Panasonic VCR/DVD Combo Repair - DMR EZ48V bought from an auction to sell on eBay.

Repairing and Testing a Panasonic VHS/DVD Combo - DMR EZ48V bought from an auction to sell on eBay.
We bought from an auction, our first auction ever, for items to sell on eBay. This Panasonic VCR/DVD was up for sale with no reserve and a starting price of only £4 which we won with a bid of £7. It was a gamble as we didn't know if it was working or not, but if not we can always Fix It For Reselling!
You can buy it here if it's not sold already. www.ebay.co.uk...
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[@brettjames1992]

I collect old broken vcr DVD player combos I buy from eBay and I enjoy working on them!

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

That's great that you fix these old machines I love working on them

[@pckennedy11]

I have two of these systems. One I have repaired a couple times. First time was replacing the VHS drive belt and more recently replacing a cap in the power supply. I just love it when I can bring something back to life. The second one I just purchased as a backup. I like that it has an HDMI output and seems to be durable machine. The lines on the top you mention toward the end of video are likely cc decoding information. The noise on the bottom is likely overscan noise. TVs mask out that area, but video monitors don't. Thanks for posting the video. Very educational. Cheers.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Like you I really get a lot of satisfaction from reviving totally dead units. I just recently learned about the overscan problem on an old VCR I was working on. Sadly not one I filmed but would have been good if I had.

[@Gamersoft1124Pro]

I also love it, when I can bring something back to life too, but I also dump from every device I refurbish the firmware out for that specific Model number and keep it for further repair, if I buy the same device with a corrupted firmware for the second time for repairing I can reprogram the TSOP48 flash with my programmer and the device would then be back to life. Forget about for contacting Panasonic for the Firmware .BIN file they will never give the firmware out. but I and we can dump it out from the hardware flash ROM itself to obtain the Firmware if you have a programmer and good soldering skills for TSOP48 which I have

[@Gamersoft1124Pro]

but this Unit has also a ST Microprocessor called Back End PCB on the left side at 4:38 (the green PCB) behind the erase head of the VCR drive. That has also a TSOP48 flash.

[@ExtremeBogom]

Great problem solve and solution there, thanks for the upload. I like these late era vhs/dvd decks; they are interesting players. Looking forward to seeing any future videos.

[@Embracing01]

I have the same Panasonic VHS/DVD combo, and from my experience of using the VHS recorder it seems to do a very good job at tracking very jumpy tapes, not surprising I suppose given that it cost brand new about £250 back in the mid 2000s. I had one tape which was a home video, and for about the first half hour from the start of the tape the tape just jumps all over the place whilst playing it on a Sony SLV VHS recorder, and no amount of manual or auto tracking could stabilise the video to the point where the picture was watchable. I then tried the tape in my Panasonic VHS/DVD recorder combi and the machine was able to track the picture with no effort at all, almost eradicating the jumping completely. I initially thought the tape was so badly worn that no tracking could fix it, but it seems the Panasonic could do what the Sony machine couldn't. For tracking old tapes I would highly recommend getting hold of one, if you can find a cheap one that is as refurb/used ones tend to be about £150-200. Unfortunately I knackered the machine up by loading a tape which had a replacement back tab on it (I swapped over the front lid from another cassette because the back loading tab had broken off the other cassette) which didn't have the spring attached, which somehow has caused the idler or tape loader to malfunction (when you switch it on all you get is the tape loader idler moving up and down making a strange whirring sound), and also the tape will lace around the head but stops, and it initially will play but will then stop. If anyone knows what's causing this or knows how to fix the problem I would appreciate any answers. Also I don't think the DVD player/recorder works.

[@alphabeets]

I concur. The tracking of problem tapes on these is the best. Great machines.

[@thatguy3654]

I just bought this Combo unit for the up-convert feature to HDMI. Many new electronics get deinterlacing wrong when converting to progressive. You can do it with software but its just never done as well as what a CRT TV can do. The Panasonic can up-convert 240i/480i to 480p/720p/1080p and it looks pretty good! This is one of the sleeper combo units that doesn't get much attention for what it can do.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Yeah the upscaled picture on this is amazing. I've had a couple of these units now and sold the for £200 each! Paid £7 for one and £32 for another.

