sudden pixellation problem

[ctjayhawker]

Hi and Happy New Year to all.
This is my problem. I have a Samsung set-top DVD player/VCR, one of those side-by-side jobs. In the last week and a half, it has started skipping and pixellating on brand new DVDs. NOT DVDs that I have burned, but brand-new, fresh out of the box, commercially-pressed DVDs. I've run a cleaner through it a couple of time, thnking that might be the problem, as this player gets a lot of use. No luck.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Chuck

[redwudz]

..as this player gets a lot of use. Any ideas?

If it gets a lot of use, it may be time for replacement.

You can try a more intense cleaning with some damp Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol (90%) and see if there is any gunk on the laser lens. If that doesn't do it, I would consider shopping for a new unit.



That's from a CD player, but a DVD player/burner is very similar.

[ctjayhawker]

Thanks, Red. I hate to crack it open, but I suppose I (theoretically) can't make it any worse.

[redwudz]

You 'may' be able to see the lens if the tray is open. (Assuming it's a tray loader) Worth a try. It would be nice to spot something on it, then there may be a better hope of a simple cleaning fix. But you're right, at some point, you have little to lose.

[JimboS]

If you manage to open it up to see the laser, try a little dab (just enough to moisten) (on a Q tip) of ammonia..I think that's how it's spelled???
It works well with gold contacts and such...better than alcohol...which is better in a glass with ice!!!!!!!!!!