Problem:
A 2005 model TV/DVD combo functions fine for a few months. Suddenly, for no obvious reason, the DVD player flashes 'wrong disk' regardless of which DVD I put in it. In the meantime, the TV tuner and the two A/V hookups function fine, and the TV/DVD combo will play a DVD--only IF--I use a separate DVD player attached to one of the A/V ports.
Observation after investigating the problem online:
1) This problem occurs sporadically across many different DVD models--foreign and domestic--so the issue is not 'brand specific.'
2) This has nothing to do with a 'region code,' since the DVD player once worked fine and played DVDs as it should. The DVDs were legal and not copies. The DVDs were Region 1 -- as well as the DVD player. The DVDs were legally rented or purchased for Region 1.
3) Cleaning the DVD player with a DVD cleaning kit, or with a cotton swab and alcohol makes no difference in the DVD player's response.
4) A driver upgrade or some sort of update code is not applicable because this is a DVD drive independent of a computer. These DVD drives are frequently portable (i.e. Sony), part of combo TV/DVD set (like mine) or a free-standing DVD player. These DVD drives are not part of or connected in any way to a computer hard drive.
I found that the only *prospective answers* for this issue are either the good-intentioned, but misguided thoughts I've listed above--or--answers that require a membership and / or a fee before you are privy to them. This last option seems to be the most viable, since the answer is usually provided by a *certified electronics* person.
I understand that paying for professional advice is fair, but why can I find information from *certified builders* and *licensed electricians* for NO FEE or MEMBERSHIP if I have a home improvement issue?
Seriously, the TV/DVD player is only a couple of years old (although it is considered a 2005 model -- I bought it NEW in 2006). Through my online searching--using several different search engines and reading page after page of trouble-shooting guides and electronic forums... I found many a frustrated post from folks who have brand spankin' new DVD players (2007-08 models!) but report the same 'wrong disk' problem.
I have a degree in computer science, and I have no problem rolling up my sleeves and ripping apart a hard drive or printer or scanner to attempt to make repairs--I mean seriously--after the manufacturers' warranty and the extended warranties end, what do you have to lose anyway? And, I have fixed quite a few machines by trying the advice I find in cyberspace. (I'm also comfortable working with electricity, so I highly suggest that no one tear a machine apart unless you have some basic knowledge!!)
My hunch is that this DVD player is simply failing. Quality, similar to toasters, microwaves or other small appliances, has deteriorated as prices dropped. DVD players sold in the last few years are cheaply made and considered disposable by the companies who make them.
So... what's my question? Can anyone give legitimate technical advice about how to remedy a 'wrong disk' error on a DVD player? If the honest response is that I should trash the DVD player and buy a new one, I'll accept that! Maybe some sage electronic advice from a knowledgeable professional out there will save lots of folks from following in my unsuccessful keystrokes!
Thanks!
A 2005 model TV/DVD combo functions fine for a few months. Suddenly, for no obvious reason, the DVD player flashes 'wrong disk' regardless of which DVD I put in it. In the meantime, the TV tuner and the two A/V hookups function fine, and the TV/DVD combo will play a DVD--only IF--I use a separate DVD player attached to one of the A/V ports.
Observation after investigating the problem online:
1) This problem occurs sporadically across many different DVD models--foreign and domestic--so the issue is not 'brand specific.'
2) This has nothing to do with a 'region code,' since the DVD player once worked fine and played DVDs as it should. The DVDs were legal and not copies. The DVDs were Region 1 -- as well as the DVD player. The DVDs were legally rented or purchased for Region 1.
3) Cleaning the DVD player with a DVD cleaning kit, or with a cotton swab and alcohol makes no difference in the DVD player's response.
4) A driver upgrade or some sort of update code is not applicable because this is a DVD drive independent of a computer. These DVD drives are frequently portable (i.e. Sony), part of combo TV/DVD set (like mine) or a free-standing DVD player. These DVD drives are not part of or connected in any way to a computer hard drive.
I found that the only *prospective answers* for this issue are either the good-intentioned, but misguided thoughts I've listed above--or--answers that require a membership and / or a fee before you are privy to them. This last option seems to be the most viable, since the answer is usually provided by a *certified electronics* person.
I understand that paying for professional advice is fair, but why can I find information from *certified builders* and *licensed electricians* for NO FEE or MEMBERSHIP if I have a home improvement issue?
Seriously, the TV/DVD player is only a couple of years old (although it is considered a 2005 model -- I bought it NEW in 2006). Through my online searching--using several different search engines and reading page after page of trouble-shooting guides and electronic forums... I found many a frustrated post from folks who have brand spankin' new DVD players (2007-08 models!) but report the same 'wrong disk' problem.
I have a degree in computer science, and I have no problem rolling up my sleeves and ripping apart a hard drive or printer or scanner to attempt to make repairs--I mean seriously--after the manufacturers' warranty and the extended warranties end, what do you have to lose anyway? And, I have fixed quite a few machines by trying the advice I find in cyberspace. (I'm also comfortable working with electricity, so I highly suggest that no one tear a machine apart unless you have some basic knowledge!!)
My hunch is that this DVD player is simply failing. Quality, similar to toasters, microwaves or other small appliances, has deteriorated as prices dropped. DVD players sold in the last few years are cheaply made and considered disposable by the companies who make them.
So... what's my question? Can anyone give legitimate technical advice about how to remedy a 'wrong disk' error on a DVD player? If the honest response is that I should trash the DVD player and buy a new one, I'll accept that! Maybe some sage electronic advice from a knowledgeable professional out there will save lots of folks from following in my unsuccessful keystrokes!
Thanks!