Make Your DVD Player Region-Free in Seconds
As a Brit, I often want DVDs that I just can't find in the U.S. It's usually U.K. comedy shows, most of which don't take off over here for some reason. And DVD regions used to be a problem for me. But not anymore. (See also: The Best Blu-ray Players)
As I'm sure you know, DVDs are coded to a region of the world. Here's how it breaks down:
REGION 1 — USA, Canada
REGION 2 — Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Greenland
REGION 3 — S.Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Parts of South East Asia
REGION 4 — Australia, New Zealand, Latin America (including Mexico)
REGION 5 — Eastern Europe, Russia, India, Africa
REGION 6 — China
REGION 7 — Reserved for Unspecified Special Use
REGION 8 — Reserved for Cruise Ships, Airlines, etc...
REGION 0, 9, or REGION ALL — Discs are uncoded and can be played worldwide
So, here in the U.S., we're Region 1. In the U.K., discs are Region 2. Region 1 discs won't play in region 2 players, and vice versa. Or so I was told when I first moved here 6 years ago. But that's not true. Region coding can, in most cases, be removed from your DVD player using a simple remote-control code that unlocks the player.
Why do we have region codes?
I'm no expert on this, but I turn to a man who knows more than I do. Robert Silva from About.com had this to say about the subject.
"Movies are released in theaters in different parts of the world at different times throughout the year. That Summer blockbuster in the U.S. may end up being the Christmas blockbuster overseas. If that occurs, the DVD version of the movie may be out in the U.S. while it is still showing in theaters overseas.
In order to preserve the financial integrity of the theatrical distribution of a particular film, it is not possible (under normal conditions) to have a friend in the U.S. send a DVD copy of the film to the country where it is in theatrical release and be able to play the DVD on a player there."
So, in a word, money. However, since the massive surge of the Internet, file sharing and release dates in countries around the world coming closer and closer together, it's fairly ridiculous to have region coding. In fact, many players are now code free. But, if yours isn't (and most aren't) you may be able to unlock it in a matter of seconds...right now.
Enough background...how do I unlock my player?
The site I have used for the last few years is called VideoHelp.com, and they have a section of the site dedicated to DVD hacks. It's a simple search engine. Just take down the name and model number of your DVD player, and if a hack exists (there are thousands out there) then just print out the instructions, take your remote control and program your DVD player. And there you have it. You can now play disks from Japan, England, Australia, anywhere you want!
Here's the best part.
You don't need an expensive player. In fact, the easiest players to unlock are at the cheaper end. I bought a Phillips DVD player (DVP642) for $40 from BestBuy a few years ago, unlocked it in 10 seconds and watched a bunch of British comedy the same day. Yesterday, I upgraded that player to a DVD player with HD capability for the impending HDTV we'll need to buy. I checked out VideoHelp found the following region hack:
- Power on.
- Open tray.
- Push the info on remote once (with supplied remote). You will see numbers.
- Press 9 for multi-region. Keep trying until you see the number 9 appear in upper left corner.
- Power off.
- Power on.
That was it. A nice new upconvert DVD player that plays any DVD. So, if you do have a DVD player that you'd like to convert, you can try it. The site does WARN that any action you take may invalidate the warranty, so try it at your own risk. All I can say is that I've never had a problem. Best of luck.
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I've long suffered from my inability to watch Korean films, which are ALWAYS released here as code 3, and somehow, never re-released so that I can watch them. I had no idea that this was possible.
Hi,
I know that your comment is old but I was wondering, do you look at hulu.com? They have quote a few Korean television shows online and I think that they have a few Korean movies as well. Good luck.
you know you can just use VLC media player to watch DVDs on you computer.
Attention PHLY95 ..... Regarding using VLC Media Player to watch other Region Coded DVD's (and BluRay Discs) on your Computer.
Yes, that's true, but you have to Change The Country Setting on your Computer to the Country/Region of the Video that you want to watch. Then you have to change it back again to your Local Country/Region. You have to do this Every Time you want to watch a different Region Video. HOWEVER! You can only Change It 4 Times after you have Initially set it to Your Local Country Location. Once it has been changed to the 5th Location Setting, it Stays There and You Cannot change it again: and if it is set on a Region other than Your Local Country, you can't change it back.
Besides Hulu, there is also Dramafever that is mostly Korean shows and movies. It has a monthly fee that's lower that Hulu with more to offer.
