Plextor PX-708UF Installation And User Manual
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Plextor PX-708UF Installation And User Manual

Usb/firewire dvd±r/rw and cd-r/rw drive
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Model PX-708UF External
USB/FIREWIRE DVD±R/RW AND CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
AUGUST 2003

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  • Page 1 Model PX-708UF External USB/FIREWIRE DVD±R/RW AND CD-R/RW DRIVE INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL AUGUST 2003...

  • Page 2: Record Your Serial Number

    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.

  • Page 3: Declaration Of Conformity

    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...
  • Page 4 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.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    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...
  • Page 6 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...

  • Page 7: Getting Started

    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.

  • Page 8: Meet Your Px-708Uf

    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.

  • Page 9: Features Of The Px-708Uf

    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.
  • Page 10 This adjustment lets you customize the optimum laser power to your own needs. • CD-TEXT, CD+G: Supports CD-TEXT and CD+G writing. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 11: Minimum Configuration To Use The Px-708Uf

    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: PC: Pentium III 700-MHz CPU or faster.

  • Page 12: What You Can Do With The Px-708Uf

    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.

  • Page 13: Save Your 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.

  • Page 14: Px-708Uf Drive Features And Controls

    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 •...
  • Page 15 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 DVD- Video discs with CSS protection.

  • Page 16: Rear Panel-Px-708Uf External Drive

    • 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.
  • Page 17 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.

  • Page 18: About Software

    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.

  • Page 19: Precautions

    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.
  • Page 20 Section 1. Getting Started This page intentionally left blank. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 21: Installing Your Px-708Uf External Drive

    USB. 3. Set the PX-708UF interface switch for IEEE 1394 or USB. 4. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PX-708UF. 5. Turn the drive’s power switch ON (the “1” position). 6. Connect the USB or FireWire cable (corresponding to the setting of the interface switch ) from your PX-708UF drive to the computer.

  • Page 22: Determine Your Computer's Operating System

    Windows Me or Windows XP or the Macintosh operating system. If you are not running one of these operating systems you cannot use the PX- 708UF. You cannot use the PX-708UF with early versions of Windows 98; it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition).

  • Page 23: Connect The Px-708Uf Drive

    To install the PX-708UF drive in a Windows-based computer: 1. Turn ON your computer system. 2. Set the interface switch at the rear of the PX-708UF drive to USB (switch to the right) if you are using a USB cable; or to 1394 (switch to the left) if you are using IEEE 1394 (FireWire).
  • Page 24 Section 2. Installing Your PX-708UF External Drive Figure 3: Connecting the AC adapter and USB or FireWire cable The drive should be automatically recognized by the computer. In some cases, you may have to reboot (turn the computer off, then on again) for the PX-708UF to be recognized.

  • Page 25: Identifying Cables And Ports

    Section 2. Installing Your PX-708UF External Drive Identifying Cables and Ports This illustration will help you identify the cables and computer ports and make the necessary connections. Figure 4: Identifying cables and ports on your computer If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire If you have a computer with Windows 98SE, to ensure stable operation when using the FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface, you’ll need to update...

  • Page 26: If You Have Windows 98Se And Usb

    If you have a DVD Player, insert the Plextor disc and install from the button labeled “98SE USB Driver.” If you do not have the Plextor disc or do not have a DVD player, download the PX-708UF drivers from: http://www.plextor.com/english/support/drivers /drivers.html#usb...

  • Page 27: Make Sure The Drive Is Recognized

    Windows icons displayed on the desktop. 2. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and ensure there is an icon for the PX-708UF. The drive may be D: or E: or another designator. 3. In Windows 98SE, or Me, once the system comes up click the Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel, then double-click on System icon, then click on Device Manager tab.

  • Page 28: Switching Between Usb And Ieee 1394 Interfaces

    1. Ensure the interface cable for the desired USB or IEEE 1394 interface is attached to the PX-708UF and to the computer. 2. At the rear of the PX-708UF, set the interface switch to the desired interface. 3. Cycle the PX-708UF power. (That is, turn the PX-708UF’s power switch off, then on again.)

