Plextor PX-M401U User manual

MPEG-1/2/4 DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER
FOR USB 2.0 INTERFACE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JANUARY 2004
Model PX-M401U

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 ©2003, 2004 Plextor Corp.
Second edition, January 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-M401U
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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ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual v
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Meet Your ConvertX.......................................................................1
What You Can Do with the ConvertX.........................................2
Features of the Plextor ConvertX................................................3
What You Need to Use the ConvertX .............................................3
What's in the Box ............................................................................4
ConvertX Features and Controls .....................................................5
Front Panel ..................................................................................5
Rear Panel....................................................................................6
A Word about MPEG-4...................................................................7
Precautions ......................................................................................8
2. Installing Your ConvertX.............................................................9
Install the ConvertX Video Converter.............................................9
Installing the ConvertX Device Driver........................................9
Install the ConvertX Drivers......................................................12
Turning the ConvertX On and Off ............................................17
Don’t Forget to Register!...........................................................17
If the Installation Failed.............................................................18
Make Sure the ConvertX Is Recognized ...................................18
Troubleshoot Other Devices......................................................19
Changing to Another Computer ................................................19
Connect the Video Input to the ConvertX.....................................20
3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator..........................21
Install the WinDVD Creator Software ..........................................21
Start Capturing Video....................................................................22
Overview of Creating a CD or DVD Disc.....................................23
Capturing.......................................................................................25
Configuring Your Input Device.................................................28
Editing...........................................................................................29
Adjusting a Video Clip..............................................................31
Adding and Adjusting a Transition ...........................................32
Adding and Adjusting a Title ....................................................33
Adding Audio and Audio Effects..............................................33
Importing More Media Content.................................................33

Table of Contents
vi ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
Previewing Your Project...........................................................34
Viewing File Properties.............................................................34
Saving Your Project..................................................................34
Creating.........................................................................................35
Deleting a Chapter Mark...........................................................36
Adding a Chapter Mark.............................................................37
Editing a Theme Menu..............................................................37
Sharing..........................................................................................37
Burning a Disc ..........................................................................39
Burning Options........................................................................40
Compression Options................................................................41
Where to Go from Here.................................................................42
4. Using the WinDVD Player..........................................................43
Install the WinDVD 4 Software....................................................43
Launch the WinDVD Player .........................................................44
Use the WinDVD Controls ...........................................................45
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................47
Upgrading Firmware.....................................................................47
Troubleshooting Hints...................................................................48
Problems with Installation.........................................................48
Problems with Capture..............................................................48
Appendix A: Specifications ............................................................49
ConvertX Specifications ...............................................................49
WinDVD Creator Specifications...................................................52
Appendix B: Technical Support.....................................................53
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................54
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call..........................................54
Returns..........................................................................................55
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department....................................55
Packing Your ConvertX............................................................56
Shipping Your ConvertX to Plextor..........................................56
Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................57
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada...........................................58
Index.................................................................................................59

ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor®ConvertX™
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 capture and compression 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
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.)
Meet Your ConvertX
The Plextor ConvertX is a high-quality digital video converter that takes
analog video from a video camera, camcorder, VCR, or cable source and
provides high-quality compressed MPEG-1/2/4 digital video for display
or archiving onto recordable CD or DVD discs.
Figure 1: The ConvertX changes analog video
to compressed digital video

Section 1. Getting Started
2ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
What You Can Do with the ConvertX
Uncompressed full-motion video with sound takes as much as one
megabyte of storage space per second of video. But with your ConvertX,
you can compress that video so that an entire movie fits onto a DVD—
or even a CD!
The ConvertX Digital Video Converter and the bundled InterVideo®
WinDVD Creator™software let you:
• Capture: Capture video and sound from analog or digital sources
• Edit: Modify that video to get just what you want
• Create: Author compelling video projects, complete with titles,
menus, sounds, and music
• Share: Actually make movies and burn them onto recordable DVD
and CDs.
In addition, the bundled WinDVD software lets you view your videos
and play video files.
The ConvertX lets you quickly and easily convert analog images on
videotapes into digital video on CDs or DVDs. You can also create new
videos for your CD or DVD player or computer, or Webcasts for the
Internet.
Your ConvertX offers MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats, with
compression that allows users to store up to 100 minutes of digital video
on a CD, or up to 10 hours on a DVD. The bundled WinDVD Creator™
software guides you through each step of capturing and editing video,
adding effects, and burning the finished product. You get everything you
need for quality digital production—just what you’d expect from
Plextor.

Section 1. Getting Started
ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 3
Features of the Plextor ConvertX
• Analog-to-digital conversion: Convert analog video from your
camcorder or VCR into digital format for a computer.
• Archiving video memories: Archive your video on long-lasting CD
or DVD discs.
• Real-time MPEG-1/2/4 hardware video capture: Select the best type
for your quality and speed requirements.
• USB connection: Use Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (480 megabits per second),
for video capture at high bit rates. A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection
maximizes data throughput to the host computer, enabling the
highest speed video capture using MPEG-2 compression.
• Hardware encoder: For fast conversion of analog source video into
digital output video.
• Video and audio synchronization: For rich, true-to-life video.
• Bundled WinDVD Creator software: For capturing, editing,
authoring, and exporting video.
• Bundled WinDVD 4 software: Video player software for viewing
video.
• S-Video and composite video: Supports both popular types of video
input.
• One year warranty: And unlimited toll-free tech support.
What You Need to Use the ConvertX
What You Need:
• Computer: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster
• Minimum memory: At least 256 MB of memory
• Hard disk size: At least 10 GB of free space recommended
• Monitor resolution: 1024 x 768, 24 bit color
• Video graphics card: With 24-bit resolution capability and DirectX
support
• Sound card: Windows-compatible sound card with 48-kHz
playback. (Using a plug-in PCI sound card is recommended.)
• CD-ROM drive: For installation.
• USB interface: USB 2.0 required.
• Operating system: Windows XP or 2000

