Plextor PX-750UF Installation And User Manual

DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),

DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW DRIVE

INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL

JANUARY 2006

Model PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Model PX-750UF External

USB/FireWire Drive

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 ©2006 Plextor Corp.

First edition, January 2006.

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

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual iii

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 top of the internal drive model, and 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 internal DVD/CD drive from an electrical current,
pull out the computer’s power plug. To disconnect the external DVD/CD drive, pull
out the plug of the AC adapter.

iv PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Top View of Internal Drive, Showing Caution Label Location

Detail of PX-750A Laser Caution Labels

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual v

Bottom View of External Drive, Showing Caution Label Location

Detail of PX-750UF Laser Caution Label

vi PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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PX-750 Installation and Users Manual vii

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1

About this Manual...........................................................................1

What’s In This Manual................................................................ 1

Printing the Manual..................................................................... 1

Meet Your PX-750..........................................................................2

What the PX-750 Does................................................................ 2

Features of the PX-750................................................................ 3

Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-750 ...............................5

What You Can Do with the PX-750............................................6

About Software ...............................................................................6

Precautions ......................................................................................7

Where to Go From Here.................................................................. 8

2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive ...........................9

PX-750A Drive Features and Controls............................................9

Front Panel—PX-750A Internal Drive........................................9

Rear Panel—PX-750A Internal Drive.......................................10

What Else Is In the PX-750A Box ................................................11

Save Your Box!......................................................................... 12

PX-750A QuickStart Installation ..............................................13

Mount the PX-750A Drive............................................................ 14

Open the Computer and Prepare for Installation ...........................14

Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration................................ 15

Inspect Your Computer’s Cables...................................................16

Confirm That You Have an 80-Conductor IDE Cable .............. 17

Do You Have Cable Select?......................................................18

Do You Need a Power Cable?...................................................19

Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper........................................................19

Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-750A Drive ..............20

Select an IDE Configuration .........................................................22

About Cable Select........................................................................27

Mount the PX-750A Drive............................................................ 28

Record the Serial Number .........................................................28

Change the Front-Panel Color...................................................28

Mount the Drive in the Computer .............................................28

Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables ........................................34

Table of Contents

viii PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Where to Go From Here ............................................................... 34

3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive ......... 35

PX-750UF Drive Features and Controls....................................... 35

Front Panel—PX-750UF External Drive.................................. 35

Rear Panel—PX-750UF External Drive ................................... 37

What Else Is In the PX-750UF Box.............................................. 39

Save Your Box!......................................................................... 39

Mount the PX-750UF Drive ......................................................... 40

Determine Your Computer’s Operating System ........................... 41

Determine What Interface to Use.................................................. 41

Connect the PX-750UF Drive....................................................... 42

Record the Serial Number and TLA Code................................ 42

Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer .......................... 42

Identifying Cables and Ports..................................................... 44

Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces..................... 45

If You’re Using FireWire.............................................................. 45

If You Have a Macintosh.............................................................. 46

Where to Go From Here ............................................................... 46

4. Using Your PX-750 ..................................................................... 47

What Media to Use ....................................................................... 47

DVD Media............................................................................... 47

DVD-RAM Media .................................................................... 48

CD-ROM Media ....................................................................... 48

More About Media for Your PX-750........................................ 49

Tray Loading and Operation......................................................... 49

Handling DVD and CD Media.................................................. 50

Cleaning Discs .......................................................................... 50

Mounting Position......................................................................... 51

Playing DVDs............................................................................... 51

Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 52

Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW................................................... 52

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 52

Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ...................................................... 53

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................ 55

Cleaning the PX-750 Drive........................................................... 55

Upgrading Firmware..................................................................... 56

Emergency Eject........................................................................... 57

Changing the PX-750A Front-Panel Color................................... 58

Table of Contents

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual ix

Troubleshooting ............................................................................62

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................62

6. Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................65

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications............................................... 69

Specifications for All PX-750 Drives............................................69

Specifications for PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive ..................79

Specifications for PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive....82

Appendix B: Technical Support.....................................................87

How to Contact Plextor Technical Support...................................88

Before You E-mail or Call for Support .........................................88

Returns .......................................................................................... 89

Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department ....................................89

Packing Your Drive................................................................... 89

Shipping Your Drive to Plextor.................................................90

Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................91

If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada ........................................... 92

Index.................................................................................................93

Table of Contents

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PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 1

1. Getting Started

Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-750, 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 Acrobat, 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, you can check the
Expand small pages to paper size box. 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.

Section 1. Getting Started

2 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Meet Your PX-750

The PX-750 is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting
and reading.

What the PX-750 Does

For DVDs, the PX-750:

• Writes DVD+R (“plus” format) and DVD-R (“dash” format) media
at up to 16X speed.

• Writes DVD+R DL (double layer) and DVD-R DL (dual layer)
media at up to 8X speed.

NOTE: DVD-R DL 8X writing will be supported by a future firmware
upgrade.

• Writes DVD-RAM discs at up to 5X speed.

• Writes DVD+RW (rewritable DVD, “plus” format) media at up to

8X speed.

• Writes DVD-RW (rewritable DVD, “dash” format) media at up to
6X speed.

• Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR format for read and write.

• Reads stamped DVD discs at up to 16X.

NOTE: Depending on the USB chipset used in your computer, the
PX-750UF’s DVD read speed may be limited to 14X maximum with
USB 2.0 only. Maximum IEEE 1394/FireWire read speed remains
16X.

• Reads DVD-RAM discs at up to 5X.

For CDs, the PX-750:

• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 40X speed.

• Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 24X speed.

• Reads all CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R data media at a maximum

of 40X speed.

• Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R audio media at up to 40X speed.

• Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 40X speed.

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 3

Features of the PX-750

• Internal ATAPI or external USB/FireWire interface:

 The PX-750A internal drive easily installs in virtually any PC

with an E-IDE ATAPI interface.

 The PX-750UF external drive 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 Full­Speed USB 1.1 (12 megabits per second).

• High speed transfers: The PX-750 supports data transfers via Ultra

DMA Mode 4, DMA Mode 2, and PIO Mode 4.

• MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-3 command set.

• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-750 to the latest firmware

revision (available free from the Plextor web site) without opening
the computer or 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.

• Digital and analog audio outputs in the PX-750A: The PX-750A has

output connectors for both digital (SPDIF) and analog audio output.

• CPRM support: The PX-750 supports Content Protection for

Recordable Media, so you can play CPRM copy-controlled media.

• Small form factor: To save space inside your computer, depth of the

PX-750A is just 6.69 inches (170 millimeters), including the bezel.

Section 1. Getting Started

4 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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 media compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of DVD-
RAM, DVD±R and DVD±RW media.

• DVD Multi Recorder: Supports the DVD Multi specification for read
and write; can read and write DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-Video,
multi-border, multi-session and DVD±VR.

• Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO) for DVD+R DL (double layer) discs; DAO, multi-session,
and incremental write for DVD+R; and sequential write for
DVD+RW.

• Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including disc-at-once
(DAO) 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, multi-session, variable and fixed packet writing, and
CD-MRW (Mount Rainier).

• 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.

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 5

• 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 for read and write. Supports

CD+G reading.

Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-750

Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-750 drive.

• Computer:

 PX-750A: Pentium 4, 1.4-GHz or faster CPU.
 PX 750UF: Pentium 4, 1.4-GHz or faster CPU; or Power

Macintosh G3 or later (G4 or higher recommended)

• Minimum RAM: 256 MB.

• Interface:

 PX-750A: IDE ATAPI interface.
 PX-750UF: 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:

 PX-750A: Requires Windows XP or 2000.
 PX-750UF: Requires Windows XP or 2000; or Mac OS X for

Macintosh.

MACINTOSH NOTE: The PX-750UF 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.

Section 1. Getting Started

6 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

What You Can Do with the PX-750

Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-750:

• Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL,
DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs.

• Play DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD+R,
DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs.

• Write onto DVD-RAM discs with your set-top box and read the
discs with your Plextor drive; or write to DVD-RAM with the
Plextor drive, then read those discs on your set-top box.

