Panasonic DMR-E80HS DVD burner

[MDR365]

I have a Panasonic DMR-E80HS, and the DVD tray is not working - I think it may need a new burner.

Does anyone know what type of DVD burner would work, and if so, is there any special procedure I need to be aware of to install it?

Thanks

[samijubal]

If the tray is the only problem it may just need a belt replaced or the tray may be off the track. Do you hear any sound at all when you press open/close? The motor is small and probably doesn't make much noise, you might have to put your ear to the recorder to hear anything. It could even be the open/close switch. I've replaced micro switches many times.

[MDR365]

What you suggest is quite possible. I found that I had signed up for the extended warranty, which I usually do not, and for once, the problem happened within the warranty period. So I will be taking it back to the shop tomorrow, and they may be able to figure out what the problem is. It may just need cleaning; it is almost five years old and lives in a fairly dusty environemnt.

Still, it would be nice to know what the DVD burner is.

[jjeff]

The burners in Pannys are proprietary and I think you'll find out the only burners that will work would be the exact replacement and from what I've read they can cost several hundred dollars. Since this usually exceeds the worth of the machine many people opt for Panasonics $130 flat fee service by sending it to Elk Grove Ill. Another option would be a Panasonic DVDR of the SAME year that might have a good burner but say something wrong with it. Note from at least '05 and on it needs to be the same year but need not be the exact model. Not sure about your pre '05.

[handyguy]

Panasonics $130 flat fee service by sending it to Elk Grove Ill.

Do you call Panasonic for that kind of service? I didn't notice it as an option on their website.

[wtsinnc]

The telephone number used to be on Panasonic's website; I'll see if I can find it for you. I have twice sent my DMR-E80H to them and it was repaired relatively fast. The problem is that the burners are total trash, almost guaranteed to fail again within two years, and there are multiple bugs in the firmware. My E80H now fails to recognize ANY -R blank 19 out of 20 times and is being used as a hard disc recorder only.

[wtsinnc]

MDR365;

Here is what I found:

Panasonic Camera and Digital Service Center
1590 Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
800-211-7262

I hope this is up to date information.

Good Luck !

[jjeff]

Yes that's the address. Here's a link talking about how to request this type of service. Panasonic doesn't advertise or push this service because I think they generally lose money on it.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14451738#post14451738

[handyguy]

That's cool. I don't need it at the moment, but nice to have it for the future.