Panasonic DMR-EH 50, DMR-ES 20, 30, 40 DVD Recorder, SA-HT 1500 Home Theater Technical Guide
The DMR-EH50, DMR-ES20, DMR-ES30, DMR-ES40, and SA-HT1500 DVD Recorders offer high resolution LP recording, a TBC circuit for clear copies of video tape originals, and quick start recording. This model is capable of recording on DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and HDD, and can dub VHS tapes to DVD. The time base corrector (TBC) circuit reduces VHS tape jitter when dubbing tape information to a disc, resulting in a better recording than the original tape source. The DMR-EH50 and DMR-E500H also feature high speed transfer, dubbing A/V information from the HDD to a disc in less than a minute.
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PASC060213TG3
B13
Technical Guide
DVD Recorders
DMR-EH50
DMR-ES20, DMR-ES30, DMR-ES40
SA-HT1500
Technology & Troubleshooting
Panasonic Services Company
National Training
Panasonic Services Company
National Training
TV Guide is a registered trademark of Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. and / or one of its affiliates.
Dolby
®
Pro Logic ®
Pro Logic ® II
DTS
®
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
Pro Logic is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
Pro Logic is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS Corporation.
Copyright
© 2006 by Panasonic Services Company
All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying and distribution is a violation of law.
Warning
This service information is designed for experienced repair technicians only and is not designed for use by the public. It does not contain warnings or cautions to advise non-technical individuals of potential dangers in attempting to service a product. Products powered by electricity should be serviced or repaired only by experienced professional technicians. Any attempt to service or repair the product or products dealt with in this service information by anyone else could result in serious injury or death.
Table of Contents
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DVD Recorder Models
DMR-E500H
DMR-EH50
DMR-ES30 / 40V
Recording
Media
H a a r r d D i i s s k
D r r i v v e e
＋
DVD
H a a r r
D d r r i i v v
D e i i s k k
＋
DVD
VHS
＋
DVD
＋
SD
＋
SD
Hard Disk
400
GB
709 hours
Max.
100
GB
177 hours
Max.
－
Dubbing Speed
Compati- ble
SD Data
DV
Input
64X =
DVD-R
40X =
DVD RAM
64X =
DVD-R
40X =
DVD RAM
－
MPEG4/
MPEG2
JPEG/TIFF
Y
es
JPEG/
TIFF
－
－
－
TV
Guide
Y
es
Y
es
－
DMR-ES10 / 20
Model Summary
DVD
－ －
Figure 1 – DVD Recorder Product Line Features
－ －
DMR-E500H = Full featured unit with the additional ability to stream video to a second
DMR-E500H unit on a home wire or wireless Ethernet network for remote bi-directional
PB, record, or TV display. A Panasonic camcorder DV compatible digital input jack accepts camcorder playback directly into this model for recording.
DMR-EH50 = High end model with high resolution LP recording. This unit also has a
TBC circuit for clear copies of video tape originals.
DMR-ES30 / 40 = Popular transition unit permitting quality VHS to DVD dubbing aided by time base correction circuitry and high resolution LP recording. The TBC circuit is for clear copies of video tape originals.
DMR-ES10 / 20 = Basic model with quick start recording and high resolution LP recording similar to that of SP compression.
－
1
Intentionally blank
2
Usable Media
General Information
Figure 2 – Record Media
The DVD disc now has many variations. Today’s Panasonic DVD recorder can record on the popular recordable discs availiable now except the DVD+RW and VCD discs.
These two remaining discs are playback only for today’s recorder models. Previous
Panasonic DVD Recorders could only record on HDD and DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs.
Figure 2 shows the Recordable and Playback-only media usable in Panasonic recorders. It also shows what must be done before and after recording, to permit the media to record in this recorder and also play in other machines. Generally:
1. The DVD recorder will always be able to play the media that was recorded on it without additional processing.
2. DVD players will play DVD-RAM or DVD-RW discs if that model states it.
3. DVD players will play DVD-RW and DVD+R discs only if these discs are
“finalized”.
Playback Only Media
DVD+RW and VCD recordable discs can not be recorded on this recorder but these discs can be played back.
VCD movie discs are similar to audio CDs in data capacity so they are limited to 1.5 hour video playback with stereo (not multichannel) audio. No recording is possible.
The DVD-V (movie) and CD (music) discs were never ment to be recordable (those discs were stamped or formed like making a footprint, not burned with laser heat).
3
SD memory card still pictures (from a digital still camera) can be played for recording / dubbing on to the HDD or RAM media only.
Recordable Media
Two disc types are re-recordable (DVD-RAM & DVD-RW) and two are record one time
(DVD+R). Formating is required for three re-recordable medias (HDD, DVD-RAM, &
DVD - RW), prior to initial use.
HDD, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW
The HDD, DVD-RAM and DVD-RW media can be repeatedly erased (formated) and recorded on again and again.
Prior to recording - Formating is required on the re-recordable media prior to initial use. After the DVD recorder senses that a recordable disc (or HDD) is present, the recorder looks for the Panasonic file structure used to layout the video / audio information. If there is no file structure (or there is a different file structure recorded), the recorder will display an OSD message (refer to figure 3) asking if you would like to format the disc. Formating erases the contents of the disc (or HDD) and permits that meda to only play or record on that model recorder or similar (Panasonic) models that have the same file structure. Once formated, video and audio can be recorded.
Figure 3 – OSD
Format question prior to recording
After recording – Re-recordable media (HDD, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW) can be edited
(authored). Authoring can be performed on the DVD-RAM and DVD-RW discs only if there is sufficient space to temporarily store the video pieces used in the edit (If the disc is almost full, authoring will not be possible). The completed, authored video information can either be transferred to another media (see figure 2, bottom) or the authored disc can be played directly on a RAM (Panasonic) or -RW (Sony) disc compatible DVD player.
If an older DVD play can not play either disc, the DVD-RW disc can be played on any brand DVD player if “finalized” like that of DVD+R disc (unlike the DVD-RAM disc). An added DVD-RW disc advantage is that the finalized disc can be reused by formatting it again (see DVD-RW - before recording) then it can be re-recorded.
DVD+R, DVD-R
DVD+R discs are write once only discs.
Prior to recording - DVD+R discs do not need prior formatting. The file structures are placed on the disc during recording intervals and also after the video recording.
4
After recording - the DVD+R discs can only be played back on machines that have the same file structure as the recorder, unless the discs are “finalized”. Before finalizing, finding another recorder with the same file structure (to play the DVD+R disc) is only done by trial and error. Not all Panasonic DVD recorders have the same file structure.
The recorder that made (“burned”) the disc will always be able to play that disc back.
The DVD+R and DVD-RW discs have the additional advantage of being “finalized” so that the discs can be played back on any DVD player. Finalizing adds a table of contents (TOC) just like that of a DVD-V disc permitting any DVD player to play the
DVD+R or -RW disc. Unlike the DVD+R discs, the DVD-RW discs can be reused even after being finalized (the DVD–RW disc must be formatted again to be re-recorded).
Disc Comparison
Table 1 compares the various recordable discs. This table is useful for determining which disc fits your needs.
Comparison of Panasonic Record able Media
Information Life
Recordabliity
12 cm Disc Capacity (single / double side)
Write Speed
?
1 time
4.7 GB / N/A
30 years
100k times
4.7 GB / 9.4 GB
?
