DVD player doesn't

[Terry Pinnell]

Suddenly my DVD player (actually a combined DVD/VCR unit, the Philips
DVD757R) will no longer play DVDs. Just shows the 'Loading' message.
Occasionally spits out the CD, declaring it unplayable. This with
several known good DVDs.

I'll start phoning around tomorrow, but are there any 'likely' faults
I should assume?

 

[Mark D. Zacharias]

Usually the laser pickup, and Philips doesn't sell individual parts for
these, and even if they did, the parts would be too expensive. Way to go
Philips, as usual.

Recommend next time buy a separate Pioneer, Sony, or JVC brand, NOT a combo
unit. Almost everything Philips / Magnavox sells at the low to mid price
points is junk. They're not alone though, all your low-end DVD products are
crap.

Mark Z.

 

[[email protected]]

Suddenly my DVD player (actually a combined DVD/VCR unit, the Philips
DVD757R) will no longer play DVDs. Just shows the 'Loading' message.
Occasionally spits out the CD, declaring it unplayable. This with
several known good DVDs.

first things first: open the drawer, power the unit off, open up the
case and gently slide the laser block sled unit to the rear (or
wherever gives good enough access). Gently clean the lens with a q-tip.
I haven't had any problems with using 96% alcohol; some swear by
window cleaner solution. I have found on many Philips units that
ventilation slots let in dust and coupled with the heat, this clogs the
lens. Don't be tempted to waste time with cd lens cleaners.

If that fails and you are desperate, you may want to mark the laser
power pot(s) usually located on the rear of the laser block (so you
can return it back to where it was, if necessary) and give it a slight
tweak left or right with a flat bladed jewellers' screwdriver - less
than 1/8 of a turn only, initially. I have done this and been lucky on
a couple of units. Note that this is a last-ditch effort before the
unit goes in the bin though, since if over-adjusted, the laser's life
can be seriously shortened.

good luck
Ben

 

[none]

Usually the laser pickup, and Philips doesn't sell individual parts for
these, and even if they did, the parts would be too expensive. Way to go
Philips, as usual.

Recommend next time buy a separate Pioneer, Sony, or JVC brand, NOT a combo
unit. Almost everything Philips / Magnavox sells at the low to mid price
points is junk. They're not alone though, all your low-end DVD products are
crap.

Mark Z.

Mark's almost certainly right.
But if you're still wnating to try and fix it open it up and see what
type of drive tray you have.
Phillips might have screwed up and actually put in decent unit htat
could be crossed to an aftermarket.
Try this link for an replacement.
http://www.hermanelectronics.com/default.asp

You might also try some of the Apex usergroups and forums for info,
they'll likely have info on where to go as well.
http://www.nerd-out.com/apex/

But like Mark said it might be better to buy a better brand.