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Resolved Question

old DVD recorder (DMR-ES25) won't read disc

Dec 21, 2014 6:50AM PST

A few days ago I removed the DVD-RAM disc I've been using in order to--I hoped--show a few short clips of a TV program I'd recorded to a friend. (This was before I read in the owners manual that one has to "finalize" a disc--destroying its ability to record anything in the future-- if you want to play its content on some other machine. So I'm glad i did not "finalize" the disc.)
Now, when I insert any of my (Panasonic brand) DVD-RAM discs, my machine makes these sounds: 4 "toots", followed by 1 lower-pitch "toot", and its window blinks "No READ".

Thinking there might be a build-up of dust inside, I wiped the top of the disc with a slightly moist sponge, then opened the window (for ventilation) and sprayed compressed air on the bottom of the disc, then (with the extension tube attached) sprayed air into the mechanism, then inserted the disc & hit the CLOSE button.

To no avail. Sad What can I do? Panasonic no longer makes these simple DVD recorder/players. I love this (model) DMR-ES25---i've been amazed how durable it's been since I bought it in the summer of 2006 (yes). The only irritant over the past year: it periodically says "This disc is not formatted properly"...so I've had to just accept that I've lost my many recorded short clips ("titles")--but at least I can keep using that DVD-RAM disc again.

I would buy a brand new Panasonic blu-ray player IF I knew that I could use it in the same way, i.e., not only pre-schedule timed recordings but also quickly grab the remote & record when someone starts saying something I want to save & replay (& edit) later.

Is my beloved DVD recorder fixable?
If I buy a new Panasonic blu-ray player, will it read (& play) my current DVD-RAM discs AND function in similar ways?
I look forward to the expertise on this forum.


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Best Answer

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All things are usual fixable.
Dec 21, 2014 7:02AM PST

Get estimates. But no to compatibility of old recordings to the new player. I write no because I've yet to see that work after, well, many years.

As to the content, no backup? OK, try ISOBUSTER on a PC then play the files with VLC PLAYER.
Bob

What's with the <div>?

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Re: All things are usually fixable
Dec 21, 2014 3:09PM PST

Thanks, Proffitt. I had never heard of ISOBUSTER or the VLC Media Player, so I've just googled those topics & read very positive reviews. So apparently I'll at least be able to play the content on my MacMini computer.

As for getting repair-cost estimates, I'll start by contacting Panasonic. If I stay with my old CRT TV for now, I'll look for a manufacturer that still makes simple DVD recorders. But Consumer Reports says an HDTV & a blu-ray player would work well together. I'll have to read more about blu-ray players.

PS. I don't know what <div> means either.

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I'll explain those apps as
Dec 22, 2014 12:07AM PST

These are in my top drawer of the software toolbox. Not everyone knows about them so forums are a great place to share such things.

I'm seeing less and less optical recorders. For me that's not a big loss but yes I own one too but never leave the content I want to save on optical alone. Call it something I learned long ago.
Bob