just4kix
Well-Known Member
The Quest for a Region-Free Blu-Ray Player
Ever since the region-coding was introduced in the DVD days, this feature has been an issue of excessive vexation amongst the video community. Region coding was never a problem to the average American, European, Australian, etc., i.e., those who never travelled or purchased anything from abroad. But for the rest, it was extremely frustrating that their player was unable to play disc that they (legally) purchased from other regions. "If I purchased it, I should be able to play it!", was the statement.
Apparently region code was introduced to prevent revenue losses that the distributor/studio may suffer because the way movies were released at different times in the video market. Another (minor) reason was to prevent content meant for one region being shown in another region. There could be other reasons as well but we are not discussing that. With most movies being released more or less at the same time in different regions, the concept of region code enforcement seems to have lost a lot of sheen. That is perhaps one reason that region code is not enforced on blu-ray discs so rigourously.
However, many people would still like to have complete freedom by owning a player that can play discs from all regions. That said, and with DVDs on the decline, does one really need a region-free player? Check this out:
- There is a huge community of people all over the world resorting to illegal downloads; they don't need a player (can do with a media player). So forget an RF player here.
- People in South Asia, China (India, Pak, SL, BGD, etc.) and probably whole of Africa mostly resort to illegal downloads
- Out of the balance, 98% of the people in North America, Europe, Middle East, Singapore, ANZ, etc. do not need an RF player; they hardly buy from outside
- Finally, nearly 90% of the BDs are region free. BDs sold in India are region-free.
This leaves a handful of the population that truly requires a region free player. So what are the options?
[A] Hardware modded region-free player
This is the best option. These are sold at various websites such as Region Free DVD Players, MultiSystem LCD TVs, Region Free DVD Recorders, Multi-System Plasma TV, multi-system TVs, PAL LCD TV, PAL TV, Step Down transformer, Step up transformer, Chicago, 220-Electronics.com | International Relocation Electronics Specialists, etc. The player is usually completely region free for BDs (Zones A/B/C) and DVD (Regions 1~6). But PLEASE VERIFY before buying. Some players are clearly identified as region free for DVDs only, for instance.
Advantages: All zones/region free for BDs/DVDs, full video compatibility (PAL/SECAM/NTSC), mostly even universal volatge (110~220 V/50-60 Hz), etc. No restrition on firmware updates. So in fact, can work in any part of the world.
Disadvantages: Only a select few models available. Very expensive - usually the cost is 3 times the equivalent BDP, sites mostly based in USA and high shipping charges outside USA (usually around US$80~95).
Region-free making hardware mod for a player
This is also (or rather "used to be") a good option. The hardware mod is available for a select group of players. The mod is a hardware circuit (PCB) that needs to soldered to the main PCB and piggy-back installed inside the player. Although the kit was not very expensive (around 80 + shipping) and came with a full set of istallation/soldering instructions, a fair high skill in soldering was required. Definitely not an option for any non-techie. But once modded, it had all the advantages of the "already modded" player (except universal voltage compatibility) but much less expensive. However, these mods are (were) available for a very few select players. Today, they are not available at all for current set of players.
[C] Region-free firmware for Panasonic BDPs
This option is good but only for Panasonic players. The process involves buying a firmware (software) for the specific Panasonic player. Here is the website: TPS - www.tps.uk.com - panasonic - Blu-ray Players - Panasonic All Zone Multi Region Code Free Blu-ray Player Firmware Upgrade. You get a DVD that contains the firmware. All you need to do is pop the CD/DVD into the player, the BDP would read the disc and install the firmware automatically. Of course, the firmware on the disc had to be of a higher version than the one existing inside the player.
Advantages: Relatively cheap (60 + 5 (shipping), at the time of writing this), no mess affair. Player becomes region free for BD and DVD. Many features that were blocked for commercial reasons are unlocked. One such feature that is unlocked is PAL playback in US/Japan players.
Disadvantages: Once you install the region-free firmware, you can never install the official firmware. Doing so means complete loss of region-free playing capability. Then, the firmware is available for a select Panasonic players only. Current 2013 models are excluded from the list.
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[D] The two players option
All the above options are good in a way but yet restrictive in many other ways. Option is more or less ruled out. In my opinion, and if you really and desparately need a region free player, I will suggest you to buy two BDPs - one for Region A and other for Region B. It is best if you are visiting these regions are buy a player while on your return trip - for one you will save on shipping cost. Secondly the customs department is unlikely to charge import duty and in any case it will be under the dutiable limit. But if that option is not available, you can definitely order online.
Advantages: You can play BD from any region (Region C does not count). DVD hacks for remotes are usally available but then DVDs are more or less going away. You have the freedom to buy any player that you desire - go cheap or go for the best rated, etc. You have complete freedom on firware upgrades.
Disadvantages: Relatively expensive, especially if you order one or both online (shipping charges + import duty). You end up with two devices instead of one and that leads to clutter and occupying an extra HDMI slot. The Region A player will most likely be 110V/60Hz while 220V/50Hz for the Region B player - so you will need an adapter for one or other. If you reside in USA, you still cannot use the Region B player because it will be PAL and your TV cannot display PAL - you will need a converter.
No matter they refund it or Not !
