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Panasonic DMR-E85H error U99
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vulcanusa
Member
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21. September 2005 @ 10:37 |
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This thread has been great! Thanks to the experts (Roger A. et. al.), I bought 2 DMR-E85HP's at different times on eBay. Because of the contributors here and some other forums, I knew what I was getting into. Hope the experts keep checking back to this thread to help me out now.
Received the 1st unit in mid-August. Applied the firmware update. Still experienced a TVGuide U99 related problem resulting in reboot/service check/etc. I disabled the TVGuide download. No big deal - I had not counted on using it because of what I had previously read here during my research. Otherwise, that unit has been working great.
Received the 2nd unit a couple of days ago. Was advertised as not being able to burn DVD's. Well, it could be that the prior owner did not have a technical background and was not aware that the unit might be finicky with respect to DVD brands. Or, perhaps the prior owner did not know that you must use a certain DVD type (i.e. DVD-R). Anyway, I was ready to accept that the burner might be inoperative, but at least I could use it as a HDD recorder.
Well, the 2nd unit will not complete init when power is applied. I get one cycle of hash marks with "Please Wait" displayed, then just "Please Wait". I hear a couple accesses of the hard drive and then it just sits there. It does respond to some of button presses (power-off/on). I can perform a DVD tray lock/unlock (at least that is what the display confirms). I cannot get it into service mode, cannot get it to eject the DVD tray, and cannot perform the other functions documented by Roger A. on his SNAFU page.
I opened both units and checked the models and jumpers on the hard drives. They are identical Samsung SV1203N drives. I installed the drive from the faulty unit in my WIN98 PC. The BIOS recognized it. I performed an FDISK and formatted it. I downloaded the Hutil from Samsung and executed it. I performed a SCANDISK. Everything was fine. I reinstalled it in the faulty unit and there was no change in performance. I left the unit in the "Please Wait" state for a couple of hours. All it did was heat up significantly. Obviously the fan is bad or the power application cycle must complete successfully in order for the fan to be operated. Not good. Hopefully nothing was damaged by letting the hard drive run for a couple of hours with no fan.
Has anyone else had this problem or know of a solution?
I thought as a last resort I might manually pull open the DVD tray, insert the CD with Roger's firmware update, force the drawer closed, and see if the unit recognizes the CD with the update before it gets to the point in the power application init where it stops prematurely. If nothing else, I know I have a working 120 GB hard drive that I may install in a PC or as a spare for the other unit, and I have a spare working remote - but those considerations are scant consolation. Any advice?
Thanks,
Mark
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vulcanusa
Member
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21. September 2005 @ 11:03 |
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fargen,
There is a procedure for disabling the download of the TVGuide. I'm not presently at home, but I believe if you press Functions on the remote and then select the top item from the Functions menu (in the list on the left), you'll be presented several options on the right. One of those options (in the middle) is to manually activate a scan of the channel range to detect broadcasting stations. If you activate that process I recall that you'll receive a warning that manually activating a channel scan disables TVGuide operations from that point forward. The procedure is listed in the manual - I think on a page in the 40's.
Mark
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Mossler
Junior Member
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21. September 2005 @ 12:37 |
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Sounds very familiar kossello. I've also gotten the U99 three times in the last few weeks. When I get the U99 I've also always had the machine set to record some programs at the time. I think every time this has happened I've had it set to record some programs "back to back" but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. My hard drive is less than half full. I reset the machine with the up/down channel button method a few days ago and so far it hasn't happened again but it normally takes awhile so I doubt that it is fixed. If it keeps it up I'll take it to the repair shop.
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vulcanusa
Member
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22. September 2005 @ 06:41 |
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fargen,
Sorry that the instructions I supplied yesterday were not quite accurate for disabling the TV Guide download. I should have checked the manual first. See on page 43 of the manual. But if you don't have the manual:
Press Setup button on the remote;
Press up or down arrow to select Channel on the left menu;
Press >;
Select up or down arrow to select Auto Channel Setting on the right menu;
Press Enter;
Press < or > to select Yes;
Press Enter;
Press Enter;
The channels are scanned and then you may perform an auto clock setting.
At this point the TV Guide download is disabled. You may then set up timer programs manually by using the remote's Prog/Check button. If the unit is ever returned back to factory defaults, you'll have to run through the procedure again to disable the TV Guide download.
Mark
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drsparc
Newbie
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22. September 2005 @ 08:44 |
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It has been 2 days since I last had a U99 error. I think TV-Guide may have fixed their problem. Did anyone else get the U99 while in standby mode in the last 24 hours?
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Mossler
Junior Member
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22. September 2005 @ 10:29 |
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Nope not yet. If I get another U99 I'll post it here. Maybe if we all do that we can notice some patterns.
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kossello
Junior Member
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22. September 2005 @ 19:33 |
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On Wednesday 9-21 I received 2 U-99 errors.
