Plextor PX-755UF User manual

DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),
DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
October 2006
Model PX-755UF 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
LLC reserves the right to revise this manual and to make changes in its
content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such
revision or change.
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not be copied,
photocopied, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or
machine-readable form without Plextor’s prior permission.
Manual copyright ©2006 Shinano Kenshi Kabushiki Kaisha
First edition, October 2006.
Licenses and Trademarks
©2006 Shinano Kenshi Kabushiki Kaisha. All rights reserved. Plextor
and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Shinano Kenshi
Kabushiki Kaisha.
Other brands and products are trademarks of their respective holder/s.
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-755UF 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 an electrical current,
pull out the AC adapter power plug.

iv PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
Bottom View of External Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-755UF Laser Caution Label

PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual v
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
What’s In This Manual................................................................1
Printing the Manual.....................................................................1
Meet Your PX-755UF.....................................................................2
What the PX-755UF Does...........................................................2
Features of the PX-755UF...........................................................3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-755UF..........................6
What You Can Do with the PX-755UF.......................................7
About Plextools Professional ..........................................................7
Precautions......................................................................................8
Where to Go From Here..................................................................9
2. Installing the PX-755UF External USB/FireWire Drive..........11
PX-755UF Drive Features and Controls .......................................11
Front Panel—PX-755UF External Drive ..................................11
Rear Panel—PX-755UF External Drive....................................13
What Else Is In the PX-755UF Box..............................................14
Save Your Box!.........................................................................15
Mount the PX-755UF Drive..........................................................15
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System ...........................16
Determine What Interface to Use..................................................16
Connect the PX-755UF Drive.......................................................17
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code ................................17
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer...........................17
Identifying Cables and Ports .....................................................19
Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces.....................20
If You’re Using FireWire..............................................................20
If You Have a Macintosh ..............................................................21
3. Using Your PX-755UF ................................................................22
What Media to Use........................................................................22
DVD Media...............................................................................22
CD-ROM Media........................................................................23
Tray Loading and Operation .........................................................24
Handling DVD and CD Media..................................................24
Cleaning Discs...........................................................................25

Table of Contents
vi PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
Mounting Position......................................................................... 26
Playing DVDs...............................................................................26
Writing to DVD Media.................................................................27
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW...................................................27
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ...........................................27
Using the LED Indicator...............................................................28
4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................29
Cleaning the PX-755UF Drive......................................................29
Upgrading Firmware.....................................................................30
Emergency Eject...........................................................................31
Troubleshooting............................................................................32
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................32
Using the PX-755UF Self-Test Diagnostics .............................34
What You’ll Need.....................................................................34
Performing the Self-Test...........................................................34
What the Self-Test Results Indicate.......................................... 35
5. Frequently Asked Questions......................................................36
Appendix A: PX-755UF Specifications .........................................38
Appendix B: Technical Support ....................................................51
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................52
Before You E-mail or Call for Support......................................... 52
Returns..........................................................................................53
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department....................................53
Packing Your Drive ..................................................................53
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor ................................................ 54
Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................55
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada...........................................56
Index.................................................................................................57
Notes.................................................................................................63

PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-755UF, a
reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and CD writer, rewriter, and
player. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us. Our goal is
to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of DVD and CD
technology.
About this Manual
Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference.
Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. If your
drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical Support
Department.
What’s In This Manual
In this manual you should find all the information you need to
successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive. If you run into
a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, however, please contact us.
(See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways you can
reach us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech
support engineers. What might seem like an uncooperative drive to you
could very well be a 30-second fix to them. But we will never know
unless you contact us.
Printing the Manual
This manual has been sized for viewing on a computer monitor screen.
To print a hard copy of this manual:
1. In Adobe Reader, 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, select Page scaling
and Fit to paper. 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-755UF Installation and Users Manual
Meet Your PX-755UF
The PX-755UF is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that
provides professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing,
rewriting and reading.
What the PX-755UF Does
For DVDs, the PX-755UF:
•Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 16X speed on recommended 16X media.
•Writes DVD+R DL (double layer) media at up to 8X speed.
•Writes DVD-R DL (dual layer) media at up to 4X speed.
•Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at
up to 16X speed on recommended 16X media.
•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.
•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
NOTE: Depending on the USB chipset used in your computer, the
PX-755UF’s DVD read speed may be limited to 14X maximum with
USB 2.0 only. Maximum IEEE 1394/FireWire read speed remains
16X.
For CDs, the PX-755UF:
•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) and CD-R audio media at up to 48X speed.
•Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 32X speed.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 3
Features of the PX-755UF
•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).
•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.
•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-755UF 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.
•Self-test diagnostics: The PX-755UF has a self-test diagnostic
function for easy troubleshooting.

