Can lasers in portable DVD players burn out?

Question

i have a poloroid PDM-0742 and it comes up with a message saying bad disk. i tried 3 brand new DVD;s and 1 thats worked before. the disk doesnt even start moving. . i dont think the laser is even on......can that happen...if so do i have to get a new one? options?

Answer 1

if the disk isnt moving then that sounds like something other than the lazer but sadly it sound like the dvd player has bitten the dust.  there are people who can fix these things but because of today's "just buy a new one" attitude they are few and far between.  unless you know of such a place i would just buy a new one

Answer 2

Yes, laser diodes do burn out. They are generally not worth repairing due to the time it takes to properly align the new one. This has to be done by a technician with proper equipment, like an oscilliscope primarily.

Answer 3

just buy a new one... poloroid makes junk anyways