LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Table of Contents
page 1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................. 5
1.1. Minimum System Requirements ...................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Box Content ................................................................................................................................. 7
1.3. Views of the Drive ......................................................................................................................... 8
1.4. Cables and Connections ............................................................................................................... 9
1.4.1. Hi-Speed USB 2.0.............................................................................................................. 9
1.5. Supported DVD and CD Formats ................................................................................................. 10
1.5.1. DVD and CD Media Format Definitions ............................................................................. 10
2. Connecting Your LaCie Slim DVD RW...................................................................... 11
2.1. Connecting the USB 2.0 Y Cable ................................................................................................. 11
3. Using Your LaCie Slim DVD RW............................................................................... 12
3.1. Inserting Discs ............................................................................................................................ 12
3.2. Accessing Discs .......................................................................................................................... 12
3.3. Ejecting Discs ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.4. Emergency Disc Ejection.............................................................................................................. 13
4. Helpful Technical Information ................................................................................... 14
4.1. DVD and CD Software ................................................................................................................ 14
4.2. File System Formats..................................................................................................................... 14
4.3. DVD RW Writing Methods.......................................................................................................... 15
4.4. About DVD/CD Available Capacity .............................................................................................. 16
4.5. USB Questions & Answers ........................................................................................................... 16
4.6. Data Transfers............................................................................................................................ 16
5. Troubleshooting........................................................................................................ 17
5.1. Mac Users.................................................................................................................................. 18
5.2. Windows Users........................................................................................................................... 21
6. Contacting Customer Support ................................................................................... 23
6.1. LaCie Technical Support Contacts................................................................................................ 24
7. Warranty Information ............................................................................................... 25
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 3
operation. Blocking the ventilation
outlets may cause damage to your
drive and cause an increased risk of
short-circuiting or fire.
Health & Safety Precautions
This symbol on the product
or on its packaging indicates
that this product must not be
✦ Read this User Manual carefully,
and follow the correct procedure
when setting up the device.
disposed of with your other
✦ Always unplug the drive if there is
a risk of lightning or if it will not be
used for an extended period of time.
Otherwise, there is an increased risk
of electrical shock, short-circuiting
or fire.
household waste. Instead, it
✦ Do not look inside or place your
hand over the open media tray.
Never look directly or indirectly (with
a mirror) at the laser diode, even
when the device is not in operation.
If you expose your eyes to the laser
inside you drive, you risk damage or
loss of your vision or other injury.
is your responsibility to dispose of your
waste equipment by handing it over to a
designed collection point for the recycling
of waste electrical and electronic equip-
ment. The separate collection and recy-
cling of your waste equipment at the time
of disposal will help to conserve natural
resources and ensure that it is recycled in
a manner that protects human health and
the environment. For more information
about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact
your local city office, your household
waste disposal service, or the shop where
you purchased the product.
✦ Do not place heavy objects on top
of the drive or use excessive force
on its buttons, connectors and tray.
✦ Do not open your drive or attempt
to disassemble or modify it. Never
insert any metallic object into the
drive to avoid any risk of electri-
cal shock, fire, short-circuiting or
dangerous emissions. Your drive
contains no user-serviceable parts.
If it appears to be malfunctioning,
have it inspected by qualified LaCie
service staff.
✦ Always place your drive in a hori-
zontal position before using it. This
LaCie drive has not been designed
to be used in an upright position.
This may result in damage to the
device or data loss.
✦ Always remove the disc from the
disc tray before transporting your
drive. Otherwise, written data may
be destroyed or the drive’s internal
components may be damaged.
CAUTION: Modifications not authorized
by the manufacturer may void the user’s
authority to operate this device.
✦ Never expose your device to rain or
use it near water or in damp or wet
conditions. Never place containers
on it containing liquids that may
spill into its openings. Doing so in-
creases the risk of electrical shock,
short-circuiting, fire or personal in-
jury.
✦ Never use excessive force on the
disc loading system; discs should be
inserted effortlessly into your drive.
If you detect a problem, consult the
Troubleshooting section and con-
tact your after-sales department.
Health, Safety & General Use
Precautions
✦ Make sure that the computer and
drive are electrically grounded. If
the devices are not grounded, there
is an increased risk of electrical
shock.
✦ Protect your drive from excessive
exposure to dust during use or stor-
age. Dust can build up inside the
device, increasing the risk of dam-
age or malfunction.
The drive you have just purchased in-
cludes a laser diode device, which clas-
sifies it as a “Laser Class I” product. This
laser is not dangerous for the user under
normal operating conditions. However,
we strongly advise you not to place any
reflective objects in the disc loading sys-
tem, due to the risk of exposure to laser
emissions that may be reflected by such
objects. Always follow the basic precau-
tions listed below to use your LaCie drive
safely and correctly. Respecting these
guidelines will help to avoid the possibility
of personal injury to yourself or others, as
well as to prevent damage to your device
and other computer equipment. These in-
clude, but are not limited to, the following
precautions.
