detail information

Test machine:

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

Hardware:

• Motherboard: Asus A8V Deluxe
• Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (Venice) 1000 MHz Hyper Transport
• RAM: 1 GB Corsair Kit PC3200 DDR
• GFX: MSI GeForce 6600 GT
• Sound: Onboard Realtek AC'97
• Hard disk: Seagate Barracuda ST3250823A 250 GB

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.

A screenshot from PlexTools Professional V2.32.

A screenshot from PlexTools Professional LE V3.07.

Software:

Windows XP Professional is installed on the computer along with Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. We will be using the following software in this review:

• Ahead Nero CD-DVD Speed v4.11
• Ahead Nero InfoTool v4.00
• Plextools Professional V2.32a

Installation:

We quickly installed the drive without any problems and here is a screenshot from Nero InfoTool:

Our drive came shipped with firmware v1.00. The only drawbacks we could see are: The missing Mt. Rainier support along with the small buffer size. (The official specification state: Mt. Rainier by firmware upgrade).

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.

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)

Quality Scanning:

Q-Check PI/PO Test (SUM8):

Q-Check PI/PO Test (SUM1):

Q-Check Beta/Jitter:

Q-Check TA Test:

Q-Check TA Test - Inner Disc Zone:

Q-Check TA Test - Middle Disc Zone:

Q-Check TA Test - Outer Disc Zone:

Writing Technology:

18x DVD±R writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD+R at 18x. The average speed is 12.39x and total writing time is 5:33 minutes.

The Plextor PX-760A uses CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) to write DVD-R at 18x. The average speed is 12.36x and total writing time is 5:45 minutes.

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 13:55 minutes.

6x DVD-R DL writing speed:

The Plextor PX-760A uses CLV, (Constant Linear Velocity) to write DVD-R DL at 6x. The average speed is 5.92x and total writing time is 18:39 minutes.

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 7.88x and total writing time is 7:30 minutes.

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 total writing time is 10:18 minutes.

On the next page: Reading performance…