DRU500AX Recognized as DRU500A

[barnetap]

I just purchased and installed a Sony DRU-500AX drive, but my system (Win XP) recognized it as a Sony DRU-500A. Anyone heard of this issue and/or any fixes??

Many Thanx

[jester1x]

My DRU500AX is recognized as a DRU500A by both the system (Windows XP) and Nero. Frankly, I wouldn't worry about it. It hasn't caused me any problems whatsoever. Basically, it has to do with what everyone says on this board regarding the DRU500A/AX. It's a DRU500A with a new firmware upgrade and different packaging. The drive is the same, but the firmware isn't. (You can upgrade the firmware of the DRU500A to that of the DRU500AX. ) If the drive works properly and does what it's supposed to do, then I would leave it alone. But, that's me...

[oceanview]

You may want to confirm that with Sony. I talked with the about the 500A vs 500AX. The only difference is that they started with v2.0 for the 500 AX, all other features and properties of the drive match the 500A exactly.

I also mentioned the complaints that the drive cycles down to 2x after the firmware update, and told them to visit this site for more details. I can't honestly say if they will check.

later...

[Coupgrade]

I also notice this when I purchased mine. All Sony DRU500AX burner are recognized as Sony DRU500A, so this is normal. Believe me it does not have any effect on the operation of the burner. No need to worry, enjoy your burner.

[defense]

I now have the DRU500AX, ...sold my DRU500a for the same price I purchased the DRU500a for. The firmware is definitely one of the things that seperates the two burners. Another thing that seperates the burners is that the software (which I "don't" use any of) that came with the DRU500a is version 3.2, and the disk looks completely different. While the DRU500AX software version is 3.8.

What I find very interesting though is that Sony makes it a point on their site to differentiate between the two burners in almost all areas. However, what makes me REALLY WONDER if the burners are in fact the same is that Sony really distinguishes between both burners...but I have heard people say that version 1.0g with the DRU500a is the SAME as version 2.0c with the DRU500AX.

The thing that makes me really think something internally is different is because the Sony site SPECIFICALLY says that version 1.0g is ONLY for the DRU500A, AND "NOT" (and NOT is underlined and in BOLD RED font) for the DRU500AX. It almost seems obvious that something is different. If the firmware was the same, I don't think it would be necessary for SONY to put it like that..lol

Anyway, another thing I noticed is that for all comparisons, Sony was specific to the three different burners. However, when you check the media compatibility list, SONY says that the DRU500A, AND the DROUXL, or whatever the other burner is...it says that those two are almost geared towards having expensive/name brand media for them. Then they listed some major manufacturers of media like Verbatim, etc. What they DID NOT mention is that the DRU500AX should only be used with expensive media. I kind of got the impression that this drive is geared towards being able to be used for expensive and inexpensive media alike.

[barnetap]

Thanks for the insight!