Sony DRX-S77U User manual

Operating Instructions
© 2009 Sony Corporation
IT
JP
FR
DE
ES
IT
CS
DVD/CD
Rewritable Drive
DRX-S77U

2
Table of Contents
Introduction
Package Contents ............................ 4
Features ........................................... 4
System Requirements ..................... 4
Part Names and Functions .............. 5
Setup
Connecting with the PC .................. 6
Installation .................................... 6
Disconnection ............................... 7
Operation
Using the Drive ............................... 8
Supplied Software
(For Windows only) ..................... 8
Using Generic Software with
the Drive ....................................... 9
Compatible Discs .......................... 10
Recommended Writable Discs ... 12
Writable Discs and
Compatibility .............................. 13
Precautions on Writing/
Playing Discs ................................ 14
Miscellaneous
Precautions for Use .......................16
Support Overview .........................17
User Support Web Site ...............17
Update the Drive Firmware ........17
Product and Support
Information .................................17
Specifications ................................18

3
• Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
• Other system and product names used herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective manufacturers, although the ™ and ® marks are not used in the text.
❑Our product warranty is valid only when the supplied accessories (including software) are
used in the specified or recommended system environment, in accordance with the
documentation, and applies only to this DVD/CD rewritable drive. Our customer service
and user support apply only under these product warranty conditions.
❑Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for failure of the computer or other
devices, incompatibility with special hardware, operating problems caused by improper
installation of software, loss of data, discs or other accidental or incidental damage that
might occur when using this product.
❑The guarantee and user support for this product are valid only within the countries or sales
regions specified on the warranty card.
❑Copyright laws prohibit the copying in part or in full of the supplied software and
documentation, or loaning the software, without obtaining permission of the copyright
holder.
❑We cannot accept responsibility for any direct or indirect financial damage or loss of profit
that might occur when using the supplied software.
❑The supplied software can only be used with this product.
❑Specifications of the supplied software may be changed without notice in the interest of
product improvement.
Please Record Responsibly
Before copying anything onto a disc, please be sure that you are not violating copyright
laws. Most software companies allow you to make a backup or archive copy of software.
Check your software’s license agreement for details.

4
BIntroduction
Package Contents
Please verify that the package contains the
following when unpacking.
If any of these items appear to be missing
and/or damaged, please contact your dealer.
•Drive
• USB cable
•Quickstartguide
• Product Information
•ACpowercord
• AC power adapter
•Softwaredisc
• Warranty card
Note
Make sure that you back up the supplied
software disc on another disc because the
software disc is not distributed
independently.
Features
This product offers the following features.
❑Slim portable DVD/CD Rewritable
drive with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0
compliant) interface.
❑Stylish and sleek finished design for
business and home.
System
Requirements
The drive should be used with a system that
meets the following requirements1).
For Windows
❑CPU: Pentium III 1.0 GHz or higher
(Pentium 4, 2.0 GHz or higher
recommended)
❑256 MB RAM or more (512 MB RAM
for Windows Vista)
❑1.5 GB free hard disk space (10 GB for
DVD creation)
❑Operating system:
Windows XP
• Windows XP Home Edition SP3
• Windows XP Professional SP3
Windows Vista
• Windows Vista Home Basic SP1
• Windows Vista Home Premium SP1
• Windows Vista Business SP1
• Windows Vista Ultimate SP1
Windows 7
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Ultimate
❑Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
For Mac OS X
❑Operating system:
Mac OS 10.4.11 (Tiger)
Mac OS 10.5.8 (Leopard)
Mac OS 10.6.1 (Snow Leopard)
or later
❑Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
1) The above requirements are the minimum
necessary requirements to write to disc
normally. Under actual operating conditions,
the requirements imposed by your software
must also be met. For details, refer to your
software documentation.

5
Introduction
Part Names and Functions
ADisc tray
Insert discs here, label side up.
Hint
When you insert a disc, use your fingers to
press around the center of the disc until it is
firmly seated in the drive.
When you remove a disc, lift up on the edge
of the disc with your thumb while supporting
the center of the disc with your forefinger.
BPower indicator
Indicates the power status.
Lit: Power on
Off: Power off
CBusy indicator
Indicates the drive status.
Lit/Blinking:
The drive is reading or
writing data.
Off: The drive is in a state other
than those outlined above.
DEject button
Press to open the disc tray.
EEmergency eject hole
If you cannot open the disc tray with the
eject button, turn off the drive, and then
insert a thin, elongated object into this
hole to eject the disc tray manually.
FDC IN Jack
Connect the supplied AC power adapter.
Note
Be sure to use the supplied AC power adapter.
GUSB Connector
Used with a USB cable to connect the
drive to a computer.