[@Embracing01]

Prior to watching this video I never knew the Panasonic VHS/DVD combi I have (the same model) had an HDMI port that allowed you to connect to a TV, though when I capture videos they are done via my laptop through composite connection. And I didn't know it had the upscale feature. Mine has had very little use but recently I managed to bodge it up by loading a tape which didn't have the spring which lifts the rear cassette lid up when being inserted into the cassette loader (basically I had to swap over the top of the cassette because the tape I wanted to play was missing the rear lid and I didn't realise it needed the spring which broke off, and this seems to have caused the machine to malfunction like it thinks it's trying to play a tape. Up until that point the VHS recorder was working fine.

[@chachingshow936]

You sir have wisdom. Thanks for sharing

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Thank you. With a little help from Google's wisdom too. Glad you liked it. 👍😁

[@thelegend-8151]

Thank you for this, luckily had the exact same issues so fixed it easily with your help.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Nice one 👍. I'm glad my video helped you.

[@thebreretons]

The failure to lace problem is not due to the mode switch but light reaching the beginning and end sensors, it worked the previous evening but not next day when you had sunlight across the open deck. It's a very common problem when working on some video tape mechanisms.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Good point, I didn't think of that. But then again there was a 100W bulb shining down on it at night and then in the morning the sunlight was on it before and after cleaning the mode switch. I guess it could have been at different angles though and not hitting both sensors. It worked perfectly once it was back together which was a good thing.

[@alphabeets]

Bingo!

[@royphillips4758]

Good video as usual I have come across one or two these machines they do not have the full spectrum of tuning all the Freeview channels in light forces TV

[@supergeekjay]

Those burn marks in the lid are fine. Those transistors in the power supply that have the heatsinks bolted to them, they get really hot as they switch on and off rapidly converting AC to DC, they warm up during the "off" cycle and can be up to 400V, (the voltage almost doubles during conversion from AC-DC) they're known as chopper transistors. Any dust that gets sucked through by the fan burns off if it lands on them when they're hot.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Thanks for the info, it's always nice when someone comments with good information. It helps me to learn more 👍

[@pattyflores5766]

Great job! Now I'm your fan .This video was very interesting. I have an identical DVD Combo Player and I love it but now just record DVD-RW. I tried a DVD Lens Cleaner disk, but nothing changed. Please make a video to learn how to clean DVD lens! I'm joking but if you do it would be outstanding.

[@petersmith1972]

Nice video.. thanks for posting...I learnt loads..

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying them and learning as well.

[@thatoutlaw5737]

You got a steal on that!

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

I certainly did. They don't sell for that cheap any more at auction houses.

[@supergeekjay]

In electrical terms HOT and COLD don't refer to temperature, they refer to voltage. HOT = High Voltage & COLD = Low :)

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Yeah I knew that one but thanks for commenting so other people know if I didn't explain it properly. 👍

[@TomLymberopoulos-du5he]

Had a couple of these until they all died and beyond repair. They start up ever so slow within 3 minutes you may be lucky if you haven't fallen asleep until then also the remote control sensor are quite weak as well you have to point it really close to the front panel to get the remote to work. I'm so glad mine all died will not purchase any more decided to go blu ray recorders instead.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

They can be very temperamental machines. A lot of the time the actual dvd recorder drive fails and is beyond repair.

[@tariqmahmood5282]

good job sir

[@NEONsky0.5]

Hey I have a problem with that very DVD VCR combo that I haven't seen online. The vcr will turn off every 2 minutes no matter the setting before it turns off it is stuck on 'please wait'

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

It sounds like a problem while it's doing the system checks and finding something wrong and shutting down. That's a hard one to diagnose but I would still probably check the caps on the power supply area.

[@NEONsky0.5]

@@RetroElectronicRepair thanks man

[@enidzaliams3666]

Thank you for sharing , i have ntsc player any solution to play and convert a pal vhs tape? Thanks from canada

[@anthonycrossley2426]

Apparently there a Macrovision component on the PCB..where could it be ?.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

I am not sure what or where that component is.

[@johnstanton8499]

Great tips Thanks

[@salvage-1electronics606]

I have this same model and the VCR function doesn't work if there's too much ambient light.

[@oakfront]

Great video mate, very interesting. You have a new suscriber. By the way, How did the ebay sale go, i'd be interested to know ?

