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Plextor PX-M401U Installation And User Manual

Mpeg-1/2/4 digital video converter for usb 2.0 interface
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Model PX-M401U
MPEG-1/2/4 DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER
FOR USB 2.0 INTERFACE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JANUARY 2004

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  • Page 1 Model PX-M401U MPEG-1/2/4 DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER FOR USB 2.0 INTERFACE INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL JANUARY 2004...
  • Page 2 Second edition, January 2004. Licenses and Trademarks Plextor, and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks and ConvertX is a trademark of Plextor Corp. InterVideo is a registered trademark, and WinDVD Creator and WinDVD are trademarks of InterVideo, Inc. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.
  • Page 3 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Model Number: PX-M401U Trade Name: PLEXTOR Responsible Party: PLEXTOR Corp. Address: 48383 Fremont Blvd, Suite 120, Fremont, CA 94538-6509, USA Telephone Number: 510-440-2000 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following...
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  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    1. Getting Started ...1 About this Manual ...1 Meet Your ConvertX...1 What You Can Do with the ConvertX...2 Features of the Plextor ConvertX ...3 What You Need to Use the ConvertX ...3 What's in the Box ...4 ConvertX Features and Controls ...5 Front Panel ...5...
  • Page 6 Appendix A: Specifications ... 49 ConvertX Specifications ... 49 WinDVD Creator Specifications... 52 Appendix B: Technical Support... 53 How to Contact Plextor Technical Support... 54 Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call ... 54 Returns ... 55 Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department ... 55 Packing Your ConvertX ...

  • Page 7: Getting Started

    Meet Your ConvertX The Plextor ConvertX is a high-quality digital video converter that takes analog video from a video camera, camcorder, VCR, or cable source and provides high-quality compressed MPEG-1/2/4 digital video for display or archiving onto recordable CD or DVD discs.

  • Page 8: What You Can Do With The Convertx

    You get everything you need for quality digital production—just what you’d expect from Plextor. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 9: Features Of The Plextor Convertx

    Features of the Plextor ConvertX • Analog-to-digital conversion: Convert analog video from your camcorder or VCR into digital format for a computer. • Archiving video memories: Archive your video on long-lasting CD or DVD discs. • Real-time MPEG-1/2/4 hardware video capture: Select the best type for your quality and speed requirements.

  • Page 10: What's In The Box

    • CD-RW drive: To burn CDs, Video CDs, or MiniDVDs. • DVD+RW or DVD-RW drive: To burn DVDs, CDs or Video CDs . • Operating system updates: To enhance your experience, Plextor highly recommends that you update your computer’s Windows operating system with the following service packs (or later service packs) before you install the ConvertX drivers.

  • Page 11: Convertx Features And Controls

    ConvertX Features and Controls Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your ConvertX. Front Panel Figure 2: Front panel of the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Connector or Function Indicator Audio Audio connector: Connect audio input here, using the RCA audio- video cables.

  • Page 12: Rear Panel

    Section 1. Getting Started Rear Panel Figure 3: Rear panel of the ConvertX Digital Video Converter Connector Function DC 9V Power connector: Connect the AC adapter here. The unit has an automatic power switch controlled by the USB cable from the PC. When the PC power is on, the ConvertX power is also on.

  • Page 13: A Word About Mpeg-4

    Section 1. Getting Started A Word about MPEG-4 Together, this version of the ConvertX and WinDVD Creator support two types of MPEG-4 compression: • Real-time MPEG-4 (ISO) compression, with file extension .mpg, is supported by the ConvertX. • MPEG-4 (DivX) compression, file extension .avi, is supported by WinDVD Creator through a software encoder.

  • Page 14: Precautions

    ConvertX. • Do not drop or jolt the ConvertX. • Do not attempt to open the ConvertX and service it yourself. Entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 15: Installing Your Convertx

    Here’s how to install your ConvertX. Install the ConvertX Video Converter Before installation, Plextor highly recommends that you get the latest updates available for your computer’s operating system. If you have a computer with Windows 2000 or Windows XP, use the following procedure to connect your ConvertX USB Digital Video Converter.
  • Page 16 Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 2. Insert the ConvertX software disc into your CD or DVD drive. You see the Plextor Application Installer screen. (If you don’t see the installer screen right away, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the CD or DVD drive, and double-click the Plextor.exe file.)
  • Page 17 5. To choose the default location, click Next. The InstallShield installs the driver. Then you see a window showing that the InstallShield Wizard for the Plextor Codec is complete. Figure 8: Plextor USB Codec has been installed 6. Click Finish. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 18: Install The Convertx Drivers

