CompuServe Thread

CDROM Forum · DOS, Windows, OS/2

#Sony 31A

9 messages in this thread

#43551From: Robert SimpsonMar 20, 1993 10:43 AM

Paul, I missed your first message. I thought that the driver needed depended on the adapter. For example, Creative Labs' SoundBlaster MultiMedia kits include the Panasonic CR521 (correction), so the drivers for their adapter board are available on CL's bulletin board at 408-428-6660, according to their tech. support – I haven't tried it yet. For other SCSI adapters, the drivers would probably be on the adapter mfr's BBS, if they support OS/2. Drivers for IBM, Future Domain, and Adaptec SCSI adapters are available on IBM's OS/2 BBS. I am debating between (1) upgrading my SoundBlaster 1.5 to the SoundBlaster Multimedia kit and (2) adding a Sony 31A with a SCSI adapter. How do you like the Sony? What type of adapter is your hard disk connected to? I'm wondering if I will have any problems making a SCSI adapter co-exist with my hard drive's IDE adapter. Thanks. Rob

#43561From: Paul AbrahamsMar 20, 1993 12:58 PM

Bob– << I thought that the driver needed depended on the adapter. >> I'm pretty sure that it does, but some drives work only with certain adapters. I have yet to find a solid source of information about the Sony 31A, but my impression is that it will only work with the proprietary Sony interface board that Gateway 2000 (and perhaps others) sells. Paul

#43566From: Tim FaheyMar 20, 1993 4:09 PM

I missed the beginning of this thread, but if you are speaking about the Sony CDU31A, I have one which came as part of the MediaVision Fusion CD16 mulitimedia kit. It connects to the soundboard, so companies other than Gateway must be involved. FWIW I'm very pleased with mine. I haven't found anything it couldn't handle, speed is ok. According to the list that Kodak puts out, it is PhotoCD multisession capable. Tim

#43582From: Paul AbrahamsMar 20, 1993 8:45 PM

Tim– The beginning of this thread had to do with my quest for native OS/2 drivers for the 31A. Apparently they don't exist and no one knows when they will exist. Paul

#43653From: Joe KuzmaMar 21, 1993 5:03 PM

Tim, The Sony CD31a that comes with the Mediavision Fusion CD16 kit uses a special version of the PAS-16 that has a Sony proprietary interface built into it instead of the SCSI interface. Joe

#43981From: Robert SimpsonMar 24, 1993 7:24 PM

Paul, Yes, that is what I am hearing from other sources, that the Sony 31A uses a proprietary interface board. As a result, the OS/2 drivers are unavailable until Sony or the interface board mfr gets around to writing them. So far, my best bet seems to be the SoundBlaster Pro 16 Mulitmedia kit for around $400. The alternative is a SCSI CD-ROM drive and an Adaptec or Future Domain SCSI interface board, but I'm not sure how well they would co-exist with my IDE hard drive controller. Thanks again. Rob

#43652From: Joe KuzmaMar 21, 1993 5:02 PM

I have a Sony 31a CD-ROM, bought through Gateway. It utilizes a proprietary interface card (no interupt), and as far as I know not available in SCSI format. I also have a PAS-16 which has a SCSI interface on it, and it does not interfere with my IDE controller. I enjoy my Sony 31a CD-ROM, works well — and even though its said to be a slow drive I find its performance good.

#44099From: George CrandallMar 25, 1993 5:24 PM

The 31A SONY drive is not SCSI but a propritory interface drive refered to as SONY Bus.

#44198From: James G. VizzardMar 26, 1993 5:21 PM

I work with IBM Personal Software Products (includes multimedia and OS/2). You will be happy to know that OS/2 2.1 beta with MMPM/2 extensions support the PAS 16 most superbly. The SCSI adapter on the card uses Trantor's SCSI driver and will support most SCSI based CD-ROMs. Gabriel