Sony DVD Recorder VRD VC10 User Manual

IT  
2-514-544-11 (1)  
7819900949  
Video Recordable  
DVD Drive  
Operating Instructions  
JP  
FR  
DE  
ES  
IT  
CS  
VRD-VC10  
© 2004 Sony Corporation  
 
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 zugänglich sein soll.  
3
 
Table of Contents  
Using the Drive as an  
Connecting the drive to  
Connecting the drive to a  
Notes on using other software  
Stand-alone Operation -  
Recorder  
Reaching the highest possible  
Recording mode ...................... 12  
Using 48x read/write speed for  
Precautions on writing/playing  
Finalizing a Disc ..................... 22  
4
 
is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
• Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.  
• Microsoft 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.  
• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.  
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
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.  
Copyrights  
Television programs, films, video tapes, discs, and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such material may be contrary to the provisions of the  
copyright laws. Also, use of this product with cable television transmission may require  
authorization from the cable television transmitter and/or program owner.  
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S.  
patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection  
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other  
limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse  
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.  
5
 
 
B Introduction  
Features  
This drive offers the following features.  
Computer-controlled  
operation  
Stand-alone operation  
A video recordable DVD drive with Hi-  
Speed USB (USB 2.0-compliant)  
interfaces for computers, and analog  
audio/video input terminals for video  
devices.  
You can use this drive as a stand-alone DVD  
recorder to record videos on DVD+R or  
DVD+RW discs directly from connected  
video cameras and AV devices.  
The drive can write to seven types of  
disc, including a DVD+R Double Layer  
disc.  
The drive can write at a maximum speed  
of 16x when using high speed DVD+R  
discs.  
Synchronized recording allows the drive  
to record videos automatically,  
synchronized with the operations carried  
out on the connected video device.  
You can create titles or chapters either  
automatically or manually.  
Adopts the  
technology to prevent buffer underrun  
errors.  
Others  
Hardware MPEG encoder captures  
video signals.  
The drive can be placed vertically or  
horizontally.  
6
 
         
Unpacking  
Please confirm that the package contains the  
following items. If any of these items appear  
to be missing and/or damaged, please  
contact your dealer.  
• Power cord  
• Drive  
• AC adaptor (MPA-AC1)  
• Quick Start Guide  
• Operating instructions  
(this document)  
• Hi-Speed USB cable ×1  
• Nero 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 separately.  
7
 
 
Parts and controls  
D TIME button  
Front Panel  
Displays time passed or time remaining.  
E SYNC (synchronize) button  
Activates the synchronized recording.  
F INPUT SELECT button  
Selects an input signal to be recorded.  
G REC MODE button  
Selects a recording mode.  
H SELECT button  
Selects the mode of the function.  
I Busy indicator  
Indicates the drive status.  
Lit (green)  
• The power is on.  
Blinking (greenish orange)  
• The drive is accessing the disc, such as  
reading, playing or writing.  
A Disc tray  
Insert discs here, label side to the left.  
Off  
• The power is off.  
Hint  
When you insert a disc into the drive, make  
sure that you set the disc inside the two lower  
pins. When using the drive horizontally,  
make sure that it is under the four pins.  
J FUNCTION/ENTER button  
Selects a function to be operated.  
K REC (record) button  
Starts recording videos.  
L PAUSE button  
Pauses recording.  
Pins  
M STOP button  
Stops recording.  
Pins  
B Eject button  
Opens and closes the disc tray.  
C Display window  
8
 
 
Display Window  
Rear Panel  
The display window works only when the  
drive is used as the stand-alone DVD  
recorder (p. 11), and indicates the following:  
A Input signal (  
A Power switch  
Turns the drive on or off.  
B Video signal indicator (  
14, 18)  
B USB connector  
Connect a USB cable when connecting  
the drive to a computer.  
C Recording mode (  
D Status and warning messages  
C S VIDEO IN connector  
(
Connect an S VIDEO cable (not  
supplied) when connecting the drive to a  
video device such as a video camera or  
VCR.  
E Time display (time passed or  
time remaining) ( p. 17, 20)  
F Synchronized recording (  
D VIDEO IN connector  
Connect a video plug of AV cable (not  
supplied) when connecting the drive to a  
video device such as a video camera or  
VCR.  
E AUDIO IN L/R connectors  
Connect audio plugs of AV cable (not  
supplied) when connecting the drive to a  
video device such as a video camera or  
VCR.  
F DC IN jack  
Connect the supplied AC power adaptor.  
9
 
