Would CD/DVD drives bought in america work in europe?

Question

Hey, I'm trying to build my own computer and I was planning to buy the "LG - SecurDisc 20x Internal Double-Layer DVD±RW/CD-RW Super Multi Drive" but I could only find it in an bestbuy.com which is american and I live in Ireland. So I was just wondering if I get the drive would it work here in ireland? Because of all that regions and ntsc and pal and al that stuff. I'm new to this build it yourself computer thingy so I might be wrong.

Answer 1

I'm not sure about CD's but it DVDs have a different region code in eroupe to america you might be able to change the region code of the drive but i'm don't how you would do that, personaly i wouldn't run the risk.  

Answer 2

CD and DVD drives for computers are exactly the same worldwide, so buying one from America is fine.

NTSC/PAL doesn't apply, because it's a computer drive, not something that plugs into your TV.

As for regions, computer DVD drives are not actually set to ANY region when you first install the drive. This allows manufacturers to sell the same drive worldwide instead of having to have different models for Europe, America, etc.

The region code is only set up for the first time when you insert a movie DVD from any region (region 1, 2, or whatever); the drive is then set to that region.

You can then change the region up to 5 times before it is "locked" to your preferred region. This is always the same, it doesn't matter whether you buy your drive in Ireland, India, or Idaho.

If, after your 5 "allowed" region changes, you want to continue playing movie DVDs from more than one region, there are ways of getting around this protection, such as by flashing the drive with hacked firmware, or by using player software that bypasses the region protection entirely.

Answer 3

Of course the drive would be set to R1.

There are some work arounds, but nothing as simple as the 'handset' hacks you can do on many DVD players with the remote control and a specific series of button pushes.

Even if you manage to change the region, after 5 or 6 changes, it would then 'freeze to that region. If you want to play region 2 only DVD's that's fine.

You could ask the manufacturer if it is possible to buy one which is region 2? Email their customer support, it is worth trying.