'Bound' import does not play on US PS3 - UPDATE! -> post 72!

[mcleath]

I bought the Region free version of 'Bound' from France.
It wont play.

I get:
"This video cannot be played.

80029946"
Here is what the PS3 folks say:

We apologize for any inconvenience.

We regret to inform you that imported software may not play on the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. Please refer to the following Knowledge Center article that may help resolve your problem:

Article Title: Using imported software, peripherals or hardware
Article Link: http://playstation.custhelp.com/cgi-...ted=1194476851

Which states that:
Due to different television and voltage standards, and a variety of licensing issues, Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI) has implemented a territorial-based distribution system for its hardware, peripherals, and software.

This territorial-based distribution system limits the use of any particular PlayStation® format software title to play on the system designated for that distribution territory. For example, North American software titles will not play on the systems designed for other regions, such as, Japan, Europe, etc. and vice versa for imported software titles on systems or consoles designed for North America.

You may also experience problems if you attempt to use memory cards, controllers, etc. from a different region (imported from outside of North America) on a North American system or console.

So, Region free disks won't necessarily play on PS3s

UPDATE: Firmware 3.0 allows Bound to play

[pro-bassoonist]

As pointed out by others, the coding-restriction on Region-A PS3s came after firmware upgrades 2.70 and 2.80. This is most unfortunate as it basically pushes folks towards other brands that would not implement such restrictions that would prevent folks from playing Region-Free discs. For the record, if you have a PS3 with a firmware 2.60, you could still watch Region-Free discs.

I am unsure what else to add.

Pro-B

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

As pointed out by others, the coding-restriction on Region-A PS3s came after firmware upgrades 2.70 and 2.80. This is most unfortunate as it basically pushes folks towards other brands that would not implement such restrictions that would prevent folks from playing Region-Free discs. For the record, if you have a PS3 with a firmware 2.60, you could still watch Region-Free discs.

I am unsure what else to add.

Pro-B

Wait what...if you have 2.7 or later and you try to play region free bluray, it wont play???

[pro-bassoonist]

Apparently, this is what is happening:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...8&postcount=48

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=82425&page=3

Pro-B

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by pacificvibes

Wait what...if you have 2.7 or later and you try to play region free bluray, it wont play???

This is news to me as well.

[pacificvibes]

I hope they are going to fix this. Thats unacceptable.

[pacificvibes]

what would happen if you buy a region free BR in the States...

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by pacificvibes

what would happen if you buy a region free BR in the States...

I don't believe it affects these discs. Now, I have not installed firmware upgrades 2.70 and 2.80 on my hardware (and will not), but I assume what is happening here is that whenever a Region-A PS3 encounters PAL content (which is not utilized in North America) you get the error message and cannot access the film/HD content. Prior to firmware upgrades 2.70 and 2.80, the PS3 would simply skip to the HD content/main menu. Once again, since North American Region-Free discs do not have PAL content, ever, this should not be an issue for them.

I hope this makes sense.

Pro-B

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

I don't believe it affects these discs. Now, I have not installed firmware upgrades 2.70 and 2.80 on my hardware (and will not), but I assume what is happening here is that whenever a Region-A PS3 encounters PAL content (which is not utilized in North America) you get the error message and cannot access the film/HD content. Prior to firmware upgrades 2.70 and 2.80, the PS3 would simply skip to the HD content/main menu. Once again, since North American Region-Free discs do not have PAL content, ever, this should not be an issue for them.

I hope this makes sense.

Pro-B

Yea it does...I've been reading up on PAL cause I wanted to get a region free player and a converter.

But if its region free, why are they putting PAL material on the disc???


EDIT: is there a way to get 2.6 from someone???

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by pacificvibes

But if its region free, why are they putting PAL material on the disc???

We are talking about Region-Free discs from Europe -- where PAL equates Standard-Definition (which is what NTSC equates North America and some Asian countries).

Pro-B

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

We are talking about Region-Free discs from Europe -- where PAL is your Standard-Definition (which is what NTSC is in North America and some Asian countries).