1K times
4.7 GB / N/A
1 X 2 X 1 X
Street price (approx) $0.50 in bulk
$1.00 w case
Table 1
$5 single side
$10-12 w cartridge
$4 - $5.
Which disc to choose
For all recordable discs: High temperature and humidity accelerate any disc’s aging process. Buy the discs but use them within 5-10 years of manufacture. DVD-V movie discs are stamped (permanent) and do not follow these guidelines. Humidity and temperature reduce their useable life but to a much lesser degree. Refer to table 1 for the following recommendations.
DVD+R
The DVD-R or DVD+R disc are excellent choices for low priced, high resolution, permanent video dubbing. Disc life is said to be about 100 years but the information life is disputable. These discs can be made with a silver alloy, gold, or aluminum reflective layer (digital logic 1) preceded by an organic dye that inhibits reflectivity when momentarily heated by the laser (digital logic 0). These discs should be recorded within
5-10 years of manufacture (shelf life) for best stability of the dye.
DVD-RAM, DVD-RW
The DVD-Ram and DVD-RW discs are excellent for repeated recordings in a short-term storage scenario. Perhaps they are best suited for repeated recordings of TV shows to be watched when traveling and then recorded over for the next trip (time shifting).
5
These re-recordable discs consists of metallic layers that have a lower degradation rate than DVD-R discs but are more susceptible to UV, so they should be kept out of sunlight during storage.
The choice of the Ram or -RW disc depends upon how many times the disc is to be reused (Ram disc advantage). If the reusable disc can be lost, choose the cheaper disc
(-RW slight advantage). The RAM disc also has a faster write time so the laser is not used as much. Currently this specification is used to permit the recorder to seemingly record and play a movie (on the same disc) at the same time. The recorder does this by alternating between recording and playing because the Ram disc can finish recording faster (write speed = 2X) than the –RW disc.
Recording Time vs. Quality
Recording time is a function of video compression. More compression means more record time on a single sided 4.7GB capacity video storage disc. However, more compression means poorer video quality since more of the original pictures are compromised (pieces discarded). Therefore record time has always been inversely proportional to picture quality.
However, in the new Panasonic DVD recorders listed in this guide, a longer recording time has less effect on the picture quality so the user may record more information with less loss. Specifically the LP 4 hour compression mode almost equals the SP 2 hour mode. Advancements in digital video processing achieve this higher picture quality.
Record Time
Refer to table 2. Four compression modes are available to the user. The lowest compression in XP means the highest picture quality at broadcast level. XP compression yields 1 hour of record time on a single sided 4.7GB disc. The highest
(EP) compression level produces the lowest quality (below VHS level) but 8 hours of video can be placed on a single DVD disc. If the alternate 6 hour EP compression is chosen instead of the standard 8, the audio quality will be better but the video quality is the same.
Media Recording Time (Panasonic Recorders)
Compression
Mode
Disc (4.7 GB) Smallest (100GB)
HDD
Largest (400GB)
HDD
XP
SP
LP
EP
Flex Rec (timer only)
1 hour
2 hours
4 hours
6 / 8 hours
60 – 360 mins filling the disc
Table 2
22 hours
44 hours
89 hours
177 hours
88 hours
176 hours
352 hours
709 hours
N/A N/A
6
Record Quality
The graph in figure 4 shows picture quality vs. compression modes. The dotted line refers to general recorders. The greater the video compression, the lower the picture quality. Surprisingly the graph also shows there is little difference in picture quality between the XP and SP compression modes. This means doubling the record time from 1 to 2 hours does not cut the record quality much. After that, doubling the record time from 2 to 4 hours significantly drops the quality from near broadcast level (480 lines) to VHS level (250 viewable lines of resolution). Then a smaller drop in resolution occurs when the compression is increased from the 4 to 6 or 8 hour mode.
Shown in the top line of figure 4, remarkable improvements in technology permit the new Panasonic recorders (page 1) to have almost the same record quality in the 4 hour
LP compression mode as the 2 hour SP mode. As a result, the new Panasonic recorders can record more information at a higher quality than competitive units using the 4 hours LP compression mode.
Figure 4 – Record Quality Comparison
7
Dubbing
Restrictions
Table 3 shows that depending upon the source of the original material to be dubbed, recording restrictions can range between unlimited dubs (no restriction), no dubs (copy forbidden), or 1 or more dubs (limited recording).
Dubbing Examples
Digital Restriction
1. No Restriction
2. Limited Recording
Input Source
• Camcorder,
• VHS / Beta tape
• Air / Cable (analog)
• VCD
• Air / Cable (digital)
• Satellite (digital)
Copy Path
• Input → HDD / DVD disc = OK
HDD
→ Disc (RAM / DVD+R / -RW) = OK *
RAM
→HDD = OK
* DVD-R
→ HDD = NG (units before 2004)
DVD+R / -RW
→ HDD = OK (2004)
• Source records onto HDD or RAM, then dubs from:
HDD
→ RAM = OK
RAM
→HDD = OK
HDD
→ DVD-R = NG
3. Coping Forbidden
• DVD – Video
• Copy guarded (VHS) movies
Table 3
All copying prohibited
1. No restrictions
Refer to table 3. When copying your own video material from a camcorder, there are no restrictions. So the information can be recorded onto the HDD, a disc and moved or dubbed from media to media. Generally with other analog video information that is not your own (tape, air and cable signals) dubbing is still permitted.
However, after placing the video information onto a DVD-R disc, this information could not be dubbed back to a HDD. This restriction changed in the year 2004, permitting the bi-directional dubbing to take place in newer recorder models.
2. Limited Restriction
Within the digital video signal stream is data to enable the recorder to dub one or more times onto a HDD or RAM disc. During each dub, the data stream dub count is reduced by one until none (0) is reached.
3. Copy Forbidden
No dubbing of DVD-V disc movies and no copy guarded movies can be dubbed. A “no recording is possible” OSD or similar message appears when the recorder’s final
Record button is pressed. The recorder recognizes a DVD-V disc by the digital data in the TOC. The recorder recognizes a copy guarded tape by the white bars in the vertical blanking area of the analog video signal.
Tape to Disc Dubbing - Time base corrector
The Time Base Corrector circuit in the new Panasonic recorders (except the low end
DMR-ES10 / 20) reduces VHS tape jitter when dubbing tape information to a disc.
8
Tape jitter produces a picture with jagged lines instead of straight ones. Jagged lines occur because each horizontal line from the tape starts at a slightly different point in time because of mechanical tape jitter. All the horizontal lines are placed on the screen in a row from top to bottom. Refer to figure 5. Because one horizontal line is shifted from the previous one, a continuous line on the screen appears irregular or jagged but not straight.
The time base corrector (TBC) circuit corrects this problem. The TBC circuit replaces the tape’s sync with a consistent horizontal & vertical sync signal. The new sync signal is periodically locked to the original sync from the tape. The new recording / dub is made from a stable sync source. The TBC circuit does the same thing with the color burst.
Because of the TBC circuit, the DVD recording is often better than the original tape source. The TBC circuit is not found on the low end DMR-ES10/20 models.
