Panasonic DMR-ES40VS Problem

[JJOD]

I really need your help on this one guys.

I bought an ES40Vs in the beginning of December from CCity. The small door on the DV in was broken so I took it back. Since then I've been trying to transfer my old family video from miniDv panasonic camcorder through the DV in.

The problem is that intermittently (and becoming more frequent), the player locks up when it is doing the write out (not finalizing). This requires a hard restart of the player. The disc then is missing the last minute or two of the video. I'm burning coaster after coaster here.

I've tried the firmware update from the Panasonic web site without success, and the Panasonic phone support is useless. There was a couple of posts about similar problems with this unit at CNet.

Apparently CC has an exteded Xmas return policy so I can still return it within the next week, but after that I'm stuck. Do you think this is the unit or is it something else (like the discs)?

I'm burning to 8X TDK DVD-R printable, dubbing from a Panasonic GS-250 via IEEE1394 in.

I'm asking specifically for your help as I'm running out of time to return this. Thanks in advance.

[spiritgumm]

Have you tried a different brand dvd-r? Possibly one that is only 2x or 4x?

[JJOD]

Thanks. It certainly is a possiblity that it's media related, but since this post I have success by turning both the ES40 and the camcorder off and then starting up from scratch. I've burned about 8 straight discs of the same media sucessfully since. Doesn't rule out coincidence, though.

I called Panasonic tech support and after 50 minutes finally talked with someone who knew less than me and who suggested a local repair facility. I called the repair shop and their was reply was "bring it in". Finally called CCity. The person I talked to said she didn't have any other suggestions but to just return it. I feel bad but I don't know what else to do. They didn't have any more units in stock but would order one for me. Can't be a very common problem as there was only one response to this request.

I guess we'll see what happens...