Panasonic DMR-E20 Question

[ViennaWrestlingFreak]

Have this thing now a year, and burned over 500 DVD's with it. But now it seems the writer is defect. I opened the thing and saw that the writer has a normal PC power cable and a normal PC IDE cable. My question is, does anyone know if I can just change the writer with a normal PC DVD-R writer? Has anyone ever done this before? Will it work? I appreciate all comments. Thank you very much.

[adebov]

Is there any markings on the drive to indicate what it is?

If anything, I would expect it to be one of Panasonic's DVD-R/RAM burners. The PC version (make sure it's one that can take DVD-RAM caddy discs) retails for around £80 +tax (about $120 US) - might be worth a shot - if it don't work, you can always use it in your pc.

According to Panasonic's web-site, the drive is VXY1733 (list price $600!!!)

[Fangle]

I have had the same problem. I can record DVD-RAM, but no longer to DVD-R, even to disc's I have previously partially recorded to. I decided to take the whole thing apart, removed the burner drive, cleaned it, still no good (I do not recommed anyone to do this). I then put the drive into my comptuer, it was recognised as a Matsui LF-D310 also know as the Panasonic LF-D310. www.bigpockets.co.uk have these for sale at £59.99 inc tax, I'm ordering one tommorow, will try in the DMR-E20, but may end up with it in my PC. Will let you know how it works.