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 in the DRX-820UL-T 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-820UL-T is classified as a CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT.

The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT label is located on the enclosure.

Bei diesem DRX-820UL-T handelt es sich um ein Laser-Produkt der Klasse 1.

Das Etikett mit der Aufschrift LASER KLASSE 1 PRODUKT befindet sich auf dem

Geh??use.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

LASER KLASSE 1

PRODUKT

LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE

KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT

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 call the telephone number listed on the ???Product and Support Information??? page. The telephone number below is not for customer

service but only for official purpose.

Declaration of Conformity

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.

Table of Contents

B Introduction

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

???i.LINK cable (6-pin to 4-pin)

??? Hi-Speed USB cable

???Quick start guide

???Operating instructions (this document)

???AC power cord

???AC adapter (MPA-AC1)

???Software Quick Start Guide (for Windows)

???Software Quick Start Guide (for Macintosh)

???Software disc (for Windows)

???Software disc (for Macintosh)

???Stand

???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 i.LINK (IEEE1394) and Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0-compliant) interfaces for computers.

???Can be used horizontally or vertically.

???The drive can write to DVD+R Double Layer and DVD-R Dual Layer discs.

???You can write at a maximum of 16x 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.

System

Requirements

The drive should be used with a system that meets the following requirements1).

Windows

???PC/AT-compatible computer

???CPU: Pentium III, 800 MHz or higher

(with Nero Vision Express: Pentium 4, 1.6 GHz recommended)

???RAM: 256 MB or higher

???1 GB (with Nero Vision Express:

10 GB) free hard disk space

???Operating system: Windows 2000 Professional

(referred to as Windows 2000), Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional (referred to as Windows XP)

???i.LINK or USB connector

Macintosh

???A Power Macintosh G3 or later capable of running Mac OS X 10.2 or later

???RAM: 256 MB or more

???200 MB or more available hard disk space

???Operating system: Mac OS X 10.2 or later

???FireWire or 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

???These operating instructions include IEEE1394 and FireWire in the expression i.LINK.

???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 SP1.

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).

???For a Macintosh, depending on the specifications of your computer, you may not be able to achieve the proper read/write speeds because the USB transfer rate is limited.

???You cannot use the i.LINK and USB interfaces simultaneously.

Introduction

ABusy 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.

BEject button

Press to open and close the disc tray.

CEmergency 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.

DDisc tray

Insert discs here, label side up.

Hint

When you insert a disc into the drive, make sure that it is under the four pins. When using the drive vertically, make sure that you set the disc inside the two lower pins.

EPower Switch

Press to turn the drive on or off.

FUSB Connector

Used with a USB cable to connect the drive to a computer.

Gi.LINK S400 Connector (6-pin)

Used with an i.LINK cable to connect the drive to a computer.

Hi.LINK S400 Connector (4-pin)

Used with an i.LINK cable to connect the drive to a computer.

IDC 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.

Introduction

Connection through i.LINK

Note

This product including bundled software functions properly under Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Mac OS X (10.2 or later).

It may not fulfill all functional and performance specification under other OS (operating system) environment.

Before Connection

???Refer to the list of contents to verify that the package contents are complete.

???If your computer is not equipped with an i.LINK connector, install an i.LINK interface card.

???Check the type of i.LINK connector provided with your computer???s i.LINK interface and obtain a compatible i.LINK cable.

i.LINK S400 connector (6-pin)

i.LINK S400 connector (4-pin)

??? Have the manual for your computer handy.

Installation

These instructions apply to most commonly used computers.

CAUTION

Using the wrong type of cable with this product can cause it to malfunction. Follow the instructions when connecting the product.

Setup

1

2

Start your computer.

Connect the necessary cables, then turn on the drive.

???Connect the i.LINK cable to the 6-pin i.LINK connector on the drive.

???For a computer???s 4-pin i.LINK connector: connect to the 6-pin i.LINK connector on the drive.

???For a computer???s 6-pin i.LINK connector: connect to the 4-pin i.LINK connector on the drive.

???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.

Power Switch

2

3

Operate following the message displayed, if any.

Disconnect the i.LINK cable.

1

2

Start your computer.

Connect the necessary cables, then turn on the drive.

???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.

2

3

Operate following the message displayed, if any.

Disconnect the USB cable.

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 PhotoSnapViewer

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.

For Mac OS

Roxio Toast Lite

Roxio Toast Lite is the CD and DVD writing software.

Notes

???Roxio Toast Lite only offers basic features. To use more advanced features, you must purchase additional third-party software.

???DVD playback software for Mac OS is not included with the supplied software disc.

???The iDVD program does not support third-party drives including this product.

Using Generic Software with the Drive

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 DVDForm

Operation

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 31).

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.

???With 8 cm discs, you must place the drive horizontally.

???When using a double-sided disc, orient the drive horizontally.

Operation

Writable Disc Features

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.

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 share data that can be used on most computers

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

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.

Operation

About playback/reading compatibility in CDs

CD-R and CD-RW discs created with the drive can be read on most CD-ROM drives. However, some older CD-ROM drives cannot read CD-RW discs.

In addition, CD-R music discs created and finalized with the drive can be played on most CD players, however, there are some CD players and automobile CD players that do not guarantee playback of CD-R discs. Also, CD-R music discs created with the drive can be played back on many standard CD players. However, depending on the type of your player, playback of CD-R and CD-RW discs may not be supported.