    1. Connect the ConvertX to your computer as shown in Figure 9. Begin by making sure your computer is on. Figure 9: 1) Make sure the computer is on, 2) make sure the Plextor disc is inserted, 3) plug in the AC adapter, and then 4) connect the ConvertX 2.
  • Page 19 Hardware. The window asks if you want to install the software automatically or install from a specific location. Figure 10: Found New Hardware Wizard for the Plextor USB codec 5. Make sure Install the software automatically is selected and click Next.
  • Page 20 Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 6. Click Continue Anyway. After a few moments you see a message indicating the wizard has finished installing the Plextor ConvertX USB driver. Figure 12: The first driver has been installed 7. In the Found New Hardware Wizard window, click Finish. Now you...
  • Page 21 Figure 14: Ignore this message and select Continue Anyway 9. Click Continue Anyway. After a few moments you see a message indicating the wizard has finished installing the Plextor ConvertX USB driver. Figure 15: The second driver has been installed ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual Section 2.
  • Page 22 Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX 10. In the Found New Hardware Wizard window, click Finish. Now you see another Found New Hardware Wizard, this one for the Plextor ConvertX. The window asks if you want to install the software automatically or install from a specific location.

  • Page 23: Turning The Convertx On And Off

    12. Click Continue Anyway. You see a message indicating the Plextor USB 2.0 hub driver is installed. Figure 18: The final driver has been installed 13. Click Finish. Your ConvertX is installed. You may get a message that indicates you need to restart your computer.

  • Page 24: If The Installation Failed

    4. Locate the icon for Sound, video and game controllers, and click the + sign next to it to expand the entry list. 5. Look for an entry for Plextor ConvertX PX-M401U and one for Plextor ConvertX USB. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 25: Troubleshoot Other Devices

    7. If the ConvertX does not operate even though 1) the sound, audio and game controllers are listed and do not have a yellow diamond with an exclamation point, and 2) the Plextor ConvertX devices are listed, select the Plextor ConvertX devices and then select the Remove button.

  • Page 26: Connect The Video Input To The Convertx

    Section 2. Installing Your ConvertX Connect the Video Input to the ConvertX Connect the analog video source to the ConvertX input connectors. Figure 19 shows some of the sources you can use. Figure 19: Connecting the video and audio sources to the ConvertX •...

  • Page 27: Using Your Convertx With Windvd Creator

    3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator WinDVD Creator software lets you pull in video from your camcorder or another analog source and feed it to the Plextor ConvertX. WinDVD Creator also lets you capture, edit, create and share video and other content.

  • Page 28: Start Capturing Video

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator 9. Accept the default program folder as the location where the setup program will add WinDVD Creator’s icons, or enter the name of another folder. Then click Next. The setup program installs WinDVD Creator, a process that can take a few minutes.

  • Page 29: Overview Of Creating A Cd Or Dvd Disc

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Overview of Creating a CD or DVD Disc When you open WinDVD Creator, you see the main window, with areas for Preview, Media Library, and Story Board. Figure 20: WinDVD Creator’s main window Window Area Function Task buttons...
  • Page 30 Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Step 1, Capture: The first step is the capture step. In this step you take videos from your digital camcorder or VCR, or pictures from your Web camera, and either feed them directly to the ConvertX or save them onto your computer for later use.

  • Page 31: Capturing

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Capturing To display the Capture window: 1. Ensure that the input device (such as a camera, camcorder, video cassette recorder, etc.) is connected to your computer. 2. In the WinDVD main window, click on the Capture button You see the Capture window.
  • Page 32 Those devices allow you to capture video from the Plextor ConvertX, as well as from a television source, camera, or a digital camcorder. For each device, a control panel allows you to control the device.
  • Page 33 Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Figure 22: Typical control panel for the Plextor ConvertX Window Area Function Record Starts and stops recording. button Configuration Displays the configuration window for button this device. 2. To record video, use the device controls to begin playing video or recording on the input device, then press the Record button this device’s on-screen control panel.

  • Page 34: Configuring Your Input Device

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Configuring Your Input Device In the control panel for many input devices, a configuration button lets you change configuration settings. When you click the configuration button , you see tabs for you to choose in order to change to the optimal settings.

  • Page 35: Editing

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Editing In this section of WinDVD Creator you can trim your project, and add music, titles, and transitions to make your project look fantastic. To display the Edit window: • In the WinDVD main window, click on the Edit button .
  • Page 36 Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Window Area Function Edit Displays the Edit window. button Preview window View and listen to your media content. If your project is already arranged, you can preview it by pressing the Play button. If you have already placed transitions into your storyboard, the preview window will also play them.

  • Page 37: Adjusting A Video Clip

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Adjusting a Video Clip To trim the length of a video clip: 1. In the timeline or storyboard at the bottom of the Edit window, select a video, then right-click. You see a pull-down menu with a selection for Video Manager.

