how to fix the error code U81 on my Panasonic DMR-EZ25EB dvd recorder

Steve, November 2010

I used to be able to turn the unit on and then after waiting for a while, turn it on again but unable to do so this time so might give it a miss and throw the unit away. How can a company as big as Panasonic make a recorder with this common fault all the time especially when we get a lot of surges in WA. Very disappointing!

Rosemarie, June 2014

I've just been given one of these DVD recorders with the same error, U81 (UART error) which I've now fixed.
The problem is caused by C1530 (100µF 25v) on the Main PCB. This blows (open circuit), causing IC1508 (FET dc-dc converter) to fail. It's a tiny SOP-8 SMD on the underside of the board. This IC supplies D1R8V from the 12v line to the STi5516 processor board.
Replaced the cap with 100µF 50v and cut and replaced the IC (MD5001T) and all works fine now.
You'll need to strip the whole box down to get to the parts, and be careful of static wrecking parts of the board. The story about wrecking the "Freeview Decoder Microprocessor" is frankly rubbish - unless it was wrecked by the engineer doing the repair.
Cost? About 1-2 pounds if you can get the parts.

Richard Lee, August 2011

I've taken mine in for repair to a local independent. It's not good; One or more capacitors have blown and they've taken out the Freeview Decoder Microprocessor which has to be ordered in. As at 19 April 2011, the repair costs are likely to be around £60-80

Colin M. Taylor, April 2011

dvb auto-setup was not showing or storing digital channels disconnected/reconnected mains supply error code u81 came up cannot clear it

eric crisp, January 2011