Plextor PX-Q840U, PX-806SA Installation And User Manual

DVD±R DL (DOUBLE LAYER/DUAL LAYER),

DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW DRIVE

October 2008

INSTALLATION AND USERS

MANUAL

Model PX-Q840U External USB Drive

Model PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

with

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

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 ©2008 Plextor

First edition, October 2008.

Licenses and Trademarks

Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Shinano Kenshi.. All
other licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Record Your Serial Number

For future reference, record the serial number in the space provided
below.

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA 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.

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.

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual iv

Table of Contents

Record Your Serial Number............................................................. ii

Table of Contents .............................................................................. iv

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

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

Meet Your Plextor DVD Rewriter................................................... 2

What the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Do .................................... 2

Features of the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA ................................. 3

Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA..... 5

What You Can Do with the PX-Q840U or PX-806SA ............... 6

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

Precautions....................................................................................... 8

Where to Go From Here .................................................................. 9

2. Installing the PX-Q840U External USB Drive .......................... 10

PX-Q840U Drive Features and Controls ....................................... 10

Front Panel—PX-Q840U External Drive .................................. 10

Rear Panel—PX-Q840U External Drive ................................... 11

What Else Is In the PX-Q840U Box.............................................. 11

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

PX-Q840U QuickStart Installation............................................ 12

3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive......................... 15

PX-806SA Drive Features and Controls ....................................... 16

Front Panel—PX-806SA Internal Drive.................................... 16

Rear Panel—PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive ......................... 17

What Else Is In the PX-806SA Box .............................................. 18

Save Your Box! ......................................................................... 18

Mount the PX-806SA Drive .......................................................... 19

Record the Serial Number ......................................................... 19

Mount the Drive in the Computer.............................................. 19

4. Using Your PX-Q840U and PX-806SA ...................................... 24

What Media to Use ........................................................................ 24

DVD Media ............................................................................... 24

DVD-RAM Media ..................................................................... 25

Qflix™ DVD Media ................................................. 25

CD-ROM Media ........................................................................ 25

Table of Contents

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual v

More About Media for Your Plextor Drive ...............................26

Tray Loading and Operation ..........................................................26

Handling DVD and CD Media ..................................................27

Cleaning Discs ........................................................................... 27

Mounting Position..........................................................................28

Playing DVDs ................................................................................ 28

Writing to DVD Media .................................................................. 29

Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW .................................................... 29

Qflix™ DVD media...................................................................29

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ............................................ 29

Using the Disc/Busy Indicator .......................................................30

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................. 32

Cleaning the your Plextor Drive .................................................... 32

Upgrading Firmware ...................................................................... 33

Emergency Eject ............................................................................34

Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 35

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized .......................................... 35

6. Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................... 37

Appendix A: Specifications for the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA

Drives ................................................................................................ 40

Appendix B: Technical Support .....................................................53

How to Contact Plextor Technical Support ................................... 54

Before You E-mail or Call for Support.......................................... 54

Returns ...........................................................................................55

Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department..................................... 55

Packing Your Drive ................................................................... 55

Shipping Your Drive to Plextor .................................................56

Appendix C: Warranty....................................................................57

If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada............................................ 58

Index.................................................................................................. 60

Table of Contents

vi PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

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PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 1

1. Getting Started

Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing a Plextor® optical disc
drive, a reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and CD writer,
rewriter, and player. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in
us. Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of DVD
and CD technology.

About this Manual

Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference.
Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. If your
drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical Support
Department.

In this manual you should find all the information you need to
successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive. If you run into
a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, however, please contact us.
(See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways you can
reach us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech
support engineers. What might seem like an uncooperative drive to you
could very well be a 30-second fix to them. But we will never know
unless you contact us.

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Section 1. Getting Started

2 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Meet Your Plextor DVD Rewriter

The PX-Q840U External USB and the PX-806SA are DVD
ReWritable/CD ReWritable drives that provides professional quality
DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading.

What the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Do

For DVDs, the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA:

• Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at

up to 20X speed on recommended media.

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

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

• Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at

up to 20X speed on recommended media.

• 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.

• Writes DVD-RAM discs at up to 12X.

• Reads stamped DVD discs at up to 16X.

• Reads DVD-RAM discs at up to 12X.

For CDs, the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA:

• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.

• Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 40X speed.

• Reads all CD-ROM and CD-R data media at a maximum of 48X

speed.

• Reads CD-DA (audio) media at up to 48X speed

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

For Qflix™ media, the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA:

• Writes to Qflix™ DVD media

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 3

Features of the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA

• Interface:

 USB interface: The PX-Q840U easily installs in virtually any

PC with a USB 2.0 (recommended or USB 1.1 interface.

 Serial ATA interface: The PX-806SA takes advantage of the

benefits of the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
(SATA) interface, with its smaller, more flexible cables and
faster interface speed.

• High speed transfers:

 The PX-Q840U supports high speed transfers via the USB

interface.

 The PX-806SA supports next-generation high speed transfers

via the Serial ATA 1.0 interface.

• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA to

the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site)
without opening the computer or physically accessing the drive.

• Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical distortion by absorbing

reflections from the laser beam, enhancing read quality.

• Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play.

• CPRM support: The PX-Q840U and PX-806SA support Content

Protection for Recordable Media, so you can play CPRM copy­controlled media.

• Qflix™ Support: Your Qflix™ enabled Plextor drive and media

make downloading and burning your favorite movies and TV titles
simple. Included with the purchase of a Qflix™ drive is Roxio
Venue — a rich, user-friendly application that connects directly to
CinemaNow for easy purchase and download, organization, and
burning of hit movies to DVD. Select your favorite movies online
and then simply insert Qflix™ media into the Qflix™ drive and click
to burn and create your own personal entertainment library.

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Section 1. Getting Started

4 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

DVD Features

• Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL: Allows

DVD+RW and DVD+R DL 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 and DVD-R DL discs to be edited and still play on DVD­ROM 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), multi-session, and incremental write for DVD+R DL
(double layer) discs; DAO, multi-session, and incremental write for
DVD+R; and DAO, incremental write, and random access write for
DVD+RW.

• Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including DAO,

incremental recording, and layer jump recording for DVD-R DL
(dual-layer); DAO, incremental recording, multi-border recording for
DVD-R; and DAO, multi-border recording, incremental recording,
and restricted overwriting for DVD-RW.

