Compatibility, or Failing laser? Tron legacy playback issues on Panasonic DMP-BD601

[MacinMan]

Hey all, quick question here:

I recently purchased the 5 disc pack of tron legacy today at wlmart. When I insert the 2D disc into my panasonic DMP-BD601k, the player says the disc is unreadable. If I power off the unit and back on, with the disc inserted, it plays fine. I have a sony BDP-S570, and Panasonic DMP-BD85, and they both load the disc correctly first time around. All three players have the latest firmware. Since the disc has no issues on 2 out of 3 players, I'm going to say it's player specific, and the older panasonics have been known to have drive failures after about 2 years, which this one is reaching. Any feedback would help though.

Thanks

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Hey all, quick question here:

I recently purchased the 5 disc pack of tron legacy today at wlmart. When I insert the 2D disc into my panasonic DMP-BD601k, the player says the disc is unreadable. If I power off the unit and back on, with the disc inserted, it plays fine. I have a sony BDP-S570, and Panasonic DMP-BD85, and they both load the disc correctly first time around. All three players have the latest firmware. Since the disc has no issues on 2 out of 3 players, I'm going to say it's player specific, and the older panasonics have been known to have drive failures after about 2 years, which this one is reaching. Any feedback would help though.

Thanks

If this is the only Blu-ray title you are having trouble with then most likely the disc title is slightly out of tolerance when it was pressed at the factory. Exchanging the Blu-ray title should solve the problem. I have seen some computer BD-ROM drives that could not read a Blu-ray disc but a standalone Blu-ray player could read it. Exchanging the disc solved the problem. Blu-ray discs being slightly out of tolerance specs when pressed is very rare. I have only seen it once so far.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

If this is the only Blu-ray title you are having trouble with then most likely the disc title is slightly out of tolerance when it was pressed at the factory. Exchanging the Blu-ray title should solve the problem. I have seen some computer BD-ROM drives that could not read a Blu-ray disc but a standalone Blu-ray player could read it. Exchanging the disc solved the problem. Blu-ray discs being slightly out of tolerance specs when pressed is very rare. I have only seen it once so far.

Hi, I went to walmart this morning in an attempt to exchange the movies, and they said they only got 2 of the 5 disc packages in, and didn't have anymore, and wouldn't be getting anymore. With that said, considering i only have one slight problem on the one player with the one disc, and it is playable. I'm not going to worry about it as my main player in the living room works fine, and the sony player in the bedroom works fine, it's only the one player from 2009, that has issues, and with a simple power cycle it even works. Since I'm not able to exchange it, If I really have a concern later on, I'll get a tron legacy disc from netflix. It may very well be a software issue with that player as well, Although the initial message says unreadable, the functions menu says the disc is incompatible. If I have further problems, I'll call disney directly and see if they'll replace that disc by itself, or if they have a known issue for this particular disc on random players.

Everyone I've asked has given me a different answer, one person said software, you said physical disc issue, and another said the particular drive may not like the disc.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll post if I find out anything else, or have further issues.

[MacinMan]

I just thought I'd give an update.

I called Disney this morning to inquire about this problem, after explaining the exact situation and what's going on, the technician came to the conclusion of a firmware problem with this player and disc, as the disc functions normally on my two other players, and this one, after the power cycle. He suggestion I contact panasonic to see if there was a firmware update for this player on disc, that not be online. Either way, with the exception of the possibility of a failing drive, I have confirmation of my original diagnostic of firmware issues. I'm relieved it's not a bum disc

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

I just thought I'd give an update.

I called Disney this morning to inquire about this problem, after explaining the exact situation and what's going on, the technician came to the conclusion of a firmware problem with this player and disc, as the disc functions normally on my two other players, and this one, after the power cycle. He suggestion I contact panasonic to see if there was a firmware update for this player on disc, that not be online. Either way, with the exception of the possibility of a failing drive, I have confirmation of my original diagnostic of firmware issues. I'm relieved it's not a bum disc

These technicians normally just read off a sheet and do not know what they are talking about sometimes. From your description it sounds like the BD-ROM drive inside the Panasonic standalone player cannot read the disc at all “unreadable”. This is rare for a store bought disc. I ran into a Fox title once where 3 different brands of BD-ROM computer drives were not able to read the disc at all “unreadable”, but a standalone Blu-ray player read the disc just fine. It turned out the Blu-ray title was slightly out of spec tolerance when the disc was pressed by the factory. I exchanged the Fox title and then it loaded fine on the 3 different brands of BD-ROM computer drives just fine.

Now if you were having trouble with 2 Blu-ray titles saying “unreadable” on the Panasonic Blu-ray player then I would agree that your laser mechanism is out of alignment. I could be wrong, but most likely if you exchange that Tron title with another Tron Blu-ray disc, then the Blu-ray should play just fine (Unless all the Tron Blu-ray discs use a special coating or the disc is a physically different thickness when compared to other titles).