Image sent from the VCR
Irregular color
J itter
+ TBC
Image recorded onto the DVD
Pictures simulated to show changes
Figure 5 – Time Base Corrector Circuit Improvements
High Speed Transfer
Another feature found in the DMR-EH50 & DMR-E500H is its ability to quickly dub A/V information from the HDD to a disc. Table 4 compares the time it takes to dub a 1 hour program from the HDD to a 64X DVD-R disc between Panasonic model ‘EH50 and other industry models.
HDD to Disc Recording speed Comparison
JVC Toshiba Sony Phillips Sharp
Max rec speed
64X 55X 36X 32X 32X 24X 20X 12X
Rec time 56 sec 65 sec 100 sec 112 sec 112 sec 150 sec 120 sec 300 sec
Table 4
Table 4 shows it takes less than 1 minute to transfer the information, saving time and extending the product’s laser life time.
9
Intentionally blank
10
DMR-EH50 Model
Layout
The layout is clear and uncluttered because most of the components are on the bottom of the main board making analog troubleshooting challenging. Fortunately there are accessible points on the top of the board on the power supply, main board, and tuner for troubleshooting power and video problems.
Figure 6 shows the number of ribbon cables used and which direction their metal contacts face so that they can be reinserted correctly without causing circuit damage.
Do not flex or fold these ribbon cables repetitively or they will break, causing intermittent symptoms. W186 is a jumper wire test point used for video troubleshooting.
Figure 6
-
11
Normal Operation at plug-in
Because the Panasonic DVD recorder checks drives and ICs at plug-in, symptoms available at this time provide the most diagnostic information. However this information is only useful if you know what this model normally should be doing from its initial AC plug-in to its final display icon. This list for the DMR-EH50 is shown in table 5.
Power on & Previously on charts
The DVD recorder’s AC plug-in start-up sequence is different depending upon whether the unit was previously turned off or previously unplugged. Both sequences are shown in table 5.
Proof that the system control microprocessor has proceeded through the chain of steps listed tells you what has checked OK. The problem is most likely located at the point where the microprocessor stops checking (or the step before).
Steps
Visible or audible events mark each step of the plug-in check out process. For example, first the microprocessor starts the power supply and the voltage to the video output IC causes the TV screen to momentarily blink white (step 2). In step 3, the DVD recorder displays a “Please Wait” front panel message while the recorder communicates with ICs on the I2C communications buss, the HDD, and then the disc drive. When the communication is successful, the microprocessor continues by mechanically testing the HDD rotation (table 5, step 6 right column), then it displays
HELLO” on the front panel’s recorder (step 7).
Afterwards, the disc drive is mechanically checked in step 8 by moving its laser assembly to the center of the disc (home position), then outward a bit to turn on the laser to see if a disc is present. The details of this disc search check sequence is listed to the left of step 10. After the mechanical disc drive check, the microprocessor finishes start-up by displaying the appropriate icons on the front panel or on the monitor / TV.
Previously Off
DMR-EH50 Start Up Sequence
step Previously ON (SD card used)
0 sec
2
3
9
15
21
35
36
Plug in (120Vac)
TV screen blinks white
Panel displays “Please Wait”
TV screen blinks white
HDD vibrates
Laser goes to home position *
“Please Wait” blacks (goes) out
Fan turns on. Unit is now off
* Laser goes to home position, Laser moves out to DVD TOC, Laser On, Focus Search
3X, Laser moves in to CD TOC, Laser On,
Focus Search 3X. Stops.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
1 0 sec
2 2
3
4
3
14
5
6
15
16
16
20
28
32
33
35
40
Table 5
Plug in (120Vac)
TV screen blinks white
Panel displays “Please Wait”
TV screen blinks white
Panel HDD, DVD, SD display appears
HDD vibrates (internal rotation)
Panel displays “Hello”
Laser goes to home position *
Channel # appears
Video monitor = blue screen
Panel displays “No Card”
Panel displays red bar under SD
Panel displays Ch # & TV guide appears on monitor
12
Repair Strategies
When the plug-in sequence does not progress normally (as shown in table 5), repair strategies are required to locate the problem. Figure 7 shows observed deviations from the normal plug-in sequence for the DMR-EH50 DVD recorder and the strategy that can be taken to find the problem. The repair details of the strategy follow, covering the power supply, flow chart, reset methods, etc. The details are grouped into the observations / symptoms.
Observation
Repair Strategies
Figure 7 – DMR-EH50 Repair Strategies
Dead Set
Refer to the simplified diagram in figure 8. The switching mode power supply board outputs four voltages (12Vdc, 5.8Vdc, 3.8Vdc, Sw 1.5Vdc at the right side of figure 8) as long as the recorder is plugged in. The remaining two voltages to the drives (5V, 12V) are switched on when the recorder is powered by the microprocessor IC7505 (not shown). At power on IC7505 places a high (5Vdc) at P1102/pin 15. Note that the switched 5V line is fused (IP1401).
At plug in, 160Vdc is present after D1140 or at T1150/pin 6. Since both of these devices are difficult to get to, this voltage can be measured at the top of the board jumper marked LB1122. This dc voltage passes through the primary of T1150, leaving at pin 4, and entering IC1150/pin 5. Within this IC, the voltage is reduced and applied to pin 4 where it is used to begin the IC operation.
Switching mode IC1150 starts and outputs a waveform available at pin 5. This output feeds the T1150 power transformer. One of T1150’s two secondary outputs at pin 11
13
delivers +12Vdc after D1270. The other secondary winding output at T11150/pin 2 delivers 12Vdc after D1151. This 12V is used to continue powering the switching mode
(IC1150 at pin 4), after the IC has started, replacing the internal start path.
Regulation
Refer to figure 8. IC1200, Q1200 and D1155 are the main parts of the 12Vdc regulation path. If the 12V T1150 output voltage drops, (because of an increased load), this regulation path outputs a higher voltage into IC1150/pin 2. This slightly higher input voltage decreases the IC output frequency which causes T1150 to yield a higher output voltage. The higher output brings the output voltage back up to 12Vdc even though the load was increased.
Figure 8 – DMR-EH50 Power Supply
Troubleshooting
Because the power supply will regulate without a load, the board may be unplugged and repaired independent of the recorder. Normal operating voltages are given in figure 8.
Power Supply Output voltage is low – Drive or regulating circuits can cause low output.
If the 12Vdc output voltage at D1270 is low, and IC1150/pin 2 is higher than 1.7Vdc, the problem is in the IC1150 – T1150 drive circuit area since the regulation circuit is trying to correct the problem. If replacing the IC does not solve the problem, check the output frequency (IC1150/pin 5) and the frequency components about IC1150 (R-C parts not shown). DC voltages about the IC will provide the clues to identify the bad part.
IC1150 Switching Mode DC voltages
Pin 1 = 2.7Vdc Pin 2 = 1.5Vdc Pin 3 = 0V gnd Pin 4 = 13.6Vdc Pin 5 = 160Vdc
14
If the 12Vdc output voltage at D1270 is low, and IC1150/pin 2 is lower than 1.7Vdc, the problem is in the regulation circuitry. Leakage in the 30V limiting D1155 zener and failures in IC1200 and Q1200 will cause a low correction voltage. Practically, the zener can be checked for leakage and the remaining parts (under the board), can be replaced together.
Unit Displays “Please Wait” or “Hello”
Analog failures such as bad laser or jammed disc in the disc drive or missing video data
(“pixelizing”) in the hard drive will not stop the other drive from working, thus permitting you to identify the problem drive.
