User manual PLEXTOR PX-M401U

Model PX-M401U MPEG-1/2/4 DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER FOR USB 2.0 INTERFACE INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL JANUARY 2004 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, 2004 Plextor Corp. Second edition, January 2004. Licenses and Trademarks Plextor, and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks and ConvertX is a trademark of Plextor Corp. InterVideo is a registered trademark, and WinDVD Creator and WinDVD are trademarks of InterVideo, Inc. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Notice This product and software are designed to help you in reproducing materials for which you own the copyright or have obtained permission to copy from the copyright owner. Unless you own the copyright or have permission to copy from the copyright owner, you may be violating copyright laws and may be subject to payment of damages and/or other penalties. If you are uncertain about your rights, you should contact your legal advisor. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Model Number: PX-M401U Trade Name: PLEXTOR Responsible Party: PLEXTOR Corp. 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. This page intentionally left blank. Table of Contents 1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1 About this Manual ...........................................................................1 Meet Your ConvertX.......................................................................1 What You Can Do with the ConvertX.........................................2 Features of the Plextor ConvertX ................................................3 What You Need to Use the ConvertX .............................................3 What's in the Box ............................................................................4 ConvertX Features and Controls .....................................................5 Front Panel ..................................................................................5 Rear Panel....................................................................................6 A Word about MPEG-4...................................................................7 Precautions ......................................................................................8 2. Installing Your ConvertX .............................................................9 Install the ConvertX Video Converter .............................................9 Installing the ConvertX Device Driver........................................9 Install the ConvertX Drivers......................................................12 Turning the ConvertX On and Off ............................................17 Don't Forget to Register!...........................................................17 If the Installation Failed.............................................................18 Make Sure the ConvertX Is Recognized ...................................18 Troubleshoot Other Devices......................................................19 Changing to Another Computer ................................................19 Connect the Video Input to the ConvertX .....................................20 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator..........................21 Install the WinDVD Creator Software ..........................................21 Start Capturing Video....................................................................22 Overview of Creating a CD or DVD Disc.....................................23 Capturing .......................................................................................25 Configuring Your Input Device.................................................28 Editing ...........................................................................................29 Adjusting a Video Clip ..............................................................31 Adding and Adjusting a Transition ...........................................32 Adding and Adjusting a Title ....................................................33 Adding Audio and Audio Effects ..............................................33 Importing More Media Content.................................................33 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual v Table of Contents Previewing Your Project ........................................................... 34 Viewing File Properties............................................................. 34 Saving Your Project .................................................................. 34 Creating......................................................................................... 35 Deleting a Chapter Mark ........................................................... 36 Adding a Chapter Mark............................................................. 37 Editing a Theme Menu.............................................................. 37 Sharing .......................................................................................... 37 Burning a Disc .......................................................................... 39 Burning Options ........................................................................ 40 Compression Options ................................................................ 41 Where to Go from Here................................................................. 42 4. Using the WinDVD Player.......................................................... 43 Install the WinDVD 4 Software .................................................... 43 Launch the WinDVD Player ......................................................... 44 Use the WinDVD Controls ........................................................... 45 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................ 47 Upgrading Firmware ..................................................................... 47 Troubleshooting Hints................................................................... 48 Problems with Installation......................................................... 48 Problems with Capture.............................................................. 48 Appendix A: Specifications ............................................................ 49 ConvertX Specifications ............................................................... 49 WinDVD Creator Specifications................................................... 52 Appendix B: Technical Support..................................................... 53 How to Contact Plextor Technical Support................................... 