Sony Vaio VGN-FW21L Not Playing BlueRay's?

[DemonDave]

Hi there guys n gals, Happy New Year.

Having had the laptop for a few years, this is only the 1st BlueRay I've tried to watch on it.  Eagerly wanting to watch Ip Man 2, my laptop doesn't recognise the disc.  I have browsed the forums, and found some to have corrected this with downloading WinDVD, however I still cant watch the Blue Ray.

I'm using Windows Vista, and I've also tried installing latest drivers and firmware to be told it's all upto date.

I hope someone can be of help, thanks

DD

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Message was edited by: DemonDave

Message was edited by: DemonDave

Message was edited by: DemonDave

[DemonDave]

Well contacted Sony Vaio Europe and they were no help whatsoever, saying its the drive thats faulty, when to me it seems it's clearly a software issue as it's all over the internet with this drive.  The Optiarc BD ROM BC 5500s, on units by Sony, Acer & HP.

Here's the best bit, Optiarc are now Sony-Optiarc, so I gave them a call, "I'm sorry, we cant help you", "We have no record of any faults with this drive"!

I have managed to find the firmware on my system for the drive is 1.78, yet the latest is 1.83. Yet when I try update it, I'm told the current dirmware is up-to-date. (not sure if this would make a diff, as other people have the same faults with the 1.83 firmware).

Again any help would be most grateful

Dave

[DemonDave]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sony-Vaio-Optiarc/230331263709045

[DemonDave]

i've seen on a few peoples posts about how hopeless Sony's helpline is, And regarding this case I have to say i've founf it to be exactly that.  I reserched this drive and provided them with some of the information by email on how common this fault is, and yet according to Sony, it's not a problem.

Well I'll never buy another Sony product again if this is the standard of customer service to expect

DD

[-Cass-]

Thank you for posting on the Sony Forum.

  In an effort to give a quick and correct answer to your question, one of the forums experts has escalated your post to our Technical Support team, who will provide them with the information required as quickly as possible.

You can expect one of the forum experts to get back to you with the answer very soon.

Best regards

The Sony Team

[DemonDave]

appereciate that cass but youd be better getting them to looking at the actual problem as they've been absolutely useless over the phone.

it's quite simple, google "Sony Optiarc bd 5500s" and you'll see how common the problem is

DD

[DemonDave]

Bump?

Message was edited by: DemonDave

Message was edited by: DemonDave

[DemonDave]

2wks and absolutely nothing! This is attrocious!!!

I have since found that firmware on playstations is update all the time, either by being connected to the net or when a new disc is placed in the machine.  Yet Sony wont develop new firmware to play bluerays on there netbooks.

Simple reason, too costly!!!!  They develop it for the playstations as if they didn't, they wouldn't sell anymore games.

This is shocking, and the fact that no-ones got back to me regarding it is furthermore just as shocking.  Never would have expected this from a company such as Sony.  I'd always purchase sony products over other's, I will never purchase another sony item ever!

Dave

[-Cass-]

Hey DemonDave,

I'm really sorry to hear that you still haven't been contacted regarding your issue. It might be faster for you to get in touch with VAIO support directly on 0905 0310006, as the forums are designed for users of Sony products to share information, tips and tricks and help each other, rather than as a point of contact between Sony and its customers.

I hope you find the help you need from other forum members or by contacting Sony directly.

Best regards,

SimonM, The Moderation Team

[Blencogo]

Hi Dave,

I'm sorry the Community of Users has not been a great help here - the problem is that it is difficult for us to help as there does not seem to be a simple solution for everyone.

Quite a few users have had success by restoring their notebook back to the original factory settings - this has brought their BD/DVD drive back to life but this is a tiresome task for no guaranteed result.

I presume you are using WinDVD Version 8.8.0.154 which is the latest available on the download website.  Sadly this is almost a year old now and, as you have said, encryption keys are updated for newer BD Titles.  Sony no longer use WinDVD on newer models but use Cyberlink PowerDVD instead.  Have you tried the 30 day free trial to see if it works?  You can download it here: -

http://www.cyberlink.com/downloads/trials/powerdvd/requirements_en_US.html

Keep us up-to-date as you are not alone.