Page 1
PlexTools® Professional
Reference Guide
SOFTWARE FOR DVD AND CD-R/CD-RW DRIVES
APRIL 2003
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 ©2003 Plextor Corp. First edition, April 2003.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor, PlexTools, and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks; and PlexWriter is
a trademark of Plextor Corp. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their
respective owners.
Page 3
Table of Contents
1. System Requirements ...................................................................................... 1
2. Installing PlexTools Professional.................................................................... 3
3. Getting Started................................................................................................. 5
Launching the Software ..................................................................................... 5
Selecting the Adapter and Drive ........................................................................ 6
Using the Options Menu .................................................................................... 7
Getting Help....................................................................................................... 8
4. PlexTools Professional Functions ................................................................... 9
General Information........................................................................................... 9
Adapter Information Window........................................................................ 10
Changing the Drive Settings .............................................................................. 11
Selecting Basic Drive Settings....................................................................... 11
Selecting Advanced Drive Settings................................................................ 12
Changing VariRec Settings............................................................................ 13
Changing GigaRec Settings ........................................................................... 13
Procedure for GigaRec Recording ................................................................. 14
Changing Silent Mode Settings...................................................................... 15
Changing SecuRec Settings ........................................................................... 16
Procedure for Making a SecuRec Disc .......................................................... 16
Getting Drive Information ................................................................................. 17
Drive Information–General............................................................................ 17
Drive Information–CD Read.......................................................................... 18
Drive Information–CD Write......................................................................... 19
DVD Read...................................................................................................... 20
DVD Write..................................................................................................... 21
Retrieving CD/DVD Information ...................................................................... 22
Using Multimedia Player ................................................................................... 24
Multimedia File Types................................................................................... 25
Create/Edit Playlist ........................................................................................ 26
Using Audio CD Player ..................................................................................... 27
Performing Digital Audio Extraction................................................................. 28
Track Options ................................................................................................ 29
Other Options................................................................................................. 29
DAE Progress Window.................................................................................. 30
Digital Audio Extraction Preferences ............................................................ 31
Using AudioCD Maker...................................................................................... 35
Audio CD Maker Properties .......................................................................... 36
Audio CD Maker Write Dialog...................................................................... 37
Audio CD Maker Progress............................................................................. 38
Using CD-ROM Maker...................................................................................... 39
CD-ROM Maker Options .............................................................................. 40
CD-ROM Maker Preferences......................................................................... 42
Copying a Disc................................................................................................... 43
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide iii
Page 4
Table of Contents
Entering CD Text........................................................................................... 45
Making a Disc Copy ...................................................................................... 46
Changing Preferences for CD Copy............................................................... 47
Specifying Recording Options ....................................................................... 48
Erasing a CD-RW or DVD RW ......................................................................... 50
Performing a CD Test ........................................................................................ 51
Testing Read Transfer Rate................................................................................ 52
Testing Write Transfer Rate............................................................................... 53
Choosing Transfer Rate Test Preferences ...................................................... 54
Measuring Q-Check C1/C2 Errors..................................................................... 55
Q-Check C1/C2 Preferences .......................................................................... 56
Procedure for Measuring C1/C2/CU Errors................................................... 56
Measuring Q-Check Focus Error and Tracking Error........................................ 57
FE/TE Test Preferences.................................................................................. 58
Procedure for Measuring TE/FE .................................................................... 58
Measuring Beta/Jitter ......................................................................................... 59
Beta/Jitter Preferences.................................................................................... 60
Customizing General Preferences ...................................................................... 61
Customizing freedb Settings .............................................................................. 63
freedb Server Settings .................................................................................... 64
freedb Proxy Server Settings.......................................................................... 65
freedb Database Settings................................................................................ 65
For More Information .................................................................................... 65
Appendix A: Glossary.......................................................................................... 67
Appendix B: Error Messages .............................................................................. 71
Errors During Installation .................................................................................. 71
Errors on Startup ................................................................................................ 71
Application and Program Error Codes............................................................... 72
Appendix C: Tips and Tricks.............................................................................. 75
Appendix D: Technical Support ......................................................................... 77
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support........................................................ 77
North America................................................................................................ 77
Europe............................................................................................................ 77
iv PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 5
1. System Requirements
PlexTools® Professional software runs independently and requires that your system
is properly set up and fully functioning.
System requirements:
• IBM compatible Personal Computer, preferably Pentium II or higher.
• Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows
NT or Windows XP Operating System installed.
• Operational SCSI controller (installed with all necessary drivers) when Plextor
SCSI devices are installed; or operational IDE interface when a Plextor ATAPI
device is used.
• Installed ASPI layer (with updated 32-bit device drivers for Windows) when
Plextor devices are installed.
• Correctly installed and configured Plextor CD-ROM drive or CD-Recorder.
For more information on the SCSI Controller device driver or the ASPI layer, please
refer to the manufacturer of the SCSI controller.
For more information on the IDE drivers, please refer to the manufacturer of the IDE
chipset or motherboard.
For information on the installation and configuration of the Plextor drives, please
refer to the user’s manual for your drive.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 1
Page 6
Section 1. System Requirements
This page intentionally left blank.
2 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 7
2. Installing PlexTools Professional
The latest version of PlexTools Professional is shipped on the CD-ROM included
with your PlexWriter Premium. Updates will be made available on the Plextor Web
site at: http://www.plextor.be
To install PlexTools Professional:
• Insert the Plextor CD-ROM in your drive.
If the autorun feature of your system is enabled, the installation procedure
should launch automatically. Please follow the instructions shown on the
startup menu.
In other cases, start the installation by executing the setup program on the
disc: In Windows select Start | Run and type D:\setup.exe where <D>
stands for your CD-ROM drive letter.
-orLaunch Windows Explorer, select the CD-ROM drive, and double-click on
the file setup.exe.
In order to be able to read the PlexTools Professional manual you need to install
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Figure 1: PlexTools Professional Installation Window
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 3
Page 8
Section 2. Installing PlexTools Professional
This page intentionally left blank.
4 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 9
3. Getting Started
This section shows you how to get started using PlexTools Professional.
Launching the Software
PlexTools Professional can be started by selecting it in Windows Start | Programs |
Plextor menu, or by double-clicking the System Tray icon. (To change startup
settings, see page 52.)
PlexTools Professional will start and will scan all your SCSI and ATAPI devices to
retrieve information about connected devices. After a short time, the retrieved
information will be displayed.
The program will show three windows: the upper left window will show the SCSI
and ATAPI hardware, the lower left window will show the available functions, and
the right-hand window will show function-dependent information.
Figure 2: General Information Window
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 5
Page 10
Section 3. Getting Started
Selecting the Adapter and Drive
Selecting an adapter and a drive is done in the same way as in Windows Explorer:
just click on the desired adapter in the hardware window, and you see General
Information about this adapter appear in the right-hand window.
When you click on a device (using the left mouse button), you see the general
information about that drive in the right window and the other options in the lower
left window.
Different icons indicate hard disk drives, empty CD-ROM drives and any CD-ROM
drives with discs inserted. The currently selected device is highlighted.
Right-clicking (right mouse button) on a device allows options such as Refresh,
Refresh All, Eject, Load and Retrieve CD from freedb.
Figure 3: Right-Click on a Drive to See Additional Commands
• Refresh: Refreshes information about the selected drive.
• Refresh All: Refreshes information about all drives.
• Eject: Opens the drive’s disc tray.
• Load: Closes the drive’s disc tray.
• Unlock: Unlocks the disc tray, allowing ejection by hardware or software
command..
• Lock: Locks the disc tray, preventing disc ejection via hardware or software.
• Retrieve CD from freedb: Gets CD information from the freedb database.
6 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 11
Section 3. Getting Started
Using the Options Menu
To view extra features, click the Options selection in the menu bar.
Figure 4: Options Menu
• Print Information: Prints system information.
• Save Information: Saves system information. Plextor’s Technical Support staff
can use this information to help you solve certain problems.
• Email Information: Sends your system information to Plextor Technical
Support.
• Preferences: Gives you access to the General Preferences and other Preferences
settings.
• Refresh (F5): Refreshes the displayed information about the selected drive.
• Rescan Devices: Rescans for devices and updates all information.
• Exit (Alt-F4): Exits PlexTools Professional.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 7
Page 12
Section 3. Getting Started
Getting Help
To get help about PlexTools Professional, click the Help selection in the menu bar.
Figure 5: PlexTools Professional Help Windows
• PlexTools Professional Help or F1: Starts the windows help system for
PlexTools Professional.
• PlexTools Professional Manual: Opens this manual.
• System Info: Displays information about the installed ASPI layer and your
operating system.
• About PlexTools Professional: Indicates the version of PlexTools Professional.
8 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 13
4. PlexTools Professional Functions
This section gives information about PlexTools Professional functions.
General Information
To find more information about a Plextor drive, select the drive and choose the
General Information option.
Figure 6: General Information Window for a Plextor Drive
General information:
• Vendor: Manufacturer of the drive
• Product: Name of drive.
• Firmware Version: Current version of firmware loaded into the drive.