System requirements  
When connected to a computer, the drive  
Notes  
should be used with a system that meets the  
following requirements1).  
• 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).  
CPU: Pentium III, 800 MHz or higher  
(with NeroVision Express: Pentium 4,  
1.6 GHz recommended)  
RAM: 256 MB or higher  
1 GB (with NeroVision Express:  
10 GB) free hard disk space  
Operating system:  
System equipped with a Hi-Speed USB (USB  
2.0-compliant) connector or PCI adaptor  
card, and running the USB 2.0 EHCI device  
Windows 2000 Professional  
(referred to as Windows 2000),  
Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
(referred to as Windows XP)  
1)  
driver .  
• 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).  
Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) port  
1)  
The USB 2.0 EHCI driver software is  
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.  
supplied with currently available PCI  
adaptor 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 adaptor  
dealer or consult the Microsoft  
Corporation Web site.  
10  
 
 
B Stand-alone Operation - Using the Drive as a DVD Recorder  
Creating DVDs  
You can use this drive as a stand-alone DVD recorder to record videos on  
DVD+R or DVD+RW discs directly from a connected video cameras or video  
devices such as VCRs.  
Note  
Stand-alone operation of the drive is not available when the drive is connected to a computer  
with the USB cable and the computer is turned on.  
Recording procedure  
You can record videos from video cameras or VCRs to a DVD using the  
following procedure.  
Connect a playback device to the drive.  
m
Turn on and set up the connected device.  
m
Turn on the drive, and insert a disc.  
m
Set up the drive according to the input signal, recording mode used, etc.  
m
Start recording.  
Hint  
The recording settings you make on the drive remain as they are until you change them.  
Recording methods  
The drive features synchronized recording mode and manual recording mode.  
Recording method  
Operation  
Synchronized  
recording  
The drive will start/stop recording automatically when it  
detects signals from the connected playback device.  
You can start/pause/stop recording manually by  
operating the drive and the connected device  
respectively.  
Manual recording  
11  
 
         
Discs that can be used  
In stand-alone operation, you can use only DVD+RW or DVD+R discs.  
Note  
You cannot make additional recording on discs that have been created using computers or  
other DVD recorders by the stand-alone operation.  
Recording mode  
Three recording modes are available. Select a recording mode according to  
your priority - picture quality or recording duration.  
Mode  
Picture  
quality  
Recording time  
Single layer disc  
Double layer disc  
Approx. 2 hours  
Approx. 4 hours  
Approx. 12 hours  
HQ (default)  
High  
Approx. 1 hour  
Approx. 2 hours  
Approx. 6 hours  
SP  
Standard  
Low  
SLP  
12  
 
     
About titles and chapters on a disc  
What are titles and chapters?  
DVD contents consist of sections, called titles, and smaller sub-sections, called  
chapters.  
On this drive, a title is created between the points where you start and stop a  
recording.  
Chapters are created automatically at specified intervals (5, 10, or 15 minutes),  
or they can be created manually.  
Start Rec.  
Stop/Start  
Stop Rec.  
Title 1  
Title 2  
Chapters  
Chapters  
Chapter marks  
Chapter marks  
Maximum number of titles on a disc  
No additional titles can be created after title 49.  
Recording will not be initiated on a disc on which 49 titles have already been  
recorded.  
Maximum number of chapters in a title  
No additional chapters can be created after a total of 99 automatic and manual  
chapters have been marked out.  
13  
 
   
Synchronized recording  
You can record videos on DVD+RW or DVD+R discs while playing them  
back on your video device.  
Connect the video device to the drive using an AV cable, and the drive will  
start/stop recording automatically when you start/stop playback on the video  
device. In synchronized recording, the drive starts/stops recording when it  
detects signals from the video device.  
Note  
Synchronized recording may not operate properly or entirely in the following cases:  
• The video device continues to output signals even after playback has stopped. For example,  
standard VCRs output signals from the built-in tuner after they stop playback of tapes,  
therefore, the drive keeps detecting signals and does not stop recording. To avoid this, set  
the VCR so that it does not output signals when it is not playing back tape, by switching  
the input selection to line-in, etc. This symptom will occur with some video cameras that  
output a video signal to make blue or plain back-screen. In this case, disable the signal for  
back-screen on your video cameras.  
• The drive has detected a copy protection signal. Recording stops.  
• Videos may not be recorded for a moment when recording has just started.  
1 Connect a video device.  
Refer also to the manual supplied with the device to be connected.  
S video cable*  
Yellow  
Yellow  
White  
Red  
White  
Red  
AV cable  
Signal flow  
* When the video camera or VCR has the S VIDEO jack.  
14  
 
