Plextor PX-800A User manual

Model PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive
DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),
DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
MARCH 2007

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
LLC 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 ©2007 Plextor LLC.
First edition, March 2007.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Shinano Kenshi
Kabushiki Kaisha. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their
respective owners.
Record Your Serial Number
For future reference, record the serial number in the space provided
below.

PX-800 Installation and Users Manual iii
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
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 top of the internal drive model, and the bottom of
the external drive model.
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 internal DVD/CD drive from an electrical current,
pull out the computer’s power plug. To disconnect the external DVD/CD drive, pull
out the plug of the AC adapter.

iv PX-800A Installation and Users Manual
Top View of Internal Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-800A Laser Caution Labels

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PX-800 Installation and Users Manual vi
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
What’s In This Manual ...............................................................1
Printing the Manual.....................................................................1
Meet Your PX-800A.......................................................................2
What the PX-800A Does.............................................................2
Features of the PX-800A.............................................................2
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-800............................... 5
What You Can Do with the PX-800A.........................................5
About Software...............................................................................6
Precautions......................................................................................6
Where to Go From Here .................................................................7
2. Installing the PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive...........................8
PX-800A Drive Features and Controls........................................... 8
Front Panel—PX-800A Internal Drive .......................................8
Rear Panel—PX-800A Internal Drive ........................................9
What Else Is In the PX-800A Box................................................ 10
Save Your Box!.........................................................................10
PX-800A QuickStart Installation..............................................12
Mount the PX-800A Drive............................................................ 12
Open the Computer and Prepare for Installation........................... 13
Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration ...............................14
Inspect Your Computer’s Cables..................................................15
Confirm That You Have an 80-Conductor IDE Cable..............16
Do You Have Cable Select?......................................................17
Do You Need a Power Cable? ..................................................18
Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper........................................................18
Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-800A Drive..............19
Select an IDE Configuration.........................................................21
About Cable Select .......................................................................26
Mount the PX-800A Drive............................................................ 27
Record the Serial Number......................................................... 27
Change the Front-Panel Color...................................................27
Mount the Drive in the Computer.............................................27
Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables........................................33

Table of Contents
PX-800A Installation and Users Manual vii
Where to Go From Here................................................................33
3. Using Your PX-800A...................................................................35
What Media to Use........................................................................35
DVD Media...............................................................................35
DVD-RAM Media.....................................................................36
CD-ROM Media........................................................................36
More About Media for Your PX-800A.....................................37
Tray Loading and Operation .........................................................37
Handling DVD and CD Media..................................................38
Cleaning Discs...........................................................................38
Mounting Position.........................................................................39
Playing DVDs ...............................................................................39
Writing to DVD Media..................................................................40
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW ...................................................40
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media............................................40
Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ......................................................41
4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................43
Cleaning the PX-800A Drive ........................................................43
Upgrading Firmware .....................................................................44
Emergency Eject ...........................................................................45
Changing the PX-800A Front-Panel Color ...................................46
Troubleshooting ............................................................................50
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................50
5. Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................52
Appendix A: PX-800A Specifications............................................56
Specifications for the PX-800A Drive ..........................................56
Appendix B: Technical Support.....................................................72
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................73
Before You E-mail or Call for Support.........................................73
Returns ..........................................................................................74
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department....................................74
Packing Your Drive...................................................................74
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor.................................................75
Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................76
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada ...........................................77
Index.................................................................................................78

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PX-800 Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-800A, 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.
What’s In This Manual
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.
Printing the Manual
This manual has been sized for viewing on a computer monitor screen.
To print a hard copy of this manual:
1. In Acrobat, select File | Print. You see the Print dialog box.
2. In the Print dialog box, choose the printer.
3. If you want to print on standard 8-1/2 x 11 paper, you can check the
Expand small pages to paper size box. This expands the manual’s
pages so they nearly fill up a standard-sized page.
4. When you have made your selections, click OK. The manual is
printed.

