Sony DW-U12A OEM of Sony DRU-510A ?

[Spawn182]

Hi,
maybe someone can confirm, if the Sony DW-U12A is the OEM version of the DRU-510A. According to "The Firmware Page" it is an OEM version of the 500A.
Here in Germany the hardware dealers advertise the U12A as the OEM version of the 510A. An inquiry at Sony remained unanswered.
Since the DW-U12A sells for 285 Euro (330 US$) and the DRU-510A sells for 330 Euro (382 US$), I really want to know what I am buying.

Thanks

[Telstar]

According to the following link:

http://www.esbuy.com/sonydwu12a.html

It is indeed the OEM version of the DRU-510A, and I think the DW-U10A is the OEM of the DRU-500A. These OEM versions don't have the silver front plate but the plain beige one.

[jsl]

DW-U10A = OEM of DRU-500A
DW-U12A = OEM of DRU-500AX
DW-U14A = OEM of DRU-510A

[Spawn182]

Thanks a lot, but it is still confusing!
What is the difference between the 500A and the 500AX? Should I wait for the U14A, take the U12A or go for the more expensive 510A?

[Telstar]

After further research, I think jsl's post is correct. Never trust those online retailers too much. If I'm not mistaken, the DRU-500AX has a newer version of firmware (writes +R at 4X instead of 2.4X) and the same hardware as the DRU-500A. The DRU-510A has a different hardware and can write +RW at 4X instead of 2.4X.

There is no tech support and firmware upgrade for Sony's OEM drives. If you don't care about them and the included software, then the OEM version can save some money. Otherwise consider the retail version or get an NEC ND-1300A burner which is cheaper and also very popular.

[Kennyshin]

DW-U10A = OEM of DRU-500A
DW-U12A = OEM of DRU-500AX
DW-U14A = OEM of DRU-510A

And...

DRU-500A => DW-U10A => DVM-4222FB / DVM-4222iU2
DRU-500AX => DW-U12A => DVM-4242FB / DVM-4242iU2
DRU-510A => DW-U14A => DVM-4244FB / DVM-4244iU2

DVM-4244FB (Melcoinc retail) costs US$240 in Tokyo.