However, when the microprocessor has detected a digital communications problem, the front panel displays “please wait” indefinitely and the unit cannot continue running. The lack of communications prevents both the HDD and disc drive from starting. So it is difficult for the technician to determine which drive has the problem since the good drive does not start.
To circumvent this problem, the figure 9 flow chart shows that by initially removing the
Maxtor HDD jumper between J44 & J42 and the 40 pin cable, the HDD starts as soon as power is applied (+5V, +12V from the power plug). When the 40 pin cable is plugged in again, the HDD starts a short time later during communications testing by the digital board. Therefore if the HDD fails to start with the 40 pin cable connected, the digital board is not issuing the HDD start communications and the board is deemed defective.
Although this does not encompass all HDD and board failures, it identifies many problems without connecting a computer to view the I2C communications bus
(Appendix IV – I2C Communications Readout for Digital Problems).
15
Figure 9 – Determining what stopped the Initial Start Sequence
An Error Has Occurred, Press Enter
This message is often caused by a communications failure too (like the previous problem). Before using the previous flow chart, try resetting the unit back to OEM (out of the box) condition. For example, in table 6 desired operation 1 (first numbered row) resets the unit. Following the 1, 2, 3 steps along the top requires you to first turn the unit off. Step 2 or 2a asks you to hold 3 buttons in at the same time. As feedback, step
3 shows the display changes from “Hello”, to “Self Check”, to “Test L1”, as the unit resets. The 3 buttons can be released when the display begins to change.
Other supporting operations in the chart will also prove useful for various problems such as forced power off (desired operation 4) which is necessary if the unit can not be normally turned off as the first requirement to enter the service mode (operation 3).
16
Service Mode / Reset Operations
Desired Operation
1. Reset EEProm - out of box state
(not HDD data)
2. Reset Error codes
3. Service Mode
(service mode tables follow)
4. Forced power
OFF
5. Forced Disc
Eject
6. TV Guide Reset only
Panasonic DVD Recorder Service Operations
1.
Unit initially
2.
DMR-EH50 /
ES20 / ES10 Panel
Buttons
2a. Model DMR-ES30 /
ES40 Panel Buttons
Off Open/close
Stop
Channel UP
VHS to DVD Dub
Open/close
DVD Rec
In the
Service
Mode
Press Remote buttons 9, 9.
Press Remote buttons
9, 9.
Off Open/close VHS to DVD Dub
Record
Channel UP
Open/close
DVD Stop
3.
Panel Display
1.“Hello, Self Check”
2. “Test L1”
Turn unit off manually.
CLR SERV
1. Please Wait
2. Hello
3. Service Mode
Unit is always
ON
Off
Hold power button in for 10 seconds.
On
Hold (DVD) Ch up & Stop buttons in (front panel) for 10 seconds.
Hold front panel (DVD) Ch up & Ch dwn buttons 10 sec. until 12:00am is flashing (not just “Bye”).
Unplug for 1 minute after the unit shuts off
Table 6
Service Mode for Testing Devices / Operations
Enter the service mode by following the steps in table 6 (desired operation 3). Within the service mode, the remote can instruct the DVD recorder to test the HDD, SD card, and generate a picture or sound for service purposes. For example to generate a white screen, enter numbers 1 & then 1 again from the remote control. Then press 0 & 0 again to return to the main service mode.
Service Mode Operations – Testing
Operation Enter Comments
1. Return (to S/M)
2. HDD self check – Takes 1 hour
3. SD card recognition (comm)
4. White Pix / Magenta Pix
5. 1kHz (L) & 400Hz (R) tone
6. Video Compression Test
7. Continuous tray open/close
0, 0
3, 1
7, 4
1,1 / 1, 2
2,3 / 2,4
1, 3
9, 1
SERVICE MODE
* * * * *
* appears during the checking.
SDCD OK
White or purple
48kHz / 44kHz
EE2 P XP 48
# tray cycles
Cancel by holding power on for
10 seconds.
Insert SD card at pwr off
From Dig Bd. No audio
From Dig Bd. scrn gray/drk
Checks video compress circuit on digital board. 7 sec. input – output delay.
Stop by holding the pwr button in for 10 seconds.
Table 7
17
Service Mode for Information
The Display IC, Disc Drive section, and General operations are allocated error codes when there is a communications detected failure that will not shut down the unit, but inhibits portions of the operation. These codes are accessed from the service mode when the OEM remote is used. Table 8 lists a) code groups, b) laser time information, and c) the means to reset the codes. Refer to the actual service manual for the model you are working on for the definition of the error code number.
Service Mode Operations – Retrieving information
Comments
1. Return (to S/M)
2. Display / Timer IC error codes
3. Timer IC error code reset
4. Disc Drive Error codes
5. Disc Drive Error code Reset
6. General Error Codes
0, 0
0, 1
9, 8
4, 2.
9, 6
6, 5
SERVICE MODE
F00
CLR E Code
NO Data
CLR Drive
NO F TREC
F00 = no codes. Full code chart is in 11.1 S/M
Reset
No Data = no codes. Press 0, 1 for the first code, 0, 2 for the 2 nd
. Full code chart is in 10.0 S/M
Reset
NO F TREC = no codes. Press 0, 1 for the first code, 0, 2 for the 2 nd
.
Full code chart is in 10.0 S/M
Reset
Reset Error codes only
Time in hours
Reset
7. General Error Code Reset
8. Reset All Error codes
9. Laser Time (CD + DVD)
10. Laser Time reset
9, 7
9, 9
4, 1
9, 5
CLR F TREC
CLR Serv
Laser xx
CLR Laser
Table 8
Shutdown after 1.5 minutes
The rear panel DMR-EH50 fan starts 1.5 minutes after the power button is pressed. If the microprocessor does not detect fan rotation after fan drive voltage is applied, the microprocessor shuts down the DVD recorder. Use the following diagram to troubleshoot the fan drive and detection circuitry.
Fan Drive and Detection Circuitry
Figure 10 – Fan drive and detection circuitry
18
Operation
Refer to figure 10. Power to the fan and microprocessor IC7505 can be checked at the main board connector P1501/pin pins 3 & 4. After 1.5 minutes, IC7505 turns on the fan by applying pulses to IC7504/pin 9 (bottom of the main board). This results is approximately 5Vdc at fan connector P7504/pin 1, used to run the fan motor. The higher the voltage, the faster the fan. The thermistor that monitors temperature is located in the disc drive assembly. Its output via I2C communications tells IC7505 to set the fan speed. When the fan rotates, its internal detection circuit grounds P7504/pin
3, otherwise 5.2Vdc appears there from R7538. Therefore if the fan motor were unplugged, P7504 would remain at 5.2Vdc and the unit would shut off after 1.5 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Refer to figure 10. If the recorder shuts down 1.5 minutes after powering on, check for fan drive voltage at P7504/pin 1 and 0Vdc at pin 3 when the fan rotates. You can manually test the fan by applying 5Vdc between P7504/pins 1 & 2 to see if a ground appears at pin 3. The unit has to be on for this quick test.
No Video Block
Loss of video is best troubleshooted with a scope but most of the key video components are at the bottom of the main board. However, accessible points above the board enable you to determine if the video problem is in the digital board or on the main board.
