Sony DVD writer DRU-V200S
Technical specifications:
Write(max) speed:
DVD+R DL8X ZCLV
DVD+R 20 CAV
DVD-R DL 12X CAV
DVD-R 20X CAV
CD-R48X CAV
Rewrite speed [max]:
DVD+RW 8X ZCLV
DVD-RW 6X CLV
DVD-RAM 12X PCAV
CD-RW 32X ZCLV
READ SPEED:
DVD-ROM 16X CAV
CD-ROM 48X CAV
Random Access time:
DVD-ROM 160ms
CD-ROM 140ms
Buffer memory: 2 mb
SUPPORTED FORMATS:
DVD-ROM
DVD-RAM
DVD-VIDEO
CD-ROM
VIDEO CD
PHOTO CD
-Use appropriate discs to each discs
-Speeds may vary according
-Writing on DVD RAM Ver 1.0(Single side capacity 2.6 GB) is not supported.
-Cartridge type cannot be used.
20x Max DVD+R Burning - writes full dvd in less than 5 min
Bundle pack contents:
Product information
-Quick start guide
-Software disc - Nero 8 essentials
-4 screws
System Requirements
-Pentium 3 1.0 GHz or later
-Windows 2000-SP4/XP Home/XP Prof SP2/Windows Vista(Home basic/Home premium/Business/Ultimate
-256 MB Ram or more
-1GB HDD space
My review:
I have been using this since 4 months.I was using Mercury DVD+ROM. I switched over to Sony because of its quality.Well lets see my experiences with Sony.
The cost of the DVD writer was that of Rs1350.This is a SATA type device so I needed a SATA connector too.When I brought the cost of LG was Rs1200, and Mosaer baer was Rs1800(I wonder what costs this much).Compared to my previous DVD device this is highly sensitive.This plays scratched discs effectively. the response time is so short so that it reads the discs as soon I insert it.
The main advantage is it reads the discs very effectively.But the limitation is that the device reads only branded discs.I have tested various discs and found that only the most high quality, branded discs read well.Out of 20 discs of various brands, mine’s read 12 discs only.
So this device is suitable for only those who use branded discs, and this wont read those discs that were brought from cheap platform shops! But I like this product because I use only branded discs.
Many of my friends advised me not to go for Sony.Their argument was that to go for LG which supports reading local discs.But I got this and till this day I have no problem with this.The reason behind I did not go to LG was is its response time was very high(a DVD will auto play after 1 min) Even though LG read most of the discs, the ability to read scratched discs and speed lags in LG.
Many of them complain about Sony DVD writers.They say ".my DVD disc broke into pieces inside my Sony DVD writer.i hate this Sony DVD writer."
I analyzed why this happens in Sony writers.The results were as follows
-Most users go only for cheap discs rather than buying quality discs which offer better performance and reliability
-Incorrect speed of writing discs
-choosing wrong discs for an application
When I tested, i found that the spin up/down time* was short in Sony DVD writer.Also transfer rate speed was very high compared to other devices.
I tested a DVD(fully written) which my pc started to read in 8 seconds, while other writers take about 12 seconds to read.This is what it makes the local discs to break inside the Sony DVD device. Sony DVd writer starts reading at a very high speed and hi transfer rates which makes the local discs suffering stresses while running.This makes the discs to break.
So I prefer users to use quality discs which are branded.Again I prefer Sony DVDs and Mosaerbaer CDs for writing.
According to CHIP(computer magazine), 70% of the market is covered by Mosaerbaer India pvt ltd. This company produces almost all the local discs that are available in the market.just the name of the brand alone varies such as Discover, Puma, HCD, National etc.But the main producer of all these discs are Mosaerbaer.
The magazine also recomends to use Mosaerbaer CDs for CD writers and Sony DVDs for DVD writers.Mosaerbaer is worst in case of DVD.In my experiences, i have also seen that Mosaerbaer DVD’s are worst.But in case of CD, Mosaerbaer CDs are the best to write.Never go for Mosaerbaer DVDs.They will fail to read when you have written data in the discs.
Comparatively, Sony discs are best for my experiences.Sony CDs are better in performances but not as best as Mosaerbaer CDs.But in case of DVDs, Sony DVDs are the best.
I ran test on following discs, see the results
Tested with Nero Disc Speed from Nero Essentials:
Mosaerbaer DVD:
Avg.speed for error-less writing: 9.2X
Best writing speed 8X
Akari DVD
Avg.speed for error-less writing: 11.3X
Best writing speed 8X or 10X
Tech-com DVD
Avg.speed for error-less writing: 13.2
Best writing speed 12X
Sony DVD
Avg.speed for error-less writing: 15.4X
Best writing speed 12X or 16X
I burned my Windows XP black Edition which was about 4.1 GB at a rate of 16X speed in Sony writer and Sony DVD.I was surprised to see that the time taken to write the disc was 4:59:40. Exactly at 5:00:00 the Disc was ejected.The DVD had no error in reading.
I copied my GTA Vice city(Approx 1.5 GB) from Mosaerbaer DVD which took 56seconds(max speed rate:8.9 MB/s) to copy.But the same I copied from Sony DVD which took 20seconds(max speed rate:18 MB/s) to copy.See the transfer rate.If you don’t believe, test it with Nero.I am damn sure you will be surprised to see the results of Sony DVDs .So I always prefer to use Sony DVDs.
I recommend to use Sony DVD writers and Sony DVDs.Even though Sony DVDs are costly they perform better.It is advisable to buy a DVD pack -those come in 10s, 50s, 100 DVDs- to reduce costs. Because a single dvd in a 100DVD pack will cost only Rs7-9 while a single DVD would cost Rs 12-15 approx.
Sony, Like No Other
Hope I have provided some valuble facts to you.
My next review topic: NOKIA Express music 5320.
Expect me soon,
Thanks.