I am a bit confused here. I have a Plextor PX-708A that was built into my new computer in December 2003. The computer is a P4 2.8gHz, 1gb ram, dual 120gb HD Raid 0 and dual 200gb hd Raid 0 running XP home. I have always had great backup / burns with this drive no matter the media. I consistantly use the Ridata +R from Newegg and am lucky to Coaster 1 out of 100. Lately though my backups are skipping and jumpy. I've blown out the drive and even as a last resort ran a lens cleaner. I usually use DVDFab Decrypter or RipIt4Me, then Vob Blanker, then Recode or Shrink and finally Nero Burning Rom (6.x). It finishes without errors amd seems fine until playback... and the jumps and jitters are in the same spot on two different players Side note: My buffer stays at 87% - is this an issue? I think it has always been about 87%. Any thoughts or way to test the drive? It's really odd. Some of the backups that have given me problems are: Casino Royale, the Prestige, even Dukes of Hazzard - the Beginning. I have no issue ripping them but in the last 2-3 weeks my playback issues are huge. Granted the drive has been used alot. Any thoughts? Greatly appreciated!! Thanks all. Here is my last nero log: Nero Burning ROM Windows XP 5.1 IA32 WinAspi: - ahead WinASPI: File 'C:\Program Files\Ahead\Nero\Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=2.0.1.68, size=160016 bytes, created 7/22/2004 5:33:44 PM Nero version: 6.3.1.25 Recorder: <PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A> Version: 1.12 - HA 0 TA 0 - 6.3.1.25 Adapter driver: <atapi> HA 0 Drive buffer : 2048kB Bus Type : default (0) -> ATAPI, detected: ATAPI CD-ROM: <JLMS XJ-HD166S >Version: DS18 - HA 1 TA 0 - 6.3.1.25 Adapter driver: <atapi> HA 1 === Scsi-Device-Map === CdRomPeripheral : PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On CdRomPeripheral : JLMS XJ-HD166S atapi Port 1 ID 0 DMA: On DiskPeripheral : Raid 0 Volume iaStor Port 2 ID 0 DMA: On DiskPeripheral : Promise 2+0 Stripe/RAID01.10 fasttx2k Port 3 ID 0 DMA: Off === CDRom-Device-Map === PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A D: CDRom0 JLMS XJ-HD166S E: CDRom1 ======================= AutoRun : 1 Excluded drive IDs: WriteBufferSize: 83886080 (0) Byte ShowDrvBufStat : 0 BUFE : 0 Physical memory : 1023MB (1048028kB) Free physical memory: 477MB (489456kB) Memory in use : 53 % Uncached PFiles: 0x0 Use Static Write Speed Table: 0 Use Inquiry : 1 Global Bus Type: default (0) Check supported media : Disabled (0) 8.4.2007 UDF/ISO compilation 10:05:46 AM #1 Phase 112 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 DVD-Video files reallocation started 10:05:46 AM #2 Phase 114 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified) 10:05:46 AM #3 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 6083 Iso document burn settings ------------------------------------------ Determine maximum speed : FALSE Simulate : FALSE Write : TRUE Finalize CD : TRUE Multisession : FALSE Burning mode : DAO Mode : 1 ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char) Character set : ISO 9660 Joliet :FALSE Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : TRUE Allow more than 255 characters in path : TRUE Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE 10:05:46 AM #4 Phase 111 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 DVD-Video files sorted 10:05:46 AM #5 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 126 Reader running 10:05:46 AM #6 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 124 Writer PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A running Nero Report 1 Nero Burning ROM 10:05:46 AM #7 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3899 First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000) 10:05:46 AM #8 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3899 First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000) 10:05:46 AM #9 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3152 Turn on Disc-at-once, using DVD media 10:05:46 AM #10 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 247 Last possible write address on media: 2295103 (510:01.28, 4482MB) Last address to be written: 2287807 (508:24.07, 4468MB) 10:05:46 AM #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 259 Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD) 10:05:46 AM #12 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2162 Recorder: PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A, Media type: DVD+R 10:05:46 AM #13 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 420 >>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<< ========================================= 10:05:46 AM #14 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 813 Setup items (after recorder preparation) 0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 (CTransferItem) 2 indices, index0 (150) not provided original disc pos #0 + 2287808 (2287808) = #2287808/508:24.8 relocatable, disc pos for caching/writing not required/required, no patch inf os -> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 2287808 blo cks [PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A ] -------------------------------------------------------------- 10:05:46 AM #15 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 984 Prepare recorder [PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A ] for write in CUE-sheet-DAO DAO infos: ========== MCN: "" TOCType: 0x00; Session Closed, disc fixated Tracks 1 to 1: 1: TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x00, FilePos 0 0 468543078 4, ISRC "" DAO layout: =========== __Start_|____Track_|_Idx_|_RecDep_|_CtrlAdr_ 0 | lead-in | 0 | 0x00 | 0x41 0 | 1 | 0 | 0x00 | 0x41 0 | 1 | 1 | 0x00 | 0x41 2287808 | lead-out | 1 | 0x00 | 0x41 10:05:46 AM #16 Phase 24 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 Caching of files started 10:05:46 AM #17 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 4163 Cache writing successful. 10:05:46 AM #18 Phase 25 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 Caching of files completed 10:05:46 AM #19 Phase 36 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 Burn process started at 8x (11,080 KB/s) 10:05:46 AM #20 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 2344 Verifying disc position of item 0 (relocatable, disc pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0 10:05:46 AM #21 SCSI -1066 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 1191 SCSI Exec, HA 0, TA 0, LUN 0, buffer 0x03B45000 Status: 0x04 (0x01, SCSI_ERR) HA-Status 0x00 (0x00, OK) TA-Status 0x02 (0x01, SCSI_TASTATUS_CHKCOND) Sense Key: 0x05 (KEY_ILLEGAL_REQUEST) Sense Code: 0x24 Nero Report 2 Nero Burning ROM Sense Qual: 0x00 CDB Data: 0xAD 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x08 0x04 0x00 0x00 Sense Data: 0x70 0x00 0x05 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x0A 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x24 0x00 10:05:46 AM #22 Text 0 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1713 Set remaining time: 7:11,639 (431639ms) -> OK 10:05:46 AM #23 Text 0 File DVDPlusRW.cpp, Line 628 Start write address at LBA 0 DVD high compatibility mode: Yes 10:13:26 AM #24 Text 0 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 115 <PLEXTOR DVDR PX-708A > start writing Lead-Out at LBA 2287808 (22E8C0h), leng ht 0 blocks 10:13:26 AM #25 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 229 all writers idle, stopping conversion 10:13:50 AM #26 Text 0 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1713 Set remaining time: 0:00,000 (0ms) -> OK 10:13:50 AM #27 Text 0 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1713 Set remaining time: 0:00,000 (0ms) -> OK 10:13:50 AM #28 Phase 37 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855 Burn process completed successfully at 8x (11,080 KB/s) Existing drivers: File 'Drivers\atapi.sys': Ver=5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158), size=95360 bytes, created 8/4/2004 1:59:42 AM (Adapter driver for rec) Registry Keys: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option)
First thing you need to do is edit out your Nero Serial number before someone steels it. It is the number at the top of the log that looks like this 1A23-0077-5030-1585-XXXX-XXXX Second, even though you say you have been lucky with that media I would suggest you get some better quality media like Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim's. Third, that drive only supports x8 max so I would slow the burn down to x4 (especially using inferior media) You could also try burning with ImageBurn.
Source, target, hardware, and software are the alternatives. Hardware and software aren't usually selective for a particular title as long as the decryption software is working properly. If the press is good and no bad scratches or smudges and the Source is cleared. Recordable media is one of the big problem areas and newer media and older drives raise compatibility and firmware issues. Compression is another problem that causes skipping and I noticed some good sized titles mentioned. Are you using the Quality Settings? With Casino Royale you can lessen the compression about 20% by removing adverts, trailers, and unnecessary audio and subtitles. You can get good results with other releases as well, just in case you aren't already.
Thanks for serial # info - ouch! I do pull the previews and warnings and crap out. The 1st 30 or so in the spindle have been okay and I have tried three other lesser quality disc to no aval. Will get some better media and go from there. Thanks -
They are jumpy in a DVD player (two different to be exact) - but not in the Plextor drive. I've tried other media - tried buring at 4x - tired -R and +R on the same movie and still same issues. I never go past the 20% compression and most are in the upper 90's. I've used compressed air and even as a last resort ran a DVD cleaner through all of them. Latest firmware - yes 1.12. Now - I took Charlotte's Web - skipped a lot burned on my Plextor. Burned one on my Laptop with a NEC DL burner using the same Ridata 16X media and it was golden. Compression doesn't seem to be an issue. I really dump all the behind the scenes crap, trailers, etc out of the movies.
