Hello, I have been having problems with the Panasonic DMR EH50 I purchased about 6 months ago.

Before I describe my issue, I am aware that there is a good chance that it might be a problem with the disks as, so far I have only used one type of disc (Ritek x8 DVD+R)- but I have had absolutely no problems with them in the 6 months I have had the machine - and I have dubbed/burned well over 150 discs in that time.

However, over the last couple of weeks I have been having all sorts of problems dubbing/finalising discs - especially the finalising. Many times either the dubbing or the finalising fails and the machine makes these noises, like the disc is warped or something (its most certainly not this - I am experienced at handling discs). Sometimes the Panasonic cannot even read the disc to begin with, but this is rare and often it will read it at a second attempt. Since I have had the Problem I have used a Phillips branded +r discs and have experienced a worse success rate (100% complete fail using these).

Even disc that are successfully finalised - it only really seems to play consistently in the Panosonic itself.... I cannot burn a second copy in a PC DVD writer and it will not often play complete (usually about 3/4 of it plays fine) in a different dvd player. This issue hasn't come about before.

What concerns me alot though is the state of the discs after my attempt at finalising... even if successful - when I eject the disc they come back dusty and in need of a wipe. I have used two varieties of lens cleaner, but is there something I can use to clean the device that dubbs/finalises. The dust is far worse though after I eject a disc that fails. The noises it makes definately sounds like a gripping issue.

My concern is that I would say about 1 in 4 discs (Ritek +r) work fine in the machine since the problems started, so obviously a worry is that if I send it back - they will fail to see a fault and not only charge me (its under guarentee) but send me back the same machine.

As I said, I appreciate it could be the discs - but they are kept in good condition... What DVD+r's would you recommend for the panasonic and can you recommend an online place were I can get them. I need +r's cause my DVD writer prefers to use them (its a phillips). Although it does claim it can read/write -r's since I downloaded DVD shrink. I did try -r (cheap discs) and it could write fine, but struggled to read it. Due you think that was the discs or the fact its a Phillips.

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks