Sony Vaio VGN-AR31S - Blu Ray software (?) issue

[GPROBERT]

Hi all,

I have a problem playing blu ray discs via the media centre, it simply states there is no blu ray software installed. DVD discs play fine.

This may seem easy but I have had a very good computer savvy friend look at it and he has but the following bullets points:-

- The updated nvidia drivers from sony vaio website has been installed correctly

- The new firmware drivers for the Matshita blue ray drive has been updated – via sony website

- All vista is completely up to date.

- Power DVD Ultra 8 installed and fully working.- still errors reading blue ray discs – not software issue !

- Power DVD Ultra 10 trial installed with updates – still errors reading blue ray discs – not software issue!

- Reads DVD discs ok just not Blue ray ! I believe there is an error with the drive when reading blu ray discs, has been a problem also with some of Sony’s vaio matshita blue ray drives. As blu ray has to be read from the start of the disc (different place to DVD discs – which is the opposite side), and this could be the issue not reading the blue ray discs correctly as laser may be slightly out of sync.

I am not as technical as my friend who looked at it but would welcome suggestions as to what he can try for me next to solve this problem.

Thank you.

[Blencogo]

Hi Postermix and welcome.

Are you opening the PowerDVD Ultra software before inserting the disc? Media Centre does not support Blu-Ray.

Have you installed the firmware version 1.06?
Do you have the original WinDVD BD for Vaio installed and updated to version 8.0.20.185?

[VAIOsucks]

I have the same problem as you. I think Sony just put "blu ray disc" stickers on VAIO laptops to fool people into thinking they play blurays when in fact they don't. I for one am returning my piece of garbage laptop to the store I bought it from, I can't believe they sold me a lemon for 800 quid. My 2004 dell laptop has the same functionality as this POS thats supposed to play bluray. I've tried 3rd party software and everything, but nothing works! I will never buy another Sony product in my life. The whole company should be sued for false advertising

[faorhan56]

it caused by vista i use win7 there is not any problem with blue ray