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Panasonic DMR-E85H error U99
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Kassel
Junior Member
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21. November 2007 @ 10:11 |
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RED ALERT!
I changed no parts ... tinkered with this thing using many of your ideas ... check out my other postings and you may find the clue ... But MY SYSTEM IS UP AND RUNNING THIS MORNING! The U99 is gone, the hard drive is playing shows I recorded weeks ago! What on earth?!
The only thing I did that none of you guys mentioned is this ... I took out the plastic webby belt that runs from the hard drive to a slot under the dvd drive. It pulled out by accident from beneath the dvd drive, so I took it out and reinstalled it. Other than that, I did try to run it off the power supply from another computer, just pulling the extension over to the panasonic. I do not think that made a difference. I will see if it can record etc., so I can get key files onto disk before it upchucks again. And I want to make sure to install that panasonic patch disk, though I need guidance on that. How do I install the patch disk please? This is up and running and it did not even need to reformat! Also, after reinstalling the web belt, I only noticed a couple of differences, it allowed me to finally see the dvd and hdd lights blinking on the digital readout! (last night). But the screen was generally just black. Today is the first time I have seen the picture up on the screen in two months or so. So ... I suspicion the web belt was loose in its slot below the dvd, and I think it needed to be off for 20 minutes to finish a system check. This was a problem I never expected to end this way, so I was ready to call panasonic this morning anyway! But now I am going to move it to the main television here and see what it can do when hooked up to cable etc. KK, Adelanto CA
kingkassel@aol.com
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Junior Member
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21. November 2007 @ 15:33 |
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Did you get the patch disk direct from Panasonic or did you download and burn the image to CD? You should have some paperwork which says how to do it. The Panasonic website lists the steps. You should do a channel up/channel down reset with the machine on after flashing. Then unplug for 10 minutes. I've found that resetting the E85 when it starts acting funny will fix almost all software problems.
I'm surprised you didn't lose the contents of the HD as the machine will usually format the disk once it's been disconnected.
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Kassel
Junior Member
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21. November 2007 @ 19:54 |
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Furry, I just downloaded that disk a few weeks ago. I don't think I have installed it. I hesitate to do too much as it is like a dead family member has been reborn here. I am presently loading some shows onto dvds so I can unburden the hard drive. It has about 100 hours on there in LP mode, so roughly 95% full, as it usually is. But I am offloading stuff tonight and making a few disks some friends have been asking for etc. I will move it to a cable hookup tonight and leave it off to reacquire the tv guide. I think it is fixed. I can't say how very surprised I am. And lucky.
It was turned off all day today, but it turned on and worked normally as soon as I got home from work. K
kingkassel@aol.com
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FFoldwomn
Newbie
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22. November 2007 @ 11:37 |
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The TVGuide Updates appeared 2 days ago!! I haven't received TVGuide updates for at least 4 months. I have a TV that started receiving them a couple of weeks ago. I guess something must have changed at comcast.
Delaware County, near Phila PA.
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mondo999
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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22. November 2007 @ 12:17 |
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I hope it's ok to post problems with other models in the Panasonic line here? If not, I'll post a new thread.
I have two Panasonic DMR EH55 DVD recorders with the 200GB hard drive. Both worked fine for a few months, but both have developed a similar problem, failing to be able to burn. The first one started failing about mid-way through, and I sent it to Anchorage (the only shop in our state who is authorized to work on models under warranty). They replaced the power supply, and after I got it back, it worked fine for about 2 weeks, then the same problem came back, this time it fails within the first couple minutes of burning. All other features of the unit work fine.
I sent it back, but this time they returned it saying they could burn fine with it. I'm perplexed, because it won't work for me at all. The other model has a very similar problem, though it also makes lots of noise before it bombs out. Both will display the U88 error briefly and have me reboot them. I sent the second model down and they returned it, also saying they could find no problem with it.
I'm totally frustrated with this situation. I've used the Panasonic DMR EH85 since 2004, so I know what I'm doing. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
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Junior Member
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22. November 2007 @ 13:37 |
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Originally posted by mondo999:
I have two Panasonic DMR EH55 DVD recorders with the 200GB hard drive. Both worked fine for a few months, but both have developed a similar problem, failing to be able to burn.
Maybe try a different brand of blank DVD-R. It's also not uncommon to have some bad blanks in the stack. Buy a new spindle of blanks. I've been using Sony and HP with no problems. Even recently started using HP with LightScribe and they work fine also. When I finish high speed dubbing, I take the DVD to my computer and LightScribe a label on top. It's not outstanding but it looks neat and is fun to do also.
