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Model PX-504UF
USB/FIREWIRE DVD+R/RW AND CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JUNE 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. Second edition, June 2003.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor Corp; and
PoweRec is a trademark of Plextor Corp. All other 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
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
STATEMENT
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual iii
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LASER INFORMATION
These products have been designed and manufactured according to IEC 60825-1 on the
Safety of Laser products. This product comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.”
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
A Laser Caution Label is attached on the bottom of the external drive model. The label
reads:
“CAUTION – CLASS 3B INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM.”
Bottom View of External Drive Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of Laser Caution Labels
iv PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is invisible. Accordingly:
• Do not open the optical pickup housing.
• Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel.
CAUTION: To disconnect the CD drive from an electrical current, pull out the
computer’s power plug.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual v
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vi PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Meet Your PX-504UF.....................................................................2
What the PX-504UF Does...........................................................2
Features of the PX-504UF...........................................................2
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-504UF.......................... 4
What You Can Do with the PX-504UF.......................................5
What’s In the Box ...........................................................................5
Save Your Box!...........................................................................6
PX-504UF Drive Features and Controls .........................................7
Front Panel ..................................................................................7
Rear Panel ...................................................................................9
About Software .............................................................................11
Software for the PC................................................................... 11
Software for the Macintosh ....................................................... 11
For More Details about Software ..............................................12
Precautions ....................................................................................12
2. Installing Your PX-504UF..........................................................13
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System............................14
Determine What Interface to Use.................................................. 14
Connect the PX-504UF Drive ....................................................... 15
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code ................................15
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer...........................15
Identifying Cables and Ports .....................................................17
If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire...............................18
If You Have Windows 98SE and USB......................................18
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..............................................19
Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces .....................20
If You’re Using FireWire..............................................................21
If You Have a Macintosh ..............................................................21
3. Using Your PX-504UF ................................................................23
What Media to Use........................................................................ 23
DVD Media............................................................................... 23
CD-ROM Media........................................................................ 24
Plextor-Recommended Media...................................................24
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual vii
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Table of Contents
Mounting Position......................................................................... 25
Tray Loading and Operation......................................................... 25
Handling DVD and CD Media.................................................. 26
Cleaning Discs .......................................................................... 26
Playing DVDs ............................................................................... 27
Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 28
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 28
4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................ 29
Upgrading Firmware..................................................................... 29
Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 30
Emergency Eject ........................................................................... 30
5. Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................... 31
Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications ......................................... 33
Appendix B: Technical Support .................................................... 43
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................44
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support....................... 44
Returns.......................................................................................... 45
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department.................................... 45
Packing Your Drive .................................................................. 46
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor ................................................ 46
Appendix C: Warranty................................................................... 47
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada........................................... 48
Index................................................................................................. 49
viii PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-504UF a
reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and CD writer, rewriter, and
player. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us. Our goal is
to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of DVD and CD
technology.
About this Manual
Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference.
Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. If your
drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical Support
Department.
In this manual you should find all the information you need to
successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive. If you run into
a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, however, please contact us.
(See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways you can
reach us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech
support engineers. What might seem like an uncooperative drive to you
could very well be a 30-second fix to them. But we will never know
unless you contact us.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 1
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Section 1. Getting Started
Meet Your PX-504UF
The PX-504UF is a recordable DVD/CD-ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting
and reading.
What the PX-504UF Does
For DVDs, the PX-504UF:
• Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD) media at up to 4X speed.
• Writes DVD+RW (re-writable DVD) media at up to 2.4X speed.
• Supports DVD+VR real time editing.
• Reads DVD discs at up to 12X. (Fixed at 2-5X for video.)
• Supports DVD+RW background format.
For CDs, the PX-504UF:
• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 16X speed.
• Writes to CD-RW (re-writable CD) media at up to 10X speed.
• Reads all CD-ROM and CD-R (data) media at a maximum of 40X
speed.
• Reads CD-RW and CD-DA (audio) media at up to 32X speed.
Features of the PX-504UF
• Dual USB 2.0 and FireWire® (IEEE 1394) interfaces: Easily
connects to a PC or Macintosh computer with either of these highspeed interfaces.
• USB 2.0 or 1.1: Supports both Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (480 megabits per
second) and Full-Speed USB 1.1 (12 megabits per second).
• MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-3 command set.
• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-504UF to the latest
firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without
opening the computer or physically accessing the drive.
• Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical reflection on the laser beam,
enhancing read quality.
• Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play.
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Section 1. Getting Started
DVD Features
• Lossless linking: Allows DVD+RW discs to be edited and still play
on DVD-ROM players.
• Wide DVD+R and DVD+RW media compatibility: Compatible with
a wide range of DVD+R and DVD+RW media.
• DVD+VR: Supports DVD+VR format.
• Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multi-
border for DVD-RW read (for closed discs), multi-session for
DVD+R/RW read and write.
• Versatile recording modes: Including sequential write, random
access write, disc at once.
CD-R and CD-RW Features
• Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,
session-at-once, and multi-session, as well as variable and fixed
packet writing.
• Buffer Under Run Proof technology: With a 2-megabyte buffer,
eliminates buffer underrun errors, so you can safely use your
computer for other tasks while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW
disc.
• Wide compatibility: Wide CD-R and CD-RW media compatibility.
• Orange Book compatibility: Compatible with Orange Book, Parts II
and III.
• UDF support: UDF file system implemented through packet writing.
• OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum
Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write
strategy.
• PoweRec™: Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control
(PoweRec) extends OPC and ROPC to adjust laser power and
writing speed so they’re at the optimum settings for that particular
disc. You can enable and disable PoweRec, too.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 3
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Section 1. Getting Started
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-504UF
• Computer:
PC: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster is required.
Pentium III, 1.6-GHz CPU or faster is recommended
Macintosh: Must be capable of running Mac OS 9.1 or higher.
• Minimum RAM: 128 MB.
• Hard disk size: To write to a CD in image mode (that is, to write an
image of a CD to your hard disk), you need 1 GB of free space. For a
DVD, 6 GB of free space is recommended. (For more accurate
guidelines, see the help files or documentation for the recording
software you’re using.)
• USB or FireWire port: Your computer needs a FireWire (also
known as IEEE 1394) port or a USB port. An adapter card is
required in most systems for optimum performance. Macintosh
computers provide FireWire, and most new desktop IBM-compatible
PCs have USB 2.0.
