Do British DVDs play in American computers?

Question

A while ago I went to NY and found a QOTSA DVD but it was made for british DVD players, so i didn't bother buying it. But about two days later (d'oh!) i realized: oh, i bet it would work on a computer... So, now that i'm going to england, i figured if it would work in my computer i'd keep my eyes peeled for it... thanks ^_^

Answer 1

It should play on any pc, but if the disc is region-coded (USA is Region 1, UK is Region 2), then you'll only be able to play it a limited number of times.  The software on a pc will allow you to change which region you want to play DVDs for, but you're only allowed to change regions 5 times.

It works like this:

Right now, any of your US DVDs play without a problem, but if you put a UK DVD in your pc, a dialog box will pop up, asking if you'd like to change the region code in your DVD software from Region 1 to Region 2.  If you say yes to this, you'll be able to watch the UK DVD, but the next time you put one of your US DVDs in the pc, you'll be asked to change back to Region 1.  Then, the next time you play your UK (or any other foreign) DVD, you'll have to change from Region 1 to 2 again.  Once you've changed between regions 5 times, you're permanently stuck on whichever region was your last choice.