The Knowhow
Do other discs play?
- If other discs are working, check the one you want to watch is not dirty or scratched. Clean it gently with a lint-free cloth and try again. If the disc is very scratched this can mean it won’t play properly and needs repairing or replacement.
- If your disc sticks on a menu, or hangs while loading, you may need to update the firmware on your player to make it work. Check out our guide on doing this here: http://knowhow.com/article.dhtml?articleReference=575&country=uk
- If this is a new disc you’ve never used before, and other discs work, it may be faulty. Return it to the shop for a replacement.
Is the laser OK?
- Make sure the laser can read the discs properly by running a DVD / Blu-ray cleaning disc.
- If you are using a Blu-ray player and you can only get DVDs to play, or vice-versa, one of the lasers in your machine may be faulty and need repairing.
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If you’re using a PS3 and the laser doesn’t seem to be working, you may be able to reset it using this guide.
Are the cables working?
- Turn off your player and unplug all the cables, then reconnect them. Make sure they’re connected to your TV properly and try again.
- If the picture breaks up when a cable is moved or is nudged try using other leads.
- Can you get a picture when connecting with a different type of cable? For example, try using RGB instead of HDMI. If this works, your original cable may need replacing. If, even with a new cable, the original connection type still doesn’t work, there may be a problem with the port on your player or TV.
Is the player functioning OK?
When you insert the disc, can you hear the motor whirring slightly? If not, or if it’s making unusual noises, it may be faulty and need repairing.
If the player isn’t responding at all and all the lights have gone out, turn it off at the wall socket for thirty seconds before turning it on and trying again. If there’s still no sign of life and the disc won’t eject, the player’s electronics may need repair.
If the player won’t function when you press buttons on the remote control but the buttons on the front still work, try replacing the remote’s batteries.
We hope you manage to get your movie night up and running again without needing any repairs. Once the trailers are running, dim the lights, sit back and pass the popcorn.
