Question need help with Panasonic DMR-EX773EBK

[WelshDragon71]

I wonder if anyone can help me, I have a Panasonic DMR-EX773EBK and have been using it since 2013 to record from sky+. This morning it stopped reading DVR-Rs so my extensive collection of back up DVDs (films, sports etc) no longer work on it, and it no longer reads blank DVD-Rs. My panasonic still plays my bought DVDs of films etc so it's only the DVD-R/W capability that has gone.

Had a little look online and it sadly seems as if there is not much out there now with Scart to connect to Sky+. In fact it seems like TVs most modern DVR/DVD devices have very little in the way of connection options.

In short what are my options? I've read about HDMI/SCART adaptors, but not sure if modern DVD/recorders have any sort of input connections now (from my initial search). Could I get my Panasonic repaired, drive replaced? Is there still someone who makes a DVD/DVR device with multiple connections on the back where I can record onto a built in HDD from sky+, edit out adverts and then record to a DVD-R?

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Gavtech]

The machine you have is a analogue / digital hybrid.
Machines are now all digital so are not capable of being able to do what you have been used to ( Intaking an analogue signal and digitising it.) ... so the connections issue apart, you will not find a modern machine capable of the task.

To continue on the same road, you will either have to get a second hand machine from this era, or replace the drive in your current machine ( They are not cheap) - or get a second hand working '773 and swap the drive.

You could also look into replacing the laser in the drive yourself - if you can get a hold of the right laser. We have threads about doing that.

 

[WelshDragon71]

Thanks for the reply, been reading up on the net and frankly I'm amazed at the demise of recording/backing up TV. It's all about control and now the TV execs have full control over what we all can and can't do with our viewing. It's really depressing and sad.

 

[WelshDragon71]

Gavtech, can you direct me to the threads about changing the laser. I've had a search but couldn't find it.

Is there a modern way to backup recordings from Sky+ to any device? I see the DMR EX77 has RF in, could I use that to connect Sky+ and record to the devices HDD/DVD?

 

[Gavtech]

Here is the laser replacement thread.

RF is such a lousy way to record. As I remember the EX77 is a digital / analogue machine and still had functional Scart inputs.
I'll check on that and report back later.

 

[Gavtech]

Confirmed. The '77 does have analogue AV inputs.

 

[WelshDragon71]

Thanks for the link Gav,

I should have put the DMR ex97 had Rf in sorry about that confusion, I've bought an EX97 just in case I can't get the EX77 working again via that info you provided. With freeview I can still get most of what I want to record. Main issue is Moto 3 and 2 from BTsport, terrestrial only shows brief highlights of those races before the main feast of Moto GP.

oh just to add, does it sound like a laser problem for me? Machine no longer reads DVD-Rs (blank or used) and only plays bought DVDs.

 

[Ensor]

oh just to add, does it sound like a laser problem for me? Machine no longer reads DVD-Rs (blank or used) and only plays bought DVDs.

Your posts are a little confusing. Are you having problems reading DVD-Rs or DVD-R/Ws (or both)?

DVD-R/Ws are more difficult to read than pressed DVDs as they reflect back significantly less laser light. So a disc transport with old laser that's losing output power would likely have problems reading those.

I'm not sure about DVD-Rs though. I'd assume they're more difficult to read than pressed discs, but not as much as R/Ws.

 

[WelshDragon71]

Your posts are a little confusing. Are you having problems reading DVD-Rs or DVD-R/Ws (or both)?

DVD-R/Ws are more difficult to read than pressed DVDs as they reflect back significantly less laser light. So a disc transport with old laser that's losing output power would likely have problems reading those.

I'm not sure about DVD-Rs though. I'd assume they're more difficult to read than pressed discs, but not as much as R/Ws.

Didn't try any DVD-RWs, but yeah lazily I didn't fully type Read and Write in the first post, sorry. I only test my DVD-Rs, blanks and ones with content and my old player didn't play them.

On the plus side I got the New DMR97 set up fine, only thing I miss is the way Sky+ records a bit before and after as a lot of broadcasters have difficulty keeping to exact times it seems!

Now all I need to experiment with is whether or not I can use the RF outs on my old DMR77 and enable the one on Sky+ to connect to my new DMR97 and back up stuff from their HDDs. I have 1/2 of last years V8 Supercars and the 1st round of World Superbikes on them.