DVR-420H with a Pioneer DVR-107-XA writer "Incompatible or Unreadable

[JohnC]

Hello, (please be gentle I'm just a newbie)

I've got a problem with a Pioneer DVR-420H with a Pioneer DVR-107-XA DVD writer. According to the manual "Incompatible or Unreadable Disc" means I've tried to use a DVR+R or it's a dirty disk but it just won't play any disks, so I think it has given up on me and I need a new burner or a repair. I've had the burner apart and gave the laser a clean to no avail.

I've read lots of the posts here at VideoHelp and on the internet but I'm still a bit confused about the replacement/repair and need a bit of clarification before I dive in!!

So far I've managed to establish.....

On the DVR 107-XA, it seems the "XA" has some firmware from the standard DVD-107 box?

For a replacement drive, it sounds as if replacing the DVD burner will require a service disk and a "special??" remote control to set the recorder up again?. I found the link to the service disk on the site here. Is the remote control that's require one of those generic ones that can be picked up anywhere and set to a specific makers machine?.

If I only replace the laser and drive unit from another burner (read about it here), will I still need to go through service disk remote control setup? Exactly how much of the innards do I need replace? (maybe there is a picture here somewhere?)

I suppose my main question is....
Which of the currently available Pioneer burners would be compatible or have comparible laser drive units? Units like the DVR 110/111 seem to be readily available.?

Have I missed anything inmportant?

Looks as if I've managed to ask lots of questions, hope somebody can help.

John

[redwudz]

Be patient, it may take a few days for the members who may be familiar with this sort of operation to check in.
Meanwhile, I assume you did a Google search to find any other info available?

And welcome to our forums.

[trhouse]

Try reading this thread. It is about hdd replacement and upgrade but several people discuss how to replace the burner in the 420 as well including gshelley61.

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=253998

In brief, no matter what you do, you will need the remote and service disk.

[JohnC]

Thanks for the welcome and information on the service disk issue. I would really like to know what kind of burner I can butcher the bits from.

....Meanwhile I'm looking at a Panasonic DMR-EX85 (EBS??) as an "early" Christmas present.

John