How to Repair a DVD Recorder
By Bonnie Conrad
Connecting a DVD recorder to your television set or home entertainment center can be a real convenience, but when that recorder stops working, it is important to get the issue resolved quickly. A number of things can cause problems with DVD recorders, so the best strategy is to work through each of the possible causes one at a time. By working through the possible causes in a systematic manner, you will be better able to determine the source of the problem.
Locate the bypass hole on your recorder if the eject button is not working. The bypass hole will generally be near the eject button, but you may need a flashlight to find it. Insert a paper clip into the bypass hole until the tray ejects.
Look at the bottom of the DVD for any scratches or dirt. If the DVD needs to be cleaned, spray a small amount of water on it and wipe it off with a soft clean cloth, starting at the hole and working outward. Insert a different DVD and test to see if that DVD can be read.
Insert a lens cleaner DVD into the recorder and allow the cleaning process to finish. Then try to read and/or write a DVD again. It may take several cleanings to restore the laser in the DVD recorder to working order.
Unplug the DVD recorder and disconnect it from the TV. Allow the recorder to sit for a few minutes, then turn it back on and reconnect it. Doing a hard reset of the unit can often resolve problems.
Make sure the tray on the DVD recorder is sliding smoothly. If the tray is not operating properly, the laser will not be able to line up with the DVD for reading or writing. Watch as the tray slides in and out and make sure it is sliding smoothly. If the tray appears to be shifting to one side, check for any obstructions that may be causing the tray to skew.
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Writer Bio
Based in Pennsylvania, Bonnie Conrad has been working as a professional freelance writer since 2003. Her work can be seen on Credit Factor, Constant Content and a number of other websites. Conrad also works full-time as a computer technician and loves to write about a number of technician topics. She studied computer technology and business administration at Harrisburg Area Community College.