Page 1
Model PX-208U (USB External)
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JULY 2002
Page 2
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 ©2002 Plextor Corp. First edition, July 2002.
Licenses and Trademarks
All licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Record Your Serial Number
For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code (found on your
drive’s label) in the space provided below.
TLA/Firmware Revision Number
Page 3
Ü
FCC NOTICE
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.
•
Any changes or modifications should be approved by the party responsible for compliance of FCC Rules;
otherwise, the user loses authority to operate the eq uipment.
CAUTION
specified herein may res ul t in hazardous radiation exposure.
The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is invisible. Accordingly:
•
•
: Use of controls or adjus tments or performanc e of procedures other than those
Do not open the optical pickup housing.
Obtain service only from Plextor-au thorized personnel.
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.” A Lase r Caution Marking is attached on the
top of the internal drive model: “Caution: Invisible laser radiation when open. Avoid direct exposure to
beam.”
CAUTION
: To disconnect the CD drive from an electrical current, pull out the power plug.
VORSICHT
Zur Einhaltung der Funk-Entstörung von nicht selbständig betreibbaren
Hochfrequenzgeräten (periphere Anlagenkomponenten).
Dieses Gerät entspricht als Einzelgerät den Funk-Entstöranforderungen der
Postverfügung Nr. 243/1991.
Wird das Gerät innerhalb einer Anlage zusammen mit anderen Geräten
betrieben, so muss bei Inanspruchnahme der “Allgemeinen (Betriebs-)
genehmigung” nach der BMPT-AmtsblVfg Nr. 243/1991 die gesamte
Anlage folgenden Richtlinien entsprechen:
•
•
Dies ist bei der Zusammensetzung einer Anlage (z.B. Computersystem) aus nur einzeln geprüften Geräten
nicht immer erfüllt.
: DIE TRENNUNG VOM NETZ E RF OLGT DURCH ZIEHEN DES NETZS T ECKERS.
G-Vfg.243
Grenzwertklasse B der EN55022
Auflagen nach § 2 der BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991
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Table of Contents
1. Getting Started................................................................................................. 1
About this Manual.............................................................................................. 1
Meet Your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U..................................................................... 1
What the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Does........................................................... 1
Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U........................... 2
What You Can Do with the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U....................................... 2
Save Your Box!.............................................................................................. 3
What's in the Box............................................................................................... 3
PlexCombo Drive Features and Controls........................................................... 4
Precautions......................................................................................................... 5
2. Connecting Your PlexCombo..........................................................................7
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System................................................. 7
Connect the PlexCombo Drive...........................................................................8
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code.....................................................8
If You Have Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows Me........................8
If You Have Windows 98SE.......................................................................... 9
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized................................................................... 10
If You Have a Macintosh................................................................................... 10
3. Using Your PlexCombo...................................................................................11
What Media to Use ............................................................................................11
Operating Position.............................................................................................. 12
Tray Loading and Operation.............................................................................. 12
Handling CD Media....................................................................................... 13
Cleaning Discs ...............................................................................................14
Playing CDs and DVDs......................................................................................15
Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology ........................................... 15
4. Maintaining Your PlexCombo........................................................................ 17
Upgrading Firmware .......................................................................................... 17
5. Frequently Asked Questions............................................................................19
Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications............................................................. 21
Appendix B: Technical Support.......................................................................... 25
How to Contact Us............................................................................................. 25
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call............................................................... 26
Returns............................................................................................................... 26
Appendix C: Warranty........................................................................................ 27
Index...................................................................................................................... 29
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Table of Contents
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vi
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
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1. Getting Started
Congratulatio ns! Thank you for purc hasing the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U (the model
number is PX-208U), a reliable, high-performance external CD rewriter, CD
recorder, and CD/DVD reader. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us.
Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the leading e dge of CD technology.
About this Manual
This manual explains how to connect and use your external PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
drive. With USB, the installation process is simple. And if you have problems, fear
not. We have successfully walked through installa tion with millions of customers
who previously had lived in mortal terror of their computer.
Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference. Use the
manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. See your dealer or call
Plextor’s Technical Support Department if your drive needs service. And if you run
into a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, please contact us. (See “Appendix B:
Technical Support” for the different ways you can contact us.) You will be
connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech support engineers, people who know
their stuff. 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.
Meet Your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U is a CD-ReWritable drive that provides professional
quality CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. It also reads digital video
discs (DVDs).
What the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Does
This versatile and remarkable drive:
•
Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 8X speed.
•
Writes to high-speed CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 8X speed.
•
Reads all CD-ROM and CD-R media at a maximum of 24X speed with a typical
access time of less than 150 milliseconds.
•
Reads DVD-ROM discs at a maximum of 8X.
The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U has a high-speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
interface. You can also use it with USB version 1.1. (With USB 1.1 the drive’s top
performance is 4X for CD-R, 4X for CD-RW, and 6X for reading a CD-ROM. In
addition, with USB 1.1, DVD playback is limited to 0.7X DVD speed.)