Troubleshooting
Screen never blinks white
First observe the TV monitor screen during the plug in sequence (earlier table 5). If the monitor does not show any signs of change (screen blinks white momentarily), the video output IC3001 is not responding because it is either bad / damaged or it is not getting power (see the previous power supply diagram in figure 8).
Screen momentarily blinks white
If the monitor normally blinks white after plug-in (table 5 – plug-in sequence), this indicates the video output IC is getting power and is partially OK. However it does not reveal if the digital board or the earlier half of the same video IC3001(1/2) is bad (left of figure 11). To determine this, a scope and S video input is needed.
19
Figure 11 – Video Signal Path
Digital Board Input signal check
Procedure - Input an S video signal from a camcorder, DVD player, or generator. Refer to figure 11. Near the digital board, jumper W186 is clearly marked from the top of the main board (figure 6). Chroma signal can be seen at W186 with an S video input, proving video signal is entering the digital board. The main Y signal can be seen at the digital board connector P9001/pin 83 but this pin is only accessible if the HDD is moved out of the way. With the unit on, unbolt and unplug the HDD for access to pin 83. The signal level is 1Vp-p with 1Vp-p of S video input the unit. Hints - Turning the recorder unit on without the HDD electrically connected will inhibit the boot up process and no video will be selected. Do not flex the white ribbon cables more than necessary or they will break internally and you will have an intermittent problem.
Digital Board Output signal check
Procedure - With the unit still on and that S video input 1 still selected, the digital board output Pb and Pr can be accessed at electrolytic capacitors C3038 and C3042 at the top of the board. This checks the digital board video output.
20
DMR-ES30 Model
Layout
Figure 12 shows the ribbon cables used and the direction the metal contacts face. Do not flex or fold these ribbon cables repetitively or they will break internally causing intermittent symptoms. The layout is useful when the transport is removed to access the board underneath.
There are three microprocessors in the DMR-ES30 (not shown). The power on micro is on the interface board. The VHS micro is on the Main board and the DVD micro is on the digital board. Having separate microprocessors means that a failure in one transport will often not affect another, thus the defective drive can be determined easily.
Figure 12 -
21
Normal Operation at Plug-In
Why is it needed? – for consistent information
Because the Panasonic DVD recorder pre-checks drives and ICs at plug-in, symptoms available at this time provide the most consistent information. However this information is only useful if you know what this model should be doing from its initial AC plug-in to its final display icon. This AC plug-in start up list is shown in table 9.
Power on & Previously on chart
The DVD recorder’s start-up sequence is different depending upon whether the unit was previously turned off or previously unplugged prior to plug in. Since the previously turned off scenario offers little visual nor audible clues, there is only a listing for previously on (left of table 9) and the normal sequence when the unit’s power button is pressed (power-on listing at the right of table 9). Both sequences are shown in the table
9. The system control microprocessor tells you that the chain of events listed below has passed by having each step checked OK as a proof. The problem is at the point where the microprocessor stops checking (or at the step before).
Steps
Various visible or audible events occur during the plug-in check out process. Often when the microprocessor turns on, the power supply and the video output IC receives power. This change results in the TV screen blinking white (steps 2 & 3). In step 4, the power on Micro communicates to the DVD transport’s micro (both not shown) while the display shows “Please Wait”. Since the recorder was unplugged instead of being shut off, the power-on micro displays “Self Check” while it checks all ICs on the communications bus.
After the communications self check,, the disc drive is mechanically checked by moving its laser assembly to the center of the disc (home position), then outward a bit to turn on the laser to see if a disc is present. This sequence detail is listed to the left of step 10.
After the mechanical disc drive check, the microprocessor displays “No Disc” and unmutes the A/V output, ending the plug-in sequence.
Power On
DMR-ES30 Start Up Sequence
step Previously ON (AC plug in sequence)
Time Event Event
0 sec
1
1
2
Press the power on button
Time & “Hello” are displayed
Channel # is displayed
Panel DVD or VHS LED lights
4 Laser goes to home position * 5
6 Time, Ch, & “No Disc” are displayed 6
7
8
1 0 sec
2 1
3
4
7
7
11
11
14
20
Plug in (120Vac)
TV screen blinks white
TV screen blinks white again
Time & “Please Wait” are displayed
TV channel # & “Self Check” are displayed
Panel DVD or VHS LED lights
Laser goes to home position *
Time & “Read” are displayed
* Laser on at ½ bright. Laser off. Laser moves in to home position, then out a little.
Laser on. Focus search 4X. Laser moves in toward home. Focus Search 4X. Laser off.
Laser moves home then outward a little.
Stops.
9 20.5
10 28
Time & “No Disc” are displayed
TV screen has a picture & sound
The above AC plug-in self check sequence is only performed by the DVD micro to its transport. The
VHS micro does not check its transport.
Table 9
22
Repair Strategies
When the plug-in sequence does not progress normally as shown in table 9, repair strategies are needed to locate the problem. Figure 13 shows observed deviations from the normal plug-in sequence for this DMR-ES30 DVD recorder and the strategy that can be taken to find the problem. Simplified power supply and video diagrams follow to repair power loss and no video problems.
Power ON
Observation Repair Strategies
Time Ch # Ch # No Disc Normal Display
Please Wait / Bye
An Error has Occurred.
Press Enter.
Find out which transport works.
Insert a disc, then a tape (hint 1)
Please change the disc
Self Check
Disc Drive is not responding.
No communications or jammed
A communications error has occurred (hint 2). Power On communications is restarting.
Repair Hints:
1. If the Disc Drive is removed, the VHS transport will still PB normally w pix.
2. If the Digital Board is removed, the VHS transport works mechanically (PB, Rew,
FF) but there is no video on the TV screen and there is an F60 communications error displayed on the front panel.
Figure 13 – DMR-ES30 Repair Strategies
Dead Unit
Refer to the simplified diagram in figure 14. Check - The switching mode power supply board outputs three voltages 17Vdc (P1102/pin 1), 5.8V (P1102/pin 2), and 12V
(P15001/pin 5) as long as the recorder is plugged in. The12Vdc enters regulators on the interface board. They are switched on when the recorder is powered by Interface board microprocessor IC3750 (not shown). Note that the 5.8V line is fused (IP11501 after D11403).
Operation - At plug in, 161Vdc is present after D11101 at D11103. This dc voltage passes through the primary of T11101, leaving at pin 4, entering IC11201/pin 5. Within this IC11201, the voltage is reduced and applied to pin 4 to begin the IC operation.
23
Switching mode IC11201 starts (with 11V@ pin 4) and outputs a waveform (pin 5). This output feeds the T11101 power transformer primary. One of T11101’s two secondary outputs at pin 7 delivers +17Vdc after D11401. The other secondary winding output at
T11101/pin 8 delivers 12Vdc after D11403. This fused 12Vdc is regulated down to
5.8Vdc by IC11501 and used for regulation (IC11301 & Q11301).
Regulation
Refer to figure 14. IC11301, Q11301, and D11201 are part of the 12Vdc regulation path. If the 12V (T11101/pin 8) output voltage drops, (because of an increased load), this regulation path outputs a higher voltage into IC11201/pin 2.
