I have an LVW-5005 that my wife and I have been very happy with since we got it (from Costco as an open box unit, probably a little less than 2 years ago) - but now it’s developed the dreaded “NO DISC” problem. A little additional testing demonstrated that, though I hear a little motor sound from inside the drive, the discs aren’t actually spinning up at all (which kills any hope of dusty lens or firmware upgrading).
My options seem to be either sending it for service or replacing the drive myself - and I’m worried that if it goes out to the company for service, they’ll “helpfully” remove the 3h/no-MV hacked firmware, possibly replacing it with a version I can’t reflash, and/or do something like send back a refurbed, “improved” 5xxx-series unit that ALSO can’t be reflashed usefully.
What I’d like advice on is:
[ul]
[li]Does this sound like the kind of problem I can fix with a drive replacement?
[/li][li]Which model drive is the current favorite? (Searches don’t seem to be working now, but earlier today I got the idea that the 1693 is now hard to find.)
[/li][li]Are there other fixes (heat-sink mods or whatever) that I should do while I’m in there?
[/li][li]And finally, I saw that someone said in one of the threads that if I got the unit from Costco, I’ve got warranty “for life.” What does that mean?
[/li][/ul]
All advice appreciated! 