Media for the Sony dru500a(x)?

[Drunken Sailor]

I'm a complete newbie to dvd-writers and media, but I did a little homework and picked up a sony dru500ax this week. Now I'm trying to find out what sort of media I can get away with using. For those of you that own one of these, what type of media have you used with success/failure? I'm feeling thrifty, and speed isn't a concern for me. I appreciate any help you can give.

[nerdboy69]

I am Aussie based and have the DRU500ax, but I am not sure if the mentioned brands are available to you or re-badged as something else, but here goes ...

Have tried the following with no problems:
- PRINCO 2X
- PRINCO 4X (which burns at 2X anyway, so don't bother). See this post for other comments along these lines: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=155368
- DataKing 2X
- Melody +R/-R/+RW/-RW (2.4X and 2X)
- Sigma 1X (rebadged Melody, but works great. In fact burns at 2X)

The only one that has caused me grief is one called "InfoSmart 2X". I bought 10 of these and had 3 coasters in first 6 burns (even at 1X). Since then have only used the remainder for <1Gb short throw-away items and will never buy again.

[Bob W]

Low cost Ritek media works for the Sony (I use the 4x Ritek) also Verbatim and TDK. Even the CompUSA house brand of 1x DVD-R has been good for me plus it actually burns at 2x on my Sony DRU500ax but only 1x on my Pioneer 105.

[icemanatvcd]

Nerdboy69, I am also based in Australia. Where do you but your media from? I am looking for cheapest price for my sony DRU500A. I am also looking for reliable overseas web based supplier who will ship to Australia.


Thanks.

[icemanatvcd]

Another thing nerdboy I wonder wheter you upgraded the firmware? Sony Australia does not have upgrade for the Australian Model as yet I believe.

[nerdboy69]

I am Melbourne based and go to the Computer Swap Meets to buy media. There is one particular stall I have found to be nice and cheap. Here are the details from their business card:

Landmass Shipping & Trading Pty Ltd
Peter Hou
Unit 20, Commericial Rd, Highett, Vic 3189
Tel (03) 9553 0671
Fax (03) 9553 2037

I have just been reading up on the firmware. I am still at 2.0c as that is what comes with the AX drive. Am considering upgrading to 2.0e (or 2.0f which is available through a Japanese link only at present), but am not confident that will fix the 2X/4X problem if the forums are anything to go by. May well address the InfoSmart media problem, but given I am not going to fork out the $ to try it, I will never know.

Link for 2.0e firmware:
http://sony.storagesupport.com/dvdrw/dru500axdwn.htm

Link for 2.0f firmware:
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=302

[icemanatvcd]

Thanks for that nerdboy69. How do you know which firmware you are using?

[nerdboy69]

I just tried 2.0f and it has made zero difference to the PRINCO 4X.
It still burns at 2X. Oh well, at least the end result is OK even if I still have to wait for it.

CDVDInfo is a free option that will tell you your firmware revision as well as some other useful details.
www.cdvdinfo.subnet.dk
Oops, looks like I am out of date - they are now at:
http://www.firmware-flash.com/~hijacker/discinfo/#Download

Nero also shows it via the "Choose Recorder" selection.

[SLICK RICK]

I have Sony DVD burner and only use Verbatim DVD-R media.

SLICK RICK

[SLICK RICK]

Another quick note is that they play on everything tested with no problems.

SLICK RICK

[VinnySem]

I have the Sony DRU-500UL, I like the Samsung/BeAll media - good price, excellent quality and compatibility. They burn @ 2x. Do some searching in this forum about the samsung media, lots of users with the Sony burner use these disks.

[mkelley]

Yes, I'll second the BeAll media -- if you want 2x. It's what I have standardized on for my 500AX. At around $1.70 per disk it isn't too bad a price.

However, my Sony (with the latest firmware -- it was the first thing I did before I burned disk 1) eats everything just fine, including the absolute cheapest ($.91 including shipping from PC Club http://www.pcclub.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A3458849 ). I've also been able to play these DVDs on all three of my standalone players. I've yet to burn a coaster trying all that I can (DVD-R only, however).

I think it really depends what you're parameters are -- if you want cheap media, go for the cheapest. If you're looking for something at 2x, you can't beat the BeAll. If you really want 4x, the Ricoh looks to be about all that is available (and note that some standalones appear to have problems playing media burned at 4x). Burn and enjoy!