54 Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call .......................................... 54 Returns .......................................................................................... 55 Contacting Plextor's RMA Department .................................... 55 Packing Your ConvertX ............................................................ 56 Shipping Your ConvertX to Plextor.......................................... 56 Appendix C: Warranty................................................................... 57 If You're Outside the U.S. or Canada ........................................... 58 Index................................................................................................. 59 vi ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 1. Getting Started Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® ConvertXTM Digital Video Converter. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us. Our goal is to put you--and keep you--on the leading edge of video capture and compression 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 ConvertX needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor's Technical Support Department. (See "Appendix B: Technical Support" for the different ways you can reach us.) Meet Your ConvertX The Plextor ConvertX is a high-quality digital video converter that takes analog video from a video camera, camcorder, VCR, or cable source and provides high-quality compressed MPEG-1/2/4 digital video for display or archiving onto recordable CD or DVD discs. Figure 1: The ConvertX changes analog video to compressed digital video ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 1 Section 1. Getting Started What You Can Do with the ConvertX Uncompressed full-motion video with sound takes as much as one megabyte of storage space per second of video. But with your ConvertX, you can compress that video so that an entire movie fits onto a DVD-- or even a CD! The ConvertX Digital Video Converter and the bundled InterVideo® WinDVD CreatorTM software let you: · Capture: Capture video and sound from analog or digital sources · Edit: Modify that video to get just what you want · Create: Author compelling video projects, complete with titles, menus, sounds, and music · Share: Actually make movies and burn them onto recordable DVD and CDs. In addition, the bundled WinDVD software lets you view your videos and play video files. The ConvertX lets you quickly and easily convert analog images on videotapes into digital video on CDs or DVDs. You can also create new videos for your CD or DVD player or computer, or Webcasts for the Internet. Your ConvertX offers MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats, with compression that allows users to store up to 100 minutes of digital video on a CD, or up to 10 hours on a DVD. The bundled WinDVD CreatorTM software guides you through each step of capturing and editing video, adding effects, and burning the finished product. You get everything you need for quality digital production--just what you'd expect from Plextor. 2 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started Features of the Plextor ConvertX · Analog-to-digital conversion: Convert analog video from your camcorder or VCR into digital format for a computer. · Archiving video memories: Archive your video on long-lasting CD or DVD discs. · Real-time MPEG-1/2/4 hardware video capture: Select the best type for your quality and speed requirements. · USB connection: Use Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (480 megabits per second), for video capture at high bit rates. A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection maximizes data throughput to the host computer, enabling the highest speed video capture using MPEG-2 compression. · Hardware encoder: For fast conversion of analog source video into digital output video. · Video and audio synchronization: For rich, true-to-life video. · Bundled WinDVD Creator software: For capturing, editing, authoring, and exporting video. · Bundled WinDVD 4 software: Video player software for viewing video. · S-Video and composite video: Supports both popular types of video input. · One year warranty: And unlimited toll-free tech support. What You Need to Use the ConvertX What You Need: · Computer: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster · Minimum memory: At least 256 MB of memory · Hard disk size: At least 10 GB of free space recommended · Monitor resolution: 1024 x 768, 24 bit color · Video graphics card: With 24-bit resolution capability and DirectX support · Sound card: Windows-compatible sound card with 48-kHz playback. (Using a plug-in PCI sound card is recommended.) · CD-ROM drive: For installation. · USB interface: USB 2.0 required. · Operating system: Windows XP or 2000 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 3 Section 1. Getting Started Also Highly Recommended: · CD-RW drive: To burn CDs, Video CDs, or MiniDVDs. · DVD+RW or DVD-RW drive: To burn DVDs, CDs or Video CDs . · Operating system updates: To enhance your experience, Plextor highly recommends that you update your computer's Windows operating system with the following service packs (or later service packs) before you install the ConvertX drivers. Suggested service packs include: Y Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 Y Windows XP Home XP Pro Service Pack 1 What's in the Box Check the contents of the box. You should have: · ConvertX Digital Video Converter · AC adapter (100­240 V) and power cord · USB 2.0 cable · Set of audio/video (A/V) cables · S-Video cable · ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual · Plextor CD with: Y Plextor ConvertX USB device driver Y InterVideo® WinDVD CreatorTM and WinDVDTM 4 player software Y Adobe® Acrobat® Reader Y PDF of Spanish-language users manual Y PDF of French-language users manual 4 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started ConvertX Features and Controls Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your ConvertX. Front Panel Figure 2: Front panel of the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Connector or Indicator Audio Function Audio connector: Connect audio input here, using the RCA audiovideo cables. The red connector is the right-hand stereo channel Video connector: Connect composite video here, using the RCA A/V cable. S-Video connector: If S-Video is available, connect it here using the S-Video cable. Recording indicator LED: Amber when converting video from analog to digital. Power LED: Blue when the AC adapter and USB cable are connected and the computer is turned on. 1 2 Video 3 S-Video 4 Record 5 Power ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 5 Section 1. Getting Started Rear Panel Figure 3: Rear panel of the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Connector DC 9V Function Power connector: Connect the AC adapter here. The unit has an automatic power switch controlled by the USB cable from the PC. When the PC power is on, the ConvertX power is also on. CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your ConvertX. 