✦ Never use benzene, paint thin-
ners, detergent or other chemical
products to clean the outside of the
drive. Such products will disfigure
and discolor the front panel and
casing. Instead, use a soft, dry cloth
to wipe the device.
General Use Precautions
✦ Do not expose the drive to tempera-
tures outside the range of 5° C to
40° C (41° F to 104° F) during op-
eration. Doing so may damage the
drive or disfigure its casing. Avoid
placing your drive near a source of
heat or exposing it to sunlight (even
through a window). Inversely, plac-
ing your drive in an environment
that is too cold or humid may dam-
age the unit.
✦ Do not block the ventilation out-
lets on the rear of the drive. These
help to keep your drive cool during
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 4
IMPORTANT INFO: Any loss, corrup-
tion or destruction of data while using a
LaCie drive is the sole responsibility of
the user, and under no circumstances will
LaCie be held liable for the recovery or
restoration of this data. To help prevent
the loss of your data, LaCie highly rec-
ommends that you keep TWO copies of
your data; one copy on your external hard
drive, for instance, and a second copy ei-
ther on your internal hard drive, another
external hard drive or some other form of
removable storage media. LaCie offers a
complete line of CD and DVD drives. If
you would like more information on back-
up, please refer to our website.
IMPORTANT
1,000,000,000
INFO:
bytes.
1GB
1TB
=
=
1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Once format-
ted, the actual available storage capacity
varies depending on operating environ-
ment (typically 5-10% less).
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 5
1. Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new LaCie Slim DVD RW.
Light and compact, the Slim DVD RW is ideal for your DVD and
CD burning needs on your desk or on the go. Further, the Slim
DVD RW can read and write to all the popular formats, such as
DVD RDL, DVD RW, CD-R, and CD-RW.
Double Layer DVD Recording
Double Layer (DL) discs are compatible with most consumer set-top
DVD players and computer DVD-ROM drives, enabling you to burn
DVDs that can play back in your living room.
On one DVD+RDL disc, you’ll be able to store up to four hours of
MPEG-2 video, sixteen hours of VHS quality video or increase the
video bit rate for higher quality movies. And with 8.5GB of storage
space on a single DL disc, they’re ideal for archiving and backup
applications.
At home or on the road, you have the right tool to backup your
important files, create high-quality DVDs, or watch a favorite film on
your computer.
Quick Links
Click a topic:
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 6
1.1. Minimum System Requirements
Windows Users
✦ USB 2.0 port
✦ Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
✦ Pentium IV 2.0 GHz processor or higher
✦ 256MB RAM
Mac Users
✦ USB 2.0 port
✦ Mac OS X 10.4.x or higher
✦ Power PC G5 or later, Mac Intel processor
✦ 256MB RAM
Linux Users
✦ USB 2.0
✦ Linux-based system
✦ 256MB RAM
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 7
1.2. Box Content
1. LaCie Slim DVD RW
2. USB 2.0 Y cable
3. Quick Install Guide
4. CD (User Manual)
IMPORTANT INFO: Please save your packaging. In the event that
the drive should need to be repaired or serviced, it must be returned
in its original packaging.
Slim DVD R
Quick Install Guide
Box Content
1. Primary USB 2.0
A
plug (signal and power)
plug (power only)
2. Secondary USB 2.0
A
3
.
M
i
n
i
-
U
S
B
p
l
u
g
Note: Please find the User Manual on the CD.
Protect your investment
–
register for free
Setup Steps
1. Connect the primary USB 2.0 plug (without
A
the lightning bolt sticker) to your computer
.
2.
Windows users: Right click My Computer and select
Properties>General. our drive should be listed.
Your drive is ready to use.
Y
Mac users: In the Apple menu, choose About This
Mac, then More Info. This will open the Apple
System Profiler our drive should be listed under the
.
Y
Hardware category.
NOTE: Your drive must be connected to
port. Performance is not guaranteed using USB 1.1.
NOTE: The cable has
a
USB 2.0
Y
a
secondary USB 2.0
A
plug for additional power. Attaching the primary
plug to most computers will provide ample signal
and power for the LaCie Slim DVD RW In the event
A
.
that the device does not receive enough power, you
may connect the additional plug into second
USB 2.0 port on your computer. Please note that the
secondary plug has lightning bolt sticker.
A
a
a
See the User Manual for more information.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 8
1.3. Views of the Drive
Front View
1. Disc Tray – Open the tray by pressing the load/eject button,
then place a DVD or CD into the tray with the label facing up.
Close the tray by pushing the load/eject button or pushing the
front part of the tray. This drive has not been designed to ac-
cept media with cartridges.
2. Drive Activity LED
3. Load/Eject Button – Push this button to open the media tray.
4. Emergency Eject Hole – Insert a straightened paper clip (or
similar object) and push to eject the tray if the load/eject
button does not work. In normal operation, the eject button
should always be used to unload the tray. If you must use the
emergency eject hole, make sure the drive’s power is turned
off and wait until disc rotation has stopped.
Fig. 01
Rear View
1. Power Supply Connection – This is where you plug in the op-
tional AC adapter. See section 2. Connecting Your LaCie Slim
2. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Port – This is where you plug in the USB
IMPORTANT INFO: You may attach an optional external power
supply (not included) to the power supply connector.
