My Toshiba RDXV59DT HDD DVD VHS COMBO has started to turn itself off during recording and playback for no reason. It only records a few minutes of a timed recording on the HDD. I had an E41 "power failure" error code show on one timed recording. Before I send it back for fix or replacement is there something I should do or know about within the system.

Check for swollen electrolytic caps?? not a guarantee, but something I would do.

That's usually dirty or worn out heads or not enough take up tension in the tape

Run Microsoft Fixit to detect and repair problems
Click here to run Microsoft Fixit

It all depends on the model of DVD/VCR Combo and what VHS you want to copy.

Pre Recorded VHS are copyright protected so the system won't let you copy them.

sounds like belts and rollers and any sensors you see need to be cleaned - it sounds like the unit thinks tape is at end and is shutting down

use qtip and rubbing alcohol to clean

try using different tape just to make sure it is not just a bad tape

OK here's what the user manual has to say on it!
PS If you need the user manual I will E-Mail on request.

Prepare for the recording on the DVDRW/ R disc or the videotape. Make sure:• Insert a recordable disc and a videotape with a record tab.
Note for recording to a disc:
• Make sure that the disc is recordable.
1
Hit [SETUP].
Easy Setting Menu or Advanced Setting Menu will appear. If Advanced Setting Menu is displayed,
proceed to step 3.
2
Using [K / L], select “Advanced Setting Menu”.
Hit [ENTER].Advanced Setting Menu will appear.
3
Using [K / L], select “Recording”. Hit [ENTER].
Recording menu will appear.
4
Using [K / L], select “Dubbing Mode”. Hit
[ENTER]. Option window will appear.
Recording
Auto Chapter 10 minutes
Timer Programming
DVD-RW Recording Format Video mode
Auto Finalize
Dubbing Mode VCR DVD
VCR DVD
Recording
Auto Chapter 10 minutes
Timer Programming
DVD-RW Recording Format Video mode
Auto Finalize
Dubbing Mode VCR DVD
DVD
VCR
DVD-RW DVD-R
VR
DVD-RW
Video
Note
For VCR to DVD duplication: • After starting VCR to DVD duplication, the picture may be distorted because of the auto tracking function. This is not a malfunction.
5
Using [K / L], select “VCR DVD”. Hit [ENTER].
6
Hit [SETUP] to exit. Make sure to select a recording speed using [REC SPEED].
7
Hit [PLAY B].Then hit [PAUSE F] at the point you
wish to start recording.
• Since it takes about a few seconds before the actual dubbing begins, please allow extra 5 seconds
when selecting the starting point.
8
Hit [DUBBING].
VCR to DVD duplication will start.
9
Hit [STOP C] to stop the
recording.
When you turn off the unit after setting the Dubbing Mode to DVD VCR, the setting will be set to VCR DVD automatically.
• Dubbing Mode is available only if the videotape or disc is not copy protected.
• You cannot change the output mode during VCR to DVD or DVD to VCR duplication.

For VCR to DVD duplication:
• The playback sound mode is followed by the setting of VCR playback sound mode on page 77. Set the playback sound mode to which you wish to record to the DVD.

Select AV-1 or some thing in TV and plug DVD recorder Video-Audio output in AV-1 input of TV, playback any DVD and confirm its picture and sound in TV. Press Stop button of DVD recorder to stop playback.
Now plug Video-Audio output of VCR in DVD recorder input and select AV Input in DVD recorder, insert VHS tape in VCR and playback it and confirm you get VHS picture and sound in TV via DVD recorder.
Hookup between TV, DVD recorder and VCR is completed.
Playback VHS tape in VCR, Insert blank DVD disc in DVD recorder and press Record while you see VHS tape picture in TV.
Hope this info will help you.

You must finalise the DVD. Go to setup, go to DVD menu and select Finalise (with the DVD inserted of course).

No you cannot - This is a DVD *PLAYER* / VCR combo - which means it features a DVD player & VHS recorder in one - you cannot record onto DVD - You can however watch a DVD while recording your tv program on the VCR.

I hope this answers your question.

If you want to convert your VHS to DVD you will need to purchase a standalone DVD recorder - I personally do not reocmmend the DVD recorder / VCR combos - or you can use a HDD/DVD recorder which stores recordings on a hard drive and later you can burn them on DVD, they allow editing, more flexible recording options, etc
.

open the recorder, 4 screws at each corner, wipe the playing head and the voice reccognition head, to the right of the playing head head with a baby wipe, you will be amiazed what **** comes off it. DON'T scrub it just wipe lightly, spin the playing head so it's clean. If you have a lint free cloth ( a glasses cleaning cloth you get in the case is brilliant) Try the tape (before you put it in make sure everything is DRY!) and your problem should be solved. It worked for me! and that came from a TV engineer