I think my DVD player is starting to suck....

[forcemac]

I bought a Panasonic A115 dvd player from ubid about 2 months ago. It was a factory refurb, but I thought it was a good deal. Anyways, I have watched maybe 20 moives on it, and tonite I was watching the Matrix for the 4th time on it. And I noticed some screen artifacts in a particular scene. (the part in the car before neo goes to the oracle), anyways, this never happened before. I am a little worried because some recent discussions here were about some panasonic dvd players crapping out after some moderate usage. I didn't see the dvd-a115 as a model that had this particular model, but was wondering if anyone else has had this prob.

The reason I ask, is that the warranty from Ubid is 3 months and it's getting close. Does this problem get worse as time goes on, or should I not worry about it. The artifacts were only in that scene, not in the rest of the movie. So I don't know if should start worring about it.

I have seen several causes of this:

1) Heat-the DVD player can cause artifacts if isn't cooled right, or so i have heard. Anyways, the dvd is in a TV cart with a glass front (not much for circulation). Also in the cart, on the shelf above the dvd player is an HK AV300 receiver, this guy is really warm. SO I opened the door, after the artifacts, and no more...

or..
2)I heard the matrix is a good way to "test" a dvd player. So i suppose this could be it..

What are your opinions? Anyone have something like this happen???

Thanks...

[headrusch]

I am not an expert, nor do I play one on TV http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif

Graphic Glitches like that are most often caused by heat. This stems over to the computer world, too.

Ever try to overclock a videocard? If you did, you'd notice that if you run one too hot, you'll start getting all sorts of screen artifacts....basically the chip is overheating (or the entire system might be, but usually thats just lockups).

Todays machines draw more current (like hi-power amps and receivers and such) and put out more heat, so ventilation is a big deal.

I'd suggest if you must keep the glass door closed, you invest in a cheap box fan and drill some ventilation holes in the back of the Cart/Case/Whatever and have the fan suck the air through the drilled-holes. Or, run with the door open so proper ventilation can occurr.

[forcemac]

Thanks, I figured i would do that. I will have to watch some more movies with the door open to see if that occurs again.

BTW, where can i get a fan thats about 3-5" in diameter, and has an AC plug. I have looked everywhre for one.

forcemcac