Fig. 02
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 9
1.4. Cables and Connections
1.4.1. Hi-Speed USB 2.0
USB is a serial input/output technology for connecting peripheral
devices to a computer or to each other. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 pro-
vides the necessary bandwidth and data transfer rates to support
high speed devices such as hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and digital
cameras.
USB 2.0 Y Cable
Your LaCie drive is shipped with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Y cable to
ensure maximum data transfer performance when connected to a
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The Y cable has a secondary USB 2.0 A
plug to provide additional power to the LaCie Slim DVD RW.
Fig. 03 - USB 2.0 Y Cable Ends
with the USB 2.0 Y cable:
1. The primary USB 2.0 A plug that connects a device to a com-
puter. For most computers, attaching this primary A plug will
provide ample signal and power for the LaCie Slim DVD RW.
This USB 2.0 A plug carries the data signal to and from your
device.
2. In the event that the device does not receive enough power via
the primary USB 2.0 A plug, you may connect this secondary
USB 2.0 A plug into a second USB 2.0 port on your computer.
Please note the sticker with the lightning bolt to indicate that
this plug is only meant for additional power and does not carry
the data signal to and from your device.
Fig. 04 - USB 2.0 logo
3. Mini-USB 2.0 plug for a device, such as the LaCie Slim
DVD RW.
USB Icons
These icons will help you easily identify the USB interfaces. They ap-
pear on USB cables and next to the USB port connectors on certain
computers.
Fig. 05 - USB 1.0 logo
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Foreword
page 10
have the same capacity as DVD+R discs.
1.5. Supported DVD and CD Formats
✦ There are two types of DVD-R discs: DVD-R General, which is
intended for home applications, and DVD-R Authoring, which
is intended for professional DVD-Video development applica-
tions.
Table 01 - Supported DVD and CD Formats
Format Type of Disc
Write
Capacity
Speed
DVD+RDL or DVD-RDL (Double Layer) Discs
✦ Ideal for: recording high-quality DVD videos, backing up, and
archiving large data DVDs.
✦ These discs follow the DVD+ recording techniques, but with
8.5GB of capacity versus 4.7GB for DVD R discs.
✦ Larger disk capacity makes it possible to increase the video bit
rate for higher quality DVD videos.
DVD
DVD R DL
DVD R
6x
8x
8x
6x
--
8.5GB
4.7GB
DVD+RW
DVD-RW
4.7GB
4.7GB
DVD-RAM
DVD-ROM
(Single and dual
layer)
4.7/8.5 GB
✦ Best suited for camcorders and set-top boxes, as well as many
other situations where rewriting data is important.
✦ Considered a very reliable format thanks to its built-in error
control and defect management system.
DVD-RAM
CD-R
5x
24x
24x
--
4.7/8.5GB
700MB
650MB
--
CD-R Discs
CD
✦ Best suited for: recording audio CDs and storing files, such as
photos or important documents.
✦ Files can not be deleted from CD-R discs, and you cannot
write over existing files on a CD-R disc.
CD-RW
CD-ROM
CD-RW Discs
✦ Best suited for: exchanging files up to 650MB.
✦ Discs can be reformatted up to 1,000 times, and files can be
written over.
✦ Most CD-ROM drives and audio CD players cannot read CD-
RW discs.
1.5.1. DVD and CD Media Format Definitions
DVD+RW Discs
✦ Best suited for: backing up and archiving digital content.
✦ These discs are functionally similar to CD-RW and DVD-RW
discs, but record in the same way as DVD+R. Using Direct
Overwrite (DOW) recording, this type of disc allows new data
to be written directly over existing data in a single pass.
TECHNICAL NOTE: For Best Recording Results:
DVD-RW Discs
✦ Close all other open programs and disconnect from the in-
ternet
✦ Copy data to your hard drive first
✦ Check media speed rating
✦ Best suited for: backing up and archiving digital content.
✦ These discs serve the same general purpose as CD-RW me-
dia, but with 4.7GB of space versus 650MB.
✦ Use media that is free of scratches and fingerprints
✦ Discs can be written and erased up to 1,000 times.
DVD+R Discs
✦ Best suited for: recording DVD videos, storing multiple photo
albums, and data storage under 4.7GB.
✦ Just as CD-R discs, DVD+R is write-once, but with 4.7GB of
capacity versus 700MB for CD-R discs.
✦ DVD+R supports “lossless linking” and the combination of
Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) and Constant Linear Velocity
(CLV) recording.
DVD-R Discs
✦ Best suited for: recording DVD videos, storing multiple photo
albums, and data storage under 4.7GB.
✦ These discs are also functionally similar to CD-R media and
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Getting Connected
page 11
2. Connecting Your LaCie Slim DVD RW
2.1. Connecting the USB 2.0 Y Cable
1. Connect the Y cable’s primary Hi-Speed USB 2.0 A connector
on your computer.
