Compatable DVD media for Sony DRU 500AX??

[sellpipe]

Well, I finally broke down and bought a Sony DRU 500AX. It sould be here by friday I hope.

One of the few bad points I have read about this model is compatability issues with different media brands used. What brands do you suggest to use with my "new toy" ??

How about software? What is the best software to use? I saw Roxio has a new EZ CD & DVD Creator out. Has anyone tried it with the Sony?

I have been messing around with VCD's for a couple years now, and decided to step up to the next level. Wish me luck!!!!

Thanks in advance for the help!!

[SaSi]

I have one of these (DRU-500A) for more than a month now. Initially, I thought that there were no compatibility issues 8). Lately, I discovered all sorts of problems.
The good news is that all is well now.

The problems were with some Princo DVD-Rs I bought from a good store. The recorder did not even register the disks. Timed-out after a minute or so. Despair
I put them on a shelf waiting for a chance to return them. I then bought a pack of Verbatim DVD+R disks. Made coasters of the first three out of the box. The recording was not finishing correctly.

I then decided to investigate. I realized that the firmware was version "d", while version "g" was already out. I had downloaded it, but had no reason, until now, to try it.

I upgraded the firmware succesfully. The result was that I could write to the Verbatim's but in Simulation mode, if you can believe it. There was also progress with the Princo's. The disks would be recognised, but simulation recording would fail after 10 ~ 15 minutes into the disk.

Next attempt was to upgrade Nero from version 5.5.9.14 (newest version I had that could properly record a DVD - Version 5.5.10.0 stinks). I downloaded the all-brand-new 5.5.10.7b and tried. All is well now and I can both record the Verbatims and the Princos.

On the good side, I never had any problems with DVD+RW or DVD-RW. I have used the (shipped with) SONY DVD+RW disk as well as Maxell and TDK DVD-RWs. No problems ever. By the way, the SONY must have been recorded more than 100 times until now (doing proof recordings and test-runs, until I could succesfully play-pack on the DVD player). No problems ever.

I have heard similar stories from a friend that has a Pioneer A-05 recorder. He had some problems with TDK disks.

Lesson learnt: DVD recorders and s/w are very unstable, primitive and bug-ridden still. Try a couple of different brands, upgrade the firmware on the drive (if it's old) and stick to the brands you have tested for the next few months. This should help you get along in the meantime.

[NightWing]

Been using the latest Firmware 1.0g and Nero 5.5.10.7b with no problems. Generic from Princo, Lead Data DVD-R. Also Memorex, Maxell and even TDK "-" & "+" RW. Its solid so far.

[Throb1231]

I have a DRU-500a and I upgraded immediately to 1g. I had no problems writing to any +R/RW disc I put in. Memorex was on sale then Maxel then I tried DVD-ON and I got discs that worked. The problem came with -R. The drive would lock up somewhere during the burn when I was making a movie with the enclosed software (MyDVD by Sonic). Burned 2 coasters. tried Maxel media with the same results. Bought a "variety" pack of 4X -R media from an on-line vendor and the same thing. I had 20 DVDs from 5-6 different companies with no luck.

Something told me before I look for someone with a DVD-R burner to give these discs to, I should try burning in Nero.

Nero burned all flawlessly and some at 4.2X!!! The software is really weak with the Sony drives. I'm looking into getting Pinnacle 8. I have version 7 and it burns me (pun intended) that the upgrade to version 8 is $70. Version 7 does not import mpeg's nor will it burn to DVD. But that is for another thread

Just my $.02

[Smile_M]

Has anyone tried WinOnCD v6 with SP1 update ? I think it's better than easy cd creator 6 but does it work well wit dru-500a/ax and with dvd media?

[Coop]

Sellpipe,

I have the DRU500a firmware 1.0f, burning with NERO. The bundled software is practically useless, don't even waste your time installing it.

I've burned Sony(+RW -RW -R), TDK(+RW -R), and Maxell(-R) media reliably with no issues. I have heard Verbatim are also very good. Watch your source - look for made in Japan. I'm staying away from generic stuff for now.

[Bob W]

My Sony 500A will record on any media I have thrown at it and I'm back to firmware 1.0d. Since most of the recording I do is at 4x on DVD-R firmware 1.0d is the only version that works at 4x for me.