Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U User manual

DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER
FOR USB 2.0 INTERFACE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
MAY 2004
Model PX-AV100U

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, May 2004.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor, and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks and ConvertX is a
trademark of Plextor Corp. InterVideo is a registered trademark, and WinDVD
Creator and WinDVD are trademarks of InterVideo, Inc. All other licenses and
trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Notice
This product and software are designed to help you in
reproducing materials for which you own the copyright or have
obtained permission to copy from the copyright owner. Unless
you own the copyright or have permission to copy from the
copyright owner, you may be violating copyright laws and may
be subject to payment of damages and/or other penalties. If you
are uncertain about your rights, you should contact your legal
advisor.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Model Number: PX-AV100U
Trade Name: PLEXTOR
Responsible Party: PLEXTOR Corp.
Address: 48383 Fremont Blvd, Suite 120, Fremont, CA 94538-6509, USA
Telephone Number: 510-440-2000
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
STATEMENT
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual v
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Meet Your ConvertX.......................................................................2
What You Can Do with the ConvertX.........................................2
Features of the Plextor ConvertX ................................................3
What You Need to Use the ConvertX .............................................4
What's in the Box ............................................................................5
ConvertX Features and Controls .....................................................6
Front Panel ..................................................................................6
Rear Panel ...................................................................................7
Precautions ......................................................................................8
2. Installing Your ConvertX .............................................................9
Install the ConvertX Video Converter.............................................9
Installing the ConvertX Device Driver........................................9
Connect the ConvertX to the PC ...............................................12
Don’t Forget to Register! ..........................................................15
About the USB Connection.......................................................15
Turning the ConvertX On and Off ............................................15
If the Installation Failed ............................................................16
Make Sure the ConvertX Is Recognized ...................................16
Troubleshoot Other Devices......................................................18
Changing to Another Computer ................................................18
Connect Video and Audio to Your ConvertX ...............................18
3. Using the ConvertX with WinDVD Creator .............................21
Install the WinDVD Creator 2 Software .......................................21
Startup ...........................................................................................22
Understanding the Task Window ..................................................22
Overview of Creating a Personalized CD or DVD Disc ...............24
Capturing.......................................................................................26
Capturing Video ........................................................................27
Recording Time and Disc Capacity...........................................30
Editing...........................................................................................31
Adjusting a Video Clip..............................................................33
Adding and Adjusting a Transition ...........................................34
Adding Titles, Audio Effects, and Media Content ....................35

Table of Contents
vi Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
Previewing Your Project........................................................... 35
Viewing File Properties ............................................................ 35
Saving Your Project.................................................................. 35
Creating......................................................................................... 36
Deleting a Chapter Mark........................................................... 37
Adding a Chapter Mark............................................................. 38
Editing a Menu Theme.............................................................. 38
Sharing.......................................................................................... 39
Burning a Disc .......................................................................... 40
Compression Options................................................................ 42
Saving to a File ......................................................................... 42
Disc Manager................................................................................ 43
Capturing Directly to a DVD Disc............................................ 44
Hints for Playing Video ................................................................ 46
Where to Go from Here ................................................................ 46
4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................ 47
Upgrading Your ConvertX............................................................ 47
Troubleshooting Hints .................................................................. 48
Problems with Installation ........................................................ 48
Problems with Capture.............................................................. 48
Appendix A: Specifications ............................................................ 49
Appendix B: Technical Support .................................................... 57
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support................................... 58
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call.......................................... 58
Returns.......................................................................................... 59
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department.................................... 59
Packing Your ConvertX............................................................ 60
Shipping Your ConvertX to Plextor.......................................... 60
Appendix C: Warranty................................................................... 61
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada........................................... 62
Index................................................................................................. 63

Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor®ConvertX™
PX-AV100U Digital Video Converter. We appreciate the confidence
you have shown in us. Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the
leading edge of video technology.
Figure 1: The ConvertX captures video and compresses it into high
quality digital video
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
ConvertX needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical
Support Department. (See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the
different ways you can reach us.)

Section 1. Getting Started
2Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
Meet Your ConvertX
The Plextor ConvertX is a high-quality digital video converter that takes
video from a camcorder, TV, VCR, or DVD player and, utilizing real-
time software encoding, converts it into MPEG-1 (Video CD) or MPEG-
2 (DVD formatted) video. The video you obtain is perfect for playing on
a computer, burning to recordable CD or DVD disc, or sharing over the
Internet.
What You Can Do with the ConvertX
Uncompressed full-motion video takes as much as one gigabyte of
storage space per minute of video. But with your ConvertX, you can
capture large amounts of video to your PC in a highly compressed
format, saving you lots of hard disk space.
The ConvertX PX-AV100U Digital Video Converter and the bundled
InterVideo® WinDVD Creator™2 software let you:
•Capture: Capture video and sound from analog or digital sources.
•Edit: Cut out unwanted scenes and add titles, transitions, and special
effects.
•Author: Create compelling DVD projects, complete with interactive
menus.
•Share: Burn your video projects onto recordable DVD and CDs or
share them over the Internet.
•Direct record: Record video directly to recordable DVD discs in one
step.