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 5

CD-R and CD-RW Features

• Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,

session-at-once, and variable and fixed packet writing.

• Buffer Underrun Proof Technology: Eliminates buffer underrun

errors, so you can safely use your computer for other tasks while
you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.

• Wide compatibility: Wide CD-R and CD-RW media compatibility.

• Orange Book compatibility: Compatible with Orange Book, Parts II

and III.

• OPC: Optimum Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the

optimum write strategy.

• CD-TEXT: Supports CD-TEXT.

Minimum Configuration to Use the
PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA

Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-Q840U drive.

• Computer: Computer CPU, Memory, and configuration are

dependent on installed application requirements.

• Interface:

 Model PX-Q840UA requires a USB 2.0 interface.
 Model PX-806SA requires a Serial ATA controller that supports

the ATAPI command set.

• 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:

 Model PX-Q840U requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.
 Model PX-806SA requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.

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Section 1. Getting Started

6 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

What You Can Do with the PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-Q840U or PX­806SA:

• 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 Creator 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.

• Download premium DVD entertainment and record to Qflix™

enabled media

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 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 Creator, which makes
the Plextor PX-Q840U drive as easy to use as a hard disk drive. (For
more information about Roxio Creator, install this application and
examine the help files.)

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 7

Take control of several powerful features of Plextor drives. With the
power of PlexUTILITIES you have now have extra support for your
Plextor hardware. PlexUTILITIES allows you to view basic and
advance drive information as well as offering high quality audio and
multimedia capabilities. By allowing you to measure and control the
burn quality of every disc, PlexUTILITIES makes coasters a thing of
the past. The distinctive design in PlexUTILITIES allows ease of use
for newcomers without compromising on the powerful features that
experienced burners demand.

PlexUTILITIES also features:

- View Basic and Advanced Drive Information List the drive’s hardware,

including serial number, firmware version and jumper settings, and
shows the capabilities of the drive. Concurrently, you can reveal
extensive information about the inserted disc— like format, sessions and
tracks, manufacturer, and CD TEXT.

- Permitting Drive Identification and Control allows you to control
different features of your Plextor drive.

- Measure Disc Burning Quality Test the quality of a written or pressed
disc by counting the number of errors, measure the mechanical
characteristics of blank media, show the write quality by checking the
jitter rate and the beta value of written media, and measure the quality of
the written DVD media by checking the pits and lands for compliance
with the DVD specifications.

- Automatic software and firmware updates immediately notify you of
pending updates to your Plextor drive so that you always have the most
current applications.

Qflix™ Support

Qflix™ enabled Plextor drives and media make downloading and
burning your favorite movies and TV titles simple. Included with the
purchase of a Qflix™ drive is Roxio Venue — a rich, user-friendly
application that connects directly to CinemaNow for easy purchase and
download, organization, and burning of hit movies to DVD. Select your
favorite movies online and then simply insert Qflix™ media into the
Qflix™ drive and click to burn and create your own personal
entertainment library.

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Section 1. Getting Started

8 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Burn copies of files, data and now Hollywood hits — all with one
standard Qflix™ drive.

Qflix™ technology is endorsed by the entertainment industry as the
legal way to make copies of your favorite movies and TV shows for
viewing on any standard DVD player. In addition, Qflix™ drives
support all the standard DVD functions so you just need one drive for a
complete system.

Watch your favorite movies anytime, anywhere.

Don’t lock your movie collection to a single device or an Internet
connection. Watch your Qflix™ DVD on your television using your
standard DVD player. Play it for your kids in the car. Watch it on your
laptop in the airplane. Rest assured that any title burned with Qflix™
drives and media will play on any of the more than 90 million DVD
devices in the market today.

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-Q840U or PX-806SA
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.

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 9

• Do not move, carry or transport a disc in the drive because this can

cause damage.

• Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing

the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser
beam. For your safety, entrust service to experienced service
personnel only.

• Keep your DVDs and CDs free of dirt or other contaminants, by

storing them in jewel cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not
insert dirty, warped, poorly balanced, or cracked discs into the drive.

• Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, using a soft, dry

cloth, wipe gently in a radial motion; start at the center of the disc
and proceed to the outer edge.

• Do not attempt to clean your drive using solvent-based cleaners or an

air compressor.

• Do not attempt to clean your drive using a CD cleaning disc. These

discs can damage your drive permanently.

Where to Go From Here

• If you have an External USB drive, see Section 2, beginning on page

10, to learn how to install your drive.

• If you have an Internal drive with the Serial ATA interface, see

Section 3, beginning on page 15, to install it.

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PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 10

2. Installing the

PX-Q840U External USB Drive

This section explains how to physically install your PX-Q840U external
USB drive in your computer.

PX-Q840U 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-Q840U External Drive

Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-Q840U external USB drive

• Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.

• 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.

• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated green for disc reading or writing.

• Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray

back into the PX-Q840U. To prevent wear on the drive, always use
the eject button to insert the tray.

Section 2. Installing the PX-Q840U External USB Drive

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 11

Rear Panel—PX-Q840U External Drive

Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.

Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-Q840U external USB drive

• USB Connector

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

provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-Q840U.

• On/Off Switch

What Else Is In the PX-Q840U 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-Q840U drive in this
configuration:

• PX-Q840U DVD±R DL, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive

• USB cable

• Plextor software disc

• PX-Q840U Quick Installation Guide

• Two blank Qflix™ media

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Section 2. Installing the PX-Q840U External USB Drive

12 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA 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 55.)

If the security sticker on top of your box is cut, there may be a good
reason: for example, a dealer may have added other components or
software. Carefully check the contents to ensure nothing has been
removed. If something is missing, contact the party from whom you
purchased the box for an explanation.

NOTE: This applies to the Plextor retail box. Your drive may have been
shipped in a different box with other contents, depending on whom you
purchased the drive from and what they included inside the box.

If your drive came pre-installed, some or all of the items above may
have been installed and may not be separately available. See the Plextor
web site for locations to purchase additional or replacement accessories.

PX-Q840U QuickStart Installation

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

1. Connect the USB cable to the External DVD Drive

Plug in the USB cable into the USB port on the back of your external
DVD drive.

2. Connect the USB cable to your PC

Locate an available USB port on your PC and plug the other end of
the USB cable in that port.