   
2 Turn on the drive.  
The busy indicator lights up in green.  
Busy indicator  
3 Press EJECT, and insert a disc.  
A new blank disc is formatted automatically. Wait until [Format] on the display  
window changes to [Ready].  
EJECT button  
Recording side  
. Continued  
15  
 
4 Select the recording conditions.  
Display [VIDEO] by pressing INPUT SELECT.  
If you have connected an S video cable, display  
[S-VIDEO].  
Each time you press the button, [VIDEO] or [S-  
VIDEO] appears in turn.  
Display [SYNC] by pressing SYNC.  
SYNC  
INPUT SELECT  
To select a recording mode, see “Selecting a recording mode” on page 21.  
To select a chapter interval, see “Selecting a chapter interval” on page 21.  
To select how to start playback, see “Selecting automatic playback mode” on  
5 Press REC on the drive.  
The drive comes in standby for recording.  
REC  
16  
 
6 Start playback on the video device.  
[Recording] appears on the display window and the REC button lights up  
during recording.  
[SIG] on the display window indicates that the drive is receiving signals from  
the video device.  
• Recording stops automatically when playback ends.  
• When the video signal is interrupted, the drive pauses. If the drive detects  
no video signals after 2 minutes, it stops.  
7 Press STOP to stop recording.  
[STOP] appears on the display window, and the drive stops recording  
automatically. Wait for a moment until [Ready] appears.  
Note on using a DVD+R disc  
To play a recorded DVD+R on DVD devices, you need to finalize the disc after  
recording (p. 22).  
To pause recording  
Press PAUSE. [Pause] appears on the display window.  
To resume recording, press REC or PAUSE again.  
Recording pauses also when you stop playback on the video device. To resume  
recording, restart playback.  
To check the time passed or remaining  
Press TIME.  
Each time you press TIME, the time passed within the current title or the time  
remaining within the disc appears in turn.  
17  
 
 
Manual recording  
You can start/pause/stop recording manually by operating the drive and the  
connected device respectively.  
1 Connect a video device.  
2 Turn on the drive.  
The busy indicator lights up in green.  
Busy indicator  
3 Press EJECT, and insert a disc.  
A new blank disc is formatted automatically. Wait until [Format] on the display  
window changes to [Ready].  
EJECT button  
Recording side  
18  
 
   
4 Select the recording conditions.  
Display [VIDEO] by pressing INPUT SELECT.  
If you have connected an S video cable, display  
[S-VIDEO].  
Each time you press the button, [VIDEO] or [S-  
VIDEO] appears in turn.  
Turn off [SYNC] by pressing SYNC.  
SYNC  
INPUT SELECT  
To select a recording mode, see “Selecting a recording mode” on page 21.  
To select a chapter interval, see “Selecting a chapter interval” on page 21.  
To select how to start playback, see “Selecting automatic playback mode” on  
5 On the video device, search the start point you want to record  
and set it in the playback pause mode.  
6 Press REC on the drive, and start playback on the connected  
device.  
[Recording] appears on the display window and the REC button lights up  
during recording.  
[SIG] on the display window indicates that the drive is receiving signals from  
the connected device.  
REC  
. Continued  
19  
 
7 Press STOP to stop recording.  
[STOP] appears on the display window, and stop playback on the video device.  
Wait for a moment until [Ready] appears.  
Note on using a DVD+R disc  
To play a recorded DVD+R on DVD devices, you need to finalize the disc after  
recording (p. 22).  
To pause recording  
Press PAUSE. [Pause] appears on the display window.  
To resume recording, press REC or PAUSE again.  
To check the time passed or remaining  
Press TIME.  
Each time you press TIME, the time passed within the current title or the time  
remaining within the disc appears in turn.  
20  
 
 
Additional operations  
Selecting a recording mode  
Press REC MODE.  
Each time you press the button, [HQ], [SP], or [SLP] appears in sequence.  
See page 12 for details on the recording mode.  
Note  
You cannot do this operation during recording.  
Selecting a chapter interval  
See page 13 for details on chapters.  
1 Display [Auto Chp] by pressing FUNCTION/ENTER.  
Each time you press the button, [Finalize?], [Erase All?], [Auto Play?], [Auto  
Chp], or [PlayerType] appears in sequence.  
2 Press SELECT to select the interval.  
Each time you press the button, [5 minutes], [10 minutes], [15 minutes], or  
[None] appears in sequence.  
Note  
You cannot do this operation during recording  
To create chapters manually  
Select [None] for [Auto Chp].  
The videos are recorded as one chapter until you pause recording.  
Pressing REC during recording also writes a chapter mark.  
Creating titles manually  
Stop recording. The videos are recorded as one title until you stop recording.  
21  
 
