The ability to write at 16X is not limited by the DVD WRITER, but by the speed the system can transfer data from the HARD-DISK. Most IDE hard-disks
transfer a constant 5-10Mbs = 4 to 8 DVD speeds. BURST-RATES are higher.
To avoid DVD write errors set your DVD WRITTING PROGRAM to its safest level.
Yea, I always burn at half of my max CD and DVD burn speeds, less errors. Thats right, if the speed is set higher than your computer can handle, some burn programs will auto burn at a slower speed, then some will overload its buffer and lock up!