Note: High Speed USB (2.0) ports provide high-speed data transfer rates.
You can connect the external DVD drive to a USB (1.1) port, but this is not
recommended because it will significantly lower the external DVD drive’s
read speeds. If you are unsure about which ports are available on your PC,
check your PC manual or Windows device manager.

Section 2. Installing the PX-Q840U External USB Drive

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 13

3. Connect the power supply to your external DVD drive.

Plug the power supply into the back of your external DVD drive.

4. Connect the power supply to a wall outlet.

Plug the power supply into the outlet or power strip. Then, turn on
the power switch.

Note: Your power plug and outlet may differ from the illustration. The
power switch must be turned off before unplugging the power cord.

Troubleshooting tip: You can verify that your external DVD drive has
power by pressing the EJECT button on the front of the external DVD drive
to open and close the tray. If the tray does not open, ensure that the cables
are plugged in properly and securely.

5. Install the software

Note: Please ensure your external DVD drive is detected and properly

installed by the operating system before installing application software. For
further troubleshooting assistance, please refer to your PC’s and Microsoft
Windows help, under the “help support” section, in “adding new devices”.

Insert the Software Installation Disc into your external DVD drive.
Click on Install Suite. Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Section 2. Installing the PX-Q840U External USB Drive

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PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 15

3. Installing the

PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

This section explains how to physically install your PX-806SA internal
Serial ATA drive in your computer. The steps are as follows:

1. Turn OFF your computer system.

2. Mount the drive into an available drive bay inside the computer

system.

3. Make the cabling connections: Serial ATA cable and power cable.

4. Turn your computer system ON.

The following pages give more details for this procedure.

NOTE: Your computer’s SATA connection must support the ATAPI
command set. Some computer motherboards have SATA RAID
(Redundant Array of Independent Discs) chipsets that do not support the
ATAPI command set used by optical disc drives, or that do not have
BIOS settings to enable IDE/ATAPI functions. If you are unsure, consult
your motherboard manual or vendor web site for compatibility, BIOS
versions, and BIOS settings. And check the Plextor PX-806SA
motherboard compatibility listing at
http://www.plextor.com/english/support/support_compatability.html

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Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

16 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

PX-806SA 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-806SA Internal Drive

Figure 3: Front panel of the PX-806SA internal SATA drive

A

Eject / Close
Button

Push button to open or close the tray.

B

On / Busy LED

Indication of drive's operation status. When lit
steadily, the drive is reading; when blinking, the
drive is writing or rewriting.

C

Pin Hole Eject

If the Eject button fails to work properly, insert a
paper clip into this hole to open the tray.

CAUTION: Turn off power to the drive before
performing manual ejection.

Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 17

Rear Panel—PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.

Figure 4: Rear panel of the PX-806SA internal SATA drive

• SATA cable connector: Connects to your computer’s SATA

interface using a 7-pin SATA interface cable.

• Power connector: Connects to your computer’s 15-pin SATA power

cable to provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-806SA.

NOTE: If your computer has only 4-pin power connectors, use the
SATA power cable adapter to connect to the 15-pin power connector
on the PX-806SA.

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Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

18 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

What Else Is In the PX-806SA 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-806SA drive in this
configuration:

• PX-806SA DVD±R DL, DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive

• 7-pin SATA interface cable

• 4 mounting screws

• Plextor software disc

• PX-806SA Quick Reference Guide

• Two blank Qflix™ DVD media

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 55.)

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-806SA Internal SATA Drive

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 19

Mount the PX-806SA Drive

Before proceeding to install the PX-806SA drive in your personal
computer, make sure you have all the cables you’ll need.

Record the Serial Number

Note the serial number of your drive on the inside front cover of this
manual.

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 DVD-ROM or CD­ROM drive and install the PX-806SA.

You must make two cable connections to your PX-806SA. The two
cable connections that you must make are:

• SATA cable

• Power cable

To mount the PX-806SA drive:

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 the illustration below for an example.

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Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

20 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Figure 5: Removing a typical computer's cover

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 6: Removing the cover panel from a bay

Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 21

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 the illustration below. (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 7: Installing mounting rails (if needed)

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Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

22 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

6. Plug one connector of the 7-pin SATA interface cable into the SATA

connector (the right-hand 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.

Figure 8: Cable connections for an internal SATA drive

NOTE: Your computer’s SATA connection must support the ATAPI
command set. Some computer motherboards have SATA RAID
(Redundant Array of Independent Discs) chipsets that do not support
the command set used by optical disc drives, or that do not have
BIOS settings to enable IDE/ATAPI functions. If you are unsure,
consult your motherboard manual or vendor web site for compatibility,
BIOS versions, and BIOS settings.

7. If not already connected, attach the other end of the 7-pin SATA

interface cable to the Serial ATA connector on the computer
motherboard (or on a PCI board, if that is how the Serial ATA
interface is provided in your computer). When connecting the Serial
ATA cable, note that cable connectors are keyed, and will fit only
one way. For example, the initials “SATA” on the cable connector
should be up.

Section 3. Installing the PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 23

8. Connect a power cable from the computer to the power connector of

the drive. In most computers, you will find free power connectors
that are ready for your use.

 If your computer is equipped with 15-pin SATA power cables,

you can connect a power cable directly to the PX-806SA drive.

 If your computer’s power cables have only 4-pin power

connectors, use the 4-pin SATA power cable adapter that came
with your PX-806SA drive.

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 could be damaged.

9. Mount the PX-806SA 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.

This completes the installation procedure. Go on to the next section to
see how to use your PX-806SA drive.

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PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 24

4. Using Your PX-Q840U and PX-806SA

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

What Media to Use

Use the right media! Your Plextor 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-Q840U and PX-806SA 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 9: 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-Q840U or PX-806SA

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 25

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-Q840U or
PX-806SA drive.

The PX-Q840U and PX-860SA supports reading and writing with 4.7­GB (version 2) DVD-RAM discs.

Qflix™ DVD Media

Qflix™ DVD Media write-once discs are the best choice to legally burn
Hollywood movies and television programs. Qflix™ DVD discs provide a
recording capacity of 4.7GB which can accommodate 120 minutes* of video
recorded on a single side. The content of the Qflix™ Certified Media is copy
protected by CSS technology and compatible for burning in any Plextor Qflix™
enabled drive. Qflix™ recorded discs are intended to be played in standard DVD
players.