         
Selecting automatic playback mode  
You can set automatic playback mode on the disc before recording. In the  
default setting ([No]), the disc is to start playback with displaying the menu  
screen of the title recorded.  
1 Display [AutoPlay?] by pressing FUNCTION/ENTER.  
Each time you press the button, [Finalize?], [Erase All?], [Auto Play?], [Auto  
Chp], or [PlayerType] appears in sequence.  
2 Press SELECT to select [Yes] or [No].  
When you select [Yes] (automatic playback mode is on), the disc starts  
playback on a DVD player with the first title recorded.  
DVD player  
When you select [No] (automatic playback mode is off), the disc starts  
playback on a DVD player with displaying the menu screen of the titles  
recorded.  
DVD player  
Finalizing a Disc  
You need to finalize DVD+R discs after recording to play them back on other  
DVD devices. You cannot edit or record on them after finalizing.  
You do not need to finalize DVD+RW discs. (DVD+RW discs are finalized  
automatically after recording. You can edit or record on them even after  
finalizing.)  
1 Turn on the drive.  
The busy indicator lights up in green.  
22  
 
     
2 Press EJECT, and insert a disc.  
Wait until [Ready] appears on the display window.  
3 Press FUNCTION/ENTER repeatedly to display [Finalize?] on  
the display window.  
Each time you press the button, [Finalize?], [Erase All?], [Auto Play?], [Auto  
Chp], or [PlayerType] appears in sequence.  
4 Press SELECT to select [Yes].  
If you do not finalize the disc, select [No].  
5 Press FUNCTION/ENTER.  
[Reconfirm?] appears on the display window.  
6 Press SELECT to select [Yes].  
If you do not finalize the disc, select [No].  
7 Press FUNCTION/ENTER.  
Finalizing of the disc starts.  
When finalizing is complete, [Finalize Complete] appears.  
8 Eject the disc.  
23  
 
Notes  
• Depending on the disc condition, recording condition, or DVD device, discs may not play  
even if the discs are finalized.  
• The drive can finalize only the discs recorded on this drive.  
• It may take about five minutes or more to finalize a disc. Please wait until [Finalize  
Complete] is displayed.  
Erasing a Disc  
You can erase the contents of DVD+RWs recorded on this drive. This  
operation erases all of the contents in the disc at once.  
1 Turn on the drive.  
The busy indicator lights up in green.  
2 Press EJECT, and insert a disc.  
Wait until [Ready] appears on the display window.  
3 Press FUNCTION/ENTER repeatedly to display [Erase All?] on  
the display window.  
Each time you press the button, [Finalize?], [Erase All?], [Auto Play?], [Auto  
Chp], or [PlayerType] appears in sequence.  
4 Press SELECT to select [Yes].  
If you do not erase the disc, select [No].  
5 Press FUNCTION/ENTER.  
[Reconfirm?] appears on the display window.  
6 Press SELECT to select [Yes].  
If you do not erase the disc, select [No].  
24  
 
   
7 Press FUNCTION/ENTER.  
Erasing of the disc starts.  
When erasing is complete, [Ready] appears.  
8 Eject the disc.  
Note  
You cannot erase title by title, or chapter by chapter.  
Selecting a player-type  
Double layer discs may encounter a compatibility problem with some DVD  
players. Changing the player-type setting may solve this problem.  
1 Display [PlayerType] by pressing FUNCTION/ENTER.  
Each time you press the button, [Finalize?], [Erase All?], [Auto Play?], [Auto  
Chp], or [PlayerType] appears in sequence.  
2 Press SELECT to select the type [A] or [B].  
Normally select [A]. If you cannot play back the disc due to the compatibility  
problem, select [B] and record again using the disc.  
Notes  
• This setting is only applicable to the DVD+R DL (double layer) discs.  
• The player-type must be set prior to recording the disc. You cannot change the player-type  
of the disc after recording.  
25  
 
