Panasonic DVD/HDD Recorder - Software Fault

miller

A relative has a Panasonic DVD/HDD Recorder which was purchased from Comet just over 2 years ago (out of warranty).

It has developed a fault where it will not power on properly and displayed a "software update" screen for about 5 minutes before powering off. It seems the unit will need the firmware reinstalling on the HDD.

I phoned Comet on their behalf and they were very keen to send me in Panasonic's direction (on an 0844 number). I enquired what would happen if they could not help and then was told of a £45 charge for Comet to investigate the fault.

I said it does not seem like a reasonable length of time for a unit to last and they retorted that it would be up to me to prove the fault existed within the first six months of purchase (when the unit operated correctly). It is unlikely that this would be able to be proved?

halibut2209

Can you not just download the firmware from panasonic's website and install it via a USB stick?

miller

There does not seem to be an English version available:
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dvd/download/ex773/fr.html

Also, as the unit wont boot properly the drive tray cannot be ejected as it does not respond (to put in the any disc created), I cannot see USB update supported.

Edit: thanks for the suggestion though :-)

dalesrider

miller wrote: »

There does not seem to be an English version available:
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dvd/download/ex773/fr.html

Also, as the unit wont boot properly the drive tray cannot be ejected as it does not respond (to put in the any disc created), I cannot see USB update supported.

Edit: thanks for the suggestion though :-)

Often disk drives have small hole that allows you to put something like a straightned paperclip in to eject a stuck disk.