To the guest who said otherwise : no. At least with pc, you do NOT have to change your region on your laptop and have limited number of times to do so when using vlc media player.
how few people know this simple trick. I bought my first multi-region player for $200. As it turns out, someone had just used a code on a $70 player and repackaged it. Now, I know better. Power to the people!
Hi Paul -
Perhaps you can help me. I just bought a DVD Player Sony DVP-NS508P and want to convert it to region free. Iwas hoping you could give some advice on how to do this.
I just wanted to add that this Hack worked with my Sony DVP-NS508P , I just
tried out region 2 and 4 and it now works great:
With the DVD player turned off(stand by), press:
TOP MENU
CLEAR
POWER
Choose option 2 and after option 4. Type:
12450 [press enter]
00000 - Then press enter and power off.
DVD will now be region Free.
I tryed this code more than once, but it still not reading my dvds
My problem is that I live in Brazil, but I came back from holidays in Australia and I cannot play the DVD´s that I bought and burned there, so Cannot play movies and pictures from my trip!
I hate this lock system! It´s not necessary!!
If someone knows something that could work, please tell me!
Thanks!
Tr
Hi, Brazil and Australia are the same region code 4 so you should have no problems playing Brazilian DVDs in Australia.
Maybe the DVDs are damaged.
No, it doesn't work...
With the DVD player turned off(stand by), press:
TOP MENU
CLEAR
POWER
Choose option 2 and after option 4. Type:
12450 [press enter]
00000 - Then press enter and power off.
DVD will now be region Free.
Anybody know how to make a Sony DVP-NS710H region free? I tried the procedure on the site and it failed to respond to the pause,3,1,4,1,5,9 sequence? Sony said I'm stuck on region 1 with my US bought player. Is this true?=(
Hi Paul
I hope you can help me I have a Sony NS710H player could you please help me to unlock it the instructions vir the NS710H/B does not work to unlock this player thank you
Cecilia
Actually, it's pre-hacked if you buy those cheap Chinese brand DVD players. Those $20 Chinese brand DVD players can play all region DVDs!
I had a $200 GE, the welcome screen was much nicer, it's quiet and looks good with my TV bench. However, it only plays region 1 DVDs and broke down the week after the warrantee expires. I just got my Chinese brand DVD player KACO for only $14.99 at Best Buy. I couldn't believe it! I can now play my Japanese movies, Brit-coms and everything!
I'm from Brazil but living in Korea. Have with me several Region 4 DVDs that I can't use here in Korea beceause here we are in Region 3. My DVD player is a LG LC-516M. Any tip to unblock it? Thanks!
I purchased the LC-516M in Korea and have succesfully set this to code free. I purchase a number of DVDs at full price from the U.S. and thus see no issue with setting the DVD player to play multiple codes.
1. Turn DVD player on without any disc in the tray. "No Disc" should appear on the screen.
2. Press "Pause" using the remote. Nothing will come on to the screen at this stage.
3. Using the remote press 3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9
4. The screen will now show a prompt for a new code "Code ---"
5. Press "0" for universal code.
6. Press "Pause" again.
7. "No Disc" should appear on the screen again meaning that you are all set to go.
Enjoy!
hey just read on some site and same issue...just try it maybe it will help...
Converting the player to Multi-Region:
1. Power on the player with no disk in the drive.
2. Wait for the "No Disc" message to appear.
3. Press Pause on the Remote.
4. Enter 3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9 on the Remote (the word COdE or FF appears on the display).
5. Enter 0 on the Remote (0 = All Regions, 1 = Region 1, 2 = Region 2, etc.).
6. Press Pause on the Remote.
7. Power the player off, wait 30 seconds and then power back on.
NB: If the above code fails to work then once the player has displayed the "No disc" message press Stop before entering the above code.
Checking Firmware version:
1. Press Setup on the Remote.
2. Select TV Aspect.
3. Place the cursor on 16:9 wide.
4. Enter 1, 3, 9, 7, 1, 3, 9 on the Remote.
5. Press Enter on the Remote.
6. Press Setup to clear the information once read.
Your instructions worked Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!
PLS CAN YOU HELP ME HOW I CAN HACK THAT DVD PLAYER TO BE MULTIREGION THE MODEL IS RH-298HT
I noticed that soemone had inquired as to how to change thier Korean LG model LC-516M to code free. Was there ever a response. Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be offered.
