Plextor PX-712UF User manual

DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JUNE 2004
Model PX-712UF External
USB/FireWire Drive

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 ©2004 Plextor Corp. First edition, June 2004.
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

PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual iii
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT
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.
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 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 external DVD/CD drive from electrical current, pull
out the drive’s power cable.

iv PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Bottom View of External Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-712UF Laser Caution Labels

PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual v
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Meet Your PX-712UF.....................................................................2
What the PX-712UF Does...........................................................2
Features of the PX-712UF...........................................................3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712UF ..........................6
What You Can Do with the PX-712UF.......................................7
About Software ...............................................................................8
Precautions ......................................................................................9
Where to Go From Here..................................................................9
2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive..........11
PX-712UF Drive Features and Controls .......................................11
Front Panel—PX-712UF External Drive ..................................11
Rear Panel—PX-712UF External Drive....................................13
What Else Is In the PX-712UF Box ..............................................15
Save Your Box!.........................................................................15
Mount the PX-712UF Drive..........................................................16
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System ...........................17
Determine What Interface to Use..................................................17
Connect the PX-712UF Drive .......................................................18
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code ................................18
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer...........................18
Identifying Cables and Ports .....................................................20
If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire ...............................21
If You Have Windows 98SE and USB......................................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-712UF ................................................................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 Discs...........................................................................28

Table of Contents
vi PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Mounting Position......................................................................... 29
Playing DVDs ............................................................................... 29
Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 30
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW ................................................... 30
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 30
Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ...................................................... 31
Switching to SpeedRead for Video Playback ............................... 32
4. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional....................... 33
Loading PlexTools Professional Software .................................... 33
Using Silent Mode ........................................................................ 34
Turning On Silent Mode ........................................................... 34
Important Facts about Silent Mode ........................................... 36
Using SecuRec.............................................................................. 37
Password-Protecting a Disc with SecuRec................................ 37
Reading a Password-Protected Disc.......................................... 39
Important Facts about SecuRec................................................. 39
Using VariRec............................................................................... 40
How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined...................... 40
Changing the VariRec Setting................................................... 41
Important Facts about VariRec ................................................. 43
Using GigaRec.............................................................................. 43
Burning a Disc with GigaRec ................................................... 44
How GigaRec Works ................................................................ 45
Important Facts about GigaRec................................................. 45
Testing Your CDs and DVDs ....................................................... 46
Measuring Read Transfer Rate ................................................. 46
Measuring Write Transfer Rate................................................. 49
Measuring Q-Check C1/C2/CU Errors ..................................... 51
Measuring Tracking and Focus Error ....................................... 56
Making Q-Check Jitter/Beta Measurements ............................. 59
Measuring Q-Check PI/PO Errors ............................................ 62
Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology...................... 64

Table of Contents
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual vii
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................65
Cleaning the PX-712UF Drive ......................................................65
Upgrading Firmware .....................................................................66
Emergency Eject ...........................................................................67
Troubleshooting ............................................................................67
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................67
Using the PX-712UF Self-Test Diagnostics..............................69
What You’ll Need .....................................................................69
Performing the Self-Test ...........................................................69
What the Self-Test Results Indicate ..........................................70
6. Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................71
Appendix A: PX-712UF Specifications..........................................73
Appendix B: Technical Support.....................................................85
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................86
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support .......................86
Returns ..........................................................................................87
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department ....................................87
Packing Your Drive...................................................................88
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor.................................................88
Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................89
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada ...........................................90
Index.................................................................................................91

Table of Contents
viii PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
This page intentionally left blank.

PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor®PX-712UF, 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-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Meet Your PX-712UF
The PX-712UF is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that
provides professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing,
rewriting and reading.
What the PX-712UF Does
For DVDs, the PX-712UF:
• Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 12X speed on recommended 8X media.
• Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at
up to 8X speed.
• Writes DVD+RW (rewritable DVD, “plus” format) media
at up to 4X speed.
• Writes DVD-RW (rewritable DVD, “dash” format) media
at up to 4X speed.
• Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR real time editing.
• Reads DVD discs at up to 16X (depending on USB or IEEE 1394
host controller).
• Reads DVD-Video discs with CSS at up to 2X CLV.
• Supports DVD-RW DRT-DM (Distributed Real Time Defect
Management)
For CDs, the PX-712UF:
• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.
• Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 24X speed.
• Reads all CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R data media at a maximum
of 48X 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-712UF Installation and Users Manual 3
Features of the PX-712UF
• 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 12X speed
is possible, and sets the optimum write speed.) You can enable and
disable PoweRec.
• VariRec: Lets you change the write strategy to record at highest
quality on different types of discs. Also provides 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.
• Silent Mode: Unique technology that sets the drive for super-silent
operation. By controlling access speed, read/write speed, and tray
opening and closing speed, you reduce drive noise to a whisper.
• MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set.
• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-712UF 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-712UF has a self-test diagnostic
function for easy troubleshooting.

Section 1. Getting Started
4PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
• Q-Check tests: The Plextor PX-712UF achieves high-quality
recording on virtually any DVD or CD media. To see for yourself,
use the Q-Check features to check laser operation, or measure and
display characteristics of the media you’re using.
DVD Features
• Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW: Allows DVD+RW discs to be
edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Zero Link for DVD-R/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 and DVD±RW media.
• Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multi-
border, multi-session, DVD±VR, for read and write.
• Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO), multi-session, and incremental write for DVD+R; random
access write and sequential write for DVD+RW.
• Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including DAO,
incremental recording, multi-border recording for DVD-R; and
multi-border recording, incremental recording, restricted
overwriting, DRT-DM for DVD-RW.
• SpeedRead: For DVD-Video discs equipped with CSS copy
protection, you can enable fast playback (SpeedRead) or leave at the
factory default for quiet video playback.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 5
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.
• OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum
Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write
strategy.
• CD-TEXT, CD+G: Supports CD-TEXT and CD+G writing.
• GigaRec: Variable capacity recording that lets you change CD-R
disc capacity over a range from 60 percent to 130 percent of the
rated value. GigaRec lets you get much more data onto a CD, or
decrease disc capacity while gaining improved audio quality.
• SecuRec: Security protection that lets you make your CDs readable
only by persons with the correct password.
• Overburn: Another way of burning more information onto a CD—
audio up to 99 minutes 59 seconds in length, or a data disc up to 875
megabytes in capacity.

Section 1. Getting Started
6PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712UF
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-712UF drive.
• Computer: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster. (Pentium 4,
1.6-GHz or faster recommended.)
• Minimum RAM: 128 MB. (256 MB recommended.)
• Interface: USB (2.0 or 1.1) or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface. (On-
board USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394 host controller recommended.)
• 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, 6–10 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:
 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-712UF with early versions of Windows
98; if you are using Windows 98, it must be Windows 98SE (Second
Edition). Also, Windows 98SE must be updated with the latest Microsoft
patch.
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
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 7
What You Can Do with the PX-712UF
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-712UF:
• Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R, -R, +RW or
-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.

Section 1. Getting Started
8PX-712UF 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
this software on a disc in the box.
PlexTools® Professional is a powerful application software package that
lets you take full advantage of the CD/DVD functions of the PX-712UF
drive. PlexTools Professional lets you use your Plextor PX-712UF to
burn CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD discs, and it also lets you take advantage
of all the unique new features found in the Plextor PX-712UF drive.
Roxio’s Easy CD Creator™ 6 Basic DVD Edition also lets you burn
DVDs and CDs. You can burn and share anything on CD or DVD,
including music, photos, and videos; and you can also back up your
critical data to a CD or DVD. One component of Easy CD Creator is
Drag-to-Disc, which makes the Plextor PX-712UF drive as easy to use
as a hard disk drive. (For more information, install Easy CD Creator and
examine its help files.)
For details on other 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 9
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-712UF requires
reasonable care in its installation and use.
• Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other
contaminants. Also, 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 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
• See Chapter 2, beginning on page 11, to install your drive.

Section 1. Getting Started
10 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
This page intentionally left blank.

PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 11
2. Installing the
PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
This chapter explains how to physically connect your PX-712UF
external drive to your computer.
PX-712UF 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-712UF External Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-712UF external drive

Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
12 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
• 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.
• 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-712UF drive power
is ON.
• Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray
back into the PX-712UF. 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.