6
BSetup
Connecting with the PC
1Start your computer.
2Connect the necessary cables.
• Place the drive horizontally on a stable surface.
• Connect the USB cable to the drive’s USB connector.
• Connect the supplied AC power cord to the supplied AC power adapter. Then
connect the AC power adapter to the drive’s DC IN jack, and connect the
power cord to the power outlet.
Note
This drive does not have a power switch. The drive turns on when connected to a power
supply with the AC power adapter.
3Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer.
Note
Connect the drive to a USB port on the computer. Do not connect the drive via a USB
hub device.
4[Windows PC] Insert the supplied software disc into the DVD/CD
rewritable drive and install the software.
Installation
USB Cable
AC power
adapter
AC power cord

7
Setup
[Windows PC] When your computer detects the drive successfully, (or
depending on your OS) appears on the Windows task bar. When you want to
disconnect the drive, you must first stop it using this icon.
1Click ( ) on the task bar, and click the drive to be
disconnected on the shortcut menu.
2Operate following the message displayed, if any.
3Disconnect the USB cable.
Disconnection

8
BOperation
Using the Drive
Use the supplied software to read and write to CDs and DVDs. Refer to the
documentation of each software for details about their operation.
The supplied software disc contains the following software.
Nero StartSmart Essentials
Nero StartSmart serves as the command center to quickly start all the software
of the Nero suite.
Nero Express Essentials
Nero Express is a disc writing application that allows you to create CDs and
DVDs through a simple step-by-step process.
Nero Vision Essentials
DVD-Video and Video CD authoring software.
Nero ShowTime Essentials*
DVD-Video and Video CD playback software.
Nero CoverDesigner Essentials
CD and DVD cover and label creation software.
Nero Toolkit
The utilities of Nero Toolkit provide information about the system and more.
Nero Disc Speed tests the speed of the existing drives. Nero DriveSpeed
adjusts the write speed to minimize drive noise. Nero InfoTool provides the
main characteristics of drives, the discs they contain, and the installed
software.
* This software is a trial version with a 30-day usage restriction. Some functions such as
DVD-Video playback are restricted in this trial version.
Supplied Software (For Windows only)

9
Operation
Using software other than the supplied software (such as generic software,
shareware, or freeware) to write data to disc with this drive is not under
warranty and Sony offers no customer service if problems arise from using
such software.
Make sure that the supplied writing software and generic writing software do
not coexist on your computer. Taking appropriate steps to avoid this situation,
especially in the case of packet writing software1) or format utility2) will help
prevent erratic operation of the software and/or computer.
If the generic software you are using does not detect the drive correctly, visit
the Web site of the software manufacturer and update the software, as this may
solve the problem.
1) Such as Roxio’s Drag-to-Disc, BHA’s B’s CLIP, and Sonic’s DLA.
2) Such as BHA’s DVD-RAM Driver and Panasonic’s DVD Form.
Using Generic Software with the Drive

10
Compatible Discs
The following discs are compatible with the drive.
DVD
1) This drive is compatible with the DVD-RW disc displaying “ ” mark.
2) This drive can read DVD-RAM discs displaying the “ ”mark. However, the write
operation is not supported.
3) Use a non-cartridge-type disc or a cartridge from which the disc can be ejected.
Disc types Logo Read Write
DVD+R
DVD+R DL (Double layer)
DVD+RW
DVD+RW (High Speed)
DVD-R
DVD-R DL (Dual Layer)
DVD-RW1)
DVD-RAM2) 3)
DVD-ROM —
DVD-Video —

11
Operation
CD
1) Operation is not guaranteed when writing to or playing back 99 minute discs.
Note
Only round discs should be used with this drive. Attempting to read odd-shaped discs (stars,
hearts, card shape, etc.) may damage the drive.
Disc types Logo Read Write
CD-R1)
CD-RW
CD-RW (High Speed)
CD-RW (Ultra Speed)
CD-ROM —
CD-DA (audio only) —
CD Extra —
Video CD —
CD TEXT —
Photo CD —
Disc diameters Read Write
DVD 12 cm
8 cm —
CD 12 cm
8 cm

12
We recommend that you only use discs for which operation has been
guaranteed. You can obtain the latest list of writable discs for which operation
with this drive has been guaranteed at the user support Web site address (see
page 17 for details).
Note
You can safely use most disc formats that comply to the appropriate standards with this drive.
However, bear in mind that some generic discs do not comply to quality or performance
standards necessary for safe use with this drive. If you use such discs, the drive may
automatically adjust the writing speed, writing errors may occur, and discs that have been
written to may generate reading errors, etc.
Recommended Writable Discs

