Sony DRXS50U - DRX S50U User manual

Operating Instructions
© 2006 Sony Corporation
3100553431
IT
JP
FR
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ES
IT
CS
DVD/CD
Rewritable Drive
DRX-S50U

2
Safety
Regulations
WARNING
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate
this equipment.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel
only.
CAUTION:
As the laser beam used in the DRX-S50U is
harmful to the eyes, do not attempt to
disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
The use of optical instruments with this
product will increase eye hazard.
The use of controls or adjustments or
performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.
The DRX-S50U is classified as a CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT.
The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT label is
located on the enclosure.
Bei diesem DRX-S50U handelt es sich um ein
Laser-Produkt der Klasse 1.
Das Etikett mit der Aufschrift LASER
KLASSE 1 PRODUKT befindet sich auf dem
Gehäuse.
FCC Compliance:
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
The shielded interface cable recommended in
this manual must be used with this equipment
in order to comply with the limits for a digital
device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
Rules.
Notes:
If you have any questions about this product,
you may visit the user support web site listed in
“Product and Support Information” page. The
telephone number below is not for customer
service but only for official purpose.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1
PRODUKT
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DRX-S50U
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo
San Diego, CA. 92127
U.S.A.
Telephone number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

3
CE Sicherheitsbestimmungen
Diese Ausrüstung erfüllt die Europäischen EMC-Bestimmungen für die Verwendung in
folgender / folgenden Umgebung(en):
• Wohngegenden
• Gewerbegebiete
• Leichtindustriegebiete
(Diese Ausrüstung erfüllt die Bestimmungen der Norm EN55022, Klasse B.)
CAUTION
The mains plug on this equipment must be used to disconnect mains power.
Please ensure that the socket outlet is installed near the equipment and shall be easily
Accessible.
Achtung
Zur Trennung vom Netz ist der Netzsecker aus der Steckdose zu ziehen, welche sich in der
Nähe des Gerätes befinden muß und leicht zugänlich sein soll.
According to the EU Directives related to product safety, EMC and R&TTE the
manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan. The Authorised Representative is Sony Deutschland GmbH,
Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters
please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
Im Sinne der EU Richtlinien bezüglich Produktsicherheit, EMV und R&TTE ist Sony
Corporation, 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan der Hersteller
dieses Produktes. Bevollmächtigter ist Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,
D-70327 Stuttgart. Für Service oder Garantieangelegenheiten wenden Sie sich bitte an die
in separaten Service oder Garantiedokumenten angegebenen Adressen.
Conformément aux directives européennes relatives à la sécurité des produits, EMC et
R&TTE, le fabricant de ce produit est Sony Corporation, 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-
ku Tokyo, 141-0001 Japon. Le représentant autorisé est Sony Deutschland GmbH,
Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Allemagne. Pour toute question relative au service
après-vente ou à la garantie, veuillez consulter les adresses indiquées dans les documents de
service ou de garantie.

