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The PlayStation 4 is a fantastic gaming console, but many users wonder: Can the PS4 play 4K Blu-ray discs? Regretfully, the original, Slim, and Pro variants of the PS4 do not allow physical 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback. While the PS4 Pro supports 4K gaming and streaming, the disc drive is limited to 1080p Blu-rays.

So, what can you do? I’ll break down the PS4’s actual 4K capabilities, explain why the disc drive falls short, and share workarounds to enjoy 4K movies on your console. There are also solid alternatives if you wish to play 4K Blu-rays.

Can PS4 Play 4K Blu-ray

Can Standard PS4 Play 4K Blu-ray discs

Having owned a PS4 for a long time, I can say that PS4 consoles offer outstanding gaming capability. Regarding 4K Blu-ray playback, though, you should be aware of some limitations.

Optical Drive

Here's what I've found through testing: While both models play regular Blu-rays perfectly fine, neither the PS4 nor PS4 Slim can handle 4K Ultra HD discs. It's disappointing, especially considering even budget 4K players from 2018 could do this. The hardware just wasn't built for it.

Maximum Resolution Output for PS4

After connecting mine to numerous TVs, I discovered the truth: the maximum native resolution is 1080p. Yes, your 4K TV will upscale the image, but this is not actual 4K quality. If you're serious about ultra HD content, consider newer consoles such as the PlayStation 5.

Does PS4 Pro Play 4K Blu-rays

Sony launched the PS4 Pro as the upgraded iteration of its leading console, featuring enhanced graphics and improved performance. Is a 4K Blu-ray player included, then?

Optical Drive

Like the PS4 and PS4 Slim models, I found the Pro's disc drive to be quite disappointing. It manages standard Blu-rays with ease, yet it fails to recognize 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays entirely. This seems to be a lost chance, particularly considering that the rival Xbox One S was able to incorporate this feature while being more affordable.

Max Resolution Output for Ps4 Pro

Here's the interesting part: through my testing, the Pro does deliver true 4K, but only for games and streaming. While you'll get stunning 4K gaming (when properly optimized) and crisp Netflix streams, physical 4K movies remain completely off the table. For a console marketed as 4K-ready, this limitation continues to baffle me.

How to Get Ready for Blu-ray Playback on PS4

Your PS4 may not support 4K Blu-rays, but it does support standard Blu-rays and DVDs. If you’re unsure, here’s a complete guide to whether PS4 can play DVDs for more details. Before you insert that disc, there are several aspects you should verify to guarantee optimal playback.

1. Blu-ray Region Restrictions on PS4: Blu-ray functionality on PS4 adheres to strict regional encoding. The system recognizes three primary zones (A, B, and C), with discs only functioning on consoles matching their designated region. This restriction, common among Blu-ray players, affects media purchased outside the console's native region.

Region Code Supported Locations
Region A North America, Central and South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia.
Region B Europe, Greenland, French territories, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Region C India, Nepal, Mainland China, Russia, and other Central and South Asian countries.

For example, PS4 consoles in North America (Region A) are locked to Region A and region-free discs. They cannot play Region B or C discs at all. Many users discover this the hard way when importing European or Asian Blu-rays. Always verify the region code printed on both your disc and console before purchase.

2. Keep Your System Updated: Sony regularly pushes system updates that often include crucial Blu-ray playback improvements. Before inserting any disc, navigate to Settings > System Software Update to install the latest firmware. For discs using formats introduced after the PS4's release, system updates often fix playback problems that initially occur.

3. HDMI Connection: For the sharpest Blu-ray experience, I always recommend using a premium HDMI cable between your PS4 and TV. The difference between a $5 cable and a proper high-speed HDMI 2.0 cable becomes obvious when watching films, you'll notice cleaner colors and zero signal dropouts.

4. Insert the Blu-ray Disc: Just pop the Blu-ray disc into your PS4's slot, the console recognizes it immediately. You'll see the movie appear right on your home screen. Then simply select it with your controller and hit play to start watching.

5. PS4-Compatible Disc and Digital Formats: If your PS4 isn't reading a disc, it's likely an incompatible format. Here are the disc types that work with your console:

  • Blu-ray Discs: BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE
  • DVDs: DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW
  • Other Supported Discs: Hybrid discs, AVCHD, CPRM

If you try to play any disc types not listed above, your PS4 simply won't read them.

6. Supported Digital Video Formats: The PS4 doesn't just play discs, it also supports the below digital video formats through USB or streaming services:

  • MKV: Offers exceptional video quality, perfect for HD viewing
  • AVI: A commonly used format with broad compatibility
  • MP4: A widely supported format that plays smoothly on PS4
  • MPEG-2 TS: Frequently used for digital TV broadcasts and Blu-ray content

To avoid playback issues, confirm your videos are in PS4-compatible formats.

How to Play 4K Blu-ray Content in 1080p on PS4/PS4 Slim

While PS4 models cannot directly play 4K Blu-ray discs, a solution exists: you can use software like DVDFab UHD Ripper to convert the discs to 1080p. This preserves most of the original quality while guaranteeing they are playable on your console.

Ripping 4K Blu-ray Disc to 1080p using DVDFab UHD Ripper

can ps4 play 4k blu-ray

DVDFab UHD Ripper specializes in duplicating UHD Blu-ray discs, the official 4K disc format, and converting them into 1080p files that work effortlessly on PS4. It preserves HDR and a broad color spectrum from the original UHD disc, now presented in Full HD resolution, enabling you to experience high-quality visuals without needing a 4K Blu-ray player.

