The so called 'intros' are part of what makes your channel so enjoyable, and are always completely relevant to the content of the video. It's like listening to a mate chatting about the stuff we love!

I recently had this EXACT issue on a Sony SACD changer (Sony SCD-CE595). It would read CDs and normal SACD discs, but the hybrid disks would ONLY read as normal CD. I did a lot of research and it looked like I just had a bad laser or something...until I found a post in one particular forum. It outlined a procedure in the service manual called the "U-con Procedure". It was basically a series of actions (voodoo) that fixed the problem permanently (mine has worked over a year with no issues whatsoever). Here is what I had to do: 1. Turn the machine off, with no disc inside. 2. Press "enter" and "menu" simultaneously. While holding them down, turn on the power. The display reads "diag mode" 3. Press the open button to open the tray. Insert a hybrid disc and press the button again to close the tray. 4. Rotate the "enter" knob clockwise until "B0" appears in the display. You have to go a pretty far distance to get there, keep turning. 5. Push the "enter" knob. The display will read "FFFF" 6. Rotate the "enter" knob clockwise again until "B1" appears. 7. Press "enter" The display will count down some negative numbers until a 4 character string appears. It's a hexadecimal number. 8. Rotate "enter" clockwise again until "B2" appears. Press "enter". The same 4 character number will appear again. It should be, numerically, between 04D0 and 08D0. If you are not familiar with hex numbers, don't worry, since there is nothing you can do about it anyway. 9. Press the open button and unload the disc. Press the button again to close the tray. IMPORTANT: turn the power off. You are now out of diagnostic mode and you are calibrated. Good luck!

in the words of Adam Savage (I might be paraphrasing a little), "You can learn more from someone's failures than you ever could from their successes" this video is a perfect example of that, and I am glad you uploaded it because a lot of content creators are too afraid to upload their failed attempts. This was a genuinely fascinating watch.

Hello, I am an audio equipment service technician with 40 years experience. I discovered many years ago that laser replacements are very difficult and often fail. Since complete replacement mechanisms are no longer available and after a number of laser replacement attempts I stopped doing it because many times it would not work even though I have a laser power meter and can set up the 'eye pattern' on the oscilloscope. I enjoy your channel, thank you.

"Why do you want an SACD Player?" "Because I want an SACD Player" You legend.

“Because I want an SACD player… so that one’s checked off.” LMAO… the perfect answer. Never stop being you, Mat. We love you. Don’t let the trolls get you down.

Just wanted to reassure you that I am among the "whole story" crowd. I really like your style, and I love videos like these. Failing technology deserves a repair attempt, and the story is worth telling whether it worked or not. Thank you :)

SACD players seem to be really finicky. I bought a Sony DVP-S9000ES DVD player a while back that also plays SACD and I needed to enter a service menu and use both a CD and SACD disc to align the laser. Otherwise, it would only play the CD portion of a hybrid disc. Seems this is very common. I always enjoy following your repair attempts, even when not successful. This is just how the cookie crumbles some times. Thanks for keeping us entertained, no matter the end result 👍

“A bit long winded “ are the best kind of Techmoan videos Mat we can wish for 😄

"Why do I want a SACD player?" "Because I want a SACD player" Just one reason I watch your videos, good for you! I enjoyed that. Keep it up

Pragmatic, fallible, warm and human as always. Love it Matt, well done.

I wouldn't give up, Mat! Sometimes with Sony stuff, you have to go into the SERVICE menu and adjust settings, especially when changing entire CD mechanisms! I needed to do this for one of those CMT micro systems you recommended. The laser wouldn't read discs. I went into the service menu (using the service manual AND remote!) and performed laser tracking adjustments. It's complicated, but once I programmed the defaults in and applied them, on a power cycle (power off, unplug, replug, power on) it worked! The diode must have no calibration from factory, the system thinks the old one is still in as they can adapt to old diodes, to accommodate wear-out. Congratulations on trying so hard! I love fixing stuff, because everything is a new experience! Pick yourself up, dust off, and try again. Don't be disheartened, it's the learning process! Find a service manual and have a good read. I love repair life

i've been repairing audio for thirty plus years. swapping a laser over is never just as simple as swapping it. you need to check the RF level and adjust/alighn or the laser won't focus and or read the TOC. I think you touched on not just twiddling things. this never ends well even if it does for a short period start to work. Happy to help if you have the tools, happy to repair FOC to help the channel.

