I have a DVD recorder (standalone unit) that I use to record TV shows, copy tapes & DVDs, and also use it to record in real time from the computer. The DVD recorder will no longer accept disks - neither blank disks, nor store-bought movies, nor those itself made and finalized in the past. It simply will not accept any disks at all and is not a matter of cleaning it. When I insert a disk, it goes through the usual process but never recognizes anything.

My cousin, who often works on my computers, TVs, and other electronic devices, says I can simply take a DVD burner from one of the computers and put it into the DVD recorder. I'm afraid to allow him to try it for fear it will destroy some mechanism and end up the burner will not function when placed back into the computer. As much as that, I question how the recorder's buttons and remote control will operate a different unit. Also, DVDs made on burners in the computer don't have to be finalized, but DVDs recorded on the DVD recorder do have to be finalized. I never understood why that is but at any rate, I'm wondering if you think the hard drive in the recorder will still be able to perform the same operations and drive the DVD burner.

Does what he says make sense to you?

Do you think it can work?