Section 1. Getting Started
4PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
•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-755UF 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-755UF supports time interval
analysis that shows a histogram of a disc’s lands and pits, a valuable
aid in assessing disc quality.
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 and DVD±VR, for read and write.
•Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO) and multi-session, for DVD+R DL (double layer) and
DVD+R; and sequential write for DVD+RW.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 5
•Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: DAO and multi-session
write for DVD-R DL (dual-layer); DAO and multi-border recording
for DVD-R; and DAO, multi-border recording, and restricted
overwriting for DVD-RW.
•For DVD-Video discs equipped with CSS copy protection, you can
enable fast playback or leave at the factory default for quiet video
playback.
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 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 reading.
•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
6PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-755UF
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-755UF drive.
•Computer:
PC: Pentium 4, 1.6-GHz or faster CPU.
Macintosh: Power Macintosh G3 or later (G4 or higher
recommended)
•Minimum RAM: 256 MB.
•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, 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
Macintosh: Mac OS X. (Mac Software not included)
NOTE: You cannot use the PX-755UF with Windows 98 or Mac OS 9.
NOTE: If your operating system is Windows Me, use only the IEEE 1394
(FireWire) interface. You cannot use the USB interface with Windows
Me.
MACINTOSH NOTE: The PX-755UF drive is compatible with Macintosh
computers running Mac OS X or higher. Note that Apple Computer
applications generally do not support non-Apple CD or DVD recorders.
A Macintosh-compatible third-party recording application, such as Roxio
Toast Titanium 7, will provide authoring and recording capability. See
Roxio.com, for example.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 7
What You Can Do with the PX-755UF
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-755UF:
•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.
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-755UF
drive. When installed on your computer, this software lets you use your
Plextor PX-755UF 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-
755UF drive, including Q-Check tests, Secure Recording, GigaRec, and
more. For PlexTools Professional details and downloads, see
http://www.plextools.com/.

Section 1. Getting Started
8PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-755UF 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.
•Do not attempt to clean your drive using a CD cleaning disc. These
discs can damage your drive permanently.

Section 1. Getting Started
PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 9
Where to Go From Here
•See Section 2, beginning on page 11, to learn how to install your
drive.

Section 1. Getting Started
10 PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
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PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 11
2. Installing the
PX-755UF External USB/FireWire Drive
This section explains how to physically connect your PX-755UF
external USB/FireWire drive to your computer.
PX-755UF 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-755UF External Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-755UF external drive

Section 2. Installing the PX-755UF External USB/FireWire Drive
12 PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
•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.
•Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading, blinking
green for writing.
•Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray
back into the PX-755UF. To prevent wear on the drive, always use
the eject button to load the tray.
•Power indicator: (On top and right side of enclosure.) Illuminated
blue when power is on.

Section 2. Installing the PX-755UF External USB/FireWire Drive
PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual 13
Rear Panel—PX-755UF External Drive
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-755UF external drive
•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-755UF 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-755UF.

Section 2. Installing the PX-755UF External USB/FireWire Drive
14 PX-755UF Installation and Users Manual
•Interface switch: Switch the PX-755UF 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-755UF power. (That is, turn the rear-panel 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-755UF.
•DC 12V power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PX-755UF.
•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.
What Else Is In the PX-755UF 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-755UF drive in this
configuration:
•PX-755UF DVD±R DL, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive
•USB 2.0 cable
•IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable
•AC adapter and power cord
•Emergency eject tool
•1 piece of approved DVD+R Media
•Plextor software disc with bundled PlexTools® Professional. Also
contains Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Basic DVD Edition.
•Drive Installation Guide