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Sony DVD+R/+RW CDRW COMBO DRIVE EIDE 4.7GB INT 2.4X-DVD 12X-CDRW DRU120A (Sony-DRU120A)

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Bottom Line

Speedy DVD+R and DVD+RW writing and a good software bundle separate this drive from the rest of the pack.

Sony DRU-120A

DVD+R/+RW CDRW COMBO DRIVE EIDE 4.7GB INT 2.4X-DVD 12X-CDRW DRU120A (Sony-DRU120A) Review, by Melissa J. Perenson July 31, 2002

The second-generation Sony DRU-120A, like the HP drive that uses similar underlying hardware, is rated to burn to both DVD+RW and DVD+R 4.7GB media at 2.4X (3.31 MBps).

In our informal tests, the performance of the Sony was comparable to that of the HP: In the PC World Test Center's evaluations, the drive took 5 minutes, 20 seconds to back up 500MB of data to a 4.7GB DVD+RW disc, not counting format times.

One caveat: Currently, manufacturers' pricing on DVD+RW and DVD+R media is about the same as that for DVD-RW and DVD-R media. However, +RW and +R media is not typically sold in bulk, so your costs may be substantially more if you use lots of discs with this drive.

Unlike DVD-RW drives, DVD+RW units manage formatting of rewritable media themselves, rather than relying on software on your computer. That saves CPU cycles and makes writing to a DVD+RW disc a breeze.

Drive installation went smoothly, even though the documentation didn't provide as much help as we would have liked. Sony includes only a thin, pamphlet-like user guide and a basics-only installation poster. The ample bundled software comes on two separate application discs, and each app must be installed separately, with a system reboot after each installation (by contrast, the software installation routine for HP's DVD Writer Dvd200i requires less user intervention).

Sony ships the drive with B's Recorder Gold and B's Clip for mastering and packet-writing; Dantz's Retrospect Express for backup; MedioStream's NeoDVD standard for DVD-video authoring; MusicMatch Jukebox; and CyberLink's PowerDVD software DVD player.

UPSHOT: Speedy DVD+R and DVD+RW writing and a good software bundle separate this drive from the rest of the pack.

SUMMARY

Sony DRU-120A

2.4X DVD+R, 2.4X DVD+RW, 12X CD-R, and 8X CD-RW record speeds; B's Recorder Gold and B's Clip, MedioStream NeoDVD standard; one-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 12 hours on weekdays and Saturdays.

$450
800/588-3847
www.storagebysony.com

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Reviewed by: ilovenudism

Strengths: writes dvd+/rw and cd's beautifully.

Weaknesses: B-gold included software is absolutely worthless.Power dvd software is Ok.

Overall: Dvd's don't copy correctly unless I defragment Immediately BEFORE b-gold software is worthless! e-mailed the company to complain. They gave me detailed info on how to make it work but it was long and complicated. Windows XP copied without problems though! copying or burns are worthless!
Reviewed by: its_wayne

Strengths: Reliable, high quality DVD recorder. Supports DVD+R, DVD+RW, CDR and CDRW. Easy to install and works flawlessly under Windows XP. Comes with good DVD player (Power DVD) software.

Weaknesses: The CD and DVD authoring tools packaged with the product are good, but fairly basic.

Overall: I purchased the Sony DRU120A primarily to master Video DVDs from existing family videos and as my primary CD drive. The instructions for installation were easy to follow and the unit worked properly the first time I tried it. I was surprised to find that it came packaged with Power DVD; a good, established DVD player application that allows you to play DVD video on your PC. The unit comes with a good basic DVD, CD writer application called B-Gold and one 4.7GB DVD+RW. My only gripe about the B-Gold is that it is not obvious how to master Video DVD's even though it's supposed to do so. I have used the DRU120A to master some DVD+RW and CD's without any problems. Overall, I am very satisfied with the purchase and look forward to using it frequently.

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