Sony Support

DVDirect® VRD-MC5 System Software Update

Applicable Models

IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.

This information is for the following models:

  • VRD-MC5

About this download

Benefits and improvements

This utility updates the DVDirect VRD-MC5 system software and resolves an intermittent recording issue that may occur during "one-touch disc burn". This issue occurs when a portion of footage from a Handycam® camcorder does not copy properly to the DVD when AVCHD™ footage is recorded in "HD FX" mode and other modes exist.

Note: Video footage recorded with a Handycam camcorder in "HD FX" mode cannot be copied to DVD as AVCHD footage.

System Requirements

Operating Systems

  • System Software

File Info

File Name

  • MC5UPDATER.EXE

File Version

  • SNDF8U41

File Size

  • 4.46 MB

Release Date

  • 03-23-2010

Before You Start


Important Notes

  • WARNING!! Do not turn off the drive or remove the software update media during the update process.
  • This utility requires a computer capable of writing to a compatible memory card and a compatible memory card or a computer capable of creating a CD data disc and a blank CD-R/RW. During this process, the "SNDF8U41.DA1" file is extracted and saved to a temporary location, then copied to the memory card or recorded to a blank CD-R/RW.
  • Please see "About Memory Cards" in the Operating Instructions for more information about compatible recording media.
  • During the system software update, previous settings are reset and the recording history for copying new video and images are cleared.
  • During the installation of this file, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights.
  • To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
  • It is highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

Download & Install


Download and Installation Instructions

  1. To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
  2. Download the MC5UPDATER.EXE file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
  3. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the MC5UPDATER.EXE file to begin the installation.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to extract the file to the desired location.
  5. At the "WinZip Self-Extractor - MC5UPDATER.EXE" dialog, click the "Browse" button to locate and select the desired location to save the extracted file, then click "Unzip".
  6. At the "3 file(s) unzipped successfully" dialog, click "OK", and then click "Close".
  7. The "SNDF8U41.DA1" file should now be saved to a temporary or download directory. Please copy this file from the temporary or download directory to the memory card or use your CD burning software to record the file to a blank CD-R/RW.

    Note: The "SNDF8U41.DA1" file must be recorded to the root directory of the memory card or CD-R/RW. Do not create a folder or save the file in a folder on the memory card or CD-R/RW.

After saving the "SNDF8U41.DA1" file to the memory card or recording to a blank CD-R/RW, you are ready to update the software on the DVDirect drive.
How to install the DVDirect System Software Update
  1. Ensure the DVDirect drive is powered on.
  2. On the DVDirect drive, press the "RETURN" button to display the menu screen.
  3. Insert the memory card or CD-R/RW containing the "SNDF8U41.DA1" file into the DVDirect drive.
  4. AT the "Menu" screen, press the "down arrow" button until "Setup" is selected, then press "ENTER".
  5. AT the "Setup" screen, press the "up arrow" button until "System Info" is selected, then press "ENTER".
  6. At the "System Info" screen, the current revision is displayed, select "OK" to update, and then press "ENTER".
  7. At the "System Info" screen, the current revision is displayed along with the version to be installed, select "OK" to confirm, and then press "ENTER".
  8. The update will start and read "Upgrading firmware... This will take about 15min" in the display.

    IMPORTANT: Do not turn off the drive or remove the software update media during the update process.

  9. After the update is complete, the DVDirect drive will automatically restart and become ready for use.

    Note: When using CD-R/RW media, the update disc will load and display the message "Unavailable disc inserted. Insert a compatible disc.". Please disregard this message and remove the disc from the drive.

The installation of the DVDirect System Software Update is complete.
How to confirm the current System Software Revision
  1. Power on the DVDirect drive.
  2. On the DVDirect drive, press the "RETURN" button to display the "Menu" screen.
  3. AT the "Menu" screen, press the "down arrow" button until "Setup" is selected, then press "ENTER".
  4. AT the "Setup" screen, press the "up arrow" button until "System Info" is selected, then press "ENTER".
  5. At the "System Info" screen, the current revision "41R1-BS25" should appear in the display.