• 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 Drag-to-Disc 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.

Roxio’s Easy Media Creator 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 Roxio is
Drag-to-Disc, which makes the Plextor PX-750 drive as easy to use as a
hard disk drive. (For more information about Roxio, install this
application and examine the help files.)

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 7

For details on 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

.

Precautions

Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-750 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.

Section 1. Getting Started

8 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

• 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

• If you have a PX-750A internal ATAPI drive, see Section 2,
beginning on page 9, to learn how to install your drive.

• If you have a PX-750UF external drive, see Section 3, beginning on
page 35, to install it.

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 9

2. Installing the

PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

This section explains how to physically install your PX-750A internal
ATAPI drive in your computer.

PX-750A 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-750A Internal Drive

Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-750A internal ATAPI drive

• Tray front door: Attached to disc tray drawer.

• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading, blinking

green for writing.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

10 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

• Emergency eject hole: If the automatic eject button does not work,
insert the emergency eject tool, paper clip, or other thin, rigid object
in this hole to eject tray. Turn OFF power before using this feature.

• Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray
back into the PX-750A. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the
eject button to insert the tray.

Rear Panel—PX-750A Internal Drive

Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.

Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-750A internal ATAPI drive

• Digital audio output connector: Outputs a digital stereo signal. Use
this to connect to a sound board that supports Sony/Philips Digital
Interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In.

• Analog audio output connector: Outputs an analog stereo signal.
Use this to connect to a sound board or audio amplifier. Use a
standard MPC-3 type, 4-pin connector.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 11

• Mode jumper: Use the mode jumper to select operation as an IDE

master or slave, or for cable select. In general, leave this jumper at
its factory setting, which is master; and ensure that any other device
on the bus is jumpered as slave.

• IDE cable connector: Connects to your computer’s IDE (ATAPI)

interface using 80-conductor Ultra cable.

NOTE: Although the PX-750A will operate with a 40-wire IDE cable, it
may not be able to write DVDs at 16X unless an 80-conductor
IDE/ATA cable is used.

• Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to

provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-750A.

What Else Is In the PX-750A 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-750A drive in this
configuration:

• PX-750A DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW

drive

• Replacement front bezel(beige) and disc tray front panel

• 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable

• 4 mounting screws

• Extra jumper

• Emergency eject tool

• Plextor software disc with a PDF file of the PX-750A Installation

and Users Manual. Also contains Roxio’s Easy Media Creator.

• Drive Quick Installation Guide

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

12 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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 89.)

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.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 13

PX-750A QuickStart Installation
For Experienced PC Users Only

If you’ve installed computer peripherals before, use this QuickStart
installation to get up and running quickly.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure maximum writing speed, you must
connect the PX-750A to an 80-conductor IDE/ATA flat ribbon cable.
(This newer 80-conductor ribbon cable is physically interchangeable
with the 40-conductor cable found in older computers.) The Plextor­supplied cable is an 80-conductor cable.

Typical Scenario 1: You have a PC with an IDE interface installed,
you have Windows 2000 or XP, and you have nothing installed on
the secondary IDE port. What to do: Leave the PX-750A’s jumper
set to Master, attach it to the secondary IDE port, and go. Windows
will recognize the drive automatically.

Typical Scenario 2: You have a PC with an IDE interface installed,
you have Windows 2000 or XP, the primary IDE port already has
two devices connected and you have a CD-ROM installed on the
secondary IDE port. What to do: Change the CD-ROM to Slave,
leave the PX-750A’s jumper set to Master and attach the PX-750A to
the secondary IDE port. Windows recognizes the new drive
automatically.

If neither of these situations applies to you, or you’re not comfortable
with IDE installation, read the rest of this section for more detailed
installation instructions.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

14 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Mount the PX-750A Drive

Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to mount the drive:

1. Turn OFF your computer system.

2. Set the jumpers for your new PX-750A drive, if necessary.

3. Mount the drive into an available drive bay inside the computer
system.

4. Make all necessary cabling connections: IDE cable, power cable, and
audio cable.

5. Turn your computer system ON.

The following pages give more details for this procedure.

Open the Computer and Prepare for
Installation

To determine whether your PX-750A will be a Master or a Slave, open
your computer and examine the IDE connections to the motherboard.

To open the computer:

1. Before proceeding, make sure the power to your computer and any
external peripherals is OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED
from its power source.

2. Remove your computer’s cover, following the directions provided by
your computer’s manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or
removing several screws on the back panel of your computer and
sliding off the cover. See Figure 3 for an example.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 15

Figure 3: Removing a typical computer's cover

Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration

With your computer open, determine the existing IDE configuration.
You can do this by looking at the IDE ribbon cable (or cables—there
may be two) and seeing what is connected to them.

One end of the IDE cable connects to the IDE port on your computer’s
motherboard; and there are usually two other connectors for attaching
peripheral devices such as a hard disk, DVD or CD-ROM drive, or your
PX-750A drive. If there are two devices, one is configured as Master
and the other the Slave, as indicated by the position of jumpers on the
back of the drive.

If your computer is set up for Cable Select, or CSEL, both devices will
be jumpered as Cable Select. In older computers, this configuration
required a special Cable Select cable.

If there are two IDE cables, one is for the primary IDE bus and the other
is for the secondary bus.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

16 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Before you install your PX-750A, your computer’s IDE configuration is
usually one of the following:

• Configuration A: Hard disks connected as Master and Slave devices
on primary IDE port; DVD or CD-ROM drive connected as the
Master device on secondary IDE port.

• Configuration B: Hard disk connected as Master device and DVD
or CD-ROM drive connected as Slave on the primary IDE port;
nothing connected to secondary IDE port.

• Configuration C: Hard disk connected as Master device on primary
IDE port; nothing connected to secondary IDE port.

• Configuration D: System uses special “Cable Select” cables; all
devices are jumpered for Cable Select.

Inspect Your Computer’s Cables

To ensure that it can write at maximum rated speed (16X), you should
make sure the PX-750A is connected to an 80-conductor IDE/ATA flat
ribbon cable. If you have an older computer, it may still be equipped
with a 40-conductor cable.

NOTE: Although the newer IDE/ATA cable has 80 conductors (wires), its
connectors have only 40 pins, so it’s physically interchangeable with the
older cable. And in fact, your PX-750A drive may work fine with a 40­conductor cable. But to ensure writing at maximum speed, it’s best to use
the newer 80-conductor cable, such as the one provided by Plextor. The
80-conductor cable cancels interference much better than the older
model, allowing faster data transfers.

CAUTION: The length of any IDE cable cannot exceed 18 inches.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 17

Confirm That You Have an 80-Conductor IDE Cable

How can you tell? The 80-conductor cable is slightly wider than the
older 40-conductor version. The wires in the 80-conductor version are
narrower, too.

Figure 4: Comparing the older 40-conductor cable (top) to the new 80-

conductor type (bottom). Be sure to use the 80-conductor cable.

The extra IDE/ATA cable shipped with your PX-750A is the new 80­conductor version. So if you have an older 40-conductor cable, replace it
with the 80-conductor cable that came with your Plextor drive. (Or
purchase an 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable at an electronics supply
store.)

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

18 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Do You Have Cable Select?

Many computers from major manufacturers use special Cable Select
cables. The Cable Select cable typically has markings that identify the
connectors for Master, Slave, and Motherboard.

Figure 5: If you have an older 40-conductor Cable Select cable (top),

replace it with the new 80-conductor cable (bottom).

If you have one of these older Cable Select cables, replace it with the
80-conductor IDE/ATA cable from Plextor. (All 80-conductor cables
that meet the ATA specifications also support Cable Select.) The
connector color identifies master and slave.

With the 80-conductor cable:

• The blue connector attaches to the computer motherboard or
controller.

• The gray connector is in the middle of the cable, and goes to any
slave (device 1) drive, if present.

• The black connector is at the opposite end from the host connector
and goes to the master drive (device 0), or to a single drive if only
one is used.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 19

If you are unsure whether or not your system has a Cable Select cable
installed, either look at the cable or look at the jumpers on the existing
DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive. If any device is jumpered as Cable
Select, then both devices on that cable must be jumpered that way.