Now if the disc was readable and started to load and could not finish loading then it would be a firmware issue. Then you would need the latest firmware update or clear the SD memory card storage that is used for BD-LIVE.

Most likely if your Blu-ray player laser was out of alignment just slightly then you should in theory be having problems with more titles not being able to load and displaying the "unreadable" status.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

These technicians normally just read off a sheet and do not know what they are talking about sometimes. From your description it sounds like the BD-ROM drive inside the Panasonic standalone player cannot read the disc at all “unreadable”. This is rare for a store bought disc. I ran into a Fox title once where 3 different brands of BD-ROM computer drives were not able to read the disc at all “unreadable”, but a standalone Blu-ray player read the disc just fine. It turned out the Blu-ray title was slightly out of spec tolerance when the disc was pressed by the factory. I exchanged the Fox title and then it loaded fine on the 3 different brands of BD-ROM computer drives just fine.

Now if you were having trouble with 2 Blu-ray titles saying “unreadable” on the Panasonic Blu-ray player then I would agree that your laser mechanism is out of alignment. I could be wrong, but most likely if you exchange that Tron title with another Tron Blu-ray disc, then the Blu-ray should play just fine (Unless all the Tron Blu-ray discs use a special coating or the disc is a physically different thickness when compared to other titles).

Now if the disc was readable and started to load and could not finish loading then it would be a firmware issue. Then you would need the latest firmware update or clear the SD memory card storage that is used for BD-LIVE.

Most likely if your Blu-ray player laser was out of alignment just slightly then you should in theory be having problems with more titles not being able to load and displaying the "unreadable" status.

Ok, With all this said, I have another question about the best solution in my circumstances.

recap: Yesterday morning I was going to do the exchange route with Wal-Mart. When I got there, the person in electronics said walmart never gets a regular shipment of the specialty sets (e.g.) the 5 disc set (which has 3d, 2d, and tron cllassic, plus a dvd and digital copy of tron legacy). When I asked a girl who works there yesterday if they had anymore, and telling her the problem, she said that they only got 2 copies of the 5 disc in, I got one and the other one had already been sold. (and they wouldn't be getting anymore)
She then said none of the other stores had them in either, as other people had checked, This leaves out the exchange from walmart option.

The other options I have are:
get back into a disc plan with netflix, and get a copy of tron legacy from them, to see if, in fact it's as you suggest a slightly out of spec disc. This is what I feel I should do first anyway as it will be the least amount of money and wasted time.

Then see if Disney will replace the disc free of charge, if it proves to be my disc specifically. If they won't, buy a different package of the movie, that's in stock (which I hope I won't have to do)

The third and final option, is to keep the disc, and jut use it in the players that work reliably. The player having issues, is almost 2 years old and is considered outdated by today' players anyway. Do you think the problem will get worse, since it's a pressed disc? What do you suggest after hearing my options.

BTW, I'm not a newbie to technology, I just wanted to hear what others had to say before I made a decision.

Thanks

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Ok, With all this said, I have another question about the best solution in my circumstances.

recap: Yesterday morning I was going to do the exchange route with Wal-Mart. When I got there, the person in electronics said walmart never gets a regular shipment of the specialty sets (e.g.) the 5 disc set (which has 3d, 2d, and tron cllassic, plus a dvd and digital copy of tron legacy). When I asked a girl who works there yesterday if they had anymore, and telling her the problem, she said that they only got 2 copies of the 5 disc in, I got one and the other one had already been sold. (and they wouldn't be getting anymore)
She then said none of the other stores had them in either, as other people had checked, This leaves out the exchange from walmart option.

The other options I have are:
get back into a disc plan with netflix, and get a copy of tron legacy from them, to see if, in fact it's as you suggest a slightly out of spec disc. This is what I feel I should do first anyway as it will be the least amount of money and wasted time.

Then see if Disney will replace the disc free of charge, if it proves to be my disc specifically. If they won't, buy a different package of the movie, that's in stock (which I hope I won't have to do)

The third and final option, is to keep the disc, and jut use it in the players that work reliably. The player having issues, is almost 2 years old and is considered outdated by today' players anyway. Do you think the problem will get worse, since it's a pressed disc? What do you suggest after hearing my options.

BTW, I'm not a newbie to technology, I just wanted to hear what others had to say before I made a decision.