  • Page 38: Adding And Adjusting A Transition

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator To divide a video clip into separate segments: 1. In the Edit window’s video library, right-click on the desired clip. You see the Show video scenes button in the upper right corner of the video library, and you see a menu that gives you the Show Video Scenes choice.

  • Page 39: Adding And Adjusting A Title

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Adding and Adjusting a Title To add and adjust a title: 1. Browse through the Title Library. 2. Drag and drop the title to the desired location on the storyboard. You can place titles either on another location, or in an empty cell on the storyboard.

  • Page 40: Previewing Your Project

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Imported video files go to the Video Library. Pictures of any type are sent to the Image Library. And any music or audio files are sent to the Audio Library. You can add an unlimited number of files to your project as long as there is enough room to store your project on the CD or DVD you are creating.

  • Page 41: Creating

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Creating Creating means using the Author window to add an interactive menu for your CD or DVD project. You can add a play button and a chapter menu for easy scrolling through your CD or DVD. You can also add a background image that can give a theme to your DVD.

  • Page 42: Deleting A Chapter Mark

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Window Area Function Author button Displays the Author window. Preview The top-left section of the Author Window window is the preview window. You can play the entire project. Theme Library The top-right section is the Theme Library.

  • Page 43: Adding A Chapter Mark

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Adding a Chapter Mark To add a chapter mark to a video clip that you removed: • Right-click on the clip and select Add Chapter Mark. This lets you recover if you accidentally delete a chapter mark that you wanted to keep.
  • Page 44 Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Figure 27: WinDVD Creator’s Make Movie window Window Area Function Make Movie Displays the Make Movie window. button Preview The top-left section of the Make Movie Window window is the preview window. Here you can preview your project, ensuring that it is properly displaying and playing.

  • Page 45: Burning A Disc

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Burning a Disc To burn your project onto a CD or DVD disc: 1. Insert a blank CD or DVD disc in your CD or DVD drive. 2. In the Make Movie window’s Burning Wizard, choose a Format. The formats are: VCD: Video Compact Disc.

  • Page 46: Burning Options

    Burning Options • If you chose Burn to Disc, you see the Device Setting window immediately. You can choose the device (such as the Plextor PX-504A DVD writer) you want to burn to, the speed of the burning, and the number of copies. Then press the Start button to begin recording.

  • Page 47: Compression Options

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Compression Options The ConvertX supports real-time MPEG-4 (ISO) compression in hardware for incoming video. Although information compressed with MPEG-4 compression is not editable, and you cannot convert it into another format, you can view these files. Just capture files with MPEG-4 compression, then view the files using the WinDVD 4 player that’s part of your ConvertX software bundle.

  • Page 48: Where To Go From Here

    Section 3. Using Your ConvertX with WinDVD Creator Where to Go from Here This chapter has shown some simple procedures for capturing, editing, creating and sharing your audiovisual creations. For more in-depth information, consult WinDVD Creator’s Help files. And don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll learn more by doing than any manual or help file could possibly teach you.

  • Page 49: Using The Windvd Player

    2. Make sure that all applications are turned off. 3. Insert the ConvertX software disc into your CD or DVD drive. You see the Plextor Application Installer screen. 4. Select the WinDVD button. You see the WinDVD Setup screen. 5. Click Next. You see the License Agreement.

  • Page 50: Launch The Windvd Player

    Section 4. Using the WinDVD Player 9. Accept the default program folder as the location where the setup program will add WinDVD player’s icons, or enter the name of another folder. Then click Next. The setup program installs WinDVD player, a process that can take a few minutes. When the installation is completed, you see the a File Types Association Setup Complete screen, asking if you want to associate file with WinDVD Player.

  • Page 51: Use The Windvd Controls

    Use the WinDVD Controls Once WinDVD is launched and active, use the controls shown on the WinDVD panel to navigate. Note that not all options are available with all CD and DVD titles; if a WinDVD feature is not available with a particular title, it is grayed out and inaccessible.
  • Page 52 Section 4. Using the WinDVD Player This page intentionally left blank. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 53: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    Plextor representative. Upgrading Firmware Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the peculiar needs of large computer manufacturers. It is rare that these will impact the performance or operation of your ConvertX. However, we advise that our customers always update their computers with the latest firmware to support the digital video converter.

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting Hints

    • First, make sure to update your version of Windows using Microsoft’s Windows Update. • Also, visit the Plextor web site to find other tips to help find and solve the problem. Problems with Capture If you have problems capturing video, make sure the video is not copy protected.