 
B Using the Drive as an External DVD Drive  
Connecting the drive to a computer  
Connect the drive to a computer using the supplied USB cable to use the drive  
as an external DVD drive. When connecting the drive to your computer for the  
first time, you need to install the driver software.  
Note  
When the drive is connected to a computer, you cannot use the drive as a DVD recorder in  
stand-alone operation. The buttons and display window of the drive do not function.  
Connecting the drive to a computer  
1 Connect the supplied USB cable, the power cord, and the AC  
adaptor to the drive.  
USB Cable  
Power cord  
AC adaptor  
2 Turn on the drive.  
Power switch  
26  
 
     
3 Turn on your computer.  
4 Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer.  
Note  
Please connect the drive directly to a USB connector on the computer.  
Computer  
5 Install the drive on the computer.  
On Windows XP, see below.  
On Windows 2000, see page 30.  
Installing the driver  
On Windows XP  
1 Insert the supplied software disc into a drive on the computer.  
The following screen will appear.  
. Continued  
27  
 
 
2 Check [Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)] (1),  
then click [Next] (2).  
The following screen will appear.  
3 Check [Search for the best driver in these locations.] (1),  
[Include this location in the search:] (2), click [Browse] (3),  
browse for the drive you insert the software disc, then click [OK]  
(4).  
The following screen will appear.  
28  
 
4 Make sure that “Sony VRD-VC10 [Video Capture]” is displayed,  
then click [Continue Anyway].  
The following screen will appear.  
5 Click [Finish], and continue to install the writing software in the  
supplied software disc following the instructions on the screen.  
29  
 
On Windows 2000  
1 Insert the supplied software disc into a drive on the computer.  
The following screen will appear.  
2 Click [Next].  
The following screen will appear.  
3 Check [Search for a suitable driver for my device  
(recommended)] (1), then click [Next] (2).  
The following screen will appear.  
30  
 
 
4 Check [Specify a location] (1), then click [Next] (2).  
The following screen will appear.  
5 Click [Browse] (1), browse for the drive you insert the software  
disc (2), then click [OK] (3).  
The following screen will appear.  
6 Make sure that “VRD-VC10 [Video Capture]” is displayed, then  
click [Next].  
The following screen will appear.  
. Continued  
31  
 
7 Click [Yes].  
The following screen will appear.  
8 Click [Finish], and continue to install the writing software in the  
supplied software disc following the instructions on the screen.  
Disconnection  
The disconnection procedure varies depending on your OS.  
When your computer detects the drive successfully,  
Windows task bar. When you want to disconnect the drive, you must first stop  
it using this icon.  
appears on the  
1 Click  
on the task bar, and click the drive to be disconnected  
on the shortcut menu.  
2 Operate following the message displayed, if any.  
3 Disconnect 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.  
32  
 
 
About software  
Use the supplied software to create discs and play back DVDs.  
The supplied software disc contains the following software.  
(Refer to the PDF or online documentation of each software for details about  
their operation.)  
Nero StartSmart  
Serves as the command center to quickly start all the software of the Nero  
suite.  
Nero Burning ROM SE  
Writes data on CDs and DVDs.  
Nero Express  
A light version of the Nero Burning ROM software. Makes it easier to create  
CDs and DVDs.  
NeroVision Express  
Authoring software to create DVD-Videos and video CDs.  
Nero Recode  
Compresses your videos to burn and fit them all onto one disc.  
Nero ShowTime  
Plays back DVD-Videos and video CDs.  
Nero BackItUp  
Allows to back up the data from a hard disk to DVDs and CDs.  
InCD  
Packet writing software that supports DVD RW and CD-RW.  
Nero Wave Editor  
Audio processing software that allows editing audio files.  
Nero Media Player  
Audio processing software specialized in playing back music.  
Nero Cover Designer  
Creates CD and DVD covers and labels.  
Nero Toolkit  
Utility software consists of Nero CD-DVD Speed, Nero DriveSpeed, and Nero  
InfoTool.  
33  
 
 
Notes on using other software with the drive  
• Using software other than the supplied software (such as commercially  
available software, shareware, or freeware) to write data to disc with this  
drive is not under warranty and Sony provides no customer service.  
• Make sure that the supplied writing software and other writing software do  
not coexist on your computer. Especially if other packet writing software 1)  
exists in your computer, the software and/or computer may operate  
erratically.  
• If the commercially available 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 Drag-to-Disc (ROXIO), Direct CD (ROXIO), B’s CLIP (BHA), and DLA (Sonic).  
34  
 