It's already available. http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Plex...edia_Software_Black,__34579792/search=px-800a Don't get sticker shock, the prices are for lots as well as some single unit pricing.
I was just looking at that - they seem like bulk unit though not retail with the software. There is a few "bulk oem" on eBay as well. Any other burners you recommend? Side note: Where do you get the Taiyo Yuden media and know it's legit? Thanks again -
Meritline carries a lot of TY and they're reliable. You can check with rated vendors, they sometimes have TY on sale. Plextor is my favorite burner. I've got HP, Sony, Samsung, Pioneer, and Asus; they've all worked well. Just make sure the drive you choose has all the features you want. I like having a drive that booktypes, even if it isn't that important nowadays. Lite-On is a good inexpensive drive. I've heard LG and BenQ are okay. You hear horror stories about them all. Some people say they've had problems out of the slot drive model Plex PX-716AL I have. Mine stays busy and I've had it for a long time. My HP 740 reads better, the PLex burns better, and the HP burns lightscribe labels. So it took me 2 drives to get what I wanted. If I need to deal with a RAM disc, I have to go to another PC and use an Asus drive. I don't have any call for RAM on my system, but I keep a drive that supports RAM just in case.
Schweet - I like my Plextor as well - I was going to grab the PX-760A but I got an e-mail back from Plextor saying the PX-800A will be in full release within the month. Odd thing is the PX-760A is $119 and the new TurboPlex PX-800A is only $79. We shall see. Thanks again -
@orion6192, Well my 2 cents here would be about the same as Pacman777's make sure you get one that will do everything you want. Now that being said the Plextor's are great drives, but for the money and features I would recommend a LiteON. I have had just about every drive made and I can honestly say my LiteOn drives have burned just as good as my Plextor's. The main difference I can see are the LiteOn drives have more features and you can buy two LiteOn drives for the price of one Plextor drive. I am not trying to sway your decision in anyway, but just offering some advice from someone who has owned just about every brand of drive out there. Right now I have a ASUS (re-badged Pioneer) DVDRW and a Plextor in my main computer, and in the other I have a LiteOn DVDRW w/LiteOn DVD ROM. I am about to put the LiteOn back in my main PC because I miss it's capability of LightScribe and at reading problematic disks (which it seems to do better than anything else). Just about any Drive you get now is going to work fine so there is no need to spend a lot of money on something just for the name.
All right - I went for the Lite-on LH-20A1H-186 $38.99 @ Newegg - dropped down to $37.99 overnight though. I receive it Friday - the 13th - bad omen? LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 8X DVD-R DL 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM IDE Burner with LightScribe Technology - Retail Model Brand LITE-ON Type DVD Burner Model LH-20A1H-186 Performance DVD-ROM Access Time 160ms CD-ROM Access Time 160ms WRITE Speed DVD+R 20X DVD+RW 8X DVD-R 20X DVD-RW 6X CD-R 48X CD-RW 32X DVD+R DL 8X DVD-R DL 8X DVD-RAM 12X READ Speed DVD-ROM 16X CD-ROM 48X Physical Spec LightScribe Support Yes Form Factor 5" Panel Color Black Configuration Load Type Tray Interface IDE Software Operating Systems Supported Windows 98/ ME/ 2000/ XP Software Contents Nero I was shooting for the new TurboPlex PX-800A but the tech support at Plextor said it would be within a month but they were also already working on firmware fixes - so with much prompting - I jump into the Lite-On arena.
Yeah - but they are not supposed to be retail version only OEM. They mentioned that the retail version was held up. We'll see how the lite-on runs - half the price like you said. Thanks again - I'll post how it works.
OEM doesn't matter to me with drives. I prefer the round cables for better air flow in the case, so the cables wouldn't matter that much. An OEM I got had the flat cables. I've already got the software, so that isn't important. Funny, the OEM I got had about everything except the retail package. They like to charge extra for that. Plus any software specific to PLextor can be downloaded. I didn't care that much for Plextools anyway. Your call though and you saved some bucks.
I am sure you will be happy with your drive Again as PacMann has said almost all OEM drives come with the sofware and cables the only thing missing is the pretty box that you will throw away anyway. In fact I have purchased literally hundreds of drives (all OEM) and they have always came with everything you need. Let us know how you like your drive. Also I would recommend a good LiteOn DVD ROM drive for ripping or reading your DVD's they will always be faster at this than any writer and it just saves wear and tear on the burner. Cheers
