U61-*Unit detected an error while recording or playing with no disc in the disc tray. The unit is carrying out its recovery process. This process restores the unit to normal operation. The unit is not broken. Wait until the message disappears* This is what the Operating manual tells me. The screen message is: Self Check did not complete. 1) Press ENTER. Then the unit opens the disc tray & turns to standby. (did this, great!) 2) Press POWER to restart. (did this too!) If this message still appears please refer to the contact info listed on the operating instructions. Unable to clear this message. Have followed the above steps a few times to no avail. Have turned the recorder off at the wall & then switched on. Still have message appearing. Would really appreciate any help you can offer. Cheers
I get this message occasionally on my Panasonic DMR-ES15. It's actually a really simple fix. It occurs when there is a corruption in the disc which causes the recording mechanism to malfunction. There is a separate error message for this, however it is usually not detected until it's too late. When the recorder asks you to carry out the recovery process, do it. When the disc ejects, make sure you take the disc out that was in there when it occured and throw it away...it will keep happening because the disc is permanently corrupted. However, do not close the tray without a disc or the self-check will fail. Instead pop in a disc of the same format that the error occured in (if it was DVD+RW then put in a DVD+RW). It resolves the problem every time on the first try. (It only happened two times in a year and a half for me). As the manual says the unit is "NOT BROKEN".
Posted on Aug 11, 2008
Solution # 6 above works. It wouldn't read the original corrupted disc but needed another non-corrupted disc of the same type inserted. It fell over with a DVD+RW disc (U88 disc error then U61 restart error) so I discarded the corrupted disc and tried to restart it using a disc I knew wasn't corrupted (a DVD-RAM) but still got U61. After reading this forum I tried Solution # 6 and restarted with a non-corrupted DVD+RW and it fixed itself. More of a documentation & support problem for Panasonic than h/w - crappy UI in the s/w though not to tell users to restart with same disc type
When the disc ejects, make sure you take the disc out that was in there when it occured and throw it away...it will keep happening because the disc is permanently corrupted. However, do not close the tray without a disc or the self-check will fail. Instead pop in a disc of the same format that the error occured in (if it was DVD+RW then put in a DVD+RW). It resolves the problem every time on the first try.
Posted on Jan 11, 2010
I have seen several postings regarding errors for the DMR ES15 recorder. I have resolved errors on my 15 month old device by cleaning the black spool that retains and spins the disc. Using denatured alcohol on a lint free cloth, I carefully cleaned the hub but did not saturate the material. This immediately cleared the no read and unable to record errors. Of course, I had to remove the outside covers to access the inter-workings of the read-writer.
Posted on Aug 10, 2008
I have experienced this problem (U61, system check failure, on a repeated cycle) on four of my ES15 Panasonic recorders; one under warranty and three not. Tried all of the suggested fixes and none worked. Sent the one back to Panasonic and tested out the other three. It all boiled down to one component failure, the DVD Disk Drive Control Board (Part No. VEP79132). Panasonic will not sell this individual part but packages it a module, called the RAM/Digital PCB Module (Part No. RFKNES15P). Panasonic replaced this module under warranty and that machine works fine. The Control Board and/or the module are easy to change out with a Phillips head screwdriver, but the real show stopper is the cost. Panasonic charges $500 for the module and generic parts stores charge $200 for the circuit board. Both easily exceed the initial cost of this or any comparably machine. Unless you have a spare board lying around (Ebay?), trash the machine and buy another. This same or similar problems can be extended to most Panasonic recorders regardless of model, only the parts number changes. All Panasonic recorders a super machines but this is one of their common failures and, depending on usage, occurs after the warranty runs out.
Posted on Feb 13, 2008
If u have a U61 and it does not disapear after a while,
press OK and DVD opens and powers down.
power off unit (disconnect wall outlet for 10 min),
put empty DVD-R+ or whatever you have been using before into tray,
push DVD tray back in gently,
power up again,
this should cure the problem, as long as there is not malfunction due to broken electronic part in power supply or on DVD laser driver board.
Posted on May 10, 2010
Had the same problem, error U61, on a Panasonic DMR-ES25 DVD recorder. Took guest's instructions to open unit and push head back. Close unit, turned on and WORKS. Even tried to play DVD and that worked. Better advice then I would get from Panasonic.
Posted on Nov 11, 2007
I had a U61 fault. Self check would not complete. When powered down the DVD tray was still out. I pushed it back in and then powered the unit up. Fixed my problem.
Posted on Apr 19, 2009
Any time i press a button it wont do any thing accept say set 1 so i cant control the movie or change settings.i wonder if it lot the code for controlling it.
Posted on Apr 30, 2008
After playing a broken dvd (actually the disc was cracked), my player wouldnt play any DVDs. After reading the tips here, I inserted a new disc with just the same movie, now the player seems to be working fine.
My thanx goes to Klinger, Solution #4 !