• Serial Number: Shows the drive’s serial number.
• Buffer Capacity: Indicates the drive’s buffer memory capacity.
• Drive Letter: Letter used by the drive.
For SCSI drives only:
• Host Adapter: SCSI ID of the host adapter.
• Jumper Settings: Visual indication of the settings on the selected drive.
• SCSI ID, Termination & Parity: Shows the SCSI ID, the status of termination
and the parity for the selected drive.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 9
Page 14
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
For ATAPI drives only:
• Jumper Settings: Visual indication of the settings on the selected drive.
• IDE Setup: Shows if the drive is connected as master or slave on the IDE bus.
NOTE: This information pertains to Plextor drives. A reduced set of information about
CD-ROM drives and peripherals from other manufacturers will also be shown in the
hardware list if the drives are supported and functional.
Adapter Information Window
To find more information about an adapter, select it and choose the General
Information option.
Figure 7: General Information Window for an Adapter
• Host Adapter Type: Shows the type of the selected adapter.
• ASPI Manager: Shows the installed ASPI manager.
• Adapter number: Shows the number of the selected adapter.
• SCSI ID: Shows the adapter’s SCSI ID.
• Max Targets: Shows the maximum number of devices that can be connected to
this adapter.
• Port Driver: Shows the name of the driver file.
• Provider: Shows the provider of the driver file.
• Description: Shows more information regarding the driver file.
• Location: Shows the location where the driver file is stored.
• Version: Shows the version of the driver file.
• Date: Shows the driver file date.
10 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 15
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Changing the Drive Settings
To change a drive's reading speed, spindown time or audio output settings, select
Drive Settings in the command bar. Then select the desired tab and change the
desired settings.
To save these settings, select Options in the toolbar, select Preferences and check the
Save settings on exit checkbox in the General tab.
Selecting Basic Drive Settings
Figure 8: Basic Drive Settings
• CD Read Speed Setting: Changes the reading speed to the selected value.
• DVD Read Speed Setting: Changes the reading speed to the selected value.
(Available speed settings depend on the inserted DVD type.)
• Spindown Time: Changes the spindown time of the drive.
• Audio Output Settings: Adjust the audio output volume of the drive.
• Lock Channels: Locks the two volume sliders together. When locked, the sliders
move in unison. When the sliders are not locked, you can control a single slider
or channel independent of the other channel or slider.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 11
Page 16
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Selecting Advanced Drive Settings
Figure 9: Advanced Drive Settings Window
• Auto Insert Notification: Enables/disables automatic insert notification for the
current drive.
• Enable Buffer Under Run Proof: Enables/disables the use of Buffer Under Run
Error Proof technology.
• Disable PoweRec: With PoweRec enabled (default) the Plextor drive will write
discs at the optimized speed determined by PoweRec. With PoweRec disabled
the Plextor drive will write discs at the speed setting selected by the user.
CAUTION: If the disc is written faster than is recommended by PoweRec, you may
experience write errors, or the resulting CD may have playback difficulties in some
CD drives.
• Enable DMA: Enables/disables the drive’s DMA setting in the Windows
registry.
• Enable Single Session: When enabled, only the first session on a CD will be
shown. (This option must be enabled before inserting a CD.)
• Hide CD-R media: When enabled, this function prevents an application from
recognizing a CD-R as such.
• Enable SpeedRead: This option allows you to boost the read speed for certain
drives and discs.
CAUTION: Since enabling this option can lead to excessive vibration, noise and read
errors, and even damage to the drive and disc, please give preference to the default
setting.
12 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 17
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Changing VariRec Settings
The VariRec function allows you to change the laser power when writing CD-DA on
CD-R at 4X or 8X (TAO or DAO). The default setting reflects an optimized laser
power with lowest jitter. Changing this setting will result in a change of sound or
sound quality, and a change in playability or compatibility with existing players.
Figure 10: VariRec Drive Settings Window
• Enable VariRec: Enables or disables VariRec.
• Slider: Increases or decreases laser power by up to 4 degrees in either the
positive or negative direction from the default.
• Recording Speed: Selects recording speed.
• Recording Strategy: Selects a recording strategy based on the type of dye used
on the disc media. Example options include Default, Azo, Cyanine,
Phthalocyanine A, B, C, or D.
Changing GigaRec Settings
GigaRec extends the capacity of a standard CD-R disc up to 40 percent. For instance,
a Type 80 CD normally allows 700 MB of data and 80 minutes of recording. But
with GigaRec, you can get up to 1 GB of data on a single Type 80 CD. This
translates into a 2-hour movie with 1 MB/s compression; or 2 hours and 46 minutes
of video with 780-MB/s compression.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 13
Page 18
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
In order to use the GigaRec feature, you need:
• CD-R drive (such as the PlexWriter Premium) that supports GigaRec.
• Recording software, such as PlexTools Professional, that supports GigaRec.
(GigaRec is sometimes called “overburn.”)
• Player software that recognizes the GigaRec disc.
Figure 11: GigaRec Drive Settings Window
• Enable GigaRec: Enables GigaRec writing.
• GigaRec Rate: Selects disc capacity. For example, choosing 1.2x increases the
disc’s writing capacity by 20 percent. So the capacity of a 703-MB disc is
increased to 843 MB, or 95 minutes and 59 seconds.
Procedure for GigaRec Recording
1. Insert a blank Type 74 (650-MB/74-min.) or Type 80 (700-MB/80-min.) CD-R
disc in the PlexWriter Premium drive. (You can’t use CD-RW discs with
GigaRec.)
2. In the PlexTools Professional menu bar, select Drive Settings. You see the tabs
for drive settings.
3. Select the GigaRec tab. You see the GigaRec window.
4. To enable GigaRec, place a check mark in the Enable GigaRec box.
5. Click next to one of the GigaRec Rate numbers to select the capacity.
6. Using a disc-at-once (DAO) recording application such as PlexTools Professional
CD-ROM Maker or AudioCD Maker, record data on the CD-R disc. When
recording is completed, you see the GigaRec results at the bottom of the
recording application window.
14 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 19
Changing Silent Mode Settings
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Figure 12: Silent Mode Drive Settings Window
• Enable Silent Mode: Enables Silent Mode.
• Max. Write Speed: Slows writing speed, making this process quieter. Smaller
numbers mean quieter operation, but take longer to write a disc.
• Max. Read Speed: Slows reading speed, making this process quieter. Smaller
numbers mean quieter operation, but slower disc reading.
• Access Time: Slows disc access by the drive, making this process quieter.
Choose Fast for a high access time (65 milliseconds), Middle for a medium
access time (130 milliseconds), and Slow for a low access time (180
milliseconds). The quietest setting is Slow.
• Tray Speed:
Loading: Adjusts the tray loading speed. Set slider to the left to reduce
speed, making the drive quieter.
Eject: Adjusts the tray eject speed.
• Test: Tests the tray eject and load speed.
• Reset Values: Return Silent Mode settings to the factory defaults (maximum
speed).
• Save Changes to Drive: Saves your Silent Mode changes to the drive.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 15
Page 20
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Changing SecuRec Settings
The PlexWriter Premium’s SecuRec function lets you password-protect the entire
file system on a CD-R disc.
To view the contents of an password-protected disc—or even to see a catalog of
files—the user must enter the correct password. The password can be entered via
PlexTools Professional software, or with the SecuRec Reader software. (The
SecuRec Reader software is readily available to any user simply by downloading it
from the Plextor web site at:
http://www.plextor.com/english/support/downloads/reader.html
)
Figure 13: SecuRec Drive Settings Window
• Password: Enter the desired password.
• Activate Protection: Enables SecuRec for password-protected recording.
• Protection Status: Shows that protection is Active or Non-Active.
• Disc Info: Gives disc information, including SecuRec status.
Procedure for Making a SecuRec Disc
1. Insert a blank CD-R disc in the PlexWriter Premium drive.
2. In PlexTools Professional, select Drive Settings and the SecuRec tab.
3. In the SecuRec Drive Settings window, enter the desired password in the
Password setting field.
4. Click the Activate Protection button.
5. Use CD-ROM Maker, the disc-at-once (DAO) recording application in PlexTools
Professional, to record your data onto a CD-R disc.
16 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 21
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Getting Drive Information
This function allows you to see more information about your Plextor drive.
Drive Information–General
Figure 14: General Drive Information Window
The drive’s general read and write capabilities are shown here.
• Audio Read Offset: Shows the audio read offset.
• Audio Write Offset: Shows the audio write offset, which is the location on the
track where the audio data starts after the TOC.
• Interface: Shows the interface type of the selected Plextor drive.
• Access Time: Shows the average access time for your Plextor drive.
• Current Firmware: Shows the current firmware of the selected Plextor drive.
• Latest Firmware: Shows the latest firmware available for your drive at the time
this version of PlexTools Professional was released.
To check for a newer version of firmware, visit the Plextor web site at:
http://www.plextor.com/english/support/support_downloads.html#firm
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 17
Page 22
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Drive Information–CD Read
Figure 15: CD Read Drive Information Window
This window shows all possible read speeds for each type of CD. It also shows
additional information regarding these features.
