New firmware released for Sony DRU-510A/DRX-510UL

[joepic]

Sony has recently released a new firmware version for the DRU-510A/DRX-510UL DVD±RW recorder.

DRU-510A/DRX-510UL firmware 1.0C:

"Improves reading and writing performance and reliability. "

http://sony.storagesupport.com/dvdrw/firmware.htm#510

[rickymwong]

Yes, I have installed this new version. Did not find any difference in performance or reliability. Actually, I was a bit worry after upgrade that my OS (XP) did not recognize the drive any more until I unplug and plug back the firewire interface.
The main reason I upgrade is that I found that the drive does not support test write option (simulate write) for DVD writing. Does anybody know ifthis is a bug ? I tried to contact SONY support but no response.
Please advise. thanks!

Ricky

[joepic]

The main reason I upgrade is that I found that the drive does not support test write option (simulate write) for DVD writing.

I don't believe that you can simulate write to +R media if that is what you are trying to do. What software are you using to simulate write?

This update may only effect certian media. So if you are not using that particular brand (which they did not mention!) then you probably won't see any differences.

[rickymwong]

simulate write (for Nero) or Test Option (for Easy Creator 6/5) will allow you to test write the recording operation by turning off the laser in the CD-R/DVD-R drive. It should have nothing to do with what kind of media you are writing since it is not actually writting to the disc. This option is useful so you will avoid creating coaster by doing a simulation write before actually writting to the media.

[RAAGAAman]

Ricky,
Test write is an old technology option when Buffer underruns were more common for bandwith issues. Since All new writers support some sort of Buffer underrun (Justlink, Burnproof) so there is no need for test writes any longer. This is espeically true for DVD+R/RW since the lossless link is +-5T accuracy.



RG

[SaSi]

simulate write (for Nero) or Test Option (for Easy Creator 6/5) will allow you to test write the recording operation by turning off the laser in the CD-R/DVD-R drive. It should have nothing to do with what kind of media you are writing since it is not actually writting to the disc. This option is useful so you will avoid creating coaster by doing a simulation write before actually writting to the media.

I used to agree with your interpretation, until I found out. Previous versions of Nero had the simulation checkbox enabled for DVD+R media. Tried once to test-run and ended up with a fine recorded DVD+R. Latest versions of Nero (I think after 5.5.10.14 or something) have had the simulation checkbox disabled for this media. Nero discovered it as well.

Check the DVDInfo threads for more info.

[Renegade6]

Thanks for the info.

[rickymwong]

Thanks for the info.
I kind of agree with what your reasoning is.
But even with buffer-underrun protection, you can still have coaster,
I had this experience when I rely on this protection on a Plextor external SCSI 1210 drive, and it create coaster when I try to read web pages during burning.
But does SONY confirmed that this TEST option is turned off for this drive.
Another thing is I was using a DVD-R for copying too and not DVD+R.
Is this also hold true for this kind of media?
I found SONY support very bad, and in general the quality of support for the computer industry is degrading.