Sony to release DRU-510A and DRX-510UL

[morac]

According to this story (also here), Sony will be introducing a new DVD writer drive that is identical to the DRU-500 except that it can write DVD+RW 4X.

So while the DRU-500 isn't obsolete, it's no longer Sony's top line DVD writer. I'd be hard press to believe that Sony would sell both the DRU-500 and DRU-510 at the same time since the 510 will be priced at $350 (the same as the 500). So my guess is that Sony will stop selling the 500 (or maybe lower the price).

We can alway hope that Sony will issue a firmware update for the 500 to give it 4X DVD+RW, but I doubt they will.

[Gazorgan]

I suspect the 500 can't do 4x at +R ? I mean the ratio is 2.4 to 1, so if it will do 4x -R, it can probably only do 2x +R ??? Or am i just drunk?

By implication, the 510 will support 8x -R sometime down the road, via firmware?

[morac]

The DRU-500A(X) and DRX-UL(X) can do 4X at +R and -R, but can only do 2.4X at +RW and 2X at -RW.

The DRU-510A and DRX-UL will be able to do 4X and +R,+RW,-R. From the info given it appears that -RW is still 2X though I wouldn't be surprised if that become 4X as well.

[defense]

I have never seen Sony pull this kind of shit. Anyone have any ideas of their strategy in introducing four different DVD BURNERS within five months? I mean, I could care less because I don't permanently burn to +RW, but the people who do are gonna get for about the same price, a faster all around drive. Sony should realize those marketing strategies weren't too clever.

Anyone have any information on why Sony would feel the need to introduce so many drives so soon, while the specs aren't changed that much? It isn't like it's $5 and people are gonna say, oh...well I have to have the newer drive so i'll go out and purchase the 510 while my 500 a/x is old news. I love Sony products, but this actually seems ridiculous to me.

WATCHOUT..NEWSFLASH...DON'T BUY THAT DRU510A JUST YET..SONY WILL BE RELEASING THE 510AX ONE MONTH AFTER YOU PURCHASE THE 510A SO YOU CAN'T RETURN IT AND THEN PURCHASE THE NEWER ONE.

-UNREAL

[Jester700]

I have never seen Sony pull this kind of shit. Anyone have any ideas of their strategy in introducing four different DVD BURNERS within five months? I mean, I could care less because I don't permanently burn to +RW, but the people who do are gonna get for about the same price, a faster all around drive. Sony should realize those marketing strategies weren't too clever.

Anyone have any information on why Sony would feel the need to introduce so many drives so soon, while the specs aren't changed that much? It isn't like it's $5 and people are gonna say, oh...well I have to have the newer drive so i'll go out and purchase the 510 while my 500 a/x is old news. I love Sony products, but this actually seems ridiculous to me.

WATCHOUT..NEWSFLASH...DON'T BUY THAT DRU510A JUST YET..SONY WILL BE RELEASING THE 510AX ONE MONTH AFTER YOU PURCHASE THE 510A SO YOU CAN'T RETURN IT AND THEN PURCHASE THE NEWER ONE.

-UNREAL

Yeah, but my original 500a takes the latest firmware, so all the releases since then were small changes - maybe manufacturing revisions only. Many brands would just keep the same model # without telling us. Personally, I don't see the problem with the revisions. I just won't upgrade until 8x comes out and I can get media for it.

[defense]

Yeah, but my original 500a takes the latest firmware, so all the releases since then were small changes - maybe manufacturing revisions only. Many brands would just keep the same model # without telling us. Personally, I don't see the problem with the revisions. I just won't upgrade until 8x comes out and I can get media for it.

I agree, I too don't see a problem, but there will be people, mainly those who burn a lot of DVD+RW's, who will be pissed.

Hell, it affects me in a way that when I want to test a movie I use the SONY +RW that came with my drive. If I had that 510A, then I could burn those at 4x, which would allow me to save valuable time on every +RW I wanted to burn and test. That is enough to piss people off, but people who solely burn on +RW media will probably be fuming. Also, according to the published reports, the firmware will NOT allow the DRU500A/X to burn DVD+RW at 4x.

