Sony DRU500A write speed

[phantomengineer]

My DRU500A won't burn at 4X. I've used TDK and Fuji 4X media. I've done the firmware update several times. At first it speeds up but gradually slows back down. It takes about an hour to burn a DVD with 90 mins of content. Doesn't matter if I use 2X or 4X media, same time. I've used several different writing programs. Aggravating.

[redwudz]

I assume you have DMA enabled? A good tool for checking drives and setups is Neroinfo tool 207. Tells you about your drives and ASPI layers.

[lchiu7]

I have a DRU500A and can write 4X regularly with Digital Matrix media from Meritline

I did have to upgrade the firmware to a least 2.0F and I see 2.0H is out there.

[phantomengineer]

Yes redwudz, I followed the firmware instructions and disabled the DMA. It doesn't say to but I assume you re enable the DMA after the instillation. The odd thing is at first it does write faster, though not quite 4X, for a while then slowly reverts back. I sent an email to Sony support but I'll be surprised if I ever hear from them.

[handyguy]

Must be your media then. Sony has a free online chat room with techs, they are nice.

[phantomengineer]

I don't think it's the media, I've used several different brands. Also why would it burn faster after the firmware update and then gradually slow back down? I'll try the chat room, I've never gotten any response emialing Sony support. Thanks.

[sumibas]

Hi,
i have the Sony DRU500a , i USE TDK, Verbatim, IMATION , or MRMOREX DVD+R 4X media they all burn at 4X in 15 min. they are all made by richo japan. i have also use memorex DVD-R made by CMC at 4X with no problem. my frimware is 2.0g

Baskaran

[igalan]

I use mostly Verbatim DVD-R 4x and TDK, and burns them in a bit more than 15 mins. It's a bit picky about media for higher speeds, but anyway I just use quality media for my valuable DVDs .

[Fairhope]

My DRU500A was doing the exact same thing. Would burn at 4x for a little while and then drop to 3.6, then back up to 4, then down to 3.1. After a while, it would drop below 3.1 and I would receive a "write failed" error.

I used Nero 6 and DVDDecryptor for burning and both produced write errors.

I was told by some people that the laser was just wearing out and it would soon quit altogether. I use the DRU500A for ripping as well as burning. This might have contributed to its early demise. It worked perfect for about 15 months. Had the latest firmware installed - 2.0h.

I've finally junked it and purchased a Liteon dvd-rom as well as a writer, so I can rip with one and burn with the other.

Something you probably didn't want to hear, but it's my experience with the Sony.

[igalan]

I've finally junked it and purchased a Liteon dvd-rom as well as a writer, so I can rip with one and burn with the other.

I have always done that. Specially since when I got the Sony DRU500a it was pretty expensive, like 2,5x as is today. It's working perfectly after a year and a half, but you never know.

[mob]

i have the sony dru500ax which is the same thing as the dru500a only it came out of the box with the updated firmware and is listed as a 4x burner.

too bad i was never able to burn faster than 2x.

Check this, the 4x dvd-r's start burning at 1x then they go up to 2x and never pass 2x. Then after 2 min they drop down to 1x and then 0.9x

to burn one dvd it takes me a good 50 min. If I say this drive is a piece of shit, that would be a complement.

Just my two cents.

[handyguy]

Works great for me but 2x is more reliable for me so I use it, Im in no hurry. I read Staples instore has these for $29 after two rebates. If you can find one. Rebates print on receipt. Model is 510 I think.

[Fairhope]

Igalan:

Purchased my DRU500a in January of 2003 for $350.00 US dollars.
Purchased my LiteOn yesterday for $150 US dollars.

Wonder what the initial price of a dual layer burner will be and what it will be a year later.

[igalan]

Igalan:
Purchased my DRU500a in January of 2003 for $350.00 US dollars.
Purchased my LiteOn yesterday for $150 US dollars.
Wonder what the initial price of a dual layer burner will be and what it will be a year later.

About the same here. I got the Sony for about 350 € november 2002. A month ago I got a LG DVD burner, that I use at work, for less than 110 € . I consider I did a good investment, I've burned hundreds of CDs and DVDs, and it still working, even better than the first day thanks to improved recording speed.