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Blu-ray movie discs use three lettered region codes: A, B, and C. A standard Blu-ray player generally plays discs assigned to its own region, while some discs are region-free or marked for all three regions. Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are region-free, but they still require a player that supports the Ultra HD Blu-ray format.
What Blu-ray region codes mean
A region code is a compatibility flag on a commercial Blu-ray movie disc. It indicates the geographic market for which the disc is intended. In general, the disc’s region must match the player’s region for playback. The system uses letters, not the numbered regions associated with DVD. Sony Support UK describes the standard Blu-ray regions as A, B, and C.
Where regions A, B, and C apply
Sony’s regional map groups countries and territories broadly as follows. These are practical groupings; check the disc marking and device documentation for a particular release or player.
| Region | Broad geographic grouping |
|---|---|
| A | North America, South America, U.S. territories, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other areas of Southeast Asia |
| B | Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand |
| C | Asia, except for Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the other Southeast Asian areas listed under A |
This map is based on Sony’s regional guidance. A disc’s country of manufacture or purchase does not establish its playback region; use the region printed on the release instead.
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What “region-free” and “ABC” mean
“Region FREE” is an informal marking, not a separate fourth region. Sony says it may indicate that a disc has no regional flag or that it carries all three flags—A, B, and C. An ABC marking likewise indicates applicability to all three regions. Some region-free discs may have no region code printed, so check the case, disc, and release information rather than relying on the absence of a symbol alone. Sony Support UK and Sony Support explain these markings.
Will a Blu-ray from another region play?
It depends on both the disc’s format and region and the player’s capabilities. For a standard Blu-ray release, a disc coded for a different region generally will not play in a player assigned to another region. Region-free discs and players that support multiple regions are exceptions. Sony says Blu-ray players and computer drives generally play discs for their own region unless their documentation specifies otherwise. Sony’s compatibility guidance is a useful starting point, but the exact device manual governs your equipment.
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- REGION-FREE PLAYBACK FOR BLU-RAY & DVDS - NO RESTRICTIONS: Plays Blu-ray region A, B, & C; Plays standard DVDs from ANY REGIONS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, giving you unlimited access to movies and shows worldwide
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- Check whether the disc is standard Blu-ray or Ultra HD Blu-ray.
- Look for the region marking on the disc or the back of its case. Sony notes that some region-free releases may show no code.
- Check the player’s documentation for supported disc formats and regions.
For example, a Region B standard Blu-ray is not generally compatible with a Region A player unless the disc is region-free or the player supports Region B. This is a region check, not a guarantee based on where either item was bought.
How region settings differ on players and computer drives
Standalone Blu-ray players
Sony’s UK guidance says a Blu-ray player’s region setting cannot be changed. Do not assume that a setting in a menu can make a standard player accept discs from every region; consult the documentation for the specific model. Sony Support UK
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- REGION-FREE PLAYBACK FOR BLU-RAY & DVDS - NO RESTRICTIONS: Plays Blu-ray region A, B, & C; Plays standard DVDs from ANY REGIONS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, giving you unlimited access to movies and shows worldwide
- BLU-RAY & DVD PLAYBACK - Make the most of your HDTV. Blu-ray disc playback delivers exceptional Full HD 1080p video performance along with stunning hi-definition sound. Sony Blu-ray players also play DVDs, so there is no need to replace your old DVD collection. Not only that, DVD Upscaling delivers exceptional image quality with 1080p up scaling via HDMI.
- FULL HD 1080P BLU-RAY PERFORMANCE WITH UPSCALING FOR NORMAL DVDS: Experience exceptional picture quality and immersive sound with Blu-ray disc playback, delivering Full HD 1080p resolution for a theater-like experience at home. Breathe new life into your DVD collection with 1080p upscaling, enhancing standard-definition content to near-HD clarity via HDMI
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Computer optical drives
A computer drive used with suitable software may allow a limited number of region changes, after which its setting can become permanent. The available behavior depends on the drive and software, so check their documentation before changing the setting. A computer drive should not be treated as an unrestricted way to play discs from any region. Sony Support UK
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Ultra HD Blu-ray differs
Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are region-free, but the player must support the Ultra HD Blu-ray format. A standard Blu-ray player cannot play an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc. The reverse direction is different: the Blu-ray Disc Association says Ultra HD Blu-ray players play current Blu-ray content. So check format support separately from region compatibility. Sony Support and the Blu-ray Disc Association FAQ describe these distinctions.
Quick Recap
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Quick compatibility check
- Standard Blu-ray: match the disc’s A, B, or C code to the player’s supported region, unless the disc or player is region-free or multi-region.
- Ultra HD Blu-ray: the disc is region-free, but the player must support Ultra HD Blu-ray.
- Unclear marking or device behavior: check the release packaging and the current manual for the exact player or computer drive.
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