24x recorder is called the Waitec MEGALUS (24/10/40). In this review we will take a
look at the drive’s performance and how it compares to the mentioned Plextor and Lite-On recorders.
The Package:
Inside the box we find the the following things:
- The recorder
- IDE 40-pins flatcable
- Audio cables
- Mounting screws
- One blank 24x 700MB CD-R (manufactured by Ritek)
- One blank 10x 650MB CD-RW (manufactured by CMC Magnetics)
- Prassi PrimoCD 2.0 CD-ROM
- Waitec User’s Manual CD-ROM
So nothing really special. Prassi PrimoCD is a good program but for the tests we’ll be using Nero Burning Rom (simply because it’s our personal favourite). One remark on the IDE flatcable: it only had two connections so only one device could be attached and the SLAVE position had to be left empty (since the other connection is used for the motherboard). Of course you could just use a different flatcable.
On the front of the writer we find the MEGALUS logo, the Waitec
logo and the BPRec logo. Then we have a headphone jack, a volume control, busy/write LED’s and of course an eject-button.
The back of the writer is standard. We find the usual IDE and power connectors, the MASTER/SLAVE jumpers and the SPDIF (analog/digital) output connectors.
Test Machine:
For the tests we’ll be using the following configuration:
- Hardware:
- Processor: AMD Athlon 700Mhz
- RAM: 256MB (PC133)
- Motherboard: ASUS K7V
- Setup:
- IDE1 MASTER: 30GB Maxtor (7200rpm) harddisk
- IDE1 SLAVE: Toshiba SD-M1502 DVD (firmware 1012)
- IDE2 MASTER: Waitec MEGALUS (firmware 6.34)
- IDE2 SLAVE: empty
- Software:
- OS: Windows Millenium Edition
- VIA 4in1 Drivers: v3.37
Direct Memory Access (DMA) was enabled for every device.
Installing the Drive:
As mentioned above the Waitec was setup as MASTER on the second IDE. Let’s have a look how Nero Burning Rom identifies the drive:
And CloneCD:
As you can see from both pictures the Waitec supports the reading and writing of CD-text (96 bytes of SubChannel Data), has
a buffer-underrun technique called SafeLink (although the box said BURN-proof), has a 2MB buffer and supports DAO-RAW
writing.
Now let’s start testing this baby!
73 Comments
Great review G@M3FR3K!
Isn't 85% a little high then. Something that does the bare minimum for a high price surely is no more than average - 50%? Good review though, thanks 
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 25 Jan 02 11:21
Well the111, it depends on how you look at it. If you're into copying protections/games it's indeed (too) high. If you just want a good writer that has good overal reading and writing speeds you can go for this writer. 85% is a decent score I think. Thanks for the compliments by the way
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 08 Feb 02 05:17
Nice Review. Keep up the good work :+
great!!
What's the update about?
What's the update about? More money for Roxio, what else? They've got to pay for fixing all the bugs in the previous version, after all. Only when that's done can they start fixing the new ones introduced in Version 7. This tendancy of buggy first releases has been with the product since it was bought years ago by Adaptec and has continued over the years with Roxio since it separated from Adaptec. Nothing changes. Wait for a few bug fixes before you buy this one. It'll be ripe about the time version 8 is released. :-)
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 04 Jun 04 01:29
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 04 Jun 04 01:30
i believe the update is concerning dual-layer support
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 04 Jun 04 01:30
[edited by runforestrun on 04.06.2004 01:31]
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 04 Jun 04 01:30
[edited by runforestrun on 04.06.2004 01:33]
I've had a great experience using this software, it's performed as described. When I did have an issue, their tech support was good in getting email response back to me in less than 2 days. I've created some nice videos and slideshows and burned them to DVD. :g
I use it to capture video from my firewire-enabled video camera, storyboard my video, add transitions, create dvd menus, and burn to DVD.
After reading the reviews and seeing all the awards EMC7 won, I decided to buy it and try it myself. So far so good, after using it the last 4-5 weeks I have no complaints with the software or their customer support, both are good. I've been able to creat some great DVDs with it.
:X Creator 7 is a very good program. I use all components in it, but especially like 2 of them. The scheduling regular disk backup utility which helps keep my data safe. The other one is storyboard, which allows me to create cool slideshows that include video clips, digital photos, and audio tracks. The drag and drop interface makes it easy to edit, move things around, drop in transistions, etc. I create pro-looking DVDs with it.
:g Rate it 5 smiley faces out of 5. Super program with splendid features. I learned it in a jiff and am pleased with the DVDs and slide shows I can produce with it. Excellent program.
[edited by VoodooDoll on 25.07.2004 04:45]
[edited by VoodooDoll on 25.07.2004 04:45]
[edited by VoodooDoll on 25.07.2004 04:45]
[edited by VoodooDoll on 25.07.2004 04:45]
:X Awesome program! It does what it claims it will do, plus it's easy to use!
