Sony DDU1622/C1 Internal 16x DVD-ROM/48x CD-ROM Drive EIDE
Sony's affordable DDU1622/C1 internal DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive offers high-performance 48x maximum CD reading with 16x maximum DVD (DVD+/-R/RW) reading and DVD-Video playback capabilities for your PC or home theater--all in the space of a standard 5.25-inch, half-height drive. The PC-compatible DDU1622/C1 offers sustained data-transfer rates of 8.8 to 21.6 MB/sec for single-layer DVDs and 3 to 6 MB/sec for CDs.
The drive benefits from a proprietary mechanism, Sony Advanced Spindle (SAS), that enhances its stability while playing an unbalanced or uneven disc, ensuring even, error-free reads. A redesigned balancing mechanism is in place to minimize media crashes.
Compatible discs include single-/dual-layer DVD-ROM/DVD-Video, DVD+/-R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, photo CD, video CD, CD Extra, CD-Text, CD-R, and CD-RW.
The drive will demand as little as 0.22 to 0.58 Amps (+5V) or 0.022 to 1.32 Amps (+12V), thanks to its efficient power-saving feature. This is a RPC2 drive, and as such its starting region code will depend on the DVD title you play. You are allowed to modify the region code 5 times. After the fifth alteration, the region code will be locked and only those DVD titles with matching region codes will be playable.
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Bad product, Bad support. / Report September 13, 2005
I have had a horrible experience with this drive and Sony's technical support. From the start the drive had trouble reading a disc even if it was slightly scratched or smudged. I blamed myself initially for trying out bad discs. But on comparing (simulataneously) the performance against 3 other dvd drives, I found that this was not a problem with the discs but the drive itself. Not only would it refuse to play thse discs, it would lock up my OS (Win XP) and my DVD software player. After struggling with the drive for 2 months, I called Sony technical support for help and was asked to do an RMA. Since I need to pay for any RMA, I posted the package and got back a drive in a weeks time. Upon trying out this new drive, I was shocked. Upon pressing _any_ button on the device, I was treated to huge whining and grinding noises and the tray would not eject. I tried every single thing possible, including using the physical tray unlock mechanism. I ended up feeling really frustrated that I was treated so shoddily. I can't believe that someone will give an EVEN WORSE product back in an RMA. It felt like a slap on the face.
Sony tech support did their best to make things worse. I called them back and after 15 minutes on the line trying to explain things to a "level 1" technician, I got hung up on. Even though I had managed to narrate my woes and they had all my contact info, they didn't call me back for 1 week. I sent a couple of emails and got poor responses. Then I called again and after 15 mins on the line again, I got through a level 1 and a level 2 technician, only to be told that I would have to ship the drive back again with my own money. Now this shocked me. Having screwed up the "fixed" drive and RMA, it is Sony's responsibility to make amends for their shoddy treatment. Asking me to spend 5-10$ on shipping TWICE was just utter callousness. The service technician was not particularly polite and kept insisting on "cannot violate sony policy". If thats their policy, then I pity a great company like Sony for having gone down in quality and values.
p.s,
Their website does not even give you a number to call. You need to send an email first to get a number.
Satisfied customer / Report September 7, 2005
I've had this DVD drive for about a month now and used it on several occasions without a hitch. It's quiet, and it works fine. I recommend it.
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