Thanks

All store bought discs are pressed discs in the factory compared to recordable discs that uses organic dye to burn the pits. What is interesting is that sometimes when you power cycle your Blu-ray player you are able to get the Blu-ray disc to read. Just double check you Blu-ray player is in perfect working condition with everything else you try to load. Also if you own at least 10 Blu-ray titles in your personal collection, I would put them in the Blu-ray player for a few seconds to make sure everyone of the titles loads the first time without power cycling the player. If you had a BD-ROM drive inside a computer, many of them are very sensitive to discs slightly out of tolerance, and then you could verify a second Blu-ray device that is not able to play the same disc. Also make sure the Tron Blu-ray disc is clean with no finger prints. The disc needs to be clean or some players will have trouble playing a disc that has a spec of dirt or finger print.

If it was me and if I knew for sure the disc was defective I would try and return it to Wal-Mart. You can order a replacement Tron legacy 5 disc collection on the Wal-Mart website and have the disc shipped to your local Wal-Mart store for free. When they get the disc in stock you could try and exchange it.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/15769621

http://www.walmart.com/ip/15790158

For $1.50 you could also rent the Tron movie on Blu-ray at your local Red Box location. http://www.redbox.com/

It is my understanding that the problem disc you are having problems with is Disc 2 which is the 2-D version of Tron Legacy. The Tron legacy movie you rent at Red Box should be exactly the same as your Blu-ray disc, with the only difference being the label graphics most likely will be slightly different, but the disc contents should be exactly the same. I think only 20th Century fox and Warner studios has rental versions. If Disney has started making rental versions without bonus features on the disc, then it would not be a fair comparison since the disc mastering would be different.

[frogmort]

I have the same blu-ray player as you, and I have had certain "problem" discs that would not play. My Eric Clapton Crossroads is notorious for not playing. I can usually reinsert it a few times, and it will eventually play.

I don't know why this happens more with certain discs, but I opened up my player and gently cleaned the laser lens with a clean soft cotton cloth, and it started playing all of my "problem" discs on the first try. I have done this a few times now,(I smoke in my house) and it usually seems to help.
There are two screws on each side, and three on the back, I think. The top cover then slides out, and there are four small screws over the laser/disc tray area. It only took me about 5min. to open it up.
Do this at your own risk, if you want to, just be gentle; the screws on the disc tray go into plastic, so don't overtighten them.
I have also read that some people use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol, but I have only used a soft, clean cotton cloth.
I hope this helps, good luck!

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by frogmort

I have the same blu-ray player as you, and I have had certain "problem" discs that would not play. My Eric Clapton Crossroads is notorious for not playing. I can usually reinsert it a few times, and it will eventually play.

I don't know why this happens more with certain discs, but I opened up my player and gently cleaned the laser lens with a clean soft cotton cloth, and it started playing all of my "problem" discs on the first try. I have done this a few times now,(I smoke in my house) and it usually seems to help.
There are two screws on each side, and three on the back, I think. The top cover then slides out, and there are four small screws over the laser/disc tray area. It only took me about 5min. to open it up.
Do this at your own risk, if you want to, just be gentle; the screws on the disc tray go into plastic, so don't overtighten them.
I have also read that some people use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol, but I have only used a soft, clean cotton cloth.
I hope this helps, good luck!

Well I've opened the player before to clean the dust out, and I clean the case. I do have a lens cleaner dic I could try.

I will note that I upgraded my netflix account from streaming only back to 1 disc and streaming + blu-ray I added tron legacy blu8-ray as the first disc in my queue , and will see the results when I try the second disc from netflix. If it proves to be a faulty disc I will try disney first for an exchange, and then if not i'll see what walmart will do. I'll keep you posted.

P.S. I have three players, so i'm not stuck with that particular player, I just happen to use it over the sony when in the bedroom The main player is in the living room and that's the panasonic 85, which is a newer player, and that works without problems. Anyway I'll let you know if it's faulty press, or disc mastering problem when I get the netflix copy.

[akapainkiller]

I've been having problems with my Tron blu ray movie also. I've actually been playing it in 3D but when it plays it tends to pixelate in some areas. I see it more so in the high action scenes where there is transitions from very bright light to dark. My wife didnt notice it but I did. Just wondering if anybody else ran into the same problem?

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by akapainkiller

I've been having problems with my Tron blu ray movie also. I've actually been playing it in 3D but when it plays it tends to pixelate in some areas. I see it more so in the high action scenes where there is transitions from very bright light to dark. My wife didnt notice it but I did. Just wondering if anybody else ran into the same problem?

I haven't had that particular problem here. I think the video quality is outstanding, and the restoration of the classic tron, i absolutely outstanding, it looks like a brand new movie.

[chumba]

I've got a Samsung BD-P1600 and I'm having a problem with mine where it just locks up before even starting, just showing the Disney castle while the timer on the player just shows 00:00. :/

I verified it has the latest firmware, but I can't imagine it's the disc.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by chumba

I've got a Samsung BD-P1600 and I'm having a problem with mine where it just locks up before even starting, just showing the Disney castle while the timer on the player just shows 00:00. :/

I verified it has the latest firmware, but I can't imagine it's the disc.