Do You Need a Power Cable?

In most computers, you will find extra power connectors in the
computer ready for your use. When you open the computer, check the
cable running from your power supply to your hard disk drive and see if
it has extra connectors on it. If so, you can plug one of these into the
power connector found on the rear panel of the PX-750A.

If you do not find any additional connectors (either because they were
not supplied or they are all in use), you will have to buy a “splitter” or a
“Y-connector.” These can also be found at most retail and mail-order
computer stores.

Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper

You specify your drive's Master, Slave, or Cable Select setting before
installing it. You do this by changing the position of a jumper on the
mode jumper block at the rear of the drive.

Your drive ships from our factory with its mode jumper set to operate
the PX-750A as a Master. This will work in most custom system
configurations. If your computer is from a large OEM system
manufacturer such as IBM, Hewlett Packard/Compaq, Dell, or Gateway,
you will need to pay particular attention to whether the computer uses
the Cable Select scheme.

NOTE: The jumper configuration on the drive has priority over Cable
Select. So if the jumper of one device on a cable is set to Master, the
jumper of the other device must be set for Slave. In this case, location of
the devices on the cable is not important.

If you have only one device, it must be set to Master or Cable Select, and
it must be at the end of the cable.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

20 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-750A
Drive

The drive arrives from the factory with its mode jumper set to Master.
(A function is ON if the jumper is installed and OFF if the jumper is
removed.)

Figure 6: Factory settings for mode jumper at the rear

of the internal drive

Changing to a Master, Slave, or Cable Select

The Master/Slave/Cable Select setting for the drive is determined by the
mode jumper. The jumper is placed over one of the sets of mode pins.
To change the drive from Master to Slave or to Cable Select, you must
move the jumper.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 21

For example, to change the drive to be a Slave, move the jumper to the
middle set of mode pins, leaving the other pins uncovered. To change
the drive for Cable Select, move the jumper to the left set of mode pins.

Note that if any device is jumpered as Cable Select, then both devices
connected to that cable must be jumpered as Cable Select. (And if
you’re not using the newer 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable, the cable you
use must be a special Cable Select cable.)

Changing Jumper Settings

• To remove a jumper, pull it off with your fingers or a pair of needle-

nose pliers.

• To install a jumper, push it onto the jumper pins.

CAUTION: Ensure power to the drive is OFF before installing or
removing a jumper.

Figure 7: Install the mode jumper across vertical pairs of pins

CAUTION: Install the mode jumper across the pins as shown (vertically).
Do not connect one pin switch to another by installing the jumper
lengthwise (horizontally). Doing so could result in damage to the drive.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

22 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Select an IDE Configuration

Set the PX-750A’s jumper and cable it according to the desired
configuration. Keep these rules in mind:

• For best DVD±RW and CD-RW performance, try to connect the
PX-750A to the IDE port that is not connected to the hard disk drive
or to a DVD or CD-ROM drive. In most cases, this will be the
secondary IDE port.

• For best results, set the PX-750A to be the Master, if possible.

• If you have only one device on a cable, always set its jumper as the

Master, never as the Slave.

Before PX-750A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-750A

A

Hard disks connected as
Master and Slave devices on
primary IDE port; DVD-ROM or
CD-ROM drive connected as
Master device on secondary
IDE port.

Remove the DVD-ROM or
CD-ROM drive, change it to
Slave, and re-connect it to the
secondary IDE port.

Set the mode jumper to Master,
and connect the PX-750A as
Master device to the secondary
IDE port.

Figure 8. How to install the PX-750A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration A

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 23

NOTE: The configuration shown in Figure 8 can make it very difficult to
write from the DVD or CD drive to the PX-750A at maximum rated speed
using “on-the-fly” copying.

System configuration and performance will make a big difference.
Depending on how fast the DVD or CD-ROM drive can stream data to
the PX-750A, it may not be fast enough to keep the buffer full. In this
case, the buffer may become empty and a buffer underrun error may
occur. However, because it is equipped with Buffer Underrun Proof
Technology, your PX-750A can still make successful copies if you use
software that supports this feature. (All software shipped with PX-750A
drive retail kits supports Buffer Underrun Proof Technology.)

If you still have problems writing with this configuration, use the image
writing method (that is, write an image to your hard drive, then write that
image onto the DVD±R/RW or CD-R/RW media), or record at a lower
speed. We also recommend that DMA be enabled on your computer, if
your system supports it.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

24 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Before PX-750A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-750A

B

Hard disk connected as Master
device, and CD-ROM or DVD­ROM drive connected as Slave
on the primary IDE port;
nothing connected to
secondary IDE port.

Set the mode jumper to Master,
and connect the PX-750A as
Master to secondary IDE port.

Figure 9. How to install the PX-750A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration B

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 25

Before PX-750A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-750A

C

Hard disk connected as Master
device on primary IDE port;
nothing connected to
secondary IDE port.

Set the mode jumper to Master,
and connect the
PX-750A as Master to
secondary IDE port.

Figure 10. How to install the PX-750A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration C

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

26 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Before PX-750A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-750A

D

System uses special Cable
Select cables; all devices are
jumpered for Cable Select.

Set the PX-750A’s mode
jumper to CSEL, and connect
the drive to the end of the cable
from the computer’s IDE
interface connector.

Figure 11: How to install the PX-750A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration D

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 27

About Cable Select

The Cable Select jumper position sets the PX-750A drive to use the
CSEL signal from the IDE interface for configuration purposes. This
signal automatically selects the correct Master/Slave setting for the
drive.

Figure 12: Configuring the PX-750A drive for Cable Select

To use CSEL, you must have:

• A computer that supports CSEL.

• An IDE cable that supports CSEL (Cable Select). The 80-conductor

IDE/ATA cable from Plextor supports CSEL.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

28 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Mount the PX-750A Drive

Before proceeding to install the PX-750A drive in your personal
computer, double-check your jumper setting.

Record the Serial Number

Record the serial number and TLA number of your drive on the inside
front cover of this manual.

Change the Front-Panel Color

If desired, you can change the PX-750A’s front-panel color by replacing
the bezel. See “Changing the PX-750A Front-Panel Color” on page 58
for a detailed procedure. Make this change before mounting your PX­750A drive in the computer.

Mount the Drive in the Computer

You can mount your internal drive in any available bay. You must
remove the small panel that covers the bay that you want to use.

NOTE: The drive can be mounted horizontally or vertically

If you don’t have an empty bay, remove the existing IDE DVD-ROM or
CD-ROM drive and install the PX-750A.

You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your PX-750A.
The two cable connections that you must make are:

• IDE cable

• Power cable

There are also two optional cable connections:

• An analog audio cable connection if you are using a sound board in
your computer and plan to connect the PX-750A’s audio output to
the audio connector on the sound board.

• A digital audio cable connection if the sound board is equipped with
SPDIF or Digital-In and you wish to use the digital audio output
from your PX-750A.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 29

To mount the PX-750A drive:

1. Make sure the power to your computer and any external peripherals

is turned OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED from its power
source.

2. If you haven't already removed the cover from your computer,

remove it now, following the directions provided by your computer’s
manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several
screws on the back panel of your computer and sliding off the cover.
See Figure 3 for details.

3. Remove the cover panel from the bay that will hold the drive. To

remove the cover panel, pop it out by pressing outward lightly. (In
some older computers, you may have to remove screws that hold the
panel in place.)

Figure 13: Removing the cover panel from a bay

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

30 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

4. Determine if you must install mounting rails on the sides of your
drive. To do so, insert the drive into the open bay. If the drive fits
tightly with little or no clearance on either side of the drive, you will
not have to use mounting rails. The drive can be mounted directly
into your computer. Go to step 6.

NOTE: Plextor does not provide rails. If you need rails, you can
obtain them from the computer manufacturer or from a computer
supply retail or mail-order store.

