Plextor PX-760 User manual

DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),
DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
March 2006
Model PX-760A Internal ATAPI Drive
Model PX-760SA Internal SATA 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 ©2006 Plextor Corp.
First edition, March 2006.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor, PlexTools, 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-760 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 top of the internal 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.

iv PX-760 Installation and Users Manual
Top View of Internal Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-760A and PX-760SA Laser Caution Labels

PX-760 Installation and Users Manual v
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Printing the Manual.....................................................................1
Meet Your PX-760..........................................................................2
What the PX-760 Does................................................................2
Features of the PX-760................................................................3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-760...............................7
What You Can Do with the PX-760............................................7
About Plextools Professional ..........................................................8
Precautions......................................................................................8
Where to Go From Here..................................................................9
2. Installing the PX-760A Internal ATAPI Drive.........................11
PX-760A Drive Features and Controls..........................................11
Front Panel—PX-760A Internal Drive......................................11
Rear Panel—PX-760A Internal Drive.......................................12
What Else Is In the PX-760A Box ................................................13
Save Your Box!.........................................................................14
PX-760A QuickStart Installation ..............................................15
Install the Bezel.............................................................................16
Mount the PX-760A Drive............................................................16
Open the Computer and Prepare for Installation...........................16
Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration................................17
Inspect Your Computer’s Cables...................................................18
Confirm That You Have an 80-Conductor IDE Cable..............19
Do You Have Cable Select?......................................................20
Do You Need a Power Cable?...................................................21
Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper........................................................21
Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-760A Drive..............22
Select an IDE Configuration .........................................................24
About Cable Select........................................................................29
Set the PX-760A for Multiword DMA (If Needed) ......................30
Mount the PX-760A Drive............................................................31
Record the Serial Number.........................................................31
Mount the Drive in the Computer .............................................31

Table of Contents
vi PX-760 Installation and Users Manual
3. Installing the PX-760SA Internal SATA Drive ........................37
PX-760SA Drive Features and Controls....................................... 37
Front Panel—PX-760SA Internal Drive................................... 38
Rear Panel—PX-760SA Internal SATA Drive.........................39
What Else Is In the PX-760SA Box..............................................40
Save Your Box!.........................................................................40
Set the PX-760SA DMA Jumper (If Needed)...............................41
Mount the PX-760SA Drive ......................................................... 42
Record the Serial Number......................................................... 42
Mount the Drive in the Computer.............................................42
4. Using Your PX-760.....................................................................47
What Media to Use .......................................................................47
DVD Media...............................................................................47
CD-ROM Media ....................................................................... 48
Tray Loading and Operation......................................................... 49
Handling DVD and CD Media.................................................. 49
Cleaning Discs..........................................................................50
Mounting Position......................................................................... 51
Playing DVDs............................................................................... 51
Writing to DVD Media................................................................. 51
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW...................................................51
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ...........................................52
Using the LED Indicator...............................................................52
Switching to SpeedRead for Video Playback ...............................53
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................55
Cleaning the PX-760 Drive...........................................................55
Upgrading Firmware..................................................................... 56
Emergency Eject........................................................................... 57
Changing the Front-Panel Color...................................................58
Troubleshooting............................................................................62
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................62
Using the PX-760A Self-Test Diagnostics................................64
Using the PX-760SA Self-Test Diagnostics .............................68
6. Frequently Asked Questions......................................................71
Appendix A: PX-760 Specifications...............................................75
Specifications for All PX-760 Drives...........................................75
Specifications for the PX-760A Internal ATAPI Drive................84
Specifications for the PX-760SA Internal SATA Drive...............87

Table of Contents
PX-760 Installation and Users Manual vii
Appendix B: Technical Support.....................................................89
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................90
Before You E-mail or Call for Support.........................................90
Returns ..........................................................................................91
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department....................................91
Packing Your Drive...................................................................91
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor.................................................92
Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................93
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada ...........................................94
Index.................................................................................................95
Notes...............................................................................................103

