Last year, I bought an Emerson dvd recorder and the dvd red pro to copy my kids movies, and used it for about a year with no problem until now. It is loading when I put the blank dvd's in, then it acts like it's going to record for about 30 seconds, but then it quits. When I change the channel back to normal, it has an error message there saying I cannot record on the disk sometimes, then other times says something like the disk may not have a playback feature. Confusing to me because they were the same disks I was recording on before. I tried buying several other brands, same problems. Could it need cleaned or something, and what would I use to clean it? Any advise would be appreciated.
If its never been cleaned-yes it might be begging for it. Otherwise, it could be that the blank media you've been using in the past is now being made bya diff manufacturer. That happens. Even though still the same label/wrapper. Stick with the good ones-read the "DVD Media" forum here for more info on which to buy. (good brands like Sony (with the Made in Japan label) or Verbatim. My Emerson came with a list of brands they suggested, and some to avoid-like Memorex. Lastly, sometimes it just needs 'rebooting' like a computer, if it continues to give you weird errors even after u clean it. I've gotten that 'Cannot record on this disk' before, using KNOWN good media. Take the blank DVD out, wipe off the backside of it on a clean cloth, stick it back in machine-records 100% ok after that. Go figure lol
Thanks I will try what you suggested. How do you clean the inside? Do you buy a special dvd to insert, like a vcr, or cassette? Thanks again.
Make sure you are using the correct speed medium for the recorder. Try 2x DVD-RW's and 4x DVD-R's. I find that memorex seems to work in a majority of recorders
Thanks...I just couldn't understand, it was the same batch of dvd's I was using before, and made about 20 dvd's with them before it started acting funny.
Memorex is actually not recommended by Emerson. Use 4x Maxell, Verbatim, or Fuji if you can find them. Verbatim Digital Movie 4x are still widely available at Best Buy and work excellent in the Emerson product.
