I have yet to find a video that VLC won't play. Here is a link that might be useful: VLC Media Player

I know of at least two ways #1 The easy way - buy a DVD player for the TV, they're cheap these days #2 The harder way: (This is a swag) a) Make sure your cable/satellite box is off. Start the Google TV and make sure the signal is on the TV (that makes sure the TV sees that HDMI input's signal) b)Pull the HDMI cord out of the Google TV box and connect it to the PC c)Boot the PC, see if it recognizes the TV as a display connected by the HDMI cable. If it does, you'll see your normal PC home page on the TV screen. Now play the DVD on the Computer. d)if it doesn't, you'll need to go into control panel, display, and see if you are given a choice of displays OR if there is a Discover button to push (Sorry, I don't have an xp machine here to check with). Switch to the second display, play dvd on PC. If this doesn't work, post back.

Unplugging the device for several minutes has been done. Many times. I need to do it three times before it lets me open the door. I tried changing media brands, always with the same effect. I am pretty sure the thing is kaput, but I posted here hoping to hear of a software update unknown to me before buying a new recorder. Thanks.

Haven't been to a movie for several years, so I can't comment on that. Background sound on TV is ridiculously loud! And, is everyone speaking faster now? Even newscasters where background sound isn't the problem, it seems to be they are speed-talking. Is it just me? Also on TV shows, where they sometimes put the dialogue on the screen, it comes and goes so fast you don't have time to read it. Maybe we all should start emailing the sponsors? Sue