OT:Consumer alert-SONY DRU 500A
 

Product: Sony DRU-500A DVD +/-RW, +/- R
Recorder. Cost: $370.00
To make a long story short:

PROBLEM: When using the Direct to Disk mode when recording/copying any media to a DVD there is Video BUT--NO AUDIO play back. All indications (windows/status bars) indicate that video and audio are being recorded.

-I have spent several hours over 26 days on the phone and E-mails with at least 6 different SONY techs who all had a positive fix for the problem...NOT...I also spent several hours with SONIC the software giants whose "MyDVD" program came bundled with the unit.
-Bottom line:The Direct to Disc function does not work PERIOD.
-After spending another $$200+ for a different video card at their direction it still did not play back sound.
-All other functions of my video and audio card work properly,
***A couple of interesting directions I recieved from Sony and Sonic:
-ONLY us SONY discs..didn't work
-Change unit form slave to master..disn't work
-Only will work with a ATI All in Wonder Radeon 8500DV video card...Didn't work
- Delete EZ CD Creator from computer..Didn't work
-Send them a list of every entry noted on "Programs" window and "Add Remove Programs" window (5 pages of data)..Didn't
work.
-Plug in earphones and see if you can hear....There is no earphone plug/connector on the unit.
I sent SONY Corporate a detailed letter of all events and times related to this farce. I also accused them of incomplete Engineering, erroneous product advertising and poor customer interface.
Product is packed up and will be mailed tomorrow.

I have a Pioneer DVR AO5 on order.

"incomplete Engineering, erroneous product advertising and poor customer interface"

I am a Sony dealer.
What you describe is common and typical Sony.
Example: Sony released DVD players with known problems and bugs, they had no fix, nor would they let dealers return product. In other words. . . .you bought it - your stuck with it.
Try to hold their feet to the fire. . . . . .don't bother.
They simply DON'T CARE. All Sony wants to do is move boxes.

I hate dealing with the company, I generally hate their products.
But no matter how hard I try to steer people away from Sony, 99.9% of people won't listen because they are basically brain washed.

Why do I offer Sony, I HAVE to. After all. . . . .it's Sony.

Most people have good luck with the brand. But when you deal with hundreds of Sony items monthly. You get a real feel for what IS good product and if the MFG cares.
You will love your Pioneer.