4
In conformità con le direttive dell'Unione Europea relative alla sicurezza dei prodotti, alla
compatibilità elettromagnetica, alle apparecchiature radio e apparecchiature terminali di
telecomunicazione, si dichiara che il fabbricante di questo prodotto è Sony Corporation,
6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku Tokyo, 141-0001 Giappone. Il Rappresentante
autorizzato è Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germania.
Per qualsiasi informazione relativa ad assistenza e garanzia, si prega di rivolgersi agli
indirizzi indicati nei documenti di assistenza o di garanzia forniti separatamente.
De acuerdo con las directivas EMC y R&TTE de la UE sobre la seguridad de los productos,
el fabricante de este producto es Sony Corporation, 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo, 141-0001 Japón. El representante autorizado es Sony Deutschland GmbH,
Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Alemania. Para cualquier cuestión acerca del
servicio o la garantía, consulte las direcciones en los documentos de servicio y garantía
suministrados por separado.
De acordo com as directivas da União Europeia (UE) relativamente à segurança dos
produtos, EMC e R&TTE, o fabricante deste produto é a Sony Corporation, 6-7-35
Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku Tokyo, 141-0001 Japão. O representante autorizado é a Sony
Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Alemanha. Para quaisquer
questões de assistência ou garantia, consulte os endereços fornecidos nos documentos em
separado sobre a assistência ou garantia.
Voor de EU-richtlijnen met betrekking tot productveiligheid, tot naleving van
elektromagnetische regelgeving en tot radio- en telecommunicatieontvangstapparatuur geldt
als fabrikant van dit product: Sony Corporation, 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan. De geautoriseerde vertegenwoordiger is Sony Deutschland GmbH,
Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Duitsland. Voor zaken betreffende ondersteuning of
garantie dient u zich te wenden tot de adressen die zijn vermeld in de aparte documenten
betreffende ondersteuning en/of garantie.
Enligt de till produktsäkerhet relaterade EU-direktiven EMC och R&TTE meddelas att
tillverkare av denna produkt är Sony Corporation, 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan. Auktoriserad representant är Sony Deutschland GmbH,
Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Tyskland. För alla frågor angående service och
garanti hänvisas till adresser som anges i separata service- eller garantihandlingar.

5
Compliance Statements
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European
Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall
not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable
collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could
otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The
recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed
information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your
household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

6
Table of Contents
Safety Regulations .......................... 2
Compliance Statements .................. 5
Introduction
Unpacking the Package Contents ... 8
Features ........................................... 8
System Requirements ..................... 9
Part Names and Functions ............ 10
Setup
Placing the Drive ..........................12
Connection through USB ............. 13
Before Connection ..................... 13
Installation .................................. 13
Disconnection ............................. 14
Operation
Using the Drive ............................. 15
Supplied Software ...................... 15
Using Generic Software with
the Drive ..................................... 16
Compatible Discs .......................... 17
Recommended Writable Discs ... 19
Writable Disc Features ............... 20
Precautions on Writing/Playing
Discs ............................................. 24
Maximizing Performance ............. 26
Reaching the Highest Possible
Data Transfer Rate ..................... 26
Updating the Firmware .............. 26
Miscellaneous
Precautions for Use .......................27
Specifications ................................28
Support Overview .........................30
User Support Web Site ...............30
Update the Drive Firmware ........30
Product and Support
Information .................................30

7
• is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
• Pentium is a registrated trademark of Intel Corporation.
• Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
• 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.

8
BIntroduction
Unpacking the
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
• Hi-Speed USB cable
• Quick start guide
• Operating instructions
(this document)
• AC power cord
• AC adapter (HDAC-M1)
• Software Quick Start Guide
• Software disc
• 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.
❑An external DVD/CD rewritable drive
with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0-
compliant) interfaces for computers.
❑The drive can write to DVD+R
Double Layer and DVD-R Dual Layer
discs.
❑You can write at a maximum of 8x when
using high speed DVD+R, DVD-R
discs.
❑The drive can write to DVD-RAM discs.
❑Features the
technology to prevent buffer underrun
errors.

9
Introduction
System
Requirements
The drive should be used with a system that
meets the following requirements1).
❑PC/AT-compatible computer
❑CPU: Pentium III, 800 MHz or higher
(Pentium 4, 2.0 GHz or higher
recommended)
❑256 MB RAM or more (512 MB RAM
or more recommended)
❑1 GB (10 GB for DVD creation) free
hard disk space
❑Operating system:
Windows 2000 Professional SP4
(referred to as Windows 2000 SP4),
Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or
Windows XP Professional SP2
(referred to as Windows XP SP2)
❑USB connector
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.
Notes
• You must use discs that are compatible with the
write speed you have selected.
• Writing speed may automatically be adjusted
depending on the disc, specified disc speed, or
disc conditions such as weight imbalance and
eccentricity.
• System should meet following requirements in
order to use USB 2.0 operation with this device.
−Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0-compliant)
interface cable (included).
−System equipped with a Hi-Speed USB (USB
2.0-compliant) connector or PCI adapter
card, and running the USB 2.0 EHCI device
driver1).
1) The USB 2.0 EHCI driver software is
supplied with currently available PCI
adapter cards that conform to USB 2.0.
You can also use the USB 2.0 EHCI driver
software supplied with Windows 2000 SP4
and Windows XP SP2.
For details, contact your USB 2.0 adapter
dealer or consult the Microsoft
Corporation Web site.
• When connected to a product that does not
support Hi-Speed USB, the maximum transfer
rate is limited to 12 Mbps (equivalent to a USB
1.1 transfer rate).