Section 1. Getting Started
Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 3
Your ConvertX, using the bundled Intervideo WinDVD Creator
software, can capture video directly into both the MPEG-1 (Video CD)
and MPEG-2 (DVD video) formats. These video formats allow you to
store an hour of digital video on a CD, or 2 hours on a DVD. The
software guides you through each step of capturing and editing video,
adding effects, and creating a polished video production. You can either
burn your video to CD or DVD or convert it into the highly compressed
DivX format for sharing on the Internet. You get everything you need
for quality digital production—just what you’d expect from Plextor.
Features of the Plextor ConvertX
•Capture from various sources: Capture video to your PC from a TV,
VCR, camcorder or DVD player.
•Real-time video compression: Video is automatically compressed
into the MPEG-1 (Video CD) or MPEG-2 (DVD) format while it is
being recorded to your PC, saving you lots of time and hard disk
space.
•Hi-Speed USB interface: Connect using your Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
for the highest quality video.
•USB bus powered: This ConvertX draws all its power from the USB
bus, so there’s no need for a bulky AC adapter.
•Bundled WinDVD Creator 2 software: For capturing, editing,
authoring, and exporting video to CD or DVD.
•Easily upgradable: Just download the latest software from the
Plextor web site and upgrade quickly.
•One year warranty: And unlimited toll-free tech support.

Section 1. Getting Started
4Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
What You Need to Use the ConvertX
•Computer: Minimum Pentium®4, 1.8-GHz CPU. Pentium 4, 2.4-
GHz CPU or faster suggested.
•Minimum memory: At least 256 megabytes of memory.
•Hard disk: Minimum 5400 rpm, with 6-10 gigabytes of free space
recommended for DVD. 7200 rpm is suggested.
•Monitor resolution: 1024 x 768, 24-bit color.
•Video graphics card: AGP-4x or faster with minimum 32
megabytes of Video RAM, 24-bit color resolution capability and
DirectX support.
•Sound card: Windows-compatible sound card with 48-kHz
playback. (Using a plug-in PCI sound card is recommended.)
•USB interface: USB 2.0 required.
•Operating system: Windows XP or 2000.
•Windows Media Player: Usually part of your Windows operating
system; also available free from Microsoft.
•DirectX 9.0b: Provided on the accompanying Plextor CD.
•CD-ROM drive: For installation (if you don’t have a CD-RW or
DVD±RW drive).
•CD-RW drive: To burn CDs, Video CDs, or MiniDVDs.
•DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW drive: To burn DVDs, CDs or Video
CDs. Also needed for direct recording to DVD.

Section 1. Getting Started
Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 5
•Operating system updates: To enhance your experience, Plextor
highly recommends that you update your computer’s Windows
operating system with the following service packs (or later service
packs) and all Microsoft critical updates before you install the
ConvertX drivers. Suggested service packs include:
Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Windows XP (Home or Professional) Service Pack 1
What's in the Box
Check the contents of the box. You should have:
•ConvertX PX-AV100U Digital Video Converter
•USB cable
•Set of audio/video (A/V) cables
•Audio cable with mini-plugs at both ends
•Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U QuickStart Guide
•Plextor CD with:
Plextor ConvertX USB device driver
InterVideo® WinDVD Creator™ 2 software
Adobe® Reader
PDF of English-language users manual
PDF of French-language users manual

Section 1. Getting Started
6Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
ConvertX Features and Controls
Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of
your ConvertX.
Front Panel
Figure 2: Front panel of the ConvertX PX-AV100U
Digital Video Converter
Connector or
Indicator
Function
1 Audio Audio connector: Connect audio input
here, using the RCA audio cables.
The red connector is the right-hand
stereo channel.
2 Video Video connector: Connect composite
video here, using the RCA video
cable.
3 S-Video S-Video connector: Connect S-Video
here (if your video device supports it).
S-video supplies higher quality video
than using the Video connector

Section 1. Getting Started
Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 7
Rear Panel
Figure 3: Rear panel of the ConvertX PX-AV100U
Digital Video Converter
Connector Function
1 USB USB connector: Connect your USB
cable here.
2 AUX Auxiliary audio output for Windows
2000 users: If your computer is
running Windows 2000, connect the
Plextor-supplied cable between the
AUX connector port and your
computer’s sound card. Leave this
connector empty if your computer is
running Windows XP.

