I place the Blank DVD in the recorder it begins to format then stops and gives me a recording error of E6 5c040901. Not sure why and there is nothing listed in my manual. I have always used the same type of DVD to record on so nothing is different. In a package of 50 DVD's the first 15 all gave me the same error message.

I think it's more possible that the blank disc that you use to record the videos is not good enough. You could try some other blank discs such as Verbatim discs that are popular for its guaranteed quality. And make sure you choose the type of dvd that is designed for recording. You could also try Leawo DVD Creator which can burn videos to DVD without waiting for a long time of recording.

either a dirty optical pickup or a a bad optical pickup in the unit=pretty much has to be one or the other

Are you loading to play or to record?
Commercial DVDs should play.
DVDs for recording may not be recognized by your drive. First make sure that the disc is blank. You must insert a blank disc of the proper format: DVD-R or RW, DVD+R or RW. Even with the proper format, some brands may not behave the same way as other brands.

My Sony rdrhx715 will not read discs, it won't even let me use a DVD head cleaner.

Any help anybody can give me to try to fix this I would appreciate it

Thank you....

Connect with RCA cable to RCA jacks\plugs::
output [player] audio to INPUT [recorder]
OUTPUT [player] Video to INPUT [recorder]
*************************************************
Place blank tape in RECORDER, Tape that you want to record from into PLAYER.Press Record [recorder machine], wait one second, press PAUSE.( thats to give record tape "breathing" space.) Set up your player tape to start playing. When you know what you want to record, press PAUSE again to begining recording. Press PAUSE after the recorded section to install 2nd tape, etc. etc.
NOTE:: some VCRs use PAUSE 2nd time to release and continue recording, while some machines you must press RECORD button again to release PAUSE. you must expirement before begining your project.

what I would do is play the vhs tape for a bit then rewind and press the dub botton only and see what happens. if nada then insert a new blank dvd and make sure its formated.

The unit is saying that its an "Un-format disc" problem. Is this the only error code you are getting? Also, what types of DVDs are being used? As in, DVD-R DVD-RW DVD+R DVD-RW and what speeds? 1x 2x 4x 8x 16x?

Sounds like the laser has gone or the try is not fully loading the disc.

I had the same problem on my Philips 3400. Changing media worked. Try RW media if R does not work.

I have a JVC DR-MH50 DVD/HD recorder and it will only record on DVD-R or DVD-RW not DVD+R or +RW. so check your format of disk you are trying to record on it may be as simple as that.