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, Ultra Speed and Ultra Speed

Plus 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 48X CD-R writing speed you must use certified 48X (or
higher) media; and to achieve 32X CD-RW writing speed you must use
Ultra Speed Plus CD-RW media.

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Section 4. Using Your PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

26 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

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

10X.

• Using Ultra Speed CD-RW discs (US-RW media) in this drive, you

can rewrite at up to 24X.

• Using Ultra Speed Plus CD-RW discs (US+) in this drive, you can

rewrite at up to 32X.
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-Q840U or PX-806SA, are identified by a
“Compact Disc ReWritable Ultra Speed” logo.

Figure 10: The logo also identifies the type of CD-RW media

More About Media for Your Plextor Drive

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 11: Loading the tray

Section 4. Using Your PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 27

2. Lay a CD or DVD disc in the depression in the tray, label side up.

3. Press the eject button again and the tray will slide shut within

seconds.

NOTE: Always use the eject button to close the tray in a smooth and

secure manner. Closing the tray by pressing the front of the drawer 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.

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Section 4. Using Your PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

28 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Figure 12: 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-Q840U or PX-806SA 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 by the player
application.

Section 4. Using Your PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 29

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.

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 Creator (on the DVD that accompanies your

Plextor drive) 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.

Qflix™ DVD media

In order to write to Qflix™ DVD media, this Plextor drive comes with

Roxio Venue.

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media

In conjunction with your drive, mastering and packet writing software

such as Roxio Creator allows you to write audio, video, data, or other

information to writable (CD-R) or rewritable (CD-RW) media. The PX-

Q840U and PX-806SA writes to all types of CD-RW media.

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Section 4. Using Your PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

30 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Using the Disc/Busy Indicator

The color of the front-panel disc/busy indicator gives you information
about the drive’s operation.

Operation

LED Color

On/Off

No disc

OFF
Loading

Green

ON
Disc loaded and ready

OFF
Read or verify activity

Green

ON
CD/DVD write

Green

ON

Section 4. Using Your PX-Q840U or PX-806SA

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 31

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PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 32

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This section explains maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for
your Plextor 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 your Plextor 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 55.)

• 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 6. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 33

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

Plextor drive please visit our web site at www.plextor.com to check if

you have the latest firmware.

With the installation of PlexUTILITIES, firmware upgrades are

automated. When a new firmware is available, PlexUTILITIES will

automatically download and install 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.

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Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

34 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

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 13: 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 from the disc tray.

6. Carefully push the disc tray shut.

Section 6. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 35

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-Q840 or

PX-806SA 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.

3. If the PX-Q840U or PX-806SA 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-Q840U, verify the USB connection and

compatibility.

 For the 806SA, verify the SATA chipset supports the ATAPI

Command set. Use your computer’s motherboard BIOS setup
program to enable SATA/IDE/ATAPI as needed for your
configuration.

Note that if your computer’s SATA chipset is dedicated for SATA
RAID, the connection may not support optical disc drives like the
PX-806SA. Consult your motherboard manual or vendor website for
assistance in configuration or for questions of compatibility.

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Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

36 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

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

new settings.

5. In Windows Vista 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-Q840U” or

“PLEXTOR DVDR PX-806SA” 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.)

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 37

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the PX-Q840U and PX-806SA 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 your Plextor drive 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 DVD-

RW?

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, Hewlett-

Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and other manufacturers. DVD-R, DVD-

RW 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.

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-Q840U

and PX-806SA can handle it.

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Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

38 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Q: What is Qflix™?

A: Qflix™ is technology that lets you burn movies to DVD so you can
play them on a regular DVD player. Look for the Qflix™ logo on DVD
burners and blank DVDs to make sure they are compatible with the
CinemaNow store inside the Roxio Venue software. For more details on
Qflix™ technology, please visit http://www.Qflix™.com

Q: How do I burn a Qflix™ DVD?

A: Step 1: Browse movies in the CinemaNow store on Roxio Venue.
Step 2: Select + purchase a movie.
Step 3: Download the movie to your PC.
Step 4: Insert blank Qflix™ DVD into your Qflix™ drive.
Step 5: Burn the movie to DVD.

Q: Where can I get Qflix™ media?

A: Included with your Plextor drive are 2 blank Qflix™ media.
Afterwords, please visit http://www.Qflix.com/enu/getqflixnow.aspx for more
information.

Q: How long does it take to download a movie and burn it to a
Qflix™ DVD at home?

A: With a standard PC and a broadband internet connection, you can
expect the download and burning process to take around 1 1/2 to 2 hours
for a 90 minute movie.

Q: Will Qflix™ DVDs play back in all DVD and Blu-Ray disc
players?

A: Qflix™ DVDs are proven to play in over 99% of DVD and Blu-ray
Disc players worldwide.

Q: Can I burn Qflix™ movies to any kind of DVD media?

A: No. You need a Qflix™ enabled Plextor DVD burner and Qflix™
DVD media. Here's where you can get it

http://www.qflix.com/enu/getQflixnow.aspx

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 39

Q: How can I tell that the blank DVDs / media that I buy in the

store will be compatible with my Qflix™ burner?

A: Qflix™ media is labeled as "Qflix™ DVD" or "Qflix™ Recordable

DVD". Look for the text "Qflix™" and the Qflix™ Logo.

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PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 40

Appendix A: Specifications for the

PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Drives

Disc type for read/write application

Applicable
Formats

CD-DA, CD-TEXT, CD ROM Mode-1,
CD-ROM/XA Mode-2 Form-1 and Form-2,
CD-I Ready, Video-CD,
Photo-CD, Enhance CD,
CD extra, UDF (fixed/variable Packet mode),
DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio,
DVD-R/DVD-R9 single/multi border(s),
DVD+R/DVD+R9 single/multi session(s)
DVD-RW
DVD+RW
DVD-RAM
Applicable
Media Type

CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW
DVD-ROM (4.7G)
DVD-ROM dual layer (PTP/OTP) (8.54G)
DVD-R (3.9G, 4.7G for General and Authoring ),
DVD-R DL
DVD-RW, DVD+RW (4.7G),
DVD+R, DVD+R DL
DVD-RAM(4.7G)
Disc Diameter

12cm and 8cm
Capacity

2,048 bytes/block (Mode-1 and Mode-2 Form-1),
2,336 bytes/block (Mode-2)
2,328 bytes/block (Mode-2 Form-2)
2,048 bytes/sector (DVD-ROM,DVD-R/RW,
DVD+R/RW), DVD-RAM