Pro-B

OHHH ok, gotcha. Even though its a region free disc, if its being produce in a Europe, they still put PAL content on there. OK. Thanks...did you see my edit?

[PowellPressburger]

Oouch I was gonna buy BOUND from France also and I upgrade a lot...

currently I have all the latest firmware upgrades so looks like I shouldn't drop 40-50 for Bound anytime soon.

I tried out La Piscine, Rules of Attraction, The Company of Wolves, and The Ipcress File and so far those titles play fine.

I just wish SONY and the PS3 techs would understand what people mean when someone tells them a specific BLURAY that used to play in the machine will not play now since the last upgrade. (referring to a post where someone complained of this issue and we just told it may need a repair)

It is really very poor customer service to send out what seem like a very automated e-mail telling people their PS3 needs a costly repair. They didn't understand the issue to begin with.

THis could be trouble for importing expensive BD titles.

Furthermore I can throw out this PS3 and buy a player that will play the discs. I don't have the money for it but if PS3 and SONY wants to have a power play then it leaves many of us no other option and once word gets out that they are using firmware updates to limit importing region free titles then sales will drop more so for them.

[pro-bassoonist]

I am unsure where you could download 2.60. (I am also unsure if you would be able to override 2.70 or 2.80, someone else will have to answer that).

Pro-B

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

I am unsure where you could download 2.60. (I am also unsure if you would be able to override 2.70 or 2.80, someone else will have to answer that).

Pro-B

No prob....thanks Pro-B, your awesome.

[un4gvn94538]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

I am unsure where you could download 2.60. (I am also unsure if you would be able to override 2.70 or 2.80, someone else will have to answer that).

Pro-B

nope. thats why some people dont update thier ps3 when firmware is released until its been fully tested by the public

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by un4gvn94538

nope. thats why some people dont update thier ps3 when firmware is released until its been fully tested by the public

I've learned my lesson. Kinda sucks they did that though

[PowellPressburger]

i do find it interesting that La Piscine and BOUND are both M6 releases thru WB in France and yet Piscine plays fine on the PS3 currently with the upgrade yet BOUND seems to not for those who have tried it.

Not sure what triggered it in the titles like Jethro and Bound

[bferr1]

Hmm, I wonder if my UK steelbook of Sweeney Todd still plays...

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

Furthermore I can throw out this PS3 and buy a player that will play the discs. I don't have the money for it but if PS3 and SONY wants to have a power play then it leaves many of us no other option and once word gets out that they are using firmware updates to limit importing region free titles then sales will drop more so for them.

You know, I would actually recommend that you are all patient because I am not entirely certain these two firmware upgrades were designed to deliver the type of restrictions people are facing at the moment - it could be something completely different that causes them. At least this is what Ted K's post above implies (the one I linked), given that he is also having trouble playing a Region-Free disc produced in the US (without PAL content). Perhaps the next firmware SONY release will address the issue.

Pro-B

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

i do find it interesting that La Piscine and BOUND are both M6 releases thru WB in France and yet Piscine plays fine on the PS3 currently with the upgrade yet BOUND seems to not for those who have tried it.

Not sure what triggered it in the titles like Jethro and Bound

Either Bound has...

A) A studio screen or trailers that are PAL 576i/p.

or

B) Bound is presented in 1080 interlaced 50hz.

Those would be the only reason why the discs would not play. The import of Tyson is the same way. Son of Rambow has a 1080 interlaed 50hz encoded menu so it will not play either.

Its a Sony thing since the US PS3s were designed to only support output for 480i/p, 720i/p, and 1080i/p. Some European and Asian models of the PS3 add 576i/p support to that option list.

Most movies on Blu-ray Disc are presented in 1080p which is a worldwide friendly format. However, some distributors will present titles in 1080i either due to element or cost issues. Local distributors choose to present bonus materials in 576i/p since that is what they have available to them.

I suspect the error message screen was added to cut down on customer confusion since most users would be confused why they select something and get kicked back to the menu. Its a basic UI design of providing some type of feedback so the basic user does not freak out.