Sony BDP-S350 not playing Blu-Rays

[mazdaaz3]

I bought a Sony BDP-S350 player about 2 months ago and only played Blu-Ray Movies and original DVDS. When i was last playing a Blu-Ray movie (The Mummy Returns), the player froze and I had to turn off the power manually, now it no longer plays Blu-Ray movies, says it 'cannot read disc' and Unknown shows up in title area but plays normal DVDs fine. Please help.

[Rob J in WNY]

Doesn't sound like a software/firmware issue. By your situation, it seems more like a physical defect.

If you can get a hold of a laser cleaning disc, maybe give that a try. Make sure your BDs do not have smudges or dirt on them.

Your 350 is still under warranty, so you can return it for repair or replacement.

I have the 350 and have had no problems with it (BDs, DVDs and CDs), and have upgraded the firmware twice. Here and there, a few people have had their problems with the 350, but the overwhelming majority find the player enjoyable to use.

[mazdaaz3]

Well here is the main problem with the warranty, I am in the Caribbean and the Sony Blu-Ray player was brought back from a friend who was visiting the US so it really will be a hassle to have to ship this back to the US and then pay shipping for it back here and customs duties.

Any other suggestions that I can try? Why would normal DVDs play and not BluRay movies and I tried at least 6-7 Blu-Ray movies.

[neos_peace]

DVD don't take as much to be read as with blu theres more data to read. I believe thats a simple way of putting it.

[Rob J in WNY]

At least try the laser lens cleaning disc suggestion. You should be able to find one at a local audio/video store. It will have a small section of tiny, soft bristles which can clean some or all of the dust accumulation on the laser lens/pickup. It's certainly worth a try.

Opening the case for a physical inspection will most certainly void the warranty, but if you insist the warranty is no good to you, then you may opt to try it, or at least take it someone with some experience in opening/working with optical drives and delicate stereo electronics. The machinations of the laser assembly are very finely tuned and can easily be damaged in the hands of the inexperienced.

[Graytwhyte]

Originally Posted by mazdaaz3

I bought a Sony BDP-S350 player about 2 months ago and only played Blu-Ray Movies and original DVDS. When i was last playing a Blu-Ray movie (The Mummy Returns), the player froze and I had to turn off the power manually, now it no longer plays Blu-Ray movies, says it 'cannot read disc' and Unknown shows up in title area but plays normal DVDs fine. Please help.

I had the exact same thing happen on my BDP35 only while I was playing a CD. On the Panny, at least, there is a separate laser for each disc it plays. I had to send it in because the laser that reads CDs went bad. Sounds like this might be the problem in your case too. Good luck, Tim.