  • Page 29: If You Have A Macintosh

    Section 2. Installing Your PX-708UF External Drive • The PX-708UF is not bus powered—that is, it doesn’t get its power from the IEEE 1394 cable—so you have to use the bundled AC adapter. If You Have a Macintosh If you have a Macintosh, use the following procedure to install your PX-708UF drive: 1.
  • Page 30 Section 2. Installing Your PX-708UF External Drive This page intentionally left blank. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 31: Using Your Px-708Uf

    • DVD+R and DVD+RW • DVD-R and DVD-RW Your PX-708UF can read and write either media format. That is, it supports all these types of DVD media: • Digital Video Discs: You can immediately play pre-recorded DVD discs, including movies and other DVDs.
  • Page 32 Figure 5: The logo identifies the type of CD-RW media See “Recommended Media” on page 46 for a list of Plextor-approved media at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com for an updated list.

  • Page 33: Tray Loading And Operation

    CAUTION: We recommend using a “non-toxic” marker, such as a Sharpie pen, that conforms to the ASTM D-4236 standard. Some permanent markers will damage the media. Also, do not press too hard when writing on the disc. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 3. Using Your PX-708UF...

  • Page 34: Cleaning Your Dvds And Cds

    Section 3. Using Your PX-708UF NOTE: We do not recommend placing self-sticking CD-R labels on the disc. The weight of the label may unbalance the disc and cause write errors during recording or read errors during reading. Also, attempting to remove the label may permanently damage the disc.

  • Page 35: Mounting Position

    Section 3. Using Your PX-708UF Mounting Position You can operate your PX-708UF drive in either a horizontal or a vertical position. If you are operating it in a vertical position, use the cradle to stabilize the drive. Figure 8: You can operate the PX-708UF horizontally or vertically CAUTION: Take special care not to shock or disturb the external drive when it is operated in a vertical position.

  • Page 36: Writing To Dvd Media

    You need special software that supports writing to DVD+R and DVD+RW discs: or to DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. The Roxio Easy CD Creator DVD Edition on the CD that accompanies your PX-708UF contains this software. You don’t need to specify whether to write to +R/RW or -R/RW discs.

  • Page 37: Using The Disc/Busy Indicator

    Green Read Yellow Write Blinking amber CD writing with Buffer Green or blinking Underrun Proof green Technology DVD Lossless Linking Green or blinking or Zero Link green PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Section 3. Using Your PX-708UF Disc/Busy On or...

  • Page 38: Disc/Busy Indicator Blink Rate

    To manually enable SpeedRead and speed up DVD playback: 1. Ensure the PX-708UF disc tray is closed and empty. 2. Press and hold the PX-708UF’s eject button for at least 3 seconds. The disc/busy indicator blinks green three times to indicate SpeedRead will be active for DVD-Video discs with CSS copy protection.

  • Page 39: Advantages Of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology

    • Turn off power to the drive. Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology The PX-708UF incorporates Buffer Underrun Proof Technology, which guarantees that you can write CD-R and CD-RW discs at high speed, and still use your computer for other tasks while you’re writing.

  • Page 40: Advantages Of Varirec Technology

    Advantages of VariRec Technology This drive is equipped with VariRec (Variable Recording) technology, a feature offered by Plextor that allows you to manually adjust the drive's laser power during the recording process. The drive supports VariRec for 4X and 8X CD-DA (audio) writing and data writing with CD-R discs.

  • Page 41: Changing The Varirec Setting

    Section 3. Using Your PX-708UF Changing the VariRec Setting VariRec lets you increase or decrease the laser power by up to 2 degrees in either the positive or negative direction from this default. You can change the laser power to do comparison testing with your CD player (home, auto, or CD-ROM drives) to find the power setting that best suits you.
  • Page 42 Section 3. Using Your PX-708UF This page intentionally left blank. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 43: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    Plextor representative. Cleaning the PX-708UF Drive Plextor drives are sealed against external contamination, so in a normal computer environment and with normal use, your drive should not require internal cleaning. However, if your drive has been in use for some time and has just recently started to exhibit read/write problems, it is possible that dust has accumulated on the laser lens.

  • Page 44: Upgrading Firmware

    However, we advise that our customers always update drives with the latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting a possible problem with your PX-708UF drive please visit our web site at www.plextor.com to check if you have the latest firmware. To obtain new firmware for your drive: 1.

