Hey there! Have you ever been frustrated trying to watch a Blu-ray movie from another country on your PlayStation 3? With region coding blocking you from enjoying your disc, it can feel like you‘re trapped in Blu-ray jail!
Well, don‘t worry my friend – this handy guide will show you how to break free and make your PS3 region free for Blu-ray movies. Just follow these steps and tips, and you‘ll be enjoying multi-region Blu-ray playback in no time!
What is Blu-ray Region Coding Exactly?
I know you‘re eager to make your PS3 region free, but first it helps to understand what Blu-ray region coding is and why it exists.
Blu-ray discs have built-in region codes that restrict playback to certain parts of the world. This gives movie studios control over release schedules and distribution across global markets.
There are 3 Blu-ray regions according to the Blu-ray Disc Association:
Region A: USA, Canada, Central America, South America, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia
Region B: Europe, Greenland, French territories, Africa, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand
Region C: China, India, Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia, Pakistan
So a Blu-ray disc sold in the US will likely be Region A, while one sold in Australia is Region B coded.
The catch is that Blu-ray players and PS3 systems are also coded to specific regions. They will refuse to play discs from other regions, unless they are "region free" discs.
This is why your European Region B discs won‘t play on your American Region A PlayStation 3. Time to break out of region jail!
Is the PS3 Completely Region Locked for Blu-ray?
The PS3 has a hybrid region locking system when it comes to Blu-ray movies:
It can play any region free Blu-ray disc from any region. These discs are marked as "region 0" or "ALL". Nice of the studios to allow that!
It will ONLY play Blu-ray discs from the PS3‘s matching region code. For example, a PS3 bought in the US can only play Region A locked discs normally.
So in summary, only region coded discs are locked. Your PS3 will spin region free Blu-ray discs all day long!
This is different than PS3 games which are completely region free. Any game disc from any country will play on any PS3 worldwide. No geo-blocking there!
But for complete multi-region Blu-ray freedom, you need to disable the region coding check on your console as we‘ll now see…
Option 1: Update PS3 Firmware to Latest Version
Here is some good news from Sony. On more recent PS3 firmware updates, they have allowed full region free Blu-ray playback through a quick settings change.
If your console is running the latest firmware (4.89 at time of writing), you can simply:
Go to Settings > Video Settings > BD/DVD Settings
Set BD Internet Connection to Allow.
This will update your Blu-ray libraries and unlock region coding restrictions. After a reboot, you can now play Blu-ray discs from any region on your PS3!
So first check your PS3‘s firmware version under System Information. If it‘s up to date, try this fast tweak to enable region freedom. Your Blu-ray woes will be over in minutes!
Note: This only works on the latest firmware. For older firmware, read on for more options.
Option 2: Install Custom Firmware (CFW)
Now let‘s look at how to region unlock older PS3 models running firmware below 4.89.
The solution is to install Custom Firmware (CFW) on your console. CFW gives you admin control over your system and allows enabling homebrew tools like region free Blu-ray support.
Different models have various CFW options:
Original Fat PS3s can install CFW like Rebug, Evilnat, Ferrox on all firmware versions. This hardware is ideal for modding.
Slim and Super Slim PS3s cannot install full CFW currently unless you have rare early models. We‘ll cover alternatives for these later.
Let‘s go over the CFW installation process:
Check your PS3 firmware version. Older versions below 4.86 are best for modding.
Find a compatible CFW from Rebug, Evilnat or others. Download the installer pkg file.
Enter recovery mode on your PS3. Install the CFW from a USB drive per its instructions.
Launch Rebug Toolbox and enable Cobra payload. This SARBRSMANAM will disable region coding.
Reboot and enjoy your region unlocked Blu-ray freedom!
CFW gives you many other benefits like homebrew apps and game modding too. Just beware that you sacrifice PSN access and run security risks. Use CFW responsibly!