5. If you must use mounting rails, fasten the rails to the lower pair of
holes as shown in Figure 14. (In some instances, you may need to
fasten the rails to the upper set of holes.) After fastening the rails,
check their positioning by sliding the drive into the bay before you
mount the drive or connect any cables.

CAUTION: Be sure not to mistake the inner and outer face of the rail
when attaching. Typically, the smooth side of the rail faces away from
the drive’s chassis.

Figure 14: Installing mounting rails (if needed)

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 31

6. Plug one connector of the 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable into the IDE

connector on the rear panel of the drive before you insert the drive
into your computer. Then thread the cable through the front of the
open bay and back toward the motherboard. The drive should slide
smoothly into the bay. If it does not, check for obstructions in the
bay and ensure the side rails are attached properly.

7. If not already connected, attach the other end of the IDE ribbon cable

to the connector on the motherboard.

Figure 15: Connect one end of the IDE cable to the motherboard and

the other end to the drive. If your Plextor drive is the only device on

the cable, attach it at the end of the cable, leaving the

center connector free.

CAUTION: With some IDE ribbon cables, it is easy to accidentally
plug your IDE cable upside down into both your drive and the
motherboard. Be sure you match the red stripe along one side of the
IDE cable to Pin 1 on the motherboard and Pin 1 on the drive. (Pin 1
on the drive is closest to the power connector.) Note that each
connector on most ribbon cables also has a “key” in the middle. This
key should fit into a slot in the middle of each connector of the
motherboard, your PX-750A drive, and any other internal IDE
peripherals.

8. Double-check your work. You must ensure the side of the IDE cable

with the red stripe is matched to Pin 1 on the interface board and on
the drive.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

32 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

CAUTION: In the case of only one IDE device, you must make

certain that one end of the cable is always connected to the IDE
connector on the motherboard. The other end of the connector must
be connected to a device. The end connector of the cable should
never be left unconnected.

9. Connect a power cable from the computer to the power connector
(DC INPUT) of the drive. In most computers, you will find free
power connectors that are ready for your use.

CAUTION: The power connector on the cable and the receptacle on
the drive are keyed. Do not force the power connector into the drive,
or the drive and/or the computer may be damaged.

Figure 16: Cable connections for an internal IDE drive

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 33

10. Connect the analog audio cable if you want to use a sound board in

your system. This cable runs from the four-pin analog audio output
connector on the rear panel of your drive to the CD-ROM audio
connector on the PC or your sound board. See “Using Sound Boards
and Audio Cables” below for more information about audio cables.

11. Connect a digital audio cable if your sound board is equipped with

the Sony/Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In, and you
wish to use the digital audio output from your PX-750A. This cable
runs from the digital audio output connector pins on the PX-750A
back panel to the sound board. (This cable is not supplied by
Plextor.)

12. Mount the PX-750A drive in the computer using the four screws that

were supplied with your drive. Use only these screws.

CAUTION: Do not mount your drive in your computer using screws other
than those supplied by Plextor. You may damage the drive if you insert
screws that are too long or the wrong thread type.

Section 2. Installing the PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

34 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables

Whichever category your sound board falls into, you will find that the
best source of information about installing the sound board in your
computer is the board's manual. Once you have successfully installed
the sound board in your computer, you can continue below for a
description of the different cable connections that need to be made.

If you need audio cables, you will have to purchase them. Refer to the
table below. A list of several vendors who offer audio cables is available
on Plextor’s web site.

Audio Connection

Cable

Required

How to Connect It

MPC audio source MPC-

compliant
audio cable

Connect to MPC audio
source, and to analog audio
output connector at the rear
of the Plextor drive.

Sound Blaster or
compatible sound
board

Sound
Blaster­compatible
analog audio
cable

Connect to Sound Blaster­compatible audio board and
to analog audio output
connector at the rear of the
Plextor drive.

Digital audio output Cable that’s

compatible
with SPDIF
or Digital-In.

Connect to SPDIF or Digital­In connector on sound board
(if sound board supports
digital audio) and to digital
audio output connector at the
rear of the Plextor drive.

Where to Go From Here

This completes the installation procedure. Go to “Section 4. Using Your
PX-750” on page 47 to see how to use your PX-750A drive.

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 35

3. Installing the

PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

This section explains how to physically connect your PX-750UF
external USB/FireWire drive to your computer.

PX-750UF 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-750UF External Drive

Figure 17: Front panel of the PX-750UF external drive

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

36 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

• Disc tray: Slides out to allow you to insert a disc.

• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading, blinking

green for writing.

• 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.

• Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray
back into the PX-750UF. 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.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 37

Rear Panel—PX-750UF External Drive

Figure 18: Rear panel of the PX-750UF 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-750UF does not include an IEEE 1394 cable. To use
IEEE 1394 (FireWire), you must purchase this cable separately.

NOTE: The PX-750UF does not get its power from the IEEE 1394
bus or the USB bus. It must be connected to the AC adapter.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

38 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

CAUTION: If using the PX-750UF with other IEEE 1394 devices in a

daisy-chain configuration, do not connect or disconnect devices while
operating the PX-750UF.

PX-750UF performance cannot be guaranteed if the drive is
connected in an IEEE 1394 daisy chain.

• Interface switch: Switch the PX-750UF 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-750UF 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-750UF.

• DC 12V power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.

CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PX-750UF.

• 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.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 39

What Else Is In the PX-750UF 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-750UF drive in this
configuration:

• PX-750UF DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, 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-750UF Installation

and Users Manual. Also contains Roxio’s Easy Media Creator.

• Drive Quick 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 89.)

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.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

40 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Mount the PX-750UF Drive

This section explains how to physically connect the PX-750UF 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 or 2000; 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-750UF interface switch for IEEE 1394 or USB.

4. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PX-750UF.

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-750UF 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 46.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 41

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 or Windows XP
(or Mac OS X). If you are not running one of these operating systems
you cannot use the PX-750UF. You cannot use the PX-750UF 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-750UF to 4X write, 4X rewrite, and
6X read. DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

42 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Connect the PX-750UF Drive

This section explains how to install your drive (that is, how to connect it
to your computer).

Record the Serial Number and TLA Code

Before proceeding to connect the Plextor PX-750UF drive to your
personal computer, 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 or Windows 2000, use the
following procedure to install your PX-750UF drive.

To install the PX-750UF drive in a Windows-based computer:

1. Turn ON your computer system.

2. Set the interface switch at the rear of the PX-750UF 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 (FireWire).

3. Connect the AC adapter to your PX-750UF as shown in Figure 19.

4. Turn the drive’s power switch ON (the “1” side is down). The power
indicator is illuminated when power is on.

5. Connect the USB or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable from your
PX-750UF drive to the computer.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 43

Figure 19: Connecting the AC adapter and USB or FireWire 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-750UF to be recognized.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

44 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

CAUTION FOR USB: If possible, always connect the PX-750UF directly

to the computer’s USB port. Connecting the PX-750UF to a USB hub is
not recommended. Connecting through a USB hub may reduce the
drive’s performance.

CAUTION FOR IEEE 1394: To guarantee rated performance with IEEE
1394/FireWire, the PX-750UF should be the only device on the cable.
Daisy-chaining the PX-750UF with other IEEE 1394/FireWire devices
may reduce performance.

Identifying Cables and Ports

This illustration will help you identify the cables and computer ports and
make the necessary connections.

Figure 20: Identifying cables and ports on your computer

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 45

Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394
Interfaces

You can connect any or all of the interface cables (USB, IEEE 1394
4-pin, and IEEE 1394 6-pin) and switch between them. You can even
have different cables attached at the same time, allowing more than one
computer to share the PX-750UF.

To switch between interfaces attached to the PX-750UF:

1. Ensure an interface cable for the desired USB or IEEE 1394

interface is attached to the PX-750UF and to the computer.

2. At the rear of the PX-750UF, set the interface switch to the desired

interface.

3. Cycle the PX-750UF power. (That is, turn the PX-750UF’s power

switch off, then on again.)

If You’re Using FireWire

If you are using FireWire (IEEE 1394), remember these hints for better
operation:

• Do not daisy-chain the PX-750UF; that is, do not connect it to the

same cable along with other FireWire devices.