 
Maximizing performance  
Reaching the highest possible data transfer rate  
Make sure that you use high-speed certified discs for which this operation has  
been guaranteed 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 45 for details.  
Hint  
The firmware is the built-in software that makes the drive work.  
Using 48x read/write speed for CDs  
The default read/write speed for CDs of this drive is 40× speed. With a single  
touch, you can make the read/write speed 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.  
This function does not guarantee a 48× write speed. Depending on the condition of the disc  
you are using, the speed may be lower.  
This 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 the Eject button for five seconds.  
The busy indicator blinks twice and the read/write speed switches to 48× speed.  
Hint  
When you open the disc tray, the read/write speed reverts to its default of 40× speed.  
35  
 
       
B Discs  
Compatible discs  
The following discs are compatible with the drive.  
DVD  
Write  
Write (Stand-  
alone)  
1)  
Disc types  
Logo  
Read  
Write speed  
DVD+R  
1× to 16×  
1× to 2.4×  
1× to 4×  
1× to 8×  
1× to 4×  
DVD+R DL  
(Double layer)  
DVD+RW  
DVD-R  
DVD-RW  
DVD-ROM  
DVD-Video  
1)  
Supported by the drive. Depending on your software and disc, this speed may vary.  
36  
 
   
CD  
Disc types  
Logo  
Read  
Write  
Write speed  
CD-R  
Max. 48×  
CD-RW  
Max. 4×  
CD-RW  
(High Speed)  
Max. 10×  
CD-RW  
(Ultra Speed)  
Max. 24×  
CD-ROM  
CD-DA  
(audio only)  
CD Extra  
Video CD  
CD TEXT  
Disc diameters  
Read  
Write  
12 cm  
8 cm  
DVD  
12 cm  
8 cm  
CD  
Notes  
• Only round discs should be used with this drive. Never use odd-shaped discs (stars, hearts,  
card shape, etc.), otherwise the drive may be damaged.  
• It is not guaranteed to write to or play back 99-minute discs.  
• With 8 cm discs, you must place the drive horizontally.  
37  
 
Recommended discs  
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 (see page 45  
for details).  
Note  
You can safely use most disc formats that comply with the appropriate standards with this  
drive. However, bear in mind that some commercially available discs do not comply with the  
quality or performance standards that are necessary to use with this drive. If you use such  
discs, the drive may automatically adjust the writing speed, may not be able to write at all,  
etc. Even if the discs are successfully written, they may cause errors at the time of reading.  
38  
 
   
Features of writable discs  
You can use various 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.  
DVD+R  
DVD+R DL  
To  
DVD+RW DVD-R DVD-RW CD-R CD-RW  
create DVD-Video that  
can be played back by  
most drives and/or  
players  
create DVDs that you  
can edit  
create DVDs to which  
you can add to later.  
create video CDs that  
can be played back  
with most computers  
use DVDs like video  
tapes (allowing  
multiple rewrites)  
distribute 700 MB of  
data or more  
(create DVD-ROM  
discs)  
distribute data that can  
be used on most  
computers (create CD-  
ROM discs)  
create audio CDs that  
can be played back on  
most CD players  
back up your hard disk  
store data without  
deleting it  
use discs in the same  
way as floppy discs  
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.  
39  
 
 
Writable CDs and compatibility  
The drive can write to CD-R and CD-RW discs, when used with writing  
software.  
To play back (read) these CD-R and CD-RW discs on other CD-ROM drives,  
make settings on the writing software according to the purpose of the data.  
CD-R discs  
Data can be written to this type of disc only once, and once it has been written,  
it cannot be erased. Music CDs created on CD-R disc media can be played on  
standard CD players.  
CD-RW discs  
Data can be written to 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 CD-RW disc media cannot be played on a CD player  
unless it is designed to be CD-RW compatible.  
High speed CD-RW discs  
The drive can write to High Speed CD-RW disc media. Data written on High  
Speed CD-RW discs can be read by standard CD-ROM drives.  
Note  
Drives that do not have the High Speed CD-RW logo cannot be used to write to High Speed  
CD-RW discs. When writing or adding to such discs with a drive other than this one, make  
sure that the drive has the High Speed CD-RW logo. Also, always set the writing speed to  
that specified for the particular High Speed CD-RW disc media being used.  
Ultra speed CD-RW discs  
The drive can write to High Speed CD-RW and Ultra Speed CD-RW disc  
media. Data written to these discs can be read by standard CD-ROM drives.  
Note  
Drives that do not have the Ultra Speed CD-RW logo cannot be used to write to Ultra Speed  
CD-RW discs. When writing or adding to such discs with a drive other than this one, make  
sure that the drive has the Ultra Speed CD-RW logo. Also, always set the writing speed to  
that specified for the particular Ultra Speed CD-RW disc media being used.  
Writing speed  
When writing to CD-R and CD-RW discs, set the writing speed to that  
specified on the disc. Change the writing speed on the writing software.  
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.  
40  
 