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 1
Page 8
Section 1. Getting St arted
The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U is compatible with Orange Book, Parts II and III. It is
fully MMC-compliant, and supports Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Multi-Session, as
well as variable and fixed packet writing.
The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U supports Running OPC (ROPC) and is compa t ible with
Windows Plug & Play. Flash memory allows upgrading the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
to the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening
the drive. Buffer Underrun Proof technology eliminates buffer underrun errors, so
you can safely use your computer for other t hi ngs while you ’re writing to a CD-R or
CD-RW disc. And Plextor backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full
warranty on parts and labor, and unlimited toll-free tech support.
Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
PC Configuration:
•
Computer: Pentium 350-MHz CPU or faster.
•
Minimum RAM: 64 MB.
•
USB port: USB 2.0 or 1.1
•
Hard disk size: Minimum 800 MB. 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.
•
Separate CD-ROM drive: Only needed if you want to copy another CD directly
to the PlexCombo. If you don’t have a separate CD-ROM drive, you can still use
a single PlexCombo as the source drive, as well as the destination.
•
Operating system: Windows 98SE (Second Edition), Windows 2000, Windows
Me, or Windows XP
NOTE
: You must have one of these operating systems. You cannot operate this drive
if you have Windows 98; you must have Windows 98SE.
Macintosh Configuration:
Macintosh with USB port and OS 8.6-9.x (provides USB 1.1) or with OS X
(provides USB 2.0 performance).
What You Can Do with the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U:
•
Record data or audio onto recordable or rewritable CD media.
•
Play music CDs.
•
Play DVD movies.
•
Save photos and other images on rewritable or recordable CDs.
•
Create a “CD sneakernet” to share information with colleagues—just use
software such as Roxio DirectCD to drag and drop files onto CD-R or CD-RW
media, then continue adding files and sharing the same CD disc.
•
Archive images and video to CD.
•
Master new software programs on CD.
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 9
What's in the 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 its PlexCombo
8/8/24-8U drive in this configuration:
•
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
•
AC adapter and power cord
•
USB cable
•
Emergency eject tool
•
1 piece of approved CD-R media
•
Plextor CD with authoring
software bundle
•
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U
Installation and Users Manual
•
Warranty registration card
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 ensur e 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.
Section 1. Getting St arted
Save Your Box!
Be sure to save t he box after you have
installed your PlexCombo drive. The
box and its packaging material were
designed and drop tested to ensure your
PlexCombo can endure rough tre atment
and still arrive in working order.
We hope you will never have to ship
your drive back to us. If you do,
however, it's best to send it packaged in
the original box. Some of our customers
have not held o n to their boxes and have
had to resort to less-than-secure
methods to get drives back to us.
We cannot assume liability for any
damage your drive susta ins during
shipment. Therefore, please ship your
drive in the safest manner po ssible.
Before shipping your drive, refer to the
Plextor web site for pointers. The web
site is at:
http://www.plextor.com
If you did not receive a box (for
example, your drive came pre-installed
in a computer), we recommend you pay
a packaging store (such as Mail Boxes
Etc.) to ship your drive. If you don’t
have a packaging store in your area, ask
for packaging pointers when you
contact us to get an RMA number
before returning any drive. You can
contact our RMA Department at
rmasupport@plextor.com; or by calling
us at 800-886-3935, option 6; or by fax
at 510-651-9765.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 3
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Section 1. Getting St arted
PlexCombo Drive Features and Controls
Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your
PlexCombo drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below.
Figure 1: Features and Controls on the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Drive
•
Disc tray: Slides out to let you insert a disc.
•
LED indicator: Blinks once when you turn on the power. Blinks continually
when reading or writing a disc.
•
Eject button: Push to eject tray.
•
Emergency eject hole: Insert emergency eject tool, paper clip, or other thin,
rigid object to eject tray if automatic eject button does not work. Turn OFF power
before using thi s feature.
•
Volume control: Controls volume of sound from headphone jack.
NOTE
: The volume control on your drive adjusts only the sound level of the
headphone jack. It has no impact on the volume level of the computer’s audio
outputs.
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 11
Section 1. Getting St arted
•
Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered speakers.
•
Power switch: Slide this switch to turn power on or off. “0” is off, “1” is on.
•
Power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.
CAUTION
: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PlexCombo.
•
USB connector: Connect the USB cable here.
CAUTION
: Use only the USB cable shipped with your PlexCombo.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PlexCombo 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 Plextor-authorized service personnel only.
•
Keep your CD and DVD discs 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, use a radial motion: start at
the center of the disc and proceed to the outer edge. See Figure 6.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 5
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Section 1. Getting St arted
CAUTION
vertical orientation, you may damage the disc or the drive if the drive falls over.
