PVR and Hard Disk Recorder problems and solutions for the Panasonic DMR-EX86EB-K

Problem: The unit has just frozen up. It keeps freezing and then shutting itself down.

Solution 1: It can be extremely frustrating when this happens. Most of the time, there isn't much you can do other than turn it off and then on again, at the mains if the power button isn't responding.

However, there are a few things you can check to help prevent it in the future. Number one is check how hot it is. Freezing can happen when the unit isn't properly ventilated or is in a hot place. Make sure all the vents are uncovered and there is nothing on top of it.
You might also want to check for system updates.
Finally, you might consider turning the unit off and then on again regularly to reboot it. Freezing often occurs when it has been running for a long time, so once a week or so you could try to reboot it by switching it off and on. If you don't want to do this yourself, you might consider buying a timer switch to do this for you at a time you know you won't be using the machine, e.g. 4AM.
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Problem: Recordings keep failing. Sometimes when I record a programme, I get an error message and I lose the recording.

Solution 1: Recordings fail for a number of reasons. If you schedule the recording and it records - but records the wrong thing - the box might be tuned to two different regions. Reset the channels and manually tune them if you suspect this to be the case.
If the unit is on a series record but has missed the programme, check the programme guide to see if future episodes are being recorded. It may have identified the programme as a different series for some reason, so set a series link on any future episodes that are not being recorded.

Other failed recordings can show a problem with the unit. One or two failed recordings do not necessarily mean that your unit has a fault - it could be due to a power cut or your box could have (unluckily!) frozen or crashed prior to the start of the programme.

However, if there are numerous failed recordings and it continues to occur even though you can watch TV OK, it sounds like a problem with the hard disk and this will need to be either repaired or replaced.
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Problem: Picture keeps stuttering and is blocky and pixellated.

Solution 1: Check for loose cables and check your signal strength.
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Problem: We had to return our DMR-EX86EB as pressing the Open/Close button turned the unit off. The replacement worked fine for 3 months but now we have the same problem with the replacement unit.

Solution 1: We had a problem when the disc drawer just would not open. So spent £40 buying a replacement drawer unit from an eBay seller. We put it in and the drawer opened and closed. Took it upstairs to connect it to the aTV but now the drawer won't open AND when we press the Open/Close drawer button ours to says BYE and shuts down.
Maybe that explains why Panasonic dropped this DVD recorder and don't supply any spare parts.
All we can say is really think VERY carefully about buying ANY Panasonic products in the future 😱
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