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soju
Junior Member
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22. November 2007 @ 15:13 |
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This was the same problem I had with my E95H a few months ago. Under extended warranty and took it in to the local JVC dealer (authorized repair). Took a couple of weeks but they were able to replace the bad part (can't recall what it was and not at home to look it up) and it has been dubbing with no problems now. Using Sony and even tried some TDKs recently - all dubbing fine!
My other newer model, EH75V, had some problems dubbing but don't use it for that purpose so ignoring that issue for now! Have it under warranty too so will take it in soon.
BTW, that EH75V is the worst thing I have seen to do "copying" from VHS to hard drive. Tried to copy an old VHS tape and every time it came to a commercial break (that had been edited)it created a new recording. In other words, it would not copy the entire tape as 1 recording, but instead made it 4 recordings! Junk!
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Kassel
Junior Member
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23. November 2007 @ 20:33 |
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Regarding failure to burn, I have noticed some cheap blanklabel disks have a higher failure rate. I can use about anything now, but I trust any brand I buy at Staples the most.
Meanwhile, if you do want to burn a disk there is on step not mentioned in the manual that is important. You tell the system you want to dub and it tells you to put a disk in the destination drive. At that point you open the tray and put in a fresh disk, right? Well, once that is done, WAIT until the dvd on the front window stops blinking. I have on several occasions gone too fast, starting to pick items for my dubbing list while the dvd signal is still blinking. It will normally enter a system check if I push it along at that juncture. So wait that extra 30 seconds and the machine will give you less arguments. PPS .. mine is still working fine now, two days after rebirth from the loose web belt caper. I have to remember how to get it to record in preparation for high speed recording though, as it presently is recording one at low speed only because I failed to reestablish my settings. KK
kingkassel@aol.com
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katchoo
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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23. November 2007 @ 20:58 |
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Well, after about 6 weeks with the TVGO, IT's BACK!!! Time Warner in NE Ohio
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VideoBob
Member
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23. November 2007 @ 21:03 |
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mondo999:
I concur, the greatest single reason for multiple units to fail within a small window of time is cheap media. Spring for a spindle of good quality media, and you should be fine. Also, clean the CD drive LED.
bob
Bob, Laguna Woods, CA 92637; Leisure World Analog Cable; No box
Panasonic DMR-E85HS (1 Year) and DMR-E95HS (6 Months) [TVGOS]
RCA DRS-7000N [3-day TVGOS]
ReplayTV 5504 (Monthly$ 14-Day ReplayTV)
Panny ShowStopper 1000 (ReplayTV 2000) [7-Day Free ReplayTV]
2 x Sony 1000 (Not currently hooked up) [Free TiVo]
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psujmatt
Newbie
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8. December 2007 @ 15:44 |
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Thank you to again for everyone's help! I did the capacitor fix following your advice and using the 1000uF/35V radial lead capacitors from Radio Shack. It is now working, but not without added excitement, as below.
When first rebooting, I still got the Test * L1 error message. The first time I just unplugged the machine and thought "d#$% (etc.) machine!" I let it sit a few hours while I was out of the house thinking maybe it just needed to cool more (I'd only waited about 30 minutes after soldering), but again I got the TEST * L1 error. Rather than the more complicated resets discussed in this forum, I just pressed the power button once. The error disappeared (the little tick-bars counted down to only one left on either side), but then it was locked up. I just held down the power button until it went off (to the blinking 12:00 mode). I help my breath, and pushed power. Strangely the DVD tray opened up, but the system booted fine. Once I canceled the TV Guide setup, I could close the DVD tray and load the navigator. All of my shows on the hard drive were still there!
So far everything is working (knock on wood), but I have not even considered trying the TV guide setup yet. I'm going to just enjoy going through my recorded shows while recording new ones on my cable company issued DVR for a while.
Thanks again everyone!
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mondo999
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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8. December 2007 @ 15:53 |
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Originally posted by VideoBob:
mondo999:
I concur, the greatest single reason for multiple units to fail within a small window of time is cheap media. Spring for a spindle of good quality media, and you should be fine. Also, clean the CD drive LED.
bob
Thanks for the feedback, but the blanks I've used for months with no problem on these recorders are still not working (I use either TDK or Sony). So I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a media issue. Any other ideas? Thanks!
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Kassel
Junior Member
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8. December 2007 @ 19:23 |
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Is it possible you are using DVD+R, rather than DVD-R?
I think you may be able, also, to used CD-R for shorter programs.
You could also try DVD RAM, though I have never used those eraseable disks. K
PS ,, Mine has been up and running fine for a couple of weeks now, and it is getting a lot of use, but the TV Guide is not on there yet. That was not a part of the problem, but since I brought it back to life, no TV guide has loaded. I think our cable comp has changed the channel lineup, so maybe TV Guide needs time to catch on.
kingkassel@aol.com
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Junior Member
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9. December 2007 @ 10:01 |
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Originally posted by Kassel:
Mine has been up and running fine for a couple of weeks now, and it is getting a lot of use, but the TV Guide is not on there yet. That was not a part of the problem, but since I brought it back to life, no TV guide has loaded. I think our cable comp has changed the channel lineup, so maybe TV Guide needs time to catch on.
