I have a Toshiba RW-2 DVD recorder, and I recorded some DVD-Rs, but never finalized them. Last weekend, my DVD tray broke and won't accept DVDs. Is it possible to finalize the DVDs in another DVD Recorder? Or do I have to use the same model or the same brand?

I'm looking to buy a new DVD recorder that has a HD tuner. I've narrowed it down to a Panasonic EZ27K or a Toshiba D-R550. Both have their issues (ie. losing HD channels, missing timer recording sessions). But if I can't finalize the DVD discs, I can't view what I've recorded, so that will determine my next course of action.

Thanks!

They don't have HD tuners, they have digital tuners. They won't output a HD signal. You will probably at least have to have the same brand DVDR to finalize them. Why not fix your old Tosh? Replacing a tray shouldn't be such a big thing.

I agree, your only chance of finalizing the discs would be with another Toshiba. I know on Panasonics unfinalized discs play on all my different Panny DVDR's. Hopefully for you Toshiba would be the same. And yes, don't buy a new DVDR with the thought of watching true HD. Save that for true HD tuners and HDTV's.

I think it depends on the machines.
The unfinalized discs from my JVC DR-m10 and Panasonic DMR-E50 recorders could be further recorded on and finalized on the Panasonic DMR-ES10 but not the other way around.

I stand corrected - digital tuners is what I meant to write..

I didn't see much threads on Toshiba DVD recorders here, but was hoping someone might have experience.

While I may send out my DVD recorder for repair, I was looking to upgrade to one with a digital tuner. It may cost as much to repair mines as buying the Toshiba D-R550 (about $120 online now).

I've been able to cross-finalize some discs between the Toshiba XS32, XS52 and XS54, but not every unfinalized disc can be read. My experience has been that the newer models tend to read older models' unfinalized discs better than the reverse.There are a lot of similarities between various Toshiba models, and the RW-2 probably uses the same burner as at least one other model.

But, finalization is very model and manufacturer specific. Most unfinalized discs can't be read in another manufacturer's model. It's really hit or miss (probably >90% miss), so consider yourself fortunate if it works, especially if the models are years apart.

Well I called some authorized repair dealers around Boston - some charged $200 to repair, others said they couldn't fix it. So I called Toshiba, and my DVD Recorder is still under warranty (purchased in Oct 06), so they're swapping me a D-R400 DVD upcomverting DVD Recorder.

Very pleased :D So when this comes in, I should be able to finalize my discs.

Sweet!

It would be great if you could post if they finalize okay when you get your D-R400.

I had a Philip 3505 that broke. I was able to finalize the 3505 made disks using nero, and it played fine on my regular dvd player.