User manual PLEXTOR PX-708UF

Model PX-708UF External USB/FIREWIRE DVD±R/RW AND CD-R/RW DRIVE INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL AUGUST 2003 Plextor reserves the right to make improvements in the products described in this manual at any time without prior notice. Plextor makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Plextor Corp. reserves the right to revise this manual and to make changes in its content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revision or change. This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not be copied, photocopied, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without Plextor's prior permission. Manual copyright ©2003 Plextor Corp. First edition, August 2003. Licenses and Trademarks Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor Corp. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Record Your Serial Number For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code (found on your drive's label) in the space provided below. TLA/Firmware Revision Number DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Model Number: PX-708UF Trade Name: PLEXTOR Responsible Party: PLEXTOR Co., Ltd. Address: 48383 Fremont Blvd, Suite 120, Fremont, CA 94538-6509, USA Telephone Number: 510-440-2000 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. · Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. · Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. · Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS STATEMENT This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. LASER INFORMATION These products have been designed and manufactured according to IEC 60825-1 on the Safety of Laser products. This product comes under "Class 1 Laser Products." CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. A Laser Caution Label is attached on the bottom of the external drive model. The label reads: "CAUTION ­ CLASS 3B VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM." Bottom View of External Drive Showing Caution Label Location Detail of Laser Caution Labels The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is visible and invisible. Accordingly: · Do not open the optical pickup housing. · Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel. CAUTION: To disconnect the DVD/CD drive from an electrical current, pull out the computer's power plug. Table of Contents 1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1 About this Manual ...........................................................................1 Meet Your PX-708UF .....................................................................2 What the PX-708UF Does...........................................................2 Features of the PX-708UF...........................................................3 Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-708UF ..........................5 What You Can Do with the PX-708UF.......................................6 What's In the Box............................................................................6 Save Your Box! ...........................................................................7 PX-708UF Drive Features and Controls..........................................8 Front Panel--PX-708UF External Drive.....................................8 Rear Panel--PX-708UF External Drive....................................10 About Software..............................................................................12 Precautions ....................................................................................13 2. Installing Your PX-708UF External Drive................................15 Determine Your Computer's Operating System............................16 Determine What Interface to Use ..................................................16 Connect the PX-708UF Drive .......................................................17 Record the Serial Number and TLA Code ................................17 Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer...........................17 Identifying Cables and Ports......................................................19 If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire ...............................19 If You Have Windows 98SE and USB......................................20 Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized ..............................................21 Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces .....................22 If You're Using FireWire ..............................................................22 If You Have a Macintosh ..............................................................23 3. Using Your PX-708UF ................................................................25 What Media to Use........................................................................25 DVD Media ...............................................................................25 CD-ROM Media........................................................................25 Tray Loading and Operation..........................................................27 Handling DVD and CD Media ..................................................27 Cleaning Your DVDs and CDs .................................................28 Mounting Position .........................................................................29 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual v Table of Contents Playing DVDs ............................................................................... 29 Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 30 Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 30 Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ...................................................... 31 Disc/Busy Color ........................................................................ 31 Disc/Busy Indicator Blink Rate................................................. 32 Switching Between SpeedRead and Silent Operation................... 32 Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology ...................... 33 Advantages of VariRec Technology ............................................. 34 How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined ...................... 