• Operating System:
PC: Windows XP, Me, 2000, 98SE
Macintosh: For FireWire and USB 1.1, OS 8.6.1 or higher; OS
9.1 or higher recommended. For USB 2.0, OS X.
NOTE: The built-in USB ports on older computers (and even on
inexpensive new ones) provide only USB 1.1—that is, Full-Speed (12
Mbps) USB. This limits the CD-RW drive performance to 4X write, 4X
rewrite, and 6X read, while DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X. For
optimum performance if your PC or Macintosh does not have built-in
USB 2.0, use the FireWire port, if available. Or, for PCs, you can
purchase and install a third-party PCI USB 2.0 plug-in host adapter card.
4 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Section 1. Getting Started
What You Can Do with the PX-504UF
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-504UF:
• Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R and DVD+RW
discs.
• Play DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs.
• Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media.
• Play music CDs.
• Save photos and other images on rewritable or writable CDs.
• Create a CD or DVD “sneakernet” to share information with
colleagues—just use software such as Roxio’s DirectCD to drag and
drop files onto DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R or CD-RW media, then
continue adding files and sharing the same disc.
• Archive images and video to DVD or CD.
• Master new software programs on DVD or CD.
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 drive in this configuration:
• PX-504UF DVD+R/RW and CD-R/RW drive
• USB 2.0 cable
• IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable
• AC adapter
• Power cord
• Emergency eject tool
• Cradle for vertical operation
• 1 piece of approved CD-R media
• 1 piece of approved DVD+R media
• Plextor DVD with bundled software for writing DVDs and CDs
• PX-504UF Installation and Users Guide
• Quick Install Guide
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 5
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Section 1. Getting Started
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 ensure nothing has been
removed. If something is missing, contact the party from whom you
purchased the box for an explanation.
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.
If your drive came preinstalled, some or all of the
items above may have been
installed and may not be
separately available. See the
Plextor web site for locations to
purchase additional or
replacement accessories.
Save Your Box!
Be sure to save the box after you
have installed your drive. The box
and its packaging material were
designed and drop tested to
ensure your drive can endure
rough treatment and still arrive in
working order. If you have to ship
your drive back to Plextor, you’ll
want to send it in the original box.
(For more details about returning
your drive to Plextor, see page
45.)
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Section 1. Getting Started
PX-504UF Drive Features and Controls
Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of
your Plextor drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations
below.
Front Panel
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-504UF drive
• Disc tray: Slides out to allow you to insert a disc.
• Emergency eject hole: If the automatic eject button does not work,
turn the POWER switch to OFF, then insert the emergency eject
tool, paper clip, or other thin, rigid object in this hole to eject the disc
tray manually.
• Power indicator: Illuminated blue when the PX-504UF drive power
is ON.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 7
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Section 1. Getting Started
• Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray
back into the PX-504UF. To prevent wear on the drive, always use
the eject button to load the tray.
• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc loading, ejecting,
initializing, playing, and writing.
• Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered
speakers.
• Volume control: Controls volume of headphone jack.
NOTE: The volume control on the front panel of your drive adjusts only
the sound level of the headphone jack. It has no impact on the volume
level of the rear panel audio outputs.
8 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Rear Panel
Section 1. Getting Started
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-504UF drive
• AUDIO OUT RCA jacks: Output of analog stereo signal. Connect a
sound board or audio amplifier here, if desired. Connectors are
standard RCA type. Red connector is right channel.
• IEEE 1394 4-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (also known as
FireWire) cable with a 4-pin connector here.
• IEEE 1394 6-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
cable with a 6-pin connector here.
NOTE: The PX-504UF does not get its power from the IEEE 1394 bus or
the USB bus. It must be connected to the AC adapter.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 9
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Section 1. Getting Started
• Interface switch: Switch the PX-504UF drive to operate with a
different interface (USB, IEEE 1394). This lets you keep several
interface cables attached to your drive and switch between them. If
you change interfaces with this switch, you must also cycle the PX504UF power. (That is, turn the POWER switch off, then on again.)
• USB 2.0 connector: Connect the USB cable here. You can use a
USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 interface.
CAUTION: Use only the USB cable shipped with your PX-504UF.
• DC 12 V power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PX-504UF.
• POWER switch: Press this switch to turn the power on or off. Press
the “0” down to turn power off. Press the “1” down to turn power on.
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Section 1. Getting Started
About Software
In order to record on DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW discs you
will need to have mastering, packet writing, or duplication software
installed on your computer system. If you purchased a retail kit from
Plextor, you’ll get software packages that include this software.
Software for the PC
You can use Roxio’s Easy CD Creator DVD Edition to burn both DVDs
and CDs. The software lets you burn and share anything on CD or DVD,
including music, photos, and videos. You can also back up your critical
data to a CD or DVD.
One component of Easy CD Creator is DirectCD, which makes the
Plextor PX-504UF drive as easy to use as a disk drive. You can drag and
drop files, rename files, delete files, and create new directories right on
the recordable CD or DVD disc. You can even save files directly from
your word processing software, spreadsheet, or other application directly
to the disc. DirectCD takes advantage of the PX-504UF’s ability to write
small packets of data to the disc, providing fast, uninterrupted data flow
and optimum use of disc space.
For more information about Easy CD Creator, install the application and
examine the help files.
Software for the Macintosh
Roxio’s Toast Lite is DVD and CD burner software for the Macintosh.
Toast enables you to create, organize, share and store all of your digital
content on CDs or DVDs. Toast also lets you share data with Windows
PC users.
Toast is the perfect burning companion to iMovie and iTunes. It’s built
for OS X, and works great with OS 9, too. (OS 9.1 or higher is
recommended.) To get more information, install Toast on your
Macintosh and take a look at the help files.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 11
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Section 1. Getting Started
For More Details about Software
For details on other software packages that are available for writing to
DVDs or CDs, please visit the web sites of the companies whose
software you are interested in, refer to their user’s manuals, or look at
the help option within the software. A list of various software packages
that you can use with your Plextor drive can be found in the
Support/Compatibility section of www.plextor.com
.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-504UF 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 CDs free of dirt or other contaminants, by storing them in
jewel cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not insert dirty,
warped, poorly balanced, or cracked discs into the drive.
• Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, using a soft, dry
cloth, wipe gently in a radial motion; start at the center of the disc
and proceed to the outer edge.
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2. Installing Your PX-504UF
This chapter explains how to physically connect the PX-504UF to your
computer. In general, this is what you’ll do:
1. Determine what operating system your computer is running:
If your computer is running the Windows XP, 2000 or Me, or
the Macintosh operating system, you can install right away.
If you have Windows 98SE, and you are using the FireWire
(IEEE 1394) interface, you’ll need to go to the Microsoft
Windows web site to bring your system up to date.
If you have Windows 98SE, and you are using USB, you’ll need
to install a set of Plextor-provided drivers to bring your system
up to date.
2. Determine which interface you want to use: FireWire (IEEE 1394)
or USB.
3. Set the PX-504UF interface switch for IEEE 1394 or USB.
4. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PX-504UF.
5. Turn the drive’s POWER switch ON (the “1” position).
6. Connect the USB or FireWire cable from your PX-504UF 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, start here. If you have a Macintosh, go to “If You
Have a Macintosh” on page 21.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 13
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System
To determine which operating system your personal computer uses:
1. Select the Start menu, then select Programs, then Accessories, 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 or the Macintosh operating system. If you
are not running one of these operating systems you cannot use the PX504UF. You cannot use the PX-504UF with early versions of Windows
98; it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition).
Determine What Interface to Use
For best performance, you’ll need to use USB 2.0 or FireWire. The
built-in USB ports on older computers (and even on inexpensive new
ones) provide only USB 1.1—that is, Full-Speed (12 Mbps) USB.
So for optimum performance:
• If your PC does not have built-in USB 2.0, use the FireWire port, if
available.
• If you have neither USB 2.0 or FireWire, you can purchase and
install a third-party PCI USB 2.0 or FireWire plug-in host adapter
card.
• If you don’t want to purchase a separate card, you can use your PC’s
built-in USB 1.1 port. However this limits the CD-RW drive
performance of the Plextor PX-504UF to 4X write, 4X rewrite, and
6X read. DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X.
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
Connect the PX-504UF Drive
Before proceeding to install the Plextor PX-504UF drive on your
personal computer, record the serial number.
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code
Record the serial number and TLA number of your drive on the inside
front cover of this manual.
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer
If you have a computer with Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows
Me, use the following procedure to install your PX-504UF drive.
(Windows 98SE users, see page 17, then come back here after you have
updated your Windows installation.)
To install the PX-504UF drive in a Windows-based computer:
1. Turn ON your computer system.
2. Set the interface switch at the rear of the PX-504UF drive to USB
(switch to the right) if you are using a USB cable; or to 1394 (switch
to the left) if you are using IEEE 1394.
3. Connect the AC adapter to your PX-504UF as shown in Figure 3.
4. Turn the drive’s POWER switch ON (the “1” side is down).
5. Connect the USB or IEEE 1394 cable from your PX-504UF drive to
the computer.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 15
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
Figure 3. Connecting the AC Adapter and USB Cable
The drive should be automatically recognized by the computer. In some
cases, you may have to reboot (turn the computer off, then on again) for
the PX-504UF to be recognized.
16 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
Identifying Cables and Ports
This illustration will help you identify the cables and computer ports and
make the necessary connections.
Figure 4: Identifying cables and ports on your computer
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 17
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire
If you have a computer with Windows 98SE, to ensure stable operation
when using the FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface, you’ll need to update
Windows with a patch file from Microsoft. You must do this before you
can install the PX-504UF drive.
To update your Windows 98SE operating system:
1. With your web browser, go to the Microsoft web site to download
the appropriate patch file. The URLs are:
English:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en;242975
Japanese:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;ja;242975
2. Install the Windows patch according to the instructions provided
with it.
3. Install the PX-504UF drive as detailed on page 15.
If You Have Windows 98SE and USB
If you have a computer with Windows 98SE and are using the USB
interface, you’ll need to update Windows with the Plextor driver before
you can install the PX-504UF.
To update your Windows 98SE operating system:
1. Install the Plextor drivers:
• If you have a DVD Player, insert the Plextor disc and install from the
button labeled “98SE USB Drivers.”
• If you do not have the Plextor disc or do not have a DVD player,
download the PX-504UF drivers from:
http://www.plextor.com/english/support/drivers/drivers.html#usb
2. Install the PX-504UF drive as detailed on page 15.
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized
After installation, make sure the 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 icons displayed on the desktop.
2. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and ensure there is an
icon for the PX-504UF. The drive 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
System icon, then click on Device Manager tab. Click the + sign
next to the CD-ROM heading and look at the PLEXTOR DVDR
PX504A device 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 the DVD/CD-ROM
drives heading and look at the PLEXTOR DVDR PX504A device
entry underneath.
4. If your USB or IEEE 1394 controller has a yellow diamond with an
exclamation point (!), contact your PC or motherboard manufacturer
for help, and to troubleshoot your controller for driver compatibility
or conflicts. It may just be a matter of obtaining the latest driver, or a
motherboard BIOS update, from the manufacturer.
5. If the USB or IEEE 1394 controller is listed and does not have a
yellow diamond with an exclamation point, but you do not see this
drive listed as one of the devices, contact our Technical Support
group at 1-800-886-3935, or email us at support@Plextor.com
help troubleshooting.
for
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 19
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
6. If the USB or IEEE 1394 controller is listed and does not have a
yellow diamond with an exclamation point, but the Plextor drive is
listed as a “USB” or “IEEE 1394 Storage device”, select the
“Storage device” and then select the “Remove” button. Reboot your
system. The system will do another hardware scan and should install
the driver properly.
Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces
You can connect any or all of the interface cables (USB, IEEE 1394 4pin, and IEEE 1394 6-pin) and switch between them. You can even have
different cables attached to different computers.
To switch between interfaces attached to the PX-504UF:
1. Ensure the interface cable for the desired USB or IEEE 1394
interface is attached to the PX-504UF and to the computer.
2. At the rear of the PX-504UF, set the interface switch to the desired
interface.
3. Cycle the PX-504UF power. (That is, turn the PX-504UF’s POWER
switch off, then on again.)