10
Part Names and Functions
Front Panel
Rear Panel
1234
5
6
7

11
Introduction
APower indicator
Indicates the power status.
Lit: Power on
Off: Power off
BBusy indicator
Indicates the drive status.
Lit: The drive is reading data,
playing back an audio CD, or
writing packets.
Blinking:
The drive is writing data
(disc-at-once, track-at-once),
formatting a disc, or
deleting1) data from a disc.
Off: The drive is in a state other
than those outlined above.
1) Some drives indicate this state with the lit
indicator.
CEject button
Press to open the disc tray.
DEmergency 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.
EDisc 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.
FUSB Connector
Used with a USB cable to connect the
drive to a computer.
GDC IN Jack
Connect the supplied AC power cord to
the AC power adapter. Connect this
assembly to the DC IN jack, and then
connect the whole to the AC outlet.

12
BSetup
Placing the Drive
Place the drive horizontally on a stable surface.
Note
This drive cannot be used in the vertical orientation.

13
Setup
Connection through USB
Note
This product including bundled software functions properly under Windows XP and
Windows 2000.
It may not fulfill all functional and performance specification under other OS (operating
system) environment.
• Refer to the list of contents to verify that the package contents are complete.
• If your computer is not equipped with a USB connector, install a USB
interface card.
• Have the manual for your computer handy.
These instructions apply to most commonly used computers.
1Start your computer.
2Connect the necessary cables.
• Connect the USB cable to the drive’s USB connector.
• Connect the supplied AC power cord to the supplied AC adapter. Then
connect the AC 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 adapter.
Before Connection
Installation
USB Cable
AC adapterAC power cord

14
3Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer.
Note
Connect the drive to a USB connector on the computer.
4Insert the supplied software disc into the DVD/CD rewritable
drive and install the software.
Refer to the Software Quick Start Guide for details.
The disconnection procedure varies depending on your OS.
When your computer detects the drive successfully, 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.
Note
If you disconnect the USB cable without performing the procedure above, your computer
may operate erratically or data may be damaged. Be sure to perform the procedure above
before disconnecting the USB cable.
Disconnection

15
Operation
BOperation
Using the Drive
Use the supplied software to create discs and play back DVDs. Refer to the
documentation of each software for details about their operation.
The supplied software disc contains the following software.
Nero Home
Nero Home is a media management software with a simplified TV interface.
It allows quick access to your entire digital media library via remote control.
Nero Scout
Nero Scout is a media database software accessible from any Nero application
and many Windows applications, like Windows Explorer. It allows you to
browse all of your media files instantly.
Nero StartSmart
Nero StartSmart serves as the command center to quickly start all the software
of the Nero suite.
Nero Express
A light version of the Nero Burning ROM software. Makes it even easier job
to create CDs and DVDs.
Nero BackItUp
Nero BackItUp is software that allows you to back up the data on your hard
disk to the hard disk, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, or CD-R/RW
discs.
InCD
InCD is a packet writing software. It supports writing to DVD-RW,
DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, and CD-RW.
Nero Vision
DVD-Video and video CD authoring software.
Nero ShowTime
DVD-Video and video CD playback software.
Nero Recode
Nero Recode is software for compiling, copying and archiving DVD-Video
titles and other video files (that are not copy-protected) onto DVD+R/RW,
DVD-R/RW, or CD-R/RW discs.
Supplied Software

