The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is more than a gaming console, it's an entertainment system that can play multiple media formats. If you’re wondering, "can PS4 play DVDs?" the answer is yes, but there are some caveats. In this guide, we’ll go over how PS4 plays DVDs, supported formats, troubleshooting tips and alternative ways to watch your favorite movies on PS4. Whether you’re new to PS4 or looking to get the most out of it, this guide has everything you need.
Can You Play DVDs on PS4: Supported and Unsupported Formats
Does PS4 play DVDs? Yes, the PS4 can play DVDs, Blu-rays, and 3D videos. Plus, it has software applications for easy movie and video playback. However, to play DVDs directly on your PS4, make sure your system is updated to the latest software. Additionally, not all disc formats or regions are supported. Let’s take a closer look at which formats the PS4 supports and which it doesn’t.
PS4-supported DVD Formats
- DVD-ROM
- DVD-R/RW*1 (video mode, VR mode*2)
- DVD+R/RW*1.
AVCHD content is supported on compatible discs, and CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media) is supported in VR mode.
Unsupported DVD Formats
You should avoid using the following types of discs on your PS4, as they may damage your system:
- 8 cm discs
- Non-circular discs
- Discs that are cracked or deformed
- Discs that have been repaired
DVD Region Code Limitations
PS4 follows the standard DVD region code system, which means a disc from one region may not work on a console from another region. The region codes are:
- Region 1: U.S., Canada
- Region 2: Europe, Japan, Middle East, South Africa
- Region 3: Southeast Asia
- Region 4: Australia, South America
- Region 5: Russia, India, Africa
- Region 6: China
Blu-ray discs use a different region system (A, B, C), and PS4 games are not region-locked.
Additional Things to Keep in Mind
- DualDiscs: If you have a DualDisc with one side adhering to the DVD standard and another containing audio-only content, your PS4 will not play the audio-only side.
- Damaged Discs: Scratched, damaged, or dusty discs may not play properly on your PS4.
- Recording Quality: DVDs may fail to play due to poor recording quality or the unique characteristics of the device used to create the recording.
- Manufacturing Variations: Rare DVDs or other media might not be playable due to variations in their manufacturing process or encoding.
How to Play DVD on PS4: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the instructions below to enjoy your DVDs on the PS4 with ease.
Step 1: Set up Internet Connection
First, turn on your PS4. Then, log in to your account if prompted. You need an internet connection if you use it for the first time. Navigate to "Settings", and "Network" to set up an internet connection.
Step 2: Insert the DVD
The next step is to insert the DVD you want to watch into the optical drive of your PS4 console.
Step 3: Find your DVD.
The movie should begin automatically, or you may see it in the XMB menu. Simply locate your movie title and press the X/O button.
When you first attempt to play DVDs on your PS4, ensure that your console is connected to the internet, as it will automatically enable disc playback. Once the feature is activated, you won't need an internet connection to play DVDs or Blu-ray discs in the future.
Alternative Ways to Watch DVDs on PS4
While the PS4 is equipped to play DVDs directly, there are times when alternative methods may be more convenient or necessary, such as when dealing with unsupported disc formats or damaged DVDs. Converting your DVDs to a digital format and playing them via a USB drive is a practical solution. To play digital videos on your PS4, you’ll need to convert DVDs into one of the following supported formats:
- MKV
- Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2
- Audio: MP3, AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
- AVI
- Video: MPEG4 ASP, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2
- Audio: MP3, AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
- MP4
- Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
- High Profile Level 5.2 (PlayStation®4 Pro only)
- Audio: AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital), LPCM
- MPEG-2 PS
- Video: MPEG2 Visual
- Audio: MP2 (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2), MP3, AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital), LPCM
- MPEG-2 TS
- Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2, MPEG2 Visual
- Audio: MP2 (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2), AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
- AVCHD (.m2ts, .mts)
- XAVC S™ (.mp4)
Below, we’ll explore how to convert DVDs using tools like DVDFab DVD Ripper and play the converted files on your PS4.
Convert to Digital Using DVDFab DVD Ripper
DVDFab DVD Ripper is a product from DVDFab that allows you to convert DVD to 1000+ video and audio formats such as MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, M4V, TS, WebM, M2TS, 3GP, MP3, WMA, AAC, M4A, FLAC, OGG, PCM, and more. Besides that, it can also identify and bypass common DVD copy protections such as CSS, APS, RC, Sony DADC, and others, enabling seamless conversion of DVDs to digital formats.
Follow the steps below to convert your DVD into a digital one with DVDFab DVD Ripper.
Step 1: Insert DVD
Launch DVDFab 13 and head to the Ripper module. Insert the DVD you want to rip; it will auto-load the source.