[Jester700]

I see your point, but it's no different than a better video card coming out every 6 months. I mean, as someone said above, anyone who gets pissed about quick obsolesence shouldn't get involved with PC gear! OR, should at least wait until the item becomes mainstream. After all, nobody's getting pissed about a new 52x CDR burner for $80 when they just bought their 48x for that price 6 months ago. That's because it's no longer bleeding edge. I'm Ok with bleeding edge because I accept the losses. But usually I can upgrade an sell off my old stuff for what I paid or close to it. We all know the best places to buy here!

[oldfart13]

It could also be because they know the writing is on the wall with LG set to release a burner that has the same spec as the DRU-500 but with a much lower price tag. In that instance, they have to release another product if they want to keep market share...

[defense]

Jester, if you see my point, then the rest of your statement doesn't hold much weight. I have never complained about a Video Card becoming obsolete in 6 months. Nor have I done the same with ANY other computer component. This is different though..very different. Usually those Video cards have MAJOR upgrades and different specs, mainly from 32 MB, TO 64 MB, to 128 MB, etc. etc. There are many other things that usually change as well.


With these SONY drives, they release the DRU500A, and what, three weeks, four weeks afterwards, they now change it to the DRU500AX?? THAT ISN'T 6 months, and if you read the posts on this forum when SONY started doing this, people were pissed and shitting in their pants, because they thought there was something wrong with their drive and everyone was concerned as to WHY SONY had the change SO FAST.

Now, just a few months later, they are once again doing it. And once again, the ONLY apparent spec which has changed is the ability to burn to DVD+RW at 4x. I said it isn't enough for "me" to worry about, but some people have a right to get pissed because Sony has done it again. I'm sure the 510AX will be next. What is really screwed up is that Sony can definitely release a firmware upgrade for the DRU500A/X to burn +RW @ 4x, but they decided against it and to sell a completely different drive. It has only been weeks or no more then a few months since people have had their DRU500A/X's and it seems like the firmware updates for burning "speed" will be FAR and FEW between.

@oldfart, It could also be because they know the writing is on the wall with LG set to release a burner that has the same spec as the DRU-500 but with a much lower price tag. In that instance, they have to release another product if they want to keep market share...

lol...not quite. This has nothing to do with worrying about LG, I assume you mean "LITEON GROUP?" If so, the DRU510 only has one apparent difference and is STILL priced at $350. That isn't SONY's plan at all.

They aren't worried about LG. People know what they get with Sony, that is why Sony are the innovators. Whether it is RED RAY, BLUE RAY, GREEN RAY, it doens't matter. If Sony wanted to drop some shit burner out for $200 they can do it. We'll see how LG's burners hold up when they come out.

[dun4cheap]

Well I have no complaints. My Sony DRU500a cost me $254 out the door and I got a free update to burn 4x dvd+r. Everyone knows the DRU500a and ax are the same drive with updated box, so in theory the drive has been out in october 2002. The computer evolution changes in 6 months, so I guess Sony is on schedule. Its Sony's rights which are also in their own disclaimer to make changes. Just because they changed lettering on the drive does not make it a new model, just a different inventoried item.

Bottom line, Sony has a good product, they know it, and people will spend the money for it. To be honest I am suprised we have not seen more Duel Burners on the market yet. Its not a question of whether DVD+or- will win, its about having choices. I prefer to have all the choices this is why I picked Sony.

You could be a pioneer fan. They reluctantly released a 4x burner due to the pressure when the Sony was released. If it was not for that I am sure pioneer would have stuck to 2x.

When the LG come out great, means prices will start coming down. I always love competition and most of all the OEM market. So lets seem them, I am sure owning a DVD burner will be like owning a CD Burner for the last 2 years. You will upgrade every six months, because the prices will drop and we want the fastest available.


I predict DVD media priced at $.30-$.50 in 6 months and DVD Burners will be around $129 for xmas.

[defense]

@dun4cheap, I'm gonna predict you are way off here. First, when LG releases their multi-format burner prices aren't gonna drop on DVD Burners at all. At the very MOST, they will drop minimally...meaning $25 or so. I doubt that will even be the case. There are two main contributing factors for this, and they are both very factual. First, i'm sure you are aware of the strategic alliance between Sony and LG, correct?

I read the article a while back but both companies are working with each other to increase market share. Sony is trying to increase it's sales of their "DVD ROMS" while LG is trying to ensure they are very successful with their DVD Burners. Both think they will benefit each other. The second and most obvious reason for the prices to remain constant are because they are DIRT CHEAP now. Most people expected prices to be DOUBLE what they are for DVD Burners, and Sony coming in so low with a "market penetration" scheme, screwed the hell out of some of these other companies who had hoped to be able to sell their burners for more money.

