Heat/EMI/RF/MW Can Cause False Copy Protection and Other "Weird" Stuff!
If you suspect "false" CP or experience some other "weird" problems (even HDD failure), first check for sources of EMI, RF or MW (microwave) near your system, like an old CRT TV, plasma TV (esp. Panasonic), satellite receiver, or microwave oven, AND MOVE THEM OR THE DVDR! See if the problem clears up before investing lots of time on other troubleshooting. See examples below.
HEAT
One European Union (EU) user bought a Philips DVDR and had problems with stuttering and lockups after some moderate usage time. Turns out he crammed his unit into a narrow space, with NO air flow from the intake vents on the side of the unit to the fan on the back, which overheated the circuitry and HDD. He bought another unit and placed it on top of an old CRT, which cleared the old problem, but caused another problem: false copy protection (CP) from stray RF/EMI interference, as described in the next subject.
These DVDRs do NOT get hot from use, but they CAN be affected by outside heat sources,
as described here .
Heat is the laser diode's worst enemy, and the HDD isn't too fond of it either and esp. doesn't like EMI! Many "odd" problems can occur if your DVDR gets too hot. This DVDR's intake air vents are on the top right side (facing unit), and the fan is on the back. Allow
ample space for airflow.
- Don't block right side or cram into narrow space.
- Don't place unit on top of other hot components.
- Don't use in a fully-enclosed entertainment center.
- Don't place your DVDR on top of old CRT TV or even close... keep max. distance between them.
EMI, RF, MW
Since CP works by "disrupting" the video stream, and EMI and RF can do the same thing, some people might just be CP'ing
themselves with stray EMI or RF, like our intrepid EU user mentioned above!?
He bought a 2nd new DVDR but, unfortunately, placed it on top of an old CRT TV which was apparently emitting strong electromagnetic interference (EMI). He was CP'ing himself!
Click here for details on a test by orsetto that duplicated the stated problems when he placed a U.S. 3575 on top of an old CRT TV.
Even a Plasma TV can send EMI/RF signals throughout your house,
as described in this thread on a ham radio operators forum where the OP tested it with his equipment... verrry interrresting discussion (and not too long)! The OP's tests showed that the Plasma TV didn't even have to be CLOSE to other equipment! Another ham operator says in that thread, in response to recommendations for moving or shielding the TV: "Are you kidding....I am trying to figure out how to hook an antenna to the screen and key it. I think it would out do my AL-1500. The big screen Plasma Panasonic TV is a prolific RF generator."
Here's another article on EMI/RFI (4th section up from bottom) with tests in 2010 on Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs, with videos clearly showing lots of RFI from the TV. He even mentions COUNTRIES involved in getting rid of the RFI and Panasonic replacing TVs for excessive RFI.
In another instance, a U.S. 2160 user had some weird problems that couldn't be explained or remedied by all normal troubleshooting. In working the problem, he happened to move his DirecTV R10 receiver from
on top of the 2160, which cleared all his prior problems,
as he explains here.
One person reported losing a weak TV channel 12 from interference caused by a pair of amplified speakers.
One user set a DVDR on top of his
MICROWAVE oven and the HDD was rendered useless... wiped drive, couldn't reformat, unrecoverable... had to order a new HDD.