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CNET editors' rating:
3.0 stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 10 reviews
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Product summary
The good: Decent performance, especially with audio-CD burning; smaller dimensions allow it to fit into smaller PCs; good online support.
The bad: No support for dual-layer DVD-R; limited Nero software bundle.
The bottom line: A capable DVD burner that'll save you a few bucks if you don't need the dual-layer DVD-R support of Sony's newer 800a.
Specifications: CD / DVD type: DVD?RW (+R DL); Enclosure Type: Internal; CD / DVD read speed: 40x (CD) / 16x (DVD); See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 06/27/2005
- Released on: 01/01/2005
Little has changed physically on Sony's internal DVD burners during the last couple of iterations. Like its immediate predecessors, the 720a measures a shorter-than-normal 6.75 inches long, 5.75 inches wide, and 1.63 inches high, making it especially suitable for smaller, space-challenged PC boxes. It ships with both computer-beige and black faceplates, so you can color-match the drive with most PCs. Look on the back, and you'll find Sony's familiar three mystery jumpers (they have no apparent or documented user function), along with the digital and analog audio outputs, the standard IDE connector, the power connector, and slave/master/cable select configuration jumpers. Installing the DRU-720a is basic and routine. If you haven't yet attempted this operation, check out CNET's guide to installing a DVD drive. Sony's multilingual software quick-start guide, hardware quick-start guide, and front-bezel replacement guide that ship in the retail box are decipherable if not eloquent, and the single-language operating instructions are adequately informative. If you didn't read that as damning with faint praise, it continues to amaze us that a company as vast, experienced, and international as Sony doesn't offer top-flight documentation. We'd also like to see mounting screws and an audio cable accompany the IDE cable in the box.
The software bundle that Sony includes with the DRU-720a is a limited version of Nero, featuring the wizard-based Nero 6.0 Express CD/DVD mastering software, along with the NeroVision Express video-authoring package, InCD 4.0 packet-writing software, and several other Nero apps, including the BackItUp backup program, the Showtime media player, the Cover Designer label and book creator, the Toolkit utilities, the SoundTrax audio CD creator, and the WaveEditor audio editor. Some of Nero's more advanced programs, such as the full-blown Nero Burning ROM app, Recode2 movie-compression program, and PhotoSnap photo editor, are omitted, but the included bundle will easily meet the needs of the average user.
The Sony DRU-720a turned out to be a decent if not spectacular performer--placing in the middle of the pack in most tests but displaying no real weaknesses. It writes both +R and -R discs at 16X and double-layer +R discs at 4X. It couldn't match the overall performance of Samsung's WriteMaster TS-H552B or Plextor's PX-716A, but it nudged by the Plextor when writing to single-layer DVD+R. It was also the second-fastest DVD burner we've tested for burning audio CDs.
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
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4.4GB DVD Video burn test | |
4.4GB DVD Video rip test (from DVD Video) |
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
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7.9GB DVD Video burn test | |
7.9GB DVD Video rip test (from DVD Video) |
** The Memorex, the NEC, and the Sony write to 2.4X double-layer DVD+R media at 4X.
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
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74:35 CD Audio burn test | |
74:35 CD Audio rip test |
(Shorter bars indicate faster performance)
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4.22GB RW write test | |
4.22GB RW read test |
The DRU-720a carries the industry-standard one-year warranty and toll-free support is available weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT. One caveat: telephone support is free for only 90 days after your first call, so you'll probably want to stick with the docs, the live chat, or the e-mail support available through the company's Web site until you're confronted with a major malfunction.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Nero,
- Plextor,
- DVD-Video,
- Sony Corp.,
- DVD+R
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- Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 10 reviews
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