Troubleshooting

Disc (BD/DVD/CD) Troubleshooting

The following disc troubleshooting options apply to Blu-ray Disc™ (BD), DVD and CD.

General Troubleshooting: Back to top


  • Confirm the disc is clean
    • To clean a disc, use lint-free cleaning cloths made specifically for cleaning discs, sold at computer software stores. When cleaning the disc, we recommend starting from the innermost circle, and wiping out to the edge in a straight line. We do not recommend wiping in a circular motion, as it may create more scratches on the disc.
    • Note: Other materials, such as a paper towel or a T-shirt, may also scratch the disc. If there are any scratches, smudges, or fingerprints on the disc, it may not function properly. Also, do not use or insert any CD/DVD drive cleaners into the PLAYSTATION 3 as doing so may cause damage to the system.
  • Try a different disc
    • Try playing different Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, or CDs on the PLAYSTATION 3 console to see if the problem exists across multiple discs.
  • Try a different PLAYSTATION®3
    • To determine if the problem is with the disc itself, try playing the disc on a different PLAYSTATION®3 system, (or a PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PS one™ console, or a standalone CD/DVD player, if applicable).
  • Confirm that you are not using any game modification devices
    • Unlicensed devices such as game modification devices can interfere with the proper function of the software. We do not recommend the use of any game modification devices or unlicensed products.
    • Note: Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) recommends only using products that are licensed for use with PlayStation� products. If the product you are using is neither made by, nor licensed by, SCEA for use on the PS3 system, we recommend you discontinue the use of that product. Please keep in mind products that fail to meet or exceed SCEA's strict quality standards can cause damage to the PS3 system immediately, or with prolonged use. SCEA is not responsible for damages caused by untested, unlicensed products, and any remaining Limited SonyWarranty on the product will be considered void. It is the responsibility of the company that manufactured the unlicensed product to accommodate you, should their product cause damage to an SCEA product.
  • Turn off the BD 1080p 24Hz Output(HDMI) option
    • f the Blu-ray Disc� does not support 1080p 24Hz video mode, the video output may not display properly. Go to [BD 1080p 24Hz Output(HDMI)] under Settings icon (Settings) > [BD/DVD Settings] and select "Off".
  • Confirm that the disc you want to play is supported by the PS3™ system
    • View what disc media is supported by the PS3 system.
    • Macrovision Information (for DVD copyright protection)
      • If the PLAYSTATION 3 is connected to the television through a VCR, you may not be able to view DVD movies. This is because of the copyright protection coding that has been programmed into the discs by the DVD manufacturers. If the PS3 system is installed directly to a VCR or TV/VCR combo, please try connecting the PS3 system directly to the TV's video/audio inputs for DVD movie playback.
    • HDCP Compliancy (for Blu-ray Disc with video content)
      • If using HDMI cables, confirm whether the disc you are trying to play has High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) built in. If so, confirm that the TV or display you are using is also HDCP compliant. Copyright-protected Blu-ray video discs can only be output at 1080p using an HDMI cable connected to a device that is compatible with the HDCP standard.
    • Advanced Access Content System (AACS) for Blu-ray Disc content
      • Blu-ray Disc uses the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) for audio/video content protection. If the Blu-ray Disc does not play, you may need to update your PLAYSTATION 3 to the latest system software to ensure the latest AACS keys have been updated.

        • To learn more about AACS, visit our Consumer Alerts page on AACS.

If the PLAYSTATION 3 does not recognize the disc: Back to top


  • Remove the disc and reinsert it.
  • If the disc has a label, insert it with the label side up.
  • Check whether the disc is scratched or dirty. If dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
  • Make sure the disc has not been exposed to high temperatures, high humidity or direct sunlight. When discs will not be used for an extended period of time, store them in their cases. Stacking uncased discs or storing them at an angle can cause them to warp.
  • DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW discs that have not been finalized cannot be played.
  • When outputting DVD content or PLAYSTATION 3 format software in SD resolution, only discs recorded in the NTSC standard can be played.

If the disc cannot be removed: Back to top


  • Touch the eject button on the PLAYSTATION®3 system front for 10 seconds or longer to force the disc to eject. After removing and before reinserting a disc into the PLAYSTATION®3, turn off the system, and then turn on the system again to resume use.

If the DVD or Blu-ray Disc (BD) cannot be played, or the picture is distorted: Back to top


  • When outputting DVD content or PLAYSTATION®3 system format software in SD resolution, only discs recorded in the NTSC standard can be played.
  • If the PLAYSTATION®3 is connected to a VCR or a combination TV/VCR unit, copy protection encoding on some DVDs and BDs may cause image distortion, or may cause the image to become lighter or darker. In such cases, connect the system to the TV directly.
  • If the DVD or BD does not match the region code set in the PLAYSTATION®3, it cannot be played.
  • Some DVDs are preset with parental control restrictions. Enter the password that was set in "Security Settings" to temporarily increase the viewer age restriction level.
  • Some BDs are preset with parental control restrictions. Enter the password that was set in "Security Settings" to change the parental control level.
  • The BD may be disc-locked. Enter the password that was set when the disc was created.

If the size of the video image and the TV screen do not match: Back to top


  • Check that the PLAYSTATION®3 system's video output settings are correct.
  • Check that the PLAYSTATION®3 settings of the connected TV are correct. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with your TV.
  • With some video content, the screen size cannot be changed.