Quote:
Same problems as other members in the forum, the JVC unit will not recognize DVDs It does play CDs ok.
Before taking it to the service center here, I'd like to know whether you could suggest an easy (i'm not a hardware DIY man at all) or simple solution?
Thanks in advance
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If your unit is not recognizing DVDs, then you're likely getting the well-known flashing "LOADING" message on the DVD recorder. Note that the unit is not trying to load anything! This is a generic error message used for any problems the unit is having, or with a disc the unit cannot read. It may as well say "HELP ME" or "PROBLEM DETECTED".
If your unit will read/play CD and CD-R, but not any DVD (burned, blank or retail pressed "store bought"), then the unit may have a dead burner.
If you suspect the disc is to blame (or even if you don't!), the first thing to try is a
Verbatim-branded 16x DVD-R made by Mitsubishi (not the "Value Series" crap). At this time, January 2010, all Verbatim discs sold in North America are Mitsubishi, except for the aforementioned Value Series packages. Same for most of the rest of the world. These discs are the most compatible of all DVD media, and are known to work well in this machine. I use them myself, for this very reason.
Learn more about the
best blank discs to use in DVD recorders at
http://www.digitalfaq.com/reviews/dvd-media.htm
Learn the
best stores to buy blank DVDs from at
http://www.digitalfaq.com/reviews/buy-blank-discs.htm
If it's not a simple matter of using better blank DVDs, then you may have other problems to address. Some are an easy fix, some take a bit more skill. For example:
- replacing dead DVD burner drives -- models usually must match perfectly
- replacing bad Chinese capacitors -- look for leaks or bulges inside the unit
- simply unsticking stuck parts in the machine, such as the DVD drive tray sticking -- or remove stuck nuisance parts, like the front flip-down trays
- putting the machine on a safe and clean power source -- get a good UPS power protector
- altering the POWER SAVE mode settings (turn it OFF!)
- unplugging the machine when not in use for more than a week
- dirty burner / DVD drive -- properly clean a DVD burner with these instructions, don't use a "cleaning disc"
Know that the LOADING errors, and possible workarounds, have been discussed by members of this site a number of time through the years, and then I've personally been involved in related discussions over at VideoHelp.com (usually as the person giving suggested fixes).
These include:
Feel free to browse those forum topic, or just ask here if you're not able to find what you need. Somebody will reply back to you with more assistance.
JVC will also repair the units, free of charge, as recently as December 2009. In many cases, they just swap out the whole board for a new/renewed one, although some repairs have simply been to replace the bad cap.
If this information has been helpful -- maybe providing a cheap fix instead of making you buy a whole new DVD recorder (an inferior model, more than likely!) -- then be sure to
give a small donation! Even a small $5 or $10, the price of a computer magazine, will help this site in continuing to provide the kind of information you see here.
If you're truly determined to replace the machine, consider selling it "as is" or for parts -- either in
The Digital FAQ marketplace, on craigslist, or on eBay -- somebody will want it. And then learn what to get next by reading our
DVD recorder reviews and buyer's guide.