• The PX-750UF 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.

Section 3. Installing the PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

46 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

If You Have a Macintosh

If you have a Macintosh, use the following procedure to install your
PX-750UF drive:

1. Turn on the Macintosh.

2. Check the minimum system requirements for your Macintosh
recording application and ensure you are running the required Mac
OS version.

3. On the PX-750UF, 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-750UF.

5. Turn the drive’s power switch ON (the “1” is depressed). The power
indicator is illuminated when power is applied.

6. Connect the USB cable or an IEEE 1394 cable from your PX-750UF
drive to the Macintosh computer.

The Macintosh automatically recognizes the PX-750UF (if the base
extensions are loaded), 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: For optimum performance, if your Macintosh computer does not
have built-in USB 2.0, use the FireWire port. Or you can install a third­party PCI USB 2.0 plug-in host adapter card.

Where to Go From Here

This completes the installation procedure. Go on to the next section to
see how to use your PX-750UF drive.

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 47

4. Using Your PX-750

This section explains how to use your PX-750 drive and how to load,
handle and care for your DVDs and CDs.

What Media to Use

Use the right media! Your PX-750 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, DVD+R DL (double layer) and DVD+RW

• DVD-R, DVD-R DL (dual layer) and DVD-RW

Your PX-750 can read and write either media format, in single layer or
double layer media. It supports all these types of DVD media:

• Digital Video Discs: You can immediately play pre-recorded DVD

discs, including movies and other DVDs.

• DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD-R: Recordable DVD.

You can record on these discs, but only once. You can also read
them.

• DVD+RW, DVD-RW: ReWritable DVD. You can record and re-

record (up to 1,000 times) on these discs. You can also read them.

Figure 21: The logo identifies the type of DVD media

With double layer media, you don’t need to turn the disc over to record
on side 2.

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

48 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

DVD-RAM Media

Unlike standard DVD media, you do not need special DVD burning
software to write or read DVD-RAM discs on a computer. You can
access these discs like a floppy disk or hard drive. You can even write a
DVD-RAM disc with a set-top box, then read it on the PX-750 drive.

The PX-750 supports reading and writing with 2.6-GB (version 1) and

4.7-GB (version 2) DVD-RAM discs.

CD-ROM Media

You can use these types of CD media:

• CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read prerecorded 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: Normal Speed, High Speed and Ultra Speed ReWritable
CD. These discs support recording and re-recording (up to 1,000
times). You can also read them.

To achieve a certain writing speed, you must use the appropriate media.
To achieve 40X CD-R writing speed you must use certified 40X media;
and to achieve 24X CD-RW writing speed you must use Ultra Speed
CD-RW media.

Remember:

• Using Normal Speed CD-RW discs (that is, NS-RW media) you can
rewrite at 4X.

• Using High Speed CD-RW discs (HS-RW media), you can rewrite at
4X or 10X.

• Using Ultra Speed CD-RW discs (US-RW media) in this drive, you
can rewrite at up to 24X.

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 49

You can write to Ultra Speed CD-RW discs only on drives that support
this media. Drives that are capable of writing to Ultra Speed ReWritable
media, such as the Plextor PX-750, are identified by a “Compact Disc
ReWritable Ultra Speed” logo.

Figure 22: The logo also identifies the type of CD-RW media

More About Media for Your PX-750

See the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com for a list of Plextor­approved media for your drive

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 3–4 seconds.

Figure 23: Loading the tray

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.

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

50 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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 using
your hand is not recommended and risks damage or premature wearing
of the mechanism.

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 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.

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 51

Figure 24: 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.

Mounting Position

You can operate your PX-750 drive in either a horizontal or a vertical
position.

Playing DVDs

To play a digital video disc, insert the DVD as you would any other
disc. The drive plays both single layer and double 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 from the factory there is no region
code set. The first time a DVD that has a region setting is inserted into
the drive, the drive is automatically set to that region code.

If you later insert a DVD with a different region code, you are prompted
to either accept changing the new 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.

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

52 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Writing to DVD Media

You need special software that supports writing to DVD+R,
DVD+R DL, and DVD+RW discs; or to DVD-R DL, DVD-R and
DVD-RW discs. Roxio’s Easy Media Creator (on the DVD that
accompanies your PX-750) contains this software.

You don’t need special software to write to DVD-RAM media.

Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW

You don’t need to specify whether to write to +R/RW or -R/RW. The
selection is automatically made for you, based on the media you insert in
the drive.

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media

In conjunction with your drive, mastering and packet writing software
such as Roxio Easy Media Creator or Ahead Software’s Nero allows
you to write audio, video, data, or other information to writable (CD-R)
or rewritable (CD-RW) media. The PX-750 writes to all types of CD­RW media.

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 53

Using the Disc/Busy Indicator

The color and blink rate of the front-panel disc/busy indicator give you
information about the drive’s operation.

When you are writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, the color and blink
rate of the front-panel disc/busy indicator show the speed of writing, as
follows:

Operation

LED color

On/Off/Blink

Blinking

interval

No disc – Off –
Loading Green Blink –
Disc loaded and

ready

Green

On –

Disc loaded, drive
in power save
mode

– Off –

Error – Off –
Read or verify

activity

Green On –

CD/DVD write Green Blink 2 blinks/sec
Test write

CD/DVD

Green Blink 2 blinks/sec

Tray locked and
eject button
pushed (during
read/write)

Green Blink 1 blink/sec

Tray locked and
eject button
pushed

– Off –

Section 4. Using Your PX-750

54 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 55

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This section explains maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for
your PX-750 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.

Cleaning the PX-750 Drive

Plextor drives are sealed against external contamination, so in a normal
computer environment and with normal use, your drive should not
require internal cleaning. However, if your drive has been in use for
some time and has just recently started to exhibit read/write problems, it
is possible that dust has accumulated on the laser lens. In this case:

• If your drive is still in warranty and you are experiencing problems,

send the drive to Plextor. (See “Returns” on page 89.)

• If your drive is out of warranty, before returning the drive for repair

you may want to try a short blast of canned air aimed at the center of
the drive. Use only electronics-grade canned air: sterile, filtered, and
moisture-free. If you notice no improvements after this step, you will
need to return the drive for repair.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to clean your drive using any solvent-based
cleaners. Also, do not use an air compressor, because the high-pressure
blast can damage the drive.

ANOTHER CAUTION: Do not use a CD cleaning disc. Cleaning discs
that use a felt pad can scratch the laser lens surface and render the drive
inoperable. Cleaning discs with brushes may also scratch the lens.
Moreover, these cleaning discs are often out of balance, making their
operation very noisy.

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

56 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Upgrading Firmware

Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the particular needs of large
computer manufacturers. It is rare that these revisions will impact the
performance or operation of your drive. However, we advise that you
always update your drive with the latest available firmware. Among
other benefits, updating firmware ensures that your drive has the latest
media catalog. Before troubleshooting a possible problem with your
PX-750 drive please visit our web site at www.plextor.com

to check if

you have the latest firmware.

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 in your drive’s flash memory:

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.

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 57

Emergency Eject

If the computer power is turned off or 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 tool to open the drive:

1. Make sure power to the drive is OFF. (That is, turn off your

computer.)

2. At the front of the drive, insert the emergency eject tool, or a paper

clip or other thin, rigid object, into the emergency eject hole.

Figure 25: Emergency eject

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 or DVD from the disc tray.

6. Carefully push the disc tray shut.

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

58 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Changing the PX-750A Front-Panel Color

By using the replacement bezel and disc tray face plate you can change
the PX-750A’s front-panel color in a few moments.

CAUTION: Avoid creating static electricity. Be sure to wear a grounding
strap when performing this procedure.

To install a different bezel and disc tray face plate:

1. If the PX-750A is already installed in a computer, turn the computer
power OFF and open the computer case.

2. If necessary, remove cables from the rear of the PX-750A and
remove the drive. (You may be able to gain access to the necessary
parts of the drive by sliding it forward without removing any cables.)

