How to Troubleshoot a Panasonic DVD Recorder
By James Clark
Panasonic DVD recorders can be used to capture TV programming or to copy content from a pre-recorded disc to a blank DVD. If a problem should arise, a few standard troubleshooting steps can be tried before disconnecting the Panasonic DVD recorder and taking it to a repair shop. Many relatively minor problems can be resolved just by checking the cables and cleaning the equipment.
Clean the laser lens inside the Panasonic DVD recorder by inserting a lens cleaning disc. Memorex, Maxell and Allsop are three well-known manufacturers of lens cleaning products. Press the "Play" button on the DVD recorder to start the cleaning process, which should take less than five minutes. Cleaning the laser lens can solve many "Disc Error" messages on a DVD recorder.
Check the cable connections to be sure the yellow, white and red plugs on the end of the AV cables are firmly attached to the corresponding input and output jacks on the Panasonic DVD recorder. Cables connected to the input jacks on the recorder must be attached on the other end to the output jacks of the source device, such as a TV receiver. Similarly, the output (playback) jacks on the Panasonic must be connected to the input jacks on the back panel of an AV receiver or TV.
Test playback of different discs in the Panasonic DVD recorder to determine if the problem is a specific disc or the recorder itself.
Check the blank DVDs to be certain the discs are in a format compatible with the Panasonic DVD recorder. Panasonic DVD recorders are compatible with these disc formats: DVD: DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-R (DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R (DL), and DVD+RW.
Press the "Menu" button on the Panasonic DVD recorder remote control to access "Program Settings" and verify that the machine is set to record from the desired source, such as a cable TV set-top box or other programming signal. An incorrect setting will yield a blank disc as well as wasted recording time.
Warnings
- Unplug the Panasonic DVD recorder from the power when connecting or disconnecting AV cables.
Writer Bio
James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.