  • Page 45: Emergency Eject

    5. Remove the DVD or CD from the disc tray. 6. Carefully push the disc tray shut. Using the Self-Test Diagnostics The PX-708UF contains a set of self-test diagnostics that can help isolate trouble and determine if a problem is in the drive or elsewhere. What You’ll Need To perform the tests you’ll need a blank piece of Plextor-recommended...

  • Page 46: Performing The Self-Test

    To perform the CD write/read test: 1. Unplug the USB or FireWire cable from the rear of the Plextor PX- 708UF drive. 2. Set the PX-708UF drive’s power switch to OFF (so the “0” is depressed).

  • Page 47: What The Self-Test Results Indicate

    8. Turn the PX-708UF power switch to OFF, and set the self-test switch to the right (OFF) position. 9. Turn the PX-708UF’s power switch to ON (so the “1” is depressed). 10. Reconnect the USB or FireWire cable from your PX-708UF drive to the computer.
  • Page 48 Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 49: Frequently Asked Questions

    DVD+RW formats are supported by Plextor, Philips, Sony, Hewlett- Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and other manufacturers. DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM are also supported by Plextor, as well as Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. No matter which format a DVD disc is recorded in, it can be read by most commercial DVD-ROM players.
  • Page 50 “recommended media,” and are also assembled into a media catalog and stored in firmware in Plextor drives. (See page 47 for a list of recommended media for the PX-708UF at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com for an updated list.) From time to time, the media catalog is updated with new manufacturers and part numbers as Plextor tests additional media.

  • Page 51: Appendix A: Px-708Uf Specifications

    For USB 2.0, OS X) Special considerations for Windows 98SE: To ensure stable IEEE 1394 operation with Windows 98SE, update Windows with Microsoft patch file before installing the PX-708UF. For Windows 98SE and USB, use the Plextor USB driver. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 52 Red/Yellow Book-compliant discs Media, Stamped CD Supported Orange Book Pt II-compliant discs (Type 74, Type 80) Media, CD-R Supported Orange Book Pt III-compliant discs Media, CD-RW Supported CD: 12 cm Media Size DVD: 12 cm PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 53 (although your results may be poor). CD-RW: 24X Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim CD-RW: Ricoh, Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim 10X-4X NOTE: All CD-RW media are rewritable up to 1,000 times. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications...
  • Page 54 2X CLV Yes (Single or dual-layer disc) NOTE: When a DVD-Video with CSS (copy protection via the Content Scrambling System) is loaded, the PX-708UF slows its playback speed to reduce drive noise. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R...
  • Page 55 2.4X CLV 2X CLV 1X CLV Write Speed, Speed DVD-R/RW 8X Z CLV 4X CLV 2.4X CLV 2X CLV 1X CLV PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications Mode-2 CD-DA Discs Discs Stamp,R, Stamp,R Stamp,R, Stamp,R, Stamp,R, Stamp,R,...
  • Page 56 2700 (CLV) 1350 (CLV) CD Transfer Speed Write (Kbps) Rate 3000~6000 (PCAV) 3000~4800 (PCAV) 3000~3600 (PCAV) 2400 (CLV) 1500 (CLV) 1200 (CLV) 600 (CLV) PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Ultra High Normal Speed Speed Speed CD-RW CD-RW CD-RW Media Media Media –...
  • Page 57 CD: < 100 msec. (typical), < 130 msec (max.) Sleep Mode Entered after 2 minutes of no access to drive (default setting) Wake Mode < 5 sec. (max.) to start drive after sleep PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications...
  • Page 58 Total harmonic distortion + noise: Max. 0.08% (1kHz) Dynamic range: Minimum 75dB (1kHz) Channel separation: Minimum 50dB (1kHz) Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz (0dB +1/-5dB) Headphone Wheel knob controls audio output level at front panel Volume headphone jack only. Control PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 59 Power Switch Turns power on and off. Power OFF is O; power ON is 1. 1394-USB Interface switch: switches the PX-708UF drive to Switch operate with a different interface (USB or IEEE 1394) PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications...
  • Page 60 (FireWire) cable shipped with your PX-708UF. Connector for attaching USB cable. Use only the USB Connector cable shipped with your PX-708UF You can connect to a USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 interface. SELF TEST For normal operation, leave the switch to the right Switch (off) position.
  • Page 61 CD/DVD read: 0.15G CD-R write: 0.15G CD-RW rewrite: 0.10G DVD write: 0.10G Vibration, Non- Sine sweep 5 minutes: 2.0G Operating (Power off, without disc) PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz 0-Pk (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz)
  • Page 62 < 3.8 lbs. (1.7 kg) Reliability MTBF 60,000 hours Tray Loading 50,000 load/unload cycles Read Error CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 block/10 Rate CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 block/10 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz)* 0-Pk (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz)* 0-Pk (5-300Hz)
  • Page 63 Europe Safety Laser Safety Taiwan BSMI Korea Australia/NZ C-Tick PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications Standard UL60950 (AC adapter and internal drive) FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 FCC Part 15B Class B CSA C22.2 No. 60950...
  • Page 64 Appendix A: PX-708UF Specifications This page intentionally left blank. PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 65: Appendix B: Technical Support

