detail information

Test machine:

For this review we will be using a computer with the following configuration:

Hardware:

⋅         Motherboard: ASUSTeK A8N-SLI DELUXE (nForce 4 SLI chipset)
⋅         Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (Toledo) Dual Core
⋅         RAM: 2 GB Corsair TWINX 2CL DDR
⋅         GFX: Leadtek Winfast 6600 TD (PCI Express nVidia)
⋅         Sound: SoundBlaster Audigy 2
⋅         Hard disk: 2X 200GB Seagate Barracuda (SATA)

System set-up:

The Plextor PX-760A was connected as Secondary Master and identified itself as PLEXTOR DVDR PX-760A. DMA (Direct Memory Access) and autorun was enabled for all devices.

And another screenshot from Nero InfoTool below:

From the screenshot from Nero InfoTool above, we can see the Plextor PX-760A does not support Mount Rainier. The drive came shipped with firmware version 1.00.

Firmware Update:

We checked Plextor's website and found a later firmware version 1.01 and later version 1.02, so we proceeded to update the firmware.

Below we can see the firmware update process in action.

Our review PC was restarted after the firmware update process had completed.

We once again run InfoTool to check that the firmware had updated correctly (see the above screenshot).

Installed Software:

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is installed on the computer along with Service Pack 1 for x64. We will be using the following software in this review:

• Nero Burning ROM 7
• Nero CD/DVD Speed
• Nero InfoTool
• Slysoft CloneCD
• Exact Audio Copy v0.95 beta 2
• K-Probe v2.5.2
• PlexTools Professional XL

Features and techniques:

AUTOSTRATEGY: The best DVD Quality

For the best writing quality, the drive's AUTOSTRATEGY technology selects the optimized write strategy for every DVD disc and, if necessary, creates a new write strategy for unknown media. (DVD+/-R)

A separate database stores all strategies that are created by the AUTOSTRATEGY function for media that is not currently supported in the firmware. A maximum of 31 write strategies can be held in the non-volatile memory of the drive. The entries can be activated or de-activated, and deleted. The list of database entries can be viewed and saved or printed.

The user can select the write strategy from the AUTOSTRATEGY database or from the database that resides in the drive's firmware by activating a different Mode.

Remark: This function is only available for DVD+R and DVD-R media (4X and higher).

1. Auto Selection Mode:

The drive will select the best write strategy, whether it is located in the AUTOSTRATEGY database or in the firmware database. If no suitable strategy is found, AUTOSTRATEGY will create a new, optimized strategy in the database.

2. AUTOSTRATEGY On Mode (Forced):

The drive will create a new write strategy for every new recording, whether a corresponding strategy exists already in the firmware or not.

3. AUTOSTRATEGY On Mode:

The drive will use the write strategies from the AUTOSTRATEGY database for recording. If no suitable strategy is found, a corresponding write strategy from the firmware's database will be used.

4. AUTOSTRATEGY Off Mode:

The drive will only use the write strategies from the firmware's database for recording. If no corresponding write strategy is found, the default write strategy will be used.

Media Quality Check

To assure you're receiving the best results with your drive, this function checks the quality of blank media.

Write strategy creation

This function offers to create a new write strategy for your blank media. The drive will create a new write strategy in the AUTOSTRATEGY database without recording a disc. It is possible to create several write strategies for the same media, which can be useful if there is a quality difference among media with the same MID code.

PlexTools Professional XL Auto Strategy Database

PlexEraser

PlexEraser is a data destruction utility that makes a recorded CD-R or DVD disc unreadable. The drive will "re-record" over the Lead-in and data sectors of a write once disc rendering the disc data unusable. Initially this feature will support DVD+/-R and CD-R media. Firmware upgrades will add support for DVD+/-R DL media.

SecureRecording

The SecureRecording function lets you write on a CD-R disc and protect the data with a password. To view the contents of a password-protected disc-or even to see a catalog of files-the user must enter the correct password. The password can be entered via PlexTools Professional software, or with SecuViewer software.

Buffer underrun proof

The buffer underrun proof technologies offer a solution to prevent writing failures during the burning process for CD and DVD by pausing the burn if the data to the drive write buffer is slowed or stopped. The drive resumes the burn process after the drive write buffer is refilled.

Silent mode

If the drive needs to be used in a quiet environment, the drive can be switched to silent mode. Unique technology that sets the drive for super-silent operation. By controlling access speed, read/write speed, and tray opening and closing speed, you reduce drive noise to a whisper. This technology is excellent for recording studios or offices where low noise is required.

