Article ID : 00024812 / Last Modified : 05/25/2022Print

The DVD player cannot read or play the inserted disc.

    If a DVD player cannot read or play the inserted disc, there may be a problem with the disc or the player may not be recognizing the DVD disc. Follow these steps to troubleshoot this issue:

    IMPORTANT:

    • If model-specific information is required to complete any of the steps in this solution, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the product. Manuals are posted on your model support page.
    • Sony cannot guarantee playback when using DVD-Rs or CD-Rs created by a burner.
    • Some DVD players may display a Check Disc error.

    NOTE: It is normal for the DVD player to pause briefly when changing layers on a dual-layered DVD disc. This will occur at the same point in the movie every time the disc is played.

    1. Make sure that the disc has been inserted properly into the player.
    2. Make sure that the DVD player is connected properly to the TV .
    3. Check that the TV where the DVD player is connected to is set to the right input.

      NOTE: For instructions on how to set the TV to the right input, refer to the manual of your TV.

    4. Use a soft cloth to clean the disc ; the disc may have fingerprints or smudges.
    5. Examine the disc for any cracks or scratches that might be interfering with playback.
    6. Make sure the disc playback is not restricted by parental control options.
    7. Make sure the DVD disc is compatible with the player.

      When attempting to play commercial DVD discs:

      • Make sure the DVD region code  and format  of the discs are compatible with the player.
      • Turn off Progressive mode on the DVD player when connecting it to a TV which does not support Progressive mode.

      When attempting to play a recordable disc:

      Make sure the format of the DVD disc is compatible or playable:

      Playable DVD discs:

      DVD

      DVD-RW

      DVD-R

      DVD+RW

      DVD+R

      DVD-RAM

      Movies

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Music

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Still Images

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Playable CD discs:

      CD-ROM

      CD-ROM

      CD-R / CD-RW

      Super Audio CD

      Movies

      -

      -

      -

      Music

      Yes

      Yes

      Only CD Player

      Still Images

      Yes

      Yes

      -

      NOTES:

      • Rewriteable (DVD-RW) discs recorded in the Video Recording (VR) format using a DVD camcorder or DVD recorder may not play on all DVD players. DVD-RW discs recorded in the VR format will only play on DVD players that are VR compatible. Check the instructions manual of the DVD player for compatibility information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.
      • DVD discs in AVCREC or HD Rec format cannot be played.
      • If the disc content was created on another device, make sure the disc has been properly finalized.
    8. Confirm whether the problem is with the disc itself by attempting to play a different disc.

      NOTES:

      • Make sure the other disc is as similar as possible to the first.
      • If you do not have a different disc, try using a different DVD player.
      • If all of the discs cannot be played, make sure that the latest software version of the DVD player has been installed.
    9. If the above steps do not improve the issue, try the following.
      1. If the issue continues, try doing a power reset.
        1. Turn off the DVD player.
        2. Unplug the power cord of the DVD player from the AC outlet.
        3. Let the DVD player remain without power for 1 minute.
        4. Plug the power cord back into the AC outlet.
        5. Turn on the DVD player.
      2. Reset the DVD player to factory default settings.

        NOTE: For instructions on how to reset your DVD player, refer to the supplied operating instruction of the unit. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

    NOTE: Playback issues can also be caused by condensation. If this may be the case, the player should not be used for about an hour to allow to any condensation to dissipate.

    If the issue is still unresolved, service may be required.  Go to Product Repair.