Section 1. Getting Started
2PX-800A Installation and Users Manual
Meet Your PX-800A
The PX-800A is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting
and reading.
What the PX-800A Does
For DVDs, the PX-800A:
•Writes DVD+R (“plus” format) and DVD-R (“dash” format) media
at up to 18X speed.
•Writes DVD+R DL (double layer) and DVD-R DL (dual layer)
media at up to 8X speed.
•Writes DVD-RAM discs at up to 12X speed.
•Writes DVD+RW (rewritable DVD, “plus” format) media at up to
8X speed.
•Writes DVD-RW (rewritable DVD, “dash” format) media at up to
6X speed.
•Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR format for read and write.
•Reads stamped DVD discs at up to 16X.
•Reads DVD-RAM discs at up to 12X.
For CDs, the PX-800A:
•Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.
•Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 32X speed.
•Reads all CD-ROM and CD-R data media at a maximum of 48X
speed.
•Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R/RW audio media at up to 40X
speed.
Features of the PX-800A
•Internal ATAPI
The PX-800A internal drive easily installs in virtually any PC
with an E-IDE ATAPI interface

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-800A Installation and Users Manual 3
•High speed transfers: The PX-800A supports data transfers via Ultra
DMA Mode 4, DMA Mode 2, and PIO Mode 4.
•MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set.
•Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-800A to the latest
firmware revision (available free from the Plextor web site) without
opening the computer or 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.
•Digital and analog audio outputs in the PX-800A: The PX-800A has
output connectors for both digital (SPDIF) and analog audio output.
•CPRM support: The PX-800A supports Content Protection for
Recordable Media (Read only), so you can play CPRM copy-
controlled media.
•Small form factor: To save space inside your computer, the depth of
the PX-800A is just 6.88 inches (175 millimeters), excluding the
bezel.
DVD Features
•Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL: Allows
DVD+RW discs to be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
•Zero Link for DVD-R/RW, DVD-R DL: 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.
•Double layer and dual layer DVD discs: Reads and writes DVD+R
DL (double layer) and DVD-R DL (dual layer) discs, so you can
burn up to 4 hours of high quality MPEG-2/DVD video on a single
8.5-gigabyte DVD disc.
•Wide media compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of DVD-
RAM, DVD±R and DVD±RW media.

Section 1. Getting Started
4PX-800A Installation and Users Manual
•DVD Multi Recorder: Supports the DVD Multi specification for read
and write; can read and write DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-Video,
multi-border, multi-session and DVD±VR.
•Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO) for DVD+R DL (double layer) discs; DAO, multi-session,
and incremental write for DVD+R; and sequential write for
DVD+RW.
•Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including disc-at-once
(DAO) for DVD-R DL (dual-layer); DAO and multi-border
recording for DVD-R; and DAO, multi-border recording, and
restricted overwriting for DVD-RW.
CD-R and CD-RW Features
•Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,
session-at-once, multi-session, and variable and fixed packet writing.
•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.
•OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum
Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write
strategy.
•CD-TEXT: Supports CD-TEXT for read and write.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-800A Installation and Users Manual 5
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-800
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-800 drive.
•Computer:
PX-800A: Computer CPU, Memory, and configuration
dependent on installed application requirements.
•Interface:
PX-800A: IDE ATAPI 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, 10 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:
PX-800A: Requires Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows
Vista
What You Can Do with the PX-800A
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-800A:
•Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL,
DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs.
•Play DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD+R,
DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs.
•Write onto DVD-RAM discs with your set-top box and read the
discs with your Plextor drive; or write to DVD-RAM with the
Plextor drive, then read those discs on your set-top box.
•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 Drag-to-Disc 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
6PX-800A Installation and Users Manual
About Software
In order to record on DVD±R DL, 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.
Roxio’s Easy Media Creator software is one software suite that lets you
burn DVDs and CDs. The software lets you burn and share anything on
CD or DVD, including music, photos, and videos; and you can easily
back up your critical data to a CD or DVD. One component of Roxio is
Drag-to-Disc, which makes the Plextor PX-800 drive as easy to use as a
hard disk drive. (For more information about Roxio, install this
application and examine the help files.)
For details on software that is 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 that you can use with
your Plextor drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of
www.plextor.com.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-800A 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-800A Installation and Users Manual 7
•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 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.
Where to Go From Here
•If you have a PX-800A internal ATAPI drive, see Section 2,
beginning on page 8, to learn how to install your drive.