    If you have not been successful in your quest, our Technical Support Department will help you solve problems that relate specifically to your PX-708UF drive. In many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by your Plextor drive actually originates in another part of your computer.

  • Page 66: How To Contact Plextor Technical Support

    Appendix B: Technical Support How to Contact Plextor Technical Support There are several ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department: • Visit our web site (www.plextor.com) for answers to Frequently Asked Questions. • Send us e-mail at support@plextor.com. Include your telephone number and the hours during which you can be reached.

  • Page 67: Returns

    Returns In the unlikely event that you need to return a drive to Plextor, you need an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number. You need this number before any Plextor drive can be returned for repair or replacement. Here’s how you get an RMA number and return your drive: 1.

  • Page 68: Packing Your Drive

    Be sure to write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box. Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted. NOTE: The RMA number must be clearly visible on the outside of the shipping box.

  • Page 69: Appendix C: Warranty

    In the event this product is found to be defective within the warranty period, PLEXTOR will, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit.

  • Page 70: If You're Outside The U.s. Or Canada

    All drives returned to PLEXTOR must be securely packaged and shipped postage prepaid. The drive will be returned to the customer at Plextor’s expense when originating within the United States. For a drive originating outside of the United States, the customer is responsible for shipping costs in both directions.

  • Page 71: Index

    Index AC adapter connecting · 11 using with PX-708UF · 10 access time · 51 analog audio output · 10, 53 audio out connectors · 10, 53 background format, CD-RW · 2 black tray · 3 contents of · 6 shipping ·...
  • Page 72 · 32, 52 Buffer Underrun Proof Technology and · 52 color · 31, 52 dual layer disc · 2, 32 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual cleaning · 28 compatibility · 3 formats compared · 43 formats supported · 4, 48 media ·...
  • Page 73 CD · 48 DVD · 4, 43, 48 frequently asked questions · 43 front-panel controls · 8, 52 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Index hard disk size · 5, 45 headphone jack · 8, 52 headphone volume control · 52 high speed CD-RW disc/busy indication ·...
  • Page 74 OPC · See optimum power control operating system · 5, 45 optimum power control · 4, 34 orange book · 4, 46 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual overburn · 5, 35 requirements for · 35 packing for shipment · 62 performance specifications ·...
  • Page 75 · 4 safety standards · 57 security sticker · 7 self-test diagnostics · 3, 39, 40 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual Index self-test switch · 54 shipping your drive · 7, 61, 62 shock specification · 56 silent operation ·...
  • Page 76 Macintosh and · 44 ports · 5 transfer rates · 43 transfer speed · 54 USB cable shipped with PX-708UF · 11 variable recording technology · 34 VariRec · 4, 34 changing setting · 35 default setting · 34 writing speed with · 35 vibration specification ·...
  • Page 77 Notes PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 78 Notes PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 79 Notes PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 80 PLEXTOR CORP. 48383 Fremont Blvd. Suite 120 Fremont CA 94538-6509 www.plextor.com P/N 127-2807-00 Phone: 510-440-2000 800-886-3935 Fax: 510-651-9755 E-mail: info@plextor.com...

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