Plextor 708A: First exclusive look at 8X DVD+R

PoweRec

Before we jump right into the write tests, we should take a minute to look at Plextor’s PoweRec feature. Since Plextor jumped the gun on DVD+R 8X, not all DVD+R media is capable (or not capable) of 8X. Our FujiFilm 4X DVD+R disks had no problem burning at 8X, even though they were explicitly rated 4X. At first glance, we dismissed this as “so-what?” technology, but after seeing some of the write tests on the 708A, we were instantly hooked.

Rather than just identify the media at the beginning of the burn, and then dismiss what is occurring on the media itself, PowerRec actively monitors the media and the laser during the burn. Thus, if the drive is burning and starts to produce errors, the drive and laser strength decreases the burn speed mid-way. This is particularly neat in Z-CLV burns, as the Philips 8X DVD+R standard mandates Z-CLV anyway.

CAV is done similarly but instead of zones, the drive readjusts the laser and speed every minute. If the thermal circuit inside the 708A gets too hot, the drive also steps down burn speed and laser strength.

Plextor Europe has an excellent document with plenty of pictures on the technology here.