DVD Disc Regions

Motion picture studios in the USA wanted to control the release of movies around the world using DVD region codes.. Movies are released on DVD at different times around the world, typically America and Canada first, Australia and Japan 6 months later, and Europe 12 months after US release. In some instances, DVD movies are available for purchase in America and Canada before they are released in European cinemas. Due to the high quality of DVD and the movie release system used by Hollywood, 6 regions were establish to prevent people from watching Region 1 movies before they were released on Regions 2-6.

DVD Region Locking is a system used to control which DVD movies play on which DVD Players. The regions are broken down as follow:

• Region 1 - The U.S., U.S. territories and Canada
• Region 2 - Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, Greenland
• Region 3 - Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong
• Region 4 - Mexico, South America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Caribbean
• Region 5 - Russia, Eastern Europe, India, most of Africa, North Korea, Mongolia
• Region 6 - China

What does this mean to the end consumer?
This means that movies from Region 1 (USA & Canada) WILL NOT play on a DVD player regions 2-6. Effectively Region 1 discs play only on Region 1 DVD players, Region 2 discs play only on Region 2 DVD players and so on.

• What is a Code free DVD player?
  A Code free DVD player is a DVD player that is capable of playing DVD discs from around the world. DVD discs are encoded into 6 different regions. Normal (meaning non-Code free)
• Can I modify my own DVD player to be Code free?
  It is possible, but unless you're an engineer, it's not recommended. Far too many people attempt to do this and end up damaging their DVD players. Also, by attempting to modify it yourself, you void any manufacturer's warranty.
• Is it legal to use or own a Code free DVD player?
  Yes, it is legal. You are legally allowed to own a Code free DVD player, but you can not use it for illegal purposes.
• I currently have a DVD player. How do I know if mine is Code free?
  Simply attempt to view an overseas DVD to see whether it will play or not

If you found this to be informative or helpful, Please click the "YES" button below.

• Also see:
• LCD Vs Plasma
• Make your DVD Player Region free Multiregional