Operation environment for “write/rewrite” application

Host Machine

IBM compatible PC ( Pentium 166 MHz or above)
OS

XP / Vista system
Hard disk

Empty Storage Capacity: 100 MB or more
Average access time: 20 ms or less
Disc Diameter
(Capacity)

8cm and 12cm

Recommended
Media

CD-R: CMC, Daxon, Gigastorage, Infodisc,
Leaddata, Maxell, MBI, MCC, NanYa, Postech,

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 41

Princo, Prodisc, Ritek, SAST,SONY, TDK, TY,
Ricoh,SAST,SONY
Low Speed CD-RW: CMC, Daxon, Gigastorage,
Infodisc, MCC, Prodisc, Ricoh, Ritek, Lead Data,
Princo
High Speed CD-RW: CMC, Daxon, Gigastorage,
Infodisc, MCC, NANYA, Prodisc, Ricoh, Ritek, Lead
Data, Princo,
Ultra Speed CD-RW: CMC, INFODISC, Mitsubishi,
Ritek
Ultra plus Speed CD-RW: Mitsubishi

DVD+R 20X : TY
DVD+R 16X : SONY, MCC, CMC, Ritek, Maxell, TY,
TDK, Ricoh, Prodisc, OPTODISC, PHILIPS,
MBI, DAXON
DVD+RW 4X: MCC, SONY, RICOH, PHILIPS,
INFODISC, PRODISC, RITEK, MBI
DVD+RW 8X: MKM, PHILIPS, Ricoh, Ritek, SONY .
DVD+R9 2.4X : MKM, Ritek, Ricoh, CMC, PHILIPS,
PRODISC
DVD+R9 8X : MKM, Ritek, Ricoh, CMC, MBI,
FUJI FILM

DVD-R 20X : TY
DVD-R 16X: SONY, MCC, CMC, TY, Ritek, Prodisc,
MBI, OPTODISC, TDK, Maxell, MBI, NANYA, FUJI
FILM, DAXON
MUST, FTI, MJC, DDT
DVD-RW4X: JVC, TDK, RITEK, CMC, Prodisc
DVD-RW 6X: MKM , JVC, TDK, CMC, Ritek
DVD-R9 4X : MKM, CMC, Ritek
DVD-R9 8X : MKM, CMC, Ritek
DVD-RAM 3X: Panasonic, Maxell, Ritek,
DVD-RAM 5X: Panasonic, Maxell, Ritek,
DVD-RAM 12X: Maxell

Mechanism

Item

Specification
Pick-up

NA: CD: 0.53
DVD: 0.64
Focusing: CD: Astigmatic Detection Method

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42 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

DVD: Differential Astigmatic
Detection and Astigmatic Detection Method
Tracking: CD: DPP
DVD: DPD
DVDR/RW/RAM: DPP
Wave length: CD: 784 nm (typical)
DVD: 658 nm (typical)
Output power:
Read CD: 1.2mW @ objective lens
DVD: 1.6mW @ objective lens
Write CD: 110mW @ objective lens
DVD: 100mW @ objective lens
Traverse mechanism

Stepping motor driven
Spindle motor

DC brushless motor
Loading mechanism

Motor driven tray open/close without caddy
system

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 43

Supported Write/ Read speed

Media type for write

Write speed

selected

Disc spin method

for write

8x / 16x

CLV
24x

20x ~ 24x PCAV
32x

20x ~ 32x PCAV
40x

20x ~ 40x PCAV

CD-R

48x

20x ~ 48x1 CAV
Low speed CD-RW

4x

CLV
High speed CD-RW

10x

CLV
Ultra speed CD-RW

16x

CLV
24x

16x-24x Zone-CLV2
16x

CLV

Ultra speed CD-RW
plus

24x / 32x

16x-24x-32x Zone
CLV3
4x / 6x

CLV
8x / 12x

PCAV

DVD+R

16x /18x/ 20x

CAV

2.4x / 4x

CLV

DVD+R9
6x / 8x

Zone CLV

2.4x / 4x / 6x

CLV

DVD+RW
8x

Zone CLV
4x / 6x

CLV

DVD-R
8x / 12x

PCAV
16x / 18x/ 20x

CAV
2x / 4x

CLV

DVD-R9
6x / 8x

Zone CLV
2x / 4x

CLV

DVD-RW
6x

Zone CLV
2x/ 3x / 5x / 6x

CLV

DVD-RAM
8x / 12x

PCAV

1

For CD-R CAV 48X-writing starts from 68 min 00 sec 00 block

2

For Ultra speed CD-RW Zone-CLV 24X-writing starts from 10 min 00 sec 00 block

3

For Ultra speed plus CD-RW Z-CLV writing , 24X-writing is starting from 14 min 00 sec 00 block

32X-writing is starting from 48 min 00 sec 00 block

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44 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Read (or data extraction
for copy)

CLV

CAV

CD-ROM / Finalized CD-R
Data /CD-DAE /Video CD

Finalized CD-RW

Unfinalized CD-R/RW

DVD-ROM (single layer)

DVD-ROM (dual layer)

DVD+R

DVD-R

DVD+RW

DVD-RW

DVD+R9

DVD-R9

DVD-RAM

4x / 8x

4x / 8x

8x

N.A

N.A

2.4x / 4x

2x / 4x

2.4x / 4x

2x / 4x

2.4x / 4x

2x / 4x

2x / 3x /
5x / 6x
CLV

4x~10x / 6.5x~16x / 10x~24x
/ 13x~32x / 16x~40x /
20x~48x

4x~10x / 6.5x~16x / 10x~24x
/ 13x~32x / 16x~40x
N.A.

1.6x~4x / 2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x /

4.8x~12x / 6.4x~16x

1.6x~4x / 2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x /

4.8x~12x

2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x / 4.8x~12x
/ 6.4x~16x

2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x / 4.8x~12x
/ 6.4x~16x

2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x / 4.8x~12x

2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x / 4.8x~12x

2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x / 4.8x~12x

2.4x~6x / 3.2x~8x / 4.8x~12x

8x / 12x PCAV

Play

CLV

CAV

Video CD
CD-DA
DVD single/ dual layer
DVD+R/RW,
DVD-R/RW
DVD-RAM

4x
4x
N.A

2.4x / 4x
2x / 4x
2x / 3x

4x~10x
4x~10x / 6.5x~16x
2x~4x / 2.5x~6x

2.5x~6x

2.5x~6x
5x PCAV

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 45

Supported Write Method

Following write methods are supported by this drive

For CD-R/RW disc

 Disc At Once (DAO)

 Session At Once (SAO)

 Track At Once (TAO)

 Variable Packet Write

 Fixed Packet Write

For DVD+R / DVD+R9

 Incremental

For DVD+RW

 Random Access Write.

