Can PS4 Play Blu-ray & 4K UHD Discs?

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) has long been a favorite among gamers and entertainment enthusiasts alike, offering more than just gaming capabilities. One of its standout features is its ability to function as a multimedia device, including support for Blu-ray disc playback. But what about 4K UHD Blu-rays? While the PS4 delivers stunning gaming and streaming experiences, it falls short when it comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray compatibility. In this guide, we’ll explore the PS4’s Blu-ray capabilities, its limitations with 4K UHD discs, and alternative options for those seeking true 4K UHD playback.

Part 1. Can PS4 Play Blu-Ray?

Both the standard PS4 and the PS4 Pro support these formats, delivering crisp 1080p resolution, which is the standard for most devices. However, when it comes to 4K UHD Blu-rays, the PS4 falls short. Despite the PS4 Pro’s ability to stream 4K content and play games in 4K resolution, neither model is equipped with the specialized Blu-ray drive required to play 4K UHD discs. These discs offer significantly higher video and audio quality compared to standard Blu-rays, but you’ll need a dedicated 4K UHD Blu-ray player or a PlayStation 5 to enjoy them.

Part 2. How to PS4 Play Blu-Ray

If you're eager to enjoy your favorite Blu-ray movies on your PS4, worry not; it's a straightforward process that even tech novices can handle. The PS4 indeed plays Blu-ray movies, but there are a few steps you need to follow for smooth playback.

• Step 1: Update Your PS4 Software
  Before diving into Blu-ray Bliss, make sure your PS4 is up to date. Head over to "Settings" and then "System Software Update." Download and install any available updates. This ensures your PS4 has the necessary software to handle Blu-ray discs.

  

• Step 2: Enable Disc Playback Feature
  If it's your first time playing a Blu-ray on your PS4, it may prompt you to download an update to enable this feature. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to get this sorted.

• Step 3: Insert the Blu-ray Disc
  With your PS4 software updated, insert the Blu-ray disc into the optical drive. Ensure the front side of the disc is facing towards you as you gently slide it in.

• Step 4: Download 'Media Player' Application
  If not installed, visit the PlayStation Store and download the 'Media Player' application. This app allows your PS4 to recognize and play Blu-ray content seamlessly.

  

• Step 5: Start Playing
  Once the disc is inserted, a dynamic menu will appear. Click on the "Start" icon on the screen to kick off your Blu-ray experience. If prompted to allow an internet connection, click "Yes”.

  

While playing Blu-rays on PS4 is generally simple, you might encounter issues like "unrecognized disc" or format incompatibility. Fear not! A reliable solution is to use HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) to convert your Blu-ray content into a PS4-friendly format, eliminating any playback hiccups. Enjoy your movie night hassle-free on your PS4!

Part 3. How to Play 4K UHD Blu-Rays on PS4

You might be surprised if whether you can play 4K Blu-ray on PlayStation 4. Unfortunately, the PS4 doesn't support 4K Blu-ray playback directly. But fear not! There's a workaround that involves converting your 4K Blu-ray movies to PS4-compatible formats, like H.264 MP4. In this guide, we'll show you how to achieve this using the DVD Ripper feature of HitPaw Univd. It's a simple and effective solution to bring high-quality movies to your PS4.

HitPaw Univd's DVD Ripper Feature

HitPaw Univd is a versatile tool that supports ripping blu ray to 1000+ formats and devices. Here are some of its highlighted features:

• Rip blu ray disc (4K included) and ordinary DVDs to MP4, MOV, AVI and any other format
• Convert blu ray discs to play on iPhone, Android, PS3/4/5, Apple TV, etc.
• Keep chapters after ripping
• Preserve original quality
• Batch downloads at 120x faster speed
• Cut/Crop/Trim/Watermark the ripped videos with the built-in editor
• 20+ other media in this versatile converter
• This program works on both Windows and Mac systems

Here's a step-by-step guide to using its DVD Ripper feature:

• Step 1. Free download and install HitPaw Univd on your PC or Mac.

• Step 2. You can drag your blu ray disc directly onto the interface or go to Add Files > Add DVD to load your DVD or folder.

  

• Step 3. After importing the blu ray disc or IFO/ISO files, you can play and preview the chapters by double-clicking the video thumbnail. If needed, click the file name to edit the title, or use the pen and info icons to edit media metainfo.

  

• Step 4. Click the inverted triangle icon on the lower right side of each file to select an output format. Alternatively, click "Convert all to" in the lower-left corner to choose a unified output format for all files.

  

• Step 5. Click Convert All button to start converting 4K blu ray to PS4 format. HitPaw Univd uses lossless conversion and GPU acceleration to enhance speed and maintain quality.

  

Following these steps, you'll successfully convert your 4K blu-ray content into a format compatible with your PS4. Now, transfer the files to your console and enjoy the stunning visuals on your big screen. HitPaw Univd makes the process seamless, allowing you to maximise your PS4's media capabilities. Happy watching!

Read More:NTSC VS PAL: Is NTSC or PAL Better Quality?

Part 4. FAQs

The Bottom Line

The PS4 isn't just a gaming powerhouse—it's also your go-to entertainment center. Whether you're into gaming or movie nights, the PS4 covers you. The built-in Blu-ray drive ensures a smooth experience for enjoying your favorite Blu-ray movies.

While the PS4 may not support 4K UHD discs directly, you can convert 4K UHD blu rays to 4K MP4 with HitPaw Univd and then enjoy the 4K videos on PS4.