18 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 23
Drive Information–CD Write
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Figure 16: CD Write Drive Information Window
This window shows all possible write speeds for each type of CD. It also shows
additional information regarding these features.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 19
Page 24
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
DVD Read
This window is available only for Plextor DVD readers.
Figure 17: DVD Read Drive Information Window
Shows all possible read speeds for each type of DVD.
• Note: Shows additional information regarding these features.
20 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 25
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
DVD Write
This window is available only for Plextor DVD writers.
Figure 18: DVD Write Drive Information Window
Shows all possible write speeds for each type of DVD.
• Note: Shows additional information regarding these features.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 21
Page 26
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Retrieving CD/DVD Information
The CD/DVD Info window shows more information about the inserted disc.
Figure 19: CD/DVD Information Window
CD Information
For CD’s the information comprises:
• Type, Label: Indicates the CD type and label.
• Capacity: Shows the capacity of the disc in sectors, MSF (minutes, seconds,
frames) and MB (megabytes).
• Tracks/Sessions: Indicates the number of tracks/sessions.
• CD-R(W) Manufacturer: Indicates the name of the CD-R(W) manufacturer.
• UPC/EAN Code: LBA/MSF: Changes between indication in logical blocks
(LBA) or minutes, seconds, frames (MSF).
• CD TEXT: Shows the CD TEXT information on the disc (if your drive is
capable of reading it).
• Read ISRC: Shows the International Standard Recording Code, if present.
Saving Information
A right-click on the CD Info window opens the option to print or save the disc
information.
• Standard Information: Prints a brief description of disc contents.
• Advanced Information: Prints a detailed description of the contents of the disc.
22 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 27
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
DVD Information
For DVD’s the information comprises:
• Type, Label: Indicates the DVD type and label.
• Capacity: Shows the capacity of the disc in sectors and MB (megabytes).
• Copyright Protection: Shows the copyright protection being used on the DVD.
• Track Path: Possibilities are OTP and PTP.
• Layer(s): Shows the number of layers.
• Disc Region: Shows the region code.
Figure 20: DVD Information Window
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 23
Page 28
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Using Multimedia Player
Multimedia Player uses the MCI drivers installed on your system to play audio tracks
and other types of multimedia files. The list of possibilities with Multimedia Player
varies from system to system, depending upon the installed MCI devices.
If the selected device plays files, you will be prompted to select the file you want to
play with Multimedia Player. You can play, pause playing, stop, rewind, and fast
forward the file. The total time and elapsed time will be displayed. Volume and
balance can also be adjusted in this window.
Figure 21: Multimedia Player
• Repeat off: Turns off the repeat function.
• Repeat one: Only the currently selected file is repeated.
• Repeat all: All files on the current playlist will be repeated.
• Shuffle: All files from the current playlist will be played at random.
• File Load: Add the selected files to the playlist.
• Playlist Load: Load a playlist.
• Playlist Create/Edit: Create or edit a playlist.
24 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 29
Multimedia File Types
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Figure 22: Open File Window
The MCI device list can be extended by installing the latest version of Windows
Media Player from Microsoft. Some of the possibilities are:
• All supported formats: Can play the most common audio and video files
available.
• Video for Windows: Plays AVI Video files.
• MIDI sequencer: Plays MIDI files.
• Sound: Plays audio WAV files as recorded by Digital Audio Extraction tools.
• MP3 files: Plays compressed audio files.
• MPEG files: Plays video files that are compressed using the MPEG specification
(e.g. VideoCD).
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 25
Page 30
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Create/Edit Playlist
Create/Edit Playlist lets you create or edit a playlist.
Figure 23: Creating or Editing a Playlist
• Add...
Files: Adds the selected files to the playlist.
Directory: Adds all valid files from the selected directory to the playlist.
List: Adds a playlist (*.m3u or *.pls) to the current playlist.
• List...
Load: Loads a playlist (only *.m3u and *.pls).
List... Save: Saves the current playlist to *.m3u or *.pls.
List... Clear: Removes all the files from the playlist.
• Export to AudioCD Maker: Exports all the files from the playlist to AudioCD
Maker. (Only valid 16-bit/44-kHz *.wav files will be exported.)
• Print: Makes a printout of the current playlist.
• ?: Displays help information.
• Close: Closes the playlist window.
26 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 31
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Using Audio CD Player
With Audio CD Player, if you select a device that can play tracks directly from a
CD, and a suitable CD is inserted, you can play all the tracks from the disc.
Figure 24: Audio CD Player Window
• Get CD TEXT from CD: Uses the CD TEXT information (if available and your
drive supports this feature) on the CD to display the Disc Title, Track Title and
Artist name.
• Get CD TEXT from freedb: Uses the information on the freedb server to
display the Disc Title, Track Title and Artist name.
• Submit/Save: Submits or saves information about the currently inserted audio
CD.
• Retrieve: Retrieves information about the currently inserted audio CD from the
freedb server.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 27
Page 32
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Performing Digital Audio Extraction
PlexTools Professional allows Digital Audio Extraction at high speed. Selecting the
Digital Audio Extraction function will show the disc and track information.
If the audio disc has CD TEXT information and your drive supports this feature, it
will be displayed instead of the default Track01 name.
Figure 25: Digital Audio Extraction Window
• Track: Shows tracks you have selected. You can edit the file/track name in the
Track window by clicking on the track name you want to change and entering the
new name.
• Output Path: Selects the directory to which the files will be saved. Can be
changed to indicate the directory of your choice.
• Audio Error Detection: Allows detection of errors during the reading of audio
tracks. This powerful PlexTools Professional feature is not provided with
standard audio extraction software.
• Extract to single file: Extracts audio to a single file *.wav instead of multiple
tracks.
• Preferences: Brings up the DAE Preferences window.
• Select All: Selects all available audio tracks for extraction.
• CD, freedb: Specifies which information source should be used for filename
creation.
28 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 33
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Track Options
Right-clicking on a track will show the following options:
• Extract Selected Tracks: This option will extract all the selected tracks.
• Play track: Plays the currently selected track (digitally).
• Select All: Selects all tracks.
• Select None: Selects no tracks.
• Edit Track: Allows the name of the track to be altered.
• Select Start/Stop position: Lets you enter the position where the extraction of
the selected track should start and stop.
• Filename options: Allows the filename options to be changed.
Other Options
When extracting to the MP3/Monkey’s Audio/Ogg Vorbis format additional options
will also be available.
Figure 26: MP3/Monkey’s Audio/Ogg Vorbis Options Window
• Compression Level:
Fast: Low compression, fast extraction.
Normal: Normal compression.
High: High compression.
Extra High: Highest compression
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 29
Page 34
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
DAE Progress Window
During audio extraction, you will see a progress indicator. If any problems occur
during the reading of an audio track, they will be displayed here.
Figure 27: Digital Audio Extraction Progress Window
• Print: Prints extraction data, together with information about operating system
and controllers.
• Save: Saves extraction data to a file, together with information about operating
system and controllers.
After printing or saving, you can complete the resulting log page and sent to Plextor
Technical Support for assistance in solving problems. Please do not forget to fill in
your personal data.
30 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 35
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Digital Audio Extraction Preferences
To bring up this window, you can:
• In the Plextor Professional toolbar, select Options | Preferences and go to the
Digital Audio Extraction tab.
-or-
• In the main Digital Audio Extraction window, select Preferences.
Figure 28: Digital Audio Extraction Preferences
Filename Options:
• Spaces: Indicates the options for the automatically assigned filenames:
Include: Include spaces in the filename.
Remove: Remove spaces from the filename.
Replace by underscore: Replace spaces by underscore characters.
• Filename Construction: Lets you specify whether Track number, Track title,
Track artist, Disc title and ISRC Code should be used for filename construction.
Also lets you edit the order in which they appear.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 31
Page 36
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
DAE Error Recovery
The DAE function of PlexTools Professional can detect uncorrectable read errors.
This detection is based on the C2 flag that is read together with the audio data. It is
impossible to correct these errors, but PlexTools Professional offers a choice of
smart strategies that attempt to recover the original data. These strategies consist of
combinations of re-reading the data and changing the read speed. Depending on the
type and severity of the damage, each strategy will give a different result. You can
try out the different strategies and options in order to minimize read errors and
achieve the best results. The goal is fast DAE with no read errors.
• 1. Report Errors only (no recovery action): This strategy can be used when the
source disc is error-free or error correction is not necessary.
• 2. Reduce the speed upon error: When uncorrectable errors are found, the
damaged area will be read at a lower speed in order to find an error-free reading.
• 3. Read again upon error: When uncorrectable errors are found, the damaged
area will be read again for a number of times (retries) at the selected speed in
order to find an error-free reading.
Allow Speed Down: Optional choice to achieve better results at lower speed.
• 4. Recover the best sector (least errors): When uncorrectable errors are found,
the damaged area will be read again for a number of times (retries) at the selected
speed. When the errors stay, the sectors with the least errors will be used to
reassemble the original data.
