Plextor PX-850A User manual

DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),
DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
November 2008
PX-850
Model PX-850A Internal PATA Drive
Model PX-850SA 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
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 ©2008 Plextor.
First edition, November 2008.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor 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-850 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.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................. iv!
1. Getting Started............................................................................... 1!
About this Manual ........................................................................... 1!
Meet Your PX-850 .......................................................................... 2!
What the PX-850 Does ................................................................ 2!
Features of the PX-850 ................................................................ 3!
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-850 ............................... 5!
What You Can Do with the PX-850............................................ 6!
About Software................................................................................ 6!
Precautions....................................................................................... 7!
Where to Go From Here .................................................................. 8!
2. Installing the PX-850A Internal PATA Drive............................. 9!
PX-850A Drive Features and Controls............................................ 9!
Front Panel—PX-850A Internal Drive........................................ 9!
Rear Panel—PX-850A Internal Drive....................................... 10!
What Else Is In the PX-850A Box................................................. 11!
Save Your Box! ......................................................................... 11!
PX-850A QuickStart Installation............................................... 12!
Mount the PX-850A Drive ............................................................ 13!
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-850A Drive .............. 19!
Select an IDE Configuration.......................................................... 21!
About Cable Select ........................................................................ 26!
Mount the PX-850A Drive ............................................................ 27!
Record the Serial Number ......................................................... 27!
Mount the Drive in the Computer.............................................. 27!
3. Installing the PX-850SA Internal SATA Drive......................... 33!
PX-850SA Drive Features and Controls ....................................... 34!
Front Panel—PX-850SA Internal Drive.................................... 34!

Table of Contents
Rear Panel—PX-850SA Internal SATA Drive..........................35!
What Else Is In the PX-850SA Box...............................................36!
Save Your Box!..........................................................................36!
Mount the PX-850SA Drive ..........................................................37!
Record the Serial Number..........................................................37!
Mount the Drive in the Computer..............................................37!
4. Using Your PX-850 ......................................................................43!
What Media to Use ........................................................................43!
DVD Media................................................................................43!
DVD-RAM Media .....................................................................44!
CD-ROM Media ........................................................................44!
More About Media for Your PX-850 ........................................45!
Tray Loading and Operation..........................................................45!
Handling DVD and CD Media ..................................................46!
Cleaning Discs ...........................................................................46!
Mounting Position..........................................................................47!
Playing DVDs ................................................................................47!
Writing to DVD Media ..................................................................48!
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW....................................................48!
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ............................................48!
Using the Disc/Busy Indicator .......................................................49!
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting.............................................51!
Cleaning the PX-850 Drive............................................................51!
Upgrading Firmware......................................................................52!
Emergency Eject ............................................................................53!
Troubleshooting .............................................................................54!
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized ..........................................54!
6. Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................56!
Appendix A: Technical Support .....................................................59!
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support ...................................60!
Before You E-mail or Call for Support..........................................60!
Returns ...........................................................................................61!
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department.....................................61!
Packing Your Drive ...................................................................61!
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor .................................................62!
Appendix B: Warranty....................................................................63!
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada............................................64!

Table of Contents
Index ................................................................................................. 65!

Table of Contents
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PX-850 Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-850, 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 A: 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-850 Installation and Users Manual
Meet Your PX-850
The PX-850 is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting
and reading.
What the PX-850 Does
For DVDs, the PX-850:
•Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 22X speed on recommended media.
•Writes DVD+R DL (double layer) media at up to 8X speed.
•Writes DVD-R DL (dual layer) media at up to 8X speed.
•Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at
up to 22X speed on recommended media.
•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.
•Writes DVD-RAM discs at up to 12X.
•Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR format for read and write.
•Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR format with CPRM for read only.
•Reads stamped DVD discs at up to 16X.
•Reads DVD-RAM discs at up to 12X.
For CDs, the PX-850:
•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.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-850 Installation and Users Manual 3
Features of the PX-850
•Choice of interfaces:
PATA interface: The PX-850A easily installs in virtually any PC
with an E-IDE PATA interface.
Serial ATA interface: The PX-850SA takes advantage of the
benefits of the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
(SATA) interface, with its smaller, more flexible cables and
faster interface speed.
•High speed transfers:
The PX-850A supports data transfers via Ultra DMA66, DMA
Mode 4, and PIO Mode 4.
The PX-850SA supports next-generation high speed transfers
via the Serial ATA 1.0 interface.
•Replaceable front panel: For mounting in any PC, you can change
the front-panel bezel and tray door from black to beige in a few
moments.
•MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-5 command set.
•Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-850 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-850 supports Content Protection for
Recordable Media, so you can play CPRM copy-controlled media.