When I got home after doing a timed recording which I did get at 9:30 am the machine showed the error code. (it was set uo to record from L3)
I started the unit with the remote and after a self check it was OK. I then set it up to record a show at 7:00 pm (on L3) and while waiting I noticed that the U-99 error code was showing and the unit was not recording. I started the recorder and again after the self check everything is OK.
I have the recorder set up to retrieve the TV guide info on the tuner setting. While I received the errors I was on L3 so I could record off the cable box. (TV guide and recorder are set up as not having a cable box.)
I'm now wondering if I'm receiving the code when the unit tries to update the TV guide but because I'm on L3 it can not locate the signal and then gives the error.
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drsparc
Newbie
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23. September 2005 @ 09:13 |
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I found my system had another U99 when I got home yesterday... so the problem is not fixed. I really do think the problem is in the TV-Guide data and has nothing to do with being on L3. Several of us started running into this problem all at the same time. We didn't change, the data did. On that same line, is there anyone here who is using the TV-Guide feature who hasn't had a U99 error in the last few weeks? If it were the data, you would assume we all would be effected (or at least all within a region).
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Mossler
Junior Member
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23. September 2005 @ 10:17 |
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I reset my machine last friday (Wow, I didn't know it had been a week already.) with the up/down channel method and so far it hasn't had the U99 since then. I have had it in standby most of that time and I actually have a full week of program guide data now. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe it hasn't had the U99 because it cleared out all the old (possibly corrupted?) tv guide data. I also had not done the reset since I updated the firmware. Anyway so far so good.
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drsparc
Newbie
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23. September 2005 @ 10:30 |
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What is the "up/down channel method"? Clearing the old data makes sence. It may also explain why it is happening with less frequency now as the old data purges it self.
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fargen
Junior Member
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23. September 2005 @ 10:36 |
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you press the up and down channel buttons on the main unit until the machine shuts down; then you start from scratch. This does not erase existing programs.
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Mossler
Junior Member
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23. September 2005 @ 10:42 |
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I followed this email that someone else posted from panasonic. Sorry I'm not sure who posted it. It says it is for the DMR-E95 (which is the model that I have.) but I think they are pretty much the same.
Thank you for your inquiry. There are no firmware upgrades available for
the DMRE95. Based on the information provided we recommend resetting the
unit. Please follow the instructions listed below.
1. Hold down the channel up and channel down keys together, you MUST hold
these keys down until the clock starts flashing (not until unit says BYE)
keep them depressed until clock is flashing 12:00am.
2. Pull power cord on unit (15 -20 seconds) and re connect.
3. At this point the front of the recorder will show PLEASE WAIT (with no
hash marks going back and forth) wait until this goes off completely. The
front of the unit normally will be all black (no lights) this sometimes
takes a while.
4. Power the unit on, you may get one of two things, 1(Please Wait with
the flashing hash marks for a while) or just have front of unit display
GUIDE along with ch1, on the face.
5. The very beginning TV Guide set up screen on your TV, this is the
picture of a TV set with welcome to TV Guide set up. This means the
recorder is completely reset to factory, if you have the TV Guide screen
asking if settings are correct, you have not completely reset and must try
again.
To obtain additional troubleshooting assistance for your product, please
contact our Panasonic Customer Call Center at (800) 211-PANA. The hours
of operation are Mon. - Fri. 9A.M to 9PM and Sat. - Sun. 10A.M to 7PM
Eastern Standard Time. A representative will be available to assist you.
Please have your case number, which is listed at the top portion of your
email, available at the time of the call.
Thank You,
Panasonic Consumer Support
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handyguy
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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27. September 2005 @ 08:28 |
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Tried that with an e500 but it didn't change anything. This seems to happen even with those units with no HD.
For me, I have to push the power button twice if I get a U99.
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gdoggy
Junior Member
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27. September 2005 @ 12:32 |
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I got the U99 error on 9/8 twice and when I came home from work on 9/9 it had a U99 error again. I took it to the local Panny repair center and it took them until yesterday (the 26th) to get the error. They are replacing the digital board in it. I hope this fixes it, but if not, I still have 6 months of warranty left.
@
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GRCompton
Newbie
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27. September 2005 @ 18:03 |
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I too have a DMR-E85H that has been plagued with U99 errors the last few weeks, after having worked fairly flawlessly for the last several months since purchase in February. I'm going to try some of the things I've read here, but thought that I would add that I tried the firmware upgrade and that did not help. I've also noticed that my Guide information will be non-existant when viewed and then be present when I return to it a minute later.
I do have a follow up question to one of the earlier postings - has anyone figured out a way to use a larger hard drive in this unit and have the machine recognize it as more than 120 GB?
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GRCompton
Newbie
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28. September 2005 @ 07:43 |
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Update on my U99 Hastles. I've done a recent firmware upgrade and a reset and still picked up a U99 code within 30 minutes of turning the unit off. Following that I went to Automatic Channel Selection rather than TV Guide and the unit went all night without reverting to U99.