This slightly higher input voltage causes the IC to decrease output frequency and
T11101 yields a higher output voltage, returning the loaded output voltage back up to
12Vdc. The frequency of the oscillator is approximately 124kHz when the recorder is off and 106kHz when the recorder is on. The lower frequency provides the much needed current to keep the voltage at 12V when the unit is on.
Figure 14 – DMR-ES30 power supply
24
Overall Video Block Diagram
The overall block diagram serves to locate the three microprocessors used in this DVD recorder. Refer to figure 15.
1. The power-on Timer microprocessor IC37501 on the interface board also controls the display and initiates communications with the other two microprocessors.
2. The IC3201 Micro on the Digital board controls the DVD record operation. At plug in, the DVD mechanism is checked (by its micro IC3201).
3. The IC6001 micro on the Main board controls the VHS mechanism. IC6001 does not check the VHS transport.
Video Input
Select
HA118425
V Process
DVD to VHS dub
VHS
Mechanism
VHS to DVD dub
To input BH7622
VHS Video Path
VHS
DVD
VHS &
DVD Out
Video output
Tuner
Audio Input
Select
AN3656
VHS Micro
IC6001
VHS
DVD
L/R Audio output
RF out
DVD Audio
Input
BD3824
Main Bd.
Serial modulator
Dig Interface
Board
Power-On to
Pow Supply Bd.
Timer Micro
IC37501
Seria
IR
FL
Indicator
DVD Audio
Audio Input 1
Video
Inputs
1, 2
To VHS input
Video Input
Select
BH7622
A/D
A/D
D/A
NOR
Mem
DRY-
RAM
Digital Board
Main Micro
IC3201
DVD
DVD Video
Output
BH7622
DVD Optical
DVD
Video output
DVD
S-Video output
DVD
Component
Transport
Figure 15 – Overall Video Block w Microprocessors
25
Troubleshooting Video Block
Figure 16 -
The previous overall video block (figure 15) was not useful for troubleshooting because it shows all the possible video paths, making it complex. For troubleshooting, the basic record and playback signal paths with signal levels is necessary to prove if the problem is on one board or another. Figure 16 contains this information with top of the board accessible test points.
When a disc is played, both Y&C and component (Y, Pb, Pr) video is output from the digital board. It can be checked at the interface board output at P31902. During record, the interface board input Y & C can also be checked at P31902 (Y = 1Vp-p and C =
0.4Vp-p).
26
DMR-ES40
Layout
This model is similar to the previous DMR-ES30, both containing a VHS transport and three microprocessors. The layout and initial plug in sequence and display are different.
Figure 17 -
As shown in figure 17, the power supply is now part of the interface board. On the digital board the input and output video is inaccessible but the parallel audio inputs and outputs are available at the rear ICs. Remove the Disc drive transport to access the digital board’s input / output audio at the corresponding 8 pin audio processing ICs. The dots on the IC mark pin 1 of each audio IC on the top of the digital board.
Normal Operation at Plug-In
During the AC plug-in or boot up process, when the power-on Timer micro is communicating with the other two microprocessors (one at a time), the front panel display consists of a series of boxes. See table 10, step 2. The boxes appear one by one then disappear one by one until the disc drive’s laser assembly finishes its initial movement in step 4. Then in step 7 the boxes are then replaced by the TV channel number. Front panel display “No Disc” in step 10 marks the completion of the AC plug in sequence.
27
DMR-ES40 Initial AC Plug-In Observable Sequence
Previously OFF Previously ON
Time
(sec)
0
2
13
17
20
20
26
27
Observed
Plug in (120Vac)
is displayed
TV blinks white
Laser moves to home position *
Panel DVD or VHS LED lights
Channel # is displayed
Bye is displayed
(12:00A time is displayed)
Time, Ch, & “No Disc”
* Laser on ½ bright. Laser off. Laser moves in, then out. Laser ON. Focus search 3X. Laser moves inward toward home. Focus Search
3X. Laser off. Laser goes to home then outward. Stops step
1
2
3 17
4 19
5
6
7
8
9
Table 10
Time
(sec)
0
2
19
20
20
21
21.5 “No Disc” is displayed.
Repair hint: If the unit only displays boxes, yet the tape loads & unloads, the VHS section is
OK and the problem is in the digital board or
Disc Drive assemblies.
Observed
Plug in (120Vac)
is displayed
TV blinks white
Laser moves to home position *
Video (last channel) appears on the TV
Panel DVD or VHS LED lights
TV channel # appears (panel)
“Read” is displayed
28
DMR-ES20
Layout
This model is a no frills but high quality DVD recorder containing a disc drive assembly, digital board and one main board as shown in figure 18.
Figure 18 -
Normal Operation at Plug-In
When the unit is plugged into AC, the microprocessor follows steps listed in table 11. In step 2 the micro displays boxes on the front panel and sets the video output and input settings (TV screen blinks white). Later the disc drive assembly is tested.
The plug-in sequence is different if the recorder was previously powered off or unplugged while previously on as if during a failure. If the unit was previously on, the unit populates the display and keeps the unit on at the end of the plug-in sequence.
Use the table 11 to determine if the microprocessor could not complete one of its steps
(revealing the failure).
29
DMR-ES20 Initial AC Plug-In Observable Sequence
Previously OFF Previously ON
Time
(sec)
0
2
2
11
17
23
26
Observed
Plug in (120Vac)
is displayed
TV blinks white
TV blinks white again
Laser moves to home position *
“Bye” is displayed
12:00 A blinks
* Laser on ½ bright. Laser off. Laser moves to home then out. Laser on. Focus search
4X. Laser moves in toward home. Focus search 4X. Laser off. Laser goes to home
position then out. Stops step
1
2
Time
(sec)
0
2
3 2
4 11
Observed
Plug in (120Vac)
is displayed
TV blinks white
TV blinks white again
5 16 Input 1 or Ch #appears on the TV screen
6 17 “IN1” or Ch # is displayed
7 17
8 22
Laser moves to home position **
“No Disc” appears (panel)
** Laser on ½ bright. Laser off. Laser moves to home then out. Laser on. Focus search 4X.
Laser moves in toward home. Focus search 4X.
Laser off. Stops
Table 11
Repair Strategies
Some of the reasons a constant front panel display appears are listed in figure 19 along with where to look for the problem. Troubleshooting diagrams for the power supply
(dead unit) and video process (no video) that pertain to this model follows this figure 19.
Power ON
Observation
Ch # No Disc
Repair Strategies
Normal Display
Hello
Self Check
Dead
Main Micro can not communicate with
Digital Bd. Check power supply first.
Disc drive is not responding. Jammed mech. Or No communications from Dig
Bd. If drive moves, Dig Bd is OK.
A communications error has occurred.
Checked digital board contacts.
Check power supply board voltages.
Figure 19 - DMR-ES20 Repair Strategies
30
Dead Unit
Refer to the simplified diagram in figure 20.
Power Supply check - The switching mode power supply board outputs three voltages
(3.7V, 5V, & 12Vdc) as long as the recorder is plugged in (to 120VAC).
Operation - At plug in, 161Vdc is present at C1125 (accessible from the top of the board). This dc voltage passes through the primary of T1150, leaving at pin 4, entering
IC1150/pin 5. Within this IC, the voltage is reduced and applied to pin 4 where it is used to begin the IC operation when its pin 4 voltage reaches 11Vdc.