If your E85 hasn't pulled in a TV Guide schedule after 24-48 hours, your cable company is probably no longer broadcasting the information. You could try running the config for TV Guide again, entering your ZIP Code, whether you have a cable box attached or not, etc. The machine must be turned off to pull in data. Usually after one day you should have something. The first thing that appears are the promotional ads followed by channel icons. Depending on your area, you may also get a screen that asks you to select a channel lineup from several possibilities. It will say something like "WGNSAT is on channel 33" or "WGNSAT is on channel 21". You pick the one that works for your area and cable system.
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Kassel
Junior Member
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19. December 2007 @ 12:12 |
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I got the TV guide back about two days ago. What I had to do was change the zip codes on the machine. I noticed the cable comp had changed the channel designations. I tried the zip for a few nearby towns without success. Then, luckily, was at a party 15 miles away on Sunday. That small village had the exact lineup I was now receiving on tv, so I changed my panasonic to that zip code and within two days was up and running. I'm very happy to have the TV guide back as it streamlines recording to the max. K
kingkassel@aol.com
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jaspaul43
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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2. January 2008 @ 13:12 |
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Originally posted by K2SMN:
I have finished my document discussing the "U99" error, along with how to prevent that by doing a firmware upgrade. It's easy to do. If you own one of these fine machines, you should read this. There is a way to check your current version of the firmware, and instructions to do the upgrade. I have placed it on my website. Here is the link- http://www.dxcc.com/dmr-e85h.htm -- good luck.
Roger
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jaspaul43
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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2. January 2008 @ 13:24 |
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Originally posted by K2SMN:
I have finished my document discussing the "U99" error, along with how to prevent that by doing a firmware upgrade. It's easy to do. If you own one of these fine machines, you should read this. There is a way to check your current version of the firmware, and instructions to do the upgrade. I have placed it on my website. Here is the link- http://www.dxcc.com/dmr-e85h.htm -- good luck.
Roger
I am new to this site and may not be preperly replying to your message. I own a DMR E85H and it has developed a serious? problem. I displayes the Message "PLEASE WAIT". That is ALL it does. Plug it in; there's the message. It cannot be powered off. No button is functional, nor is the remote. The DVD door will not open. I have seen the same problem posted elsewhere, but no resolve was shared. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
JP
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Kassel
Junior Member
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2. January 2008 @ 22:35 |
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jaspaul, read roger's article and take notes. Also, go back a few pages in this forum and you will find solutions. I don't have the keystrokes in my hand right now, but there are subtle two or three-button steps that might help you to reset without much trouble. I read it in the manual, but someone in this string of postings will have them listed, or just read the roger article. You will like it. KK
kingkassel@aol.com
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yankee10
Newbie
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3. January 2008 @ 00:30 |
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Originally posted by jaspaul43:
Originally posted by K2SMN:
I have finished my document discussing the "U99" error, along with how to prevent that by doing a firmware upgrade. It's easy to do. If you own one of these fine machines, you should read this. There is a way to check your current version of the firmware, and instructions to do the upgrade. I have placed it on my website. Here is the link- http://www.dxcc.com/dmr-e85h.htm -- good luck.
Roger
I am new to this site and may not be preperly replying to your message. I own a DMR E85H and it has developed a serious? problem. I displayes the Message "PLEASE WAIT". That is ALL it does. Plug it in; there's the message. It cannot be powered off. No button is functional, nor is the remote. The DVD door will not open. I have seen the same problem posted elsewhere, but no resolve was shared. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
JP
Your symptoms sound like mine--fixed by replacing two capacitors on the power supply board. See my posts of 11 Aug 07 & 22 Sep 07. There are many other posts on this website that discuss their replacement. I encourage you to read them.
Bottom line is that if these caps go out, the 12v that feeds the disk drives go out and not much works--including most buttons. While you may have some other problem, these under-voltage rated caps are a systemic problem in these units.
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Kassel
Junior Member
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3. January 2008 @ 10:04 |
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I think I would try to solve u99s or PleaseWait lockdowns beginning with the least invasive processes first ... because I think changing the capacitors has a slight chance of causing damage, I would do that more as a last resort. My order of operations would be something like this:
1) Read and employ the button codes for resetting or installing default settings. ... if that fails after a day of rest ...>>
2) Get an old computer next to the e85, and stretch one of the disk drive power supply wires over to the e85 and plug that power supply into the e85 hard drive. (I think this bypasses the allegedly faulty capacitor, right?) When using the hijacked computer's power supply, I would enter the reset codes noted elsewhere in the thread or in roger's articles. Then, after attempting a reset, I would reattach my e85 hard drive to the e85 power supply connector.
