This machine records DVD RAM &DVD-R. I use it to record movies etc. downloaded from my Virgin V+ box. Recently when the download is either partially complete or even completed, when I try to extract the disc the disc drawer will not open. The machine goes into a perpetual start up / self check routine which it cannot seem to complete.

I am no expert but I wonder if the Panasonic is getting a rogue signal from the V+ box which has either temporarily or permanently corrupted the Panasonic software. Anyway I can’t get the disk out! Any ideas or suggestions.

Richard, August 2008

Two months later and I think I've now done it. Found most of this on www.avforums.com and the trouble is in the power supply which needs a new chip. Mine cost £11 which seems good value but does require soldering skills. The symptoms were: that continual "Self Check" annoyance, not able to open the drawer until it finally read, worked with much less “Self Check” if no disc in, would take 20 minutes or more to start up for a timer recording and would still be spinning the disc the next morning after the end of recording. Seems good for now but as I said before it’s only yesterday when I did this and time tells.

John.S., November 2008

Seem to have got mine sorted now (next day). [Remove mains connection!] ... Top held by five screws and lifts from rear. Plastic front held by five clips - 3 under and one each side. PCB connection in front comes apart as front removed. Black plastic top of disc reader comes off removing 4 screws. I redistributed the grease using a new cocktail stick on the two parallel bars and in the groove of the brass worm which drives the laser. Blew any dust off the lens. Sprayed the connections to pcb with Servisol and touched the solder joints of S7801 (OPEN/CLOSE switch) on the pcb with soldering iron since one looked dry. Seems to behave now, no idea if I've hit the spot really.

John.S, August 2008

I have the same problem if that is any comfort. Got the drawer open eventually by tapping the "Open" button until it finally got the signal in a pause between Self Checks. I think this is the read/write laser having trouble getting focus. Tipping the machine on end during all this might have helped - or could be coincidence. I'm on the site looking for a better answer myself.

John.S., August 2008