Hi there

About a couple of months a go I started getting the "Dirty Disc" error when dubbing from the HDD to disc in fast dub mode (this is on Sony HX510).

Sometimes fast dub would work - other times, just got the "dirty disc" message (seemed to work when swapping to different make of disc) . However went to use it a couple of days ago and put a new bank DVD-R in it. Firstly it failed to format it and said "Disc Error" in the display - then it now refuses to play or recognise ANY disc at all - all it does, after opening the disc tray and loading a disc is make a horrid "clunking/clicking" noise whilst trying to read the disc and then eventually says "disc error" (as I say this is on all discs now) - It's only 3 weeks out of the years guarantee as well - typical.

Does anyone know what might be causing this clicking/clunking noise whilst trying to read a disc. I expect the drive needs completely replacing - ridiculous on a machine that has literally only lasted one year.

I might take this up with Sony, but don't know how far I will get. I have had to buy a new model this week to replace it, as don't want to be without one over Xmas, so got the RDR 560 which seems very similar, but hopefully will work for a bit longer!!!

Anyone else experience this problem? As I say, it all started with the "Dirty Disc" errors whilst trying to fast dub - then it got worse and worse.

Paul

A friend had a similar experience with his DVD player - the 'clunking' noise was the laser pickup hitting the playing surface of the discs that he tried, scratching them in the process!

I do see an occasional 'Dirty Disc' message on my Sony recorders, but that's always (thus far) been fixed by reformatting, so I suspect media is the cause in my case. Unfortunately, in your case, it sounds as though the drive has failed. I had a drive fail in a Panasonic recorder that I had after only three weeks. Being electro-mechical in nature, it's not entirely surprising.

Given that your unit is just outside warranty I'd take the issue up with your dealer and/or Sony. I agree that a drive should last for more than a year, but until you put your case you're not going to know.

Sod's Law dictates that if things can go wrong, they will doing a holiday period .....


Clem

I'd spk to trading standards if your retailer won't play ball. Don't confuse their one yr warranty with sales of goods being fit for purpose (it is over and above the SoG Act and does NOT replace your rights). I believe from my recent chats with Tr Standards that up to 6 yrs is the period for which SoG Act allows recourse in terms of fitness for purpose. The "value" of that obviously deminished over six years. i.e you won't get new for old at 6 yrs and reasonable wear and tear won't be made good; but at this early stage in the product's life, that shouldn't be an issue, especially if the fault started within the yr.

oops!

After giving the HX510 to my parents (as I assumed they would use it solely for the HDD) my father took the lid off and had a look inside at the "faulty" drive. He discovered one of those foam "polo mints" shaped things that often comes on the top of a spindle of blank discs.

Once removed, it works perfectly!


Ooops!