20 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
If You’re Using FireWire
If you are using FireWire (IEEE 1394), remember these hints for better
operation:
• You can daisy-chain the PX-504UF with other FireWire devices. But
in this case, do not connect or disconnect devices from the chain
when the PX-504UF is operating.
• Also note that the PX-504UF’s performance may not achieve its
maximum rated values if the drive is connected in a daisy chain with
other devices.
• The PX-504UF is not bus powered—that is, it doesn’t get its power
from the IEEE 1394 cable—so you have to use the bundled AC
adapter.
If You Have a Macintosh
If you have a Macintosh, use the following procedure to install your
PX-504UF drive:
1. Turn on the Macintosh.
2. Ensure you are running Macintosh OS 9.1 or higher (for FireWire
and USB 1.1) or OS X (for USB 2.0).
3. On the PX-504UF, set the rear-panel interface switch to USB or
IEEE 1394, corresponding to the interface you will be using.
4. Connect the AC adapter to your PX-504UF.
5. Turn the drive’s POWER switch ON (the “1” is depressed).
6. Connect the USB or IEEE 1394 cable from your PX-504UF drive to
the Macintosh computer.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 21
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Section 2. Installing Your PX-504UF
The Macintosh automatically recognizes the PX-504UF, and you should
be ready to use the drive as a CD-ROM. To use the recording
capabilities of the drive, a recording application must be installed.
NOTE: Most Macintosh USB built-in ports provide USB 1.1 Full-Speed
(12 Mbps). This limits the CD-RW drive performance to 4X write, 4X
rewrite, and 6X read. DVD read performance is 0.7X. For optimum
performance, if your Macintosh computer does not have built-in USB 2.0,
use the FireWire port. Or you can install a third-party PCI USB 2.0 plugin host adapter card.
ANOTHER NOTE: For optimum performance if you use the USB
interface, you will also need Mac OS X. If you use OS 8.6.x or 9.x with a
built-in USB port or a PCI adapter, your PX-504UF will achieve only USB
1.1 performance.
22 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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3. Using Your PX-504UF
This chapter explains how to use your drive and how to load, handle and
care for your CDs and DVDs.
What Media to Use
Use the right media! Your PX-504UF drive's capabilities change
depending on which type of compact disc you use.
DVD Media
DVD recordable media is available in two different, non-compatible
formats:
• DVD+R or DVD+RW
• DVD-R and DVD-RW
The distinction is important. Although the PX-504UF can read either
media format, the drive will only write to the “plus” media; that is, to
discs marked as “DVD+R” or “DVD+RW.”
To sum up, the PX-504UF currently supports these types of DVD
media:
• Digital Video Discs: You can immediately play pre-recorded DVD
discs, including movies and other DVDs.
• DVD+R: Recordable DVD. You can record on these discs, but only
once. You can also read them.
• DVD+RW: ReWritable DVD. You can record and re-record (up to
1,000 times) on these discs. You can also read them.
• DVD-R, DVD-RW: You can only read discs in these formats. You
cannot write to these discs using the PX-504UF.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 23
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Section 3. Using Your PX-504UF
CD-ROM Media
In addition, the PX-504UF supports these types of CD media:
• CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read pre-recorded compact
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.
Plextor-Recommended Media
Plextor engineers test DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW media
from many different manufacturers and manufacturing facilities,
determining the optimum write strategy for that particular media type.
The results are assembled into a media catalog and stored in firmware in
the Plextor PX-504UF drive.
Although you can use virtually any media in your drive, for the best
possible results be sure to use Plextor-recommended media. Using
Plextor-recommended media means you can successfully burn these
discs at high speed, and ensures the discs can later be read back on other
drives. In most cases you’ll get successful writing and reading even if
the original blank disc itself might contain some imperfections.
See “Recommended Media” on page 33 for a list of Plextorrecommended media at the time this manual was printed, and see the
Plextor web site at www.plextor.com
for an updated list.
24 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Section 3. Using Your PX-504UF
Mounting Position
You can operate your PX-504UF in either a horizontal or (with the
cradle) a vertical position.
Figure 5: Operate your PX-504UF in either a horizontal or a vertical
position
CAUTION: Take special care not to shock or disturb the drive when it is
operated in a vertical position. Even in the cradle, the drive can fall over.
Tray Loading and Operation
To load and unload the tray:
1. While the drive is powered up, push the eject button on the front
panel. The tray drawer slides out in 1–2 seconds.
Figure 6: Loading the tray
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 25
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Section 3. Using Your PX-504UF
2. Lay a CD or DVD disc in the depression in the tray, label side up.
3. Press the eject button again and the tray will slide shut within
seconds.
NOTE: Always use the eject button to close the tray in a smooth and
secure manner. Closing the tray by pressing the front of the drawer by
hand is not recommended and risks damage or premature wearing of the
mechanism and your DVDs and CDs.
Handling DVD and CD Media
Take care when handling blank CD and DVD media. Dust, scratches,
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 hole and one finger on the outer edge. Once you have finished
creating a disc, label it by writing on the top using permanent ink.
CAUTION: We recommend using a “non-toxic” marker, such as a
Sharpie pen, that 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.
NOTE: We do not recommend placing self-sticking CD-R labels on the
disc. The weight of the label may unbalance the disc and cause write
errors during recording or read errors during reading. Also, attempting to
remove the label may permanently damage the disc.
Cleaning Discs
For proper read and write performance, your DVD+R, DVD+RW,
CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-ROM 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.
26 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Section 3. Using Your PX-504UF
Figure 7: 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.
Playing DVDs
To play a digital video disc, insert the DVD as you would any other
disc. The drive plays both single-layer and dual-layer discs.
The first time: A code on each DVD allows it to be played only on
players designed for 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 drive, the action
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 region code setting is changed. But remember: you can change the
drive’s region code only 5 times. After that, you can’t change it any
more.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 27
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Section 3. Using Your PX-504UF
Writing to DVD Media
You need special software that supports writing to DVD+R and
DVD+RW discs. The Roxio Easy CD Creator DVD Edition and
DirectCD software on the CD that accompanies your PX-504UF
contains this software.
NOTE: The PX-504UF does not write to DVD-R or DVD-RW media.
However, the drive can read these discs.
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media
In conjunction with your drive, mastering and packet writing software
such as Easy CD Creator and DirectCD allow you to write audio, video,
data, or other information to writable (CD-R) or rewritable (CD-RW)
media. The PX-504UF writes to high-speed CD-RW media, as well as to
normal speed CD-RW media.