For what it's worth, this type of content is one of the main reasons I watch your videos. You are one of the most informative channels on KZfaq for technical repair/ trouble shooting this kind of stuff.

1.2 million subscribers can't be wrong. Keep doing what you do in the way you do it. No need to apologise for your honesty and personal opinions..

Great story, Mat - cheers for sharing! The laser protective cover part reminds me of a screen repair I did on a Nintendo DS. Was I peeling away a protective film on the screen? No, I was not - I peeled off the resistive touch screen layer. Time to buy another.

Not gonna lie, quite often I don’t even pay attention to what exactly the video is going to be about - if it’s another Techmoan upload I’ll watch it anyway. Your storytelling and production quality are so good and you’re an awesome fella to listen to. I’m just here for it, keep it up!

Don’t apologise Mat, this is why we watch your channel. Also, your story on the hypo is totally recognisable 😉

Long-winded, slow, not very high energy, a progressing story... I like that. Thank you for doing it this way.

Your "intro" is part of what I love about your videos. The whole package.

My microwave wouldn't start anymore, so I took a chance that it might just be the touch panel, and ordered a replacement. I put on my best techmoan voice and 20 minutes later, my microwave was working again 👍 The microwave is about 7 years old and I'm hoping to get many more years out of it, instead of adding to all the e-waste.

The first thing I do when you post a new video is look at the run time. When it's over 20 minutes, I get excited because I know there's likely a good story behind whatever it is you are showing that week. It's my Saturday tradition to get up, make a cup of coffee and settle in for a Techmoan repair adventure. Keep doing the awesome work you do!

I vote for all intros, all the time. Just intros nothing else. Of course what”those people” call intros, are why most of us come here. Keep doing exactly what you’ve been doing mate!

Thank you for telling this story. You have my full sympathy and, as they say, "I feel seen". I'm currently grappling with a high-end cassette deck which has mechanical problems. Each time I take it apart and think I've properly fixed it, it turns out to have stayed the same or got worse. I even, out of desperation wanting to transcribe some cassettes, bought another machine but that doesn't work properly either! It's a long road to getting things working properly.

It must be a generational thing because this might be one of my favorite videos you have done. It had everything, drama and humor. It was both educational and inspirational. Cheers! 👍

Keep doing what you are doing mate, people will always complain, no matter what you do - I come here because you do what you do.

Mat, this is your channel, your content and your intros, period

Obviously, the people making these comments are not regular viewers of your channel. Your loyal viewers are here for all the quirky fun and the journey is just as if not more important than the destination

When replacing a laser, you need to adjust BIAS and GAIN to make it work (target voltages should be part of the datasheet). I did that many times when replacing the lasers of PlayStation 1 consoles. It won't just work - if it does, it's just a coincidence.

I'm ashamed to admit that I laughed out loud when the machine read "no disc." Only because I've been there before - I can identify with spending a good deal of money trying to repair something only to have it end up slightly worse than when I started. Anyway, great video.

Boy can I relate to this “repair”! Though both expensive and frustrating- not to mention self-beating- I found this video so refreshing that we are all human, we all make mistakes and if mature enough, we can laugh in hindsight. Indeed I did whilst watching you struggle. Thank you so much for making me feel “normal” through my attempted “repairs “.

Please, never stop telling the Story around the main Event. I know most main topics, but the Stories about them are the real fine gems ot the composition - that´s why i am here! Great work again, by the way. Thanks for sharing!