34 Changing the VariRec Setting................................................... 35 When You Write with VariRec................................................. 35 Advantages of Overburn ............................................................... 35 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................ 37 Cleaning the PX-708UF Drive...................................................... 37 Upgrading Firmware ..................................................................... 38 Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 38 Emergency Eject ........................................................................... 39 Using the Self-Test Diagnostics.................................................... 39 What You'll Need ..................................................................... 39 Performing the Self-Test ........................................................... 40 What the Self-Test Results Indicate .......................................... 41 5. Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................... 43 Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications.......................................... 45 Appendix B: Technical Support .................................................... 59 How to Contact Plextor Technical Support................................... 60 Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support....................... 60 Returns .......................................................................................... 61 Contacting Plextor's RMA Department .................................... 61 Packing Your Drive................................................................... 62 Shipping Your Drive to Plextor ................................................ 62 Appendix C: Warranty................................................................... 63 If You're Outside the U.S. or Canada ........................................... 64 Index................................................................................................. 65 vi PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 1. Getting Started Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-708UF, a reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and CD writer, rewriter, and player. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us. Our goal is to put you--and keep you--on the leading edge of DVD and CD technology. About this Manual Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference. Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. If your drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor's Technical Support Department. In this manual you should find all the information you need to successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive. If you run into a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, however, please contact us. (See "Appendix B: Technical Support" for the different ways you can reach us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech support engineers. What might seem like an uncooperative drive to you could very well be a 30-second fix to them. But we will never know unless you contact us. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 1 Section 1. Getting Started Meet Your PX-708UF The PX-708UF is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. What the PX-708UF Does For DVDs, the PX-708UF: · Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, "plus" format) media at up to 8X speed. · Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, "minus" format) media at up to 4X speed. · Writes DVD+RW (re-writable DVD, "plus format") media at up to 4X speed. · Writes DVD-RW (re-writable DVD, "minus format") media at up to 2X speed. · Supports DVD+VR real time editing. · Reads DVD discs at up to 12X. · Reads DVD-Video discs at 5X-12X (single layer discs) or 3X-8X (dual layer) discs. · Supports DVD+RW background format. For CDs, the PX-708UF: · Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 40X speed. · Writes to CD-RW (re-writable CD) media at up to 24X speed. · Reads all CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R data media at a maximum of 40X speed. · Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R audio media at up to 40X speed. · Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 32X speed. 2 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started Features of the PX-708UF · USB 2.0 and FireWire interface: Features both USB 2.0 and FireWire® (IEEE 1394), to connect to a PC or Macintosh computer with either of these high-speed interfaces. Supports both Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (480 megabits per second) and Full-Speed USB 1.1 (12 megabits per second). · PoweRec: Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control (PoweRec) adjusts laser power and writing speed so they're at the optimum settings for that particular disc. (For example, when you're writing a DVD, PoweRec checks to see if the maximum 8X speed is possible, and sets the optimum write speed.) You can enable and disable PoweRec. · MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set. · Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-708UF to the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the computer or physically accessing the drive. · Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical distortion by absorbing reflections from the laser beam, enhancing read quality. · Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play. · Self-test diagnostics: The PX-708UF has a self-test diagnostic function for easy troubleshooting. DVD Features · Lossless linking for DVD+RW: Allows DVD+RW discs to be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players. · Zero Link for DVD-RW: Has 0 byte gap between sessions so the discs are compatible with all players. This allows DVD-RW discs to be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players. · Wide DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW media compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW media. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 3 Section 1. Getting Started · Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multiborder, multi-session, DVD+VR, for read and write; supports DVDVR for read only. · Versatile recording modes: Including sequential write, multi session, random access write. · Mount Rainier: DVD+MRW (Mount Rainier) physical formatting in background is supported. · SpeedRead/silent operation: For DVD-Video discs equipped with CSS copy protection, you can set DVD playback speed for fast playback (SpeedRead) or leave at the factory default for silent operation. CD-R and CD-RW Features · Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once, session-at-once, multi-session, variable and fixed packet writing, and CD-MRW (Mount Rainier). · Buffer Underrun Proof Technology: Eliminates buffer underrun errors, so you can safely use your computer for other tasks while you're writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. · Wide compatibility: Wide CD-R and CD-RW media compatibility. · Orange Book compatibility: Compatible with Orange Book, Parts II and III. · UDF support: UDF file system implemented through packet writing. · OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write strategy. · VariRec: Lets you record at low speeds (4X or 8X) for highest quality, while providing user adjustment of the recording power above or below a default level. This adjustment lets you customize the optimum laser power to your own needs. · CD-TEXT, CD+G: Supports CD-TEXT and CD+G writing. 4 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started · Overburn: Lets you burn more information on a standard disc-- audio up to 99 minutes 59 seconds in length, or a data disc up to 875 MB in capacity. Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-708UF Here's what you'll need in order to install and use the PX-708UF drive. · Computer: Y PC: Pentium III 700-MHz CPU or faster. Y Macintosh: Requires Mac OS 9.1 or higher. · Minimum RAM: 128 MB. · Interface: USB (2.0 or 1.1) or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface. · Hard disk size: To write to a CD in image mode (that is, to write an image of a CD to your hard disk), you need 1 GB of free space. For a DVD, 6 GB of free space is recommended. (For more accurate guidelines, see the help files or documentation for the recording software you're using.) · Operating System: Y PC: Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE. Y Macintosh: For FireWire and USB 1.1, OS 9.1 or higher recommended. For USB 2.0, OS X is required. NOTE: You cannot use the PX-708UF with early versions of Windows 98; if you are using Windows 98, it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition). NOTE: The built-in USB ports on older computers (and even on inexpensive new ones) provide only USB 1.1--that is, Full-Speed (12 Mbps) USB. This limits the CD-RW drive performance to 4X write, 4X rewrite, and 6X read, while DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X. For optimum performance if your PC or Macintosh does not have built-in USB 2.0, use the FireWire port, if available. Or, for PCs (and Macs with expansion capability), you can purchase and install a third-party PCI USB 2.0 or FireWire plug-in host adapter card. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 5 Section 1. Getting Started What You Can Do with the PX-708UF Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-708UF: · Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R, -R, +RW and -RW discs. · Play DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs. · Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media. · Play music CDs. · Save photos and other images on rewritable or writable CDs. · Create a CD or DVD "sneakernet" to share information with colleagues--just use software such as Roxio's DirectCD to drag and drop files onto DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R or CD-RW media, then continue adding files and sharing the same disc. · Archive images and video to DVD or CD. · Master new software programs on DVD or CD. What's In the Box What you find in your Plextor box depends on what the company that sold you the box put in--or took out--while the Plextor drive was in their possession. Plextor currently sells the PX-708UF drive in this configuration: · PX-708UF DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive · USB 2.0 cable · IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable · AC adapter and power cord · Emergency eject tool · Cradle for vertical operation · 1 piece of approved DVD+R media · Plextor DVD with bundled software for writing DVDs and CDs · PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 6 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started If the security sticker on top of your box is cut, there may be a good reason: for example, a dealer may have added other components or Save Your Box! software. Carefully check Be sure to save the box after you have the contents to ensure installed your drive. The box and its nothing has been packaging material were designed and removed. If something is drop tested to ensure your can endure missing, contact the party rough treatment and still arrive in from whom you working order. If you have to ship your purchased the box for an drive back to Plextor, you'll want to explanation. send it in the original box. (For more NOTE: This applies to the details about returning your drive to Plextor retail box. Your Plextor, see page 61.) drive may have been shipped in a different box with other contents, depending on whom you purchased the drive from and what they included inside the box. If your drive came pre-installed, some or all of the items above may have been installed and may not be separately available. See the Plextor web site for locations to purchase additional or replacement accessories. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 7 Section 1. Getting Started PX-708UF Drive Features and Controls Before proceeding, you should become familiar with the controls and features of your Plextor drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below. Front Panel--PX-708UF External Drive Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-708UF external drive · Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated yellow for disc initializing, reading, and ejecting. Illuminated amber for writing. (Blink rate indicates writing speed.) Illuminated green during standby and when Buffer Underrun Proof Technology is operational. · Disc tray: Slides out to allow you to insert a disc. · Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered speakers. · Volume control: Controls volume of headphone jack. NOTE: The volume control on the front panel of your drive adjusts only the sound level of the headphone jack. It has no impact on the volume level of the rear panel audio outputs. 8 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started · Emergency eject hole: If the automatic eject button does not work, turn the power switch to OFF, then insert the emergency eject tool, paper clip, or other thin, rigid object in this hole to eject the disc tray manually. · Power indicator: Illuminated blue when the PX-708UF drive power is ON. · Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray back into the PX-708UF. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the eject button to load the tray. This button also controls SpeedRead and silent operation for DVDVideo discs with CSS protection. To enable SpeedRead, with the disc tray empty, press and hold the eject button for 3 seconds, then insert a DVD-Video disc. The disc is played back at an accelerated speed. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 9 Section 1. Getting Started Rear Panel--PX-708UF External Drive Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-708UF external drive · L. R audio out RCA jacks: Output of analog stereo signal. Connect a sound board or audio amplifier here, if desired. Connectors for left, right channels are standard RCA type. Red connector is right channel. · IEEE 1394 4-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire) cable with a 4-pin connector here. · IEEE 1394 6-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable with a 6-pin connector here. NOTE: The PX-708UF does not get its power from the IEEE 1394 bus or the USB bus. It must be connected to the AC adapter. CAUTION: Use only the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable shipped with your PX-708UF. 10 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started · Interface switch: Switch the PX-708UF drive to operate with a different interface (USB, IEEE 1394). This allows you to connect the drive to either interface, depending on the requirements of your computer. If you change interfaces with this switch, you must also cycle the PX-708UF power. (That is, turn the power switch off, then on again.) · USB 2.0 connector: Connect the USB cable here. You can use a USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 interface. CAUTION: Use only the USB cable shipped with your PX-708UF. · DC 12 V power connector: Connect the AC adapter here. CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PX-708UF. · Power switch: Press this switch to turn the power on or off. Press the "0" down to turn power off. Press the "1" down to turn power on. · SELF TEST switch: Set switch to the right (off) for normal operation, or set it to the left (ON) to execute the self-test diagnostic routine. To execute a self-test: 1) Disconnect the USB or FireWire cable, 2) turn the drive power switch OFF, 3) set the SELF-TEST switch ON (left), 4) press and hold the eject button while turning the power switch ON, and 5) insert a blank CD or DVD disc. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 11 Section 1. Getting Started About Software In order to record on DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW discs you will need to have mastering, packet writing, or duplication software installed on your computer system. If you purchased a retail kit from Plextor, you'll get software packages that include such software. You can use Roxio's Easy CD Creator DVD Edition to burn both DVDs and CDs. The software lets you burn and share anything on CD or DVD, including music, photos, and videos. You can also back up your critical data to a CD or DVD. One component of Easy CD Creator is DirectCD, which makes the Plextor PX-708UF drive as easy to use as a hard disk drive. You can drag and drop files, rename files, delete files, and create new directories right on the recordable CD or DVD disc. You can even save files directly from your word processing software, spreadsheet, or other application directly to the disc. (For more information about Easy CD Creator, install this application and examine the help files.) For details on other software packages that are available for writing to DVDs or CDs, please visit the web sites of the companies whose software you are interested in, refer to their user's manuals, or look at the help option within the software. A list of various software packages that you can use with your Plextor drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of www.plextor.com. 12 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started Precautions Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-708UF requires reasonable care in its installation and use. · Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants. · Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids, to touch the drive. Thinner, benzene, or alcohol-based solvents can mar your drive's surface. · Do not drop or jolt the drive. · Do not move, carry or transport a disc in the drive because this can cause damage. · Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser beam. For your safety, entrust service to experienced service personnel only. · Keep your DVDs and CDs free of dirt or other contaminants, by storing them in jewel cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not insert dirty, warped, poorly balanced, or cracked discs into the drive. · Do not clean CD and DVD discs using a circular motion. Instead, using a soft, dry cloth, wipe gently in a radial motion. Start at the center of the disc and proceed to the outer edge. · Do not attempt to clean your drive using solvent-based cleaners or an air compressor. · Do not attempt to clean your drive using a CD cleaning disc. These discs can damage your drive permanently. 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