For DVD-R

 Disc-At-Once (un-interrupted)

 Incremental

For DVD-RW

 Sequential recording : Disc-At-Once (un-interrupted) and Incremental.

 Restricted overwrite

For DVD-R9

 Disc-At-Once (un-interrupted)

 Incremental

 Layer Jump recording

For DVD-RAM

 Random Access Write.

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46 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Performance

Item

Min

Typical

Max

Data Buffer (MB)

2
Burst Data Transfer Rate (MB/s)

150
Spin Speed (rpm)
CD-ROM read
DVD-ROM read

8200
7200
Sustained Data Transfer Rate
(KB/s)
CD-ROM outside4
CD-ROM inside5
DVD-ROM outside6
DVD-ROM inside7
DVD-RAM Disc inside (KB/s)
DVD-RAM Disc outside (KB/s)

7150
2950
21350
8100
7550
15600

Access Time (ms)
CD 1/3 Stroke8
Full Stroke9
Random Access10
DVD 1/3 Stroke11
Full Stroke12
Random Access13

110
160
100
110
170
100

140
230
140
160
250
160
Start Up Time14 (s)
CD-ROM
DVD

18.0

18.0
Stop Time15 (s)

4

Test disc: ABEX TCDR-704 @73 min 00 sec 00 block

5

Test disc: ABEX TCDR-704 @00 min 02 sec 00 block

6

Test disc: ABEX TDR-820B @ 0X22F000

7

Test disc: ABEX TDR-820B @ 0X00

8

It is computed by averaging 100 or more measures of the access time from 24 min 00 sec 00 block to 48

min 00 sec 00 block, including latency and error correction time. Test Disc: A-BEX TCDR-704

9

It is computed by averaging 100 or more measures of the access time from 0 min 02 sec 00 block to 73 min

00 sec 00 block, including latency and error correction time. Test Disc: A-BEX TCDR-704

10

It is computed by averaging 100 or more measures of random access time from 0 min 02 sec 00 block to

73 min 00 sec 00 blk, including latency and error correction time. Test Disc: A-BEX TCDR-704

11

It is computed by averaging 100 or more measures of the access time from 0XBA550 to 0X174AA0,

including latency and error correction time. Test Disc: A-BEX TDR-820B

12

It is computed by averaging 100 or more measures of the access time from 0X00 to 0X22F000, including

latency and error correction time. Test Disc: A-BEX TDR-820B

13

It is computed by averaging 100 or more measures of random access time from 0X00 to 0X22F000,

including latency and error correction time. Test Disc: A-BEX TDR-820B

14

It includes tray in, spin up and read TOC Test Disc: A-BEX TCDR-704 CD / TDR-820B DVD

15

It includes spin down and tray eject

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 47

CD-ROM
DVD

9.0

9.0

Error Rate

For CD-ROM

Mode-1 (ECC on) 10

-12

Block/Bit
Mode-2 (ECC off) 10-9 Block/Bit
For DVD-ROM 10

-15

Block/Bit

DVD-ROM Playability

Item

Min.

Scratch (mm)

2.0
Black Dot (mm)

0.8
Fingerprint (µm)

65
Eccentric (µm)

100
Vertical Deviation (mm)

0.8

Unbalance (g-mm)

3 (at Max. speed, w/o
down speed)
10 (No read error)

Note: No read error in the above tests

CD-DA Playability

Item

Min.

Scratch (mm)

2.0
Interruption (mm)

0.8
Black Dot (mm)

0.8
Fingerprint (µm)

65
Eccentric (µm)

210
Vertical Deviation (mm)

0.8

Note: No track jumps in the above tests

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48 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

CD-ROM Playability

Item

Min.
Scratch (mm)

1.4
Black Dot (mm)

0.8
Fingerprint (µm)

65
Eccentric (µm)

210
Vertical Deviation (mm)

0.8

Unbalance (g-mm)

3 (at Max. speed, w/o
speed down)
10 (No read error))

Environmental Conditions

Temperature (Non-Condensation)
Operating 5oC to 35oC
Non-Operating -40oC to 65oC

Humidity (Non-Condensation)
Operating 15% to 80% RH
Non-Operating 15% to 95% RH

Shock (11ms half-sine, 6 sec between shocks, 5 times per orientation)
Operating: 8 G (Data, No damage, No read error)
3 G (Audio, No track jump)
3 G (CD Write, No write/rewrite error)
2 G (DVD Write, No write/rewrite error)

Shock, one shock each direction.
Non-Operating (half-Sine 2ms) 140G
(Square Wave 180 in/sec velocity change) 50G

Random Vibration from 10 to 500 Hz.
Operating 0.5g RMS (Audio, No track jump)

0.5g RMS (Data, No damage, No read error)

0.3g RMS (Write, No write/rewrite error)

Random Vibration from 10 to 500 Hz, 30min/axis.
Non-Operating 2.0g RMS

Altitude
Operating 0 ~ 3,500 m

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 49

Non-Operating 0 ~ 12,500 m

Reliability

MTBF 70,000 POH at 25% duty cycle in room temp.
MTTR 30 minutes
Loading Operation 30,000 cycles
Actuator Mechanism 1,000,000 full stroke seeks

ElectroStatic Discharge Susceptibility(330Ω, 150pF)
6 KV (Contact Discharge)
No read/write/rewrite error

8 KV (Air Discharge)
No read/write/rewrite error
8 KV (Contact Discharge)
No damage
15 KV (Air Discharge)
No damage

Acoustic Noise

Sound pressure (sequential read) 52.5 dB (follow ISO-7779)
(random read) 52.5 dB (follow ISO-7779)
Playing A-BEX SCD-3228 2.5g-mm unbalance

Regulations and Standards

Safety
cUL UL60950
GOST IEC60950,
CB IEC60950, IEC60825-1

EMC
FCC(USA) FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class B, CISPR22, ANSI
C63.4
CE ( European Countries ) EN55022, EN50024, EN61000,IEC61000
C-TICK ( Australia ) AS/NZS CISPR22
BSMI ( Taiwan ) CNS13438(C6537)
MIC(Optional) KN61000

Laser Safety
DHHS (USA) 21CFR Subchapter J

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Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

50 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Host Operating System Compatibility

Windows XP /Vista

Physical Dimensions

Height 57.5 ± 0.5 mm
Width 168 ± 0.5 mm
Depth 197.7 ± 0.5 mm
Weight < 1.1 Kg

Drive mounting spec

Mount the drive horizontally within ±10o tilt.