I suppose it's possible there is some new form of encryption, copy protection on the disc older players have issues with. Maybe it's able to read the disc itself, but not the data, so that's why it's reporting unreadable, because it does the same thing if i stick a disc in that doesn't have what the player thinks to be compatible data.

[rocked67]

Hi all
I have a 3d blu ray player LG BX580 but it does not produce 3d image.. I get a screen message "you need a 3d player and tv to watch this"..and I have both.. my tv is LG lx6500..software updated to the latest version..any ideas what the problem is?
Thanks

[Ecstasy]

My Panny Blu-ray player cannot load Blu-ray discs any longer! The motor from the disc drive is gone!
It's cheaper to replace it with a brand new BD player than to get it fixed!
What a drag!

- Warranty has expired!

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by Ecstasy

My Panny Blu-ray player cannot load Blu-ray discs any longer! The motor from the disc drive is gone!
It's cheaper to replace it with a brand new BD player than to get it fixed!
What a drag!

- Warranty has expired!

Just thought I'd say my copy of tron legacy on blu-ray should be here tomorrow. Then I'll be able to get to the heart of the issue to see if it's a physical disc defect, or mastering problem.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Just thought I'd say my copy of tron legacy on blu-ray should be here tomorrow. Then I'll be able to get to the heart of the issue to see if it's a physical disc defect, or mastering problem.

Ok, Just popped in the tron legacy blu-ray from netflix, exact same disc as I own, and same cover art on the disc. The exact same error happens when putting the disc into the tray, unreadable. I even made sure the disc was clean before inserting it. This rules out that my disc isn't the problem, and either the firmware needs an update, or my player is starting to fail, with unique early warning signs.

Additionally, after I posted this, I went back and ran my cyclone Clean doctor optical lens cleaning disc. It's a brush based disc. Anyway, after running that disc, there was no change in behavior. However, I miss quoted the error message. The exact error message is:
"Cannot read, Check Disc" This is the same message this player will put up if a disc with incompatible data is loaded. So to better summarize, The player is reading the disc, but thinks the data is incompatible. unless I power cycle.

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Ok, Just popped in the tron legacy blu-ray from netflix, exact same disc as I own, and same cover art on the disc. The exact same error happens when putting the disc into the tray, unreadable. I even made sure the disc was clean before inserting it. This rules out that my disc isn't the problem, and either the firmware needs an update, or my player is starting to fail, with unique early warning signs.

Additionally, after I posted this, I went back and ran my cyclone Clean doctor optical lens cleaning disc. It's a brush based disc. Anyway, after running that disc, there was no change in behavior. However, I miss quoted the error message. The exact error message is:
"Cannot read, Check Disc" This is the same message this player will put up if a disc with incompatible data is loaded. So to better summarize, The player is reading the disc, but thinks the data is incompatible. unless I power cycle.

At least you know now the problem is with the Blu-ray player. If it is the only title you are having problems with then maybe Panasonic will be able to correct the issue with a firmware update. There must be something unique about that title when played on that player that causes the incompatibility. I would recommend emailing or calling Panasonic, maybe in the future they will fix the issue with a firmware update. If you could find someone else with the exact same model of Blu-ray player and have them try the same Tron disc, then you could isolate the problem to either a firmware issue or your player hardware having problems. At least you have a work around, you just power cycle the player and then the title plays fine.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

At least you know now the problem is with the Blu-ray player. If it is the only title you are having problems with then maybe Panasonic will be able to correct the issue with a firmware update. There must be something unique about that title when played on that player that causes the incompatibility. I would recommend emailing or calling Panasonic, maybe in the future they will fix the issue with a firmware update. If you could find someone else with the exact same model of Blu-ray player and have them try the same Tron disc, then you could isolate the problem to either a firmware issue or your player hardware having problems. At least you have a work around, you just power cycle the player and then the title plays fine.

Something that would also help is if I had a blu-ray drive on this mac, then I could have made a disc image of the original and then burned a copy of the disc to see if the material on this particular press was out of spec, or if it was actually the digital data the player chokes on.

Another note, I am also on AVSForum and they have a thread for panasonic 60/80 and one person responded that it worked without issues on their 80, no one with a 60x, responded about tron, but they did say that particular player has done the same exact thing with other titles. Maybe the 80 and newer panasonic models are Just more solid. As they don't seem to have this issue, e.g. my panasonic 85 from last year works just fine.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback I'll keep you posted.

[rubystone356]

I had problems with both the 60, 80 player. then switched over the 85. the 85 was better but still had problems. the new 2011 models seem much better.

Jacob