I remember well before the Sony burners were introduced, I saw sites reporting the burners would run anywhere from $600-$800. But what makes it even more obvious is the fact that LITE-ON plans on coming out with this multi-format burner for around $300. I'm sure hunting might be able to get it under $300, but not much under.

But another strong point for prices to remain constant is that you make it sound like there is no "competition" for Sony now? lol..where have you been. There are SEVERAL other manufacturers of DVD BURNERS. Pioneer, NEC, TDK, HP, just to name a few. You see Sony being phased by any of those other companies?

Not even close. And you think that LITEON, whom Sony has a Strategic Alliance with, introduces their multi-format burners for roughly the same price as the Sony burners is gonna drastically reduce the prices of DVD Burners? I wish I knew you so we could make a nice, juicy bet on that one.

I predict DVD media priced at $.30-$.50 in 6 months and DVD Burners will be around $129 for xmas.

It will be much longer then that before any decent DVD media is priced that low. If 8x media is introduced, then those prices will be that low for 2x media, but not until then. I also predict the only burners that will be ANYWHERE near that price by this X-Mas will be the one format burners, whether they be -R or +R.

Bottom line is that I said from day one on the "latest news" forum, that LG dual format drive, in no way in hell be $149 like people were saying, and it appears now that it will be more then twice that price. Looks like I was right. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. 8)

[Bob W]

I just bought a 4x DVD+R DVD burner for $163 two days ago and it came in today.
http://avlogic.com/product.cgi?code=18030049

[ZippyUK]

sorry I misread DVD+RW for DVD+R - I deleted my post

[defense]

I just bought a 4x DVD+R DVD burner for $163 two days ago and it came in today.

Exactly..a ONE format burner. Good luck with that one...if you were gonna go the "one" format route, you shoulda went the "-" route, but that's on you.


ZippyUk, Morac wrote that it will write to DVD+"RW" AT 4X. You are confusing +R with +RW.

[Bob W]

I already have a Pioneer 105 burner so I have both formats covered on this computer. I think for my second system I will wait for the LiteON dual format drive which should sell for under $300.

[boden11]

think any store employee would notice that when i go to return my 510a there is only a 500a in the box...

[Bob W]

think any store employee would notice that when i go to return my 510a there is only a 500a in the box...

Ha I was thinking the same thing. I had to buy another Sony after my three month old DRU500A up and died. I bought the second drive at BestBuy and it's the 500ax. I was going to pay for the extended warranty but BestBuy wanted $100 for a $350 item which tells me they have zero faith in the drive.

[boden11]

u paid for 2 drives because one broke in 3 months??? plz tell me u mean u bought another one and returned the old one. just because it's 'cutting edge' doesn't mean we have to deal with shit like broken drives after 3 months. ive had mine since nov 02 and it's been fine, originally like 1.0d --> 1.0f --> 2.0e. i most likely WONT be doing the 510 switch since i almost NEVER burn +/- RW discs. tho 4x +RW would be kinda nice to see the quality on a full disc rip before using up a whole -R. oh well

think any store employee would notice that when i go to return my 510a there is only a 500a in the box...

Ha I was thinking the same thing. I had to buy another Sony after my three month old DRU500A up and died. I bought the second drive at BestBuy and it's the 500ax. I was going to pay for the extended warranty but BestBuy wanted $100 for a $350 item which tells me they have zero faith in the drive.

[Bob W]

I bought the first drive online so I will have to return it to Sony however I can't do that until I find my invoice (which I will). I may just return the second drive to BestBuy before my 30 days is up since I also picked up a 4x NEC OEM drive for $163 and it seems to work well. I have two computers so one now has a Pioneer 105 and the NEC. The second system had the Sony drive and now has the new Sony installed but if I return it I was thinking of just waiting until the LiteOn dual format drives come out.

[donpedro]

return the second drive to BestBuy before my 30 days is up

Don't they have only 15 days for computer parts ????

[defense]

think any store employee would notice that when i go to return my 510a there is only a 500a in the box...

Most likely they will, and if they bust your ass they can cause problems which I think most are smart enough to realize. I posted why it would be very difficult to pull that off a few posts up in this very thread. Each of those DVD Burners has a serial number on a sticker which is virtually impossible to take off without an employee noticing.

