Panasonic dmr-ex88 won't play any dvd, or music cd's. It is region 2 and I've tried genuine region 2 discs.

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMREZ27-MUL.pdf
this plays region 1 or all regions disc.....recording format can be different, may not play some discs...read this.......good success, meder's tv service

your recorder will normally give you 5 changes at different regions, and on the last region change that is the one that it stays on, although if you you have never changed the region go to> my computer>right click on your dvd drive>properties and on the hardware tab, your hard drive and dvd drive will show, highlight your dvd drive and click properties and click the dvd regions tab and look at the region to see wot its set at, if you still have 5 changes, it should be set at your region one, if there are no changes left you need to search and download a region free dvd programme to allow any region dvd to be played programme

TRY DMR-E85 DVD Recorder Firmware Update
Version DL-106

Compatible Models DMR-E85HS

Issues Addressed Issues Addressed

1. Corrects DVD Recorder hang-up or freezing during DVD playback caused by connection to Scientific Atlanta cable box model # 3250.
2. Improves playability of discs with high reflection detected.
3. Improves playability of discs with fingerprints.
4. Improves disc playability corresponding to CPRM.
5. Improves playability of DVD-RAM x16 discs

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Video/DVD-Recorders-Players/DVD-Recorders/Drivers-Downloads/model.DMR-E85HS.D#ts

If DVD disc was purchase in New Zealand the region code is Region 4, if the Panasonic unit was purchase in the US it only plays DVD disc with region code "Region 1 and ALL". This information is found on the back label of the disc that has the code on the globe.

Appreciate the direct "Ask Me".

Since both are record capable:

• hook the Video and Left/Right Audio OUT of the DMR-ES30V to one of the composite/matching INPUT of the DMR-EX88;
• use the DMR-ES30V as a player and the DMR-EX88;
• to be able to watch and monitor the output, temporarily hook up the OUTPUT of the DMR-EX88 to the INPUT of the TV.

I had the same trouble, also wouldn't play back discs that I recorded using it. The commonly listed reset of channel up and down at the same time was not meant for this model.
Below is the official solution that was sent to me by panasonic.
After using this method to reset my player it worked great. it was just like taking it out of the box for the first time.

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for your inquiry, reguarding model DMR-ES40V.

Try this reset to fix the issue.

1. Unit power must be on.

2. Press [STOP] & [VHS > DVD] ON THE UNIT for over 5 seconds.

Thank you for contacting Panasonic.

Thank You,
Panasonic Consumer Support
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomerSupport?storeId=11251

My Panasonic Recorder DMR-ES10, will not play discs sent to me from the U/K,
using a L.G dr275 recorder, onto a DVD+R disc, how can i overcome this problem. regards Tom Escott.

need to know how to play multi zone dvd on my panasonic DMR-EH57.

You need to hack the dvd reinstalled firmware, I can see if I find hacked firmware for your dvd