IMPORTANT INFO: The Y cable has two USB 2.0 connectors: the
primary A connector for signal and power and the secondary A con-
nector for additional power, if necessary. The difference is clearly
marked by a lightning bolt sticker on the secondary (power only)
connector. You must connect the primary A connector in order to
2. Attach the other end (mini-USB) of the USB 2.0 Y cable to your
3. Your drive should now be ready for use. To verify that your drive
is correctly installed and communicating with your computer,
follow these steps:
Fig. 06
Mac Users
In the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then More Info. This will
open the Apple System Profiler. Your drive should be listed under the
Hardware category.
Windows Users
RightclickyourMyComputerfolderandselectProperties>General.
Your drive should be listed.
4. If your Slim DVD RW does not appear to be receiving ade-
quate power, attach the secondary USB 2.0 A plug (with the
lightning sticker) to an available USB 2.0 port on your com-
puter. See Fig. 07
TECHNICAL NOTE: Your drive must be connected to a USB 2.0
port. Performance is not guaranteed with USB 1.1. See section 1.4.
Fig. 07
TECHNICAL NOTE: For more information on USB connections,
IMPORTANT INFO: The LaCie Slim DVD RW includes a power
external power supply (not included).
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Using Your LaCie Slim DVD RW
page 12
3. Using Your LaCie Slim DVD RW
3.1. Inserting Discs
To insert a disc:
1. Push the Open/Close button on your LaCie Slim DVD RW.
2. When the disc tray opens, put the DVD or CD media into the
tray with the label side facing up. Make sure the DVD or CD is
correctly placed in the center of the disc tray.
Do not attempt to force the door open; you will damage the drive.
The power must be on in order to open the drive. The drive must be
on a flat surface to work correctly.
To close the disc tray:
closed is not recommended.
Fig. 08
3.2. Accessing Discs
Mac Users
The DVD or CD volume will appear as an icon on the desktop. Click
on the icon to access the contents of the DVD or CD.
Windows Users
The DVD or CD volume will appear in your My Computer folder
(Windows XP users) or the Computer folder (Windows Vista and
Windows 7 users). Click on the icon to access the contents of the
disc.
CAUTION: Do not force the disc tray open or closed, as you will
damage the drive. Also always remove discs before transporting the
drive, and never move the drive while it is in operation.
IMPORTANT INFO: This drive is not compatible with cartridges.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Using Your LaCie Slim DVD RW
page 13
3.3. Ejecting Discs
Mac Users
2. The disc tray will open.
3. Remove the disc.
Push the Open/Close button on the drive to close the disc tray.
Fig. 09
Windows Users
1. Press the Open/Close button on the front of the drive.
2. Remove the disc.
3. Push the Open/Close button on the drive to close the disc tray.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to open the drive’s disc tray or remove
the disc while the unit is in use and being accessed by the computer.
You may injure yourself and/or damage the drive and/or your com-
puter system. Do not transport the drive with the disc tray open or
with a DVD or CD disc inside. Doing so may damage the drive and/
or data stored on the disc, and will void your warranty.
3.4. Emergency Disc Ejection
Fig. 10
In the event that a DVD or CD cannot be ejected with the Open/
Close button and software is not controlling the drive, use the emer-
gency eject operation to open the disc tray.
1. Switch off the drive and unplug the interface cable.
2. Insert a small metal poker, such as an unbent paper clip, into
against the manual eject mechanism. You will feel the mecha-
nism eject the disc tray.
Only use this method if the Open/Close button is not working.
CAUTION: Make sure the drive is off and the power unplugged
before attempting the emergency ejection procedure.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Helpful Technical Information
page 14
4. Helpful Technical Information
4.1. DVD and CD Software
All supported operating systems (see 1.1. Minimum System Require-
ments) include basic DVD and CD reading and writing functions.
However, if you require more features for your DVD and CD writing,
LaCie recommends Nero, Roxio, or Cyberlink.
IMPORTANT INFO: LaCie cannot guarantee that all third-party
software will work with the LaCie Slim DVD RW.
4.2. File System Formats
When writing DVD R/RW and CD-R/RW discs, you will have the
option to assign the disc a particular file format (the way in which
a computer names and organizes files for storage and to manage
data exchange).
LaCie recommends using one of three primary file system formats
when using the Slim DVD RW:
✦ Universal Disk Format (UDF)
✦ ISO 9660
✦ Mac OS Extended (also known as HFS+)
✦ Hybrid discs (Mac & PC)
UDF – This specification, developed by Optical Storage Technolo-
gies Association, is the predominant file system that allows compat-
ibility across various Bluray, DVD and CD applications, hardware
platforms, and computer operating systems.
ISO 9660 – This is the standard file system which allows media to
be read on a Mac, PC, or other major computer platform. Published
by the International Organization of Standardization, this standard
defines a file system for DVD-ROM and CDs. It supports Micro-
soft Windows, Mac OS, and operating systems that follow the Unix
specification, but doesn’t support custom features of Mac file sys-
tems such as long file names or icon options. Microsoft created an
extension to the format, called Joliet, which allows for Unicode file
character names and file names up to 64 characters in length (twice
as many as the ISO 9660 Level 2 and 3 specifications).