That serial number MATCHES the serial number on the box of the drive. If the serial numbers don't match, then it will be very obvious. Even when dealing with the SONY DRU500A and the DRU500AX, SONY didn't bother to change the listing to AX on the AX drives through device manager, HOWEVER, the same sticker where the serial number on the drive matches the outside of the box was changed to reflect the "DRU500AX."


donpedro said:

Don't they have only 15 days for computer parts ????

Not sure why you think Best Buy only gives 15 days for computer parts. On the receipt it specifies that it's ENTIRE COMPUTER systems which are "14" days. Almost everything else is 30 days as normal. The things which are 14 days are specified on the back of the receipts and I believe they include things such as "radar detectors" and complete computer systems and that type of thing. Anything dealing with hardware for computers is 30 days such as hard drives, memory, cd roms, cd writers, dvd roms, dvd writers, mother boards, cpu's, etc..etc.

[boden11]

well u could always switch the faceplate (i highly doubt they are going to notice the serial number on the drive/box mismatch) if you were really worried. i havent ever tried anything like this, but also, everything ive ever returned to places they have usually never even taken the item out to look at it. however, i havent returned anything realll recently (tech item), but this is more because everything has worked ok. (there's no frys electronics where i live now... )

think any store employee would notice that when i go to return my 510a there is only a 500a in the box...

Most likely they will, and if they bust your ass they can cause problems which I think most are smart enough to realize. I posted why it would be very difficult to pull that off a few posts up in this very thread. Each of those DVD Burners has a serial number on a sticker which is virtually impossible to take off without an employee noticing.

That serial number MATCHES the serial number on the box of the drive. If the serial numbers don't match, then it will be very obvious. Even when dealing with the SONY DRU500A and the DRU500AX, SONY didn't bother to change the listing to AX on the AX drives through device manager, HOWEVER, the same sticker where the serial number on the drive matches the outside of the box was changed to reflect the "DRU500AX."


donpedro said:

Don't they have only 15 days for computer parts ????

Not sure why you think Best Buy only gives 15 days for computer parts. On the receipt it specifies that it's ENTIRE COMPUTER systems which are "14" days. Almost everything else is 30 days as normal. The things which are 14 days are specified on the back of the receipts and I believe they include things such as "radar detectors" and complete computer systems and that type of thing. Anything dealing with hardware for computers is 30 days such as hard drives, memory, cd roms, cd writers, dvd roms, dvd writers, mother boards, cpu's, etc..etc.

[defense]

well u could always switch the faceplate (i highly doubt they are going to notice the serial number on the drive/box mismatch)

lmao, pretty damn slick. Is the faceplate difficult to take off? Interesting that you have never had anyone check your return, and I don't return much, but when I do, I have yet to see ANYONE at Best Buy or CompUSA not check it out thoroughly. I've seen them match the SN with the box. If that faceplate comes off easy, it might not be a bad idea. Just have to pay cash so that they can't get it back on your CC at a later date. 8)

[presto]

Quote:
well u could always switch the faceplate (i highly doubt they are going to notice the serial number on the drive/box mismatch)


lmao, pretty damn slick. Is the faceplate difficult to take off? Interesting that you have never had anyone check your return, and I don't return much, but when I do, I have yet to see ANYONE at Best Buy or CompUSA not check it out thoroughly. I've seen them match the SN with the box. If that faceplate comes off easy, it might not be a bad idea. Just have to pay cash so that they can't get it back on your CC at a later date.

You could also throw a brick though the window late at night and grab it and run. Or you could hide in an alley and when some old lady comes by you could grab her purse. You could even make friends with some one on this forum and pretend to sell them a drive then send them nothing! Slick Eh?

You guys are soooo COOL

[donpedro]

Why in the hell would somebody dig up post from Apr 14 2003, post in it and then report it ? It was way, way buried in all posts.

[presto]

I simply did a search for DRU510A (Which I just Bought) and this post came up. I really didn't notice the date but I don't think it makes much difference. Dialogues are often picked up after long periods of time around here.

[donpedro]

Yes... and I don't like that. Especially when somebody post like that and his post is not about TOPIC at all....

BTW: I agree with you. It is just that it is too old to complain about it. It's like arguing with my wife about what she said 1 year ago.