Model PX-740UF External
USB/FireWire Drive
DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),
DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JULY 2005
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 ©2005 Plextor Corp.
First edition, July 2005.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks 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
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT
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.
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.
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 laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is visible and invisible. Accordingly:
• Do not open the optical pickup housing.
• Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel.
CAUTION: To disconnect the external DVD/CD drive from an electrical current,
pull out the AC adapter power plug.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
iii
Bottom View of External Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-740UF Laser Caution Label
iv PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
What’s In This Manual................................................................ 1
Printing the Manual.....................................................................1
Meet Your PX-740UF.....................................................................2
What the PX-740UF Does...........................................................2
Features of the PX-740UF...........................................................3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-740UF..........................5
What You Can Do with the PX-740UF.......................................6
About Software ...............................................................................6
Precautions ...................................................................................... 7
Where to Go From Here.................................................................. 7
2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive............ 9
PX-740UF Drive Features and Controls .........................................9
Front Panel—PX-740UF External Drive ....................................9
Rear Panel—PX-740UF External Drive....................................11
What Else Is In the PX-740UF Box .............................................. 13
Save Your Box!.........................................................................13
Mount the PX-740UF Drive..........................................................14
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System ...........................15
Determine What Interface to Use..................................................15
Connect the PX-740UF Drive ....................................................... 16
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code ................................16
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer...........................16
Identifying Cables and Ports .....................................................18
Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces ..................... 19
If You’re Using FireWire.............................................................. 19
If You Have a Macintosh ..............................................................20
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
v
Table of Contents
3. Using Your PX-740UF................................................................ 21
What Media to Use ....................................................................... 21
DVD Media............................................................................... 21
CD-ROM Media .......................................................................22
Tray Loading and Operation......................................................... 23
Handling DVD and CD Media.................................................. 23
Cleaning Discs .......................................................................... 24
Mounting Position......................................................................... 25
Playing DVDs............................................................................... 25
Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 26
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW................................................... 26
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 26
Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ...................................................... 27
4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................ 29
Cleaning the PX-740UF Drive...................................................... 29
Upgrading Firmware..................................................................... 30
Emergency Eject........................................................................... 31
Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 32
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized.......................................... 32
5. Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................... 35
Appendix A: PX-740UF Specifications ......................................... 37
Appendix B: Technical Support .................................................... 51
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support................................... 52
Before You E-mail or Call for Support......................................... 52
Returns.......................................................................................... 53
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department.................................... 53
Packing Your Drive .................................................................. 53
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor ................................................ 54
Appendix C: Warranty................................................................... 55
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada........................................... 56
Index................................................................................................. 57
Notes................................................................................................. 63
vi PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-740UF, 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.
What’s In This Manual
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.
Printing the Manual
This manual has been sized for viewing on a computer monitor screen.
To print a hard copy of this manual:
1. In Adobe Reader, select File | Print. You see the Print dialog box.
2. In the Print dialog box, choose the printer.
3. If you want to print on standard 8-1/2 x 11 paper, select Page scaling
and Fit to paper. This expands the manual’s pages so they nearly fill
up a standard-sized page.
4. When you have made your selections, click OK. The manual is
printed.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
1
Section 1. Getting Started
Meet Your PX-740UF
The PX-740UF is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that
provides professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing,
rewriting and reading.
What the PX-740UF Does
For DVDs, the PX-740UF:
• Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 16X speed on recommended 16X media.
• Writes DVD+R DL (double layer) media at up to 8X speed.
• Writes DVD-R DL (dual layer) media at up to 4X speed.
• Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at
up to 16X speed on recommended 16X media.
• Writes DVD+RW (rewritable DVD, “plus” format) media
at up to 8X speed. (Requires 8X media for 8X writing.)
• Writes DVD-RW (rewritable DVD, “dash” format) media
at up to 6X speed.
• Supports DVD±VR format for read and write.
• Reads stamped DVD discs at up to 16X.
• Reads DVD-Video discs with CSS at up to 4X CAV.
