Digital Trends

Plextor PlexWriter PX-708A

October 1st, 2003 | by Ian Bell

Introduction

While other manufacturers were quickly producing their own dual format DVD writers, Plextor took their time bringing the PX-708A to market, all in the name of better performance. The PX-708A is capable of writing DVD+R media at a blazing fast 8X and +RW media at 4X speeds making it the fastest consumer based DVD writer currently on the market. The PX-708A is also capable of writing CD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW formats. Add to the mix a robust software package, a one year warranty and a reliable burn and good things truly come to those that wait.

Features and Design

Plextor is currently selling two internal DVD writers: the PX-504A and the PX-708A. Both drives can read and write DVD+R/RW formats. The the PX-708A is capable of writing both +/- formats and does it at faster speeds, which makes it cost about $45-$50 more than the PX-504A. Here is a comparison of the two drives:

When compared to the fastest DVD+/- drive available from TDK, Pioneer, Sony and NEC, the PX-708A is capable of faster write speeds on both the DVD+R/RW and CD-R/RW fronts. And while the PX-708A might have been to market later than their competitors, the benefit is all yours. If you look at the software packages of other DVD Writers you will notice that either Nero 5 or Easy CD Creator 5 DVD Edition is what you get for burning software. Plextor was able to package Roxio's Easy CD and DVD Creator 6 with the PX-708A as well as PhotoSuite 5 SE and Dant'z Retrospect trial version.

Also included in the PX-708A package is an IDE cable and a blank DVD+R media disc. There is no audio cable or +/- RW media with the writer. Apple users will have to skip the PX-708A and opt for Plextor's PX-708UF external drive which has the same specs as their internal drive but with Apple support. Plextor did the same thing with their PX-504 drives. If you have a black computer case and would like to find a matching DVD writer, the Plextor PX-708A is also available with a black faceplate.

The Plextor PX-708A features Buffer Under Run Proof technology to prevent buffer underrun errors as well as Plextor's PoweRec writing error reduction control, which is designed for stable recording at maximum speed. The PX-708A features a 2MB memory buffer which is typical for most DVD writers, but we would have liked to have seen a larger memory buffer, especially for Plextor's top-of-the-line writer. For complete drive specifications please click on the specifications links above and below the review.