There are several steps you can take to troubleshoot your Panasonic DVD player and possibly fix it without spending money on an electronics repair shop. The most common problem with a DVD player is a "disc error" message with a blank screen, and at least half the time that can be solved by cleaning the DVD laser lens. Try these steps before you head for the repair shop with your Panasonic DVD player.
The Steps
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Step 1
Check the audio-video cable connections between the DVD player and the television or receiver to make sure all plugs are inserted securely.
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Step 2
Try a different set of audio-video cables to establish if the problem is with the cables.
Step 3
Make sure the power cords are plugged in.
Step 4
Make sure the TV or your receiver is set to the correct input for the DVD player. Most televisions now have at least three and as many as six inputs for various devices.
Step 5
Test the DVD player with different discs. The problem may turn out to be with a disc and not the Panasonic player itself.
Step 6
Clean the DVD player by inserting a disc cleaner such as Memorex. Follow the cleaning procedure, which usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Step 7
Remove the component cover by unscrewing the Phillips head screws on the bottom and back of the cabinet.
Step 8
Look inside the DVD cabinet to determine if a disc has slipped and become stuck inside the mechanism. A DVD will occasionally slip out of the tray and become lodged inside the player. If this happens, gently remove the disc without disturbing any of the electronic components.
Step 9
Clean the DVD laser lens more thoroughly by dipping a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and gently swabbing the lens, which is beneath the DVD tray. It may be easier to access by hitting the eject button to slide out the tray while you work.
Step 10
With the power unplugged, examine all connecting wires, internal cables and electronics to see if anything is loose, disconnected or visibly broken. If you can easily reattach any cable or wire, do so and recheck the operation of the player. If the machine still will not playback DVDs, a trip to the repair shop may be in order.
Step 11
Get the cost of a new DVD player as a benchmark against a repair bill. Often, it is less expensive to buy a new DVD player than it is to repair an older and likely outdated model. many repair shops will charge a service fee of $30 or more just to identify the problem.