16
Nero CoverDesigner
CD and DVD cover and label creation software.
Nero MediaHome
This software allows you to share video and audio files among several
computers on a network connection and to play back such files seamlessly
from any of the connected computers.
Nero PhotoSnap
This software can be used to edit image and picture files.
Nero PhotoSnap Viewer
This software can be used to view image and picture files.
Nero Toolkit
The utilities of Nero Toolkit provide information about the system and more. Nero
CD-DVD 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.
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

17
Operation
Compatible Discs
The following discs are compatible with the drive.
DVD
1) Writing speed supported by the drive. Depending on your software and media, this speed
may vary.
For more details on writing speed by disc type, access the user support Web site (see
page 30).
2) This drive is compatible with the DVD-RW disc displaying “ ” mark.
3) This drive can read DVD-RAM discs displaying the “ ”mark. However, the write
operation is not supported.
4) Use a non-cartridge-type disc or a cartridge from which the disc can be ejected.
Disc types Logo Read Write Write speed1)
DVD+R Speed supported by the disc
(max. 8×)
DVD+R DL
(Double layer)
Speed supported by the disc
(max. 4×)
DVD+RW Speed supported by the disc
(max. 4×)
DVD+RW
(High Speed)
Speed supported by the disc
(max. 8×)
DVD-R Speed supported by the disc
(max. 8×)
DVD-R DL
(Dual Layer)
Speed supported by the disc
(max. 4×)
DVD-RW2) Speed supported by the disc
(max. 6×)
DVD-RAM3) 4) Speed supported by the disc
(max. 5×)
DVD-ROM — —
DVD-Video — —
R DL
R DL

18
CD
1) Writing speed supported by the drive. Depending on your software and media, this speed
may vary.
For more details on writing speed by disc type, access the user support Web site (see
page 30).
Notes
• Only round discs should be used with this drive. Attempting to read odd-shaped discs
(stars, hearts, card shape, etc.) may damage the drive.
• Operation is not guaranteed when writing to or playing back 99 minute discs.
Disc types Logo Read Write Write speed1)
CD-R Speed supported by the disc
(max. 24×)
CD-RW Speed supported by the disc
(max. 4×)
CD-RW
(High Speed) Speed supported by the disc
(max. 10×)
CD-RW
(Ultra Speed) Speed supported by the disc
(max. 24×)
CD-ROM ——
CD-DA
(audio only) ——
CD Extra ——
Video CD ——
CD TEXT ——
Disc diameters Read Write
DVD 12 cm
8 cm —
CD 12 cm
8 cm

19
Operation
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 30 for details).
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 page 30 for details) in the address box of your
Web browser.
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

20
You can use a variety of discs with the drive to write data. Refer to the table
below to find the type of disc that matches what you want to do.
Note
You can access/play back the data written to the discs above with most drives/players that
support their formats. However, some combinations of drives/players and discs (depending
on their quality and/or characteristics) may make access/playback impossible. For details,
refer to your drive/player documentation.
Writable Disc Features
DVD+R
DVD+R DL
DVD+RW
DVD-R
DVD-R DL
DVD-RW DVD-
RAM
CD-R CD-RW
Want to create DVD-
Video that can be
played back by most
drives and/or players
Want to create DVDs
that you can modify
Want to create DVDs
to which you can add
to later.
Want to create video
CDs that can be played
back with most
computers
Want to use DVDs as
you would video tapes
(allowing multiple
rewrites)
Want to share 700 MB
of data or more
(Want to create DVD-
ROM discs)
Want to share data that
can be used on most
computers (Want to
create CD-ROM discs)
Want to create audio
CDs that be played
back by most CD
players
Want to back up your
hard disk
Want to store data
without deleting it
Want to use discs as
floppy disks