In House Review - Sony DRU-510A Dual RW DVD±RW

[Ian]

The Sony DRU-510A is one drive that really doesn't need much of an introduction. Sony's new "Dual RW" drive features 4x DVD-R/DVD+R and 2x DVD-RW writing speeds as well as a maximum DVD read speed of 12x. The drive can also write to DVD+RW media at 4x, an industry first. The DRU-510A also includes a huge 8MB buffer, support for Sony's Power-Burn technology and 24x CD writing speeds, the fastest available on a DVD±RW drive.

In this review we take an in depth look at the features found on the DRU-510A and then see how it performs. Does Sony have another award winner here? Is the DRU-510A the fastest DVD writer around? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=193]

Sony DRU-510A Dual RW DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any questions or comments about the review or the Sony DRU-510A, please post them in the forum by clicking the link below.

[Bhairav]

Nice review,as usual, Ian. Which 4X DVD+RW media did you use? That Verbatim media you mentioned, or Ricoh?
Also, any idea when a 4X DVD-RW spec will be finalised?

[tazdevl]

Nice job Ian.

[jase]

A great review as ever.

Just one thing; as it is now possible, with a LiteOn DVD-165, to check the error levels (PI/PO) of a recorded DVDR, would it now be a good idea to grab a few brands of good and cheap DVD+R and DVD-R discs, and check the writing quality in the same way as we do with CDR discs?

If people knew the differences in the writing quality of the various media and devices it would shift emphasis toward writing quality. Look at the difference your work has made to the CD writers -- I think CDR-Labs in no small way forced the drive manufacturers to lift their game. I think it's about time they were made to do the same with DVDR media!

[Noua]

Once again a very good review... Too bad the drive is over priced.. At least for me...

Ian, when will you have a reviw on the Pioneer A06/106, or a rebadeg drive?

[Paz]

I would like to know if any one has had to send the Sony in for repair? I have had two of the Sony DRU-510A that have gone bad in the first week of use and in the first day of use. After talking with Sony tech support, they told me that the new DRU-510A has a problem with the BIOS / Firmware. The tech said that it would be about 5 - 6 weeks before I got my DRU-510A back as they have about 150 of them coming back to be repaired. As for the problem the Sony DVD drive stopped in the middle of using RecordNow DX the first time and DVD X Copy Xpress the second time. The drive would come up as Sony BOOT drive and the front light would blink, and you couldn’t open the drive bay. The only good news was once they repaired the DRU-510A they haven't had any re-repairs per tech support, which I hope is true? Has anyone had to send the Sony DRU-510A in more than that?

[Ian]

Just one thing; as it is now possible, with a LiteOn DVD-165, to check the error levels (PI/PO) of a recorded DVDR, would it now be a good idea to grab a few brands of good and cheap DVD+R and DVD-R discs, and check the writing quality in the same way as we do with CDR discs?

You're right but DVD media is expensive. Start clicking the ad banners!

Noua, I have two drives here based on the A06.

Thanks to everyone that sent in typos. You guys keep me on my toes.

[Noua]

Ian,... Sorry for being so inpacient but When will you think the reviews will come out? :D:D

Need any help with them? (just tesing you off)..
Really when will you think the reviews will be ready? Just to see how long will I wait... Witch rebadeged drives are those you have?

[eliminator]

:evil: I would like to know if any one has had to send the Sony in for repair? I have had two of the Sony DRU-510A that have gone bad in the first week of use and in the first day of use. After talking with Sony tech support, they told me that the new DRU-510A has a problem with the BIOS / Firmware. The tech said that it would be about 5 - 6 weeks before I got my DRU-510A back as they have about 150 of them coming back to be repaired. As for the problem the Sony DVD drive stopped in the middle of using RecordNow DX the first time and DVD X Copy Xpress the second time. The drive would come up as Sony BOOT drive and the front light would blink, and you couldn’t open the drive bay. The only good news was once they repaired the DRU-510A they haven't had any re-repairs per tech support, which I hope is true? Has anyone had to send the Sony DRU-510A in more than that?

Why didn't you just take/send them back to the store for replacement ??

[dhc014]

Why didn't you just take/send them back to the store for replacement ??

NOOOO!

[aviationwiz]

haha, do not return to store. That's stupid, well, I won't be getting a Sony anytime soon then.

[tazdevl]

I've had zero issues with a 510A and a 510UL.

[eliminator]

Why didn't you just take/send them back to the store for replacement ??

NOOOO!

That's just a gimmick, lot of manufacturers print that - You shouldn't even bother, stores have their clear return policies and I always use THOSE !

[Paz]

I did take the Sony DRU-510A back to Best Buy two times and the third was a no go. Per the store manager they "Best Buy" can't send them to Sony for a refund only fixed, and as Best Buy no longer has a return table like they use to they no longer take the Sony DRU-510A. Best Buy had dropped the price on the Sony DRU-510A to $270 Sunday ad.

[dodecahedron]

Ian, why did you give it only 8 in the Installation section, not a 9?

[dodecahedron]

uggghhh! ugly CDSpeed pics of the writing and rewriting!

writing:




rewriting:


what's up with that? why are they so jagged?

[tazdevl]

CLV

[Ian]

Ian, why did you give it only 8 in the Installation section, not a 9?

The guides are good, but its too darn hard to find the info you need.

what's up with that? why are they so jagged?

I noticed that too. I really don't know why.

[andreos]

Hey guys, what software are you using with your DRX-510? Roxio does not yet support this drive, and Nero only supports the internal version of the drive (I have the external version).

Andreos

[tazdevl]

Hey guys, what software are you using with your DRX-510? Roxio does not yet support this drive, and Nero only supports the internal version of the drive (I have the external version).

Andreos

Nero has had support for the drive for a while. The drive is seen as the 510A in Nero, no biggie. It IS the same drive, just in a external enclosure. However, you might not be able to use it if Nero came with a different drive. In many cases OEMs cripple Nero so it will only work with their drive.

[andreos]

Thanks for clearing that up. Nero only lists the "A" drive on their website, but what you say makes sense.

[kg1000]

I did take the Sony DRU-510A back to Best Buy two times and the third was a no go. Per the store manager they "Best Buy" can't send them to Sony for a refund only fixed, and as Best Buy no longer has a return table like they use to they no longer take the Sony DRU-510A. Best Buy had dropped the price on the Sony DRU-510A to $270 Sunday ad.

I can't help myself, but to join every forum where I see there is someone that is having a problem with the Sony DRU-510A dvd burner. Even though you posted this message a while ago I hope you didn't throw yours away, because when working it's a good burner, but I had the same problem that you had and I found the patch to fix it. Visit this link (http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=26677) and the rest is history. The hell with Sony and their ripoff tatics. Pass the word...