My Plextor PX-716A came with Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 Basic DVD Edition (REMC7/BDE). I found the Roxio software operation smooth. Also I found the interface well designed and logical.

WHen the PX-716A died a little while back, I purchased a Sony DRU-810A because it got better user reviews on Amazon.com than the PX-716A. (Apparently the DRU-810A is a rebadged BenQ DW1640).

When I first installed the Sony drive, I kept on using the Roxio software that came with the Plextor drive, and had no problems.

However, when I got around to closely reading the Sony manual, on page 20 I saw a warning telling users it would invalidate the drive warranty if they used any software other than the Nero 6 software bundled with the drive.

THe Sony manual especially warns against using packet writing software such as Roxio Drag-to-Disc, BHA B's Clip, and Sonic DLA.

So I uninstalled the Roxio software and replaced it with Nero 6, whose interface I find cluttered and confusing.

Would it be safe to go back to Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 ?

Will much appreciate advice.

In a few words-DO NOT use Packet Writing programs as bundled with Roxio (DLA) or NERO InCD if you can avoid it. Been there and the results can be quite strange. To completely avoid this issue I have switched from both of these programs and now use Ashampoo Burning Studio 6 and their Audio/CD Studio. Both are very simple, inexpensive and do everything that the Sony drive was designed for. You can check them out for free. There is actually little need to "format" a CD-R/RW for most tasks BTW.
As to the Sony manual, that is a very interesting observation. If you are going to do a complete install of NERO 6, may I suggest that you make absolutely certain that Roxio is totally removed from both the files and Registry-it does leave a few things behind that need to go. This also applies to the Nero program.
This is my experience.

I think it's safe to use Roxio if you want. The disadvantage is if you need tech support you won't be able to send a Roxio log file because they'll probably say it's the software fault. Without a log file though they can't tell what software you're using. I wouldn't use packet-writing either. I've had nothing but bad luck when it's installed on my cpu.

There's nothing wrong with Roxio software, at least V7 & V7.5. Roxio's DragToDisk , in my experience, is by far the best packet writing software around & has never caused me any problems over the many years I've had in installed on my systems.

Nero's InCD & Sonic DLA are another matter all together & I wouldn't have them near my PCs.

For Sony to say you can only use Nero is absolute rubbish. Firstly they'll never know anyway & secondly it wouldn't stand up in law.