USB 2.0 Interface Connector

USB B type jack (Compatible with above USB1.X)

Disc Eject Mechanism

The drive can eject the disc by any one of the following three methods.

Eject Button
When the power is on, the user can push this key to eject the tray.

Software Eject
The tray can be ejected by commands from the host computer.

Pin Hole Eject
A pin hole eject mechanism is available on the front bezel to eject the
disc in an emergency situation. To eject a disc manually, insert a steel
rod with 1.2 mm in diameter into this emergency eject hole and push
softly. The rod must be inserted into the drive at least 15mm from the
surface of bezel.

Appendix A: PX-Q840U and PX-806SA Specifications

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 51

USB Connector (USB 2.0 Interface Connector)

USB B Connecter Pin Assignment:

Connector Number
(Normal A)

Signal Name

1

V Bus

2

DM

3

DP
4

GND

Shell

Shield

Minimum System Requirements—PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

Computer

PC configuration (CPU, speed, RAM) dependent on
installed recording applications

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

Serial ATA 1.0. Must support ATAPI command set.

Operating
System

Windows XP, Windows Vista

Rear Panel, PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

Power Supply*

DC +12V,
±10%

DC +5V,
±5%
Typical standby current

20mA

400 mA
Typical DVD read

current (DVD 12X)

1000 mA

1000 mA

Typical CD read current
(CD 48X)

1000 mA

1000 mA

Typical DVD write
current (DVD+R 12X)

1500 mA

1600 mA

Typical write current
(CD-R 48X)

1000 mA

1400 mA

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52 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Peak current

1800 mA

1650 mA

Power
Consumption*

Peak 29.9W at 20X DVD

* NOTE: Specifications for electrical power and
current have not yet been confirmed.

Dimensions and Weight, PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

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

5.75" x 1.62" x 6.50"
146 mm x 41.3 mm x 165.0 mm

Weight

< 1.52 lbs. (690 g)

Host Interface, PX-806SA Internal SATA Drive

Type

Serial ATA Generation 1

Data
Connector

Serial ATA: Power, 15 pins; signal, 7 pins

Serial ATA
Transfers

150MB/s

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 53

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 32. 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
Plextor 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.

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Appendix B: Technical Support

54 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA 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 1-510-824-9693 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 of your Plextor drive. Your serial number appears

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-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 55

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 1-510-824-9693.

Packing Your Drive

Check the drive to make sure there is no disc inside, and if possible,
pack your drive in the original box. Some of our customers have not
held on to their boxes and have had to resort to less-than-secure methods
to get drives back to us.

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

If you did not receive a box (for example, your drive came pre-installed
in a computer), we recommend you pay a packaging store (such as 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.

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Appendix B: Technical Support

56 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

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.

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 57

Appendix C: Warranty

PLEXTOR warrants your Plextor drive against any defect in material
and workmanship, under normal use, for a period of one year following
its date of purchase. In the event this product is found to be defective
within the warranty period, PLEXTOR will replace the defective unit.

This warranty is void: a) if the unit is operated or stored under abnormal
use and/or conditions; b) if the unit is repaired, modified or altered,
unless such repair, modification or alteration is expressly authorized in
writing by PLEXTOR; c) if the unit is subjected to abuse, neglect,
lightning strike, electrical fault, improper packaging, or accident; d) if
the unit is installed improperly; or e) if the serial number of the unit is
defaced or missing.

PLEXTOR will not, under any circumstances, be liable for direct,
special, or consequential damages such as, but not limited to, damage or
loss of property or equipment, loss of profits or revenues, cost of
replacement goods, or expense or inconvenience caused by service
interruptions. Under no circumstances will any person be entitled to any
sum greater than the purchase price paid for the unit.

To obtain warranty service, you must contact PLEXTOR’s Technical
Support Department by e-mail ([e-mail]) or by
calling 1-800-204-0332 or 510-824-9693. The Technical Support
Department will attempt to diagnose and correct your problem. If the
unit does not function properly, they will provide you with a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number. You may be asked to furnish
proof of purchase to confirm that the unit is still under warranty.

All product returns must be authorized in advance by PLEXTOR.
Authorization is confirmed by issuance of the RMA number, which
must be written prominently on the outside of the box in which the
defective unit is returned to PLEXTOR.

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Index

58 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

All drives returned to PLEXTOR must be securely packaged and
shipped postage prepaid.

The drive will be returned to the customer at Plextor’s expense when
originating within the United States. For a drive originating outside of
the United States, the customer is responsible for shipping costs in both
directions.

NOTE: Warranty validity is limited to that applicable in the location where
the drive was originally purchased.

If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada

Note that the warranty and RMA policy only apply to the United States
and Canada. If you are in South America, contact your dealer or reseller
for all warranty and RMA claims.

