Multi region HD DVD players?

[admin_exported]

Is anyone aware of their existence? I was think of purchasing one of teh new Toshiba models - maybe someone knows if there's a code I can enter?

 

[Andy Clough]

To the best of my knowledge, none of the current HD DVD players or discs have region coding, but there are plans afoot to introduce it.

The DVD Forum is discussing introducing Region Protection Coding (RPC) on the next-generation of HD DVD, which would act in much the same way as current DVDs (ie restricting playback of discs purchased outside the player's region).

Incidentally, there is region coding on Blu-ray players, but not on any of the discs issued so far. The Blu-ray Association has reduced the seven DVD regions down to three:

1) North America, South America, East Asia (except China)

2) Europe and Africa

3) China, Russia and other countries

 

[Anonymous]

I'm sure as and when they do come into existence, a quick firmware hack will sort it out!

 

[Anonymous]

So I could buy a Blu-ray disc from any country and it will play on my PS3 ?

 

[Andrew Everard]

Right now, yes, and just to clarify, the regions are actually designated A, B and C, rather than 1, 2 and 3. But bear in mind the HD players seem resistant to hacking into multiregion DVD playback, if that's importtant to you.

 

[Anonymous]

No, it's just that I have got so used to just buying a dvd without thinking of regions, my previous player having been multi-region and my dav-is10 also having been converted, that I have been ordering a few Blu-ray discs in readiness for my big PS3/Pioneer and not thinling about whether they would play or not. Not too bright on my part, I know. Over-anticipation can cause me the odd mental lapse!!

Thanks anyway, Andrew.

How's the show going ?

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="david1997"]

Thanks anyway, Andrew.

How's the show going ?

[/quote]

Going really well - lots of genuinely interested visitors, enough stuff to keep you occupied for a day and the odd piece of turly desirable equipment, not all of it hi-fi or home cinema. We've been busy covering as much as it as possible here on the site, and I'm planning a few more news stories in the morning after a bit of sleep.

I've done my show stint now, so I'll be putting together some thoughts on the highlights and otherwise entertaining elements over the next day or so, Watch this space...

 

[Anonymous]

The short answer is Be Careful. As always. At the moment all HD Discs are region free, but not all BD discs are. Generally, new releases from major studios are region coded, but library titles are not. The US Spidey DVDs are region A, as is the US Casino Royale. All of Warners (who release on both formats) are region free. FOR THE TIME BEING!! As far as I can see, only Movietyme.com offers info on what's actually Region A.

 

[Anonymous]

My 'Legends of Jazz' with Ramsey Lewis (BDWR 090005) does not play on my PS3.
'this video cannot be played' (80029907) is the greeting I get. I have no problems with any other Blu-ray disc.

Any Ideas ?