SpeedRead

Enable reading CD-R media up to the maximum speed of the drive. Discs that may be damaged due to mishandling or improper use may shatter due to the higher rotational forces reached at the maximum read speed of the drive. The drive's maximum read speed is therefore limited as a safety function. SpeedRead enables the user to increase the read speed of the drive to the maximum possible. Plextor recommends examining each disc before enabling this function.

GigaRec

GigaRec lets you change the recording capacity of a standard CD-R disc from 70 percent up to 130 percent of its standard capacity. You can use GigaRec for CD-DA or data writing at 4X and 8X disc-at-once (DAO). The feature allows you to get that extra storage on a single disc for a larger project. For smaller projects, like an audio master, the feature enables you to use the entire capacity of the disc, increasing the size of the pits and lands for higher reproductive quality.

VariRec

VariRec provides user adjustment of the recording power above or below a default level. The default level reflects an optimized laser power setting with reduced jitter. Changing this setting will result in a change of sound or sound quality and may increase the playability or compatibility with existing players.

Q-Check

PlexTools Professional software provides a suite of diagnostic tests for blank and recorded media. The pre-recording tests of blank media allow you to choose the best media brands and recording parameters for your drive. The post-recording tests quantify the recording session and provide analyzer-type results to guarantee you're getting the best recording possible.

PoweRec

Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control (PoweRec) adjusts laser power and writing speed so they're at the optimum settings for that particular disc. Using real-time monitoring of the write data, PoweRec can increase or decrease write power and speed to guarantee the best possible writing quality with whatever brand media is used.

PlexTools Professional

This software tool offers a complete suite of recording applications and supports your drive's advanced quality check functions. Advanced drive settings such as GigaRec or Silent Mode can be changed. High quality audio extraction, various recording modes, and copying of files or disc images can be selected. Media testing with the drive's Q-Check function allows you to select the best media for your drive and examine the quality of your recordings. (www.plextools.com)

PlexTools Professional XL

Based on the existing solid code of PlexTools Professional, PlexTools Professional XL offers more features and extra options. The new layout with resizable windows and improved graphs, enhanced audio functions and project options, as well as the unique update check system, is designed and tuned for the demanding user. (www.plextools.com)

Media Diagnostics:

The Plextor PX-760A in conjunction with PlexTools Professional/XL supports some pretty impressive media diagnostic tools.

Let's take a look at the 'All In One test"

For this test we used a Plextor branded DVD+R media (YUDEN000T03) and burned the disc at 18x.

We choose to use 4 tests in our 'All In One Test"

• DVD Q-Check PI/PO SUM8 Test
• DVD Q-Check PI/PO SUM1 Test
• DVD Q-Check Beta/Jitter Test
• DVD Q-Check TA Test

The amount of good information given by these tests, make the Plextor PX-760A drive, the ideal drive for media diagnostic testing.

Writing Technology:

In the following tests, we take a look at the disc writing technology used by the Plextor PX-760A.

For these tests we simply burned a disc with Nero CD-Speed's 'create data disc" function.

CD-Recordable:

The Plextor PX-760A used CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write our CD-R media at 48x, this gave an average write speed of 36.81x and a total writing time of 2 minutes and 38 seconds.

Below we have 3 other drives for comparison.

The Pioneer DVR-111 used CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write our CD-R media at 40x, this gave an average write speed of 30.31x and a total writing time of 3 minutes and 15 seconds.

The Samsung SE-W164C uses CAV (Constant Angular Velocity), to write at its maximum speed of 48x. This gives an average write speed of 37.22x.

The LG GSA-5160D uses Z-CLV, (Zone-Constant Linear Velocity), to write at its maximum speed of 40X. The drive wrote the last zone at 40.41X and this gives an average speed of 31.70x.

 For comparison we have made the following table: 

As we can see from the table, the Plextor PX-760A was the fastest drive when it comes to writing CD-R's.

CD-Rewritable:

The Plextor PX-760A used Z-CLV (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write our CD-RW at its maximum speed of 24x, this gave an average write speed of 23.49x and a total writing time of 3 minutes and 43 seconds.

Below are some other drives for comparison.

The Pioneer used Z-CLV (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write our CD-RW at its maximum speed of 32x, this gave an average write speed of 24.90x and a total writing time of 3 minutes and 49 seconds.

The Samsung SE-W164C uses Z-CLV (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write CD-RW media at its maximum speed of 32x, with an average write speed of 28.32x and a total writing time of 3 minutes 35 seconds.

The NEC ND-3540A uses Z-CLV, (Zone-Constant Linear Velocity) writing technology to write at 32X for CD-RW discs, the average speed is 29.75x.

For a better overview we present the following comparison table:

As we can see from the table, the Plextor PX-760A was above average when writing CD-RW media.

18X DVD+R Writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R at the maximum supported speed of 18x. This gives an average write speed of 12.41x and a writing time of 5 minutes and 34 seconds.

18X DVD-R Writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD-R at the maximum supported speed of 18x. This gives an average write speed of 12.35x and a writing time of 5 minutes and 41 seconds.

Below are some write graphs from some other drives for comparison.

The NEC 3540A uses CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R at 16x. This gives an average writing speed of 11.81x and a writing time of 5 minutes and 58 seconds.

The Philips DVDR16LS uses CAV, (Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R at 16x. The average speed is 11.33x and total writing time is 6 minutes and 8 seconds. The average speed is lower and the writing time is higher than it could have been due to the Walking OPC generation 2 using some time to constantly adjust the writing quality, we could see this as constant dips in the speed curve.

The LG GSA-4163B uses P-CAV, (Partial-Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD-R at 16x. The average speed is 12.90x and total writing time is 5 minutes and 20 seconds.

Below, we made a comparison table:

From the table above, we can see that the Plextor PX-760A was the fastest drive when it comes to burning DVD±R media.

8X DVD+RW writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses P-CAV, (Partial Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+RW at 8x. The average speed is 7.87x and total writing time is 7 minutes and 15 seconds.

Below are two drives for comparison.

The Pioneer DVR-111 uses Z-CLV, (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD+RW at 8x. The average speed is 7.83x and total writing time is 7 minutes and 26 seconds.

The NEC ND-4550A uses Z-CLV, (Zone-Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD+RW at 8x. The average speed is 7.98x and total writing time is 7 minutes and 15 seconds.

We made the table below for easy comparison.

The Plextor was one of the fastest drives when it came to writing DVD+RW at 8x.

6X DVD-RW writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses CLV, (Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-RW at 6x. The average speed is 6.03x and the total writing time is 10 minutes.

Below are two other drives for comparison.

The Pioneer DVR-111 uses CLV, (Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-RW at 6x. The average speed is 6.01x and the total writing time is 9 minutes and 56 seconds.

The NEC ND-4550A uses Z-CLV, (Zoned Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-RW at 6x. The average speed is 5.80x and total writing time is 11 minutes 6 seconds.

We present the table below for easy comparison.

The Plextor PX-760A was one of the fastest drives when writing DVD-RW media

10X DVD+R DL writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses P-CAV, (Partial Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R DL at 10x. The average speed is 8.71x and total writing time is 13 minutes and 55 seconds.

Reviewers note
We were unable to obtain a true 10x P-CAV burn with our tested media.

Below are three other drives for comparison.

The Plextor PX-755A used P-CAV, (Partial Constant Angular Velocity) to write the Verbatim DVD+R DL disc at 10x. The average speed was 8.61x and the total writing time was 14 minutes and 14 seconds.

The NEC ND-4550A uses Z-CLV (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD+R DL media at 8x which gives an average write speed of 6.55x and a total write time of 18 minutes and 40 seconds.

The BenQ DW1640 uses P-CAV (Partial Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R DL at its maximum speed of 8x. This gives an average write speed of 7.32x and a total write time of 15 minutes and 36 seconds.

6X DVD-R DL writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses CLV, (Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-R DL at 6x. This gives an average writing speed of 5.92x and a total write time of 18 minutes and 33 seconds.

Below are three other drives for comparison.

The Pioneer DVR-111 uses Z-CLV, (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-R DL at 8x. This gives an average writing speed of 7.40x and a total write time of 16 minutes and 57 seconds.

The Lite-On SHW-16H5S used CLV, (Constant Linear Velocity) to write the Verbatim DVD-R DL disc at 4x. The average speed was 4.02x and the total writing time was 27 minutes and 32 seconds.

The Pioneer DVR-110 uses Z-CLV, (Zone Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-R DL at 8x. This gives an average writing speed of 7.06x and a total write time of 17 minutes and 55 seconds.

We present the table below for easy comparison.

With its 10x DVD+R DL write speed, the Plextor PX-760A was the fastest drive writing our test DVD+R DL media, and was around average when writing our DVD-R DL media.

Book type (Bitsetting):

The Plextor PX-760A supports auto Bitsetting, and supports DVD+R/DVD+R DL media with DVD-ROM book type.

Here is how you could check if your discs are really written with DVD-ROM book type:

Start Nero CD-DVD Speed and click the Disc info button and you should get the following screen:

DVD+R DL with book type DVD-ROM.

Another quick test is to start Nero CD-Speed and look at the disc information:

This should say DVD-ROM.

Now let us take a look at the reading performance of the Plextor PX-760A on the next page….