Option 3: Install a Hardware Modchip
Alright, time to crack open your PS3! If you don‘t mind tinkering with hardware, you can physically replace the Blu-ray drive with a region free model.
Companies like MaxConsole sell replacement drives that completely ignore region coding. When installed in your PS3, it will happily play any Blu-ray worldwide.
Here‘s an overview of the hardware mod process:
Carefully open up your PS3 case and locate the Blu-ray drive. Detach any cables and mounting.
Remove the old drive and replace it with your new region free model such as the Asus BW-16D1HT.
Reattach wiring, reassemble your PS3, power it up and enjoy Blu-ray freedom!
This method requires DIY skills and risks damaging your PS3 if done incorrectly. We recommend software mods for most people. But hardware mods give permanent region free functionality.
Option 4: Use Homebrew Software Players
For PS3 Slim and Super Slim models that can‘t install full CFW, homebrew software is your path to Blu-ray liberation!
Applications like Multiman, IRISMAN, and webMAN include region free Blu-ray playback built-in.
To use:
Install a compatible HEN or hybrid firmware hack on your PS3. Then launch the homebrew Enabler to activate.
Obtain and install the homebrew Blu-ray software package you want. Multiman is a top choice.
Run the player app, insert any Blu-ray disc, and enjoy region free viewing!
This gives you the benefits of CFW without fully modding your system. I‘d start with Multiman as it also supports region free DVD playback. Time to watch those obscure foreign films!
Why Can I Play Any PS3 Game but not Blu-rays?
You might be wondering, if the PS3 plays games region free, why am I blocked from some Blu-ray movies? Excellent question!
Sony decided to treat games and films differently:
PS3 Games are completely region free. Any game from any country will work on any PS3. This makes life easy for gamers!
PS3 Blu-ray Movies have region coding that needs unlocking. Only region free discs will play normally. Studios wanted control over regions.
So in summary, games are global but movies are blocked by default. Time to claim your region free birthright and liberate your PlayStation 3!
Let‘s Recap: How Do I Go Region Free?
Just to summarize the different options covered to unlock region coding on your PS3:
Latest Firmware: Enable region freedom from settings if your PS3 is updated to the newest system software.
CFW: Install custom firmware hacks like Rebug to modify your system and disable region checks.
Hardware Modchip: Physically replace the PS3‘s Blu-ray drive with a region free model.
Homebrew Software: Use a multidisc software player from the homebrew scene.
I‘d try the firmware toggle first if your PS3 is updated. Otherwise, CFW is your best software option for full control.
And remember – games were always region free. It‘s only Blu-ray movies that need unlocking!
Common Questions about PS3 Region Free Blu-ray
Let‘s go over some frequently asked questions for playing Blu-rays from different regions on the PlayStation 3:
Q: Can I make my PS3 region free without opening the hardware?
A: Yes! Updated firmware or software CFW mods don‘t require opening your console. Only modchips need hardware access.
Q: Will changing regions affect my PS3 warranty?
A: Hardware mods can void warranties. But firmware hacks generally don‘t unless detected. Restore OFW before sending any PS3 for repair.
Q: Can I use a VPN to make my PS3 region free?
A: Unfortunately VPNs only mask your IP address, they cannot remove region coding from content. You need firmware/software hacks for that.
Q: What Blu-ray software players work for region unlocking?
A: Top choices are Multiman, IRISMAN, and webMAN MOD. Install the homebrew package after enabling CFW or HEN.
Q: Can I play DVD region 3 discs from Asia on my PS3?
A: Yes! With CFW installed, your PS3 will ignore DVD region codes too. Same for software players like Multiman.
Q: Will I lose anything by installing CFW on my PS3?
A: CFW has risks like piracy. Avoid unofficial software. You will lose PSN access. But your game data remains intact through the modding process.
I hope these tips help you unlock your PS3 and start enjoying unlimited Blu-ray movies from around the world. Stay tuned for my upcoming guides on more PlayStation mods!