Allow Speed Down: Optional choice to achieve better results at lower speed.
• 5. Recover the best bytes (least errors) per sector: When uncorrectable errors
are found, the damaged area will be read again for a number of times (retries) at
the selected speed. If the errors remain, the bytes with the least errors will be
used to reassemble the original data.
• 6. Error Log: This option allows the complete logging of all details of the error
recovery.
Audio Format Options:
• PCM (wave): Select sampling options to be used during extractions, including:
The number of samples taken per second
The size of the samples
The sound mode (stereo or mono) to be used during extraction.
• MP3 (Windows encoder): Select this option if you want to extract audio tracks
to MP3 format using the installed Windows encoder. Availability, number of
options, and choices for quality depend upon the installed encoder.
32 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 37
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
• MP3 (Lame): Select this option if you want to extract to MP3 format using the
Lame Encoder. This is a free MP3 encoder and can be downloaded from:
http://www.mp3-tech.org/
All you need to do is copy the lame_enc.dll to your Windows or PlexTools
Professional directory.
Extra Options: Brings up extra options for this type of digital audio
extraction.
Figure 29: L.A.M.E. Extraction Window
For more information about these settings, please visit the L.A.M.E. web site.
http://www.mp3dev.org/mp3
• Monkey’s Audio: Select this option if you want to extract to *.ape format.
Extra Options: Brings up extra options for this type of digital audio
extraction.
Figure 30: Monkey’s Audio Extraction Window
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 33
Page 38
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
For more information about these settings, please visit the Monkey’s Audio web
site.
http://www.monkeysaudio.com/
• Ogg Vorbis: Select this option if you want to extract to *.ogg format.
Extra Options: Brings up extra options for this type of digital audio
extraction.
Figure 31: Ogg Vorbis Extraction Window
For more information about these settings, please visit the Ogg Vorbis web site.
http://www.vorbis.com/
Pause
• Check Pause: When enabled, PlexTools Professional will locate the pause
between tracks.
• Include Pause: Includes pause in the audio extraction log file and *.wav file.
The tracks on an audio CD have a small pause to separate the tracks from each other.
The length of this pause is usually 2 seconds. On live music CD’s the length will be
zero to allow the music to play uninterrupted from one track to another.
PlexTools Professional offers the option to include the pause during digital audio
extraction. By default, it is excluded. To include the pause in the audio extraction log
file and *.wav file, you need to enable both Check Pause and Include Pause.
34 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 39
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Using AudioCD Maker
AudioCD Maker allows the creation of custom audio CD’s by simply importing
*.wav, *.mp3, *.ogg, and *.ape files. The Digital Audio Extraction function can be
used for creating these files.
NOTE: Currently, the only supported *.wav format is 44.1-kHz, 16-bit stereo.
Figure 32: Audio CD Maker Window
• Properties: Displays additional properties for audio CDs.
• Add Tracks: Click to add tracks, then select one or more *.wav, *.mp3, *.ogg,
and *.ape files. These files will be added after the selected track. You can also
drag-and-drop files to the AudioCD Maker window. The order of the tracks can
be changed by dragging them to the desired location.
You can remove selected tracks from the layout by pressing the Delete key on the
keyboard or by right-clicking and choosing Delete from the menu.
Right-clicking on a track will also allow the track to be played.
• Start: Start making the disc, using the tracks in the window. (Selecting Start
displays the Write Dialog window.)
NOTE: When using *.mp3/*.ogg/*.ape files, an image file will be created before writing
starts.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 35
Page 40
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Audio CD Maker Properties
This window is visible when you double-click the track list or select the Properties
button in the Audio CD Maker window.
Figure 33: Audio CD Maker Properties Window
Disc properties:
• Title: Change or add CD TEXT information for this disc.
• Artist: Change or add CD TEXT information for this disc.
• UPC/EAN: Alter the UPC/EAN code.
• Set Artist for all tracks: The current Artist name is set for each track.
Track properties:
• Title: Change or add CD TEXT information for this track’s title.
• Artist: Change or add CD TEXT information for this track’s artist.
• ISRC: Specify the ISRC code.
• Gap/Pause: Specify the pregap size for this track.
• Set for all tracks: Click to use the current ISRC code or gap/pause size for all
tracks.
36 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 41
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Audio CD Maker Write Dialog
Selecting the Start button in the Audio CD Maker window displays the Write Dialog
window.
Figure 34: Audio CD Maker Write Dialog Window
Destination:
• Select Drive: Selects the recorder.
• Recording speed: Selects the write speed.
• Buffer under run proof: Enables the use of Buffer Under Run Error Proof
technology during recording.
• Copies: Selects number of discs to burn.
• Allow Overburning: Indicates status of overburn.
• VariRec: Indicates status of VariRec.
• Silent Mode: Indicates status of Silent Mode.
• SecuRec: Indicates status of SecuRec for this disc.
Write options:
• Simulate: Simulates burning process, but nothing is written to the disc.
• Simulate and Write: Simulates burning process, then writes to disc if simulation
is successful.
• Write: Writes to disc without prior simulation.
• Write CD Text: Writes CD TEXT on the disc.
• Write UPC/EAN code: Writes UPC/EAN code on the disc.
• Write ISRC code: Writes ISRC code on the disc.
You can choose to do a simulation first and then write if simulation was successful.
When the simulation is activated, the burning process will be simulated. Nothing will
be written on the CD-R.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 37
Page 42
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Creating the CD
• Create CD: Writes to the CD using the selected options.
Audio CD Maker Progress
During writing you will see a progress indicator. If any errors occur, they will be
displayed in the activity log window.
Figure 35: Audio CD Maker Progress Window
38 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 43
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Using CD-ROM Maker
CD-ROM Maker allows the creation of custom CD-ROMs by simply using
Windows Explorer to drag and drop files and folders into the window, then starting
the write process.
Figure 36: CD-ROM Maker Window
• Project: Creates a new project or opens an existing one.
• Options: Displays the options window to select options.
• Preferences: Displays the CD-ROM Maker Preferences window.
• Max: Maximizes the CD-ROM Maker window to the size of PlexTools
Professional. (Use Min. to return to the default size.)
Before writing starts, an ISO image file is created.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 39
Page 44
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
CD-ROM Maker Options
Identifiers:
Figure 37: CD-ROM Maker Identifiers Window
• ISO 9660: Specifies the created CD-ROM will be in the ISO 9660 format.
• Joliet: Specifies the created CD-ROM will be made using the Joliet standard
(default setting).
• Volume Identifier: Specifies the name that will be given to the ISO 9660
volume.
The characters that can be used in the Volume Identifier are restricted to what
ISO 9660 calls “d-characters,” and the length is restricted to 31 characters.
• System Identifier: Identifies a system that can recognize and act on logical
sectors 0 through 15. While ISO 9660 specifies that this is what the System
Identifier is used for, it does not specify what is in sectors 0 through 15, nor does
it specify how the data is used. The characters that can be used in the System ID
are what ISO 9660 calls “a-characters,” and the length is restricted to 31
characters.
• Volume Set: Specifies the identification of the Volume Set of which this volume
is a member. (d-characters allowed.)
• Publisher: Identifies who provided the actual data contained in the files (a-
characters allowed).
• Data Preparer: Identifies who performed the actual creation of the current
volume (a-characters allowed).
• Application: Identifies the application that specifies how the data in the files are
recorded.
40 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 45
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
• Copyright: Identifies the file in the root directory that contains the copyright
notice for this volume.
• Abstract: Identifies the file in the root directory that contains the abstract
statement for this volume.
• Bibliographic: Identifies the file in the root directory that contains bibliographic
records.
• Use ISO 9660 identifiers for Joliet: When checked, the volume identifiers for
ISO 9660 will also be used for Joliet.
Dates:
Figure 38: CD-ROM Maker Dates Window
• Volume Creation: Specifies the date and time at which the volume was created.
• Volume Modification: Specifies the date and time at which the volume was last
modified.
• Volume Effective: Specifies date and time at which the information in the
volume may be used.
• Volume Expiration: Specifies the date and Time at which the information in the
volume may be considered obsolete.
• Use Original File Date: Specifies that all files will keep their original date.
• Use Current Date: Specifies that the current date will be used on all files.
• Use Specified Date: Causes the specified date to be used on all files.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 41
Page 46
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
CD-ROM Maker Preferences
Figure 39: CD-ROM Maker Preferences Window
• Character Set:
Specifies whether the ISO 9660, DOS, or ASCII character set should be
used.
• ISO Level:
Level 1: Specifies that the filename cannot contain more than 8 d-characters,
and the filename extension not more then 3 d-characters.
Level 2: Specifies that the filename cannot contain more than 31 characters.
• Write Joliet File System on CD: When enabled, the Joliet File System will be
written on the CD.
• View Mode: Specifies which character set is shown. The choices are:
Selected Character Set: Uses the selected character set.
Joliet: Uses the Joliet character set.
• Volume Identifier Options: Specifies which type of volume identifier should be
used:
Default (NEW_VOLUME): Uses the default volume identifier.
User Defined: Allows selection of the volume identifier by the user.
