As I said and you mentioned, if the drive booktypes, the ability is set by the utility unless it is "hardwired" with the firmware (some Sonys auto booktype DL). Plextools isn't a requirement for a Plextor drive, just a handy utility includeded. Sometimes they get cheap or forgetful and the buyer doesn't get the promotional free Plextools unless they download it. Also, the better version (Pro) is retail. I don't find that a failure with the 740, but if it makes a difference, then a person should go elsewhere. That's what a "free market" is all about.
Mort Nero, DVDInfoPro, and other apps do the same setting as well. The utility can be a general one such as DVDInfopro or one specific to a drive, such as Plextools for the Plextor. It doesn't matter as long as the setting gets set.
brobear, that is true with nero but you have to use nero to burn in order for the setting to apply. if you used dvdclone2's, or dvdcopy3/4's, burn utility or dvddecrypter, or imgburn the setting will not apply. it would however be set at dvd-rom regardless of what burn utility you used if you set the eeprom to dvd-rom with the use of the drives own utility. Some burn utilities that are capable of setting booktype to dvd-rom have to be set prior to every burn with certain drives that do not have an eeprom setting eg. dvd decrypter and imgburn with certain drives.
All I know is that the Plex 740 I had would not do it without DVD InfoPro which identified the drive as a BenQ. Plex Utilities would somewhat work with the drive but all the options were not available, and the booktyping utility was one. The Plex 716a will booktype automatically without being set in Plex Tools. The 740a was Plex's foray into the less expensive drive market, also with this drive they switched from a samsung chipset to a phillips which I don't know if this makes any difference, probably just in price.
Arniebear We must have gotten different 716(s) because mine didn't booktype out of the box. I had to set it. Mort, If booktyping only works with the utility or program that set it, then why have it in DVDInfoPro? I usually burn only with Nero, guess I'll have to burn with some other programs to check out your assertion.
Dvdinfopro sets the eeprom in the drive to dvd-rom. I know with some drives if you use dvd decrypter or imgburn to booktype you have to set it to do so prior to every burn. I don't think nero sets the eeprom but could be wrong. Basically what I am saying is I prefer to use the drives own booktype utility to perform the chore.
