Plextor's newest feature is VariRec: the Variable Recording function. It allows changing the laser power when writing CD-DA on CD-R at 4X. (TAO or DAO). The user can make a slight modification to a default setting. This default setting reflects an optimised laser power with lowest jitter. The result will be a change of sound or sound quality and an increase of playability or compatibility with existing players.

- Technical Background

The write strategy of a drive is the list of parameters that are used for writing on CD-R/RW media. For every disc type, and every possible speed, an optimised laser power value is chosen from a database that is the result of thorough tests in the lab. At the start of writing, the OPC (Optical Power Calibration) will retrieve the necessary information from the database and set the parameters. The most optimised write strategy will result in the lowest jitter.

VariRec can change the value of the laser power. The resulting effects are: change of sound quality of recorded disc (there should be a slight change, some kind of effect when VariRec is used on the different settings), change of playability or compatibility with Home CD Players or Car CD Players (some players need a slightly higher or lower laser power). Most audio professionals have a personal preference for higher/lower laser power (some even say they can hear the difference between a recording at high speed and at 1X).

- Warning

When VariRec is used to the most extreme settings, there is a chance that the playback device cannot read the disc properly. In this case, use the default setting or switch VariRec off.