Panasonic DMR-E20 turns off when writing to cheap dvd-r

[stu57]

Hi all

Just got a Panasonic DMR-E20 dvd recorder.

I did some test recordings with DVD ram and it seems fine.
It also read my cheap bulkpack dvd-r media burned with my Pioneer DVR104 no problem, as I didn't have any other dvd-r blanks I tried to record to one of the bulkpack blanks on the E20.
The bulkpack blank mounted ok but after being in record about 15 seconds the E20 just switched off to standby.

It took ages to get the media out of the drive, each time I turned it on again and pressed eject the display just said close and the whole player seemed to lock up. The media did eventually eject so tested again with dvd-ram, again no problem, tried the bulkpack dvd-r again, same problem \E20 just switches off within a few seconds of record.

I'm ordering some better dvd-r media to try but wondered if this was normal for the E20 if it doesnt like the disk or do you all think it sounds faulty??
Anyway as I said dvd-ram is perfect but will have to wait for better dvd-r media to try again

[SergeantD]

I had about 4 different units (kept returning before 30 day policy) and I had this happen a bunch of times. I then finally kept one that I bought since it dropped to $600 and have not had a problem with this new unit. I use Meritline branded DVD-Rs for $1.79 each @ Meritline.com

[stu57]

Ok thanks for the reply.

Guess I'll have to wait until I can try better media, I suppose this means it isn't necessarily faulty if you saw it a couple of times.

[thxkid]

keep in mind the E-20 will only use General version 2.0 and not the type for authoring like for computer DVD Burners, I use the CompUSA brand for $3.95 each, it is a local company with a 1 year warranty on the discs and I have burned 20 or so and everyone has work perfect in any speed, 1,2,4 or 6 hour modes. Even their ram disc for $5.95 has a life time warranty and I had one Ram go bad and they exchanged it no problem, I ven use the Rams out of the cartridge without a problem, even Frys brand of DVD-R's work no problem either and they are $20 for a 5 pack. Actually I have tried TDK, GQ and CompUSA DVD-R discs only about 50 of them total and not a one has failed yet. I have 10 of Compusa's Ram discs and use them all the time without a problem and thats in the E-20 and E-10 I own.
FYI to E-20 ownwers, The Sampo 631CF can be hacked so you can make your own backup copies of DVD's on the E-20.

[obiwan176]

I have a DMR-E20 as well and had it lock up on me in the same way once when using cheadvd-r from FRY's. Purchased princo dvd-r from RIMA.com for about $1.12 per disc and they work incredible. have had absolutely no problems on the 20 that I ordered. Would reccomend them for anyone with this machine. They also have high compatibility when played in other players as well.

[koi kichi]

Had to same problem with mine and it turned out it was the unit, Panasonic actually admitted that they'd had problems with some earlier models (even though mine was bought a month ago), and that the new ones were okay.

If you're problem persist, I'd suggest getting on to Panasonic, they know there's a problem with some machines, whether they'll admit it is another thing.

Anybody in the UK talking to Panasonic - best of luck - you'll need it!

[koi kichi]

Had to same problem with mine and it turned out it was the unit, Panasonic actually admitted that they'd had problems with some earlier models (even though mine was bought a month ago), and that the new ones were okay.

If you're problem persist, I'd suggest getting on to Panasonic, they know there's a problem with some machines, whether they'll admit it is another thing.

Anybody in the UK talking to Panasonic - best of luck - you'll need it!