"Wasting both my time and yours with the tale of a faulty SACD player and a botched rescue mission." I really couldbn't disagree more. I truly see this as most informative and educational. It's always handy to know any pitfalls. I salute you, sir for not hiding this.

Yeah Hi. I had the same issue as you. I found details online as to re-calibrating the laser in the service mode to hybrid SACDs. That was an easy exercise and it worked a treat. Let me know if you want more details.

I love how genuine these videos are, I appreciate you not compromising based on whatever impatient people want. Keep doing what’s true to you.

Please don't change your format. PLEASE don't change your format. I (and I'm sure legions of your viewers) see your presentation format as a soul-refreshing oasis in a hellish intellectual desert. You're a friend we may never meet, a beacon harkening to better times, and what you do - and the way you do it - are what make 1.2 million people and counting want to shake your hand. Soldier on, my friend, intros and asides and all.

Love the content, love the style. No need to apologize, this is what we come here for 😁

Please don’t change the format of your videos. Your videos are top-notch, I always get excited when I see a new video come out. I absolutely love the content and the format of your videos. You’re one of my favourite KZfaqrs!

I just wanted to say that I do enjoy the journey/story. It's all part of the entertainment/learning process in my opinion.

Don't change the format because some people are too entitled to click further in the video. I've always liked the format and it's transparency. Keep it up! Been watching for years.

DON'T CHANGE!! The videos are perfect. We love your videos for exactly as you intend them to be. Pure brilliance every time. 🤩👌

A channel with 1.2 M subscribers does not need to explain itself. We love you.

I love listening to your intros, to be honest. Even when I'm just leaving the videos on as BG noise, you just give off comfy/favorite family member or teacher vibes where I can be educated and entertained.

I hate slow talking and long winded explanations. But when done properly it’s magic! This is why I watch the entire video.

“I can pray but it wont help” 🤣

"a bit slow, not high energy" - perfect!

It is precisely why I follow your channel, because of the "introduction" you make of the product, I also like to see that you can repair/disassemble to review a problem, not everything can always be fixed, but the experience of having tried is what matter, greetings from Lima Peru.

I loved this video. I suppose a Taoist would say that it's not about the destination or the chosen path, it's about the journey on whatever path is chosen. Thank you for taking us along with you on your journey.

I have a friend who had a Marantz SA8260 SACD player and he experienced exactly the same issues that you have. He found that replacement laser assemblies were becoming increasingly unreliable so in the end he bought a modern Marantz player that was being heavily discounted and he's highly delighted with it.

This is about how every repair I attempt goes. Welcome to the support group, grab a chair and a box of tissue. 🤣

The journey is the entire reason I watch this channel. "British man rambles about old tech" is this channel's brand.

I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your charming personality that shines through your storytelling. Keep it up, don't let people change you

dont let the kids get you down. i love all the history and stories.

Allright, 40 seconds into the video and I had to pause ⏸️ it to comment. Sir the longer and more winded your videos the better!!! I could listen to you to talk about paint drying on the 🧱 wall. For the record (no pun intended) your Hi Fi videos are my favorite.

It is the sign of our times. People want a quick and happy resolution to everything. Gone are the days where one was prepared to accept that something may not work out in the end. Love the intros, by the way. Wish the puppets would come back and see what they make of videos like these.

1. Mat, just keep doing your videos just the way you want, because that’s what we want, too! 2. BTW I had the identical problem with a Yamaha CD-S2100 two months out of warranty 🤬. It’s still a current machine. I took it to my good friend and Authorized Yamaha service tech of some 30+ years and he diagnosed the Yamaha as needing a new transport mechanism. The part was out of stock in the US even though the machine is still current. Massive shipping delays later the mechanism finally arrives from Japan but doesn’t solve the problem. Turns out there was a software update. Nope. No help there either. So my man contacted Yamaha Japan and after weeks of back and forth they instructed him to replace a passive part, a cap or resistor, somewhere on the digital board and BINGO! Success! Works great and sounds fantastic (so far). Seven and 1/2 months and $450 for the repair, most of it for the transport. Friends, join me in collectively crossing our fingers 🤞🤞🤞

Literally my favorite start to the weekend is hearing Mat kick off another video. Thank you sir from the US for all of the hours of brilliant content. And by the way love your intros and storytelling. It is one of the best elements of the channel.

