dvd not working

[kitty1950]

I have a Goodmans GDVDR 305 DVBT Free to view, Digital Terrestrial DVD Recorder. The dvd has just stopped working, when I put a disc in it just reads it continually, I have gone into set up menu and the play/edit disc facility is not available so I checked the troubleshooting pages and came across 'edit disc option is disabled', it said to check that the recorder is in 'full stop mode', I can't find any reference to full stop mode in the manual so I am now at a loss as to what to try next, I have tried using home recorded discs as well as pre recorded but neither work. It is well out of warranty and I was wondering if anyone knew how much it should cost to have it repaired and whether it would be worth it. Also how difficult is it to replace a dvd drive if I try it myself. Thanks, Kath.

[deggers316]

with my machine
it says unplug from mains and leave for around 10 mins then start up again, this i do when sometimes it wont switch off with remote or button on machine.also try another DVD if it's a recordable one some recorders are a bit picky on what they use

[romko]

This could be one of two things. A failed laser assembly - very common - or bad capacitors in the power supply (also very common).
These units are often fitted with inadequately rated capacitors which tend to just get through the warranty period before dying. Unplug and leave disconnected half an hour, then open it up and see if you can find any cylindrical components on the board near the mains lead, which have bulging or domed tops. These can be easily found and replaced for little money if you have a soldering iron.

[redman41]

How long have you had this Recorder and how much did it cost ? There is little point in throwing good money after bad if it is just as cheap to replace current product with a brand new one, when you bear in mind the cost of repair etc.

[kitty1950]

Thanks romko, we will try it as we have nothing to lose. Kath.

Thanks redman, we have had it for at least 3 years, possibly 4 years, I was thinking the same as you as to whether it was worth it as it only cost £140 which was cheap as it had built in freeview which we didn't have on the tv that we had at the time. It just seems a shame to have to throw it away if it can be repaired reasonably cheaply. Kath