This of course is not a real fix, the TVGuide portion of the setup added a lot of functionality. What I'd like to know is whether others experiencing the U99 errors may be on the same Cable provider as me - I'm with Astound in the Walnut Creek, Ca area.
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kossello
Junior Member
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28. September 2005 @ 07:53 |
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I'm willing to try almost anything.
Been getting the error maybe two times a week. I have gotten so use to them that I wonder if one of these times the unit will lock up and all will be lost. Have been real lucky that at this time it is only inconvient to have to turn the unit on wait for it to go through the self check cycle. Everything is OK and I get the recording that was scheduled to record.
I have about 8 months left on the warranty and have not purchased the extended warranty from Panny.
I'm in Kentucky and use Insight as the cable company
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fargen
Junior Member
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28. September 2005 @ 08:46 |
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I'm using Comcast; got the U99's when I was using TV Guide function. Reset; am now using manual programming, no TV Guide; no problems so far.
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Mossler
Junior Member
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28. September 2005 @ 10:54 |
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Looks like it isn't specific to one area. I'm in ohio. I still haven't had anymore U99's since I reset it but if it is a problem with tv guide's data stream it will probably happen again.
Gdoggy I hope you will report if the digital board replacement ends your U99 problem because if it happens to me again I'm taking it to the repair shop. I have about 10 months left on my warranty.
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GRCompton
Newbie
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28. September 2005 @ 10:57 |
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Looks like there are a few of us who eliminated the U99 errors by cutting out the TV Guide functionality - it would be good to know how prevalent this problem is, if I had that data I'd use it to see if we can get a firmware update addressing that issue.
Has any one had success with using forum data to back up your claims to Panasonic?
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RX7Fan
Member
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28. September 2005 @ 11:19 |
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O.K., found this forum by a search for the infamous U99 error, I've got a DMR E85H, and as an added feature, it came with the cursed U99, .... about 4 or 5 months after getting it home that is. I've been power-cycling it, and have noticed, partial channels in the Guide plus, I've looked at a lot of the posts, and have sorted out what I think/guess will work best for me. I'm not sure of the current firmware, will check it first, then if needed I'll apply the upgrade. I plan on removing a bunch of the channels that are listed,.... now-a-days, the "200 channels and nothing to watch" applies more than ever. I'll try all this, and post tomorrow as to results. Many thanks , and regards to Roger "K2SMN" for the info and effort to help all resolve this problem.
Mazda RX7 Fan
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gdoggy
Junior Member
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28. September 2005 @ 12:47 |
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Quote:
Gdoggy I hope you will report if the digital board replacement ends your U99 problem because if it happens to me again I'm taking it to the repair shop. I have about 10 months left on my warranty.
Yes, I will report back on whether the digital board fixes it, but unless Panasonic has redesigned and/or revised the digital board I can't see how it will fix anything. I would say just the process of resetting the system and reformatting the drive after the board replacement will probably keep me U99 free for at least a month or two.
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K2SMN
Junior Member
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28. September 2005 @ 15:54 |
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Just a reminder - The original "U99" error I reported on here was caused by performing a "Divide" function. This is used when you have recorded a continuous 3-4 hours and then want to edit each hour to burn to DVD. It would cause data loss of any remaining video on the Hard Drive. Drove me nuts. The firmware upgrade fixed it - for sure. However, it turns out that the "TV Guide" function can also cause this "U99" error. I have no idea why that happens, or how to fix it -- I just DON'T use the "TV Guide". Never needed it. Never tried it. Don't want it. There are so many other ways to find out what's on TV. I just start the machine at 7:55 pm and let it run until 11:00 pm. I can then watch what I want, with great ability to skip past the junk, etc. I then edit the stuff I want to save (using that divide function) and burn it to a DVD. Erase and repeat. Works great. No "U99" errors since the firmware upgrade. I also use external tuners, connected with S-Video, so don't even have an antenna on the built-in tuner.
The problem appears to be in the "TV Guide" function, and only Panasonic & the TV Guide people can work this out. Bring pressure on them.
Good Luck!
Roger.
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anncoates
Newbie
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28. September 2005 @ 20:08 |
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I use the TV guide on my E85 daily and I have never experienced a U99 error. I'm not going to stop using it, but it's a bit worrying reading this. So it's just the use of the TV guide that can cause the U99 error? Nothing specific? Jeepers. That's pretty bad news.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 28. September 2005 @ 20:23
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attilav
Newbie
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28. September 2005 @ 23:00 |
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We just had an update from our cable company and I'm getting U99 like every 2 hours. I will try the No TV Guide...
On the other hand, I downloaded the firmware from the US Panasonic site, which is btw the same as dxcc's. 0970DL/0110DC/J131.
However, I just downloaded from the canadian website with a J132...
I will check tonite if I still have the U99. If yes, I'll disable the TV Guide and see...
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