After recording multiple programs (a procedure I have done before) from my DVR to my Sony DVD vx525; I got the message: the disc can neither be played or recorded. I can't finalize the disk either. This has happened on 3 discs. I am getting very frustrated. Any suggestions?
Televison & Video - Sony - RDR-VX525 DVD Recorder/VCR
The laser diode from the head of the optical mechanism is dying and the beam that is generating is no longer powerful enough to do the job so it just messes the disks. This is unfixable, the optical unit is dead and it will have to be replaced as a whole. Luckily this is a simple procedure: the unit uses a standard Sony PATA pc burner , that is cheap ($30), easy to find (at every pc shop) and to install (just open the case, unhook the cables and take out the screw that are keeping it in place).
Follow this procedure to troubleshoot if the DVD recorder cannot record to, read, or play inserted disc.
Ensure the inserted disc is compatible with the DVD recorder. If attempting to use the disc for recording purposes, the disc type and record-speed capability should be verified. IMPORTANT: If the disc being used is designed for 16x recording and the recorder will only support 8x, the recorder will not be able to record on the disc.
Use a soft cloth to clean the disc.
Examine the disc for any cracks or scratches that might be interfering with playback.
Attempt to play another disc. NOTES:If another disc plays in the DVD player, then the previous disc is faulty.
Remove the disc from the DVD recorder.
Turn off the DVD recorder.
Unplug the power cord of the DVD recorder from the AC outlet.
Let the DVD recorder remain without power for 1 minute.
Plug the power cord back into the AC outlet.
Turn on the DVD recorder.
Insert the disc into the DVD recorder.
Attempt to play or record the disc.
The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, service may be required.
Answers & Comments
The laser diode from the head of the optical mechanism is dying and the beam that is generating is no longer powerful enough to do the job so it just messes the disks.
This is unfixable, the optical unit is dead and it will have to be replaced as a whole. Luckily this is a simple procedure: the unit uses a standard Sony PATA pc burner , that is cheap ($30), easy to find (at every pc shop) and to install (just open the case, unhook the cables and take out the screw that are keeping it in place).
Follow this procedure to troubleshoot if the DVD recorder cannot record to, read, or play inserted disc.
- Ensure the inserted disc is compatible with the DVD recorder. If attempting to use the disc for recording purposes, the disc type and record-speed capability should be verified. IMPORTANT: If the disc being used is designed for 16x recording and the recorder will only support 8x, the recorder will not be able to record on the disc.
- Use a soft cloth to clean the disc.
- Examine the disc for any cracks or scratches that might be interfering with playback.
- Attempt to play another disc. NOTES:If another disc plays in the DVD player, then the previous disc is faulty.
- Remove the disc from the DVD recorder.
- Turn off the DVD recorder.
- Unplug the power cord of the DVD recorder from the AC outlet.
- Let the DVD recorder remain without power for 1 minute.
- Plug the power cord back into the AC outlet.
- Turn on the DVD recorder.
- Insert the disc into the DVD recorder.
- Attempt to play or record the disc.
The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, service may be required.