Section 1. Getting Started
4PX-850 Installation and Users Manual
DVD Features
•Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL: Allows
DVD+RW and DVD+R DL 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 and DVD-R DL 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.
•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), multi-session, and incremental write for DVD+R DL
(double layer) discs; DAO, multi-session, and incremental write for
DVD+R; and DAO, incremental write, and random access write for
DVD+RW.
•Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including DAO,
incremental recording, and layer jump recording for DVD-R DL
(dual-layer); DAO, incremental recording, multi-border recording
for DVD-R; and DAO, multi-border recording, incremental
recording, and restricted overwriting for DVD-RW.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-850 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, 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: Optimum Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the
optimum write strategy.
•CD-TEXT: Supports CD-TEXT.
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-850
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-850 drive.
•Computer: Computer CPU, Memory, and configuration are
dependent on installed application requirements.
•Interface:
Model PX-850A requires an IDE ATA interface.
Model PX-850SA requires a Serial ATA controller that supports
the ATA 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-850A requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.
Model PX-850SA requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Section 1. Getting Started
6PX-850 Installation and Users Manual
What You Can Do with the PX-850
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-850:
•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 Creator’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.
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 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 Creator is Drag-
to-Disc, which makes the Plextor PX-850 drive as easy to use as a hard
disk drive. (For more information about Roxio Creator, install this
application and examine the help files.)

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-850 Installation and Users Manual 7
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-850 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 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.

Section 1. Getting Started
8PX-850 Installation and Users Manual
•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-850A internal PATA drive, see Section 2,
beginning on page 9, to learn how to install your drive.
•If you have a PX-850SA internal drive with the Serial ATA
interface, see Section 3, beginning on page 33, to install it.

PX-850 Installation and Users Manual 9
2. Installing the
PX-850A Internal PATA Drive
This section explains how to physically install your PX-850A internal
PATA drive in your computer.
PX-850A 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-850A Internal Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-850A internal PATA drive
•Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.
•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.
•Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading or writing.
•Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray
back into the PX-850A. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the
eject button to insert the tray.

Section 2. Installing the PX-850A Internal PATA Drive
10 PX-850 Installation and Users Manual
Rear Panel—PX-850A Internal Drive
Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-850A internal PATA drive
•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.
•IDE cable connector: Connects to your computer’s IDE (PATA)
interface using 80-conductor Ultra cable.
NOTE: Although the PX-850A will operate with a 40-wire IDE cable, it
may not be able to write at 22X 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-850A.

Section 2. Installing the PX-850A Internal PATA Drive
PX-850 Installation and Users Manual 11
What Else Is In the PX-850A 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-850A drive in this
configuration:
•PX-850A DVD±R DL, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive
•4 mounting screws
•Plextor software disc
•PX-850 Quick Install 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 61.)
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-850A Internal PATA Drive
12 PX-850 Installation and Users Manual
PX-850A 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-850A 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,
you have Windows Vista or XP and you have nothing installed on the
secondary IDE port. What to do: Leave the PX-850A’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,
you have Windows Vista or XP 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-850A’s jumper set to Master and attach the PX-850A to
the secondary IDE port. Windows recognizes the new drive
automatically.
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.