  • Page 55: Appendix A: Specifications

    Appendix A: Specifications ConvertX Specifications Product Name Plextor ConvertX Product Type MPEG-1/2/4 Digital Video Converter Product Model PX-M401U System Interface Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Operating Position Horizontal, vertical Minimum System Requirements Computer Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster Minimum Memory 256 MB or higher Hard Disk Size 10 GB free space preferred.
  • Page 56 Appendix A: Specifications MPEG Specifications Video Compression MPEG-1: ISO/IEC11172-2 MPEG-2: ISO/IEC13818-2 MPEG-4: ISO/IEC14496-2 Video Bit Rate MPEG-1: 1.5Mbps MPEG-2: 2Mbps-6Mbps MPEG-4: 800Kbps-4Mbps MPEG Profile MPEG-1 MPEG-2: Main Profile @ Main Level MPEG-4: Simple Profile @ Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 Capture Size MPEG-1: SIF (352 x 240) MPEG-2, MPEG-4: SIF(352 x 240)
  • Page 57 Front Panel Audio R, L RCA audio connectors. Red connector is right channel, white is left channel. Composite RCA video connector S-Video S-Video connector Record Amber when capturing video Power Blue when AC adapter and USB cable are connected to the ConvertX and the computer is turned on Power AC Adapter...

  • Page 58: Windvd Creator Specifications

    Appendix A: Specifications Safety and EMC Standards Country/ Region Type Agency Safety Canada Safety UL (C-UL) Europe Safety Safety WinDVD Creator Specifications Input Format Video: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, AVI Audio: WAV and MP3 Image: BMP, JPEG, GIF Video Output MPEG-1 MPEG-2 MPEG-4 (DivX) Format Support VCD, DVD...

  • Page 59: Appendix B: Technical Support

    Appendix B: Technical Support Store Plextor’s e-mail, web site, phone, and fax numbers in a convenient location. Keep your digital video converter’s serial number and a copy of your sales receipt handy as well. If you experience a problem while installing or operating your ConvertX, please refer first to the relevant sections of this manual regarding setup and installation (Chapters 1–3).

  • Page 60: How To Contact Plextor Technical Support

    Appendix B: Technical Support How to Contact Plextor Technical Support There are several ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department: • Visit our web site (www.plextor.com) for answers to Frequently Asked Questions. • Send us e-mail at support@plextor.com. Include your telephone number and the hours during which you can be reached.

  • Page 61: Returns

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The RMA form will not be processed without the Tech Support Ticket Number. 3. Plextor will then return the RMA form to you via e-mail, with the RMA number and shipping information included. 4. When you receive the RMA number, pack the Plextor ConvertX securely in a box, and include the RMA form as a packing slip.

  • Page 62: Packing Your Convertx

    Be sure to write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box. Any unit sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted. NOTE: The RMA number must be clearly visible on the outside of the shipping box.

  • Page 63: Appendix C: Warranty

    PLEXTOR; c) if the unit is subjected to abuse, neglect, lightning strike, electrical fault, improper packaging, or accident;...

  • Page 64: If You're Outside The U.s. Or Canada

    Appendix C: Warranty The ConvertX will be returned to the customer at Plextor’s expense when originating within the United States. For a ConvertX originating outside of the United States, the customer is responsible for shipping costs in both directions. NOTE: Warranty validity is limited to that applicable in the location where the ConvertX was originally purchased.

  • Page 65: Index

    Index .avi files · 7 .inf files · 18 .mpg files · 7 ac adapter connecting · 6, 12 power · 51 add chapter mark · 37 adding menus · 24 audio adding · 33 bit rate · 50 connector · 5, 51 layer ·...
  • Page 66 Index minimum · 3, 49 options · 28 configuration button · 27, 28 configuration window · 28 configuring input device · 28 connecting the ConvertX · 12 connecting video and audio sources · 20 connecting video input · 20 connector, power · 6 connectors front-panel ·...
  • Page 67 hard disk size · 3, 49 hardware encoder · 3 help make movie window · 38 WinDVD player · 45 help files · 45 host interface · 51 humidity specification · 51 image library · 26 import button · 24, 33 importing media ·...
  • Page 68 Index packing for shipment · 56 PAL · 39 performance guarantee temperature · 51 play · 45 play button · 30 preview · 34 playlist window · 45 power connector · 5, 6, 51 LED · 5, 51 precautions · 8 preview area ·...
  • Page 69 upgrading firmware · 47 connector · 51 hi-speed · 3 USB 2.0 · 49 connector · 6 transfers · 51 USB cable · 6 connecting · 12 video bit rate · 50 capturing · 22 compression · 34, 50 connector · 5, 20, 51 format ·...
  • Page 70 Index This page intentionally left blank. ConvertX Digital Video Converter Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 71 Notes...
  • Page 72 PLEXTOR CORP. 48383 Fremont Blvd. Suite 120 Fremont CA 94538-6509 www.plextor.com P/N 127-2769-01 Phone: 510-440-2000 800-886-3935 Fax: 510-651-9755 E-mail: info@plextor.com...

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