Switching mode IC1150 starts and outputs a waveform available at pin 5. This output feeds the T1150 power transformer. One of T1150’s three secondary outputs at pin 11 delivers +12Vdc after D1270 and is used for regulation (IC1200 & Q1200).
Regulation
Figure 20 – DMR-ES20 Power Supply
Refer to figure 20. IC1200 and Q1200 are part of the 12Vdc regulation path. If the 12V
(D1270) output voltage drops, (because of an increased load), this regulation path outputs a higher voltage into IC1150/pin 2. This slightly higher input voltage causes the
IC to decrease output frequency and T1150 yields a higher output voltage, returning the loaded output voltage back up to 12Vdc.
The frequency of the oscillator is approximately 145kHz when the recorder is off and
134kHz when the recorder is on. The lower frequency provides the much needed current to keep the voltage at 12V when the unit is on.
31
No Video, Dark Screen
1Vp-p 10
UV
Tuner
12, 13
1Vp-
Micro / Timer
IR
Audio L1
Audio L2 (Front)
Audio L3
Audio
IN SEL
FL
Driver
FL
87 83
Dig Bd
88 84 80
9 5 1
10 6 2
Video / S-Video
L1 (Rear)
Video / S-Video
L2 (Front)
Video / S-Video
L3 (Rear)
Vide o
I/F
A/D
22
0.5Vp-p
A / D
32Mb
Serial
DMN8602
PHY
D
8
11
1Vp-p
13 = Y = 1.2Vp-p
14 = C = 0.7Vp-p
16 = Y = 0.8Vp-p
15 = Pr = 0.2Vp-p
17 = Pb = 0.2Vp-p
Vide o
I/O
I/F
DDR
256Mb
DDR
256Mb
Digital Bd.
23 22
Sim Dig Bd.
4 3 2 1
Timer Control
DMN Control
Main Bd
DVD Drive
Figure 21 – DMR-ES20 Video Block Diagram
Refer to figure 21. Determining if the no video problem is in the replaceable digital board or the analog circuitry requires a scope and an input signal source (generator, antenna for the internal tuner, or a DVD player). Video signal entering and leaving the digital board can be observed at the digital board connector shown in figure 21, bottom.
Digital board connector numbering
The actual digital board connector is shown at the left of figure 21. It is a 4-row connector with a total of 88 pins in a staggered pin layout so the top row starts at pin 1 but the next pin is 5, and 9 respectively. This array makes counting to the desired pins difficult. Also the connector’s inside and lower pins are inaccessible when the digital board is plugged in. Since locating a connector pin number is difficult because of the odd counting sequence, for ease of service, the accessible rear connecter pins have been relabeled for this book, making it faster to locate an input or output pin.
To make finding the input / output video pins easier for troubleshooting a video problem, the outside accessible pins of this connector are renumbered linearly from 1 to 23 in the bottom inset of figure 21. Just above the inset in the diagram body are the digital board’s input and output video signal levels and the corresponding accessible pins. For example, the video input to the digital board is one pin in from the right at pin 22.
DV IN
Audio OUT
Audio Optical
OUT
Video OUT
S-Video OUT
Y PB PR OUT
32
SA-HT1500
This model is a stereo system with a DVD recorder built in. This recorder has a disc drive and a HDD drive. The normal operation at plug in is not like any of the previous recorders in the product line. Because this unit also has a receiver and audio amplifier, normal operation can not be assumed since there are so many variations. Begin the repair by reading the tips and hints to find out what is normal. Then use the tables that follow to determine which drive has failed.
Troubleshooting Tips & Hints
Normal Operation
1. It is normal that in the AM, FM, or Aux modes, the unit will display shutdown error code F61 if the subwoofer is not connected (via the 20 pin umbilical cord).
2. The channel up sequence is normally “line in” and then the TV channels: L1, L2,
L3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc to 125.
3. After turning the unit on, the unit will boot up and finally display either “No Disc” or “R35:55”, depending upon what mode was used before the unit was last turned off.
Dead Digital Board Symptom
Removing the digital board produces these symptoms:
1. Red power LED = ON
2. Display = Please Wait
3. Power (off) button does not respond
4. Nothing works.
HDD or Disc Drive Failure
With this SA-HT1500 unit, the HDD and disc drive function independently. When one fails, it does not stop the other so it is easy to determine which one has failed. Table 12 shows normal plug-in operation.
Normal Operation at Plug In
SA-HT1500 Start Up Sequence – No disc
Previously Off step Previously ON (SD card used)
0 sec
2
3
9
15
21
35
36
Plug in (120Vac)
Red power LED comes on
Panel displays “Please Wait”
TV screen blinks white
HDD vibrates
Laser goes to home position *
Time appears in display
HDD stops. Unit is off.
7
8
9
10
11
1 0 sec
2 2
3 3
4 9, 10
5
6
16
20
21
26
42
46
51
* Laser goes to home position, Laser moves out to DVD TOC, Laser On, Focus Search,
Laser moves in to CD TOC, Laser On, Focus
Search. Stops.
12
Table 12
54
Plug in (120Vac)
TV screen blinks white
Panel displays “Please Wait”
TV screen blinks white 2 times
Display = //// ////
HDD vibrates (internal rotation)
Laser goes to home position *
Display = “Self Check”
Channel # appears (panel)
Monitor = TV video appears
Panel displays “No Disc” or “R35:55”
(HDD rec time – see normal operation)
Panel displays DVD icon or HDD icon
33
Defective Drives Revealed at Plug-In
SA-HT1500 Defective Drive Plug-In Sequence
HDD – 40 pin cable unplugged
Disc Drive Works * step Disc Drive ribbon Cable unplugged
HDD Drive Works **
Plug in (120Vac)
Red power LED comes on
Panel displays “Please Wait”
HDD vibrates on and off, repeats
Display = Bye
“Please Wait” display appears
Display = //// ////
Laser goes to home position *
Channel number appears (panel)
HDD stops. Unit is off.
HDD = Samsung #SV0802N with CS jumper
* Laser goes to home position, Laser moves out to DVD TOC, Laser On, Focus Search
3X, Laser moves to home position. Stops.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Plug in (120Vac)
TV screen blinks white
Panel displays “Please Wait”
TV screen blinks white 2 times
Display = //// ////
HDD vibrates (internal rotation) **
No Laser activity
Channel # appears (panel)
Monitor = TV video appears
TV Display = An error has occurred.
Press Enter.
Panel = Bye. Unit reboots.
Table 13
34
Appendix
I Service Mode Access – see DMR-EH50
See the table of contents under model DMR-EH50 - “An error has occurred”.
Look for the tables showing 1. how to enter the service mode, 2. how to test and
3. where to gather information. These service mode charts apply to the DMR-
ES10, ES20, ES30, ES40, and EH50.
II Samsung HDD replacement instructions
When replacing the HDD in older DMR model recorders with a Samsung
#SV1604N or SV1203N, one or two jumpers are required, otherwise the new
HDD will not start. Place one jumper in the models DMR-E80, E100, and HS2 as pictured. Place two jumpers in the HDD as shown when installed in models
DMR-E65, E85, and E95.
2003 models
2004 models
DMR-E80
DMR-E100
DMR-HS2
DMR-E65
DMR-E85
DMR-E95
1 Jumper
2 Jumpers
Maxtor replacement HDD require no jumpers.
