EWR20V5 DVD Recording Error (by 5 users)

I'm having the exact same problem as rebell. Yes, I've called customer service 3 times. Tried disk cleaner = "cannot record on this disk." Tried lower speed DVD - "Cannot record on this disk." (by the way, the customer service guys told me after 7 months it won't record on 16x disks. Trouble is, its almost impossible to find 8x disks anymore. Third time I called, they said to unplug it for at least 45 minutes. I unplugged it for 4 hours, and - "cannot record on this disk." Folks, DON'T BUY THIS UNIT! YOU WILL BE SORRY!
Razorusskie

I have the same unit and the SAME problem. After about 6 months of use, I got the infamous E4 error when trying to record to disk. Calling customer service is a joke. My unit plays DVDs and VHS tapes OK, but it just won't record. By the way, this is a replacement unit because the first one I bought didn't work on 8X or 16X discs. It only worked on 4 X. They sent this piece of crap as a replacement and now it's not working. I give up with Emerson products.

Tell them to check your serial number on your unit if it was manufactured in 04 it does qualify for a firmware upgrade which will make the x8 disc, work. This unit is so old already that x8 is the only discs that were made for this unit. x16 or up to x16 doesnt work for this unit. resource:bought one and it still works perfect. Error code:e4 is error on optical pickup. To fix that is to get that firmware if you qualify or the lens is out of alignment.

I have the same problems as described herein. I called CS and was strung along with the promise that I qualified for a free firmware upgrade. When I agreed to get it I was told that the disc upgrades are no longer being offered for free and that they were not sure that the upgrade wiould solve the problem.

My boat now has a new anchor.

Never again shall I purchase Emerson.

Ok guys, I know these are old posts, but after getting the same error code, I Called 1-800-605-8453 this is the Customer service line. I was just told that this E4 error code means that the disc isn't being read, because the unit is dirty or the optical eye is going out (my unit is 2yrs old) I will get a cleaning kit and then proceed. I confirmed this error code online at an error code site.
http://www.infinadyne.com/ErrorCodes.html So good luck to you all.
For further info I was told that the E15 code means "cannot write after DVD-R reserve track"
E-29 Disc is protected
E-3 No Data writing after 3 trys

The disc must be DVD-R with an R4.7 under the logo and they MUST be 4X or 8X specific .... the cannot be 1X to 8X or 1X to 16X or note up to 16X .... the disc box must state 4X or 8X ONLY .... and yes they are hard to find for sure.....

I am having the same errors, trying DVD-R and DVD-RW they all used to work and after a year or so it just quit all same errors everyone is listing above. Another ODD thing is that after I unplugged it one time and did wait the 15 min to re plug in the clock would not work, I would set it and it would never change or work!

I have the same problem as most of you. I made a phone call, and I was told reboot my Emerson EWR20V4 ( same as V5 ), unplug from wall, wait 15 minutes, plug back in, and reset the clock.. I was Dubbing VHS-DVD 16X, AND IT'S WORKING, made in 2005.

I can record both my VCR and DVD just fine, however I cannot play any disks unless they are specifically 4x. Any movies I copy or download will not play unless 4x. I called cs and they did send me the firmware upgrade, however I get the disc error when I try to load it. Still trying to get ahold of CS to see how i can load this disk. Once I get the upgrade I am sure my unit will be fine. I do however agee that these units should be bured. This is also my second unit since the first one did not work. DO NOT BUY EMERSON.

I was having the same problem. It recorded on a older disc a friend gave me and than rejected every other one I bought. If I would have had a hammer in my hand at the time I would have demolished it. But I calmed down an the next day called customer support. It took a while to ger through(thank God for speakerphone). But they were very polite and told me what to do to see if my unit was able to have a firmware upgrade and they are sending it to me free of charge. Now I am waiting for the disc to arrive. When I get it I will let you know what happens. I would give support a call it worked for me so far just remember to have a speaker phone.

I am not surprised at the comments on this disc player, my advice would be to Burn It..