Unlocking CD Playback on the PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 was designed primarily as a gaming console, not a standard CD player.In fact, Sony deliberately disabled the ability to play CDs on both the PS4 and PS5. This means that if you try to insert a regular CD into these consoles, it simply won’t work right out of the box.
A Creative Solution from youtube
This isn’t about Sony adding any hidden features; rather, it’s a clever hack that changes how the console perceives CDs.
The Method Behind Playing CDs on PS5
The YouTuber utilized a Lite-On eBAU108 USB CD/DVD drive equipped with what he calls ‘flash drive mode.’ When this mode is activated, it alters how the device operates. Instead of functioning like your typical disc reader, it presents ISO and UDF-formatted discs as read-only FAT32 flash drives.
This feature was initially created for smart TVs that couldn’t use standard USB optical drives but surprisingly works well with the PS5 too. Once connected and recognized by the console as USB storage, users can access files through media apps just like they would from any flash drive.
What Works and What Doesn’t?
If you’re curious about which types of discs can be played using this method on your PS5, here’s what you need to know:
- Compatible: Burned data CDs and DVDs formatted in ISO or UDF containing MP3s or MP4s (H.264), along with JPEG images are playable. This includes mini-CDs and business-card-sized discs—as long as MP3 files are stored in a “Music” folder while all other media is organized within folders instead of being placed directly in root directories.
- Incompatible: Standard audio CDs won’t work at all; neither will most retail MP3 or audiobook discs nor many enhanced CDs that utilize outdated codecs or unsupported file extensions outside of what’s acceptable for playback on PS5.
The Takeaway: More Than Meets The Eye
This experiment highlights something captivating: The PlayStation 5 has capabilities beyond what Sony officially supports. With some creativity and specific equipment, users can unlock features that were previously thought unachievable for this console. While it's not an official solution—and certainly not flawless—it offers an exciting prospect for tech enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with their devices.
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