Drives such as the PX-504UF that are capable of writing to high-speed
CD-RW media are identified by a “Compact Disc ReWritable High
Speed” logo.
Figure 8: Your PX-504UF can write to these types of CD-RW media
28 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
This chapter explains maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for
your PX-504UF drive.
With proper maintenance, you can prevent problems. If trouble arises,
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
computer manufacturers. In addition, we include a table of tested media
and corresponding write strategies in your drive’s firmware. This table is
updated when you update your drive by downloading new firmware
from the Plextor web site.
It is rare that firmware revisions will seriously affect the performance or
operation of your drive. However, we advise that our customers always
update drives with the latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting
a possible problem with your PX-504UF drive, please visit our web site
at www.plextor.com
To obtain new firmware for your 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. Run the executable file that you downloaded from Plextor’s web site.
2. Accept all defaults by continuing to click on the “Next” button until
you see the message:
Firmware update has completed.
3. Restart your system.
to check if you have the latest firmware.
.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 29
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Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
If you have problems during or right after installation of your drive, visit
the Plextor web site to find tips to help find the problem.
Emergency Eject
If the automatic eject button at the front of the drive does not work, use
this procedure to open the drive.
To use the emergency eject hole to open the drive:
1. Set the POWER switch at the rear of the PX-504UF drive to OFF.
2. At the front of the PX-504UF drive, insert the emergency eject tool,
or a paper clip or other thin, rigid object, into the emergency eject
hole.
3. Push the tool or other object straight in, until the disc tray clicks
open.
4. Carefully continue to slide the disc tray open.
5. Remove the CD from the disc tray.
6. Carefully push the disc tray shut.
30 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is better, DVD+R and DVD+RW? Or DVD-R and DVDRW?
A: Neither is “better” or “worse.” They’re just different standards, like
English versus metric measurement. Different manufacturers support
different standards. The Plextor PX-504UF supports the DVD+R and
DVD+RW formats; these formats are also supported by Philips, Sony,
Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and other manufacturers. DVDR, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba,
Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. No matter
which format a DVD disc is recorded in, it can be read by most
commercial DVD-ROM players.
Q: How do I know if my camcorder has FireWire?
A: Sony built FireWire into equipment such as digital camcorders,
calling it iLink. So an iLink device has FireWire, and you can use it with
the PX-504UF.
Q: What are the transfer rates for the different interfaces?
A: Different interfaces have different maximum transfer rates. The
following table compares the transfer rates for the different interfaces.
Interface Maximum Transfer Rate
USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) 480 Mbps max.
USB 1.1 (Full-Speed) 12 Mbps max.
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) 400 Mbps max.
Actual transfer rates in the real world depend on the type of media and
software you’re using, and on the type of data being transferred.
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Section 5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get USB 2.0 on a Macintosh?
A: The Macintosh currently has USB 1.1 built in. If your Macintosh has
a PCI slot, you can purchase and install a USB 2.0 interface card.
However, any OS below OS X does not have USB 2.0 support, so you
may also have to upgrade your Mac operating system. If your Macintosh
lacks a PCI slot, you should use the FireWire port, if available.
Q: What is Buffer Under Run Proof Technology?
A: The PX-504UF incorporates Buffer Under Run Proof technology,
which guarantees that you can write DVD, CD-R and CD-RW 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 Under Run Proof technology compensates for any interruption in
data flow to the disc. Plextor drives with this technology “remember”
where writing stopped on the disc when the data flow was interrupted,
then restart writing in the same place once the data is available again.
Buffer Under Run Proof technology in your drive means you can safely
use your computer for other things while you’re writing to a DVD, CDR or CD-RW disc. You can multitask freely and easily, and still
successfully create CDs on the first attempt.
32 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Minimum System Requirements
Computer Pentium III 500 MHz CPU or faster.
Minimum
RAM
Hard Disk
Size
Operating
System
Recommended Media
DVD+R: 4X Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden, Ricoh
DVD+R: 2.4X Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden
DVD+RW Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim, Ricoh
CD-R
CD-RW Ricoh, Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim
128 MB
Writing CDs: 1 GB of free space to write to a CD in
image mode (where you write an image of the CD to
your hard disk before burning)
Writing DVDs: 6 GB of free space to create DVD
images.
(For more accurate guidelines, see the help files or
documentation for the recording software you’re
using.)
Windows XP, Me, 2000, 98SE;
Macintosh (For FireWire and USB 1.1, OS 8.6.1 or
higher; OS 9.1 or higher recommended. For USB
2.0, OS X)
Special considerations for Windows 98SE:
To ensure stable IEEE 1394 operation with
Windows 98SE, update Windows with Microsoft
patch file before installing the PX-504UF.
For Windows 98SE and USB, use the Plextor
USB driver.
Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden,
Mitsui Chemicals, Ricoh, Maxell
(All CD-RW media are rewritable up to 1,000 times.)
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 33
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Supported Media
Supported
Media,
DVD Read
Supported
Media,
Stamped CD
Supported
Media, CD-R
Supported
Media,
CD-RW
Supported
Media Size
Stamped CDs: Single layer / Dual layer
DVD-R: For general version 2.0
DVD-RW: Version 1.0 / 1.1
DVD+R: Version 1.0
DVD+RW: Version 1.1
Red/Yellow Book-compliant discs
Orange Book Pt II-compliant discs (Type 74, Type
80)
Orange Book Pt III-compliant discs
CD: 12 cm
DVD: 12 cm
Usable Formats
Logical CD
Read/Write
Logical DVD
Read/Write
Write
Methods,
DVD+R/RW
Write
Methods,
CD-R/RW
CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM
Mode-2, CD-ROM XA, Photo-CD, Video-CD, Multisession,
CD TEXT, CD-I, UDF
DVD-ROM
DVD-Video
Multi-border
Multi-session
Sequential write, random access write, DAO
TAO, DAO, packet write (variable and fixed),
multi-session, SAO
34 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Performance Specifications
Read Speed
DVD
Speed Reads
stamped
commercial
Reads
DVD+R,
DVD-R?
discs?
