Hey guys,

I finally got my system up and running and am about to purchase a DVD burner; however, I have a small dilemma.

I was originally planning on getting the Sony DRU-500AX. But while checking out prices online, I discoverd that Sony also makes an OEM drive called the DW-U10A. From what I have read, the DW-U10A is identical to the DRU-500AX except that it is an OEM version. Can anyone confirm this? I would really like to get the DW-U10A since it comes in black, but if it isn't the DRU-500AX, I may think twice about it. BTW, I am aware that the OEM version is not supported by Sony, and that is not a problem with me. Thanks!

- Daniel (daniel1113@attbi.com)

Have a look at this comparrison of <A HREF="http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdwriters.php?DVDname=&writedvdr=1&writedvdrw=1&writedvdplusr=1&writedvdplusrw=1&Submit2=Search&Search=Search&list=0" target="_new">DVD writers</A>

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/index.php?act=ST&f=41&t=326&s=24cd3646ec584db36d180555f4d4e868" target="_new">My PC</A>

Hey scotty,

Thanks for the info. So, if I read all of that correctly, the DW-U10A only burns DVD+R at 2.4x; however, if I flash it with the DRU-500A firmware update, it should be 4x. Sounds good.

- Daniel (daniel1113@attbi.com)

Hey no problem.

If you go on what the comments say from the users, yes, but in case you don't know you should be made aware that flashing firmware is not recommended by the manufacturer and will probably void your warranty.

However the <A HREF="http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdwriters.php?DVDnameid=79&Search=Search&list=0" target="_new">Sony DRU500AX</A> is the same price.
Not alot of difference between the models really.

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/index.php?act=ST&f=41&t=326&s=24cd3646ec584db36d180555f4d4e868" target="_new">My PC</A>

Yeah... I am thinking that the DRU-500AX is probably the best choice. I was just thinking in terms of aesthetic quality, but you can't always have the best of both worlds, I guess. Thanks a bunch!

- Daniel (daniel1113@attbi.com)

You could always paint the facia black , I have not tried this myself but I have heard of it being done.
Others in here can help with that one.

<A HREF="http://forums.btvillarin.com/index.php?act=ST&f=41&t=326&s=24cd3646ec584db36d180555f4d4e868" target="_new">My PC</A>

Now that you mention it, I would actually like to paint my entire computer case. I bought I Chieftec Matrix case, which I love, but it is a charcoal black rather than black. Does anyone here know of a good place in Northern Colorado to get everything on my case painted black. I want this to be high quality otherwise I will not do it. Thanks for any help.

- Daniel (daniel1113@attbi.com)

I tried to flash my DW-U10A using the DRU-500A update, but when I went to run the flash utility it did not recognize my recorder. Is there a work arround for this?

Thanks,

They are coming out with a new Sony drive (I think 510) that will be 4x for all media. It may already be for sale. Even if you don't need 4x DVD-RW, it should make the 500's drop in price over the next month or two.

Hey tabytha77,

I think this is the drive that I purchased from GoogleGear. Check it out:

http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/Prod [...] ode=172409

It is supposed to be the the bulk replacement of the DRU-500A, so I assume it is the bulk version of the DRU-500AX. I have yet to try burning at 4x because I do not have any 4x media, but according to GoogleGear, it should burn at 4x. I hope this helps!

- Daniel (daniel1113@attbi.com)