3. Use the emergency eject tool or a paper clip to open the tray drawer
as illustrated in Figure 25 above.

4. Turn the drive upside down (or work from the bottom) and locate the
two hooks at the bottom of the disc tray face plate. The hooks are
toward the left and right edges of the tray mask.

Figure 26: Locate the two disc tray face plate hooks

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 59

5. Hold the disc tray securely and gently push the tray face plate

slightly to release it from the hooks. Pry a hook away from the tray
and press down. When both hooks are released, remove the mask by
pressing it off the disc tray.

Figure 27: Unhook the tray mask and push to release it

6. Locate the three bezel hooks. One is on the bottom of the drive, and

one is on each side.

Figure 28: Locate the three bezel hooks

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

60 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

7. Turn the drive right side up and locate the catch at the center of the
top of the drive.

Figure 29: Also locate the catch at the top front of the drive.

8. With the drive right side up, release the two side bezel hooks. To
release the hooks, press inward using the tip of a screwdriver or the
eject tool. Do this only for the two bezel hooks on the sides. (You
don’t have to do this for the hook on the bottom.)

Figure 30: Press in with the eject tool to

release the two side bezel hooks

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 61

9. With the two side bezel hooks released, tilt the top of the bezel

slightly forward to release the top catch, then slide the bezel forward
to remove it.

Figure 31: Pull forward gently to remove the front bezel

CAUTION: Do not touch any of the internal components that are visible.

10. Position the new bezel in front of the drive and slide it gently in

place. Ensure that the top clip and all three bezel hooks lock into
place.

Figure 32: Slide the new bezel into position and make sure all three

bezel hooks snap into place

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

62 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

11. Install the new tray face plate by pressing the L-shaped forms on
both sides of the face plate into the rib of the disc tray, and sliding
the face plate downward until the two hooks are fixed.

Figure 33: Install the tray face plate,

close the disc tray gently, and reinstall the drive in the computer

To install the drive in your computer, go to “Mount the PX-750A Drive”
on page 14.

Troubleshooting

If you have problems during or right after installation of your drive, first
make sure the drive is recognized. If you still have problems, visit the
Plextor web site for tips and troubleshooting help.

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized

If you’re having trouble after installation, make sure the PX-750 drive is
recognized by your computer. To check whether the drive is recognized:

To see if the drive is recognized in Windows:

1. Turn the computer ON. After the computer boots up, you should see
the Windows display.

2. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and ensure there is an
icon for the Plextor drive, the hard disk, and another DVD or CD­ROM drive, if present. The Plextor icon may be D: or E: or another
designator.

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 63

If the PX-750A drive isn’t recognized in Windows:

1. If the PX-750A drive is not recognized in Windows, reboot the

computer and use your computer’s setup program to program the
BIOS to recognize it.

NOTE: Refer to the computer’s documentation for information on how
to run the motherboard BIOS setup program.

For the PX-750A, use the motherboard BIOS setup program to set
up IDE Master and Slave designations, as needed for your
configuration, on the primary or secondary IDE bus. If the IDE
interface is disabled on your computer, you will need to enable it. If
a Master or Slave device is set to “disable” or “none” or a similar
designation, change it as appropriate to “enable” or “auto” (or
something similar, depending on your setup program).

2. Save and exit your CMOS setup to restart your computer with the

new settings.

3. In Windows 2000 or XP, 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 for the “PLEXTOR DVDR PX-750A” entry
underneath.

If you do not see this drive listed as one of the devices, or if it has a
yellow diamond with an exclamation point (!), contact Plextor Technical
Support. (See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways
you can contact us.)

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

64 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

If the PX-750UF drive isn’t recognized in Windows:

• 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.

• 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.

If you still have problems, or 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 the Plextor drive listed as one of the devices, contact
Plextor Technical Support. (See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for
the different ways you can contact us.)

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 65

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I need an 80-conductor IDE cable for the PX-750A?

Your PX-750A will operate with either the older 40-conductor cable or
the newer 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable. However, the 80-conductor
cable improves performance, and the PX-750A may not be able to write
at maximum speed (16X) without it. Although the new cable has 80
conductors (wires), it still has only 40 connector pins, so it’s compatible
with the connector on your PX-750A. (The extra wires are present to
reduce interference that would slow high-speed transfers.)

Q: Is the PX-750A a DVD Multi Recorder?

Yes. The DVD Multi specification requires that DVD Multi Recorders
read and write DVD-ROM (prerecorded), DVD-R (General), DVD-RW
and DVD-RAM discs. Because the PX-750A conforms to the DVD
Multi specification, it can read and write the formats used by today’s
computers and consumer electronic (CE) DVD devices. (Note that DVD
Multi does not prescribe that devices should accommodate DVD-RAM
cartridges or 8-cm discs.)

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 DVD+R and
DVD+RW formats are supported by Plextor, Philips, Sony, Hewlett­Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and other manufacturers. DVD-R, DVD­RW and DVD-RAM are also supported by Plextor, as well as 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.

Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions

66 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Q: What's the difference between "double layer" and "dual layer"?

A: Nothing, really. It's simply a difference of opinion within the industry
about how to label media and drive capabilities. DVD+R DL (as named
by the DVD+RW Alliance) stands for DVD+R Double Layer. DVD-R
DL (from the DVD Forum) stands for DVD-R Dual Layer. Whether
your DL media is labeled "double layer" or "dual layer," the PX-750 can
handle it.

Q: What is “recommended media”?

A: Recommended media are recordable or rewritable CD and DVD
media that have been tested by Plextor and found to operate well
consistently, from one manufacturing lot to another. For each drive,
Plextor engineers test media from many different manufacturers and
manufacturing facilities, creating a recommended media list and
determining the optimum write strategy for that particular media type.
The results are listed as “recommended media,” and are also assembled
into a media catalog and stored in firmware in Plextor drives. (See the
Plextor web site at www.plextor.com

for a list of recommended media

for the PX-750.)

From time to time, the media catalog is updated with new manufacturers
and part numbers as Plextor tests additional media. When this happens,
Plextor makes new drive firmware available. You can download this
new firmware and update your drive.

Q: In the list of Recommended Media, what’s the difference
between “rated,” “compatible,” and “recommended” speeds?

A: “Rated” is the manufacturer’s rated write speed for the media; it’s
what you see on the box. “Compatible” is a looser term that indicates the
maximum safe writing speed according to the manufacturer.
“Recommended” is the Plextor-recommended speed for ensuring top­quality writing using this media. Plextor tests media and enters the
“compatible” and “recommended” speeds into the drive’s media catalog.

Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 67

For example, 8X-rated media listed as “12X writing recommended” and
“16X compatible” indicates the manufacturer believes this 8X-rated
media can be written at 16X. Plextor factory testing has determined you
will achieve the highest quality write at 12X. Plextor’s testing also
indicates you can write this media at 16X and still achieve good quality,
although perhaps not as high as at the recommended speed.

Just because the vendor rates a disc for a certain speed doesn't mean that
the disc will give you a high-quality write at that speed. However, the
PoweRec technology in your Plextor drive ensures you will write at the
highest possible speed that still achieves high quality.

Q: What are the transfer rates for the different PX-750UF
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.

Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions

68 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 69

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

This appendix shows specifications for all PX-750 drives, followed by
unique specifications for the PX-750A and PX-750UF.

Specifications for All PX-750 Drives

Usable Formats

Logical DVD
Read/Write

DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, Multi-Border, Multi-Session,
DVD+VR, DVD-VR

Logical CD
Read/Write

CD-DA, CD-ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM Mode-2, CD­Extra, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD, Video CD, Multi­Session, CD-TEXT, CD-I, Mixed CD. Also CD+G
(read only).

