Has my DVD recorder died?

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godatatu

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#34174 20-May-2009 13:30

I have a Panasonic DVD recorder DMS-ES15.
Went to copy a mini DV tape recording (about 25 mins) from my video camera to a DVD. Put in a DSE DVD+RW to record onto.
My recorder would/could not read that disk so I could not copy the video onto the DVD.
So, I put in a Ram DVD (Panasonic) that I have been using to record TV programs on for three months - stuff like Coro etc, that is then deleted after being watched. I use the Ram DVD as it has the "chasing playback" facility that permits one to watch a program from the start whilst it is still recording to the end of the time setting.
But - now my DVD recorder will not read that (the Ram disk) DVD!!!!!
Nor would it read my second - spare and little used - Ram DVD. And, I tried some other DVD's on hand - kids stuff like Bob the Builder, Dora, Postman Pat that were bought commercially. The DVD recorder would not read them either!!!!
Has my DVD recorder died? What has happened? Has the lazer reader device/component failed?
How much might it cost to fix? Who knows where I would be best to go to (in Auckland) get it fixed? The recorder is about 4/5 years old.
Thanks for any helpful suggestions.

rscole86

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#216319 20-May-2009 13:44

Have you tried a lens cleaning disc to start off with? Someone like Next electronics would be able to have a look at it for you.

godatatu

14 posts

Geek

#216377 20-May-2009 16:09

Thanks "rscole86".

Haven't tried a lens cleaning disk. What is that and where might I get one?

Have tried this forum first - as Next Electronics want $60.00 to look at the machine just to tell me what is wrong! Of course the company will deduct that off any repair costs - if I decide to go ahead and get the recorder fixed. May not be worth fixing after all in which case I am $60.00 down!!

Will try the lens clean disk - if you can advise where to obtain that item.

Thanks.

rscole86

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#216379 20-May-2009 16:15

Any big box retailer will sell them, usually around the $20-30 mark, and they can be used on anything that plays dvd/cd's. so stereos, pc's, car stereo etc etc

Yeah $60 is the going rate for most repairers to do an inspection.

godatatu

14 posts

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#216596 21-May-2009 11:36

Tried a lens cleaning DVD - $16.00 at Appliance Shed.
Still no joy.
Has anyone got any other ideas - as to what has happened. I reckon the DVD read component has expired!!!!

wellygary

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#216611 21-May-2009 11:55

godatatu: Tried a lens cleaning DVD - $16.00 at Appliance Shed.

Still no joy.

Has anyone got any other ideas - as to what has happened. I reckon the DVD read component has expired!!!!

Whatever it is, it is going to require a visit to a technician's It may be terminal or expenzive, but best drop it in for a check and fork over the $$$ for an inspection.

godatatu

14 posts

Geek

#216652 21-May-2009 13:41

Cheers - will do that NEXT PENSION DAY!!!!!

Anyway - I solved the problem yesterday. DSE had my model on special for just $229.00. So I bought one. It was the only one left in Auckland (at DSE anyway) - and I was surprised to find it as I thought the model had long ago been superceded. So I have a set that is all familiar. And, if the repair of the present "dud" is not too high I can recover some cash by way of a sale via Trademe or similar. And, I have 12 months store warranty so thats a great deal.

Alls well that ends well.