Further, because of the differences in quality and characteristics between various CD-ROM drive, CD player, CD-R disc, and CD-RW disc manufacturers, playback may not be possible depending on the combination.

Writable DVDs and compatibility

The drive can write to DVD+R DL, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, and DVD-R discs, as well as to DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs, when used with writing software. The playback (read) compatibility of data written by this drive depends on the capabilities of the DVD-ROM drives or the DVD players and on the logical format selected when the disc is recorded (written).

DVD+R DL/DVD+R/DVD-R DL/DVD-R Discs

Data can be written to this type of disc only once. Once it has been written, it cannot be erased. Playback (read) compatibility of DVD+R and DVD-R discs depends on the capability of the DVD-ROM drive and the DVD player and on the logical format selected when it is recorded (written).

DVD+RW and DVD-RW Discs

Data can be repeatedly written to or erased from this type of disc. Typically, a new DVD+RW or DVD-RW disc can be rewritten about 1,000 times. Playback (read) compatibility of DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs depends on the capability of the DVD-ROM drive and the DVD player and on the logical format selected when it is recorded (written).

DVD-RAM Discs

Data can be repeatedly written to or erased from this type of disc. Typically, a new DVD-RAM disc can be rewritten about 100,000 times. To play back (or read the data on) a DVD-RAM disc, a DVD-ROM drive or DVD player that supports DVD-RAM discs is required.

About playback/reading compatibility in DVDs

DVD+R DL/DVD+R/DVD-R DL/DVD-R discs, as well as DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs created and finalized with the drive can be played back on almost all DVD-ROM drives. However depending on the type of your drive, playback of DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R DL, and DVD-RW discs may not be supported.

In addition, some drives do not support multi-session (DVD+R DL/DVD+R/ DVD+RW) or multi-border (DVD-R DL/DVD-R/DVD-RW). In these cases,

Operation

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.

Operation

Maximizing Performance

Reaching the Highest Possible Data Transfer Rate

Make sure that you use High Speed discs for which this operation has been certified by Sony. For the latest information about these discs, visit the user support Web site. When using discs other than those mentioned above, the drive may limit writing speed to preserve a good reading quality.

Updating the Firmware

We recommend using the drive with the latest firmware as 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. see page 31 for details.

Hint

The firmware is the built-in software that makes the drive work.

Turbo Boost Function

The default CD-R and CD-ROM read/write speed of this drive is 40?? speed. With a single touch, you can activate the Turbo Boost function, to raise the read/write speed to 48?? speed.

Notes

???On rare occasions, some discs may not be able to tolerate 48?? speed, causing them to break. We recommend that you do not use deeply scratched, brittle, or other discs that may break at 48?? speed.

???The Turbo Boost function does not guarantee a 48?? write speed. Depending on the condition of the disc you are using, the speed may be automatically lowered.

???The Turbo Boost function does not increase read/write speed with CD-RW discs.

1 Insert a disc into the drive.

The read/write speed when you insert a disc is normally 40?? speed.

2 Press and hold the Eject button for five seconds.

The Busy indicator blinks twice and the read/write speed switches to 48?? speed. (The Turbo Boost function is active.)

Hint

When you open the disc tray, the read/write speed reverts to its default of 40?? speed.

Operation

B Miscellaneous

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 while installed in a PC, remove any disc beforehand.

Avoiding condensation problems

As much as possible, avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not attempt to use the drive immediately after moving it from a cold to a warm location, or raising the room temperature suddenly, as condensation may form within the drive. If the temperature changes suddenly while using the drive, stop using it but keep the power on for at least an hour.

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.

Specifications

1)Use a non-cartridge-type disc or a cartridge from which the disc can be ejected.

2)The default setting is 40???. You must use the turbo boost function to achieve 48??? speed.

3)With 8 cm discs, you must place the drive horizontally.

Depending on your system, there may be limitation on maximum writing speed.

Writing systems

DVD

Random write

Sequential write

CD

Track-at-once

Disc-at-once

Session-at-once

Packet writing

Drive

Data transfer rate

DVD: 22.1 MB/s (16??? speed4))

CD: 7.2 MB/s (48??? speed4))

Access time

Average random stroke

Approx. 140 ms (DVD)

Approx. 130 ms (CD)

4)Maximum data transfer rate depends on the capabilities of the host computer.

Buffer underrun error protection

Operating environment

Operating temperature 5 to 35 ??C

Power and miscellaneous

Power source

DC +12 V (supplied from the DC IN jack)

Consumption

Max. 3.0 A

AC adapter

AC 100 - 240 V (use a power cord appropriate to the region or country of use)

Size

Approx. 52 ??? 164 ??? 250 mm (W???H???D) (excluding front panel)

Weight

Approx. 1.6 kg (drive only)

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.

User Support Web Site

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.

Update the Drive Firmware

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.

Product and Support

Information

Sony Global Sites Information

(As of January, 2006)

Product purchased in the USA:*

http://sony.storagesupport.com/

Product purchased in Australia or New Zealand:

http://www.sony.com.au/

*Local Web sites for computer peripheral products

About the Bundled Software

Detailed information about the supplied software is available on the Web sites of the software manufacturer.

For Windows

http://www.nero.com

For Mac OS

http://www.roxio.com

Miscellaneous