NOTE: Depending on the USB chipset used in your computer, the
PX-740UF’s DVD read speed may be limited to 14X maximum with
USB 2.0 only. Maximum IEEE 1394/FireWire read speed remains
16X.
For CDs, the PX-740UF:
• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.
• Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 32X speed.
• Reads all CD-ROM and CD-R data media at a maximum of 48X
speed.
• Reads CD-RW data media at a maximum of 40X speed.
• Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R audio media at up to 48X speed .
• Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 32X speed.
2 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
Features of the PX-740UF
• USB 2.0 and FireWire interface: Features both USB 2.0 and
FireWire® (IEEE 1394), to connect to a PC or Macintosh computer
with either of these high-speed interfaces. 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-4 command set.
• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-740UF to the latest
firmware revision (available free from the Plextor web site) without
opening the computer or physically accessing the drive.
• Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical distortion by absorbing
reflections from the laser beam, enhancing read quality.
• Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play.
• CPRM support: The PX-740UF supports Content Protection for
Recordable Media, so you can play CPRM copy-controlled media.
DVD Features
• Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL: Allows
DVD+RW discs to be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Zero Link for DVD-R/RW, DVD-R DL: Has 0 byte gap between
sessions so the discs are compatible with all players. This allows
DVD-RW discs to be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Double layer and dual layer DVD discs: Reads and writes DVD+R
DL (double layer) and DVD-R DL (dual layer) discs, so you can
burn up to 4 hours of high quality MPEG-2/DVD video on a single
8.5-gigabyte DVD disc.
• Wide DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW media compatibility: Compatible
with a wide range of DVD±R and DVD±RW media.
• Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multi-
border, multi-session and DVD±VR, for read and write.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual 3
Section 1. Getting Started
• Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO) and multi-session, for DVD+R DL (double layer) and
DVD+R; and sequential write for DVD+RW.
• Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: DAO and multi-session
write for DVD-R DL (dual-layer); DAO and multi-border recording
for DVD-R; and DAO, multi-border recording, and restricted
overwriting for DVD-RW.
CD-R and CD-RW Features
• Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,
session-at-once, and variable and fixed packet writing.
• Buffer Underrun Proof Technology: 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.
• OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum
Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write
strategy.
• CD-TEXT, CD+G: Supports CD-TEXT and CD+G reading.
4 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-740UF
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-740UF drive.
• Computer:
PC: Pentium 4, 1.6-GHz or faster CPU.
Macintosh: Power Macintosh G3 or later (G4 or higher
recommended)
• Minimum RAM: 256 MB.
• Interface: USB (2.0 or 1.1) or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface. (On-
board USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394 host controller recommended.)
• 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, 10 GB of free space is recommended. (For more accurate
guidelines, see the help files or documentation for the recording
software you’re using.)
• Operating System:
PC: Windows XP, XP 64-bit, 2000, Me.
Macintosh: Mac OS X.
NOTE: You cannot use the PX-740UF with Windows 98 or Mac OS 9.
MACINTOSH NOTE: The PX-740UF drive is compatible with Macintosh
computers running Mac OS X or higher. Note that Apple Computer
applications generally do not support non-Apple CD or DVD recorders.
A Macintosh-compatible third-party recording application, such as Roxio
Toast Titanium 6, will provide authoring and recording capability. See
Roxio.com, for example.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual 5
Section 1. Getting Started
What You Can Do with the PX-740UF
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-740UF:
• Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL,
DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs.
• Play DVD-ROM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, 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 Ahead Software’s InCD 4 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.
About Software
In order to record on DVD±R DL, DVD±R/RW, and CD-R/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 such software.
Ahead’s Nero software is one software suite that lets you burn DVDs
and CDs. The software lets you burn and share anything on CD or DVD,
including music, photos, and videos; and you can easily back up your
critical data to a CD or DVD. One component of Nero is InCD 4, which
makes the Plextor PX-740UF drive as easy to use as a hard disk drive.
(For more information about Nero, install this application and examine
the help files.)
For details on other software that is 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 that you can use with
your Plextor drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of
www.plextor.com
.
