How to Diagnose Problems with DVDs and Blu-Rays

Sometimes there are playback problems when you put a DVD or Blu-Ray disc into your player and press the play button on the remote control. The disc does not play correctly, skips, or does not play at all. The player may display an error message on the TV screen, such as “disc unplayable” or some other error. This is often a sign there is a problem with either the disc or the player. The following tip can help you diagnose the problem and determine the cause.

  1. Verify the disc is clean. Carefully inspect the bottom of the disc for fingerprints, scratches, and dust. All of these can cause playback problems.
  2. Clean the disc. Using a microfiber cloth and an approved cleaning product, spray the cleaning solution on the cloth and wipe from the center of the disc outwards. Avoid wiping in a circular pattern, as this can further damage the disc.
  3. Check for scratches and cracks. Hold the disc under a bright light and see if light passes through the disc in the location of the scratches. If it does, the disc is cracked and is not playable. If not, use an approved scratch removal product to help remove minor scratches.

After trying these tips, allow the disc to dry, and then try to play it again. If it still does not play, try a different DVD or Blu-ray disc to see if it is just that disc. If the other discs do not play in the player, then the problem is most likely the player.

If you need remote controls for your DVD or Blu-ray player, feel free to contact Replacement Remotes at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) for further assistance.