Table of Contents
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PX-760 Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-760, 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.
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-760 Installation and Users Manual
Meet Your PX-760
The PX-760 is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting
and reading.
What the PX-760 Does
For DVDs, the PX-760:
•Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 18X speed.
•Writes DVD+R DL (double layer) media at up to 10X speed.
•Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at up
to 18X speed.
•Writes DVD-R DL (dual layer) media at up to 6X speed.
•Writes DVD+RW (rewritable DVD, “plus” format) media
at up to 8X speed. (Requires 8X media for 8X writing.)
•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-Video discs with CSS at up to 2X CLV.
•Supports DVD-RW DRT-DM (Distributed Real Time Defect
Management)
•Supports DVD+RW background format
For CDs, the PX-760:
•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 and CD-R data media at a maximum of 48X
speed.
•Reads CD-DA (audio), CD-RW data media, 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-760 Installation and Users Manual 3
Features of the PX-760
•Choice of interfaces:
ATAPI interface: The PX-760A easily installs in virtually any
PC with an E-IDE ATAPI interface.
Serial ATA interface: The PX-760SA takes advantage of the
benefits of the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
interface, with its smaller, more flexible cables and faster
interface speed.
•High speed transfers:
The PX-760A supports data transfers via Ultra DMA66, DMA
Mode 2, and PIO Mode 4.
The PX-760SA supports next-generation high speed transfers via
the Serial ATA 1.0 interface.
•AUTOSTRATEGY: Writing technology for unknown media. When a
writable disc isn’t listed in the drive’s internal media catalog,
AUTOSTRATEGY automatically checks the disc and develops a
write strategy for it.
•PoweRec for CD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+R DL, and
DVD-R DL media: Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction
Control (PoweRec) adjusts laser power and writing speed so they’re
at the optimum settings for that particular disc.
•Replaceable front panel: For mounting in any PC, you can change
the front-panel bezel and tray door from beige to black in a few
moments.
•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.

Section 1: Getting Started
4PX-760 Installation and Users Manual
•MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set.
•Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-760 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.
•CPRM support: The PX-760 supports Content Protection for
Recordable Media, so you can play CPRM copy-controlled media.
•Self-test diagnostics: The PX-760 has a self-test diagnostic function
for easy troubleshooting.
•PlexEraser: This data destruction utility makes a recorded disc
(CD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R) unreadable by overwriting the disc’s lead-
in and user data sectors.
•Q-Check tests: The Plextor PX-760 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.
•Q-Check TA (Time Analyzer): The PX-760 supports time interval
analysis that shows a histogram of a disc’s lands and pits, a valuable
aid in assessing disc quality.

Section 1: Getting Started
PX-760 Installation and Users Manual 5
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 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, DRT-DM, for read and write.
•Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO), multi-session, and incremental write for DVD+R DL
(double layer) discs; DAO, multi-session, and incremental write for
DVD+R; and random access write and sequential write for
DVD+RW.
•Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including sequential write
for DVD-R DL (dual-layer); DAO, incremental recording, multi-
border recording for DVD-R; and DAO, multi-border recording,
incremental recording, restricted overwriting, and 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
6PX-760 Installation and Users Manual
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, 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. You can get much more data onto a CD. Or decrease
disc capacity while gaining improved audio quality.
•SecureRecording: 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
PX-760 Installation and Users Manual 7
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-760
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-760 drive.
•Computer: Pentium 4, 1.4-GHz or faster CPU.
•Minimum RAM: 256 MB.
•Interface:
Model PX-760A requires an IDE ATAPI interface.
Model PX-760SA requires a Serial ATA 1.0 interface that
supports the ATAPI command set.
•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:
Model PX-760A requires Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, or
Windows 2000.
Model PX-760SA requires Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, or
Windows 2000.
What You Can Do with the PX-760
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-760:
•Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL,
DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs.
•Play DVD-ROM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, 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 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-760 Installation and Users Manual
About Plextools Professional
PlexTools® Professional is a powerful application software package that
lets you take full advantage of the CD/DVD functions of the PX-760
drive. When installed on your computer, this software lets you use your
Plextor PX-760 to burn CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD discs. It also lets you
take advantage of all the special features found in the Plextor PX-760
drive, including Q-Check tests, Secure Recording, GigaRec, and more.
For PlexTools Professional details and downloads, see
http://www.plextools.com/.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-760 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.

Section 1: Getting Started
PX-760 Installation and Users Manual 9
•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-760A internal ATAPI drive, see Section 2,
beginning on page 11, to learn how to install your drive.
•If you have a PX-760SA internal drive with the Serial ATA
interface, see Section 3, beginning on page 37, to install it.

Section 1: Getting Started
10 PX-760 Installation and Users Manual
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PX-760 Installation and Users Manual 11
2. Installing the
PX-760A Internal ATAPI Drive
This section explains how to physically install your PX-760A internal
ATAPI drive in your computer.
PX-760A 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-760A Internal Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-760A internal ATAPI drive
•LED 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. Illuminated yellow, green and
amber when AUTOSTRATEGY is operational.

Section 2. Installing the PX-760A Internal ATAPI Drive
12 PX-760 Installation and Users Manual
•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.
•Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.
•Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray
back into the PX-760A. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the
eject button to insert the tray.
Rear Panel—PX-760A Internal Drive
Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-760A 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: Not used.