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Other Topics => Off Topic Discussion => Topic started by: zombie no.one on November 17, 2008, 09:43:54 PM



Title: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: zombie no.one on November 17, 2008, 09:43:54 PM
should I be able to play any DVD regional code disc on my laptop?

there's a few 'region 1' US only I want to buy, but I was under the impression only actual DVD Players are affcted by region codes...not if you play them thru your computer...is that right?


Title: Re: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: Menard on November 17, 2008, 09:56:59 PM
From my understanding, that is correct; unless somehow the software has some kind of block in it. That shouldn't be a problem, though; just get another software for your computer.

The thing I am not sure about, though I guess it should be part of the software, is NTSC to PAL conversion, and Vice-Versa, with the software.

If you have a DVD player, you can go to http://videohelp.com where they have a database of hacks for DVD players; many of them are just codes that you can enter from the remote to unlock it (sets it to region 0). Of course, you would need a DVD player that can play NTSC and PAL discs.

The prices have come down on all region DVD players and I have seen them for less than $50 USD. Many Philips DVD player models can convert between NTSC and Pal, can be set to region 0 with just a code entered from the remote, and are relatively cheap for what they offer; for that matter, relatively cheap compared to many DVD players that don't offer much.


Title: Re: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: zombie no.one on November 17, 2008, 10:04:57 PM
thanks man. I dont have an actual player, only watch them on my laptop...didn't want to buy region 1s or whatever then find out I cant watch them. but if you've heard they should play all regions I'll probably take your word for it, I sort of had a hunch as well


Title: Re: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: Andrew on November 18, 2008, 03:54:53 AM
I have seen some programs that only let you change the region code a certain number of times before they are "locked" into just one code.  Also, some programs have not had any option to use a different region after they were installed.  In at least one case we had to uninstall the program, manually locate and delete registry entries, and then reinstall it with a different region to make it work.

So, the warning is:  using a different region code could be annoying or difficult, depending.


Title: Re: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: dean on November 18, 2008, 07:06:09 AM

In almost all cases of DVD-ROM drives in computers that I have seen, they let you change region codes only 3 times before the change is permanent.  There are apparently hacks for some drives, but I dislike messing with registry etc as much as I can.

If you've got the hard drive space, I might suggest a program like DVDdecrypter which takes away region coding on DVDs, and basically stores it on your hard drive.  Depending on the disc it can take up about 8 gig.  Then all you need to do is play the dvd from the hard drive using your dvd playing program of choice and you're all sorted!   :thumbup:

This may or may not be used to make pirated copies of movies, so just remember it is illegal to keep this unless you've bought the movie.   :wink:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=-LkWKvMCzqA


http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=OWPfcEOr2Yg


Title: Re: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: AndyC on November 18, 2008, 08:31:56 AM
I've had no trouble playing PAL on my computer. As for the regions, I've never needed to change it. However, it should be possible to install region-free firmware on the drive if you can find it. Just a matter of running a little installer that flashes the drive's ROM, just as you would for a firmware upgrade. The question is whether someone has written region-free firmware for your particular drive. Mind you, it would not be a big expense to buy a drive that will work.


Title: Re: quick DVDs 'regional code' question...
Post by: Trevor on November 18, 2008, 08:58:11 AM
 :smile:

I used that VideoHelp site to unlock my new DVD player (region 2 in South Africa) and after a slight shock in which I once saw the picture frame split down the middle of a Region 1 DVD, it righted itself.  :cheers: