Will this machine play writable discs?

Recordings made on DVD-RW discs cannot be played in other players, including many PC DVD-ROM drives; incompatible format. If you had recorded your TV/video material onto a DVD-R in the recorder, for example, then finalised the disc, it would work in your PC and any DVD player.

But since you used a re-writable video/data DVD, it won't work outside of the recorder - that's why you can't play it (or if it was written on your PC, your recorder won't read it - incompatible disc).

If you don't wish to finalise the RW disc (I don't recommend it - plus I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to do that), you could copy it from one recorder to another, unless your PC has a capture card - which allows the outputs of your DVD recorder to connect to the PC inputs. Using relevant DVD software (for example, ULead DVD factory), you may be able to 're-author' the contents of your recording, and create a DVD-R copy which WILL work in all players that way - use DVD-R (or DVD+R if your PC and other players allow that format) for 'permanent' video recording - use re-writable discs for backups, test recordings, temporary stuff, and PC data files. There are many inexpensive software programs available. Have a look sometime at your leisure. See what they are like.

Even if you could copy the DVD contents in a Windows program, regardless of the software used, there is no guarantee that the copy you make will work outside of the player and/or original recorder, because it would require a lot of time and effort to achieve, and unless you know what you're doing with the program, you could waste a lot of time (and blank discs) in the process - it only adds to the frustration.

I am glad to hear your recorder has no major faults at present - that's great. No expensive workshop repair cost headaches; just frustration with discs (especially if they become drink coasters).

DVD-RW is ideal for test video recordings and PC data, but is limited when it comes to compatible playback/usage outside of the device it was written/recorded on.

DVD+RW discs on the other hand, when titled/ top menu created, can be played on a PC or player without finalising. You can even direct copy a DVD+RW straight to a DVD-R - it works in most cases.

The upshot of this is you haven't lost anything, and with the exception of perhaps a few dollars for a pack of either DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD-R discs (any brand), it didn't cost a fortune. You can also retain any DVD-RW discs you have previously used.

The simplest and cheapest options are often the best ones.

You have to finalize or go to edit and then finalize first before taking out. Once done you will have to use new disc.

Recording tv program or duffing none codes dvd disc,must wait it for finalizing code done completely before can take it out or can be watching it on the same DVD recoder player or a compatible one.Record other disc,just must wait the disc to completely finalizing it final codes,the disc should play with no problems.

Did you say you used a DVD-RW disc to transfer a videotape onto? The reason your PC won't recognise that disc is because the data format on it is a different language to what PCs understand - plus an unfinalised DVD-RW won't play in other DVD players - it is usually an incompatible format.

(DVD+RW discs with titles/top menus created in video mode CAN be played on a PC DVD drive or a normal DVD player as can finalised DVD-R discs (DVD-R discs MUST be recorded and finalised in the same recorder for compatible playback). DVD-RW discs can only be viewed on the unit they were written/recorded on.

The other reason for the 'remaining space' on the disc you describe showing less than 120 minutes is due to a title recently being recorded or erased - unless you format it - the 120 minute / 4.7GB DVD-RW will not show full available space. Erasing titles on re-writable DVDs does not increase space. The same rule applies to unfinalised +R / -R discs (you cannot re-format these to get the space back once recorded - they are 'once only' writables)

I recommend you invest in some DVD-R discs and re-copy your VHS tape to that - then if you are satisfied with the result, title etc., finalise the DVD-R - it will play on any DVD player or PC with DVD support (or it should). These discs are relatively inexpensive to buy just about anywhere.

Final note: do NOT finalise the DVD-RW you recorded (I hope you haven't already done this) - simply format/erase it - re-use it for something else or keep it until you need it.

You can use any brand of DVD, just take note of the format before recording/playing.

I Have had this same problem with DVD recorders. They sometimes will not play disc that were recorded on another player, you have to play these on the recorder that you used to make the recording. When recording you must finalize the discs to get them to play in other recorders, if they aren't finalized then the dvd wont recognize them as being recorded, there is no starting point set on the disc for the laser to pick up on. I have also ran into discs bought at the store that were not any good and I couldn't record on them, or when I did I would get the disc error message also. Try another brand of disc,say Memorex or Soney amd see if these will work, make sure they are compatible with the player, and they are the correct format for your player. There are 2 types DVD -R and DVD + R the + R work better on a wider range of players.

I had that exact same problem. I would record a bunch of dvds with no problems for months and then some and one day it doesn't work. Only this showed up E4 EA03738B. However I've found the solution. Instead of going out and returning the recorder or buying new dvds just purchase a Laser Lense Cleaner. It's a dvd cleaner. Works like a charm.

The cd tray eject after put in the DVD movies, but VCD working fine...it is means that the drive's region code haven't set yet .(please refer to user manual to setting the region code) ..or unplug the recorder drive from the dvd player,using the computer setting to change the region code by connecting to computer's IDE cable .

after recording, did you ensure the "finalize" or "lead-out" process completed?

I have a JVC DR-MH50 DVD/HD recorder and it will only record on DVD-R or DVD-RW not DVD+R or +RW. so check your format of disk you are trying to record on it may be as simple as that.

Write Once – After finalizing, a DVD-R disc can be played back in approx. 95% of home DVD players and PC DVD drives Capacity – 30-60 minutes (depending on the selected filming mode) of high quality motion video can be stored on a single of a disc. Re-writeable – DVD-RAM allows for recording and re-recording of movies and still photos up to 100,000 times per disc. DVD-RAM is like a removable hard drive. Compatibility for video playback of DVD-RAM in standard home DVD players is fairly low. DVD-RW cannot store true .jpeg digital still photo’s like DVD-RAM, however it is re-writable and has 80% compatibility with home DVD players.