I agree with you other dudes, this is a great product with loads of capabilities without costing an arm and a leg! :S
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 09 Aug 04 04:40
:g I've found it to be everything that it was promoted as. A great product with lots of features that are easy to use. I recommend it.
It does everything you need for working with all types of digital media - photos, video, music and backing up your data files. Plus it's easy to use.
:S It installed and runs fine on XP Home. It is easy to use. It has good support and documentation materials. Broad set of features functioned as expected. Able to produce amazing DVDs complete with chapter interfaces. I recommend it.
After a buggy start with Plextors version of EZ6 I downloaded Version 7. All the bugs went away. Some things it's sort of slow at but I think it's because the cpu is munching serious data to build these various dvd projects. Staight out cd and dvd burning of data is fine. Do yourself a favor and upgrade. It's obvious IMHO that they are putting most of their effort into version 7 and it shows.
The "Swiss Army Knife" of all photo/video editing and DVD building software. A+ for ease of use with a great all-purpose CD and DVD burning tool. :g
I tried all the other programs under $100 and this is the best bang for the buck! It has great functionality, it is easy to use and you can build some good looking DVDs with it. U can't go wrong with EMC7.:X
I've found this to be a good forum to learn about CD creation tools. In fact it helped convince me to buy Easy Media Creator 7. I'm glad I did, it was easy for a novice like me to learn how to use and it does everything that I need .
Totally awesome program. Easy to use and create gnarly looking DVDs.:X
:S This product rocks. Makin movies and slideshows and masterin DVDs is way cool. You gotta try it yourself and see what I mean.
:g I likes this program lots. Been using for 2 months now and it work great. I like to make dvds of home movies and pictures and send back to familys in China.
I've used Creator 7 for everything from regular scheduled backups to editing my digital photos, to building DVDs. It runs perfect on my Dell running XP. I've had a great experience using it and recommend it to everyone.
:* You'll be surprised how quickly you can start using this program and create cool projects with it. It is that easy to use and has lots of features for the price.
Unfortunatelly it can't work with Nero's InCD!!! What's more if you installed EMC 7 without Drag-to -disk and you install Incd (recomended by LG for packet writing for DVD-RAM) you get a never ending rebooting. My system can't boot in safe mode neither. Similar serious problem occurs when you try to install EMC 7 on a sytem with previously installed InCD. It's a pity!!!!
:X This is one cool piece of software. It is packed full of features, it's easy to use and it lets me create some cool looking DVDs. I haven't had any problems using it, but then again, I'm not using software like Nero?
:S Brilliant Suite of Software. It does what it claims it will do, plus it was easy to learn to use. The slideshow creation tool is by far my favorite module. I recommend it to all.
After using this programme the last 4 months, I would have to agree with the other postings, this is a brilliant piece of software. I use it all the time to edit photos and videos and author DVDs.
:g It's cool. You'd be a fool not to use it.
This integrated suite of products is simply brilliant. It was quick to learn and when I had problems I simply reviewed some of the How-to videos on Roxio's web site to receive guidance. My slideshows and videos turned out exceptional, if I do say so myself.
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 02 Oct 04 01:03
:g It's easy to use, it's powerful, it produces brilliant looking DVDs and it didn't cost a lot of money. I recommend it
:X It does it all for working with your digital photos/video, DVD mastering, burning music/data discs, etc. I've been using it since May and highly recommend it to everyone!
I use and enjoy all the features, but can't live without Creator Classic...:S
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 09 Oct 04 02:29
I use it all the time. EMC 7 is Hot, Hot, Hot! What a great deal for everthing it does.
:d This is a wickedly awesome program that'll make anyone feel creative in their abilities to produce some killer looking DVDs.
I consider this a must have product on my PC, up there with Office and Explorer. It's worked pefectly since installing it back in May. Customer support got back to my email questions usually in under 24 hours. It has many great features in one easy to use interface. Best of all, it lets me create some nice slideshows and movies on DVD and VCD. Plus Creator Classic is an excellent backup and burning tool. You can't go wrong with this product.
Brilliant, simply brilliant! :X
I agree with you other blokes, it's brilliant.
Easy to use interface. Lots of great features. Good tech support. It does everything the advertisements claimed. Great output. Easy Media Creator 7 is very good.
I purchased it for the great disc burning capabilities, but was pleasantly surprised with everything else it has to offer.
It's a great product, I use it all the time. If you own a digital camera and a CD/DVD burner, you need to try it.:X
Easy Media Creator is Great. In the past it had a lot of problems. Seems like everything is "EASY", all aplications and interfaces well conected among of them. I would say it's better than Nero in this last sense.