Step 2: Choose Profile and Customize Settings
To be compatible with PS4, click “Choose Other Profile” > “Device” > “Sony” and select PlayStation 4. You can also choose one from the Format tab if you prefer a specific format. Choose the title (the main movie is selected by default) and chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles. You can also customize settings like codec, frame rate, and resolution by clicking the wrench icon.
Step 3: Save and Start the Conversion
Click the Folder icon at the bottom to select the output video folder. Then click the “Start” button to convert the DVD to PS4 video. After that, you can transfer and play the converted DVD on your PS4.
Move and Play with a USB Drive
After the conversion is done, transfer the PS4-supported videos to a USB drive and plug it into your PS4 to play them. But before playing the videos, download and install the Media Player app from the PlayStation Store. Then follow the steps below to play the video from your USB drive.
Step 1: Plug in your USB drive to your PS4 and open the Media Player app. You should see your USB drive on the device list.
Step 2: Select your USB device from the list.
Step 3: Next, pick any video that you want to play and press the X/O button to play it.
How to Fix PS4 Not Playing DVDs and Other Common Issues
Although you can watch DVD movies on your PS4, you may occasionally encounter problems. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Your PS4 isn't Playing DVDs
Keeping your system updated is essential, as updates provide new features and fix various bugs. If you’re using your PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro to watch DVDs, ensure it is updated to version 1.50 or higher.
Additionally, if your PS4 is connected to the internet, you’ll receive notifications when updates are available. If your PS4 isn’t playing DVDs, try updating the system and check again, as this could resolve the issue. To update your PS4, simply go to "Settings" and select "System Software Update".
Region Locked
Your PS4 is region-locked based on the location where it was purchased. DVDs from a different region are unlikely to work on your console. If you attempt to play a DVD or Blu-ray from an unsupported region, you’ll see an error message stating, "Cannot play this disc due to region restrictions."
If your PS4 won't play a DVD because of region constraints, you can modify the region settings. However, the PS4 only permits you to change the DVD region four times before locking to the last region you choose. To change the region on your PS4, follow the procedures below:
Step 1: Go to System, select Maintenance, then choose Device Manager, and click on DVD/CD-ROM.
Step 2: In the Device Properties window, find the DVD Region option.
Step 3: Select the region number that matches your DVD’s region code from the list.
- Unrecognized Disc
If you encounter this problem while playing games or DVDs, try ejecting the disc and gently cleaning it with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or scratches.
Not Accepting DVD
If your PS4 unexpectedly ejects a DVD, you can try:
Step 1: Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps, keeping it pressed for over 30 seconds until the screen turns off.
Step 2: Then, unplug the power cord from the PS4 for 3–5 minutes before restarting the system.
According to PlayStation’s support page, burned or copied DVDs are not supported and will not work on the PS4.
FAQs About Can PS4 Play DVDs
Can PlayStation 4 play DVDs in 4K?
The PlayStation 4 supports 4K films and photos, but not games or DVD discs. When it comes to gameplay, no PS4 games are available in real 4K quality. Most PS4 games operate in 1080p Full HD with a frame rate of up to 60fps.
Can PS4 play MP3 files?
PS4 supports MP3 but with limitations. With Update 2.0, a USB music player was added. To play your MP3 files, save them to a USB drive and connect them to PS4 via USB port. You’ll get a simple music player with basic controls, play, pause, skip tracks, and volume adjustment. But you can’t transfer music files from USB drive to PS4’s internal storage.
How can I play a DVD on a PS4 without a controller?
You can play a DVD on a PS4 without a controller by using alternative input devices like a keyboard, mouse, or even your phone. While these options are not ideal for gaming, they work well for non-gaming activities like navigating menus, browsing, or streaming. Just connect a compatible keyboard or mouse to your PS4 or use the PS4 Second Screen app on your phone to control the playback.
Can you play DVDs on PS4 without internet?
The first time you play a DVD on your PS4, you need the internet to activate the disc playback feature. After that, you can play DVDs without the Internet.
How can I play DVDs on a PS4 if they won’t play?
If a DVD isn’t supported, you can rip it to a compatible digital format using software like DVDFab DVD Ripper, then transfer and play it via USB or the Media Player app.
Final Wrap-up
Apart from being a game console, the PlayStation 4 is a complete entertainment system capable of running digital media, Blu-ray discs, and DVDs. If you're wondering, "Can PS4 Play DVDs?" the answer is yes; however, there are certain restrictions, including unsupported formats and region limitations.
To overcome these challenges, use software such as DVDFab DVD Ripper to convert DVDs to digital format, which will play smoothly. This article will show you how to play DVDs on PS4, fix common issues, and use the Media Player app for a complete multimedia experience.