Section 1. Getting Started
8Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your ConvertX requires
reasonable care in its installation and use.
•You can operate your ConvertX in a horizontal or a vertical position.
•Keep the area around your ConvertX clean from dust, smoke, and
other contaminants. The unit is not dustproof.
•Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids,
to touch the ConvertX. The unit is not waterproof. Furthermore,
thinner, benzene, or alcohol-based solvents can mar the surface of
your ConvertX.
•Do not drop or jolt the ConvertX.
•Do not attempt to open the ConvertX and service it yourself. Entrust
service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only.

Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 9
2. Installing Your ConvertX
Here’s how to install your ConvertX.
Install the ConvertX Video Converter
Before installation, Plextor highly recommends that you get the latest
updates available for your computer’s operating system. Current service
packs and critical updates are available from
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
If you have a computer with Windows 2000 or Windows XP, use the
following procedure to connect your ConvertX USB Digital Video
Converter.
Installing the ConvertX Device Driver
NOTE: Be sure you do this procedure to install the ConvertX Digital
Video Converter driver from the CD before connecting the ConvertX to
your computer.
To install the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Driver:
1. Turn ON your computer system and make sure that all applications
are turned off. Do not connect the ConvertX yet.

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
10 Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
Figure 4: Turn on the computer and insert the ConvertX software disc
2. Insert the ConvertX software disc into your CD or DVD drive. You
see the Plextor Application Installer screen. (If you don’t see the
installer screen right away, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the
CD or DVD drive, and double-click the Plextor.exe file.)
Figure 5: Plextor Application Installer screen

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 11
3. Select the ConvertX Device Driver button. You see the wizard
appear to install the Plextor ConvertX AV 100U A/V Capture
Device Driver.
Figure 6: InstallShield Wizard for Device Driver Installation
4. Select Next. The driver is installed. Then you see a window asking if
you want to install DirectX 9. (If you don’t see this window, you
have the correct version of DirectX already installed. Click Finish to
continue.)
5. If you see the DirectX installation window, select Yes. You see a
window with the Welcome to setup for DirectX and license
agreement.
6. Choose I accept the agreement, and click Next. You see the DirectX
9.0 Runtime Install window.
7. Select Next to start the installation. You see the installation of
DirectX as it proceeds. When installation is done, you see a window
indicating that the DirectX installation is complete.

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
12 Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
8. Click Finish to complete the DirectX 9.0 installation.
9. If you have Windows XP: Click Next to install Windows XP
KB822603 for enabling USB Audio capture.
Connect the ConvertX to the PC
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the next steps of this procedure, you will be
installing software for the ConvertX. You’ll see the “Found New
Hardware” window more than once. This is normal.
1. You will use a USB cable to connect the ConvertX to your computer
as shown in Figure 7. Begin by making sure your computer is on.
2. Make sure the Plextor disc is in the computer’s drive.
3. Connect the USB cable from your ConvertX to the computer. (Your
computer’s USB connectors may be on the front panel or in the rear.)

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual 13
Figure 7: 1) Make sure the computer is on, 2) make sure the Plextor
disc is inserted, and 3) use the included USB cable to connect the
ConvertX to the computer.
Windows 2000 users only: Also 4) attach an audio cable from the
ConvertX AUX output to the computer’s LINE IN jack.
4. Windows 2000 users only: Connect the Plextor-supplied audio cable
from the rear-panel AUX connector to your computer’s LINE IN
jack. (This jack is often available as one of the sound board jacks at
the rear of your computer.)
If you have Windows XP: You don’t need to use the audio
cable with mini-plugs; Windows XP records audio through the
USB cable.
If you have Windows 2000: You must use the auxiliary audio
cable in order to receive audio on your PC.
If you have Windows XP, there’s no advantage to using the
audio cable and the AUX jack.

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
14 Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U Installation and Users Manual
5. After connecting the USB cable, you see a message in the Windows
system tray indicating that Windows has Found New Hardware.
Then you see the Found New Hardware Wizard that installs the
software for ConvertX AV100U A/V Capture.
6. Make sure Install the software automatically is selected and click
Next. (You may see a window that states the software has not passed
Windows Logo testing. This is OK. If you see this window, click
Continue Anyway.)
7. After a few moments you see a message indicating the wizard has
finished installing software for the Plextor ConvertX A/V Capture.
8. Click Finish. You see another Found New Hardware Wizard, this
one to install software for the ConvertX A/V Capture Audio.
9. Make sure Install the software automatically is selected and click
Next. (You may see a window that states the software has not passed
Windows Logo testing. This is OK. If you see this window, click
Continue Anyway.)
10. After a few moments you see a message indicating the wizard has
finished installing software for the Plextor ConvertX A/V Capture
Audio.
11. Click Finish. You see a popup box at the bottom of the screen that
says your new hardware is installed and ready to use. Your
ConvertX is automatically recognized by the computer. (If you are
asked to reboot, remove the Plextor disc from the drive and restart
your computer.)