Toshiba trouble

[Gilling]

Hi everyone,
Last year I bought a Toshiba DVD recorder and VCR model number
D-VR35SB. Just lately it has stopped initializing the DVD-RW discs, a message pops up 'Could not format the disc because of error detection' and when I try to open it another message appears 'The disc can niether be played or recorded please check disc' but the discs are all brand new.
I would be very gratefull for any advice.
Many thanks,
Tim.

[kirk1701]

I rememebr running into this in just the opposite direction.

A friend had a burner in a stand alone and after it was formatted in the stand alone you could not format the sucker on the PC.

I know you said these were brand new disc, but did you format it in the PC or do you let the burner in the stand alone do it?

[Gilling]

Hi Kirk,
There may be a language problem here. I dont know what a stand alone is do you mean the actual Toshiba machine? I haven't tried to initialialize in my PC.
I followed the instructions in the handbook, and haven't had any major problems till now.
Thanks friend,
Tim.

[katzdvd]

I dont know what a stand alone is do you mean the actual Toshiba machine?

If I may speak for kirk, yes.

Could not format the disc because of error detection' and when I try to open it another message appears 'The disc can niether be played or recorded please check disc' but the discs are all brand new

I assume you are talking about blank discs? Have you recently changed brands? Maybe the Toshiba doesn't like the brand of media you are trying to use... just some random thoughts...

[Gilling]

Hi KATZDvD,
I have tried at least 6 brands of DVD RW, yesturday I bought a pack of Panasonic DVD-RAM, the message is slightly different it doesnt try to initialize immediately, but asks me to initialize which I try using the menu, but the result is the same it starts at 15% then 50% then rushes to 60%70% - 100% then tells me same as the others that it 'could not format because of error on the disc'.
Cheers
Tim

[Chewy]

I would consider having the recorder repaired or at least try to disassemble and clean

still under warranty?

[Gilling]

Hi Chewy,
Thanks for your attention. Is it a very big job to clean it myself, what components should I concentrate on, would some kind of push in disc head cleaner do the trick?
Many thanks,
Tim.

[Chewy]

a disk cleaner might work? just gets dust off the laser lens if that's the problem?

[Gilling]

Thankyou Chewy,
Will try that.
Tim.

[kirk1701]

a disk cleaner might work? just gets dust off the laser lens if that's the problem?

That would be my next guess also, then like Chewy said "Repair shop"

[petsbug]

With 6 brands ? definitely a laser problem. But then will it read DVD movies okay? >> Try to put a CD case on one bottom corner of the player and try if it initialise/ and see if it counters a disc spin discrepancy might correct itself. happened to me when my player can't read a disc... not a joke!

[Gilling]

Hi petsbug,
Yes it reads movies okay and I can record and playback on DVD-R discs. when you say about putting a CD case on one bottom corner ,do you mean put it under one corner to tilt the player? I tried this to no effect.
Many thanks,
Tim.

[Gilling]

Tried the Laser cleaning disc, no joy. I might take the top off and clean the lens manually, I have a feeling it might be a bit crowded in there though.
Tim.

[Chewy]

what are the brands and speed of disks that it's not working with and the dvd-r's that it works with

looked at the general help sites and that recorder is hardly listed

toshiba has nothing? must have been a special region release?

[Gilling]

Hi Chewy,
Thanks for your attention. It wont work with Memorex, imation, TDK,
Maxell 1-2X speed, TUFF disc multispeed, Panasonic DVD-RAM 2-3X speed. All DVD-RW 4.7 GB. It works with Ridisc DVD-R. I bought it on that popular auction site.
Many thanks,
Tim.