I agree, Easy Media Creator is great and kicks butt over Nero!!!:g
Yeah, Creator 7 rocks. My firned has Nero and he curses all the time about ti crashing and locking up his computer.
It's so easy to use, even your great Aunt in Surrey could use it. They've added many new features since version 6. It was well worth the upgrade.
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 28 Oct 04 06:17
It comes with an incredible portfolio of tools for the price. Great CD/DVD authoring and burning tools. The photo editing tools are awesome and the slideshow creation and video editing tools are outstanding.
:+ Don't clown around with the other junk out there, you want to be using Creator 7. It is so much easier to use and comes with good customer support too. I swear by this program. Plus it doesn't cost a lot for what it delivers.
So easy to use, it makes you feel very creative. You can't argue with the quality of DVDs or CDs you can produce with Easy Media Creator 7.
This is the best I've tried, so don't waste your time on the rest. It lets me be creative and create some custom DVDs that look professional.:X
Feature Rich & Easy to Use -- I consider it a must have product with my PC and digital video camera. Editing and creating my videos is very easy and the great burning tools are awesome. I really like this program.
Outstanding product. I really enjoy using the video and DVD creation tools. The DVD Copy tool works flawlessly to make copies of my DVDs (family pictures and movies, nothing illegal here!) for all family members.
Although the 7.0.1 update is a large 50mb download, it is worth the time and effort. Creator 7 does so much, I consider it a key tool on my PC.:g
Excellent product. It does more than what I had initially expected. It runs great on my PC with XP SP2.
It does what it claims, not like some of the overhyped competitors out there with their bloatware. I recommend it if you work with digital photos or DV.
It doesn't get any easier to capture, manage, create and burn to DVD/CD all your digital media content with Creator 7! :X
Disc Copier and Creator Classic rule!:d I use it daily to back up files and make copies of my work for colleagues and friends.
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 18 Nov 04 07:19
Great value, features and performance. A must have product for anyone working with digital video, digital photos, burning CDs and mastering DVDs.
Brilliant product with outstanding support. Well done Roxio.
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 21 Nov 04 01:09
It doesn't get any easier... This is so much easier to use and more functional than Nero. I'm glad I saw the light and converted to Easy Creator 7. Now I am producing professional looking DVDs and not coasters!
i agree its a very good suite not had any trouble yet.
All the reviews above seem to be fake. They keep talking about version 7 which was very bloated and buggy. It was also very slow. The review is suppose to be for version 8 but it's link to version 7.5 for some reason. Anyways I recommend Nero 7 Ultra Edition over Roxio Easy Media Creator 8. They both do the same thing but Nero is fast, stable and cheaper. It also uses less space on your hard drive.
Very Good
It appears Roxio did a nice job flooding this product review with positive comments. I've been an owner of EMC8 since it's release and find it buggy in the extreme. Support is ineffective, call in is charged at $35 per incident, their "live chat" is useless..post per incident option clears your request without making contact and responses on the board from the moderator border on billigerent. Stay clear of this software till they get the bugs worked out....at least be sure to log onto the Roxio discussion board and review the comments prior to making a purchase. P.S. ... if you do buy it... do NOT buy it online. Reason? When they do updates, they send them to those who purchased it out of the box first... then months later post the update on line for the "downloaders". Very aggravating! Good luck....!!!
The damn thing overrides my AutoPlay settings and makes my laptop freeze permanently, requiring a hard reset, every time I insert an audio CD or a DVD. To make sure it was the EMC8 that was causing the problem, I uninstalled it and tried again - everything worked fine. And as soon as I installed it back on, I was having the same problem. So I got rid of it for good (what good is a laptop if I can't play music or DVDs on it?). In my case, EMC8 worked out much better as a coaster :X
I agree with the user above who said the huge numbers of positive reviews seem fake. I can only burn at a maximum of 4x with a a Teac 8X drive using name brand (Maxell, TDK, Philips 8X Media) 8X Media with version 8. My firmware is the latest available and I am using DMA 2 not Pio. I was able to burn at 8X using Nero 6 with no problems. I had to search the web for fixes to problems and errors because although I registered with Roxio I cannot send a request for help. I just go around in circles on their site and get nowhere! So far I am definitely not satisfied with the performance of this product or the lack of support by Roxio. M. Calcagno
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 12 Mar 07 00:27
If someone can enlighten me on how to use this piece of crap I'd be appreciative. It took 15 Minutes for it to recognise my DV camera (Sony Handy Cam DCR-22e). Once that was done It would only capture 5-6 seconds of footage at a time (yes I checked the Limit capture settings). I finally gave up and captured straight to DVD using my DVD recorder. As I wanted to edit tried to capture from DVD. This is better. It gives me a whole 15 seconds! Not impressed. Support is useless. I would steer clear!
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 06 Sep 08 22:30
Mr Angry try using Sony Vegas Platinum. I do and love it!