Date: Allows selection of date format.
Time: Allows selection of time format.
42 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 47
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Copying a Disc
PlexTools Professional can make a copy of a CD in three ways.
• Making a direct copy: The first method is to copy a disc directly. The source disc
will be read and written to the destination without making an image file on your
hard disk first. Two Plextor drives (one of which must be a CD recorder) are
required for this method.
• Using an image file: The second method is to copy via an image file. This image
file must first be created from the source disc. You select the source drive, then
select an image file (usually on the hard disk) as the destination.
You can specify name and location by using the folder icon. After the creation of
this image file, it can be selected as a source and the destination can be the
recorder with a CD-R or RW disc inserted.
• Using an intermediate file: The third method is to insert the source disc into the
CD-Recorder, and select the same drive as source and destination. An
intermediate file will be created on your hard disk.
After reading has finished you will be asked to insert a blank disc into the CDrecorder to start writing. This is very handy for systems that contain only a
Plextor CD recorder.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 43
Page 48
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Figure 40: CD Copy Window
• Source: Specifies source drive to use for the copy.
• Read speed: Specifies the reading speed. For good results, the reading speed
must be higher than the recording speed.
• Destination: Specifies the destination for the copy. This can be a drive or a file.
• Simulate: Simulates the burning process. Nothing will actually be written on the
CD-R or CD-RW disc.
• Simulate and Write: Simulates the burning process. If the simulation is
successful, the actual writing proceeds on the CD-R or CD-RW disc.
• On the fly: Copies a disc directly from CD to CD. This type of copying requires
sufficient system resources and performance. If on-the-fly copying results in
errors, it may be safer to disable this type of copying.
When on-the-fly copying is disabled, the source disc will be read into a
temporary file on the hard disk. This file will be used as the source for recording
the final disc. The temporary file is erased after the copying process has
completed.
• Audio error detection: Allows detection of errors during the reading of audio
tracks. This powerful PlexTools Professional feature is not provided with
standard audio extraction software.
• Buffer under run proof: Enables Buffer Under Run Error Proof technology,
which eliminates buffer under run errors, so you can safely use your computer for
other tasks while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
• Copies: Allows burning of multiple copies of the disc.
• CD Text: Displays the CD TEXT window for adding CD text to the recorded
CD.
44 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 49
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
• Preferences: Displays the CD Copy Preferences window for choosing copying
preferences.
• Start: Launches the copying process.
Entering CD Text
Clicking on the CD TEXT button opens the CD TEXT editor.
Figure 41: CD Copy CD Text Editor Window
• Disc:
Title: Specifies CD TEXT title to use for disc.
Artist: Specifies artist for the disc.
Set artist for all tracks: Uses the specified disc artist as CD TEXT entry for
all disc tracks.
• Tracks:
Track: Shows number of this track.
Title: Enter title for this track.
Artist: Enter artist for this track.
• Get CD TEXT from:
CD: Specifies that CD TEXT will be entered from CD.
freedb: Specifies that CD TEXT will be entered from freedb.
Get CD TEXT: Gets CD TEXT from source (CD or freedb).
Retrieve: Gathers the requested information from the freedb database.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 45
Page 50
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Making a Disc Copy
To make a disc copy:
1. Insert a blank disc in the recorder drive.
2. In the CD Copy window, select the source drive.
3. Select the reading and recording speed. For good results, the reading speed must
be higher than the recording speed.
4. If desired, click the CD TEXT button and enter text information about the disc
and tracks.
5. If desired, specify the copying options. (In the CD Copy window, select
Preferences to display the CD Copy Preferences window.)
6. If desired, specify the recording options. (Select Options, then choose the
Recording Options tab.)
7. In the CD Copy window, click the Start button to launch the copying process.
Before the recording starts, the Windows screensaver is switched off automatically
so that it cannot cause any problems during this operation.
During the copy process, you will see a progress indicator. If any errors occur, they
will be displayed in the activity log window. The Print and Save buttons can be used
for printing or saving this information, together with some information about your
operating system and controllers.
Figure 42: CD Copy Progress Window
46 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 51
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Changing Preferences for CD Copy
To change the preferences for CD Copy, select Options in the toolbar, select
Preferences, and go to the CD Copy tab.
Figure 43: CD Copy Preferences Window
• Include CD+G: Specifies that CD Copy will copy CD+G information, if
available.
• Include UPC/EAN: Specifies that CD Copy will also copy UPC/EAN
information, if available.
• Include ISRC: Specifies that CD Copy will also copy ISRC information, if
available.
• 1st session only: When selected, causes only the first session to be copied. This
will create a disc that may not be an exact copy of the source disc.
• Audio Read Error Recovery:
1. Report Errors only (no recovery action): Causes errors to be reported
without any recovery action. This strategy can be used when the source disc
is error-free or error correction is not necessary.
2. Reduce the speed upon error: Specifies that when uncorrectable errors
are found, the damaged area will be read at a lower speed in order to find an
error-free reading.
3. Read again upon error: Specifies that when uncorrectable errors are
found, the damaged area will be read again up to 10 times (retries) at the
selected speed in order to find an error-free reading.
4. Recover the best sector (least errors): Specifies that the best sector (with
the least errors) will be recovered.
5. Recover the best bytes (least errors) per sector: Specifies that the best
bytes (with the least errors) will be recovered.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 47
Page 52
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
• Retries: The number of retries is set to 10 and cannot be changed. (To reduce the
number of reties below 10, select option 3, Read again upon error.
• Maximum Errors: Specify the maximum errors that will be tolerated for a
successful burn.
Unlimited: Specifies that an unlimited number of errors will be tolerated.
100-5,000,000: Specifies various numbers of errors to be tolerated.
(Numbers are separated in European style; that is, a period is used instead of
a comma in these numbers.)
• Allow SpeedDown: Allows reducing speed to reduce errors.
• Error log: Creates error log during burning process. The resulting log page can
be completed and sent to Plextor Technical Support for assistance in solving
problems. Please do not forget to fill in your personal data.
Specifying Recording Options
To change the recording preferences, select Options in the toolbar, select
Preferences, and go to the Recording Options tab.
Figure 44: CD Recording Options Window
• Allow overburning: Allows overburning a disc, an action where more data is
written on a CD-R than the disc format allows. This will create a non-standard
disc and the result is neither guaranteed nor supported. You may expect irregular
behavior as a result of an overburned disc, such as reading problems, program
halts on writing, strange or poor drive performance, etc.
NOTE: This must be selected when utilizing GigaRec.
48 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 53
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
• Always leave disc open: Specifies that a new session is automatically created on
every copy.
CAUTION: This will create a disc that may not be an exact copy of the source
disc. The created disc is multisession-ready, so more sessions can be added.
(Use other CD-recording software for adding sessions.)
• Eject source disc after completion: Causes source disc to be ejected after the
completed copy task.
• Eject destination disc after completion: Causes the recorded disc to be ejected
after the completed copy task.
• Play a sound when finished: When this option is selected, and you have
specified a *.WAV file, the sound will be played after writing is finished.
• Image file: Indicates the location of the image file on your hard disk and also the
free space on the hard disk.
• Use timestamp: When enabled, this setting will show the time for each operation
listed in the progress dialog.
Use actual time: Uses the actual time.
Reset starttime to zero: Resets the starting time to zero.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 49
Page 54
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Erasing a CD-RW or DVD RW
This function is only available on a Plextor CD or DVD recording drive in
combination with a CD-RW or DVD RW disc. There are two ways of erasing a
CD-RW/DVD RW disc.
Figure 45: CD/DVD RW Functions
• Quick Erase: Erases only the CD-RW or DVD RW disc’s table of contents
(TOC). Data remains on the disc, but becomes inaccessible. Quick erase takes
about 2 minutes at 2X writing speed.
• Full Erase: Erases everything on the disc. This can take up to 40 minutes at 2X
writing speed.
NOTE: Newer CD-RW/DVD RW media can be written and erased at the maximum
rewrite speed the recorder supports.
• Start: Launches the erasing process. After completion, you see a text box
indicating the disc was erased successfully.
On the PlexWriter Premium, PlexTools Professional’s CD/DVD RW function can
erase a CD-RW disc. (It can erase DVD+RW or DVD-RW discs on Plextor drives
that support DVD media.)
50 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 55
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Performing a CD Test
This function will scan the complete disc and detect read errors. It is for use on
pressed or recorded media that contains content.
Figure 46: CD Test Window
• Print: Prints the test results.
• Save: Saves the test results.
• Start: Launches the disc test.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 51
Page 56
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Testing Read Transfer Rate
The Read Transfer Rate selection lets you test the transfer rate of data read from a
disc. This test is for use on pressed or recorded media that contains content.
Figure 47: Read Transfer Rate Test Window
• Speed pulldown menu: Displays and allows selection of the transfer speed.
• Start: Begins the test.
• View Log: Displays a log of the test.
• Preferences: Displays the Transfer Rate Preferences window.
• ?: Displays help information.
