DVD Region Codes, help?

Question

I live in the UK (Region code 2) and I recently bought a DVD from America (Region code 1). The only way I can play it is by using my Laptop and changing the DVD region code, however I am only able to change the code about 5 times.

I only have 1 chance left to change it and it's currently set to play Region 1 DVDs, which isn't very helpful as I only have one DVD of that kind, the rest are Region 2, from the UK.

Is there any sort of software that enables you to frequently change the region code or anything else to that effect?

I wouldn't normally be too bothered, but as it's a Workout DVD I plan on using it quite a lot!

I have a COMPAQ Laptop with Windows Vista, if that's of any help?

I'm useless when it comes to technical stuff..anyone able to help?

Thanks!

Answer 1

i bought a cheap dvd player, and unlocked it to region 1 ( i went on hol to america and bought some dvds) so my xbox plays region 2 (UK) and my DVD player plays region 1 only now (i could change it back but like your laptop its limited)

saves messing your lap top about!

Answer 2

You can download region free dvd players for your computer. I did that for all my non-US region DVDs and had no problem. The only thing is you have to pay for the program if you don't know how to get around it.

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This is the one I used: http://www.dvdidle.com/dvd-region-free.h...

Answer 3

There are plenty of programs available to make your DVD player region-free. I use CSS+DVD Region free:

http://www.dvdidle.com/dvd-region-free.h...

Another person who answered this question recommended this program too. It's easy to install and automatically loads when Windows starts, so you will be able to watch DVDs from *any* region without having to worry about your player asking you to change the code.

Answer 4

you will need...

a dvd burner in your computer

a blank dvd

and this program (free) http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_...

download the DVDshrink tool and install.

dump your region 1 dvd to your hard drive using DVDshrink.

burn the files to your blank disk, but choose the setting "region 2 or region free"

vwala!!! ;-)

you just coppied the region 1 disk but in the process you have changed the region.

i suggest you keep your dvd drive set to region 2 or you will have bigger problems. just copy and convert your disks this way if you get other region disks.

Answer 5

If the drive is manufactured by Lite-On, it's possible to unlock or reset the region code with a simple piece of software (LtnRPC).

Otherwise, you'd have to flash the firmware on the drive, which can easily brick the drive if you're unlucky or not careful. Fine for a desktop where a replacement drive can be had for £10-£15, not so fine for a laptop!

Better to set your drive to Region 2 if almost all of your discs are from that region, and then use software like "DVD Idle" to play Region 1.

However, if you don't intend to buy any more Region 1 DVDs, and don't want to buy software for just this one DVD, you could use DVDFab HD Decrypter (free download) to decrypt the DVD to a folder on your hard drive, and either play it from there, or burn it to a DVD-R (region free).

Answer 6

As far as I know, you must reflash your drive to do it. Which is not for the faint of heart as it can completely break it. You might be able to ask a computer shop to do it for you for £5 or so. Otherwise perhaps spend about £20/£30 on a region free DVD player, if you'll use it a lot maybe its worth it?

Answer 7

I would leave your laptop as it is and stick with using it for R2.

A decent but cheap DVD player costs £30+ and (if you avoid Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer and Toshiba), these players are usually multiregion straight out of the box or can be made so with a simple series of button pushes that can be found pretty easily on the internet if you search for "brand, model no, multiregion hack" in something like Google.

If you ever wanted to sell your laptop, it might be a bit difficult to sell if locked to Region 1!