I recently updated the BIOS in my Lite-On 16X from version GH4F to GH5K. With the old BIOS, and using the latest SmartRipper, it would rip DVD's at ~12X (start @ 4X, end @ 14X). Since I changed the BIOS, it now rips at 4X across the entire disk. The newer Lite-On BIOS cripples the drive, lowering it's DVD rip speed to an annoying level. Their BIOS flash program will only flash new, updated BIOS's and will not allow you to flash a BIOS older than the BIOS currenty in the drive. I can't even go back to the BIOS I had. I would warn anyone with a Lite-On DVD LTD163 that is still a fast ripper NOT to update their BIOS or you will LOOSE your fast DVD rip speed.
I feel that they ripped me off by selling me a drive that was the fastest ripper, then crippling the drives read speed with the new BIOS after the drive is bought and paid for.
Their web site says that the read speed is determined by many factors, such as disk quality, scratches, etc, and the drive automatically adjusts for optimal read speed based on the quality of the media. EVERY DVD I put in it reads @ 4X, from a brand new, spotless DVD, to a scratched rental DVD.
They also say that if copying disks from the DVD to a CDR on-the-fly, it will adjust read speed so that it reads slightly faster than the writer. The example they give is that if you're writing at 24X, the DVD will read at 25X. This is BS!!! If it encounters a read error, this leaves NO time for a retry.
I've owned this drive for one year now, and the tray barely slides out. It groans and creaks and I wouldn't be surprised if it stops working soon. Imagine that, it just made it out of the one year warranty period.
I am really disappointed with Lite-On and will probably never purchase any of their products ever again. Right now I'm looking at an Asus DVD with ATA100 interface. Interesting...