: Operate your PlexCombo so it sits horizontally. If you operate it in a
Figure 2. Operate Your PlexComb o in a Horizontal Position
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
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2. Connecting Your PlexCombo
This chapter explains how to physically connect the PlexCombo to your computer. In
general, this is what you’ll do:
1. Determine if your comput er is running the Windows XP, 2000, Me, or 98SE
operating system. If you have a Macintosh, e nsure that it is running the
Macintosh OS 8.6 or higher (for USB 1.1) or OS X (for USB 2.0).
If you have Windows XP, 2000, or Me, go to step 2 now.
If you have Windows 98S E:
a) Insert the bundled Plextor Setup Disc in your CD-ROM drive.
b) Go to the Software Installation screen, and click on the button titled USB
Drivers.
c) Follow the prompts through the USB driver insta l l ation routine.
d) Reboot your computer.
2. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PlexCombo.
3. Turn the PlexCombo’s power switch ON.
4. Connect the USB cable from your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U drive to the computer.
That’s all there is to it! We’ll go over the procedure in more detail in the next few
pages.
If you have a PC, sta rt here. If you have a Macintosh, go t o “If You Have a
Macintosh” on page 10.
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System
To determine which operating system your computer uses:
1. Select the Start menu, then select Programs and choose Windows Explorer.
2. In Windows Explorer, select Help. The About line shows your operating system.
(For example, “About Windows 2000.”)
NOTE
: Your computer must be running Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me
or Windows XP. If you are not running one of these operating systems you cannot
use the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U. You cannot use the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U with early
versions of Windows 98; it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition).
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
7
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Section 2. Connecting Your PlexCombo
Connect the PlexCombo Drive
This section gives instructions for connecting the PlexCombo drive.
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code
Record the serial number and TLA code number of your drive on the inside front
cover of this manual. You can find the serial number located on a sticker on the
bottom of the PlexCombo drive.
If You Have Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows Me
If you have a computer with Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows Me, use the
following procedure to install your PlexCombo USB drive:
1. Turn ON your computer system.
2. Connect the AC adapter to your PlexCombo as shown below.
3. Turn the PlexCombo’s power switch ON.
4. Connect the USB cable from your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U drive to the computer.
Figure 3. Connecting the USB Cable and AC Adapter
The drive is automatically recognized by the computer.
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 15
Section 2. Connecting Your PlexCombo
If You Have Windows 98SE
If you have a computer with Windows 98SE, use the following procedure to install
your PlexCombo USB drive:
1. Turn ON your computer system.
2. Insert the bundled Plextor Setup Disc in your CD-ROM drive, go to the Software
Installation screen, and click on the button titled USB Drivers.
3. Follow the prompts thro ugh t he USB driver insta l l ation routine.
4. Reboot your computer.
5. Connect the AC adapter to your PlexCombo using the cabling shown in Figure 3.
6. Turn the PlexCombo’s power switch ON.
7. Connect the USB cable from your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U drive to the computer.
The procedure above loads the necessary drivers into the computer. After this
procedure, your PlexCombo drive should be recognized automatically by Windows
98SE on your computer.
Manual Driver Installation
If you have difficulty with the USB driver installation, you can manually install the
driver. To install the USB driver manually:
1. Use Windows Explorer to navigate to the
the Plextor Setup Disc.
2. Double-click on the file TPPINST.EXE.
This installs the USB driver for Windows 98SE,
Getting the Driver for Windows 98SE
If you do not have a Plextor Setup CD-ROM disc, you can download the USB
drivers for Windows 98SE. They are available to download from the Plextor web
site. Go to http://www.plextor.co m
Support\Downloads\Drivers
and follow the links from the home page to
.
\Drivers\98SE_USB\
folder o n
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 9
Page 16
Section 2. Connecting Your PlexCombo
Make Sure the Drive Is Recogniz e d
After installation, make sure the PlexCombo drive is recognized by your computer.
To check whether it is recognized:
To see if the drive is recognized in Windows:
1. Turn the computer ON. After the computer boots up, you should see the
Windows display.
2. Open “Windows Explorer” or “My Computer” and ensure there is an icon for the
PlexCombo. The PlexCombo may be D: or E: or another designator.
3. In Windows 98SE, or Me, once the system comes up click the Start button, then
Settings, then Control Panel, then double-click on the System icon, then click on
the Device Mana ger tab. Click the + sign next to the CD-ROM heading and loo k
at the PLEXTOR CD-R PX-208T entry underneath.
-orIn Windows XP or 2000, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, then click on the Device Manager button.
Click the + sign next to t he CD-ROM heading and l ook at the PLEXTOR CD-R
PX-208T entry underneath.
4. If you do not see this drive listed as one of the devices, or if it has a yellow
diamond with an exclamation point (!), contact Plextor Technical Support. (See
“Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways you can contact us.)
5. If the USB controller is shown with a yellow diamond and an exclamation point
(!), contact your PC or mothe rboard manufacturer for hel p in troubleshooting
your USB controller or driver compatibility or conflicts. It may just be a matter
of obtaining the latest USB driver, or a motherboard BIOS update, from the
manufacturer.
