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What is a region free DVD player?
A Region free DVD player is a DVD player that is capable of playing DVD discs from around the world. DVD discs are encoded into 6 different regions. Normal (meaning non-Code free)
Why are there different regions?
Motion picture studios in the USA wanted to control the release of movies around the world using DVD region codes.. Movies are released on DVD at different times around the world, typically America and Canada first, Australia and Japan 6 months later, and Europe 12 months after US release. In some instances, DVD movies are available for purchase in America and Canada before they are released in European cinemas. Due to the high quality of DVD and the movie release system used by Hollywood, 6 regions were establish to prevent people from watching Region 1 movies before they were released on Regions 2-6.
DVD Region Locking is a system used to control which DVD movies play on which DVD Players. The regions are broken down as follow:
- Region 1 - The U.S., U.S. territories and Canada
- Region 2 - Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, Greenland
- Region 3 - Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong
- Region 4 - Mexico, South America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Caribbean
- Region 5 - Russia, Eastern Europe, India, most of Africa, North Korea, Mongolia
- Region 6 - China
What does this mean to the end consumer?
This means that movies from Region 1 (USA & Canada) WILL NOT play on a DVD player regions 2-6. Effectively Region 1 discs play only on Region 1 DVD players, Region 2 discs play only on Region 2 DVD players and so on.
I currently have a DVD player. How do I know if mine is Region free?
If you purchased your DVD player at any large electronics chain store like Best Buy or Circuit City, then you have not purchased a region free or multi region DVD player. If you're still unsure, simply attempt to view an overseas DVD to see whether it will play or not.
How do you tell what region code a DVD disc is?
The Region Code is usually specified on the back of the individual DVD packages, either with a Regional Coding logo of a globe with the region number superimposed over it, or specifically spelled out. For example, while currently-released New Line and Warner DVD titles use the globe logo & number scheme, MGM/UA titles state: "This disc has been encoded for Region 1: The United States, U.S. Territories and Canada." In the cast of Lumivision's discs, they are labelled "Available worldwide," which means that the discs contain no regional coding and will play on any player in any country.
Can I modify my own DVD player to be Region free?
It is possible, but unless you're an engineer, it's not recommended. Far too many people attempt
to do this and end up damaging their DVD players. Also, by attempting to modify it yourself, you
void any manufacturer's warranty.
What is macrovision?
Macrovision is a form of copyguard protection encoded into DVD discs that prevents people from
making illegal copies. A standard DVD player contains a special Macrovision-enabled digital-analog
conver chip that is activated when a DVD is played. The activated chip applies copy protection
to the analog output and causes copies made on most VCRs to be substantially degraded.
Do your DVD players process copyguard protection?
No, most of our Region free DVD players do not process copyguard protection. As a result, you can safely make backup copies of yor DVDs without worrying about a distorted recording. Please check the DVD player specification to see if the player is macrovision free if you are looking for that feature.
Disclaimer: We do not recommend or condone the act of breaking copyright laws.
Is it legal to use or own a Region free DVD player?
Yes, it is legal. You are legally allowed to own a Code free or Region Free DVD player, but you can not use it for illegal purposes. Please check your State and Federal copyright laws for details.
Can I play CDs, CD-Rs, or CD-RWs in your DVD players?
Yes, all of our hand modified DVD players have the ability to play CDs, including CD-Rs and CD-RWs. Our region free DVD Players also play DVDRs and DVDRW discs.
How does the region free DVD modification work? Are there any special operating instructions?
Our region free modifications almost all automatically convert the DVD to region 1 as well as converting the television format to NTSC (from PAL for example). Most are converted with World Clad technology.
What is RCE?
Recently, the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) has developed a new system called
RCE (Regional Code Enhancing) which will be included on almost all new region 1 DVD releases. This new technology was
created to prevent consumers with Code free DVD players from watching DVD discs purchased in
North America. From now on, most region 1 DVD discs will be including this technology. As such,
you may find in the future that some DVD discs bought in the United States will not work on your
Code free DVD player. Currently, there is no word on whether or not this technology will be
included on other regions.
Most of our DVD Players can play RCE discs but you will have to change the region with the remote control
on most DVD players, see the individual DVD player specifications for more information.
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