PX-800 Installation and Users Manual 8
2. Installing the
PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive
This section explains how to physically install your PX-800A internal
ATAPI drive in your computer.
PX-800A Drive Features and Controls
Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of
your Plextor drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations
below.
Front Panel—PX-800A Internal Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-800A internal ATAPI drive
•Tray front door: Attached to disc tray drawer.
•Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading or writing.
•Emergency eject hole: If the automatic eject button does not work,
insert the emergency eject tool, paper clip, or other thin, rigid object
in this hole to eject tray. Turn OFF power before using this feature.

Section 2. Installing the PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive
PX-800A Installation and Users Manual 9
•Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray
back into the PX-800A. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the
eject button to insert the tray.
Rear Panel—PX-800A Internal Drive
Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-800A internal ATAPI drive
•Digital audio output connector: Outputs a digital stereo signal. Use
this to connect to a sound board that supports Sony/Philips Digital
Interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In.
•Analog audio output connector: Outputs an analog stereo signal.
Use this to connect to a sound board or audio amplifier. Use a
standard MPC-3 type, 4-pin connector.
•Mode jumper: Use the mode jumper to select operation as an IDE
master or slave, or for cable select. In general, leave this jumper at
its factory setting, which is master; and ensure that any other device
on the bus is jumpered as slave.

Section 2. Installing the PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive
10 PX-800A Installation and Users Manual
•IDE cable connector: Connects to your computer’s IDE (ATAPI)
interface using 80-conductor Ultra cable.
NOTE: Although the PX-800A will operate with a 40-wire IDE cable, it
may not be able to write DVDs at 18X unless an 80-conductor
IDE/ATA cable is used.
•Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to
provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-800A.
What Else Is In the PX-800A 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-800A drive in this
configuration:
•PX-800A DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW
drive
•Replacement front bezel(beige) and disc tray front panel
•4 mounting screws
•Extra jumper
•Emergency eject tool
•Plextor software disc with a PDF file of the PX-800A Installation
and Users Manual. Also contains Roxio’s Easy Media Creator.
•Drive Quick Installation Guide
Save Your Box!
Be sure to save the box after you have installed your drive. The box
and its packaging material were designed and drop tested to ensure
your drive can endure rough treatment and still arrive in working
order. If you have to ship your drive back to Plextor, you’ll want to
send it in the original box. (For more details about returning your
drive to Plextor, see page 74.)

Section 2. Installing the PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive
PX-800A Installation and Users Manual 11
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
software. Carefully check the contents to ensure nothing has been
removed. If something is missing, contact the party from whom you
purchased the box for an explanation.
NOTE: This applies to the Plextor retail box. Your 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.

Section 2. Installing the PX-800A Internal ATAPI Drive
12 PX-800A Installation and Users Manual
PX-800A QuickStart Installation
For Experienced PC Users Only
If you’ve installed computer peripherals before, use this QuickStart
installation to get up and running quickly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure maximum writing speed, you must
connect the PX-800A to an 80-conductor IDE/ATA flat ribbon cable.
(This newer 80-conductor ribbon cable is physically interchangeable
with the 40-conductor cable found in older computers.)
Typical Scenario 1: You have a PC with an IDE interface installed
and you have nothing installed on the secondary IDE port. What to
do: Leave the PX-800A’s jumper set to Master, attach it to the
secondary IDE port, and go. Windows will recognize the drive
automatically.
Typical Scenario 2: You have a PC with an IDE interface installed,
the primary IDE port already has two devices connected and you
have a CD-ROM installed on the secondary IDE port. What to do:
Change the CD-ROM to Slave, leave the PX-800A’s jumper set to
Master and attach the PX-800A to the secondary IDE port.
If neither of these situations applies to you, or you’re not comfortable
with IDE installation, read the rest of this section for more detailed
installation instructions.
Mount the PX-800A Drive
Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to mount the drive:
1. Turn OFF your computer system.
2. Set the jumpers for your new PX-800A drive, if necessary.
3. Mount the drive into an available drive bay inside the computer
system.