52 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 57
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Testing Write Transfer Rate
The Write Transfer Rate selection lets you test the transfer rate of data written to a
disc. This test is conducted on blank media to determine the capabilities of the
drive/media combination.
Figure 48: Write Transfer Rate Test Window
• Speed pulldown menu: Displays and allows selection of the transfer speed.
• Start: Begins the test.
• View Log: Displays a log of the test.
• Preferences: Displays the Transfer Rate Preferences window.
• ?: Displays help information.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 53
Page 58
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Choosing Transfer Rate Test Preferences
Figure 49: Transfer Rate Test Preferences Window
Read Test Options:
• Sample length: Specifies the time of each read sample.
• Test every: Specifies how often to perform the test.
Read Test Graph Options:
• Max. Read Speed Indication: Specifies the maximum read speed shown on the
test graph.
• CD Length Indication: Specifies the total length of the visible CD graph.
Write Test Options:
Simulate: Enables simulation (non-destructive) testing instead of actually writing to
the disc.
• Test every: Specifies how often to perform the test.
Write Test Graph Options:
• Max. Write Speed Indication: Specifies the maximum write speed shown on
the test graph.
• CD Length Indication: Specifies the total length of the visible CD graph.
• Data Format: Specifies the data format.
Internal buffer (CD-DA): Specifies CD-DA (digital audio) format.
Internal buffer (Mode 1): Specifies Mode 1 data format.
• Overburn: Enables overburning a disc.
54 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 59
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Measuring Q-Check C1/C2 Errors
This function reports on the C1, C2, and CU errors on the current disc in the
PlexWriter Premium drive. This test is for use on pressed or recorded media that
contains content.
Figure 50: Q-Check C1/C2 Test Window
• Show C1: Shows C1 errors in the graph.
• Show C2: Shows C2 errors in the graph.
• Show CU: Shows CU errors in the graph.
• MSF: Indicates minutes, seconds, frames.
• LBA: Indicates logical block addressing.
• Speed pulldown menu: Displays and allows selection of the transfer speed.
• Start: Begins the test.
• Preferences: Displays the Q-Check C1/C2 Test Preferences window.
• ?: Displays help information.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 55
Page 60
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Q-Check C1/C2 Preferences
Figure 51: Q-Check C1/C2 Preferences Window
Graph Options:
• Scale Limit: Specifies the limit of the measuring scale on the graph.
• Time Length Indication: Specifies the time length indication of the graph.
• Start Position: Specifies the start position in minutes, seconds, frames.
• End Position: Specifies the end position in minutes, seconds, frames.
Procedure for Measuring C1/C2/CU Errors
To measure C1/C2/CU error:
1. Place a pressed CD-ROM disc, or a recorded CD-R or CD-RW disc, in the
PlexWriter.
2. In PlexTools Professional, select the Q-Check C1/C2 Test.
3. Click the Preferences button to view or change the preferences.
4. Exit the Preferences window and return to the Q-Check C1/C2 Test window.
5. To begin measurement, in the C1/C2 Test window, click the Start button. You
see the error counts representing the result of C1 error measurement (BLER) and
C2 error measurement (E22). If the disc is defective, you may also see a trace for
CU error. The test halts if a CU error is detected.
6. To end measurement, click the Stop button, or wait for the measurement to stop
by itself. Your window shows the test results, and a graph of the error counts
recorded by the application.
NOTE: This function measures C1/C2 errors in all kind of discs and recording modes,
even if they were recorded on another drive. It is, however, recommended to use this
measurement on CD-R media created by DAO (disc-at-once) recording.
56 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 61
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Measuring Q-Check Focus Error and Tracking Error
This function reports on the mechanical characteristics of the disc you’re using in the
PlexWriter Premium drive. It measures the amplitude of the laser focus error and
tracking error, and displays the results. This test is conducted on blank media to
determine the capabilities of the drive/media combination.
Figure 52: Q-Check FE/TE Test Window
• Show FE: Specifies that laser focus error will appear on the graph.
• Show TE: Specifies that laser tracking error will appear on the graph.
• Start: Begins the test.
• Preferences: Displays the Q-Check FE/TE Test Preferences window.
• ?: Displays help information.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 57
Page 62
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
FE/TE Test Preferences
Figure 53: Q-Check FE/TE Test Preferences Window
Graph Options:
• Scale Limit: Specifies the limit of the measuring scale on the graph.
• Time Length Indication: Specifies the time length indication of the graph.
• Start Position: Specifies the start position in minutes, seconds, frames.
• End Position: Specifies the end position in minutes, seconds, frames.
Procedure for Measuring TE/FE
1. Place a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc in the PlexWriter.
NOTE: The test requires a blank disc. If you use a CD-R disc, discard the disc after
the test.
2. In PlexTools Professional, select the Q-Check FE/TE Test. You see the Q-Check
FE/TE Test window with a graph for focus error and tracking error.
3. Click the Preferences button to view or change the preferences. You can change
the scale, the start position, and the end position.
4. Click OK to exit the Preferences window and return to the Q-Check FE/TE Test
window.
5. To begin measurement, in the FE/TE Test window, click the Start button. You
see the traces representing focus error (FE) and tracking error (TE).
58 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 63
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
6. To end measurement, click the Stop button, or wait for the measurement to stop
by itself. You see a graph of the errors recorded by the application.
The FE/TE graphing capability of the PlexWriter Premium drive displays the
mechanical characteristics of the disc by indicating how consistently the laser tracks
across the surface of the disc, and how accurately the focus is maintained on the
recording dye layer.
NOTE: The TE/FE measurements are accurate only for a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc.
If you attempt to measure a recorded, commercially pressed CD, the measurements
have no meaning.
Measuring Beta/Jitter
This test measures the degree of beta and jitter. This test is for use on pressed or
recorded media that contains content.
Figure 54: Q-Check Beta/Jitter Test Window
• Show Beta: Specifies that beta will appear on the graph.
• Show Jitter: Specifies that jitter will appear on the graph.
• Start: Begins the test.
• Preferences: Displays the Q-Check Beta/Jitter Test Preferences window.
• ?: Displays help information.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 59
Page 64
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Beta/Jitter Preferences
Figure 55: Q-Check Beta/Jitter Test Preferences Window
Graph Options:
• Sample Length: Specifies the length of one sample.
• Time Length Indication: Specifies the time length indication of the graph.
• Beta Scale Limit: Specifies the limit of the beta scale.
60 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 65
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Customizing General Preferences
The startup options for PlexTools Professional can be changed by opening the
Options menu in the toolbar and then selecting the General Preferences tab.
Figure 56: General Preferences Window
Startup Options:
• Automatic run on computer startup: When this checkbox is on, PlexTools
Professional will run automatically when the system starts. The Plextor icon will
be placed in your Windows System Tray.
• Startup minimized/maximized: Specifies the window size at start-up.
Minimized: Specifies that only the icon in the System Tray is visible at
startup. When you double-click on this icon, PlexTools Professional will
open.
Maximized: Opens PlexTools Professional in a maximized window.
Exit Options:
• Save settings on exit: Specifies that upon exit, PlexTools Professional saves all
the settings made in this session.
Advanced Options:
• Keep minimized as icon on system tray: Specifies that when you minimize a
program, PlexTools Professional will be placed in the System Tray instead of on
the Windows taskbar. (Default Windows behavior is to place it in the taskbar.)
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 61
Page 66
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
• Clear Registry Settings: Clears the Windows registry settings for PlexTools
Professional. Only the PlexTools Professional settings will be affected. The
functioning of PlexTools Professional will not be disrupted. Upon exit and
restarting of PlexTools Professional, new values will be saved in the registry
when this option is activated.
• Autoplay audio CD’s: Specifies that when you insert a disc into a drive, the
system will automatically start playing audio CDs with the CD player utility
provided by the Windows operating system.
• Autoplay data CD’s: Specifies that when you insert a data CD equipped with the
autorun function, the disc will begin play automatically.
• ?: Displays help information.
• Show all warning messages for Drive Settings and Test Functions: Specifies
that PlexTools Professional will display all warning messages for drive settings
and test functions. Leave this box unchecked to not display all warning messages.
62 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 67
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Customizing freedb Settings
The freedb database is an information database containing artist, disc title, track titles
and other information for digital audio compact discs.
Figure 57: freedb Preferences Window
Retrieve Options:
• Use freedb server: Specifies that PlexTools Professional will use the freedb
server to retrieve CD information.
• Use local database: Specifies that PlexTools Professional will use the local
database to retrieve CD information.
Search for CD on the freedb server when not found in local database(s):
Specifies that PlexTools Professional will look first in the local database for
CD information, then will look in the freedb database.
• AutoSave to user database: Specifies that the retrieved freedb information will
be saved to the user database.
• Autoretrieve when an audiocd is inserted: Specifies that PlexTools
Professional will automatically look for CD information upon insertion of an
audio CD into the drive.
• Autoselect the first entry: Automatically selects the first entry in the database.
• Overwrite existing entries in local database: Overwrites existing entries in the
local database with new information.
• Server Settings: Displays the freedb Server Settings window.