5-12X
CAV
Yes
(Single-
– –
layer disc)
3-7X
CAV
Yes (Single
or dual-
– –
layer disc)
2-5X
CAV
Yes (Single
or dual-
Yes Yes
layer disc)
NOTE: In a few USB 2.0 environments, the
maximum DVD read speed will be below 12X.
NOTE: When playing DVD-Video, reading speed is
fixed at 2-5X CAV.
Read Speed,
CD
17-40X
13-32X
4-10X
8X CLV – Stamp, R,
Speed Mode-1 Mode-2 CD-DA
Stamp, R – –
CAV
CAV
Stamp, R,
RW
Stamp, R,
RW
(Form-1)
CAV
Stamp, R,
RW
– Stamp, R,
RW
(Form-2)
NOTE: “Stamp” indicates commercially pressed
“silver” discs.
NOTE: When playing CD-DA (digital audio), reading
speed is fixed to 4-10X CAV.
Reads
DVD+RW,
DVD-RW?
Stamp, R,
RW
RW
–
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 35
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Performance Specifications (continued)
Write Speed,
Speed DVD+R DVD+RW
DVD+R/RW
4X CLV Yes –
2.4X CLV Yes Yes
Write Speed,
CD-R/RW
16X
NOTE: 8cm media are not supported.
Speed CD-R High Speed
CD-RW
Media
Yes – –
Normal
Speed CDRW Media
CLV
10X
– Yes –
CLV
8X CLV Yes – –
4X CLV Yes Yes Yes
Initialization
Time
Time measured from power on until disc is available
to read:
DVD: < 16 sec. (typical), < 51 sec. (retry)
CD: < 14 sec. (typical), < 31 sec. (retry)
Access Time Time measured from command phase until bus free
(no disconnect):
DVD: < 140 msec. (typical), < 180 msec (max.)
CD: < 120 msec. (typical), < 150 msec (max.)
Sleep Mode Entered after 8 minutes of no access to drive
(default setting)
Wake Mode < 5 sec. (max.) to start drive after sleep
Tray Eject
< 5 sec. (max.)
Time
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Front Panel
Eject Eject Button; Manual Emergency Eject; Software
Eject.
Disc/Busy
Indicator
Power
Indicator
Disc Loading Auto
Headphone
Jack
Headphone
Volume
Control
Green when ejecting, loading, initializing, playing or
writing a disc.
Blue when AC adapter is connected and drive
power is on.
3.5mm stereo mini-jack:
Output voltage (max. volume): 0.7V (rms) +/-3dB
Load impedance: 100 ohms
S/N ratio: Minimum 70dB
Total harmonic distortion + noise: Max. 0.1%
(1kHz)
Dynamic range: Typically 70dB (1kHz)
Channel separation: Typically 40dB (1kHz)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
(0dB +1/-5dB)
Wheel knob
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 37
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Rear Panel
DC 12V
Connector
(Power
Supply)
Current USB
Typical standby current 400 mA 400 mA
Typical read current
Typical DVD write
Typical CD write current
Typical pause current
Peak current 2.3A 2.3A
AUDIO OUT
Connectors
AC 100~240V, 50/60 Hz
IEEE
Interface
1394
Interface
1.2A 1.2A
(CD 17-40X)
current (DVD+R 4X)
1.15A
1.15A
1.15A 1.15A
(CD-R 16 X)
750mA 750mA
(CD 4-10X CAV)
Stereo analog output, RCA jacks:
Output voltage (max. volume): 0.75V( rms) +/-
3dB
Load impedance: 10 k ohms
S/N ratio: Min. 75dB
Total harmonic distortion + noise: Max. 0.1%
(1kHz)
Dynamic range: Typically 75dB
Channel separation: Typically 70dB
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz (0dB +-3dB)
DVD Regional Setting
Compatibility RPC phase-2-compatible
Changing
regional
setting
Max. 5 times
38 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Host Interface
Type USB: B-type
IEEE 1394: 6pin/4pin
Data
Connector
USB: B-type
IEEE 1394: 6pin/4pin
USB 2.0
Transfers
USB 1.1
Transfers
IEEE 1394
Transfers
Hi-Speed; 480 Mbps (max)
Full-Speed; 12 Mbps (max)
IEEE Std 1394-1995, IEEE 1394a-2000
400 Mbps (max)
ATAPI
Command Set
Refer to the Plextor ATAPI command manual.
Inquiry String PLEXTOR sp DVDR sp sp sp PX-504A sp sp
(where “sp” is one space)
Other Features
Data Buffer 2 MB
Read Error
CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 block/10
Rate
CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 block/10
12
bits
9
bits
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 39
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Environmental Conditions
Mounting
Position
Operating
Temperature
Performance
Guarantee
Temperature
Operating
Humidity
Storage
Temperature
Storage
Humidity
Acoustic
Noise
Vibration,
Operating
Vibration,
NonOperating
Horizontal or vertical orientation
Horizontal orientation:
Front side up or down, +/- 10 degrees
Left side up or down, +/- 5 degrees
Vertical orientation:
Front side up or down, +/- 5 degrees
Top side left or right, +/- 2.5 degrees
(Vertical orientation is supported with the cradle.)