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 and DVD-R discs, as well as to  
DVD+RW and DVD-RW 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 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).  
About playback/reading compatibility in DVDs  
DVD+R DL/DVD+R/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, 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/DVD-RW). In these cases, you can only  
play back the disc in single-session (DVD+R DL/DVD+R/DVD+RW) or  
single-border (DVD-R/DVD-RW).  
Also, DVD-Video discs created with the drive can be played back on many  
standard DVD players. However depending on the type of your player,  
playback of DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs may not be supported.  
Further, because of the differences in quality and characteristics between  
various DVD-ROM drive, DVD player, DVD+R DL disc, DVD+R disc,  
DVD+RW disc, DVD-R disc, and DVD-RW disc manufacturers, playback  
may not be possible depending on the combination. (Playback compatibility is  
not under warranty.)  
41  
 
 
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.  
• Set the writing speed on your writing software. For details about the setting  
procedures, refer to your writing software documentation.  
• Writing speed may be adjusted automatically according to the quality of the  
disc used. Also, writing speed may be limited by the transfer rate of the  
computer.  
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 drive, and the DVD-Video playback software must be  
identical.  
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 at 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 that is accessible  
from the Device Manager.  
• The DVDs created in stand-alone operation have the region code “All”.  
1) Region Playback Control (RPC) standard.  
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.  
About copy protected DVDs  
Most DVD-Video discs on the market are protected against unauthorized  
copy. Attempting to copy protected discs violates copyright laws.  
42  
 
 
About 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.  
43  
 
B Additional Information  
Precautions  
• 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 cases.  
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.  
• Do not wipe writable discs using a disc  
cleaner before recording data. Instead, use  
a blower to remove any dust.  
• Data may not be recorded properly if there  
are scratches or dust on the unrecorded  
area of writable discs. Handle discs very  
carefully.  
Transportation  
• Please repack the drive in its original  
carton when shipping by itself.  
• If the drive is to be shipped while installed  
in a computer, remove any disc  
beforehand.  
Moisture condensation  
Do not expose the drive to sudden  
temperature changes. Do not 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.  
44  
 
   
Technical support  
Support overview  
Please visit the above web sites that provide  
technical support and other information on  
the drive and the supplied software. When  
asking questions using telephone or e-mail,  
please have the following information  
available:  
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.  
• Model number: VRD-VC10  
• Serial number  
• Information about the drive  
• Date and place of purchase  
• Computer maker and model number  
• Information about the software supplied  
with the drive  
• Latest firmware  
• Computer specifications (CPU speed,  
memory size, OS version, etc.)  
• Writing software used (version, etc.)  
• Frequently asked questions  
• Troubleshooting guide  
• Guaranteed compatible computers  
• Guaranteed compatible discs  
• Operating instructions  
• Others  
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.  
Accessing the user support web  
site  
Sony Storage Support web sites  
(As of September, 2004)  
Note that technical support  
conditions may vary according to  
the locality, and that charges and/  
or limited service may apply in  
some regions.  
About the Bundled Software  
Detailed information about the supplied  
software is available on the web sites of the  
software manufacturer.  
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.  
45  
 