35
III Software (firmware) Upgrades
The DVD recorder’s digital board memory contains firmware that can be upgraded to:
1. Improve performance - Match the performance of the recorder with the parameters of the newer discs permitting a faster access time.
2. Solve problems – Firmware can be corrupted in a recorder just as it can be corrupted in a computer, resulting in mild symptoms like changes in user settings or more serious problems like no operation.
Panasonic maintains upgrades and problem solving software to replace the firmware in DVD recorders and players. The basic steps to replace the unit’s firmware are:
1. Locate the Panasonic PASS website that contains technical information.
2. Find the “Technical Resource Center”.
3. Click on the category (DVD in this case) and the desired software.
4. Store the replacement software on your computer that can burn CD-R discs.
5. Transfer or copy that software onto a blank CD-R disc. Do not use a DVD-R.
6. Play that disc in the DVD recorder. The disc will eject after the software had replaced the Digital Board’s firmware.
7. Shut off the recorder. Unplug the recorder for 10 minutes until the micro’s memory information has dissipated.
8. Plug the unit into AC and the micro will retrieve the new firmware.
9. Upgrade is completed.
The following pictures keyed to the above show the firmware replacement process:
1. PASS website location
2. Select Technical Resource Center.
36
3a. Click on the Video category. 3b. Click on DVD.
3c. Click on the list of software / firmware downloads.
37
4. Store the replacement software on your computer that can burn CD-R discs.
3.
4.
5. Remember the location of the software so you can find it when the recording program (like “Nero” or “Roxio”) asks you to locate the file. Copy the software onto a blank CD-R disc.
I saved the
Pana_DVD file in
“Downloads”
6. After burning (copying) the software onto a blank CD-R, play the disc in the
DVD recorder.
7. – 9. Unplug the recorder for 10 minutes then plug it back in to test.
Upgrade finished.
38
IV I2C Communications Readout for Digital Problems
More serious communications problems in the later model DVD recorders can be revealed using a computer, an interface box, and Shakanabi software to change the I2C buss information to English. It does not pinpoint the problem but does identify where the communications stops and can not proceed. Therefore this method is useful when there is a communications failure and the unit no longer continues to proceed with the check out process (e.g. “Please Wait” or “Hello” or
“ “.
The Software is known to work on these models:
DMR-E55 DMR-E65 DMR-E75 DMR-E85
DMR-ES10 DMR-ES30 DMR-EH50 DMR-E95
DMR-ES20 DMR-ES40 DMR-E500
Access to the digital board communications is divided into three parts:
1. Hardware
2. Software location
3. Software usage.
1. Hardware
1a. Purchase the interface box as shown and connect it between the computer’s 9 pin serial port and the recorder’s empty digital board port.
1b. Leave the switch on the interface box to OFF. This permits the recorder to boot (start) from its own software. In the on position, the recorder will not run, expecting boot information from the computer. The switch must always remain in the OFF position throughout the usage.
Dig bd
Disc
Drive
HDD
Model DMR-
E85/E95 example off
9 pin
Serial plug
Interface hardware
RFKZ0139
Computer
39
2. Software
The Shakanabi software is generally located in Panasonic’s PASS service website under “Technical Resource Center”. The details are in the following pictures.
2a. Enter your user name and password to enter the PASS website.
2b. On the PASS website lists technical information. Click on Technical
Resource Center (circled below).
2c. Click on Video then in the next page, click on DVD.
40
2d. The DVD service information page displays the courses and books available in the center. At the right are the software downloads. Select DMR-
E85 and DMR-E95 – Error Code U99 Fix.
2e. The next page is a Service Hint.
2f. Go to the bottom of this page and click on “Shakanabi”. Either save or open it in your computer. If you save it, later click on it so it opens into a program in your computer.
41
3. Software Usage
3a. Connect the interface box between the computer and the DVD recorder.
3b. Go to the computer’s “Start” icon and click on the Shakanabi program you opened into your computer.
3c. When the Shakanabi software opens, click on “Start” (next to exit). Then click on
Next twice.
3d. Click on Log to open the data view screen.
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3e. The Log data view screen appears and will populate with I2C data (shown) when the DVD recorder begins communications at AC plug in.
3f. Examples of Disc and HDD drive communications failure logs are shown below.
Disc Drive Failure
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HDD failure
V Service Mode / Reset Operations – Older Units
Reset and service operations for many older models are grouped in this chart. After the desired operation is selected, follow the 1, 2, 3 sequence to achieve that operation and receive the display confirmation. For example, to enter the service mode, desired operation 3 (left column), start with the unit OFF (step 1). Press and hold the 3 buttons listed in step 2 (Open/close, Stop, & Pause or Time Slip if there is no Pause button). After 5 seconds, the display will change to read “Service Mode”. You can then release the 3 buttons.
In the service mode, to reset the unit to OEM out of the box original settings, follow desired operation 2 (second row). Start in the service mode (step 1). Step 2 requires you to press remote buttons 9, then 9 again within 5 seconds. Step 3 shows the display will change to show “Fact Init” which means factory installation. This is followed by “Bye” and the unit shuts down, while the micro purges the program from its local EEprom. When the unit is powered on next, the microprocessor will notice the microprocessor’s working memory is empty and fills it with the original data from the digital board memory. The display will finally ask if you wish to auto set the active
TV channels into working memory.
Older Panasonic DVD Recorder Service Operations
Desired
Operation
1. RAM Disc
Drive Reset
2. Reset unit to
OEM level
1.
Unit initially
2.
DMR-EH50 /
ES20 / ES10 Panel
Buttons
OFF Open/close
Skip Reverse
Pause / Time Slip
Service
Mode
Press remote buttons 9, 9.
2a. Model DMR-
ES30 / ES40 Panel
Buttons
VHS to DVD Dub
Open/Close
DVD Rec
Press remote buttons 9, 9.
1. Recover, then
2.
3.
3.
Panel Display confirmation
“Bye”
“Auto set?”
3. Service Mode Off
4. Forced Power
Off
Unit always on
Open/close
Stop
Pause / Time Slip
VHS to DVD Dub
Open/Close
DVD Stop
Hold power Off button in for 10 seconds
“Service Mode”
5. Forced Disc
Eject
Off Hold (DVD) Channel up and (DVD) Stop buttons (front panel) for 10 seconds.
U99
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Key features
High resolution LP recording
Time base corrector (TBC) circuit for clear copies of video tape originals
Quick start recording
Record on DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and HDD
Dub VHS tapes to DVD
High speed transfer from HDD to disc
Frequently asked questions
This DVD recorder can record on the popular recordable discs available now except the DVD+RW and VCD discs. These two remaining discs are playback only.
The DVD recorder will automatically detect a recordable disc and will display an OSD message asking if you would like to format the disc. Formatting will erase any existing data on the disc, allowing it to be recorded on.
The compression mode determines the recording time and video quality. XP compression provides the highest quality but the shortest recording time. EP compression provides the longest recording time but the lowest quality.
No, you cannot copy protected movies onto a DVD. The recorder will recognize copy protected movies and will display a “no recording is possible” message.
The Time Base Corrector circuit reduces VHS tape jitter when dubbing tape information to a disc. Tape jitter can cause a picture to have jagged lines instead of straight ones. The TBC circuit replaces the tape’s sync with a consistent horizontal & vertical sync signal, resulting in a smooth, clear picture.