Pan BD85 No Disc message?

[cbark]

I waited on Blu-ray for years due to many reasons, including the format war, and foreseeable technical upgrades and issues with the format. But there I was, standing in front of a Panasonic DMP-BD85 thinking, that's a good price, and it has been a while since I took a look at some newer technology.

Ok...I'll take it. One week later, and any DVD that is inserted into the player and I see "no disc". Blu-ray's play just fine. Have tried several discs, I have the latest software, etc etc.

Anyone else have this problem? Maybe I should have waited another couple years. I guess you don't actually have to have a product done to release it nowadays. Just rely on a steady stream of updates to keep people happy.

Maybe I am jumping to conclusions, but this is the reason I waited in the first place.

On a positive note, the newer surround formats are excellent. Ha ha ha damn. Guess it has to go back.

[madmac]

What you have experienced is a fluke of bad luck. Go back and get a replacement and you'll be fine. I have NEVER had a problem with mine (PS3) and once you get a new one, you'll likely never have a problem either. Blu ray technology is mature now. It is hardly what we call a 'new' technology at this point.

[cbark]

madmac, just what I figured. I am calm now, I was just a little PO'ed last night when this is what I originally expected, and that is what happened. I will run it back to the store today and hopefully my take on Blu-ray will change.

As far as the "new" comment, Blu-ray is not a new technology, but I wouldn't call it done or solid. Just look at all the firmware updates over just the last year across all brands. It is funny how people view products now, I hope your right madmac I would really like to enjoy this thing.

I haven't had a chance to sit down and enjoy watching a movie in over 2 years, guess I'll have to wait another day.

[George Bellefontaine]

Glad you are returning for an exchange. I own a BD85, my third Panasonic Blu-ray player, and have never had a problem with any of them. The BD85 is a fine player with top notch dvd upconversion as well. I'm sure the replacement will be just fine and you won't regret buying it.

[Kevin P]

Sounds to me like the "red" laser in the pickup assembly failed. BD players have blue and red lasers; blue for BD and red for DVD. There may also be a near-IR laser for CDs. Do CDs play ok?

In any case, exchange it for another and you should be golden.

[cbark]

Update

New unit installed, all is right with the world.

I need to not post when I am pissed. It's just one of those things where you expect it to work, and it doesn't. I don't even have a problem with Panasonic because I have two of their plasmas in the house now.

Thanks for the responses. Have a good weekend!

[Ovation]

Just a thought on firmware. I know that many people consider it a pain and, admittedly, firmware updates are most often to cope with a "problem disc". However, I have to say I find firmware updates rather enjoyable at times too. My PS3, for example, has added the latest DTS hi-res audio decoding, Netflix streaming and 3-D Blu-ray functionality since I've owned it--for free. Without firmware updates, I would have had to buy a new machine for each of those features. Now, I might never make use of the 3-D feature (I'm not a fan of 3-D movies) but I imagine to those who are fans and own PS3s, it was a nice, free upgrade via firmware.

Just a thought.

[Chris D]

Agreed. I've never had a unit "brick" on me while doing a firmware/software update. (knock on wood) Some devices are more trouble to update than others, but in general, I've found that you get a better performing, more featured device by staying current with updates.

PS3's are one of the best devices out there of ANY kind for firmware. I bought mine right when it came out, (what was that--4 or 5 years ago?) and it's STILL a cutting edge disc player and gaming device today, thanks in large part to Sony's updates. I just updated it again the other day.

[madmac]

In my opinion, the PS3 still remains the best, most stable BD platform. Firmware updates are a reality with BD technology and it is paramount that you buy a unit that is wi-fi enabled so that you can easily keep the updates current on the player. If not, you will be headed for trouble down the road. None of those updates should affect dvd or cd performance however.