All PlayStation®2 System Series / Movies

DVD Troubleshooting

If you are unable to plays DVDs on your PlayStation®2: Back to top


  • Make sure the PlayStation®2 and TV (and VCR if using one) are turned on and that they are securely connected using the AV cable (integrated audio/video), RFU adaptor, or S VIDEO cable.
  • Visually check to make sure the AC power cord is not damaged. Please see PlayStation®2 70000 Series or PlayStation®2 30000-50000 Series Installation Instructions for help with set up.

  • Make sure the underside of the DVD is clean. If a DVD begins to skip or freeze, or if there is no reaction whatsoever from a DVD that has been inserted in the system, make sure the underside of the disc is clean. To clean a DVD:
    • Use the small, circular pads made specifically for cleaning discs, sold at most music or computer software stores.
    • If you do not have a cleaning pad, you can use a dry, lint-free cloth.

      NOTE: Other materials, such as a paper towel or a T-shirt, may scratch the disc. If there are any scratches, smudges, or fingerprints on the disc, it may not function properly.

  • Run the auto diagnosis feature to allow the system to make setting adjustments. Please see Auto Diagnosis on PlayStation®2.
  • If possible, try to play the DVD on another PlayStation®2.
    • If the DVD still does not play correctly, the DVD might need replacing.
    • If the DVD does play correctly, the original PlayStation®2 might need repairs. Please see How to Obtain Service.
  • Make sure you have selected the video input on the TV.
  • In rare instances, certain DVDs do not operate properly with the PlayStation®2. The problem is primarily due to variations in the manufacturing processes or software encoding of the DVD video software.

If the DVD does not play from the beginning: Back to top


  • You might have selected the "Resume Play" option.
  • Press the Stop button, then try restarting the DVD.

If the disc does not play even if the DVD title is selected: Back to top


A Parental Control level may have been set on the DVD.

If playback stops automatically: Back to top


The DVD may contain an auto pause signal. While playing such a DVD, PlayStation®2 stops playback when it comes to the signal.

If you cannot perform some functions, such as Stop, Search, or Slow-Motion Play: Back to top


Depending on the DVD, you may not be able to perform some of these operations.

If the surround effect is difficult to hear when a Dolby Digital audio track is playing: Back to top


  • Check the speaker connections and settings. Refer to the operating manual for your audio equipment.
  • You must specify Dolby Digital as the audio output signal for your PlayStation®2. Set Dolby Digital to "On" for the DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) connector.
  • On some DVDs with Dolby Digital audio tracks, the output signal might not contain the entire 5.1 channel range.

If the language for the audio track or subtitles cannot be changed: Back to top


  • Multilingual tracks or subtitles might not be recorded on the DVD.
  • Changing the language for the track or subtitles might be prohibited on the DVD.

If the subtitles cannot be turned off: Back to top


  • Depending on the DVD, you may not be able to turn off the subtitles.

If the angles cannot be changed when playing a DVD: Back to top


  • Multi-angles might not be recorded on the DVD.
  • Changing the angles might be prohibited on the DVD.

If the aspect ratio is incorrect: Back to top


  • The aspect ratio cannot be changed when playing wide picture DVDs.
  • On some DVDs, the aspect ratio cannot be changed.
  • On some TVs, the aspect ratio cannot be changed.
  • Do not connect a selector or receiver (amplifier) between the PlayStation®2 and the TV. Make sure the PlayStation®2 is connected directly to the TV.