13
Operation
CD-R discs
Data can be written on this type of disc only once, and once it has been written,
it cannot be erased. Music CDs created on this media can be played on standard
CD players.
CD-RW discs
Data can be written on and erased from this type of disc repeatedly. Typically,
a new CD-RW disc can be rewritten about 1,000 times.
Music CDs created on this media cannot be played on a CD player unless it is
CD-RW compatible.
DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+R DL, and DVD-R DL discs
Data can be written on this type of disc only once, and once it has been written,
it cannot be erased.
DVD+R DL (double layer) and DVD-R DL (dual layer) discs have two layers
on one side of the disc and have double the capacity conventional single-layer
discs.
DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs
Data can be written on or erased from this type of disc repeatedly. Typically,
a new DVD+RW or DVD-RW disc can be rewritten about 1,000 times
(100,000 times for DVD-RAM discs).
About playback/reading compatibility
• CD-R and CD-RW discs created and finalized with this drive can be read on
most CD-ROM drives. However, some older CD-ROM drives cannot read
CD-RW discs. Similarly, CD-R music discs created and finalized with this
drive can be played on most CD players, but some CD players and
automobile CD players do not support or guarantee playback of CD-R discs.
Due to differences in CD-ROM drive, CD player, CD-R disc, and CD-RW
disc characteristics between manufacturers, playback may not be possible
depending on the combination.*
• DVD-Video discs created and finalized with this drive can be played back on
most standard DVD players. In addition, DVD-ROM discs created and
finalized with this drive can be played back on most DVD drives. However,
some drives do not support multi-session or multi-border DVD-ROM discs.
In such cases, the drive may only read the first session or border of the disc.
Due to differences in DVD drive, DVD player, and disc characteristics
between manufacturers, playback and reading may not be possible
depending on the combination.*
• Playback of DVD-RAM discs is only supported on drives and players that
are DVD-RAM compatible.
* Playback compatibility is not under warranty.
Writable Discs and Compatibility

14
Precautions on Writing/Playing Discs
Write speed and compatible discs
• When writing data to disc at high speeds, you must use the appropriate type
of disc.
• Configure the writing speed through your writing software. For details about
the setting procedures, refer to your writing software documentation.
• When writing data to disc, the drive may adjust the writing speed to the
quality of the disc in the drive. Depending on the transfer rate, there may also
be limitations on writing speeds.
DVD region codes
The playback of DVD-Video (DVD discs) is protected and controlled by a
region code setting. For the drive to play back DVD-Video, the region code on
the DVD disc, the region code of the drive, and the region code of the
DVD-Video software must all match.
With this drive, the region code can be set up to five times, including the initial
assignment (RPC phase 21) standard). After setting the region code five times,
the setting becomes permanent and can no longer be changed. From this point
on, you are only able to play back DVD-Video whose region code matches the
one set the fifth time.
Do not attempt to make unauthorized changes to the region code. Any
problems resulting from doing so are not covered by the warranty.
Hint
You can change the region code of the drive on it’s properties dialog box accessible from the
Device Manager.
Precautions when playing back DVD-Video
DVD-Video disc playback conditions are sometimes determined by software
manufacturers. Because the drive plays back discs as determined by software
manufacturers, some drive functions may not always perform as expected.
When playing back DVD-Video, refer to the documentation accompanying
each disc.
DVD copy protection technology
Most DVD-Video discs on the market are protected against unauthorized
copy. Attempting to copy protected discs violates copyright laws.
1) Region Playback Control (RPC) standard.

15
Operation
Copy controlled CDs
This product is designed to play back discs conforming to the compact disc
(CD) standard. Audio CDs encoded with copyright protection technology are
now marketed by various record companies. Be aware that some of these discs
do not conform to the CD standard and you may not be able to play them back
with the drive. When using the drive as an audio CD player, only use audio
CDs with the following mark. Some of these discs are encoded in such a way
as to prevent sampling and/or copy, while others can only be played back
under certain conditions. For details, refer to the documentation of your audio
CD.
Attention Regarding DualDisc Software
A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which mates DVD recorded material on
one side with digital audio material on the other side.
However, since the audio material side does not conform to the Compact Disc
(CD) standard, playback on this product is not guaranteed.

16
BMiscellaneous
Precautions for Use
Operation and storage conditions
Avoid using or storing the drive in a hot or
humid location, or where it might be subject
to severe vibration or direct sunlight.
On transportation
• Please repack the drive in its original
carton when shipping by itself.
• If the drive is to be shipped, remove any
disc beforehand.
Avoiding condensation problems
When you transfer this appliance from a cold
place a hot place abruptly, you may get
water drops on the surface and inside of the
appliance. This is called condensation. If
condensation occurs, turn off the power and
leave the appliance until the condensation
disappears; after the condensation
disappears, you can use the appliance again.
If you use the appliance during
condensation, this may cause the appliance
to malfunction.
Handling discs
• Handle discs only by the edges. Never
touch the recording surface.
• Do not affix labels on discs.
• Do not store discs in dusty, dirty or humid
locations, in direct sunlight, or near heat-
generating devices.
• To protect important data, always keep
discs in their protective cases.
• Do not wipe writable discs to clean them
before recording data. Instead, use a
blower to remove any dust.
• Data may not record properly if a scratch
or dust is present on the unrecorded area of
writable discs. Use special care when
handling.