If You Have a Macintosh
If you have a Macintosh, use the following procedure to install your PlexCombo
USB drive:
1. Turn on the Macintosh.
2. Ensure you are runni ng Macintosh OS 8.6 or higher (for USB 1.1 ) or OS X (for
USB 2.0).
3. Connect the AC adapter to your PlexCombo.
4. Turn the PlexCombo’s power switch ON.
5. Connect the USB cable from your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U drive to the Macintosh
computer.
The Macintosh automatically recognizes the PlexCombo, and you should be ready to
use the drive.
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
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3. Using Your PlexCombo
This chapter explains how to use your PlexCombo drive and how to load, handle and
care for your CDs and DVDs.
What Media to Use
Use the right media! Your PlexCombo drive's capabilities change depending on
which type of disc you use. It currently supports these types:
•
Digital Video Discs: You can immediately play pre-recorded DVD discs,
including movies and other DVDs.
•
CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read pre-recorded discs, such as audio
CDs and data discs.
•
CD-R: Recordable CD. You can record on these discs, but only once. You can
also read them.
•
CD-RW: High-speed and normal-speed ReWritable CD. These discs support
recording and re-recording (up to 1,000 times). You can also read them.
To achieve 8X CD-R writing speed you must use certified media; and to achieve 8X
RW writing speed you must use high-speed RW media. See “Recommended Media"
on page 22 for a list of approved media at the time this manual was printed, and see
the Plextor web site at http://www.plextor.com
for an updated list.
You can write to high-speed RW discs only on drives that support
this new media. Drives that are capable of writing to high-speed
RW media, such as the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U, are identified by
a “Compact Disc ReWritable High Speed” logo.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
11
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Section 3. Using Your Pl exCom bo
Operating Position
Operate your PlexCombo only in a horizontal position. If you operate it in a vertical
orientation, you may damage the disc or the drive if the drive falls over.
Tray Loading and Operation
To put a disc in the tray:
1. While the PlexCombo drive is powered up, push the eject button on the front
panel. The disc tray slides out in a few seconds.
2. Pull the disc tray to open it all the way.
Figure 4: Opening the Disc Tray
3. Lay a blank CD in the tray, label side up. Press the center of the disc to secure it
to the drive spindle.
CAUTION
careful not to touch the drive’s pickup lens.
12
: Do not press so hard that you damage the PlexCombo drive. And be
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 19
Section 3. Using Your Pl exCom bo
Figure 5: Open the Tray Fully; Press Down on the Disc to Lock It Onto the
Spindle
4. Press the tray to close it.
NOTE
: Always close the tray by pressing the front of the drawer by hand in a smooth
and secure manner.
To remove a disc from the tray:
1. Push the eject button on the front panel.
2. Pull the disc tray drawer to open it all the way.
3. Remove the disc by applying a finger to the center of the spindle, while lifting
the edge of the disc with your thumb.
Handling CD Media
Take care when handling blank CD-R and CD-RW media. Dust, scrat ches, and
fingerprints on either side of the disc can cause write errors during recording. When
picking up or holding blank media you can either place your fingers along the outer
edge of the disc, or place one finger through the center ho le and one finger on the
outer edge. Once you have finished creating a disc, label it by writing on the top
using permanent ink.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 13
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Section 3. Using Your Pl exCom bo
CAUTION
conforms to the ASTM D-4236 standard. Some permanent markers will damage the
media. Also, do not press too hard when writing on the disc, or you can render the
disc unusable.
: We recommend using a “non-toxic” marker, such as a Sharpie pen that
NOTE:
We do not recommend placing self-sticking labels on the disc. The weight of
the label may unbalance the disc and cause write errors during recording or read
errors during reading.
Cleaning Discs
For proper read and write performance, your CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM and DVDROM discs must be clean. Trying to record on a dirty disc may result in a failed
session and ruin the disc.
To clean the disc, wipe the disc using a clean, soft cotton cloth to remove surface dirt
such as fingerprints. Use a straight-line motion, wiping from the center out. Do not
wipe the disc in a circular motion.
Figure 6: Wipe the Disc from the Center Outward
HINT:
Keep your frequently used discs in jewel cases at all times to prevent them
from becoming dirty or damaged.
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Section 3. Using Your Pl exCom bo
Playing CDs and DVDs
To play a CD or a digital video disc, insert the disc with the label up (for CDs). The
PlexCombo plays both single-layer and dual-layer DVDs.
DVDs, the first time: A code on some DVDs allows them to be played only in a
certain regional area, such as North America, Europe, etc. When the drive ships there
is no region code set. The first time a DVD that has a region setting is inserted into
the PlexCombo drive, the act of inserting the DVD sets the drive to that region code.
If you later insert a DVD with a different region code, you are prompted to either
accept changing the region code or not. If you don’t accept the change, then that
DVD will not play. If you do accept the change, then the PlexCombo’s region code
setting is changed. But remember: you can change the PlexCombo drive’s region
code only 5 times. After that, you can’t change it any more.
Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology
The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U incorporates Buffer Underrun Proof technology, which
guarantees that you can write discs at high speed and still use your computer for
other tasks while you’re writing.
To prevent the interruption of data during writing, every CD-R/RW drive has a
buffer, a memory chip that acts as a kind of “holding area.” (Typically, the buffer
size is 2 MB or 4 MB.) However, this buffer can be emptied quickly when you write
at high speeds, or if you use other applications (like surfing the Internet or playing
games or watching movies) while writing.
Buffer Underrun Proof technology compensates for any interruption in data flow to
the disc. It “remembers” where writing stopped on the disc when the data flow was
interrupted, then restarts writing in the same place once the data is available again.
Buffer Underrun Proof technology in your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U means you can
safely use your computer for other things while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW
disc. It lets you multitask freely and easily, and lets you successfully create CDs on
the first attempt.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 15
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Section 3. Using Your Pl exCom bo
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16
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
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4. Maintaining Your PlexCombo
This chapter explains maintenance for your PlexCombo drive.
With proper maintenance, you can prevent problems. If problems arise, you can
often solve many simple problems on your own, rather than wait for assistance from
a Plextor representative.
Upgrading Firmware
Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the particular needs of large computer
manufacturers, and to include the latest parameters for Plextor-tested media. It is rare
that these changes will substantially affect the performance or operation of your
PlexCombo drive. However, we advise that our customers always update drives with
the latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting a possible problem with your
drive, please make s ure to visit our web site at www.plextor.com
have the latest firmware.
To obtain new firmware for your PlexCombo drive:
1. Go to the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com
.
2. Look for firmware upgrades in the Support area, on the Downloads page. There
is a description of the latest firmware revision and its intended use.
3. Download the firmware to your computer.
To upgrade firmware:
1. Terminate any other applications before upgrading firmware.
2. Run the executable file that you downloaded from Plextor’s web site.
3. Accept all defaults by continuing to click on the “Next” button. While the new
firmware is being loaded to the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U drive, you can see the
front-panel LED indicator blinking. When firmware has been updated, you see
the message:
Firmware update has completed.
4. Reboot your computer to complete the firmware upgrade.
to check if you
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
17
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Section 4. Maintaining Your Pl exCom bo
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18
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
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5. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this USB PlexCombo if I have only USB 1.1?
Yes, the PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U will work with a USB 1.1 connection. However, to
achieve the drive's maximum speeds you need USB 2.0 (whether it’s embedded in
your motherboard, or you add a USB 2.0 adapter).
With USB 1.1, the CD-R/RW speeds are limited to 4X write, 4X rewrite and 6X
read. DVD playback is limited to 0.7X DVD speed, and playback will not be
smooth.
Adaptec, Orange Micro, and others make PCI-to-USB 2.0 adapters, and both Orange
Micro and Adaptec make PCMCIA-to-USB 2.0 adapters for notebooks. See the list
of contacts on Plextor’s web site.
What media should I use for my PlexCombo?
To achieve 8X CD-R writing speed you must use certified media; and to achieve 8X
CD-RW writing speed you must use high-speed RW media. See the section titled
“Recommended Media” on page 22 for a list of recommended media (including 8X
certified media) at the time this manual was printed. The most updated list of
supported media can be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com
When can I use CD-RW media?
CD-RW media can only be used for writing in ReWritable drives. It is readable only
in ReWritable drives or newer MultiRead CD-ROMs with UDF readers installed
(widely available from 1998 onward). UDF readers are available from software
companies that develop packet-writing software. With CD-RW media you can:
Use as if it were a large capacity floppy disc.
Transport files to and from work.
Copy your important data periodically.
Store large projects as you develop them.
What writing speed can I expect with CD-RW media?
The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U supports new high-speed CD-RW media, and can write
to this media at speeds of 4X or 8X. You can also use conventional CD-RW media in
this PlexCombo; in this case, the drive writes at 4X speed.
.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
19
Page 26
Section 5. Frequently Ask ed Ques tions
When should I use CD-R media?
CD-R media can be read in most CD-ROM, CD-Recordable or CD-ReWritable
drives. Use CD-R media to:
Permanently archive important data.
Copy your music to CD for personal use.
Create specific format discs.
Create disc for distribution to others.
Share non-editable presentations
Can I play all DVDs in my PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U?
A code on some DVDs allows them to be played only in a certain regional area, such
as North America, Europe, etc. Your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U has an internal setting to
correspond to the desired region.
When the drive ships, there is no region code set. The first time a DVD that has a
region setting is inserted into the PlexCombo drive, it sets the drive to that region
code. If you later insert a DVD with a different region code, you are prompted to
either accept changing the region code or not. If you don’t accept the change, then
that DVD will not play. If you do accept the change, then the PlexCombo’s region
code setting is changed. But remember: you can change the PlexCombo drive’s
region code only 5 times. After that, you can’t change it any more.