5 to 35 degrees Celsius
10 to 30 degrees Celsius
< 70% max. (non-condensing)
–40 to 60 degrees Celsius
20% to 90% (non-condensing)
Playing balanced disc: Maximum 45dB
Playing unbalanced disc: Maximum 50dB
Tray ejecting: Maximum 50dB
Standby: Maximum 38dB
Half sine sweep 5 minutes:
CD/DVD read: 0.15G
CD-R write: 0.15G
CD-RW rewrite: 0.10G
DVD write: 0.10G
Half sine sweep 5 minutes: 2.0G
(Power off, without disc)
0-Pk
(5-300Hz
0-Pk
0-Pk
(5-300Hz)
0-Pk
(5-300Hz)
(5-300Hz)
(5-300Hz)
0-Pk
40 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Environmental Conditions (continued)
Shock,
Operating
11msec half sine 5 sec interval:
CD read: 5.0G
0-Pk
CD read (vertical orientation): 2.5G
DVD read: 5.0G
0-Pk
DVD read (vertical orientation): 2.5G
CD-R write: 1.5G
CD-RW rewrite: 0.5G
0-Pk
0-Pk
DVD+R/RW write: 0.5G
Shock, Nonoperating
Permissible velocity: Minimum 62G
Permissible velocity change: Minimum 220cm/sec
(Power off, without disc)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions
(W/H/D)
(excluding
front panel)
Weight < 2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg)
5.75" x 1.65" x 7.85"
146 mm x 42 mm x 199.5 mm
Reliability
MTBF 60,000 hours
Tray Loading 30,000 load/unload cycles
Electrostatic
Discharge
0-8KV aerial discharge
0-4KV contact discharge
Both with no hard errors, no damage
0-Pk
0-Pk
0-Pk
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 41
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Appendix A: PX-504UF Specifications
Safety, Laser, and EMC Standards
Country/
Type Agency Standard
Region
USA Safety UL UL60950 (AC adapter
and internal drive)
Laser FDA 21 CFR 1040.10,
1040.11
EMC FCC FCC Part 15B Class B
Canada Safety UL (C-UL) CSA C22.2 No. 60950
(AC adapter and internal
drive)
EMC IC ICES-003 Class B
Europe Safety CE IEC60950
Safety CB IEC60950, IEC60825-1
(AC adapter and internal
drive)
Laser CE IEC60825-1
EMC CE EN55024
EN55022 Class B
EN61000-3-2
EN61000-3-3
Taiwan EMC BSMI CNS13438 Class B
Korea EMC MIC
Australia/NZ EMC C-Tick AS/NZS3548 Class B
42 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
Page 51
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 drive,
please refer first to the relevant sections of this manual regarding setup
and installation (Chapters 1–3). If you do not uncover the solution there,
please refer next to the maintenance and troubleshooting chapter that
begins on page 29. 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
PX-504UF drive. In many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by
your Plextor drive 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.
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 43
Page 52
Appendix B: Technical Support
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support
There are several ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support
Department:
• Visit our web site (www.plextor.com
) for answers to Frequently
Asked Questions.
• Send us e-mail at support@plextor.com
. Include your telephone
number and the 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.
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support
Please gather as much of the following information as possible before
contacting us.
• The serial number and TLA (top level assembly) number of your
PX-504UF drive. Your serial number and TLA number appear both
on the drive label and on a sticker at the rear of internal drives.
• The latest version of firmware you loaded onto the drive, if
applicable.
• The version of the Windows, Mac, or UNIX operating system you
are using.
• The brand name and model number of your computer (e.g., Dell
466/NP, Hewlett-Packard Pavilion 752n, Apple Macintosh, etc.).
• The type of VGA, Super VGA, or other graphics board 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).
44 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
Page 53
Appendix B: Technical Support
Returns
In the unlikely event that you need to return a drive to Plextor, you need
an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number. You need this
number before any Plextor drive can be returned for repair or
replacement. Here’s how you get an RMA number and return your
drive:
1. Contact Plextor Technical Support. You will receive assistance in
troubleshooting your system. If the drive is determined to be
defective, you will receive a Tech Support Ticket Number.
2. Locate the RMA request form at:
https://www.plextor.com/english/support/rma_request_form.htm
Complete the form, providing the Technical Support Ticket number
and details of the drive failure. After completing the form, click the
Submit button.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The RMA form will NOT be processed without the
Tech Support Ticket Number.
3. Plextor then returns the RMA form to you via e-mail, with the RMA
number and shipping information included.
4. When you receive the RMA number, pack the Plextor drive securely
in a box, and include the RMA form as a packing slip.
5. Write the RMA number prominently on the outside of the box, and
ship the box and the drive to Plextor.
.
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department
You can contact our RMA Department and request RMA forms at:
• rmasupport@plextor.com
• Or by fax at 510-651-9765
• Or by calling us at 800-886-3935
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 45
Page 54
Appendix B: Technical Support
Packing Your Drive
Check the drive to make sure there is no disc inside, and if possible,
pack your drive in the original box. Some of our customers have not
held on to their boxes and have had to resort to less-than-secure methods
to get drives back to us.
CAUTION: Never ship the drive with a CD or DVD disc inside it.
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.
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor
Be sure to write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box.
Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted.
NOTE: The RMA number must be clearly visible on the outside of the
shipping box.
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.
46 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
Page 55
Appendix C: Warranty
PLEXTOR CORP. (“Plextor”) warrants your PX-504UF drive 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 e-mail (support@plextor.com
800-886-3935. The Technical Support Department will attempt to
diagnose and correct your problem. If the unit does not function
properly, they will give you instructions on obtaining 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.
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.
) or by calling
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 47
Page 56
Appendix C: Warranty
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 a drive 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.
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada
Note that the warranty and RMA policy only apply to the United States
and Canada. If you are in South America, contact your dealer or reseller
for all warranty and RMA claims.