Steps for Using DVDFab UHD Ripper to Convert 4K Blu-ray Disc to 1080p

Step 1: Download and Install DVDFab UHD Ripper

Start by downloading DVDFab from the official website. After quick installation, open the program and choose the Ripper function to begin. The software supports both Windows and macOS, just pick the right version for your system.

Convert 4K Blu-ray Disc to 1080p with DVDFab UHD Ripper

Step 2: Insert the 4K Blu-ray Disc

Slide your 4K Blu-ray disc into the computer’s drive, but check it’s UHD-compatible first. The software instantly recognizes the disc once it’s in.

Step 3: Select the Output Profile

In DVDFab, choose MP4/MKV for PS4 compatibility. Set resolution to 1080p (the PS4's limit), and don't forget to manually select premium audio tracks like DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby Atmos if you want theater-quality sound.

How to Play 4K Blu-ray Content in 1080p on PS4

Step 4: Choose the Output Folder

Next, choose where to save your file, either on your computer or a USB drive (which makes moving it to your PS4 much simpler). Just remember: the PS4 works best with exFAT-formatted USB drives.

How to Play 4K Blu-ray Content on PS4

Step 5: Start the Ripping Process

Click Start to begin. DVDFab will convert your 4K disc to 1080p MP4 or other formats. Conversion speed depends on your PC, expect about an hour for most movies.

how to play 4k blu-ray on ps4 using dvdfab

Step 6: Transfer the File to PS4

After ripping, move the file to a FAT32/exFAT USB drive. On your PS4, plug in the drive, launch Media Player, and select your movie to enjoy 4K-quality content in 1080p.

Why Use DVDFab UHD Ripper?

DVDFab UHD Ripper offers several key features that make it an excellent choice for ripping 4K Blu-ray discs:

 
  • High-Speed Ripping: DVDFab UHD Ripper ensures fast and efficient conversion, even for large 4K Blu-ray files. The process can be completed in a matter of hours, depending on your computer's specs.
  • Lossless Quality: DVDFab keeps your 4K movies looking and sounding incredible even at 1080p. Advanced algorithms that preserve all the detail from the original disc, you'll still get that theater-quality experience, just at a slightly lower resolution.
  • Multiple Formats Supported: It lets you choose from popular formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI, perfect whether you're watching on a PS4, smart TV, or mobile device. No more compatibility headaches; just pick the right format for your setup and go.
  • User-Friendly Interface: DVDFab's clean layout and drag-and-drop simplicity make 4K conversion painless, whether you're a first-timer or a pro. I was ripping movies within minutes of installing, no tutorial needed.

This software allows you to overcome the PS4's restriction on playing 4K Blu-ray discs. Transforming your discs into a PS4-compatible 1080p format enables you to relish your 4K movie collection on the console with exceptional playback quality.

How to Play 4K Blu-ray Content on PS4 Pro

The PS4 Pro's optical drive can't handle 4K Blu-rays, but it delivers superb 4K streaming. For watching 4K movies and shows through Netflix, Disney+, and other major apps, the PS4 Pro remains a strong option with full access to today's top streaming platforms and full HDR support.

To set up your PS4 Pro for optimal 4K streaming:

  1. Ensure You Have a 4K-Compatible TV: Your PS4 Pro streams 4K, but you'll need a 4K TV to actually see it. Double-check that your television supports 4K resolution, and always use a high-speed HDMI cable (look for the 'Ultra HD' label).
  2. Set the PS4 Pro to Output 4K: Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and choose 2160p. This sets your PS4 Pro to native 4K output (requires 4K TV and HDMI 2.0 cable).
  3. Stream 4K Content: With your settings in place, start your 4K streaming on Netflix or YouTube, but first verify your internet hits at least 25 Mbps. For best results, I recommend 50+ Mbps, this prevents those annoying quality drops during peak scenes.

While the PS4 Pro does not support 4K Blu-ray playback, it excels in streaming 4K content and providing 4K gaming experiences.

FAQs

Why doesn't the PS4 support 4K Blu-ray?

Because the PS4's disc drive wasn't built for Ultra HD or 4K Blu-rays, no PS4 model can play them. The PS4 Pro streams 4K because it has upgraded processing, but its disc hardware remains identical to the base PS4.

What formats does PS4 support for video playback?

Your PS4 plays:

  • Standard 1080p Blu-ray discs
  • DVDs
  • Digital files (MP4, MKV, AVI)

Plus, it streams from Netflix, YouTube, and other popular apps.

Can PS4 play 4K Blu-ray discs without internet?

While PS5 and standalone players handle 4K Blu-rays, no PS4 model (original/Slim/Pro) can, their disc drives lack Ultra HD Blu-ray compatibility by design, unaffected by software or internet.

Conclusion

Can PS4 play 4K Blu-ray? It's one of the most frequent questions we hear from home theater enthusiasts. Here's the straight truth: no PS4 model, not the original, Slim, or even the more powerful Pro, can actually play 4K Blu-ray discs.

The limitation comes down to the hardware. According to the official announcement of the Sony PS4 Pro, it supports 4K video streaming and 4K gaming, but does not include a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. This puts it behind competitors like Xbox One S, which has included 4K Blu-ray support since 2016.

Your best options? Either invest in a standalone 4K player, or convert your 4K discs to 1080p format. Neither solution is perfect, but they'll let you enjoy your 4K Blu-ray collection on all Sony's PS4 models.