         
Compatible discs  
Specifications  
Read  
(max.)  
Write  
(max.)  
Recording (stand-alone)  
DVD+R  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
6×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
8×-CAV  
16×-CAV  
6×-CAV  
2.4×  
DVD+R (4×)  
DVD+R (8×)  
DVD+R (16×)  
DVD+R Double Layer  
DVD+RW  
4×  
Video signal format  
NTSC color  
Video encoding format  
8
×
-PCAV  
16× -CAV  
2.4×  
MEPG-2  
2.4×  
Audio encoding format  
Dolby Digital 2 ch  
Recordable disc  
DVD+R, DVD+R (DL), DVD+RW  
Disc recording format  
DVD+VR format  
DVD+RW (4×)  
4
1
4
×
×
×
DVD-R  
DVD-R (4×)  
DVD-R (8×)  
DVD-RW  
DVD-RW (2×)  
DVD-RW (4×)  
DVD-ROM  
DVD-Video  
CD-R  
CD-RW  
CD-RW (High Speed)  
CD-RW (Ultra Speed)  
CD-ROM  
CD-DA  
CD-DA (DAE)  
8
×
-ZCLV  
1
2
4
×
×
×
DVD/CD drive  
1)  
48×-CAV  
32×-CAV  
32×-CAV  
32×-CAV  
48×-CAV  
10×-CAV  
48×-CAV  
48×-CAV  
Writing systems  
DVD:  
4
×
10×  
24×-ZCLV  
Random write  
Sequential write  
CD:  
Track-at-once  
Disc-at-once  
Session-at-once  
Packet writing  
Disc diameters  
DVD  
CD  
1)  
12 cm  
1)  
8 cm  
12 cm  
8 cm  
Access time (average/random stroke)  
DVD: Approx. 135 ms  
CD: Approx. 140 ms  
Buffer capacity  
2 MB  
1)  
Required to place the drive horizontally.  
Interface  
Inquiry strings  
SONY DVD RW DRU-710A  
USB port  
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)-compliant  
VIDEO input  
1 Vp-p/75 ohms  
S VIDEO input  
Laser  
CD  
Type: DL-7140-211RA  
Wavelength: 783 nm  
Output power:  
260 mW (pulse)  
90 mW (CW)  
Y: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms  
C: 0.286 Vp-p/75 ohms  
AUDIO input  
2 Vrms, Impedance more than  
47 kilohms  
DVD  
Type: M L 101 J 25-23  
Wavelength: 658 nm  
Output power:  
250 mW (pulse)  
100 mW (CW)  
46  
 
 
General  
Power  
DC 12 V (supplied from the DC IN jack)  
Consumption  
Max. 3.0 A  
AC adaptor  
AC 100 - 240 V  
Use a power cord appropriate to the  
region or country of use.  
Size  
Approx. 66 × 164 × 234 mm (W×H×D)  
(excluding the projecting parts)  
Weight  
Approx. 1.8 kg (drive only)  
Operating temperature  
5 to 35 ºC  
Design and specifications are subject to  
change without notice.  
47  
 
Troubleshooting  
If you experience any of the following difficulties while using the drive, use  
this troubleshooting guide to held remedy the problem before requesting  
repairs. Should any problem persist, consult your dealer.  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
See  
A recorded disc cannot be  
played back.  
c If the disc is a DVD+R disc, it may not have  
been finalized. Finalize the disc.  
c The disc you are using may not be of a certified  
brand by Sony. Try to use a disc of a brand of  
which operation has been certified by Sony.  
c The playback device you are using may have an  
p. 38,  
issue on playback compatibility.  
No recording can be done. c You can use only DVD+RW or DVD+R discs.  
You cannot use other discs for this operation.  
c Select a signal correctly.  
A recorded disc cannot be  
played back.  
c Finalize the disc.  
No additional recording can c There are 49 titles in the disc.  
be made.  
c You cannot add anything to a finalized DVD+R  
disc.  
Display  
Cause/remedy  
See  
c The drive cannot read or write the disc due to  
an issue related to the disc, such as scratches,  
being dirty, low-quality, etc. Try with other  
disc.  
Disc  
Error  
c If errors occur frequently with any type of new  
discs, the drive may have a hardware problem.  
Contact an authorized service center.  
c The inserted disc may be unsupported type  
of discs for stand-alone operation. Use a  
DVD+R or DVD+RW disc.  
Insert  
+R/RW DISC  
Format  
Error  
c The drive cannot format the disc because of the  
disc error.  
Invalid Operation  
c You tried to finalize or erase a disc when there  
is no disc in the drive.  
c You tried to erase a DVD+R disc.  
c You tried to finalize a DVD+RW disc.  
48  
 
   
Display  
Cause/remedy  
See  
Recording Prohibited  
c Copyright protection signal (CGMS or  
Macrovision) was detected. You cannot record  
the source.  
Insert  
Blank Disc  
c The disc may have been already recorded on  
other recordable device that is not compatible  
with this drive. Use a blank disc.  
c This will appear also when you insert a  
finalized DVD+R disc.  
Erase All  
[No]/Yes  
c The DVD+RW disc may have been recorded on  
other recordable device. If you want to erase  
the disc, select [Yes].  
Finalize/  
Error  
c The disc may have been recorded on other  
recordable device. Try with other disc.  
c The disc may not be a DVD+R disc.  
c The disc may be already finalized.  
No signal  
Disc Full  
c Video input signal is not detected. Check if the  
AV cable is properly connected with the output  
terminal on the playback device, or check if the  
connectors are firmly mated.  
c Check if input is correctly selected.  
c The disc came to full and recording stopped.  
49  
 
 
 
Sony Corporation Printed in China  
 

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