Toshiba SD3900 Help

[tj5abi]

I have a Toshiba DVD SD-3900. It does not play any reproduced or recorded on any
DVD-R. Just after inserting the DVD disc, a faint beep is heard and then nothing happens. Some times I cannot even stop the disc from “spinning” and have to unplug the machine from power source.

It plays MP3 files, JPEG images without any problem. It will not play any DVD bought in a departmental store like “Wal-Mart”. Even if I rent a movie from Rogers or local DVD rental places, it may or may not play. It is so unpredictable and frustrates me a lot.

Numerous solutions mentioned in this forum did not work for me as most of the solutions and files on this website are not available anymore. Even If I am lucky to find a file which I can download, most of them say “portion of file missing or error in unpacking the file” during unpacking process. Therefore most of the files are no good to me.
Another thing I can not understand is “Region Code”. My machine does not ask for or provide “Region Code” screen when I insert a DVD. It also does not have such option under “setup” menu either. Also I did not find any region code markings on any of the DVD discs I have seen so far. I am missing some thing?

I am located in Canada and I guess almost all of the solutions mentioned here are either for machines used in UK or Australia.
I would greatly appreciate if some body can help me with any solution. I am willing to pay for if it would work for me.
Thanks
TJ

[dleedlee]

The 3900 is a pretty old model isn't it?

Have you been here yet?

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers?DVDname=toshiba+3900&Search=Search&dvdportable=&dvdchanger=&dvdtv=&chipset=&orderby=Name&hits=50

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks?dvdplayer=toshiba+3900&hits=50

[tj5abi]

Yes I have!
Did not find any remedy so far. I have had machine since 2004 but very rarely used it.
I have cleaned the laser with laser cleaner disc also.
No success yet!

[Lastdaysofrain]

Sounds like the machine is dead. It won't play DVDs at all? DVD Region codes are built into the system, you don't need to enter one and it won't ask you for one.

[tj5abi]

I certainly is not dead!
It plays MP3 files, JPEG images without any problem. It will not play any DVD bought in a departmental store like “Wal-Mart”. Even if I rent a movie from Rogers or local DVD rental places, it may or may not play.

[Lastdaysofrain]

So what DVDs does it play? It sounds like it isn't playing DVDs at all.

[tj5abi]

It does play some DVDs without any problem, which one, I cannot tell because I cannot find any markings to distinguish them.
I suspect it some it is some software related problem and I am looking for some update to “Firmware”. Some other forums also talk about it too but most of the postings have redundant files or pages.

[Lastdaysofrain]

I guess what I'm not understanding is your saying it does not play discs bought at department stores. Those discs are no different from any other commercially pressed discs.

So does it only play burned (DVD-R or DVD+R) discs and not play factory pressed "store bought" discs?

[dleedlee]

Reading random negative reviews (epinion, amazon), it seems to have a knack for not playing and short life. Sounds like you got one of the dodgy units. I don't think any firmware will help you. Why not spend $50-$60 and get a cheap Philips unit?

Representative sample:

The SD3900 played VCD no problems but about 50% of the time the player would lock up when a regular, purchased DVD was inserted. The power cord needed to be unplugged to reset the unit. Target was very gracious and gave me a full refund after being frustrated for a week.
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/home-video/dvd-players/toshiba/sd-3900/PRD_145115_1587crx.aspx

purchased the Toshiba DVD SD-3900 player and within 20 hours of play, the sound started fading then the picture went blank. I reset the unit by unplugging it and plugging it back again. Unfortunately, the unit was unable to play another DVD movie stating disc error. I tried the same DVD movie in other DVD players I have and the movie played just fine. My new Toshiba SD-3900 DVD player "Ran-Out-Of-Gas-Fast". I returned the player for a full refund...I'm sure the company makes quality players however, I doubt it if I will purchase another Toshiba DVD player
http://www.buyzillion.com/B00008BO8Z/Reviews/Toshiba+SD-3900+Progressive-Scan+DVD+Player.html