Plextor's PX-708A DVD±RW

Saturday, 11 September 2004 00:05 Last Updated on Saturday, 19 April 2008 16:24 Written by Benjamin "Zeus" Heide
Article Index
Plextor's PX-708A DVD±RW
The Drive, Bundle and Software
Test Setup, Info and Media Compatibility
Performance - CD Read and Write Tests
Performance - DVD Read and Write Tests
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Page 1 of 6

Product: Plextor PX-708A DVD±RW
Provided By: Plextor

Introduction:
 
It's been almost 4 months since I've had a new DVD burner on the bench. There have been a lot of changes and improvements in the DVD Recordable industry in this short time. Lately, I've had the chance to work with Plextor's latest offering to the Internal DVD±RW game, the PX-708A. This is one heck uv 'a drive, and I'm attempting to give you the lowdown in a complete review. The coolest thing about this drive is definitely it's 8X DVD+R Write speed, but I won't stop there. We'll take a look at pretty much everything, then draw few conclusions.
 
Plextor has been making "Professional" quality optical drives for quite a few years. Not only have they won many awards in the hardware community, they have also won the loyalty of almost everyone who has used a Plextor product. With this look at the PX-708A DVD±RW, we'll see if this loyalty is well-founded, or should be placed in something else. This review is not a comparison or a roundup, it's simply an in-depth look at this product as it is. Here goes. . .
 
Here is a pic to get you started.
 
Plextor has livened up their packaging with this drive release. They've dropped the darker box and went with something a little more attractive. (You know a geek when, he finds product boxes attractive.) You can barely see the drives ratings: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD-R & DVD+RW, 2X DVD-RW, and 12X DVD Read.
 

Specs & Features:

 

What review would be complete without the specs ripped from the manufacturer's web site? Behold, the specs, as reported by Plextor. The full list of specs can be downloaded in a PDF here.

  • 8X (DVD+R only) 8.1-10.8 MB/sec
    4X (DVD+/-R,+RW only) - 5.4 MB/sec
    2.4X (DVD+R/RW only) - 3.24 MB/sec
    2X (DVD-R/RW only) - 2.7 MB/sec
    5X-12X (DVD read only) - 6.75-16.2 MB/sec
    3X-8X (DVD read only) - 4.05-10.8 MB/sec
    2X-5X (DVD read only) - 2.8-6.75 MB/sec (Playing DVD-Video)
    2X (DVD read only) - 2.7 MB/sec
    40X (CD write only) - 3-6 MB/sec
    32X (CD write only) - 3-4.8 MB/sec
    24X (CD rewrite only) - 3-3.6 MB/sec
    17X-40X (CD read only) - 2.71-6.0 MB/sec (Mode 1, Mode 2 Form 1 and CD-R)
    16X (CD write only) - 2.4 MB/sec (CD-R)
    14X-32X (CD read only) - 2.17-4.8 MB/sec (Mode 1, Mode 2 Form 1, CD-DA and CD-R)
    10X (CD read only) - 1.5 MB/sec (Mode 1, Mode 2 Form 1, CD-DA and CD-R)
    10X (CD rewrite only) - 1.5 MB/sec
    8X (CD read/write) - 1.2 MB/sec (Mode 2 Form 2 read only)
    4X (CD write/rewrite/read) - 600 KB/sec
  • Burst Read/Write 33 MB/sec (Ultra DMA Mode 2), 16.6 MB/sec (PIO Mode 4/DMA Mode 2)
  • Typical CD Random Access <100 ms Typical DVD Random Access <150 ms
    Buffer 2 MB
 

Here is Plextor's "Feature List":

  • 8-in-1 Combo drive: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD-R, 4X DVD+RW, 2X DVD-RW, 12X DVD-ROM, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW AND 40X CD-ROM
  • Lossless linking technology enables users to perform basic editing tasks directly on the DVD disc.
  • Buffer Under Run Proof technology prevents buffer under run errors.
  • PoweRec technology is a sophisticated write strategy providing superior quality recording at maximum speed for your chosen media.
  • Support DVD+RW background format.
  • Support DVD+VR format.
  • Horizontal or vertical mounting orientation.
  • Black CD tray minimizes jitter.
  • OS Support - Windows® 98SE/Me/2000/XPâ„¢
  • One-year full warranty. (parts and labor)
  • Unlimited toll-free tech support.
 
Anyhoo, head on over to the next page to take a look at what comes in the box.


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