2a) Then I would turn on the e85 and see if the resets stuck. I would wait a day before going to the more drastic steps of a capacitor change. My capacitors always looked fine, and the steps listed above worked, with the extra observation that the plastic infobelt that runs from the e85 hard drive had been loosened or pulled out from under the dvd drive, possibly causing all of my problems.
3) If all else failed, allowing a day for each major step to kick in, I would consider trying the capacitor move.
K
kingkassel@aol.com
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yankee10
Newbie
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3. January 2008 @ 21:29 |
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Originally posted by Kassel:
I think I would try to solve u99s or PleaseWait lockdowns beginning with the least invasive processes first ... because I think changing the capacitors has a slight chance of causing damage, I would do that more as a last resort. My order of operations would be something like this:
1) Read and employ the button codes for resetting or installing default settings. ... if that fails after a day of rest ...>>
2) Get an old computer next to the e85, and stretch one of the disk drive power supply wires over to the e85 and plug that power supply into the e85 hard drive. (I think this bypasses the allegedly faulty capacitor, right?) When using the hijacked computer's power supply, I would enter the reset codes noted elsewhere in the thread or in roger's articles. Then, after attempting a reset, I would reattach my e85 hard drive to the e85 power supply connector.
2a) Then I would turn on the e85 and see if the resets stuck. I would wait a day before going to the more drastic steps of a capacitor change. My capacitors always looked fine, and the steps listed above worked, with the extra observation that the plastic infobelt that runs from the e85 hard drive had been loosened or pulled out from under the dvd drive, possibly causing all of my problems.
3) If all else failed, allowing a day for each major step to kick in, I would consider trying the capacitor move.
K
Sounds like a plan. In fact, it's similar to some things I tried (powering the HDD from a computer, moving the HDD into a computer). Note, however, that if the capacitors are bad, they affect more than just the HDD. You also should be cognizant of ground return issues--if the computer ground is isolated from the DVR HDD ground. The flexible data cable going to the HDD is very flimsy and easy to damage--so be careful.
If you have a voltmeter, you might want to check the voltages at the HDD power connector when unplugged from the HDD. Pin 1 is +12vdc, pins 2 and 3 are ground, and pin 4 is +5vdc. If pin 1 is a steady +12vdc, then the caps are probably OK.
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Kassel
Junior Member
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3. January 2008 @ 22:02 |
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yeah, I did the exact steps I described and got a fully functional system with a live hard drive out of the deal without changing the capacitors. I was glad of that, since the capacitors looked healthy to me. The voltmeter is over my head, but if mine breaks down again one day I will let my cousin the wiring guy check it over. Thanks.
kingkassel@aol.com
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soju
Junior Member
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7. January 2008 @ 09:08 |
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I have encountered this off and on since burning with a Panasonic but usually only 1 show on a DVD will not play....well tonight I pulled out a DVD I had burned about 6 mos. ago and it ABSOLUTELY cannot be read/played on any DVD player or either of my 2 Panasonic DVD recorders. Finalizing is not the problem as the machine that I burned it on will not even read the darn dvd.
It is a SONY dvd - I have been using these ever since I had a major problem with TDKs.
Any suggestions or do I just chalk it up as a loss......first 4 shows of a series I recorded.....UGH!
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Kassel
Junior Member
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7. January 2008 @ 21:12 |
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First, I would not destroy or toss out the disk that has the first four hours of the series you wanted to save. Sooner or later you will find a way to overcome the glitch. My bet, the disk would play on a computer's dvd operating system. You can possibly copy it to a useable disk on someone's computer. Also, it is likely the series will be rerun later, so you will get a chance to make another disk in a few months. I assume you are saving one of those building series like Prison Break or 24 etc. To me, the entire event is suspicious. There is nothing on that disk that was not there the day you burned it. If it ever played, it should still play. I wonder if you can put it in your machine now and tell it to finalize the disk again. It may help.
kingkassel@aol.com
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soju
Junior Member
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8. January 2008 @ 06:01 |
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Yes, the disc that won't play now is strange, but then I found another one in that set. One disc was burned 6 mos. ago and the other bad one was burned last month. Actually they are part of a Korean drama set that I am recording.
I have tried 2 different Panasonic DVD recorders, 2 other all-region dvd players and my computer. Not one machine will read the disc...and I can see that it was burned. I cannot even try to finalize it (if it was not finalized) because the Pannys will not even read it!
I was told that the discs were probably bad to begin with. Still trying but will be double checking all discs now before I erase the Panasonic HD.
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