Mac OS Extended – Also known as HFS+, this is the file system used
by Macintosh. This is the preferred file format If you will be using
your disc only with the Mac OS.
Hybrid discs (Mac & PC) – Mac users can also choose to create
hybrid discs which contain two partitions: one to be viewed by Mac
users, one by Windows users. Certain software, such as Toast Tita-
nium, offers this file system for formatting your disc.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Helpful Technical Information
page 15
Table 02 - DVD RW Writing Methods
4.3. DVD RW Writing Methods
Disc at Once (DAO) – A DVD writing process in which the entire
DVD is recorded in one session, and data cannot be added after
the recording is finished. This differs somewhat from the CD-R DAO
method because the lead-in area, data area, and lead-out area are
all written sequentially.
DAO SAO
IR
MBR
RO
PW
CD
✔
✔
✔
✔
DVD
✔
✔
✔
Session at Once (SAO) – A writing process which is similar to DAO,
where information is written in a session, but allowing for record
further recording at a later time. This mode provides for greater
control of the recording process than Packet Writing (PW) or TAO,
and more disc space can be utilized because there is no need for
gaps between tracks.
Incremental Recording (IR) – A writing process that is similar to the
Session at Once (SAO) CDR writing method; files may be added
directly to the DVD-R disc one recording at a time, instead of record-
ing the files to a hard drive before writing the disc. The minimum
recorded size, though, must be at least 32KB (even if the file to be
recorded is smaller than that), and capacities and write speeds are
decreased due to the overhead of combined lead-in/out areas and
data. Also, the disc must be finalized before it may be played back
by a drive other than the drive recording the disc.
Multi-Border Recording (MBR) – A writing process that is very similar
to IR, MBR allows you to make an IR disc and then play the disc
back on a device that recognizes this type of recording method.
MBR creates a very short boundary zone around a recording ses-
sion so a compatible player or DVD-ROM drive does not attempt to
play beyond the border of the recorded area, instead allowing the
unfinished disc to be read by a player that supports this recording
method.
Restricted Overwriting (RO) – With this method, if a disc has already
been written to, new data segments can be randomly inserted any-
where within the recorded boundary. New data, however, can only
be added to an area of the disc that has already been recorded over
and from the point where the last session was stopped.
Packet Writing (PW) – A drag-and-drop writing process that is very
useful for data backup. Buffer underrun* is impossible in this mode,
because the data is written in “packets” of a few KBs. Packet Writing
is a CPU-intensive process because it constantly checks the avail-
able space on the disc.
* Buffer Underrun – The recording of a disc is a system-intensive ap-
plication, and the rewritable drive needs a constant stream of data.
A buffer underrun occurs when the stream of data to the rewritable
drive is not fast enough to keep the rewritable drive’s buffer full,
causing an error in the recording process. If this problem occurs
often, turn down the recording speed.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Helpful Technical Information
page 16
4.4. About DVD/CD Available
Capacity
4.6. Data Transfers
Data transfers are the flow of data that accomplishes a task, usu-
ally related to moving data from storage to computer RAM or be-
tween storage devices. During data transfers, it’s best to wait before
launching other applications on the same USB port. Anomalies may
arise with USB controllers that do not conform to OHCI (Open Host
Controller Interface*) standards. LaCie cannot ensure proper opera-
tion when using interface controllers that are not OHCI compliant.
If you encounter a problem with an unsupported peripheral connec-
tors, such as a time lag (“hanging”), proceed as follows:
There are important factors to consider when recording video, au-
dio, or data to CD or DVD discs. The DVD media specification pro-
vides for two physical sizes: 4.7” (12cm) and 3.1” (8cm) (both are
.47” (1.2cm) thick). DVD discs are single-sided and can have one
(SL) or two (DL) layers of data.
The amount of data or video that a disc can hold are dependent
upon factors such as the amount of audio and the degree of com-
pression of the data, video or audio.
1. Make sure that the USB cable is connected tightly and securely
on both ends of the cable, from the drive to the computer. If you
are using a USB cable other than the one supplied with your
LaCie drive, check that it is Hi-Speed USB 2.0 certified.
When media companies reference the amount of data that a disc
can hold, they represent the total amount in terms of gigabytes
(GB), or a billion bytes (1000 x 1000 x 1000 bytes). This number,
though, is not the way in which a computer addresses the data;
to a computer the value is binary and larger than a billion bytes –
1,073,741,824 (1024 x 1024 x 1024 bytes).
2. Check that the power supply and ground connection are seated
properly.
3. Disconnect your computer’s USB cable. Wait 30 seconds. Re-
connect.
4.5. USB Questions & Answers
TECHNICAL NOTE: *Controller - This is a component or an elec-
tronic card (referred to in this case as a “controller card”) that en-
ables a computer to communicate with or manage certain peripher-
als. An external controller is an expansion card which fills one of the
free slots (i.e. PCI or PCMCIA) inside your PC and which enables
a peripheral (i.e. DVD/RW drive, Hard Drive, scanner, or printer)
to be connected to the computer. If your computer is not equipped
with a USB controller card, you can purchase an external controller
through LaCie. Contact your LaCie reseller or LaCie Technical Sup-
What Are the Benefits of the USB Interfaces?
