DVD players
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DVD players
I've just started using the computer as a DVD player. And in case you're wondering, no, I don't have a TV. Haven't had one in the house for years. So I've signed up with the local vid palace - Planet Video, Mount Lawley, excellent range, they deserve a quick plug - and straight away I discover that DVDs have been regionalised. Pardon me, but whose (expletive deleted) bright idea was that? Even more frustrating, the computer says I can change the regional setting, but I can only do it 5 times and then, presumably, it's stuck forever.
HUH?
Is there a program available that will get around this nonsense? Or do I have to buy a separate all-region player? I saw a link in the archives to several retailers, but I'd prefer to work with the machinery I've got. If anyone is using any device that they recommend I'd like to hear from you.
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I should imagine your DVD player on your PC will be set at the regional code for your country, the DVDs at the local video shop will also be set to the same area code.
here's a list of the areas
http://www.laserrot.com/info/lrinfo/dvdmap.html
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Madmike - I think I discovered the same product last night, I did some trawling after the movie. It appears legal, and the user reviews I found were generally favourable, but I might search for more info on the company before I let their merchandise on to my machine. If I go ahead I'll let you all know what I think.
Brain Damage - Planet gets arthouse and independent films that never have a big-screen release in Perth. They're mostly what I look for, and it seems that a lot of these aren't available in Region 4 coding.
Thanks for your answers.
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UPDATE: I tracked down a couple of programs, but opted for the free version of DVD Region + CSS Lite from Fengtao Software. Lite enables all-region playing only. The full version enables copying of DVDs but I'll pass on that.
The first play went without any trouble. No wagging-finger messages about wrong regions, or you're using up another of your changes if you go ahead with this. Fine. BUT. The free version interrupts play every fifteen minutes to remind you that you have only X number of days left and to suggest you buy the product now. In other words, you get a commercial break. Just like TV. Oh, joy. This is especially annoying because the website strongly recommends using the Free as a trial before forking out your cash. Fengtao might think that's clever marketing, but to me it's just plain bad manners.
On the other hand, the product delivers what was promised. The disk played without a hitch. The full version will cost me about A$35. At this stage I'm still cautious but I'll probably take it.
If you're interested, follow Mike's first link above.