• Database Settings: Displays the freedb Database Settings window, where you
can specify the location of the user database and the freedb database.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 63
Page 68
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
Submit/Save Options:
• Submit to freedb server: Specifies that PlexTools Professional will submit track
and CD information to the freedb server.
• Submit email address: Specifies the e-mail address used for requests and
submissions. After a submittal, any rejection notices from freedb will be sent to
this address.
• Submit through: Specifies how to submit to freedb.
HTTP: Submit via HTTP.
Email: Submit via e-mail.
• Save to user database: Saves your freedb submission to your own user database
as well.
• Hide freedb status window: Hides the freedb status window. Default is to show
the window.
• User email address: Specifies your e-mail address.
freedb Server Settings
Figure 58: freedb Server Settings Window
• Server: Lists several freedb HTTP servers.
• Get Active List: Click here to get additional freedb servers.
• Cgi-path: Shows path used for HTTP access on the freedb server.
• Port: Shows the port used to connect to the freedb server.
• Proxy Settings: Displays Proxy Settings window for you to enter your proxy
server settings such as user name, password, server name and port number (if
needed).
64 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 69
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
freedb Proxy Server Settings
Users behind restrictive firewalls might need to use a proxy server to connect to the
freedb database server.
Figure 59: freedb Proxy Settings Window
• Use Proxy: Specifies that PlexTools Professional will use a proxy server to
connect to the freedb database server.
• User: User name for proxy logon.
• Password: Password for proxy logon.
• Server: Proxy server.
• Port: Port number.
freedb Database Settings
Figure 60: freedb Database Settings Window
• Location of user database: Specifies location of the user database.
• Location of freedb database: Specifies location of the freedb database.
For More Information
For more information about freedb please visit the freedb web site:
http://www.freedb.org/
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 65
Page 70
Section 4. PlexTools Professional Functions
This page intentionally left blank.
66 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 71
Appendix A: Glossary
This section explains some terms used in this manual. This information will make
the use of PlexTools Professional easier.
a-characters
Consists of the following characters: A-Z, 0-9 and _ (underscore).
Advanced Error Detection
As opposed to data tracks, audio tracks have no error correction/detection
information included. Because of this it is theoretically impossible to detect and
correct read errors.
Plextor CD-ROM drives, however, have a special function that can detect audio read
errors. PlexTools Professional can use this Advanced Error Detection; and upon
finding errors the software can instruct the drive to re-read the sector at a lower
speed or to ignore this error.
BLER
Block error rate. C1 is error correction for block error rate.
Buffer Under Run Error Proof
This technology avoids buffer underrun errors by suspending the write process at a
known location when the buffer empties, and then restarting the write process when
the writing drive’s buffer refills.
C1
C1 is error correction for the block error rate (BLER), which consists of bit errors at
the lowest level. BLER is normally given in errors per second. The typical maximum
BLER for quality recording is 220 errors per second.
C2
C2 error correction applies to bytes in a frame (24 bytes per frame, 98 frames per
block) and is an indication of the drive’s attempt to use extended error correction to
recover the data. Even a few C2 errors can be an indication of poor media quality or
a drive’s inability to write or read correctly.
CAV
Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) is when the disc keeps spinning at the same
rotational speed, but the data read speed varies from a lower speed on the inner
tracks of the CD to a higher speed on the outer tracks, because of the increasing
circumference of the disc.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 67
Page 72
Appendix A: Glossary
CLV
Constant Linear Velocity (CLV) is when the rotational speed of the disc is changed
in order to keep the read speed constant. The whole disc will be read at the same
speed.
CU
CU error correction applies to uncorrectable errors, or errors that are present after C2
level correction. No CU errors are allowed in a recorded disc. CU errors are usually a
result of damage to a disc and represent unrecoverable data. Discs with CU errors
quite often cannot be read at all.
d-characters.
Consists of the following characters A-Z, 0-9, _ ! " % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? and
space.
Digital Audio Extraction (DAE)
Digital Audio Extraction is the conversion from audio tracks to *.wav files. Plextor
CD-ROM drives allow DAE at high speed and with high accuracy.
Drive speed
A measurement of read or write speed, where each increase of 1X equals an increase
of 150 KB/s in data transfer speed.
PlexTools Professional allows you to change the speed settings, which may help you
to overcome problems—for example, the reading of scratched or unbalanced discs
that may cause vibration at certain speeds.
Focus Error (FE)
Focus error is a measure of how accurately the laser is focused on the disc (how
round the laser dot is). A good disc will show a low number of focus errors across
the graph. A bad disc will show a high number of focus errors across the graph, or
high points where the drive cannot focus the laser correctly because of poor disc
quality.
freedb
freedb is an information database containing artist, disc title, track titles and other
information for digital audio compact discs. For more information visit the freedb
web site at http://www.freedb.org/
.
ISRC code
International Standard Recording Code. This code states the country of origin, the
owner, the year of issue and the serial number of tracks. It also may be different for
each track.
NOTE: Most CDs do not contain this information.
68 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 73
Appendix A: Glossary
MSF
Minutes, seconds, frames. This is the structure of a CD: 2048 bytes per frame, 75
frames per second, 60 seconds per minute.
OTP: Opposite track path
A variation of DVD dual-layer disc layout, where readout for the first layer begins at
the center of the disc and readout for the second layer begins at the outer edge of the
disc.
PTP: Parallel track path
A variation of DVD dual-layer disc layout, where readout begins at the center of the
disc for both layers.
Spindown Time
The time after a disc read that the drive keeps spinning. When a CD-ROM is
accessed, the drive will read a file or directory, and after a while stop spinning in a
power-down mode. This saves energy and lowers spindle motor wear.
When you set spindown time to a higher value, the drive will be spinning longer
after a read action. The standard setting is 2 minutes and is long enough for most
applications.
Tracking Error (TE)
Tracking error is a measure of how accurately the laser tracks within the pre-groove
area of the disc. A good disc will show low tracking error across the graph, showing
a fairly consistent track at all rotational speeds. A bad disc will show a high tracking
error, which is caused by eccentricity or poor quality of the manufactured media.
UPC/EAN
Universal Product Code/European Article Number.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 69
Page 74
Appendix A: Glossary
This page intentionally left blank.
70 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 75
Appendix B: Error Messages
This appendix gives a description of errors that may be generated using PlexTools
Professional.
Errors During Installation
No valid version of PlexTools Professional found. Upgrade aborted
This error may occur when an attempt is made to upgrade PlexTools Professional but
no previously installed version can be found.
• If there is no previously installed version, please install the full product first.
• If you get this error when a previous version is installed, your installation may be
defective or corrupted. You should first try to re-install the older full version, and
after that install the upgrade.
Errors on Startup
No ASPI layer was installed or it is not working
This error may occur on two occasions:
1. If ASPI software is already present, it may be defective, corrupted or obsolete. In
this case, you may try to repair or upgrade it to the latest version. The
manufacturer of your SCSI controller is the first source for all device drivers and
ASPI software to be used with this controller.
2. The system has no SCSI controllers, but has only IDE adapters installed that are
controlled by an older version of the ASPI software. In this case, you may try to
repair or upgrade the ASPI software to the latest version.
There is a current installable version of ASPI available on your PlexWriter Premium
application CD..
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 71
Page 76
Appendix B: Error Messages
Application and Program Error Codes
This section lists error codes that may be returned by the drive. It contains a brief
description of the possible cause of each error. Since it is impossible to give a more
detailed description for each possible error, you may want to contact Plextor
Technical Support when an error occurs. Please provide all details, preferably with
the printouts or logging as provided by the software.