✦ Cross-platform: All recent Macs and PCs include USB 2.0
ports.
✦ “Hot Swappable”: No need to shut down or restart your com-
puter when adding or removing a USB device. Plug it in and
its ready.
✦ Automatic configuration: Once your device is connected, your
computer recognizes the device and configures the software
(Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7).
✦ Daisy-Chaining: USB 2.0 ports on your computer support up
to 127 peripherals using hubs.
✦ Easy Installation: One standardized port and plug combina-
tion makes it simple to connect.
Will Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Devices Work on USB 1.1 Hubs
and Vice Versa?
You can use your Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices with USB 1.1 hubs, but
the peripherals will be limited to USB 1.1 performance levels.
For more information about the USB interface, please visit the LaCie
website:
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Troubleshooting
page 17
5. Troubleshooting
In the event that your LaCie Slim DVD RW is not working correctly,
please refer to the following checklist to determine the source of the
problem. If you have gone through all of the points on the checklist
and your drive is still not working correctly, please check the FAQs
of these FAQs may provide an answer to your specific question. You
can also visit the downloads page, where the most recent software
updates will be available.
If you need further assistance, please contact your LaCie reseller or
LaCie Technical Support (see section 6. Contacting Customer Sup-
port for details).
Manual Updates
LaCie is constantly striving to give you the most up-to-date, com-
prehensive User’s Manuals available on the market. It is our goal
to provide you with a friendly, easy-to-use format that will help you
quickly install and utilize the many functions of your new device.
If your manual does not reflect the configurations of the product
that you purchased, please check our Web site for the most current
version available.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Troubleshooting
page 18
5.1. Mac Users
Problem
Question
Solution
The drive is not recognized
by the computer.
Does your computer’s configuration
meet the minimum system require-
ments for use with this drive?
Is the drive receiving enough power
through your computer’s USB bus?
The Slim DVD RW may not be receiving sufficient power through
your computer’s USB bus. Please try attaching the additional USB
optional external power supply (not included).
Did you follow the correct installation
steps?
Review the installation steps in 2. Connecting Your LaCie Slim
Is there an icon on your desktop?
Look for an icon on your desktop that represents disc you have
inserted. If the disc does not appear, follow the rest of the Trouble-
shooting tips to isolate the problem.
Are both ends of the USB cable
securely attached?
✦ Disconnect the USB cable, wait 10 seconds and then recon-
nect.
✦ Ensure that USB connectors are properly aligned. USB cables
can only be inserted one way. Make sure that they are cor-
rectly oriented.
✦ Check that the USB connectors are straight and fully seated
in the USB ports.
✦ Only use certified USB cables, such as the cables provided
with your LaCie drive.
If you have followed all of these steps and the drive is still not
recognized, shut down your computer, wait 3 to 5 minutes, restart
your computer and try again.
Is there a conflict with other device
drivers or extensions?
Contact LaCie Customer Support for assistance. See 6.1. LaCie
Did you attach the primary USB 2.0
A plug?
The USB 2.0 Y cable that is shipped with the device has two USB
2.0 A plugs: the primary (without the lightning bolt sticker) and
the secondary (with the lightning bolt sticker). For most computers,
attaching the primary plug will allow for sufficient power and carry
the data signal. The secondary plug does not carry a data signal as
it is only meant to provide additional power when necessary.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Troubleshooting
page 19
Problem
Question
Solution
The drive is not running
noticeably faster when
connected via Hi-Speed
USB 2.0.
Are there other USB devices con-
nected to the same port or hub?
Disconnect any other USB devices and see if the drive’s perfor-
mance improves.
Is the drive connected to a USB hub?
A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 device can only operate at Hi-Speed USB 2.0
speeds if it is connected to a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port or hub. Make
sure your USB hub supports Hi-Speed USB 2.0.
Is the drive connected to a Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 port on your computer?
Make sure that the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 drivers for both your host
bus adapter and device have been installed correctly. If in doubt,
uninstall the drivers and re-install them.
Does your computer or operating
system support Hi-Speed USB 2.0?
for more information.
The drive is working
slowly.
Is the drive connected directly to the
host computer?
Make sure that your drive is connected directly to the computer (see
For best performance, connect devices directly to the computer. For
The drive’s media tray will
not open.
Have you tried dragging the disc’s
icon to the Trash?
Drag the disc icon onto the Trash icon. The disc should then eject
automatically. If this does not work, try using the eject function of
the software program that you are using.
Has a software program locked the
eject function?
To check, disconnect the interface cable, then reconnect and push
the Open/Close button. If the disc still will not eject, see section
3.4. Emergency Disc Ejection for more information on how to eject
your media.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Troubleshooting
page 20
Problem
Question
Solution
The drive’s media tray
Is the disc full?
