When I run a VCR or an old DVD on my Toshiba DVD/VCR everything is fine; however, when I rent a DVD [like "Hurt Locker"], many of these newer discs I can not play. as it will not "read" and then turns my machine off! Wrote to RedBox and they said that manufacturers insert "firmware"; however, Toshiba should have be able to provide a firmware update to correct this problem! Toshiba says they never heard dof such a thing, that I have all the updates required, sorry, but I should purchase a new machine!!! What Now?? [Model SD-V290U, Jan 2003, 3850R-Z243A]

Try to upgrade the firmware.

i would try lens cleaner cd and is this likea store rented dvd also not a copy burned one or thx nick

yes its fixable.I had a panasonic recorder that did this and not very old cost me $350,00 not saying that will cost you.but sometime its better getting a new one as they have come down in price.

buy new disc ray and disable the old one

press the stop key on the television and the on/off button on the remote at the same time.

DVD-Rs do work with the RDR-VX500 ...... I had not recorded on mine for a few months after I ran out of the last batch ....... then I tried recording on the newer Sony DVD-Rs I had ...... would not record on DVD-R ..... turns out the instructions say the recorder will not work with any DVDs faster than 8x .... It looks like it's recording but it doesn't ..... then I noticed the newer DVDs were 16x ...... found an old 8x and tried it and it works fine ..... turns out the unit won't record slower on a 16x, it just won't record at all ...... get 8x and you'll be ok

I was having the same issue and I've been to several video stores to rent DVDs and 2 out of 3 rentals have the same affect where it is just 'reading' but even worse, it would play fine and then freeze up during the movie- very frustrating. Now, after 3 years of owning it, it died today. They just don't make them the way they used to :(

I've only had mine for 3 years- DVD didn't recognize 2 out of 3 discs or would cut out- started about a year ago. Today the whole picture went out. Just don't make them like they used to

you need to buy a cheap av moulator (about 20.00 at most stores) this will solve the problem radio shack has them and so does wall=mart

CD and dvd disc cleaners will not solve the problem, a deeper and delicate cleaning procedure by cleaning the lens manually with an cotton swab is needed...
Although the quality of newer discs is to be discussed.