Write
Methods,
DVD+R/RW,
DVD+R DL

 DVD+R: Disk-At-Once (DAO), Multi-Session,

Incremental Recording

 DVD+RW: Sequential Write
 DVD+R DL: Disk-At-Once (DAO)

Write
Methods,
DVD-R/RW,
DVD-R DL

 DVD-R: Disk-At-Once (DAO), Multi-Border

Recording

 DVD-RW: Disk-At-Once (DAO), Multi-Border

Recording, Restricted Overwrite

 DVD-R DL: Disk-At-Once (DAO)

Write
Methods,
CD-R/RW

Track-At-Once (TAO), Disk-At-Once (DAO), Packet
Write (variable and fixed), Session-At-Once (SAO),
Multi-Session, CD-MRW (Mt. Rainier)

Write
Methods,
DVD-RAM

Random Access Write

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

70 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Supported Media

Supported
Media, DVD

 Stamped DVDs: Single layer / Double layer
 DVD-R: For General Part 1 Physical Specification

Version 2.0 and 1.1

 DVD-RW: Part 1 Physical Specification

Version 1.1

 DVD-R DL: Physical Specification Version 1.0
 DVD+R: Part 1 Volume 1 Basic Format

Specification Version 1.3

 DVD+R DL: Part 2 Basic Format Specification

Version 1.0

 DVD+RW: Part 1 Volume 1 Basic Format

Specification Version 1.3;
Part 1 Volume 2 Basic Format Specification
Version 1.0.
Maximum 154 sessions.

 DVD-RAM: Part 1 Physical Specification Version

1.0 and 2.0

Supported
Media, CD

 Stamped CDs: Discs compliant with

Red/Yellow/Green/White/Blue Book

 CD-R: Orange Book Part II Volume 1, Volume 2
 CD-RW: Orange Book Part III Volume 1, Volume 2,

Volume 3

Supported
Media Size

CD-R/RW: 12 cm
DVD: 12 cm
DVD+R/RW: 12 cm
DVD-R/RW: 12 cm, 8cm

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 71

Recommended Media

You can use virtually any media in your PX-750 and be assured of the
best possible write quality. However, Plextor-recommended media are
recordable or rewritable CD and DVD media that have been tested by
Plextor and found to operate consistently well, from one manufacturing
lot to another. For each drive, Plextor engineers test media from many
different manufacturers and manufacturing facilities, creating a
recommended media list and determining the optimum write strategy for
that particular media type. The results are listed as “recommended
media,” and are also assembled into a media catalog and stored in
firmware in Plextor drives.

See the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com

for the latest list of

recommended media for the PX-750.

In the media lists:

• “Rated” is the manufacturer’s rated write speed for the media; it’s

what you see on the box.

• “Compatible” is a looser term that indicates the maximum safe

writing speed according to the manufacturer.

• “Recommended” is the Plextor-recommended speed for ensuring

top-quality writing using this media.

Plextor tests media and enters the “compatible” and “recommended”
speeds into the drive’s media catalog.

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

72 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Performance Specifications

Stamped
DVD

DVD
±R
DL

DVD­RAM

Read
Speed, DVD

SL DL

DVD
±R

DVD
±RW

16X

CAV



– – – –

10X

CAV

– –



– – –

8X CAV

    

–

5X CLV – – – – –



4X CAV –



–

 

–

3X CLV – – – – –



2X CLV

     

1X CLV – – – – –



NOTES: SL = Single layer disc, DL = Double layer disc.

Reading of DVD-RAM version 2 (4.7GB) discs is at 1X,
2X, 3X, and 5X. Reading of version 1 (2.6GB) discs is at
1X CLV only.

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 73

Performance Specifications (continued)

Read Speed,
CD

Speed Mode-1

Discs

Mode-2
Discs

CD-DA
Discs

40X CAV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

24X CAV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

16X CAV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

4X CLV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

NOTE: “Stamp” indicates commercially pressed “silver”
discs.

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

74 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Performance Specifications (continued)

Write
Speed,
DVD ±
R/RW

Speed +R +RW +R

DL

–R –RW –R

DL

RAM

16X

CAV



– –



– – –

8X

PCAV



– –



– – –

8X

ZCLV

–

 

– –



–

6X

CLV

–

 

–

 

–

5X

CLV

– – – – – –



4X

CLV

     

–

3X

CLV

– – – – – –



2X
CLV

      

1X
CLV

– – – – – –



NOTES: DVD-R DL 8X ZCLV and 6X CLV writing
supported by firmware upgrade.

DVD-RAM writing at 2X, 3X, and 5X is for version 2
(4.7GB) only.

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 75

Performance Specifications (continued)

Write
Speed,
CD-R/RW

Speed CD-R Ultra

Speed
CD­RW
Media

High
Speed
CD­RW
Media

Normal
Speed
CD­RW
Media

40X

CAV



– – –

32X

PCAV



– – –

24X

PCAV

–



– –

16X

CLV



– – –

10X

CLV

–

 

–

4X CLV – –

 

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

76 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Performance Specifications (continued)

DVD Transfer
Rate

Speed Write (KB/s) Read (KB/s)

16X 22160 22160
12X 16620 16620
8X 11080 11080
6X 8310 8310
5X 6925 –
4X 5540 5540
3X 4155 –

2.4X 3324 –

2X 2770 –
1X 1385 –

CD Transfer
Rate

Speed Write (KB/s) Read (KB/s)

40X 6000 6000
32X 4800 4800
24X 3600 3600
16X 2400 2400
12X 1800 1800
10X 1500 1500
4X 600 –

Initialization
Time

Time measured from power on until disc is available to
read:

 CD: 20 sec
 DVD: 25 sec
 DVD-RAM: 45 sec

Access Time Time measured from command phase until bus free

(no disconnect):

 DVD: 140 msec. (Typical)
 CD: 130 msec. (Typical)

Sleep Mode Entered 2 min after data transfer stop

Wake Mode 7 sec to wake up after sleep mode

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 77

Environmental Conditions

Mounting
Position

Horizontal or vertical orientation:

 Horizontal: 0 degrees ±15 degrees
 Vertical: 0 degrees ±15 degrees (front to back tilt),

0 degrees ±5 (left to right tilt)

Operating
Temperature

PX-750A: 5 to 40 degrees Celsius
PX-750UF: 5 to 35 degrees Celsius

Operating
Humidity

20 to 80% (non-condensing)

Transportation
or Storage
Temperature

–40 to 60 degrees Celsius

Transportation
or Storage
Humidity

20 to 95% (non-condensing)

Acoustic Noise  Balanced disc: Maximum 47.5dB

 Unbalanced disc: Maximum 47.5dB
 Eject: Maximum 60 dB

Vibration,
Operating

Sine wave sweep for 5 minutes:
 CD Read: 0.15 G

0-Pk

(5-300 Hz)

 DVD Read: 0.15 G

0-Pk

(5-300 Hz)

 CD-R Write: 0.15 G

0-Pk

(5-300 Hz)

 CD-RW Write: 0.10 G

0-Pk

(5-300 Hz)

 DVD Write: 0.10 G

0-Pk

(5-300 Hz)

Vibration, non
operating

0.75

0-Pk

(7-800 Hz)

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

78 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Environmental Conditions (continued)

Shock,
Operating

11-msec half sine wave with 10-sec interval:
 CD read (horizontal orientation): 5.0G

0-Pk

 CD read (vertical orientation): 2.5G

0-Pk

 DVD read (horizontal orientation): 5.0G

0-Pk

 DVD read (vertical orientation): 2.5G

0-Pk

 CD-R write: 1.5G

0-Pk

 CD-RW write: 0.5G

0-Pk

 DVD-RW write: 0.5G

0-Pk

Shock, Non­Operating

50G

0-Pk

(11-msec half-sine wave)

Electrostatic
Discharge

±8KV aerial discharge
±4KV contact discharge

Reliability

MTBF 60,000 hours

Tray Loading 50,000 load/unload cycles

Read Error
Rate

CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 block/1012 bits
CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 block/10

9

bits

DVD-ROM: 1 block/10

12

bits

DVD Regional Setting

Compatibility

RPC phase-2-compatible

Changing
regional
setting

Max. 5 times

Other Features

Data Buffer 2 MB

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 79

Specifications for PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Minimum System Requirements, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Computer Pentium 4, 1.4-GHz or equivalent

Minimum RAM 256 MB

Hard Disk Size 1 GB of free space to write to a CD in image mode, or

10 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.)