A nice long Techmoan video with a coffee. Perfect for Saturday morning!

« Failure is not an option ». It is the learning path to success. NASA is the most beautiful example.

My takeaway is, it's always good to know your own limitations. There's nothing wrong with challenging those limitations from time to time, and sometimes that works out okay and sometimes it doesn't. The best part here is, although it wasn't cheap by any means, some people pay considerably more to find out their own limitations. In my opinion, I'd say money well spent!

this is one of my favorite channels, genuinely fascinating subjects and I love your sense of humor

In my opinion the backstory is the most interesting part of your videos. They show your specific knowledge that most people don't have.

Xennial here... I watch for the faffing about and a good story. The best part of retro is the tinkering process and the story. Recently, I went to replace the backlights in a cheap 4k 55" LG TV of ours that had the dreaded blue burn in. I was so careful pulling the panel out, etc. When I put it back in, I was just 1 or 2mm off on the frame and as I tightened it up, I heard the dreaded snap of doom as the panel cracked. *Sigh* I was so close to saving $500 by spending $50 for the LED strips. Instead, it cost me $50 extra. But it was FUN!

Please don’t change your format. The way you tell a story is hopefully why most of us keep coming back for more.

Please Mat don't change the format of your videos in any way, I love your narration and enjoy the full story of whatever it is you are covering. Also, showing the occasional failure makes the videos feel genuine, we all bugger things up now and again. I prefer the KZfaq channels where the creators show their stuff ups over the ones where everything always turns out perfect. Love to see a video covering that SACD player you've just acquired. Cheers, Alan.

There are those channels out there where they always manage a repair and a happy ending. Most viewers however understand that life isn't really like that.

Getting to know part of the history of the device you're discussing, makes it far more interesting. For audio/video technology, it helps set a link between what the viewer knows and what you're discussing, how they potentially compare to familiar devices. I've watched at least 50 of your videos now, if there was no story, I think I've have stopped already, wonderful content!

I think many of us can relate to failed repairs. Plus your witty description of the diabetes problem had me roaring with laughter! "It's a bit like being drunk, the silliest thing feels like a good idea, like tearing a lump off a delicate mechanism". Reminds me of when I dismantled two chipboard wardrobes before moving house, after some alcohol (I am normally practically teetotal). I took the back off the first one, leaned on it, and it collapsed into a pile of damaged chipboard. Oh, well, let's see if I can do better with the second one...took the back off, leaned on it, and it collapsed into a pile of damaged chipboard!

Can’t wait to see the SACD format video. I love the “LP” style videos you make. Please don’t change a thing.

I love this kind of detailed video on the repair effort, regardless of the outcome. Credit to you for being open about your mistakes - we're all human and mess up all the time. Takes real character to share that with a million subscribers!

I'm 20 as of now and I love just staying and getting all of the story of your videos. It makes them all the more fulfilling

As a fan of your channel who has watched your hour plus mini disc videos multiple times I say keep the longer videos coming. I honestly get a little bummed when I see you post a shorter one.

I enjoy your rambing as much as your "high energy" (really literally never happens in your videos and I love you for it) content. Never change.

Don't change anything. I love your format.

As someone who worked as an A/V Technician from the 80's untill the early 2000's I can only say, "Well done. That was a really good try at a repair that rarely works out". P.S. I love your videos. Your channel was one of my first subscriptions.

I watched all of the minidisc videos because it is fascinating. The joy of finding a random one that works... Anyway the content you create speaks for itself. Those that are impatient are kissing the point.

