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- What is a code free DVD player?
- Why are there different regions?
- I currently have a DVD player. How do I know if mine is code free?
- How do you tell what region code a dvd disc is?
- Can I modify my own DVD player to be code free?
- What is macrovision?
- Do your DVD players process copyguard protection?
- Is it legal to use or own a Code free DVD player?
- Can I play CDs in your DVD players?
- Can your Code free DVD players play CD-Rs or CD-RWs?
- What is REA?
What is a Code free DVD player?
A Code 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:
What does this mean to the end consumer?
- 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 (okay, former Russia), Eastern Europe, India, most of Africa, North Korea, Mongolia
- Region 6 - China
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 Code free?
If you purchased your DVD player at any large electronics chain store like The Good Guys or Circuit City, then you have not purchased a Code free 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 Code 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 Code 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 Code free DVD player?
Yes, it is legal. You are legally allowed to own a Code 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 in your DVD players?
Some of our DVD players do have the ability to play CDs. Consult the specifications on each model to find one suitable for you.
What is REA?
Recently, the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) has developed a new system called REA 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.
It is unfortunate that the MPAA has felt the need to create this new system, as it is truly a violation of your rights as a consumer. Unfortunately, it's a turn-of-events that no one is our market could have anticipated and we apologize for any inconvience this may cause you.
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LG Region Free Blu Ray Player with WiFi, Netflix, Youtube
If you want stunning Full HD 1080p and streaming entertainment, you've found it with the BD630 Network Blu-ray Disc Player. Now experience Full HD 1080p unrivaled picture quality, the sound of Blu-ray technology along with the possibilities of having direct access to streaming content from Netflix, CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube. $349 - IN STOCK NOW! (More Details)
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Pioneer 3D Region Free Blu Ray Player
This is our first full capable region free 3D Blu Ray player. It plays back Blu Rays from regions A, B and C as well as DVDs from regions 0-8. It supports full HD 3D over HMDI 1.4 $399 (More Details)
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Region Free Pioneer DVD Player On Sale
We've reduced the price on this popular player, the DV-420V-K Region Free DVD Player is Pioneer's newest model and replaces the Pioneer DV-410V which was a extremely popular model and was well recieved by our customers, this model includes our WorldClad WC-12H™ chipset for seamless region free operation and PAL to NTSC conversion. There is no fiddling with the remote or turning the player on and off to change regions. The new model adds a USB input to allow you to plug in a device to view audio and video files. $189 - IN STOCK NOW! (More Details)
Contains WorldClad™ Region Free DVD Technology
All of our Region Free DVD Players contain our proprietary WorldClad™ hard chip conversion technology, the WC-12H™ and WC-14H™ chipsets provide seamless conversion of PAL to NTSC and region 1 through 7 playback. We are so confident about the abilities of this technology solution that we back it up with a lifetime gaurantee on the region free modification! Our Code Free, Region Free DVD Players include PAL->NTSC conversion to watch PAL movies on your NTSC TV, and region free play without turning the player on and off or fiddling with complicated remote gymnastics. Our WorldClad modification also supports RCE encoded region 1 discs that software modified players may not play.
Related Code Free DVD information links
Code Free FAQ
Picture of the 6 DVD Regions
NTSC/PAL/SECAM TV Systems
Browse our current NTSC/PAL DVD Players
Browse our current Code Free DVD Players
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