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Storage has always been an issue. Having enough room to place video files, images etc has always been a problem. Even with CD drives, that solution starts to come up short when you consider that files are growing literally by the minute. Couple that development with video, which is a notorious space stealer, the need for larger storage devices is urgent. While DVD drives have been around, price point wise they have been somewhat less than viable for most users. That situation has fortunately changed.
DVD drives are comparable to what CD drives were a few years ago in price, and what is better is that all in one drives, those that can burn both CD’s and DVD’s, are becoming more and more common place. The only drawback is finding a drive that is cost effective, compatible with most systems, and more than anything will be a solid performer.
After scouring the Internet looking for a DVD drive that was practical, shipped with a good software bundle and was relatively easy to install, the Plextor PX-504A turned out to be a real winner. Taking into account price, installation, software included and performance, Plextor definitely has an excellent drive on its hands. When you consider what it does, how well and how fast, plus the fact that it can be purchased for as little as $219 to a max of $279, according to my resources, this is dollar for dollar a superb deal.
The first thing that I looked at, before the instruction manual, was what was included with the drive. In many instances when you purchase a device the makers neglect to include much in the way of software. Beyond a few drivers, usually you may get some old title that may, or may not, work with the latest OS. Plextor has actually done a good job of including software that can actually get you up and running. Included with the drive is the excellent Cyberlink Power DVD version 4 for Windows XP. This software can literally play any DVD you throw at it without winking. Lately I have noticed that some software that allows you to play DVD films have been less that universal. This one is able to play just about everything I had on hand. For me, that is impressive. I have literally seen titles turn to mush when I play them using certain software. So I cannot fault Plextor on this point. Also, they included a basic version of Roxio’s Easy CD Creator version 5. In the past I have had serious issues with Easy CD Creator. In fact, my tech people told me stay far from it because it was known to destroy systems. Well, I can state that Roxio has improved the software considerably. In terms of compatibility, Roxio’s rendition is a sold choice for Windows XP users. While I cannot state how well other Windows versions will work, this one did perform without issue on two test systems. Naturally, I am sure that you may want to have Nero on hand. Nero, in terms of detail, configurability and size, is another solid title. To Roxio’s credit, they have included DVD Builder, it is a bit of an unusual application that may be a bit hard for neophytes to operate. To me it seems a tad confusing. But, it will get you from point a to point b.
Now the big point is installation. Since I have never performed an install of a DVD drive, I stay mainly to software and operating complete systems, this was an experience. However, the installation was not that bad. Plextor includes everything you need, however you may want to purchase your own audio cable. While this is not a huge issue, the unit does not ship with one. Also, you will need, and this is pretty obvious, a phillips screwdriver. The good news is that you will not need to purchase some esoteric hardware to make the install. The directions were straightforward and to the point. For our test system, we used a Dell Dimension 8100 running 256 MB of RAM, a Pentium 4 1.7 MHz with a 40 Gig hard drive.
Installation required removing a few cables, a few screws and shutting the whole thing up when done. The entire process took a few mintues, not hours and days. Using Windows XP Home edition, software set up was plug and play and ran without issue. Windows XP immediately recognized the drive, installed the appropriate drivers, and we were on our way in no time. Again, this was using Windows XP, so there could be driver issues with other operating systems. I can state that this was one of the simpler, if not easiest, software installations I have ever seen. Just plug it in, sit back and let Windows handle the details. I doubt if it gets simpler than this.
With the installation complete, the first test was actually burning. Would the unit perform as advertised? Just like the smooth installation, the Plextor can take anything you throw at it and burn relatively quickly. I was amazed in my informal tests just how fast it was. If you think burning a DVD requires hours and hours of time, this is not the case. The drive can perform, and considering its features, it does well on many fronts.
Naturally, stats are important. The PX-504A burns DVD + R and RW disks only and CD-R and RW disks as well, making this an all in one unit more or less. If you are looking for DVD- support, you will have to look at other units. Since DVD + is becoming more of a standard, those that wish to burn DVDs for playback on home systems should not have an issue. I was able to play back test DVDs and found it worked very well.
The speeds are as follows: DVD+R and RW 4X write, 2.4 X rewrite and 12 x read. The CD R and CD RW can write at 16 X, rewrite at 10X and read at 40X.
Below are more stats about the unit:
Dimensions W,H,D 5.75 inches by 1.65 inches by 7.85 minus the front panel
Weight, approximately 2.42 pounds
Power Supply: DC+5V and DC + 12 V
Interface Connection: IDE host adapter and 40 pin Flat E-IDE cable
Audio Output: Analog output and Molex Connector
Headphone Jack: Stereo Mini Jack .8 V at 32 Ohms
Volume Control: wheel knob
The PX 504A is Plextor’s first entry into this market. With a long history as a leader in professional hardware and software, it should come as no surprise that this unit performs admirably well and fast. When compared to other systems, this one can hold its own. As an all in one drive, I can see this as a great replacement for an existing non writable drive, or as an added one to an existing system. I do suggest that if you are considering any new drive, your system be up to the demands of DVD writing. While most units can accommodate CD writing, in order to get the most out of this drive, you will need a Pentium 4, and preferably Windows XP, XP Pro or at least Windows 2000. While you can run older versions like ME and 98 SE, I do feel that you will be better off upgrading to a newer OS like XP and then adding the drive rather than going through the nightmare of finding drivers that will not conflict.
For those that want to record videos from mini DV camcorders, or make copies of movies, there is a lot to suggest this unit as one that can perform well. In terms of backing up a hard drive, this is also a cost effective solution as well.
If you are looking for a DVD drive, confused about what is available, or new to all of this, Plextor’s PX 504A is an excellent choice and one I would easily recommend without hesitation. When you factor in price, bundled software and performance, this is a drive not to overlook.
I would suggest a Pentium 4 only. While you can use a Pentium III, I would advise using a Pentium 4 because of its power, multimedia performance and processor power.
While you can use lower, I would advise against it if you are considering video work, large files and really getting the maximum out of this excellent drive.
Hard Drive Space: At least 8 GB minimum for this device. In real working conditions, 20 is not out of the question either.
Ram 256 MB and up
While you can run this drive on Windows 98 SE and Windows ME, I strongly advise upgrading to Windows XP. The ease of use, multimedia features and plug and play set up simply make sense when considering an upgrade. If you are in the PC world, this may be well worth considering.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
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