Defective disc repair?

Jason Bennion · 06-10-2006, 01:47 AM

Hey everybody - I'm not sure this is the proper forum for this question, but as it involves one of my TV sets, I thought I'd give it a try.

Here's the set-up: I bought the original Battlestar Galactica in the big Cylon head package several years ago, but due to various distractions (like getting other TV-on-DVD sets) I'm only now getting around to watching the entire series. Naturally I find a defect in the second-to-last episode. It's the pixilation/freezing problem that so many people have had with Universal's double-sided discs. I tried cleaning the disc with a soft cloth; no luck. As I said, I've had it several years so I doubt returning it would be an option at this point, even if I could find a receipt or remember where it came from.

So here's the question: has anyone ever tried one of those DVD repair kits? Do they help this problem at all, or is the defect below the surface layer and out of reach of any kind of repair gadget? Does anyone have any suggestions short of buying another BG set?

Thanks in advance for the help...

Jonny P · 06-10-2006, 05:14 AM

That is always a risk with DVD sets...

Some I watch right away...others I don't get to until later...

Interesting story about my "Sports Night" set...

I'd watched the set before...and had no problems.

That was a few years ago on an older Samsung DVD player.

I recently decided to revisit the show and the very first episode froze up on both my Sony DVD and on my Apple iBook's DVD player.

I looked at the surface. There was minor scratching (from before the time when I was as careful about checking after initial purchase). Be that as it may, the scratches were extremely "minor," and overall the construction of the disc looked sound.

Oddly, I'd watched the set years before without incident...so I am stumped...

I am not sure if the problem has to do with a "surface" problem or not.

A few months ago, I purchased the third season of "Knight Rider" (double-sided discs by Universal). I had a problem with the disc freezing during an episode, then the screen went "blue" on my Sony player. I was lucky to have been viewing that disc (because there was a very minor scratch on it). I returned the set, but haven't gone through all of the discs since.

Jason Bennion · 06-10-2006, 10:11 AM

Well, now, there's a scary thought, that a set could be fine on one viewing and screwed up a year later. I've got a lot of money tied up in TV sets...

I've gotten to where I pretty much distrust any Universal product because I've had so many problems with them -- I returned the first season of Magnum P.I. twice for defects. In the case of my BG set, though, I've had it so long I don't think returning is a option...

Mark Talmadge · 06-10-2006, 11:28 AM

Since it's a Universal set they require you to send the original receipt if its defective but I'd contact Universal and explain the problem to them, they might replace it.

Steve Berger · 06-10-2006, 01:31 PM

Contact Universal. I just had to send in my Diector's cut of the Frighteners for the same reason. A copy of the receipt was suggested but not required.

"7. A copy of your receipt for original purchase if you still have it." was the wording.

**HTF Ads**

Jason Bennion · 06-10-2006, 05:32 PM

Thanks, Mark and Steve - I hadn't thought about dealing directly with Universal. Stupid newbie question: where should I contact them? So far all I've been able to find is the Universal online store...

Steve Berger · 06-10-2006, 10:18 PM

I think this was the procedure I followed. From the Universal Studios Home Entertainment page; http://homevideo.universalstudios.co...t_content.html
at the bottom "contact us" brings you to a FAQ page.
http://corpinfo.universalstudios.com...asp?section=HV

Near the top is another link that will take you to a form to fill out. In my case this was then passed to Consumer Relations within a day or two. (It took MGM months to respond to a defective James Bond disk)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you do not find the answer to your question in our FAQs, please click here to Contact Us. Canadian Residents click here .

Jonny P · 06-11-2006, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Bennion

Well, now, there's a scary thought, that a set could be fine on one viewing and screwed up a year later. I've got a lot of money tied up in TV sets...

Exactly.

It was weird.

The "Sports Night" set came out November of 2002 (when I purchased it).

About a week ago I put the 1st disk in and it froze on my Sony DVD player and on my Macintosh portable.

I'd watched the set back in 2002 with no problems. The disc appeared fine...so I dunno what the scoop was. I was pretty bummed because it is one of my favorites and I had decided to revisit the show again.

TV shows are my primary purchases on DVD. I have a fairly large collection.

I have audio CDs from 1986 that I still listen to and that still play fine in a variety of players.

I am not sure how to proceed.

Jason Bennion · 06-12-2006, 11:46 AM

Thanks again, Steve - I looked at that FAQ page and somehow failed to notice the "Contact Us" link.

Jonny, I also have some really old CDs that play with no problems. The only explanation I can think of is that it's the multiple layers in DVDs, especially double-sided DVDs like Universal uses. I think audio CDs are only a single layer, so they're less prone to layers separating or contaminants getting in between layers. (Somebody correct me if I'm wrong!) I also wonder if it's just a case that the older discs, CD and DVD both, were made more durably and the manufacturers have gotten cheap as time has passed. I know my old late-80s vintage CDs feel heavier, just as old VHS tapes are like bricks compared to the ones made just before the format went away.

Just some thoughts. As for what to do about your bad Sports Night set, I don't know...

Jeff Willis · 06-12-2006, 12:34 PM

Steve,

Thanks for the Universal link/info. Will Uni exchange a defective (Uni) disk that wasn't purchased from their online store? Example. I buy most of my sets from Amazon and DDD.

Jonny P · 06-12-2006, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Bennion

Thanks again, Steve - I looked at that FAQ page and somehow failed to notice the "Contact Us" link.

Jonny, I also have some really old CDs that play with no problems. The only explanation I can think of is that it's the multiple layers in DVDs, especially double-sided DVDs like Universal uses. I think audio CDs are only a single layer, so they're less prone to layers separating or contaminants getting in between layers. (Somebody correct me if I'm wrong!) I also wonder if it's just a case that the older discs, CD and DVD both, were made more durably and the manufacturers have gotten cheap as time has passed. I know my old late-80s vintage CDs feel heavier, just as old VHS tapes are like bricks compared to the ones made just before the format went away.

Just some thoughts. As for what to do about your bad Sports Night set, I don't know...

I agree with your sentiments on older CDs and videotapes (compared to later items).

If a movie goes bad, I am not bothered so much because I know I can simply repurchase the movie (and generally for a moderate to low price a few years later).

TV is different because you are dealing with multi-disc sets that oftentimes are quite pricey if you don't get them early in their release cycle. Sure, I can repurchase the set, but sometimes it'll cost me more than when I purchased it the first time (unless a retailer, or e-tailer, is having a special of some sort on TV shows...or the studio lowers the price).

Jason Bennion · 06-12-2006, 04:21 PM

Jonny, one thing I'm considering if I can't get any satisfaction from Uni is trying to find a used (or otherwise cheap) Battlestar set on ebay, then mixing and matching discs to build a fully functional set. It's not the best solution, but it may be cheaper than buying a whole new set.