I got my Plextor PX-716A but I want to return it. Can I ?

[icevideo]

I cut the UPS bar for rebate purpose. Can I still return it ?
I bought from Costco last week.
It gives me hard time even to read some of the original DVD's.
I cannot accept this, some other models can read with no problem those DVD's but not Plextor ...

Anyway, I wish to return it and get a better one. My question is which one could be better then Plextor ( I guess anyone ... at this point ).

Any advice for buying new DVD writers ?

Thanks for input

[Skith]

First of all, have you tried updating the firmware?

Second:
If you mailed in the UPC bar code, you will not be able to return it to costco. Your only option would by to contact Plextor for an RMA (replacement), and have them replace it. Plextor's support/customer service is outstanding.

In the US you will have to pay to ship the drive to them, they will pay return shipping. In the EU Plextor will pay for both pickup and return shipping. Be sure to follow their packing instructions.

You will first have to contact Plextor support, they will issue an RMA Authorization code, which needs to be submited on their web site. You will them be provided with the RMA number, and all other necessary info for shipping the drive to them.

As for other models, check out the reviews at www.cdfreaks.com and www.cdrinfo.com for more info. Some popular models now are the NEC 3520A, BenQ 1620, and the (highly anticipated) Pioneer 109. BenQ drives seem to prefer +R/RW media. NEC drives seem to do well with both +R and -R. Pioneer drives are excellent with -R media.

Hope this helps, I wish plextor would get its act together. I have a bum 712A that I can not burn over 4x with.

[jdizzy40]

Either the drive you got was a factory reject from the start or something is not right on your system. The Plextor 716 is a excellent drive. Mine has delivered great performance on 4 brands of Media with no firmware upgrade. If it isn't broke don't go trying to fix it. The new Pioneer A09XL is another good choice if you'd like to give that one a try. Same price range too. Just bought mine a few nights ago and it seems rock solid and burns my TDK 8x at 12x speed. Having the drive on an 80 wire IDE cable is a must, please no 40 wire cable on a 16x capable writer. Memorex and LG also good. I have 7 drives by 5 companies and they all produce the same result, no coasters. Good luck with your return and new purchase.

[budz]

Skith wrote

BenQ drives seem to prefer +R/RW media

Yes the BENQ 1620 does like DVD+R media better but it also burns DVD-R media as well with the latest firmware upgrades. Check the BENQ FORUM at cdfreaks.com for this thread called BenQ burns +R better than -R no more:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=118570

Plextor has great tech support. Check out the Pioneer Forum at cdfreaks.com for problems the 109 drive has. With future firmware upgrades I am sure the 109 drive will be fine. The Plextor 716 did have some problems when first released but now with the last firmware upgrade 716 owners are happy. Check out the PLEXTOR FORUM at Cdfreaks.com which has lots of information that others could help you out.

[Ma_Jie]

To second what budz said, yes, the BenQ 1620 burns DVD-R media fine; every burn I've ever done on my BenQ1620 has been -R and zero coasters. Now I can't speak for every burner, because I don't have personal experience with them, but generally, if you use high quality media, the vast majority should be able to burn -R and +R decently.

@budz: is it just me or is it starting to sound like a broken record? I guess perceptions just take a long time to change....

- Ma Jie

[budz]

Ma_Jie wrote

@budz: is it just me or is it starting to sound like a broken record? I guess perceptions just take a long time to change....

Yup!

[icevideo]

Thanks all for your input.
First my system is working great. I do have a Pioneer A-05 in this system and is burning excelent. Also can read any DVD's I put in this writer.

Remove my A-05 and replace with this new Plextor 716A and try a few DVD's I realize that I have trouble with this writer 716A because it cannot recognize the DVD media inside. It says

Drive not found !
Please choose another drive.

Thanks

[budz]

Thanks all for your input.
First my system is working great. I do have a Pioneer A-05 in this system and is burning excelent. Also can read any DVD's I put in this writer.

Remove my A-05 and replace with this new Plextor 716A and try a few DVD's I realize that I have trouble with this writer 716A because it cannot recognize the DVD media inside. It says

Drive not found !
Please choose another drive.

Thanks

are you sure the jumper is set correctly on the 716 drive? try changing the ide cable. what media are those discs that can't be read?

[fmctm1sw]

Plextor has great tech support.

I don't know Budz, I may debate that. Remember my debacle with my PX-708A?

[budz]

Plextor has great tech support.

I don't know Budz, I may debate that. Remember my debacle with my PX-708A?

Yes, I do remember that but in my experience with them Plextor tech support I had no problems.

[fmctm1sw]

Plextor has great tech support.

I don't know Budz, I may debate that. Remember my debacle with my PX-708A?

Yes, I do remember that but in my experience with them Plextor tech support I had no problems.

I baited you into your 2000th post... Mission accomplished.

@icevideo: CALL Plextor, don't bother with email. Take it from a guy who knows...

[icevideo]

I don't think so has something to do with the jumper settings. A drive can run or not, right ? this is in understanding.
How come is playing a few CD, DVD's and not other. I don't think so has something to do with jumper settings. I believe is more to do with laser, optical readings.
I don't know what media has, I am talking for example Terminator 3. I tried to see the media but is unavailable to be identifiy.
I wrote them and I got some answers, pretty slow though, and I have to do some testing. I did all of them, but still no success.
I update all my drivers possible in computer, patch the DVD driver with the latest firmware ... but still those DVD's are not playing.
I wish I can return, but I think I made a stupid mistake and I was in rush running for rebate. Bad idea !

[icevideo]

Looks like I am having bad luck with Plextor. My first drive I bought long time ago was deffective and I have to ship to them for repair/exchange.
This one looks to follow the same procedure.
If I have to buy more Plextor driver during years, looks like I have to pay for shipping more than I buy another brand new driver.

[nic2k4]

If all you want to do is replace the drive, just take it back to Costco. Even with the UPC missing they will exchange it. Just tell them you talked to the manufacturer and they said the drive is defective, don't get into too much details.

[budz]

fmctm1sw

I baited you into your 2000th post... Mission accomplished.

I didn't even know I was reaching my 2000th post
as fmctm1sw mentioned just call Plextor's Tech Support.l