6 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-740UF 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 experienced service
personnel only.
• Keep your DVDs and 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.
• Do not attempt to clean your drive using solvent-based cleaners or an
air compressor.
• Do not attempt to clean your drive using a CD cleaning disc. These
discs can damage your drive permanently.
Where to Go From Here
• See Section 2, beginning on page 9, to learn how to install your
drive.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual 7
Section 1. Getting Started
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8 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
2. Installing the
PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive
This section explains how to physically connect your PX-740UF
external USB/FireWire drive to your computer.
PX-740UF 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—PX-740UF External Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-740UF external drive
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
9
Section 2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire 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.
• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading, blinking
green for writing.
• Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray
back into the PX-740UF. To prevent wear on the drive, always use
the eject button to load the tray.
• Power indicator: (On top and right side of enclosure.) Illuminated
blue when power is on.
10 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Rear Panel—PX-740UF External Drive
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-740UF external drive
• IEEE 1394 6-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
cable with a 6-pin connector here.
• IEEE 1394 4-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (also known as
FireWire) cable with a 4-pin connector here.
NOTE: The PX-740UF does not include an IEEE 1394 cable. To use
IEEE 1394 (FireWire), you must purchase this cable separately.
NOTE: The PX-740UF does not get its power from the IEEE 1394
bus or the USB bus. It must be connected to the AC adapter.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual 11
Section 2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive
CAUTION: If using the PX-740UF with other IEEE 1394 devices in a
daisy-chain configuration, do not connect or disconnect devices while
operating the PX-740UF.
PX-740UF performance cannot be guaranteed if the drive is
connected in an IEEE 1394 daisy chain.
• Interface switch: Switch the PX-740UF drive to operate with a
different interface (USB, IEEE 1394). This allows you to connect the
drive to either interface, depending on the requirements of your
computer. If you change interfaces with this switch, you must also
cycle the PX-740UF power. (That is, turn the rear-panel 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-740UF.
• DC 12V power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PX-740UF.
• 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.
The power indicator is illuminated when power is on.
12 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive
What Else Is In the PX-740UF 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 the PX-740UF drive in this
configuration:
• PX-740UF DVD±R DL, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive
• USB 2.0 cable
• AC adapter and power cord
• Emergency eject tool
• Plextor software disc with a PDF file of the PX-740UF Installation
and Users Manual. Also contains Ahead Software’s Nero OEM
Suite.
• Drive Installation Guide
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 53.)
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.
NOTE: This applies to the Plextor retail box. Your drive may have been
shipped in a different box with other contents, depending on whom you
purchased the drive from and what they included inside the box.
If your drive came pre-installed, 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.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual 13
Section 2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Mount the PX-740UF Drive
This section explains how to physically connect the PX-740UF external
drive to your computer. In general, this is what you’ll do:
1. Determine what operating system your computer is running. Your
computer must be running Windows XP, XP 64-bit, 2000 or Me; or
the Macintosh Mac OS X operating system.
2. Determine which interface you want to use: FireWire (IEEE 1394)
or USB.
3. Set the PX-740UF interface switch for IEEE 1394 or USB.
4. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PX-740UF.
5. Turn the drive’s power switch ON (the “1” position).
6. Connect the USB cable or a FireWire cable (corresponding to the
setting of the interface switch) from your PX-740UF 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 20.
14 PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-740UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System
To determine which operating system your personal computer uses:
1. In Windows, select the Start menu, then select Settings, then Control
Panel, and choose the System icon. You see the System Properties
window.
2. In the System Properties window, make sure the General tab is
selected. The System line shows details about your operating system.
(For example, “Windows 2000.”)
NOTE: Your computer must be running Windows 2000, Windows Me or
Windows XP (or Mac OS X). If you are not running one of these
operating systems you cannot use the PX-740UF. You cannot use the
PX-740UF with Windows 98 or Mac OS 9.
Determine What Interface to Use
You can use either 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.
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-740UF to 4X write, 4X rewrite, and
6X read. DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X.
PX-740UF Installation and Users Manual 15
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