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Hi, glad you liked it. That one sold for very quickly £170 last year. I've had others this year that have sold for £200. 👍

[@oakfront]

@@RetroElectronicRepair Nice one, that's a nice little earner then. I'm watching your £245 customer return video now, i'm hooked lol.

[@johnobrien7134]

I HAVE A PANASONIC DMR BWT 800 RECORDER IT STARTED LOOSING PICTURE AND MAKING LOUD SCRATCHY TYPE NOISES WITH THE SCREEN ON THE TV LOOKING LIKE IT IS OUT OF TUNE LOTS OF DOTS AND NOISY . I TUNED IT OFF LEFT IT FOR A WHILE IT THEN STARTED WORKING CORRECTLY FOR A DAY THEN STARTED THE SAME STUFF ALL OVER AGAIN ..NOW ALL I GET IS A BLANK SCREEN WITH THE WORDS NO SIGNAL !!1 I TRIED IT ON ANOTHER TV WITH DIFFERENT HDMI CABLES ETC TO MAKE SURE IT WAS THE PLAYER WITH SAME RESULTS ... NO SIGNAL .. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS BURNT CAPS ON THE BOARD THAT I CAN SEE ... THERE IS ONLY ONE HDMI PORT COMING OUT OF THE RECORDER SO CAN'T TRY A DIFFERENT PORT WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST ! PLEASE

[@WoWBowz]

Hello there, I'm in the middle of a repair of one of these machines. Got it all working and everythings back together. But the dvd tray catches on the front panel while trying to open/close. I've checked everything over twice and it's all secured where it's supposed to be. Any ideas?

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

The front of the DVD tray can be removed. maybe it has been slightly dislodged and catching. Otherwise there is something that's not quite it place properly. Make sure all the front panel clips are fully in place and the side clips are in correctly.

[@justinparkman3585]

Is detol the best thing to clean it with

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

If you are talking about the play heads then definitely not! Only use IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) and only use a piece of paper as shown.

[@justinparkman3585]

@@RetroElectronicRepair the outside casing

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

I usually just use a multipurpose cleaner and then a quick spray of polish. But yes I suppose you could wipe it down with detol.

[@lesrogers7310]

Great fix sir. Any idea what a DMR-EZ49V would be worth? In my loft have one almost unused with box and everything it came with from new.

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Thank you. I'll buy it from you for £50 lol. Seriously that will be worth good money with box, remote and manual. I'd say £250 to £300, 250 for a quick sale or 300+ if you want to wait for the right buyer. eBay will take 10% of that though plus your postage cost.

[@lesrogers7310]

@@RetroElectronicRepair Thank you for your reply. I may well dig it out of the loft in the near future. There's alot of stuff up there and i'm not getting any younger. On a serious note, i would be willing to part with it for £75 but buyer would have to collect.

[@lesrogers7310]

@@RetroElectronicRepair After giving it some more thought... it's in the loft, pretty much forgotten and i simply don't need it. If you are serious and willing to travel (could be a long way for you) then £50 it is!

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

That's a generous offer. Where in the world are you? I'm in Lancashire.

[@lesrogers7310]

@@RetroElectronicRepair Sadly i'm a long way from you: Sudbury in Suffolk.

[@georgeclarke1183]

do you get all your item tested by an independent pat tested before you sell these items on eBay

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

Most of the ones from auction have been pat tested already and have the pass sticker with date. Car boot ones no, I don't know anyone that pat tests them. Of course I do the visual inspections of the cable and any damage and check the insides for any overheating. If it has burn marks inside then I wouldn't sell it unless it was a component that had blown and needed changing.

[@seasiderjay5240]

Just got one £10 from the charity shop.. £180 flip in a week no remote

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

That's a very nice find. Well done on the quick flip.

[@bigkoat245]

I'm on the same boat, no remote. Should I sell like that, or should I buy a universal remote for it?

[@seasiderjay5240]

@@bigkoat245 you can or just point buyers in right direction

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

@bigkoat245 A new replacement remote is only about £10 on eBay and they work fine. You can sell it without a remote but you would have to sell it for a bit less than ones with remote. It will also probably sell quicker if you sold a remote with it.

[@glynwatkins9968]

has seen this fault before

[@jsdad48]

F60 anyone? Its off to be fixed...

[@milesforrester541]

Jesus £7 I just paid £200 for the same model

[@RetroElectronicRepair]

At least if it stops working you'll know how to fix it cheaply.