Plextor PX-708UF User manual

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

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.

PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual v
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

Table of Contents
vi PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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

PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 1
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.

Section 1. Getting Started
2PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 3
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.

Section 1. Getting Started
4PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
• Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multi-
border, multi-session, DVD+VR, for read and write; supports DVD-
VR 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 5
• 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:

PC: Pentium III 700-MHz CPU or faster.

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:

PC: Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE.

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.

Section 1. Getting Started
6PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 7
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.
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 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 61.)

Section 1. Getting Started
8PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 9
• 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 DVD-
Video 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
10 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 11
• 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
12 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual 13
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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14 PX-708UF Installation and Users Manual
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