To verify the contents of the disc:
automatically ejects a disc
when you try to record on
it, or the drive is not writ-
ing to CD/DVD correctly.
✦ Use your recording software OR
✦ Select the disc on the desktop and select Get Info from the
File menu. If the disc appears empty but the problem persists,
try using another piece of media.
Does the drive support the format of
the disc you have inserted?
about the different formats supported by your drive.
Is the disc damaged?
Carefully inspect the disc. Look to see if there are highly visible
scratches to the recording surface (the bright, shiny, reflective side)
of the disc. If in doubt, try another disc.
Has the recording software been in-
stalled correctly?
Double-check the installation of your recording software and re-
install the software, if necessary. Review the recording software’s
troubleshooting and help sections for more information about the
recording software.
Are you receiving buffer underrun er-
rors (has something interrupted the
stream of data to the recorder)?
For the best recordings, follow these tips to avoid buffer underrun
interruptions:
✦ Quit all other running software programs before starting to
record.
✦ De-activate File Sharing if it is running.
✦ If you are making a direct recording, such as a copy, from a
CD or a DVD, make sure that the speed of the drive playing
the CD or DVD is fast enough to provide a sufficient data
stream to the LaCie drive. When making copies, it is recom-
mended that you transfer the material to be copied to your
hard drive, and then make the recording from the data on the
hard drive.
✦ Reduce the write speed of the LaCie drive using the appropri-
ate menu in the recording software.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Troubleshooting
page 21
5.2. Windows Users
Problem
Question
Solution
The drive is not recognized
by the computer.
Does your computer’s configuration
meet the minimum system require-
ments for use with this drive?
Is the drive receiving enough power
through your computer’s USB bus?
The Slim DVD RW may not be receiving sufficient power through
your computer’s USB bus. Please try attaching the additional USB
optional external power supply (not included).
Did you follow the correct installation
steps?
Review the installation steps in 2. Connecting Your LaCie Slim
Is there an icon for the drive in My
Computer?
Go into My Computer and look for an icon and drive letter as-
signed to the LaCie drive. If the drive does not appear, follow the
rest of the Troubleshooting tips to isolate the problem.
Are both ends of the USB cable
securely attached?
✦ Disconnect the USB cable, wait 10 seconds and then recon-
nect.
✦ Ensure that USB connectors are properly aligned. USB cables
can only be inserted one way. Make sure that they are cor-
rectly oriented.
✦ Check that the USB connectors are straight and fully seated
in the USB ports.
✦ Only use certified USB cables, such as the cables provided
with your LaCie drive.
If you have followed all of these steps and the drive is still not
recognized, shut down your computer, wait 3 to 5 minutes, restart
your computer and try again.
Is there a conflict with other device
drivers or extensions?
Contact LaCie Customer Support for assistance. See 6.1. LaCie
Go to Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance
> System > Hardware tab > Device Manager button > USB
Controller. Click on the + sign next to the controller icon, and you
should see your device listed.
If you still can’t see your device, recheck the cables and try the
other troubleshooting tips listed here.
Did you attach the primary USB 2.0
A plug?
The USB 2.0 Y cable that is shipped with the device has two USB
2.0 A plugs: the primary (without the lightning bolt sticker) and
the secondary (with the lightning bolt sticker). For most computers,
attaching the primary plug will allow for sufficient power and carry
the data signal. The secondary plug does not carry a data signal as
it is only meant to provide additional power when necessary.
continued on the next page>>
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Troubleshooting
page 22
Problem
Question
Solution
The drive is not running
noticeably faster when
connected via Hi-Speed
USB 2.0.
Are there other USB devices con-
nected to the same port or hub?
Disconnect any other USB devices and see if the drive’s perfor-
mance improves.
Is the drive connected to a USB hub?
A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 device can only operate at Hi-Speed USB 2.0
speeds if it is connected to a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port or hub. Make
sure your USB hub supports Hi-Speed USB 2.0.
Is the drive connected to a Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 port on your computer?
Make sure that the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 drivers for both your host
bus adapter and device have been installed correctly. If in doubt,
uninstall the drivers and re-install them.
Does your computer or operating
system support Hi-Speed USB 2.0?
for more information.
The drive is working
slowly.
Is the drive connected directly to the
host computer?
Make sure that your drive is connected directly to the computer (see
For best performance, connect devices directly to the computer. For
The drive’s media tray
Is the disc full?
To verify the contents of the disc:
automatically ejects a disc
when you try to record on
it, or the drive is not writ-
ing to CD/DVD correctly.
✦ Use your recording software OR
✦ Select the disc on the desktop and select Get Info from the
File menu. If the disc appears empty but the problem persists,
try using another piece of media.
Does the drive support the format of
the disc you have inserted?
about the different formats supported by your drive.
Is the disc damaged?
Carefully inspect the disc. Look to see if there are highly visible
scratches to the recording surface (the bright, shiny, reflective side)
of the disc. If in doubt, try another disc.
Has the recording software been
installed correctly?
Double-check the installation of your recording software and re-
install the software, if necessary. Review the recording software’s
troubleshooting and help sections for more information about the
recording software.