I could listen to you for hours, because its always interesting!

I have always enjoyed your approach to telling a story. The way you take the time to explain things both a seasoned techie and a novice can enjoy your content. Keep doing what your a doing bud ! I have enjoyed every video you've done and appreciate the time and effort you put in. Thx !

Some folks may want the tik tok version, but me, I rather enjoy watching the process. It's refreshing to watch you humbly relay your unsuccessful attempts. It makes for a great learning experience. You have the patience of a saint.

Don't change anything - I love your format and having all the back story.

You can’t be faulted for your honesty, good on you for giving it a go.

I would have assumed that plastic shield was a shipping lock too, surprised they didn't put a sticky tag on it saying "don't snap this off!" I bet a fair number of techs made the same mistake repairing these back in the day when they changed the rev of the laser subassembly.

Your videos are never a waste of time, mate. I feel your pain. I'll try repair almost anything, but occasionally I am defeated after too much time invested.

Loved the video and loved the format. No need to apologise for the longer story with no real "happy ending". Happy to sit and listen to you talk for hours 👊🏻

Thank you so much for also sharing your failures and describing how you got there!

This is still a great story and a really nice video to watch. Thank you for your time (and funds!) making it.

April is coming up - I do hope you post a 15 minute video that is all intro. The reasons your videos and your channel is popular is because your videos tell a complete story in an engaging manner. Please keep doing what you do. Thanks!

Usually replacing a laser you need to use an oscilloscope to setup the replacement laser. As they are all different your unit will be adjusted for the original laser, there is a good chance this will work again if it is adjusted correctly with a scope. It's more than just a laser power adjustment, there are focus and tracking adjustments too. That mat you are using is anything but a grounding mat. They are designed for high temperatures for hot air rework. These are actually counter intuitive for anti ESD purposes as they create static. Next time you lift it off the desk put the back of your hand under it as you lift it and feel the static. Great video by the way, interesting as always. Although I'm not a diabetic, I do suffer with hypoglycaemia however and I find sometimes I push through some repairs in the workshop and get somewhat lightheaded and "Hangry" which is never a good combination during a repair.

All filler and no thriller! love it!

Please continue making the videos as you always did! I enjoy the stories and see how much research and other work went into it.

We do not watch your videos because you fix things man. We watch them , because they are interesting and also your voice help me go to sleep. The video is great we learned a lot about technology as well. Also the longer the better.

Your recipe is well developed. People who are dissatisfied have ample options. I can totally empathize with you when it comes to sourcing replacement parts for aged electronics. We have lived, and are living, in an era of historically unprecedented change as far as technology is concerned.

Maybe it was off camera, but for proper grounding procedure you should be sure to have a connection to Earth in the wall socket to actually disperse the excess charge, just connecting a mat to your strap won't give you hardly any protection. Enjoyed the video thanks!

I'm definitely of the side that you should take all the time you want to explain what you're doing, I don't want a 30sec montage of whatever you're doing

I like the bits where you tell the story. Maybe I'm getting old but please don't change anything, your videos are great.

I watch you because you tell the story behind the devices you feature. I like learning the history of the devices you pick apart as well as the inner workings.

keep doing what you're doing, you're great and i love your content

Would be interesting for you to take a peek inside the full sized SACD player and seeing if it has the same mechanism as the failed narrow one. Love the episode, never too long :)

Don't change the way you do your videos, I like the full story. Enjoy you vids the way they are.

Mat, I completely understand the "drunk" feeling when your bloodsugar tanks because $#!t happens. I've been T1D for 42 years now and I have a Dexcom G6 CGM that alerts me on my watch when my bloodsugar dips or spikes. Not sure if your GP can get you on them, but they've been a lifesaver for me here. My HbA1c went from 8.9 to 5.8 in less than a year and has been steady ever since :). No restrictions on driving at all! Regardless, I always love your videos and how you go through all the details/history if the items you're working with... Keep up the great work!