I have a Panasonic DVD Recorder Model DMR-ES46V with error code U61, which basically states that there might have been a power failure while the unit was on and the unit is in the recovery process. I had this problem about 18 months ago and resolved it by cleaning the laser optic and the overall unit. I’ve cleaned it again but the unit is still displaying the U61 error code, even after power cycling several times. I suspect that the laser assembly may be worn out. I have had the DVD about four years and have recorded more than 1500 DVDs. I have repaired may electronic devices over the years but haven’t worked on DVD players much, I wondering what might be wrong and if its worth fixing if I repair it myself. Thanks, Chris

don't know yet what the final outcome will be, but here's an update: I called Panasonic customer support. After going thru four phone transfers I finally reached a fellow who agreed that since I was only a couple of months over warranty, Panasonic will pay the UPS cost to return it to their service center where they will seek out the cause of the problem. Originally he did ask me to try simultaneously pushing down on "channel up" and "channel down" buttons (under the hinged front panel). That's supposed to give the unit a chance to reset (didn't help in my case}. I've read elsewhere that there may be a particular capacitor that tends to leak in these units (and is not expensive, but is very difficult to replace because of its location buried under other parts). I'm waiting now for a confirmation letter directing me how to send in the unit. I'll let you know more later. don't know yet what the final outcome will be, but here's an update: I called Panasonic customer support. After going thru four phone transfers I finally reached a fellow who agreed that since I was only a couple of months over warranty, Panasonic will pay the UPS cost to return it to their service center where they will seek out the cause of the problem. Originally he did ask me to try simultaneously pushing down on "channel up" and "channel down" buttons (under the hinged front panel). That's supposed to give the unit a chance to reset (didn't help in my case}. I've read elsewhere that there may be a particular capacitor that tends to leak in these units (and is not expensive, but is very difficult to replace because of its location buried under other parts). I'm waiting now for a confirmation letter directing me how to send in the unit. I'll let you know more later.

About the error U61, if you find a firmware upgrade for this unit you should be able to fix it by upgrading firmware.
Here is a picture of a lens pickup, just replace it on your DVD:


Just replace the lens block


About the error U61, if you find a firmware upgrade for this unit you should be able to fix it by upgrading firmware.
Here is a picture of a lens pickup, just replace it on your DVD:


Just replace the lens block