48 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
Page 57
A
AC adapter
connecting · 10, 16
access time · 36
analog audio output · 38
ATAPI command set · 39
audio out connectors · 9, 38
B
black tray · 2
box
contents of · 5
shipping · 6, 45, 46
buffer · 3, 32, 39
Buffer Under Run Proof
technology · 3, 32
C
cable
connecting · 16
identifying · 17
IEEE 1394 · 5
USB · 5, 10
CD
formats supported · 34
read speed · 35, 36
recording modes · 3, 34
write methods: · 3, 34
CD+RW writing speed · 2
CD-DA read speed · 35
CD-R
compatibility · 3
media · 24, 33
reading speed · 2
Index
writing · 28
writing speed · 2
CD-R/RW software · 11
CD-ROM, playing · 24
CD-RW
compatibility · 3
media · 24, 33
reading speed · 2
writing · 28
cleaning disc · 26
closing tray · 26
compact disc rewritable high speed
logo · 28
compatibility
CD-R · 3
CD-RW · 3
DVD+R · 3, 23, 31
DVD+RW · 3, 23, 31
computer, minimum · 4, 33
configuration, minimum · 4, 33
connecting cables · 16
connecting the drive · 15
connecting to Macintosh · 21
connector
analog audio output · 38
IEEE 1394 · 9
power · 10, 38
USB · 10
connectors, analog audio output · 9
connectors, rear-panel · 9, 38
controls, front-panel · 7, 37
cradle · 5, 25
D
data buffer · 3, 32, 39
DC 12V connector · 10, 38
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 49
Page 58
Index
determining your operating system
· 14
dimensions · 41
disc
cleaning · 26
labels · 26
loading · 37
disc tray · 7
disc/busy indicator · 8, 37
color · 37
drive
connecting · 15
connecting to Macintosh · 21
installing in Windows-based
computer · 15
recognizing in Windows · 19
DVD
formats compared · 31
formats supported · 3, 34
media · 23, 33
playing · 27
reading speed · 2, 35, 36
recording modes · 3, 34
region code · 27
regional setting · 38
video read speed · 35
write methods · 3, 34
DVD+R
compatibility · 3, 23, 31
media · 23, 33
software · 11
writing · 28
writing speed · 2
DVD+RW
compatibility · 3, 23, 31
editing · 3
media · 23, 33
software · 11
writing · 28
DVD+VR · 2, 3
DVD-R · 23, 31
DVD-RW · 23, 31
drive capabilities · 23
E
Easy CD Creator DVD Edition · 11
editing DVD+RW · 3
eject
emergency · 30
methods for · 37
time · 36
eject button · 8
electrostatic discharge
specification · 41
EMC standards · 42
emergency eject hole · 7
emergency eject tool · 5, 7, 30
environmental conditions · 40, 41
error rate specification · 39
F
FAQs · 31
FireWire · See IEEE 1394
firmware
obtaining · 29
upgrading · 2, 29
flash memory · 2
formats · 34
CD · 34
DVD · 3, 31, 34
frequently asked questions · 31
front-panel controls · 7, 37
H
hard disk size · 4, 33
headphone jack · 8, 37
headphone volume control · 8, 37
high-speed CD-RW media · 24, 28
host interface · 39
humidity specification · 40
humidity, storage · 40
50 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
Page 59
Index
I
identifying cables and ports · 17
IEEE 1394 · 2, 14, 18, 21
connector · 9
controller · 19
interface · 13, 18
interface switch · 10
not bus powered · 9
requirement · 4
Sony iLink and · 31
switching to USB · 20
transfer speed · 31, 39
Windows 98SE and · 13
IEEE 1394 cable · 15
connecting · 16
identifying · 17
iLink · 31
initialization time · 36
inquiry string · 39
interface
host · 39
switch · 20
interface switch · 10
interface, choosing · 14
L
label, disc · 26
laser standards · 42
lossless linking · 3
M
Macintosh
drive installation · 21
operating system · 4, 22, 33
software · 11
USB and · 32
maintenance · 29
media · 23
care and handling · 26
CD-R · 24, 33
CD-RW · 24, 28, 33
DVD · 23, 33
DVD+RW · 23, 33
formats · 23
Plextor-recommended · 24, 33
size · 34
supported · 3, 34
memory, minimum · 4, 33
minimum configuration · 4, 33
MMC-3 command set · 2
mounting position · 25, 40
MTBF · 41
N
noise specification · 40
O
OPC · See optimum power control
operating system · 4, 22, 33
determining · 14
optimum power control · 3
orange book · 3, 34
P
packing for shipment · 46
performance specifications · 35, 36
performance, optimum · 14
playing DVD · 27
plug and play, support for · 2
port
identifying · 17
USB or IEEE 1394 requirement
· 4
position, mounting · 25, 40
power
connector · 10, 38
indicator · 7, 37
requirements · 38
switch · 10, 15
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 51
Page 60
Index
PoweRec · 3
precautions · 12
R
RAM, minimum · 4, 33
read formats · 3
read specification
CD · 35, 36
DVD · 35, 36
read speed
CD-R · 2
CD-RW · 2
digital audio · 35
DVD · 2
DVD-Video · 35
rear-panel connectors · 9, 38
recognizing the drive in Windows ·
19
recording modes
CD · 3, 34
DVD · 3, 34
red book · 34
region code, changing · 27, 38
reliability · 41
returns · 6, 45
RMA number · 6, 45, 46
ROPC · See running optimum
power control
Roxio software · 5, 11, 28
running optimum power control · 3
S
safety standards · 42
security sticker · 6
serial number, recording · 15
shipping your drive · 6, 45, 46
shock specification · 41
sleep mode · 36
software · 11
CD-R/RW · 11
DVD+R · 11
DVD+RW · 11
specifications · 33
speed
reading CD-R · 2
reading CD-ROM · 35, 36
reading CD-RW · 2
reading digital audio · 35
reading DVD · 2, 35, 36
reading DVD-Video · 35
writing CD-R · 2
writing DVD+R · 2
writing DVD+RW · 2
stereo output signal · 9, 38
storage humidity · 40
support · 43, 44
T
tech support ticket number · 45
technical support · 43, 44
temperature
performance guarantee · 40
specification · 40
storage · 40
ticket number, tech support · 45
TLA code · 15
Toast Lite software · 11
transfer rates · 31
transfer speed · 39
tray · 7
closing · 26
loading and unloading · 25
tray loading specification · 41
troubleshooting · 30
U
UDF support · 3
upgrading firmware · 2, 29
USB · 14
cable · 10
52 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
Page 61
Index
connector · 10
interface · 2, 13
Macintosh and · 22, 32
requirement · 4
switching to IEEE 1394 · 20
transfer rates · 31
transfer speed · 39
Windows 98SE and · 18
USB cable
connecting · 16
identifying · 17
V
vibration specification · 40
video DVD read speed · 35
volume control · 8, 37
no effect on rear panel output · 8
W
wake mode · 36
warranty · 47
weight · 41
Windows 2000
connecting PX-504UF to · 13
drive installation · 15
Windows 98SE
connecting PX-504UF to · 13
drive installation · 18
update operating system with
patch file · 18
using the USB interface · 18
Windows Me
connecting PX-504UF to · 13
drive installation · 15
Windows XP
connecting PX-504UF to · 13
drive installation · 15
write formats · 3
write methods
CD · 3, 34
DVD · 3, 34
writing a CD
image · 4, 33
writing speed
CD+RW · 2
CD-R · 2
DVD+R · 2
writing to
CD-R · 28
CD-RW · 28
DVD+R · 28
DVD+RW · 28
Y
yellow book · 34
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 53
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Index
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54 Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual
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Notes
Plextor PX-504UF Installation and Users Manual 55
Page 64
PLEXTOR CORP.
48383 Fremont Blvd.
Suite 120
Fremont CA 94538-6509
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
510-440-2000
800-886-3935
510-651-9755
info@plextor.com
www.plextor.com
P/N 127-2774-00
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