Troubleshooting Sony UBP-X700 Region-Free Blu-ray Player for Region 2 DVDs

How do I Program My Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray Player to Play a Region 2 DVD? The Player is Supposed to be “Region Free” but Says “Playback is Prohibited”

The Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray player is advertised as region-free, making it an ideal choice for users looking for a versatile entertainment system. However, many users encounter issues when trying to play Region 2 DVDs on this device. This article aims to guide you through troubleshooting steps, potential solutions, and considerations when dealing with your Sony UBP-X700.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

When you try to play a Region 2 DVD on your Sony UBP-X700 and receive a message saying "playback is prohibited," there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Check the Disc

First and foremost, ensure that the disc is in good condition. Damaged or dirty discs can cause playback issues. Clean the disc gently with a soft cloth, wiping from the center to the edge to remove any dirt or debris. Clean discs reliably can help in resolving playback problems.

2. Verify Player Settings

Although the Sony UBP-X700 is designed to be region-free for Blu-ray discs, it typically has restrictions for DVD playback based on region coding. Check your player's settings to ensure they are correctly configured:

Refer to the user manual for instructions on changing the DVD region. Some players allow this a limited number of times, so be cautious and ensure you follow the guide accurately.

Ensure that the player is set to the correct region for Region 2 content, as some users report success by changing the region settings.

3. Update Firmware

Regular firmware updates can improve compatibility with different discs and resolve issues with playback. Visit the Sony official website to check for the latest firmware and follow the installation instructions to update your UBP-X700 player.

Considering Modifications

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider modifications or interventions. However, be aware that this may void your warranty and should be approached with caution:

Region-Free Modifications

If your Sony UBP-X700 is region-locked for DVDs, you might consider looking into unofficial modifications or hacks. These can include:

Using a mod chip: A mod chip can bypass region restrictions, but this could void your warranty and is not officially supported by Sony. Using a desktop PC or laptop: You can use a multi-region DVD player or a computer with DVD playback software that can bypass region restrictions. VLC Media Player Classic is a popular choice for this purpose. Ensure you have the necessary decryption software installed to play encrypted DVDs.

Alternative Solutions

If you find that modding your UBP-X700 is not an option, consider using alternative devices that are known to be region-free for DVDs:

Multi-region DVD Player: Look for a DVD player that supports Region 1 and Region 2 content. These devices are designed to play DVDs from different geographical regions without issues. Computer with Decryption Software: A computer equipped with a libredrive compatible Blu-ray Super Multi drive and software like VLC Media Player Classic can play encrypted DVDs. This approach requires a bit of technical know-how but can be an effective solution.

Conclusion

When faced with playback issues on a region-free Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray player, it's important to follow proper troubleshooting steps and consider alternative solutions if modifications are not feasible or desirable. Whether you choose to update the firmware, modify the player, or use a different playback device, ensuring you follow the appropriate steps can help resolve the problem and enhance your multimedia experience.