Easy Instructions on How to Install & Setup a Blu-ray Player

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Enjoy all your favorite Blu-ray discs with this easy setup guide

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: April 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Connecting to a TV

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Using Your Blu-ray Player

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Adjusting TV Settings

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Things You'll Need

Blu-ray players were designed with high-definition (HD) resolution to support high-definition TVs. The best way to connect the two systems is with an HDMI cable since it connects audio and sound at the fastest speeds. This wikiHow article teaches you how to set up a Blu-ray player.

Quick Steps

Use an HDMI cable to connect your Blu-ray player to your TV.
Plug your Blu-ray player in and turn it on along with your TV.
Use your TV remote to select the input source your Blu-ray player is connected to.
Use your Blu-ray remote to follow the setup prompts.
Insert a Blu-ray disc and use the remote to control the playback.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Connecting to a TV

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1
Unpack your Blu-ray player. Look for a power cord and a HDMI cable. If it doesn't have a HDMI cable.
- If your Blu-ray player doesn't have an HDMI cable, you can purchase one from a local electronics store.
- If your Blu-ray player supports 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) Blu-ray disks, you will need an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable and a 4K TV to view Blu-ray discs in 4K.
Your Blu-ray player must be able to reach your TV as well as a wall outlet.

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Make sure your TV is powered off while connecting new hardware to it.
4
Connect the HDMI cable to the Blu-ray Player. Most HDMI cables have a male plug that is 13.9 x 4.45 mm thick, resembling a rectangle with notched corners. Find the "HDMI IN" or Video In input on the back of your Blu-ray player and plug the HDMI cable into it.
- If you do not have an HDMI cable, you may be able to connect using RCA/AV cables, [S-Video cable], or HD component cable, depending on what inputs your Blu-ray player supports.
5
Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your TV. Find a free HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into a free HDMI port.
- If you want to connect your Blu-ray player to a sound system as well as your TV, connect the HDMI cable to the "Video In" HDMI port on the back of your audio receiver. Alternatively, you can use an optical/Toslink cable or digital audio cable from the Blu-ray player to your audio receiver.
- Make a note of which numbered HDMI port you connect your Blu-ray player to on your TV.
The power button generally has an icon that resembles a circle with a line through the top.
Press the power button on your TV remote or on the button panel of your TV to turn your TV on.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using Your Blu-ray Player

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This button may be called "Source" on some TVs.
2
Select the input for the port your Blu-ray player is connected to. For example, if you connected the Blu-ray player to the HDMI 2 port, select the HDMI 2 input.
- If you used an RCA cable, it is likely to say “Video-1.” If you used an S-Video cable, it will likely say "S-Video." If you used component cables, it will likely say "Component 1" or similar.
- Test all the inputs by pressing the input button until you have tried them all. Wait a few seconds between switching the input so that you can find the one that shows your Blu-ray player menu.
3
Follow the setup prompts. The set-up process is going to be different from one Blu-ray player model to the next. You will likely need to select a language, connect to the internet (if supported), agree to the terms and services, and possibly update your Blu-ray player.
- If your Blu-ray player requires an update, this may take several minutes.
4
Connect your Blu-ray player to the internet if it is an Internet device. In the Blu-ray menu, look for an option to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Once you type your network name and password, you may be able to rent movies and stream them directly from your Blu-ray player.
- For a better internet connection, you can also connect it to your network using an Ethernet cable.
Load it and allow it a few seconds to read the disk.
6
Use your Blu-ray remote to control the video playback. Use the buttons on your remote or the remote the play, stop, pause, rewind, and fast-forward settings. Press the menu button to access the main menus.
- The Blu-ray main menu allows you to jump to different chapters of the movie and access bonus content and special features. You can also select your language and subtitle options.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adjusting TV Settings

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1
Set the aspect ratio on your TV to a rectangular shape. Find the setup button on your remote. Choose the 16:9 ratio.
- If you can't find this option on the remote, look for the Settings menu on your Blu-ray's menu.
Press the setup button on your remote. Choose 1080p resolution since this is the standard high-definition (HD) resolution. If it is a 4K Blu-ray player, select 2160p or "4K" or "UHD."^{[1]
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HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This allows for more vivid colors, as well as brighter brights and darker darks. If your Blu-ray player and TV support HDR, make sure you turn it on in the Settings menu on both your Blu-ray player and your TV.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I connect my phone to my Blu-ray DVD player?

Community Answer

Why do you want to do that? It would be easier to connect your phone via something like Apple TV or the Windows wireless display Dongle. If you have an Android, I'm sure there are lots of third party equivalents.

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Can I use regular DVDs in my Blu-ray player?

Community Answer

Yes. Almost all Blu-ray players can play standard DVDs. There may be regional issues though, if you are trying to use DVDs from a region that is different from your player.

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What do I do if my Blu-ray player says there is no disc in the player when there is?

Community Answer

Turn off the player and the TV and do a restart. Then hit play on your DVD player first, which will then turn on the TV and just continue.

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Tips

Some universal remotes can be programmed to control all of your devices. Press the “input” button after it is programmed to access the input for the Blu-ray player.

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