Read Function Error Codes:
000000 NO SENSE: NO ADDITIONAL SENSE INFORMATION
011803 RECOVERED ERROR: RECOVERED DATA WITH CIRC
011804 RECOVERED ERROR: RECOVERED DATA WITH L-EC
020400 NOT READY: LOGICAL UNIT NOT READY, CAUSE NOT
REPORTABLE
020401 NOT READY: LOGICAL UNIT IS IN PROGRESS OF
BECOMING READY
023A00 NOT READY: MEDIUM NOT PRESENT
023A01 NOT READY: MEDIUM NOT PRESENT TRAY CLOSE
023A02 NOT READY: MEDIUM NOT PRESENT TRAY OPEN
025700 NOT READY: UNABLE TO RECOVER TABLE-OF-CONTENTS
025300 NOT READY: MEDIA LOAD/EJECT FAILED
030014 MEDIUM ERROR: AUDIO PLAY OPERATION STOPPED DUE
TO ERROR
030200 MEDIUM ERROR: NO SEEK COMPLETE
030280 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR
030281 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR: SYNC ERROR
030282 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR: HEADER ERROR
030283 MEDIUM ERROR: SERVO SEEK ERROR: TARGET NOT MET
030600 MEDIUM ERROR: NO REFERENCE POSITION FOUND
031105 MEDIUM ERROR: L-EC UNCORRECTABLE ERROR
031106 MEDIUM ERROR: CIRC UNRECOVERED ERROR
040800 HARDWARE ERROR: LOGICAL UNIT COMMUNICATION
FAILURE
040900 HARDWARE ERROR: TRACKING FOLLOW FAILURE
040901 HARDWARE ERROR: TRACKING SERVO FAILURE
040902 HARDWARE ERROR: FOCUS SERVO FAILURE
040903 HARDWARE ERROR: SPINDLE SERVO FAILURE
044000 HARDWARE ERROR: DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE (INTERNAL
BUS FAILURE)
044400 HARDWARE ERROR: INTERNAL TARGET FAILURE
044700 HARDWARE ERROR: SCSI PARITY ERROR
04B600 HARDWARE ERROR: MEDIA LOAD MECHANISM FAILED
052000 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID COMMAND OPERATION CODE
052100 ILLEGAL REQUEST: LOGICAL BLOCK ADDRESS IS OUT
OF RANGE
052400 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID FIELD IN CDB
052500 ILLEGAL REQUEST: LOGICAL UNIT NOT SUPPORTED
72 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 77
Appendix B: Error Messages
052600 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID FIELD IN PARAMETER
LIST
055302 ILLEGAL REQUEST: MEDIUM REMOVAL PREVENTED
056300 ILLEGAL REQUEST: END OF USER AREA ENCOUNTERED
ON THIS TRACK
056400 ILLEGAL REQUEST: ILLEGAL MODE FOR THIS TRACK
058100 ILLEGAL REQUEST: LOGICAL UNIT IS RESERVED
058500 ILLEGAL REQUEST: AUDIO ADDRESS NOT VALID
062800 UNIT ATTENTION: NOT READY TO READY TRANSITION
062900 UNIT ATTENTION: POWER ON, RESET OR BUS DEVICE
RESET OCCURRED
062A01 UNIT ATTENTION: MODE PARAMETER CHANGED
0B4300 ABORTED COMMAND: MESSAGE ERROR
0B4500 ABORTED COMMAND: SELECT/RESELECT FAILURE
0B4800 ABORTED COMMAND: INITIATOR DETECTED ERROR
MESSAGE RECEIVED
0B4900 ABORTED COMMAND: INVALID MESSAGE ERROR
0B4E00 ABORTED COMMAND: OVERLAPPED COMMAND ATTEMPTED
0BB900 ABORTED COMMAND: AUDIO PLAY OPERATION ABORTED
Write Function Error Codes:
017301 RECOVERED ERROR: PCA ALMOST FULL
023004 NOT READY: CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM: UNKNOWN FORMAT
023005 NOT READY: CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM: INCOMPATIBLE
FORMAT
030C00 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR
030C07 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - RECOVERY NEEDED
030C08 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - RECOVERY FAILED
030C09 MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - LOSS OF STREAMING
030C0A MEDIUM ERROR: WRITE ERROR - PADDING BLOCKS
ADDED
037200 MEDIUM ERROR: CLOSE SESSION ERROR
037201 MEDIUM ERROR: CLOSE SESSION ERROR - WRITING
LEADIN
037202 MEDIUM ERROR: CLOSE SESSION ERROR - WRITING
LEADOUT
037302 MEDIUM ERROR: PCA FULL
037303 MEDIUM ERROR: POWER CALIBRATION FAILED
037304 MEDIUM ERROR: PMA UPDATE FAILED
037305 MEDIUM ERROR: PMA FULL
052700 ILLEGAL REQUEST: WRITE PROTECTED
052C00 ILLEGAL REQUEST: COMMAND SEQUENCE ERROR
052C03 ILLEGAL REQUEST: PROGRAM AREA IS NOT EMPTY
052C04 ILLEGAL REQUEST: PROGRAM AREA IS EMPTY
053008 ILLEGAL REQUEST: APPLICATION CODE MISMATCH
053009 ILLEGAL REQUEST: CURRENT SESSION NOT FIXATED
FOR APPEND
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 73
Page 78
Appendix B: Error Messages
056301 ILLEGAL REQUEST: PACKET DOES NOT FIT AVAILABLE
SPACE
056401 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INVALID PACKET SIZE
057204 ILLEGAL REQUEST: EMPTY OR PARTIALLY WRITTEN
RESERVE TRACK
057203 ILLEGAL REQUEST: INCOMPLETE TRACK IN SESSION
098000 VENDOR UNIQUE: ILLEGAL MEDIA
098001 VENDOR UNIQUE: ILLEGAL WRITE PAGE PARAMETER
098007 VENDOR UNIQUE: INCOMPLETE TRACK EXISTS
098005 VENDOR UNIQUE: ILLEGAL PAUSE LENGTH
098006 VENDOR UNIQUE: TRACK NUMBER OVER 99
09800A VENDOR UNIQUE: OVER TRANSFER DATA
74 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 79
Appendix C: Tips and Tricks
Auto Insert Notification
Auto Insert Notification is a function of the Windows 95/98/ME operating system. It
allows the notification of changes (eject or insert) of a CD in a drive. When this
happens, Windows will send a message to all programs in order to notify them that a
media change has taken place. This way, the programs know they have to check the
device for new disc contents. (Auto Insert Notification is not available for Windows
2000 or Windows XP.)
It is advisable to switch Auto Insert Notification on in order to allow PlexTools
Professional to take advantage of this function. When switched off, the Refresh
function (or Function key F5) can be used to manually allow the scanning for
changed media.
Autoplay Audio CDs
When Autoplay Audio CDs is enabled, this function can interfere with the proper
functioning of PlexTools Professional. Disabling this feature by unchecking the
checkbox in the Preferences selection of the Options menu may make PlexTools
Professional more stable.
Windows NT/Windows 2000/Windows XP without ASPI layer for SCSI devices
The use of ASPI software to control SCSI devices is vital for the Windows 95/98/Me
operating system. In general, the ASPI layer is a part of these systems and will be
installed during setup.
Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP can operate without the use of
ASPI, and these operating systems are shipped without ASPI software. After
installation of Windows, an ASPI layer can always be installed, which may improve
the performance of your SCSI system. Also, some applications will only work
through the use of ASPI commands and need a properly installed ASPI
configuration. The manufacturer of your SCSI controller is the first source for all
device drivers and ASPI software to be used with this controller.
ATAPI devices
To ensure the best performance from your Plextor ATAPI device it is recommended
that you install a busmaster driver for the IDE chipset of your system, and enable the
DMA capability of your drive in the operating system. (Go to Control Panel | Device
Settings.
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 75
Page 80
Appendix C: Tips and Tricks
MCI Software
The simultaneous use of several MCI and or ASPI applications may result in
unexpected behavior of the devices and should be avoided. When more than one
program is used to control a certain drive, this device will 'listen' to the commands of
the different programs. These can influence each other or force contradicting results.
For this reason, the use of PlexTools Professional together with other programs to
control the same drive should be avoided.
ATAPI drive not recognized
If your Plextor ATAPI drive is not recognized, check to see it is correctly installed
and that the IDE drivers are operational. If you have a recent BIOS, the ATAPI drive
is detected at boot time. If you don’t have a recent BIOS, check the BIOS to see that
proper IDE settings are specified there. (For the BIOS settings please refer to the
operation manual of your computer or motherboard, and for the drive installation
please refer to the drive operation manual.
Audio CD + CD TEXT is recognized, but no CD TEXT information is shown.
If you have unchecked the option Read Complete Disc Info in the Preferences
selection of the Options menu, the CD TEXT information is NOT read if an audio
CD containing this kind of information is inserted before startup of PlexTools
Professional.
Disc is not recognized as Audio CD + CD TEXT
If the disc is recognized only as an audio CD (that is, no CD TEXT is shown), the
reason may be:
• The disc does not contain CD TEXT information. Not every Audio CD contains
CD TEXT information.
• The copy of a disc does not contain CD TEXT information. Not every CD
recorder can write CD TEXT information and not every type of CD recording
software can write CD TEXT information.
• Drive cannot read CD TEXT information. Not every drive is capable of reading
CD TEXT information.
Using Buffer Under Run Error Proof Technology
To prevent buffer under runs from occurring with your PlexWriter, you should
always enable Buffer Under Run Error Proof.
76 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 81
Appendix D: 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.
NOTE: We encourage you to visit the Plextor web site (
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.
http://www.plextor.com/
)
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support
There are several ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department:
North America
In North America, Plextor Technical Support can be contacted by telephone on
weekdays (except U.S. holidays) between 7:30AM and 6:30PM Mountain Time.
Ways to contact Plextor Technical Support include:
• Visit our web site (http://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 tech support option.
) for answers to Frequently Asked
. Include your telephone number and the
Europe
In Europe, Plextor Technical Support can be contacted on weekdays (except Belgian
holidays) between 8:00 and 18:00. Ways to contact us include:
• Phone: +32.2.718.03.99
• Fax: +32.2.718.03.90
• E-mail: support@plextor.be
• Web site: http://www.plextor.be/english/technical/feedback.html
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide 77
.
Page 82
Appendix D: Technical Support
This page intentionally left blank.
78 PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
Page 83
Notes
PlexTools Professional Reference Guide
79
Page 84
P
LEXTOR CORP
.
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
http://www.plextor.com/
Loading...