20
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 27
Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications
Product Details
Product Type Slimline CD-RW + DVD-ROM portable drive
Product Model PX-208U
Inquiry String PLEXTOR sp CD-R sp sp sp PX-208T sp sp
(where “sp” is one space)
System Interface Compliant with USB High-Speed and Full-Speed
Buffer Underrun
Protection
ATAPI-5 Command Set Supports CD-ROM commands, including special
Firmware Upgrades Via flash ROM.
Minimum System Requirements
Computer Pentium 350-MHz CPU or faster.
Minimum RAM 64 MB
Hard Disk Size 1 GB of free space to write to a CD in image mode
Operating System Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows
USB Port Version 2.0 or 1.1
Supported Media
Supported Media,
Stamped CD
Supported Media, DVD DVD single/dual layer
Supported Media, CD-R Orange Book Pt II-compliant discs (Type 74, Type 80)
Buffer Underrun Proof technology
commands for CD-R and CD-RW.
98 Second Edition (USB storage driver from Plextor CD
must be installed to enable operation on
Windows 98SE.)
Red, Yellow Book-compliant discs
DVD-R for general use (v2.0)
DVD-RW (Ver. 1.0 & 1.1)
Supported Media,
CD-RW
Supported Media Size 12 cm, 8 cm (8-cm discs supported for read only)
Orange Book Pt III-compliant discs
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
21
Page 28
Appendix A: PlexCombo Specific at i ons
Recommended Media
CD-R Taiyo Yuden, TDK, Ricoh, Mitsui Chemicals, Kodak,
Maxell, Verbatim/Mitsubishi Chemical
CD-RW Ricoh, Verbatim/Mitsubishi Chemical
(All are rewritable up to 1,000 times.)
Usable Formats
Logical CD Read/Write CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM XA,
Photo-CD, Video-CD, Multisession, CD TEXT, UDF,
CD-I, CD-ROM Mixed Mode
Write Methods Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Packet
Write (variable and fixed), Multisession
Logical DVD Read DVD-ROM, DVD-Video
Performance Specifications
Read Speed, CD
10-24X Stamp,R
8-20X Stamp,R
4-10X Stamp,R, Stamp,R, Stamp,R,
8X CLV Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW
4X CLV Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW
Read Speed, DVD 3-8X for Stamp (Single-layer discs)
Write Speed, CD-R 8X CLV, 4X CLV, 2X CLV
Write Speed, CD-RW 8X CLV, 4X CLV
Initialization Time < 25 sec. (max.)
Access Time CD: <150 ms (typical)
Sleep Mode 20 sec. to spin down to 4X-10X CAV after read command
Speed Mode-1 Mode-2 CD-DA
1.6-4X for Stamp, DVD-R General, DVD-RW (All duallayer discs)
(USB 1.1 limits maximum read speed to 0.7X.)
Note: This drive does not read DVD-R for Authoring 3.9G
(Ver. 1.0) or DVD-R for Authoring (Ver. 2.0) discs.
High speed: 4X, 8X
Normal speed: 4X
Time measured from power on until disc is available to
read
DVD: <150 ms (typical)
Time measured from start command until bus free (no
disconnect)
completed
12 sec. from spindown to spindle stop (standby mode)
22
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 29
Appendix A: PlexCombo Specific at i ons
Performance Specifications (continued)
Wake Mode < 5 sec. (max.) to start drive after sleep
Data Buffer 2 MB
12
Error Rate CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 Block/10
CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 Block/10
Bits
9
Bits
Front Panel
Eject Eject Button; Manual Emergency Eject; Software Eject
Indicator LED Blinks amber for all read/write operations
Disc Loading Manual
CD-Audio Controls Stop/eject
Side Panel
Headphone Jack Stereo mini-jack, 0.8V +/- 0.3V at 32 ohms
Headphone Volume
Control
Wheel knob
Power Switch Turns power on and off. “0” is off, “1” is on.
Rear Panel
Power Connector For connecting the AC adapter. Use only the AC adapter
shipped with the PlexCombo.
AC Adapter Input: 110/220 Vac, +/- 10%, 50/60 Hz, 2A
Output: supplies +9 Vdc. Typical current 1,200 mA during
writing, 1,200 mA during reading. Maximum 1.7 A.
USB Interface
Connector
USB type B connector.
DVD Regional Setting
Compatibility
Changing regional code Max. 5 times
RPC phase-2-compatible
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 23
Page 30
Appendix A: PlexCombo Specific at i ons
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature 5 to 35 degrees Celsius
Performance Guarantee
Temperature
Operating Humidity
Storage Temperature –20 to +60 degrees Celsius
Storage Humidity
10 to 30 degrees Celsius
30% to 70% (non-condensing)
30% to 90% (non-condensing)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W/H/D)
(excluding front bezel)
Weight 470 g (1.04 lb)
141 mm x 22 mm x 171 mm
(5.55 in x 0.87 in x 6.73 in)
Reliability
MTBF 70,000 Power On Hours
Tray Loading 20,000 Load/Unload Cycles
Safety Standards
Country/ Region Type Agency Standard
USA Safety UL UL 1950
Laser FDA FDA 21 CFR
EMC FCC FCC 15J-Class B
Canada Safety CSA CSA 22.2 No. 950
Europe Safety CE EN60950/IEC60825
Safety TUV IEC60950
Laser CE IEC60825-1
EMC CE EN55024, EN50022
Taiwan EMC BSMI CNS13438 Class B
24
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 31
Appendix B: Technical Support
Store Plextor’s e-mail, web site, phone, and fax numbers in a convenient location.