2 USB 2.0 USB 2.0 connector: Connect your USB cable here. CAUTION: Use only the USB cable shipped with your ConvertX. 1 6 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started A Word about MPEG-4 Together, this version of the ConvertX and WinDVD Creator support two types of MPEG-4 compression: · Real-time MPEG-4 (ISO) compression, with file extension .mpg, is supported by the ConvertX. · MPEG-4 (DivX) compression, file extension .avi, is supported by WinDVD Creator through a software encoder. There are some differences in how you use these formats. For input, the ConvertX hardware encoder can capture video and compress it using the MPEG-4 (ISO) standard, saving valuable space on your hard disk. You can play this MPEG-4 video and view it on your computer using the WinDVD 4 player. You cannot edit it or convert it into another format. For output, WinDVD Creator software includes a DivX software coderdecoder, or "codec." So you can take uncompressed video, or MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video, edit this video, and output it in the compressed MPEG 4 (DivX) format. DivX compressed video is a popular format, and is playable with Windows Media Player with a DivX decoder (see http://www.divx.com/) and with other decoders available on the Internet. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 7 Section 1. Getting Started Precautions Like the rest of your computer system, your ConvertX requires reasonable care in its installation and use. · Keep the area around your ConvertX clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants. The unit is not dustproof. · Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids, to touch the ConvertX. The unit is not waterproof. Furthermore, thinner, benzene, or alcohol-based solvents can mar the surface of your ConvertX. · Do not drop or jolt the ConvertX. · Do not attempt to open the ConvertX and service it yourself. Entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only. 8 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 2. Installing Your ConvertX Here's how to install your ConvertX. Install the ConvertX Video Converter Before installation, Plextor highly recommends that you get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system. If you have a computer with Windows 2000 or Windows XP, use the following procedure to connect your ConvertX USB Digital Video Converter. Installing the ConvertX Device Driver To install the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Driver: 1. Turn ON your computer system and make sure that all applications are turned off. Figure 4: Turn on the computer and insert the ConvertX software disc ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 9 Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 2. Insert the ConvertX software disc into your CD or DVD drive. You see the Plextor Application Installer screen. (If you don't see the installer screen right away, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the CD or DVD drive, and double-click the Plextor.exe file.) Figure 5: Plextor Application Installer screen 3. Select the ConvertX Device Driver button. You see the InstallShield Wizard for the Plextor M401U Codec. Figure 6: InstallShield Wizard for Plextor USB Codec 10 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 4. In the InstallShield Wizard click Next. You see a window asking for the destination location. CAUTION: Accept the default; do not change the destination location. Figure 7: Choose the destination location for the USB Codec 5. To choose the default location, click Next. The InstallShield installs the driver. Then you see a window showing that the InstallShield Wizard for the Plextor Codec is complete. Figure 8: Plextor USB Codec has been installed 6. Click Finish. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 11 Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 7. In the Plextor Application Installer screen you can click Exit. But leave the Plextor CD in your computer's drive for the next steps. Install the ConvertX Drivers IMPORTANT NOTE: In the next steps of this procedure, you will be installing three driver files into your computer. You'll see the "Found New Hardware" window three times, and you may feel like you're seeing the same dialog over and over again. This is normal. You don't need to shut down or reboot your computer until all drivers have been installed. 1. Connect the ConvertX to your computer as shown in Figure 9. Begin by making sure your computer is on. Figure 9: 1) Make sure the computer is on, 2) make sure the Plextor disc is inserted, 3) plug in the AC adapter, and then 4) connect the ConvertX 2. Make sure the Plextor disc is in the computer's drive. 3. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to your ConvertX. 12 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 4. Connect the USB cable from your ConvertX to the computer. You see a message indicating that Windows is installing a USB device, followed by a window indicating that Windows has Found New Hardware. The window asks if you want to install the software automatically or install from a specific location. Figure 10: Found New Hardware Wizard for the Plextor USB codec 5. Make sure Install the software automatically is selected and click Next. You may see a window that states the software has not passed Windows Logo testing. (This is OK.) Figure 11: Ignore this message and select Continue Anyway ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 13 Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 6. Click Continue Anyway. After a few moments you see a message indicating the wizard has finished installing the Plextor ConvertX USB driver. Figure 12: The first driver has been installed 7. In the Found New Hardware Wizard window, click Finish. Now you see a message indicating that Windows is installing another USB device, followed by another screen indicating that Windows has Found New Hardware. The window asks if you want to install the software automatically or install from a specific location. Figure 13: The Found New Hardware Wizard for the second driver 14 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual