Panasonic DMR-EX77 U88 error

[MagicBoy]

Evening,

I think the DVD drive has just failed in my EX77

Archived some recordings off a V+ box overnight to the HDD. I've edited them up and had set the first one off burning (SP, fast mode). It got to 48%, revved the drive up then stopped and gave a U88 error. I let it reboot after which it apologised for being unable to fix the recording. The DVD drive is now unable to read or write DVD-R's and makes a loud clonking noise when you insert a disc.

I've powered off, left it a couple of minutes and turned it back on again, still the same.

Now the bad bit - it's 13 months old so it's just out of warranty.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[NinjaMonkeyUK]

Loud clunking noise = new RAM drive on Panasonics.

The good news is Panasonic are usually pretty lenient with warranties. You should be able to get the problem fixed within warranty.

 

[MagicBoy]

OK, I'll give them a call tomorrow. I would go to the retailer but DSG will just give me the runaround...

 

[Gavtech]

Have a look at THIS thread , from which you might take encouragement.

 

[MagicBoy]

I am encouraged.

If that fails, how about buying a the current bottom of the range DVD recorder for parts and stripping the drive out? £120 for a drive, or £125 for a complete unit...

 

[Gavtech]

I am encouraged.

If that fails, how about buying a the current bottom of the range DVD recorder for parts and stripping the drive out? £120 for a drive, or £125 for a complete unit...

I doubt that there is any mileage in that unfortunately.
You would have to do a great deal of checking of 'very hard to come by' information.... to ensure that identical drives are being used [ and they probably are not. ]

Also, you cannot simply replace the drive ... it must be replaced with the 'digital board' also, as the calibration control for the individual laser resides on there.

I feel if this strategy were possible we would already know about it.

 

[MagicBoy]

Spoke to Panny who advised to take it to a local dealer for an inspection report and they'll consider the case.

Spoke to the dealer (who was a very nice man) and advises it is likely a faulty RAM drive. He says Panny will likely cover the cost of parts and some of the labour charge.

 

[Gavtech]

Spoke to Panny who advised to take it to a local dealer for an inspection report and they'll consider the case.

Spoke to the dealer (who was a very nice man) and advises it is likely a faulty RAM drive. He says Panny will likely cover the cost of parts and some of the labour charge.

Good luck.

Keep us informed.

 

[MagicBoy]

It's back, fixed and fully working.

Needed a new DVD-RAM drive and optical board. Panasonic covered the cost of the parts and a chunk of the labour (a big thank you! ). I paid for the repair inspection and the remainder of the labour charge. Far cheaper than a replacement unit and the process was very little trouble, just a couple of phone calls.

Next time I need anything Panasonic I know where I'm going, and it's not an Internet box shifter.

 

[Gavtech]

It's back, fixed and fully working.

Needed a new DVD-RAM drive and optical board. Panasonic covered the cost of the parts and a chunk of the labour (a big thank you! ). I paid for the repair inspection and the remainder of the labour charge. Far cheaper than a replacement unit and the process was very little trouble, just a couple of phone calls.

Next time I need anything Panasonic I know where I'm going, and it's not an Internet box shifter.

Good result.

Good luck with it.