i've done the flash from dw-u10a to dru-500a and upgraded the firmware to 2.0f Burns dvd-r AND dvd+r at 4x.
thanks mrchan. very helpful. did you have to disable DMA during your upgrades or was it just as i described -- straightforward, just with no other apps open? thanks again.
I have also performed the flash and firmware upgrade - had no programs open, didn't need to disable DMA - works fine for me. Kev
Hi Can someone please give me the link for the latest firmware update for teh Sony DRU-500A. I have decided to do the flash to my DW-U10A, but can't find the latest firmware update after I have converted it to the DRU-500A.
didnt bother disabling dma, just closed all apps. worked fine. i went back and forth a bunch of times too. np.
thank again mrchan and shkwav... i converted and upgraded my drive from dw-u10a (1.1d) to dru-500a (2.0f). haven't tested it on a dvd+r (plus) media, yet -- to see if it actually burns at 4X for dvd+r.
Thanks, nordstadt, that was a very speedy reply. You replied while I was still desperately searching the sony website for it!
Thanks, nordstadt, that was a very speedy reply. You replied while I was still desperately searching the sony website for it!
Flashed DRU-10A to 500.Firmed to 2.0e. Updated aspi drivers to xp pro. Tried Nero 5.5.9.14,Clone DVD,Instant CD/DVD. And still the thing won't write DVD's. CD's are o.k.though. HELP !!!!!
I upgraded my U10a 1.1d to the 500a 1.0g and it now writes to Memorex DVD+R at 4X. Before the upgrade, it would write at 2.5X. I have not upgraded to the 2.0f yet. Will do that after I run some more tests. In addition to the faster +R write speeds, I noticed the drive would read CDs in CAV mode. After the upgrade, it now reads in P-CAV mode resulting in a slightly slower average read speed. DMA was disabled and all apps. closed when I flashed it.
This is my first contribution to this fine forum, and I'd just like to say thanks for all the great info on this drive. I learned a lot while waiting for my DW-U10A drive to be delivered. ($200USD from EEBUY.COM) First I removed all Nero products from my HD and registry. This is my software of choice, but what ever you use, dump it for a fresh install after the drive is in place. I flashed from 10a(1.1d)to 500a(1.0g), then to 500a(2.0f). My computer saw the drive as a DRU-500A as expected, and then I reinstalled Nero and immediately upgraded at the Nero web site to 5.5.9.42 (latest version in the 5.5 series). Nero now loves my Sony, and did a clean 4X+R(TDK), 2X-R(Sony) and a 24X CD-R rip. I didn't have any 4X-R media, but will let you all know if I get a blank for tests. I think the key to success is to have software as up-to-date as this drive. Hope this can help someone. This forum rocks!!!
why bother with all the trouble of sony writers i sold mine and bought a pioneer 106 average burn rate 4.6 not one coaster should have got one of these from the start everything i have bought from sony has gone wrong £2500 home cinema ...speakers blew up..i given up with them
Scoobywrx...I agree that the Pioneer 106 is a great unit,($$$$) as is the Sony 510A,($$$$) but this inexpensive OEM (DW-U10A) can easily be transformed into Sony's flagship burner when done properly , with money left over to buy quality media that works in everything you put it in(not just the pc it was burned in)! Your archives are only good to you if you can access them in the future.
Hi, I read through all 8 pages on this issue. I have the Sony DWU-10A, and have used it with Nero, Pinnacle Studio 8, etc, without any problems. Of, I'm cheap and only buy 1X DVD-R's. I have a dumb question: How do you determine which firmware version you have? I have WINXP Pro and have looked in th device manager, but it doesn't say. Thanks
Download a program called PC Wizard and it will tell you. Or get CDVDInfo from here near bottom: http://www.chrismccann.co.uk/pioneer_firmware_upgrades.htm
pin21, since u already have nero, u can use the infotool to display the details of ur drive including its firmware version. the infotool is under the nero toolkit start menu item. also, within nero itself, when u choose the recorder, the details of the drive will display its firmware version.
Got it, thanks. 1.1d. I guess I was only interested in burning DVD's and never bothered to look at the rest of the software apps I assume that since I'm using the cheapest media I can find (Compusa 1X DVD-R's) it makes no sense to upgrade until the 2X DVD's become affordable (i.e. $1 or less) ?
I buy DVD-R/+R discs at 4x on ebay - they can be close to the $1 mark if you buy enough. A lot of people are also selling good deals on 2x discs are they are in less demand now than the shiny new 4x ones.
Shkwave, Do you have a preferred brand, or is generic fine for 4X? I've had no problems with any that I've tried that are generic, +R, -R etc with the Sony, but I've only been burning at 1X or 2X, so wasn't sure if it matters. I have a Panasonic A310 DVD player (about 6 yrs old) Thanks, Pin21