Keep your drive’s serial number and a copy of your sales receipt handy as well.
If you experience a problem while installing or operating your PlexCombo drive,
please refer first to the relevant sections of this manual regarding setup, installation,
and use (Chapters 1–3). If you do not uncover the solution there, please refer next to
the maintenance chapter that begins on page 17. You may also wish to refer to the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of our web site to assist you in
troubleshooting the problem on your own.
NOTE
: We encourage you to go the Plextor web site (www.plextor.com) before
attempting to contact Technical Support. The answers to the most common questions
callers ask can be found quickly in the support area. Select PlexHelper for online
troubleshooting or FAQs for common questions.
If you have not been successful in your quest, our Technical Support Department
will help you solve problems that relate specifically to your PlexCombo drive. In
many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by your PlexCombo actually
originates in another part of your computer. In such instances, our technical support
staff will try to help you identify the part at fault and will refer you to the
manufacturer of that part for further assistance.
How to Contact Us
There are several ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department:
•
Visit our web site (www.plextor.com
Questions.
•
Send us e-mail at support@plextor.com
hours during which you can be reached. Be as detailed as possible in describing
your problem. Please include system configuration, hardware and software, as
well as versions of drivers used.
•
Call 800-886-3935 and select the technical support option.
) for answers to Frequently Asked
. Include your telephone number and the
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
25
Page 32
Appendix B: Technical Support
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call
Please gather as much of the following information as possible before contacting us.
•
The serial number and TLA number of your PlexCombo. Your serial number can
be found both on the warranty card that accompanied the drive and on a label on
the drive itself. The TLA number appears on the drive label, in the bar-coded
section with the serial number.
•
The version of authoring software you are using, if appl icable.
•
The latest version of firmware you loaded onto the drive, if applicable.
•
The operating system (Windows 2000, Me, XP, etc.) you are using.
•
The brand name and model number of your computer (e.g., Dell 466/NP, Micron
P66PCI Powerstation, ALR Evolution V, Apple Macintosh, Performa 575, etc.).
•
The type of USB interface (USB 1.1, USB 2.0) you use.
•
Brand name and model number of any other peripherals you have installed or
connected to your computer (e.g., CD-ROM, scanner, fax board, network board).
Returns
You must receive an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number before any
Plextor drive can be returned for repair or replacement. Any drive sent to Plextor
without an RMA number will not be accepted.
You can contact our RMA Department and request an RMA number and RMA form
at rmasupport@plextor.com
Plextor’s web site, in the Support/Warranty section.
Drives must be sent postage prepaid. We recommend that you insure your shipment,
as Plextor cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur during
shipment.
, or by fax at 510-651-9765. Forms are also available on
26
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 33
Appendix C: Warranty
PLEXTOR CORP . (“Plextor”) warrants your PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U against any
defect in material and workmanship, under normal use, for a period of one year
following its date of purchase. In the event this product is found to be defective
within the warranty period, PLEXTOR will, at its option, repair or replace the
defective unit.
This warranty is void: a) if the unit is operated or stored under abnormal use and
maintenance conditions; b) if the unit is repaired, modified or altered, unless such
repair, modification or alteration is expressly authorized in writing by PLEXTOR;
c) if the unit is subjected to abuse, neglect, lightning strike, electrical fault, improper
packaging, or accident; d) if the unit is installed improperly; or e) if the serial
number of the unit is defaced or missing.
PLEXTOR will not, under any circumstances, be liable for direct, special, or
consequential damages such as, but not limited to, damage or loss of property or
equipment, loss of profits or revenues, cost of replacement goods, or expense or
inconvenience caused by service interruptions. Under no circumstances will any
person be entitled to any sum greater than the purchase price paid for the unit.
To obtain warranty service, you must contact PLEXTOR’s Technical Support
Department by calling 800-886-3935. They will attempt to diagnose and correct your
problem by phone. If the unit does not function properly, they will issue a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number. You may be asked to furnish proof of
purchase to confirm that the unit is still under warranty.
All product returns must be authorized in advance by PLEXTOR’s Technical
Support Department. Authorization is confirmed by issuance of the RMA number,
which must be written prominently on the outside of the box in which the defective
unit is returned to PLEXTOR.
All drives returned to PLEXTOR must be securely packaged and shipped postage
prepaid.
The drive will be returned to the customer at Plextor’s expense when originating
within the United States. For any drives originating outside of the United States, the
customer is responsible for shipping costs in both directions.
NOTE
: Warranty validity is limited to that applicable in the location where the drive
was originally purchased.