Interface IDE (ATAPI) supported

Operating
System

Windows XP or 2000

Front Panel, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Eject Eject button; manual emergency eject; software eject.

Disc/Busy
Indicator

 Steady green when reading disc
 Blinking green when writing to disc

Disc Loading Auto

Rear Panel, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Power Supply DC +12V,

±10%

DC +5V,
±5%

Typical standby current 100 mA 300 mA

Typical DVD read

current (at max speed)

600 mA 850 mA

Typical CD read current

(at max speed)

500 mA 750 mA

Typical DVD write

current (at max speed)

700 mA 1200 mA

Typical CD write current

(at max speed)

500 mA 900 mA

Typical pause current 1400 mA 700 mA
Peak current 1800 mA 1500 mA

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

80 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Rear Panel, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive (continued)

Power
Consumption

Average 13.0 W

IDE Interface
Connector

IDE bus, 40-pin flat ribbon type. Interface complies
with ATA/ATAPI-5. Must use 80-conductor IDE/ATA
cable.

NOTE: Although the PX-750A will operate with a 40­conductor cable, it may not be able to write at 16X
unless an 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable is used.

Maximum total cable length cannot exceed 18 in (45.7
cm).

Analog Audio
Output
Connector

 Stereo analog output, Molex connector (L*G*G*R),

MPC-3 standard

 Output voltage: 0.75 V ±10%
 Load impedance: 470 ohms
 S/N ratio: 76 dB
 Total harmonic distortion + noise: Max –65 dB
 Outband attenuation: Min 50 dB
 Channel separation: Min 70 dB
 Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz

Digital Audio
Output
Connector

Digital audio output for input to SPDIF or Digital-In
input

Mode Jumper Master (default), slave, cable select (CSEL)

Dimensions and Weight, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Dimensions
(W/H/D)
(including front
bezel)

5.75" x 1.67" x 6.69"
146 mm x 42.5 mm x 170.0 mm

Weight < 1.76 lbs. (800 g)

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 81

Host Interface, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Type ATA/ATAPI

PIO Transfers Modes 0-4

Multiword
DMA
Transfers

Modes 0-2

Ultra DMA
Transfers

Modes 0-2

ATAPI
Command Set

ATA-6, MMC-3

Inquiry string PLEXTOR sp DVDR sp sp sp PX-750A sp sp

(where “sp” is one space)

Safety, Laser, and EMC Standards, PX-750A Internal ATAPI Drive

Country/
Region

Type Agency Standard

Safety CSA CSA 622.2

No. 60950-1-03;
UL No. 60950-1

Laser FDA CDRH Class 1

USA

EMC FCC FCC Part 15B Class B

Canada Safety CSA CSA 22.2

No. 60950-1
Safety CE EN60950-1
Laser CE EN60825-1

Europe

EMC CE EN50022 Class B

Taiwan EMC BSMI

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

82 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Specifications for PX-750UF External USB/FireWire
Drive

Minimum System Requirements, PX-750UF External
USB/FireWire Drive

Computer Pentium 4, 1.4-GHz or equivalent; or Power

Macintosh G3 or later (G4 or higher recommended)

Minimum RAM 256 MB

Hard Disk Size 1 GB of free space to write to a CD in image mode, or

10 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.)

Interface USB 1.1 or 2.0 supported

IEEE 1394/FireWire supported
(On-board USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394/FireWire controller
suggested)

Operating
System

PC: Windows XP or 2000
Macintosh: Mac OS X

Front Panel, PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

Eject Eject button; manual emergency eject; software eject

Disc/Busy
Indicator

 Steady green when reading disc
 Blinking green when writing to disc

Disc Loading Auto

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 83

Rear Panel, PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

DC 12V
Connector
(Power
Supply)

AC 100~240V, 50/60 Hz

Power
Consumption
(Typical)

18 W

Current USB IEEE 1394

Typical standby current 300 mA 400 mA

Typical DVD read

current (at max speed)

1300 mA 1300 mA

Typical CD read current

(at max speed)

1000 mA 1000 mA

Typical DVD write

current (at max speed)

1700 mA 1700 mA

Typical CD write current

(at max speed)

1300 mA 1300 mA

Typical pause current 1300 mA 1300 mA
Peak current 2600 mA 2600 mA

Power Switch Turns power on and off. Power OFF is O;

power ON is |.

1394-USB
Switch

Interface switch: switches the PX-750UF drive to
operate with a different interface (USB or IEEE 1394)

IEEE 1394
Connectors

4-pin and 6-pin connectors for attaching an IEEE
1394 (FireWire) cable. Does not provide bus power.
Use only the FireWire cable shipped with your PX­750UF.

USB
Connector

Connector for attaching USB cable. Does not provide
bus power. Use only the USB cable shipped with your
PX-750UF. You can connect to a USB 2.0 or USB 1.1
interface.

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

84 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

Top Panel, PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

Power
Indicator

Blue when power is on

Dimensions and Weight, PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

Dimensions
(W/H/D)
(including front
bezel)

6.58" x 2.09" x 9.98"

167.1 mm x 53 mm x 253.5 mm

Weight <3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg)

Host Interface, PX-750UF External USB/FireWire Drive

Type USB: B-type

IEEE 1394: 6pin/4pin

Data
Connector

USB: B-type
IEEE 1394: 6pin/4pin

USB 2.0
Transfers

Hi-Speed; 480 Mbps (max)

USB 1.1
Transfers

Full-Speed; 12 Mbps (max)

IEEE 1394
Transfers

IEEE Std 1394-1995, IEEE 1394a-2000
400 Mbps (max)

Inquiry String PLEXTOR sp DVDR sp sp sp PX-750A sp sp

(where “sp” is one space)

ATAPI
Command Set

ATA-6, MMC-3

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 85

Safety, Laser, and EMC Standards, PX-750UF External
USB/FireWire Drive

Country/
Region

Type Agency Standard

Safety UL and CSA UL No. 60950-1 (AC

adapter and drive);

CSA 622.2

No. 60950-1-03

(internal drive)
Laser FDA CDRH Class 1

USA

EMC FCC FCC Part 15B

Canada Safety UL and CSA CSA 22.2

No. 60950-1 (AC

adapter and drive)
Safety CE EN60950-1 (AC

adapter and drive)
Laser CE EN60825-1 (internal

drive)

Europe

EMC CE EN50022 Class B

Taiwan EMC BSMI

Appendix A: PX-750 Specifications

86 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

This page intentionally left blank.

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

87

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 (Sections 1–3). If you do not uncover the solution there,
please refer next to the maintenance and troubleshooting section that
begins on page 55. 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 answers to
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-750A 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.

Appendix B: Technical Support

88 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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 ([e-mail]

). 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 1-800-204-0332 or 937-615-1610 and select the tech support
option.

Before You E-mail or 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-750 drive. Your serial number and TLA number appear on the
drive label.

• The latest version of firmware you loaded onto the drive, if
applicable.

• The version of the Windows operating system you are using.

• The brand name and model number of your computer (e.g., Dell

466/NP, Hewlett-Packard Pavilion 752n, 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).

Appendix B: Technical Support

PX-750 Installation and Users Manual 89

Returns

In the unlikely event that you need to return a drive to Plextor, you need
an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number. You will need this
number before any Plextor drive can be returned for 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 an RMA number.

2. Plextor will e-mail you with the RMA number and shipping

information.

3. When you receive the RMA number, pack the Plextor drive securely

in a box, and include the RMA number with the drive.

4. Write the RMA number in large bold numbers on the outside of the

box, and ship it to Plextor.

Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department

You can contact our RMA Department and request an RMA number at:

• [e-mail]

• Or by calling us at 1-800-204-0332 or 937-615-1610.

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.

Do not include the AC adapter if you are shipping a PX-750UF drive.

CAUTION: Never ship the drive with a CD or DVD disc inside it.

Appendix B: Technical Support

90 PX-750 Installation and Users Manual

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 The
UPS Store) 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.