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 59

Index

60 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

Index

background format, DVD, 2
bay cover panel, 20
black tray, 3
box contents

PX-806SA, 18
box contents, PX-Q840U, 11
buffer, 5
Buffer Underrun Proof

Technology, 5
cable

power, 19

SATA, 19
cable connections

PX-806SA, 22
CD

recording modes, 5

write methods, 5
CD cleaning disc, don’t use, 9, 32
CD-DA reading speed, 2
CD-R

compatibility, 5

media, 25

writing, 29

writing speed, 2
CD-R/RW software, 6
CD-ROM, playing, 25
CD-RW

compatibility, 5

media, 25

reading speed, 2

writing, 29

writing speed, 2
CD-TEXT, 5
cleaning disc, 27
cleaning your drive, 32

precautions, 9, 32
closing tray, 27
compatibility

CD-R, 5

CD-RW, 5
DVD, 4
DVD+R, 37
DVD+RW, 37

computer, minimum

PX-806SA, 50

configuration

PX-806SA minimum, 50
PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA

minimum, 5

connector

IDE interface, 17
power, 11, 17
SATA interface, 22

connectors, PX-806SA rear-panel,

50

controls, front-panel

PX-806SA, 16

controls, front-panel, PX-Q840U,

10
cover panel, bay, 20
dimensions

PX-806SA, 51
disc

cleaning, 27

labels, 27
Disc Eject

Eject, 49

eject button, 49
disc/busy indicator, 10

color, 30
DMA support, 3
double layer

side 2, 24
drive, recognizing in Windows, 35
DVD

compatibility, 4

formats compared, 37

formats supported, 4

Index

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 61

media, 24
playing, 28
reading speed, 2
recording modes, 4
regional setting, 28

write methods, 4
DVD multi, 37
DVD+R

compatibility, 37

media, 24

software, 6

writing, 29

writing speed, 2
DVD+R DL

lossless linking, 4
DVD+RW

compatibility, 37

editing, 4

media, 24

software, 6

writing, 29
DVD±R DL media, 24
DVD-R, 37

drive capabilities, 24

writing speed, 2
DVD-R DL

zero link, 4
DVD-RAM

cartridge not accomodated, 37

media, 25

set-top box and, 6, 25

writing, 29

writing without special

software, 25

DVD-RW, 37

drive capabilities, 24

zero link, 4
DVD-Video

reading speed, 2
editing DVD+RW, 4
eject

emergency, 10, 34

emergency eject, 49
software eject, 49

eject button, 10

closing tray, 27
emergency eject hole, 10, 34
emergency eject tool, 10, 34
FAQs, 37
features, 3

CD-R, 5

DVD, 4
firmware

obtaining, 33

upgrading, 3, 33
flash memory, 3, 33
formats, 44

CD, 5

DVD, 4, 37
frequently asked questions, 37
front panel

controls, 10
front-panel controls

PX-806SA, 16
hard disk size, 5, 50
high speed CD-RW

media, 25, 26
host interface

PX-806SA, 51
IDE interface connector, 17
installation

PX-806SA, 15, 19

PX-Q840U, 10, 12
interface

PX-806SA, 50

USB, 5
label, disc, 27
lossless linking, 4
maintenance, 32
master

setting in BIOS, 35
media, 24

care and handling, 27

CD-R, 25

Index

62 PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual

CD-RW, 25
DVD, 24
DVD+R DL, 24
DVD+RW, 24
DVD-R DL, 24
DVD-RAM, 25
high speed CD-RW, 26
Qflix™, 2
Qflix™, 25
supported, 5, 42

ultra speed CD-RW, 25
memory, minimum, 5
minimum cable connections

PX-806SA, 19
minimum computer, 50
minimum configuration, 5
minimum RAM, 5
motherboard BIOS setup program,

35
mounting position, 19, 28
mounting PX-806SA, 19
mounting rails, 21
noise, 48
normal speed CD-RW

media, 25

write speed, 26
OPC. See optimum power control
operating conditions

humidity, 47

operating temp, 47

shock, 47
operating system, 5, 49

PX-806SA, 50
optimum power control, 5
orange book, 5
packing for shipment, 54
PIO support, 3
playing DVD, 28
Plextor software disc, 11, 18
PlexUtilities, 7
plug and play, support for, 3
position, mounting, 19, 28

power

connecting cable, 23
connector, 17

PX-820SA, 50

connector, PX-Q840U, 11
precautions, 8
PX-806SA

cable connections, 22

connectors, rear-panel, 17

contents of box, 18

controls, front-panel, 16

dimensions, 51

host interface, 51

installation, 15, 19

interface, 3, 5, 50

minimum computer, 50

minimum configuration, 50

mounting, 19

operating system, 5, 50

rear-panel connectors, 17, 50

system requirements, 50

weight, 51
PX-806SA power requirements, 50
PX-Q840U

contents of box, 11

installation, 12

interface, 3, 5

rear-panel connectors, 11
PX-Q840U operating system, 5
Qflix™ Support, 3, 7
questions, frequently asked, 37
rails, 21
RAM, minimum, 5
reading speed

CD-RW, 2

DVD, 2

DVD-Video, 2
rear-panel connectors

PX-806SA, 17
recognizing the PX-Q840U or PX-

806SA drive in Windows, 35
recording modes

Index

PX-Q840U/ PX-806SA Installation and Users Manual 63

CD, 5

DVD, 4
region code, 28
regional setting, 28
Regulations and Standards

Safety, 48
reliability, 48
returns, 12, 18, 54
RMA number, 12, 18, 54, 55
Roxio Creator, 29
running optimum power control, 5
SATA interface connector, 22
screws, mounting, 23
security sticker, 12, 18
serial number, recording, 19
shipping your drive, 12, 18, 54, 55
slave

setting in BIOS, 35
software, 6

CD-R/RW, 6

DVD+R, 6

DVD+RW, 6

Roxio Creator, 29

Sonic Solution, 6, 29
Sonic Solution, 6, 29
speed

reading CD-RW, 2

reading DVD, 2

reading DVD-Video, 2

writing CD-R, 2

writing DVD+R, 2

writing DVD+R DL, 2

writing DVD+RW, 2

writing DVD-R, 2

writing DVD-R DL, 2

writing DVD-RW, 2
support, 52
technical support, 52, 53
tray

closing, 27

front door, 10

loading and unloading, 26
troubleshooting, 35
ultra DMA

support, 3
ultra speed CD-RW

media, 25

write speed, 26
upgrading firmware, 3, 33
USB cable, 11
warranty, 56
web site, Plextor, 52
weight

PX-806SA, 51
write methods

CD, 5

DVD, 4
writing

DVD-RAM, 25
writing a CD

image, 5
writing a CD image, 50
writing speed

achieving, 25

CD-R, 2

CD-RW, 2

DVD+R, 2

DVD+R DL, 2

DVD-R, 2

DVD-R DL, 2

high speed CD-RW, 26

normal speed CD-RW, 26

ultra speed CD-RW, 26
writing to CD-R, 29
writing to CD-RW, 29
writing to DVD+R, 29
writing to DVD+RW, 29
writing to DVD-RAM, 29
zero link, 4

PLEXTOR
42000 Christy Street
Fremont, CA 94538

Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:

510-824-9693
408-404-0142

[e-mail]

www.plextor.com