Unit worked flawlessly for several years. Now when I put in a blank disc, it spins it for about 5 minutes to "initialize" then ejects it as invalid. Help.

The LVW-5005 DVD Recorder came with a list of recommended brands for each type of disc, and they are all different in all categories. Some brands are recommended for CDs, some for DVDs, etc. They are not the same in any catagory. Most of the ones I bought were not on the list, because I couldn't find those listed anywhere in my neighborhood here in California. Some worked before, but are not working well now. Some have never worked, and some are failing intermittently.

The INVALID DISC message comes up on both units often, but when it comes up on the LVW-5005 unit the DISC eject feature will not eject. The open close door stays shut and says it is open, but sticks and keeps trying to reread the disc. You actually have to tip the machine down to let gravity help, and then turn it on and off and on and off and it finally opens and drops out the invalid disc.

The LVC-9016G unit says "change disc", or gets stuck on "Preparing". Sometimes it prepares, and then I can actually record, but when I try to load it later..... FAIL! This too is INTERMITTENT. GOD I HATE THAT WORD!!!!

I am not good a taking machines apart, and I have a MAC system 10.5 computer, and the firmware update seems to be geared to the WINDOWS PC. HELP?? Is there anything I can do.

Also IS THERE A LIST OF PREFERRED BRANDS of the media for the LVC-9016G model. It may be the same as the list for the LVW-5005 unit, except the that unit is supposed to record on CDs as well. NOT SURE> None are working consistantly.

The other idea that I had is that the newer DVD-R and DVD-RW or the DVD+R and DVD+RW discs have a heavier technology and these older burners (2 years makes it older, I guess....) and seem to no longer like them.

The 6 hour SLP I always set them to record on in the past, may no longer be valid. The 4x, 8X 16X etc. may not work either. Since I don't understand what that means, and we only have access to what is available to buy, I am at a loss there too. I am logical, but not technically educated in this technology. I come at this with psychology, not technology... :-)

I have the LVC-9016G for 2 years, and the other bought at COSTCO only a year ago. Is $300 worth of equipment already obsolete?

I have not hacked or touched anything. I may need to buy another lense cleaning disc. I have a memorex one, but when I put that in it said INVALID DISC, and will not work either. Won't read or spin.

I am frustrated...http://club.cdfreaks.com/images/smilies/6/eek.gif.

Candy this can be due to invalid media........all types will not burn in this unit........good success....meder's tv service

Try to clean lens eye wth a specific cleaner, and try again

There's a few things you can try. Turn off unit, unplug from AC for 5 minutes or so, plug back in, turn unit on, hit eject/open.
OR..same as above, but hold the eject/open button, then turn unit on.

Sometimes a combination of these odd procedures actually work. Sometimes holding the stop button, and hitting eject/open works too. Hope this is helpful.

Hi Again,

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Work!

You need to let me know what type of PowerBook G4 it is as the instructions for each are different. However, what I will do is give you the links to the appropriate sites and some instructions for them:

1. First you need to reset the Power Management Unit (PMU). To do this refer to THIS page. A little way down is a heading 'PowerBook and iBook models covered in this document'. Select the model listed in blue below this which will take you lower down the page to the instructions for your model.
2. After restarting try your drive again. If it doesn't work, try a dvd drive cleaning disc.
3. If it still doesn't work your drive is Kaput! If you're near Kent in the UK then I can help you out. If not find a local Apple Specialist who can replace the drive for you.

All the best
Sean

That is usually because of dirty or defetive lens, as teh player cannot read the initial track of the CDs.

Try first using a len cleaner , like the ones here.

If this does not work it will be necessary to take apart the unit and accees the lens to clean it, or replace the lens pickup. The repair must be done by a technician.

In this case call the number listed on the owner manual to get assistance

Since it will play eventualy, I'd suspect a dirty lens. Open up the unit and carefully clean the lens using a cotton swab and alcohol. Also, try a music CD. If the CD works flawlessly but DVDs still fail occasssionally, the optics are starting to fail and will need to be replaced.
Dan

I took off the top then took off the cover of the CDs and took out the CDs then I took out the cd holders and placed them back in and put the top back on and it works now

Have had the same problem with my Presidian3222 for the last year, if I recorded something it would come back as invalid disc or blank disc or would not close disc out right, got so damn mad almost took a hammer to it last night, unplugged it like clicky said, did no good, thought cable co may have been sending single to screw up recording, but today took camcorder and tried to record something, same thing which seemed to let the cable co off the hook.
the following seemed to have fixed the problem, first open the player then unplug it, close the drawer 1/2 way, then I took compressed air and blew inside the player to clean the laser after that I have been able to record 3 movies and close the disc properly and finalize the disc properly, I even had 50 new disc made by sony that recorded kept saying were invalid, reads them fine now, I hope this helps everyone, because I was on the edge of putting this thing in the trash last night.
R.J.

i think you need to use manual button for increment track number