Sony DRU-500AX blues - Not working and Sony support no help.

[Uro]

I recently purchased a Sony DVD+/-RW combo drive hoping to put my home videos on DVD format. I thought this would be fairly simple. I installed the device, no problems, as the secondary master on my Windows 2000 pc. I had already captured some of my home videos to MPEG-2 video with my ATI All-in-Wonder 8500DV. So after the install, I installed the bundled MyDVD by Sonic, I began to make a quick DVD+RW. since the disc was free (came with the drive) and I could erase, I wouldn't be out that much. Here is where my problems began.

I have a CDR already installed. I was/am usinng Roxio version 5, as I used the PVR feature of the AiW card and buring VCDs to use in my DVD player. Works fantasicaly, but I wanted better quality video, hence my DVD writer purchase.

Back to my story. Well after completing my first attempt at authoring with MyDVD, I pressed the burn button to begin the 'magic.' Afterwhich the app began to create the project. Once the app started accessing the drive, BLUE SCREEN.

I tried this several times, same result. I contacted Sony suppport. After all was said an done, I was advised that all other burning software, Roxio, nero etc, was not compatible with their drive, I would have to uninstall all my other burning software to use the Sony drive. I thought this was a bunch of BS, as I have seen posts on this site that advise other. I called him on it and advised I had seen that others use this software, and he said that users can use this software, but do so on their own. At that point, I knew he was talking off a card or this is what he is told to say. no point arguing.

Which brings me to the reason of this post.

If you are a DVD author, what software do you use? I still want to have all the capabilites I had before, VCD creation, audio CD creation, data burning, plus now DVD authoring. All your comments are welcome.

Thanks,

Uro

[nowhere1]

I have the sony drive using ulead dvd workshop 1.3 I feel that's the best software I've used. I author onto my hd the burn from hd to the drive never a coaster. :P Mydvd almost never worked for me with pioneer or sony drives it sucks that's why it's free.

[Boomer]

I had simular problems you had .... found out Windows 2000 didn't like the Sony .... just my 2 cents worth


Boomer

[jeremymiller]

I have XP ADM, and I use MF2 or Ifoedit to author and use Nero to burn and have not had any problems with this sony drive.

[Bob W]

The only software that comes with the Sony that's worth installing IMO is RecordNow. All the other programs either don't work or have massive bugs.

[networkswiz]

Hey Uro,
How about making the Sony the master instead of the slave? Even better yet, just leave it ALONE on the IDE channel (only one drive, the Sony, on the IDE cable).
Good luck.

[SHS]

I got this drive the other day I love it so far.
It always a good idea put any DVD drive on a master chain and that gose for DVD burner but thoses CDR are not big deal unlike the old days and I have agree with Bob W RecordNow is out standing but that Sonic MyDVD is by far woste DVD Authoring Software there is on this plant it even make the Roxio junk look good.
If I was you I get Ulead DVD MovieFactory 1 or 2 just a tip Burn to ISO not to drive then burn the ISO with Ulead DVD MovieFactory 1/2.

[Uro]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I will give all your suggestions a try. Though I may not upgrade to XP with this PC (I could buy a new PC for the cost of the license! I'll wait for my next PC.

I will let you know how I fair.

[Uro]

I have success!

I used a copy of Nero I received from my recent CDR purchase (Buslink 48x, nice drive BTW. Cost me $20 at Best Buy after rebates.) and successfully burned a DVD.

I also was able to author one using the new EZCD creator 6.0. I use Roxio alot, so I thought my issue my just be the older version. I upgraded to the latest and it's smooth! I have uninstalled MyDVD from my PC. It is sad that Sony has a great drive but bundles it with software that does not make it shine.

Also, I did put the Sony on its own IDE channel as the sole master. I do not see a difference yet, but I have nothing to bench mark it against.

Again, I want to thank everyone that replied.

[pharlap]

the reason why you were haning problems was nero they have fixed the problem where TOC 5 and TOC 2 inbalances it effects a lot of burners dvd

[Paul_W]

At that point, I knew he was talking off a card or this is what he is told to say. no point arguing.

You're absolutely right. I use the USB version (DRX-500UL) and received the same answer when I called them on another issue. Even though Sony claims to not support it, DVD Complete, Roxio, and a couple of other authoring programs that I have tried, worked just fine.