The drive’s media tray
Are you receiving buffer underrun
errors (has something interrupted the
stream of data to the recorder)?
For the best recordings, follow these tips to avoid buffer underrun
interruptions:
automatically ejects a disc
when you try to record on
it, or the drive is not writ-
ing to CD/DVD correctly.
✦ Quit all other running software programs before starting to
record.
✦ De-activate File Sharing if it is active.
✦ If you are making a direct recording, such as a copy, from a
CD or a DVD, make sure that the speed of the drive playing
the CD or DVD is fast enough to provide a sufficient data
stream to the LaCie drive. When making copies, it is recom-
mended that you transfer the material to be copied to your
hard drive, and then make the recording from the data on
the hard drive.
✦ Reduce the write speed of the LaCie drive using the appropri-
ate menu in the recording software.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Contacting Customer Support
page 23
6. Contacting Customer Support
Before You Contact Technical Support
2. Try to isolate the problem. If possible, make the drive the only
external device on the CPU, and make sure that all of the cables
are correctly and securely attached.
If you have asked yourself all of the pertinent questions in the trou-
bleshooting checklist, and you still can’t get your LaCie drive to work
sure that you are in front of your computer and that you have the
following information on hand:
Information
Where to Find Information
LaCie Slim DVD RW serial number
Macintosh/PC model
Operating system version
Processor speed
Located on a sticker at the back of drive or on the original packaging
Mac users: Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar and select About This
Mac.
Windows users: Right click My Computer and select Properties > General.
Computer memory
The brands and models of other internal and external
peripherals installed on your computer
Mac users: Click on the Apple icon in the finder bar and select About This
Mac. Select More Info... The Apple System Profiler will launch and will list your
internal and external peripherals.
Windows users: Right click My Computer and select Properties > Hard-
ware.
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Contacting Customer Support
page 24
6.1. LaCie Technical Support Contacts
LaCie Asia
Contact us at:
LaCie Australia
Contact us at:
LaCie Belgium
LaCie Canada
Contact us at:
Contact us at:
http://www.lacie.com/be/contact/ (Français)
http://www.lacie.com/caen/contact/ (English)
LaCie Denmark
LaCie Finland
Contact us at:
Contact us at:
LaCie France
LaCie Germany
Contact us at:
Contact us at:
LaCie Italy
Contact us at:
Japan - ELECOM CO. LTD.
Contact us at:
LaCie Netherlands
LaCie Norway
Contact us at:
Contact us at:
LaCie Spain
LaCie Sweden
Contact us at:
Contact us at:
LaCie Switzerland
Contact us at:
LaCie United Kingdom
Contact us at:
http://www.lacie.com/chfr/contact/ (Français)
LaCie Ireland
LaCie USA
Contact us at:
Contact us at:
LaCie International
Contact us at:
LaCie Slim DVD±RW • Design by sam HecHt
User Manual
Warranty Information
page 25
7. Warranty Information
LaCie warrants your drive against any defect in material and work-
manship, under normal use, for the period designated on your war-
ranty certificate. In the event this product is found to be defective
within the warranty period, LaCie will, at its option, repair or replace
the defective drive.
Note to Australian Customers
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under
the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or
refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other rea-
sonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have
the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable
quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
This warranty is void if:
✦ The drive was operated/stored in abnormal use or mainte-
nance conditions;
Contact us:
✦ The drive is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair,
modification or alteration is expressly authorized in writing by
LaCie;
LaCie Australia, 458 Gardeners Road Alexandria, NSW 2015 AUS-
TRALIA.
✦ The drive was subjected to abuse, neglect, lightning strike,
Phone: 02 8063 3711
electrical fault, improper packaging or accident;
✦ The drive was installed improperly;
Email: [email protected]
✦ The serial number of the drive is defaced or missing;
For fast technical support, create a support ticket after registering
✦ The broken part is a replacement part such as a pickup tray,
etc.
✦ The tamper seal on the drive casing is broken.
LaCie and its suppliers accept no liability for any loss of data during
the use of this device, or for any of the problems caused as a result.
As a precaution, it is recommended that the CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW
and DVD+R/RW media be tested after they have been written to.
Under no circumstances do LaCie or its suppliers guarantee the reli-
ability of the DVD or CD media used in this drive.
LaCie will not, under any circumstances, be liable for direct, special
or consequential damages such as, but not limited to, damage or
loss of property or equipment, loss of profits or revenues, cost of
replacement goods, or expense or inconvenience caused by service
interruptions.
Any loss, corruption or destruction of data while using a LaCie drive
is the sole responsibility of the user, and under no circumstances will
LaCie be held liable for the recovery or restoration of this data. Un-
der no circumstances will any person be entitled to any sum greater
than the purchase price paid for the drive.
To obtain warranty service, call LaCie Technical Support. You may
be asked to furnish proof of purchase to confirm that the drive is still
under warranty.
All drives returned to LaCie must be securely packaged in their origi-
nal box and shipped with postage prepaid.
IMPORTANT INFO: Register online for free technical support:
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