17
Miscellaneous
Support Overview
If you have problems with the drive, or are
unsure of a procedure or some other details,
please contact your Sony customer support
center.
You can find the following information on
this Web site. The information is
periodically updated, so we recommend that
you visit regularly.
• Information about the drive
• Information about the software supplied
with the drive
• Latest firmware
• Frequently asked questions
• Troubleshooting guide
• Certified compatible computers
• Certified compatible discs
• Operating instructions
• Et cetera
Accessing the user support Web
site
Insert the supplied software disc into the
drive, and in the [Menu Selection] screen,
click [User Support Web Page]. You can
also directly type the user support Web site
address (see Product and Support
Information for details) in the address box of
your Web browser.
Some problems encountered when using the
drive can be solved simply by updating the
drive firmware. Firmware updates are
available on the user support Web site.
Access the site, make sure that there is an
update for your firmware, and follow the
instructions on the screen to proceed with
download and installation.
Sony Global Sites Information
(As of November, 2009)
Product purchased in the USA:*
http://www.sony-optiarc.us/external
Product purchased in Canada:
http://www.sony.ca/
Product purchased in Australia or New
Zealand:
http://www.sony.com.au/
Product purchased in Europe:*
http://www.sony-optiarc.eu/
Product purchased in Hong Kong:*
http://www.sony.com.hk/Electronics/cp
Product purchased in China:*
http://www.sony.com.cn/products/ed/cp/ds/
Product purchased in Singapore:*
http://www.sony-asia.com/microsite/cp/
Product purchased in Taiwan:*
http://www.sony.com.tw/ds/
Product purchased in Korea:*
http://www.sony.co.kr
Product purchased in Brazil:
http://www.sony.com.br/eletronicos
Product purchased in the Middle East:
http://www.sony-mea.com/
* Local Web sites for computer peripheral
products
About the Bundled Writing Software
Detailed information about the supplied
writing software is available on the Web
sites of the software manufacturers and
software distributors. (Accessible from the
links in each software application)
User Support Web Site
Update the Drive Firmware
Product and Support
Information

18
Technical Support
Please consult the above sources before
calling with questions about using this
product, or with technical questions about
the drive or the supplied software. If using
telephone or e-mail support, please have the
following information available:
• Model number: DRX-S77U
• Serial number
• Date and place of purchase
• Computer maker and model number
• Computer specifications (CPU speed,
memory size, OS version, etc.)
• Writing software used (version, etc.)
Local technical support is only
available in the specified sales
regions. The customers in these
regions should be provided with a
warranty card for this product. For
contact information, refer to the
warranty card.
Note that technical support
conditions may vary according to
the locality, and that charges
and/or limited service may apply in
some regions.
Specifications
1) Use a non-cartridge-type disc or a cartridge from
which the disc can be ejected.
Depending on your system, there may be
limitations on maximum writing speed.
Interface
Drive interface
USB 2.0-compliant (Hi-Speed USB) ×1
Buffer capacity
2 MB
Operating Environment
Operating temprature
5 to 35 °C/41 to 95 °F
Compatible discs Read Write
(max.) (max.)
DVD+R 8×-CAV 8×-CAV
DVD+R Double Layer 8×-CAV 6×-ZCLV
DVD+RW (High Speed) 8×-CAV 8×-ZCLV
DVD-R 8×-CAV 8×-CAV
DVD-R Dual Layer 8×-CAV 6×-ZCLV
DVD-RW 8×-CAV 6×-ZCLV
DVD-ROM 8×-CAV —
DVD-Video 4×-CAV —
DVD-RAM1) 5×-ZCLV 5×-ZCLV
CD-R 24×-CAV 24×-CAV
CD-RW 24×-CAV 4×
CD-RW (High Speed) 24×-CAV 10×-ZCLV
CD-RW (Ultra Speed) 24×-CAV 24×-ZCLV
CD-ROM 24×-CAV —
CD-DA 10×-CAV —
CD-DA (DAE) 24×-CAV —
Disc diameters
DVD 12 cm
8 cm —
CD 12 cm
8 cm

19
Miscellaneous
Power
Power source
DC +5.2 V (supplied from the DC IN jack)
Consumption
Max. 2.0 A
AC power adapter1)
Type: HDAC-M1
Input: AC 100 V – 240 V
Output: DC 5.2 V/2 A
1) Use an AC power cord appropriate to the region or
country of use.
Miscellaneous
Size
Approx. 136.5 ×19 ×146.5 mm/
5 3/8×3/4×53/4in (W×H×D)
Weight
Approx. 300 g (drive only)
Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.

Sony Corporation