Not always. In many players, there is a seperate laser for CDs entirely.
In other cases, it's the same laser, but the focus of the beam is different. Reading a CD is much easier for a DVD player because the pit (which represents data) on the CD is about 7 times bigger than it is on the DVD. Think about it this way... If you look at one of those eye charts:
The big E at the top represents the CD, while the DVD is a row that's much further down, and much harder to see. If there is grime or dust on the laser lens, it may still be able to make out the E, but not the smaller letters.
There could be other problems as well. The laser may be unable to refocus for some mechanical reason, or there could be some other odd failure. It really depends on the player. Try cleaning the laser lens, resetting the unit, and trying various discs. In the end, you may need to replace it because, unfortunately, you can't get a pair of glasses for a DVD player. :-)
You'll find a lot of useful information in this article: http://www.techlore.com/article/10478/
How can it play music CD's and then not play DVD's? Do they not use the same drive, lens, etc.?
Not always. In many players, there is a seperate laser for CDs entirely.
In other cases, it's the same laser, but the focus of the beam is different. Reading a CD is much easier for a DVD player because the pit (which represents data) on the CD is about 7 times bigger than it is on the DVD. Think about it this way... If you look at one of those eye charts:
The big E at the top represents the CD, while the DVD is a row that's much further down, and much harder to see. If there is grime or dust on the laser lens, it may still be able to make out the E, but not the smaller letters.
There could be other problems as well. The laser may be unable to refocus for some mechanical reason, or there could be some other odd failure. It really depends on the player. Try cleaning the laser lens, resetting the unit, and trying various discs. In the end, you may need to replace it because, unfortunately, you can't get a pair of glasses for a DVD player. :-)
Thanks so very much for helping me with this problem