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
27
Page 34
Appendix C: Warranty
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
Page 35
A
ac adapter · 3, 23
connecting · 5, 23
access time · 22
accessory stand · 12
adapter, USB 2.0 · 19
ATAPI-5 comman d set · 21
B
box
contents of · 3
shipping · 3
buffer · 23
Buffer Underrun Proof technology · 15,
21
Buffer Underrun Proof technology · 2
C
cable, USB · 3, 5
CD
read formats · 22
read speed · 22
reading · 1
writing · 1, 19
CD-audio
controls · 23
CD-R
read formats · 22
write speed · 22
CD-R media · 11, 20
CD-ROM media · 11
CD-RW
read formats · 22
write speed · 22
CD-RW media · 11, 19
cleaning disc · 14
compact disc rewritable high speed logo ·
11
computer, minimum · 2, 21
configuration
Macintosh · 2
Index
minimum · 2, 21
PC · 2
connecting the drive · 8
connecting to Macintosh · 10
connector
headphone · 5, 23
power · 5, 23
USB · 5, 23
controls and features · 4, 23
D
data buffer · 23
determining your operating system · 7
dimensions · 24
disc cleaning · 14
disc label · 14
disc loading · 23
disc tray · 4, 12, 13
drive
connecting · 8
connecting to Macintosh · 10
recognizing in Windows · 10
driver
obtaining · 9
Windows 98SE · 9
DVD
compatibility · 23
playing · 20
read formats · 22
read speed · 22
reading · 1
region code · 15, 20, 23
DVD-ROM media · 11
E
eject button · 4, 12, 23
emergency eject hole · 4
emergency eject tool · 3, 4
environmental conditions · 24
error rate specification · 23
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
29
Page 36
Index
F
features and controls · 4
firmware
obtaining · 17
upgrading · 2, 17, 21
formats · 22
CD-R · 22
CD-ROM · 22
CD-RW · 22
DVD reading · 22
frequently asked questions · 19
front-panel controls · 4, 23
H
hard disk size · 2, 21
headphone jack · 5, 23
headphone volume control · 4, 23
high-speed CD-RW media · 11
high-speed media · 11
humidity specification · 24
I
indicator LED · 4, 23
initialization time · 22
inquiry string · 21
MTBF · 24
O
OPC · 2
operating position · 12
operating system
determining · 7
required · 2, 21
optical power control · 2
P
PC minimum configuration · 2
performance
Macintosh · 2
USB 1.1 and · 1, 19, 22
USB 2.0 and · 1, 19
performance specifications · 22, 23
Plextor CD · 3
position, operating · 12
power connector · 5, 23
power switch · 5, 23
precautions · 5
product model · 21
PX-208T in Windows · 10
R
L
label, disc · 14
LED indicator · 4, 23
M
Macintosh
drive installation · 10
minimum configuration · 2
maintenance · 17
media · 11, 19
care and handling · 14
recommended · 19, 22
supported · 21
memory, minimum · 2
minimum configuration · 2, 21
model · 21
30
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
RAM, minimum · 2, 21
read specification
CD · 22
DVD · 22
reading a CD · 1
reading a DVD · 1
rear-panel connectors · 4, 23
recognizing the drive in Windows · 10
region code · 15
changing · 15, 20, 23
setting · 15, 20
registration card · 3
reliability · 24
returns · 3, 26
RMA number · 3, 26
ROPC · 2
Running OPC · 2
Page 37
Index
S
safety standards · 24
security sticker · 3
serial number, recording · 8
shipping your drive · 3
side-panel controls and c onnectors · 4, 23
sleep mode · 22
software bundle · 3
speed
reading · 1
reading CD-ROM · 22
reading DVD · 1, 22
writing · 1, 19
writing CD-R · 22
writing CD-RW · 22
support · 2, 25
T
technical support · 2, 25
temperature specification · 24
TLA code · 8, 26
tray
disc · 4, 12, 13
loading and unloading · 12, 13
tray loading specification · 24
U
upgrading firmware · 2, 17
usable formats · 22
USB
compliance · 21
connector · 5, 23
interface · 1, 2, 19, 21
performance · 1, 19, 22
using version 1.1 · 19
USB cable · 3, 5
V
volume control · 4, 23
W
wake mode · 23
warranty · 2, 27
warranty registration card · 3
weight · 24
Windows 2000 · 2
drive installation · 8
Windows 98SE · 2
drive installation · 9
manual driver installation · 9
Windows Me · 2
drive installation · 8
Windows XP · 2
drive installation · 8
write specification · 22
writing a CD · 1
image · 2
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual 31
Page 38
Index
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PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
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Notes
PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U Installation and Users Manual
33
Page 40
LEXTOR CORP
P
.
48383 Fremont Blvd.
Suite 120
Fremont CA 94538-6509
Phone:
Fax:
510-440-2000
800-886-3935
510-651-9755
E-mail: info@plextor.com
www.plextor.com
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