Posted on Jan 12, 2009
If out of warranty, Panasonic does offer a $130 flat rate for repairs. This rate includes all parts and labor costs and covers shipping as well.
Posted on Jul 23, 2008
Please put it on video or pictures will be greatly appreciated.
Posted on Dec 11, 2007
This is a definate plus, i wish i had thought of it. my dmr-es15, has had the u61 code on it twice in the last six months. first time i sent it to panasonic, two weeks later it was returned, untill it failed again 4 months later. this time took to a local service dealer, and after 10 days, they informed me the unit needed a drive assembly, and that the part is 6 or 7 weeks in backorder. dealing with panasonic is quite frustrating. they do answer your calls, however the persons who answer have no idea, except to ask you to take it or ship it for service. could not get a response or find someone to inquire as what was wrong and what was done to repair the unit the first time it happened after countless emails and phone calls. if i knew of this quick fix i would've definately tried it, considering the awkward and frustrating consequences i have endured with panasonic warranty support. i wonder if that was the repair that panasonic did the first time they received the defected unit and sent it back to me allegedly fixed. the unit sucks and as impressive as panasonic claims they care about their customers, they suck too!!!! [email protected]
Posted on Aug 04, 2007
I have the same problem (same error # same model of DVR). I noticed it happened after I left a DVD in play mode and paused for a long time. I saw a message on the Internet that error U61 can mean that the lens is unable to move (return to its normal position). The Internet message said that person unpluged everything, then opened the cover to the DMR-ES15 (3 screws) and gently pushed the DVD head back towards the rear of the DMR-ES15. I assume that would void his warranty, but I am considering trying it since the time to have it repaired versus the replacement cost makes the possibility of a "self-repair" attractive. Here is part of that actual Internet message. I hope it helps you: Yesterday, my DMR-ES15 started to malfunction, giving me the error U61. No matter how many times I tried to press Enter, and Power On, the machine kept re-booting with the error U61. I noticed that the drive was making some noises as if the Read head was not able to park properly. So I decided to open up the unit and find out why. I took out the 3 screws holding the DVD drive top in place. And then moved the drive head mechanism back (pushed it towards the back of the unit). I then plugged the power in, turned it on, and amazingly there was no more U61 error. I test the unit this morning again and everything seems to work properly again! END =======================================
Posted on May 29, 2007
SOURCE: DVD DMR-ES15 faulty Error message says
http://forum.videohelp.com/topic349292.html
Posted on Aug 31, 2008
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I I also have a U61, but I don't know what a drive head is to fix it. Wish someone would clarify.
Having the same problem with Panasonic ES15.
DMR-ES35V. While recording a dvd, it shut down. upon attempting to reset by power button, it turns on and off again. The disc ejection door opens, then power shuts off. Unplugging does not reset unit. Error message is U61. [email protected]
Same problem, same results.
have same prob
U61-*Unit detected an error while recording or playing with no disc in the disc tray. The unit is carrying out its recovery process. This process restores the unit to normal operation. The unit is not broken. Wait until the message disappears* This is what the Operating manual tells me.
The screen message is:
Self Check did not complete.
1) Press ENTER. Then the unit opens the disc tray & turns to standby. (did this, great!)
2) Press POWER to restart. (did this too!)
If this message still appears please refer to the contact info listed on the operating instructions.
Unable to clear this message. Have followed the above steps a few times to no avail. Have turned the recorder off at the wall & then switched on. Still have message appearing.
Would really appreciate any help you can offer.
Well, I gotta tell ya. I wasn't prepared to go to all the trouble the person who took the whole unit apart and moved the laser head all the way back did, I'm lazy, but I did try putting another disc in. First time through, nothing happens. Same error. But I'm insane, and thinking repeating the same actions will result in a different outcome, repeated the steps. OMG! It worked! Asked me to format the disc; I did. And now it's recording. We'll see if it works after recording.
I gotta tell ya, I've always liked Panasonic. I used a bunch of their Pro DATs back in my Grateful Dead concert taping days. I even still have an 8 Track Player. Still works 38 years later! I've had Panasonic Cassette Recorders, car stereos, the list goes on and on. Loved them all! I've now had 3 DVD Recorders and they've all been junk! 1st one I returned to Best Buy and they sent it back for repair {inside warranty}. Next time, it was out, and Best Buy being the warm cuddly kind hearted company they are offered to replace it. After me making a scene for over 2 hours! Only problem, that model no longer available. Cost me 60 bucks to get the newer version. Left the store feeling all warm and fuzzy I did. That one crapped out to. Panasonic replaced that one with the one I have now. On and Off problems ever since. Actually went shopping this morning before work, but didn't want to wait in the hour long line at Circuit City, thought I'd see what barginns they'd have, so left. Then I saw this after Googling the error code. If it works, I'll hang on to it till it fails for good. Can't imagine it will be long! Then never get another Panasonic or Best Buy anything ever again!
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