QuestionQUESTION: I have a Panasonic DVD player/SA HT80/ which will play the same DVD sometime and not at other times. When it won't play it gives the message"This type of DVD can not be played. Please insert another disc." The player was purchased in 2002 but has very limited playing time.
ANSWER: Question: Is the DVD you are speaking of a recorded one or store bought commercially produced disc?
Any particular dvd player willl not play all home recorded discs. The newer players are getting better, but they are just not 100% compatible yet.
So, the result you are getting may be within the manufacturers toleration for the various dvd-R, +R, RW, etc.
See:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers/panasonic-sa-ht80/230
for its compatibility rating and comments from other users.
Finally, if the discs you are playing are commercially produced ones it is possible the laser diode is getting weak. Does it play CD music discs just fine?
And, also, it is possible the focus and tracking adjustments are slipping out of range.
You can take it to a shop for check out but the cost of minimal service is often greater than just purchasing a new dvd player. Minimum service is usually around $60 or so; a new dvd player is $30 and up.
Hope this helps, but let me know if you have further comments.
C
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you very much for your reply. The DVD's are commercial and CD's play fine.
AnswerIn this case I think the unit has either a weak laser diode, a badly aligned optical pickup or the digital reading system is going bad.
You can try cleaning the optical lens with a cotton Q-tip (don't use any liquids) to see if it helps, but you probably will be better off in the long run just replacing the player.
Let me know if I can help further.
C
PS: The alignment procedure requires test equipment and a special test disc - that is why it is so expensive.
You can purchase just a single dvd player and plug it into the a/v inputs on the main unit. You don't have to throw the whole system out!