Section 1. Getting Started
4ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
Also Highly Recommended:
• CD-RW drive: To burn CDs, Video CDs, or MiniDVDs.
• DVD+RW or DVD-RW drive: To burn DVDs, CDs or Video CDs .
• 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) before you install the ConvertX drivers. Suggested service
packs include:

Windows 2000 Service Pack 3

Windows XP Home XP Pro Service Pack 1
What's in the Box
Check the contents of the box. You should have:
• ConvertX Digital Video Converter
• AC adapter (100–240 V) and power cord
• USB 2.0 cable
• Set of audio/video (A/V) cables
• S-Video cable
• ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
• Plextor CD with:

Plextor ConvertX USB device driver

InterVideo®WinDVD Creator™and WinDVD™4 player
software

Adobe®Acrobat®Reader

PDF of Spanish-language users manual

PDF of French-language users manual

Section 1. Getting Started
ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 5
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 Digital Video Converter
Connector or
Indicator Function
1 Audio Audio connector: Connect audio
input here, using the RCA audio-
video cables. The red connector is
the right-hand stereo channel
2 Video Video connector: Connect
composite video here, using the
RCA A/V cable.
3 S-Video S-Video connector: If S-Video is
available, connect it here using the
S-Video cable.
4 Record Recording indicator LED: Amber
when converting video from analog
to digital.
5 Power Power LED: Blue when the AC
adapter and USB cable are
connected and the computer is
turned on.

Section 1. Getting Started
6ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
Rear Panel
Figure 3: Rear panel of the ConvertX Digital Video Converter
Connector Function
1 DC 9V Power connector: Connect the AC
adapter here. The unit has an
automatic power switch controlled
by the USB cable from the PC.
When the PC power is on, the
ConvertX power is also on.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter
shipped with your ConvertX.
2 USB 2.0 USB 2.0 connector: Connect your
USB cable here.
CAUTION: Use only the USB cable
shipped with your ConvertX.

Section 1. Getting Started
ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 7
A Word about MPEG-4
Together, this version of the ConvertX and WinDVD Creator support
two types of MPEG-4 compression:
• Real-time MPEG-4 (ISO) compression, with file extension .mpg, is
supported by the ConvertX.
• MPEG-4 (DivX) compression, file extension .avi, is supported by
WinDVD Creator through a software encoder.
There are some differences in how you use these formats. For input, the
ConvertX hardware encoder can capture video and compress it using the
MPEG-4 (ISO) standard, saving valuable space on your hard disk. You
can play this MPEG-4 video and view it on your computer using the
WinDVD 4 player. You cannot edit it or convert it into another format.
For output, WinDVD Creator software includes a DivX software coder-
decoder, or “codec.”So you can take uncompressed video, or MPEG-1
or MPEG-2 video, edit this video, and output it in the compressed
MPEG 4 (DivX) format. DivX compressed video is a popular format,
and is playable with Windows Media Player with a DivX decoder (see
http://www.divx.com/) and with other decoders available on the Internet.

Section 1. Getting Started
8ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your ConvertX requires
reasonable care in its installation and use.
• 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.

ConvertX Digital Video Converter 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.
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
To install the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Driver:
1. Turn ON your computer system and make sure that all applications
are turned off.
Figure 4: Turn on the computer and insert the ConvertX software disc

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
10 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
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
3. Select the ConvertX Device Driver button. You see the InstallShield
Wizard for the Plextor M401U Codec.
Figure 6: InstallShield Wizard for Plextor USB Codec

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 11
4. In the InstallShield Wizard click Next. You see a window asking for
the destination location.
CAUTION: Accept the default; do not change the destination location.
Figure 7: Choose the destination location for the USB Codec
5. To choose the default location, click Next. The InstallShield installs
the driver. Then you see a window showing that the InstallShield
Wizard for the Plextor Codec is complete.
Figure 8: Plextor USB Codec has been installed
6. Click Finish.

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
12 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
7. In the Plextor Application Installer screen you can click Exit. But
leave the Plextor CD in your computer’s drive for the next steps.
Install the ConvertX Drivers
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the next steps of this procedure, you will be
installing three driver files into your computer. You’ll see the “Found New
Hardware” window three times, and you may feel like you’re seeing the
same dialog over and over again. This is normal. You don’t need to shut
down or reboot your computer until all drivers have been installed.
1. Connect the ConvertX to your computer as shown in Figure 9. Begin
by making sure your computer is on.
Figure 9: 1) Make sure the computer is on, 2) make sure the Plextor
disc is inserted, 3) plug in the AC adapter, and then 4) connect the
ConvertX
2. Make sure the Plextor disc is in the computer’s drive.
3. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to your ConvertX.

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual 13
4. Connect the USB cable from your ConvertX to the computer. You
see a message indicating that Windows is installing a USB device,
followed by a window indicating that Windows has Found New
Hardware. The window asks if you want to install the software
automatically or install from a specific location.
Figure 10: Found New Hardware Wizard for the Plextor USB codec
5. 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.)
Figure 11: Ignore this message and select Continue Anyway

Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX
14 ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual
6. Click Continue Anyway. After a few moments you see a message
indicating the wizard has finished installing the Plextor ConvertX
USB driver.
Figure 12: The first driver has been installed
7. In the Found New Hardware Wizard window, click Finish. Now you
see a message indicating that Windows is installing another USB
device, followed by another screen indicating that Windows has
Found New Hardware. The window asks if you want to install the
software automatically or install from a specific location.
Figure 13: The Found New Hardware Wizard for the second driver