Kind Regards
i bought a PACKARDBELL MULTIMEDIA RECORDER 160. i want to make it a region free as i have good number of dvds from other regions which i am not able to play on it. Can you help me do it. Thanks.
hi i'm looking for a way to make my Sony model:HCD-DZ110 codefree, does anyone know how?
Hi.
Just want to know how to make my dvd player: JVC XV-N650B code free.
Thanks
Turn on the DVD player
Open the CD tray
Press 0000 on the remote control
That should do it for you
Hey there,
I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a Winstar 1200 dvd player region free. It's made by a Canadian company and can't find the codes/steps anywhere.
Kristy
living in japan with a region 2 mico dvd-mo2w...anyone know how to unlock this little beast
HOW CAN I MAKE MY JWIN PLAYER REGION FREE?
You people need to read the article...there's a link in the article to a website. Search your model number on the website and follow the directions.
I just converted my Philips DVP 642 to Region free a 0. Yes, we can watch now the German DVD's!
But they are now in black and white. Any suggestions on how to get them to play in color?
Thanks, Manny
For weeks I haven't been able to read my United States dvd's since I moved to New Zealand but, thanks to your instructions I just bought a Region Free dvd player (very cheap), and now I can watch Any dvd I want, with the exception of region 7.
I bought this set samsung HT-TXQ120 a couple of months ago and discovered that the system can only play region 2. Please can anybody help me on how to convert it to multi-region.
can someone provide the codes to unlock this region 1 player/recorder to code free? thanks so much!
I cannot find an unlock code for this model...can you direct me to a sight where it might be available?
Thanks, Richard
I HAVE DVDROM IN MY LAPTOP AND IT HAS REGION 3 ON IT, AND I JUST BOUGHT A MOVIE BUT IT REQUIRES A REGION 2 OR 4 TO PLAY . I TRIED TO CHANGE THE REGION BUT IT WONT ALLOW ME TO CHANGE CAN YOU HELP ME ON THIS??
use a different program to play the DVDs. Most commercial DVD player programs, including RealPlayer, Windows Media Player, PowerDVD, all obey region controls. I use Media Player Classic - it ignores region control codes.
When you buy a new DVD RW it usually allows you to change the region 4 times.
Maybe your's have already been changed 4 times, region 3 being the last one selected.
does anyone know how to unlock this machine plz
Norman
Hello,
I have a cheap-o dvd playeer.
An audiosonic KMO132 how can I make this region free? I couldnt find a hack anywhere!
Any help greatly appreciated!
Cheers Shaz
Please someone tell me how to make my DVD player region free. My two year old son wants to see some Japanese DVDs brought back from Japan. Thank you.
HOW DO I HACK MY DVD PLAYR THE DVD PLAYR IS COLD Symphonic SV2000 DVD Player, WV205
I have a bose dvd 3.2.1 dvd player. I just bought a dvd from the Uk and can't play it on my dvd player. Does anyone know how to hack it to multi region???
How do I change to region 0, anybody?
Someone can tell me how do I hijack my Samsung region code .pls thanks
Can anyone tell me the code for Sony RDR-VX515. This is a DVD/Video Cassette Recorder. I Checked the list and they indicated they didn't have the code for this model.
Thank you
was just wondering if someone can help with the unlock code for ths machine please?
A big thank you paul for your amazing site, I used it to link to to the DVD HACKS page in hope rather than expection to make my DAEWOO DF-450P DVD/VHS recorder region free. I found the information fairly quickly and can now watch films from the United States and elsewhere. It is a fanstic machine and this will save me a lot of money and hasle. I look forward to your other tricks of the trade and inside knowledge you have included on your site and would recommend it wholeheartly to anyone.
Is there a code for this unit? Please advise. Thanx!
1 user region code/hacks October 11, 2008 Post region code/hack comment
Region code hack posted by bezzez, October 11 2008:
I know this work because i just tried it. It also works on the newer JVC models e.g. the XV-N370B
cheers
1. OPEN TRAY (NO DISC DISPLAY ON PLAYER)
2. PRESS 0 (ZERO) THREE TIMES ON REMOTE
3. REGION MENU COMES UP ON TV SCREEN
4. PRESS NUMBER ON REMOTE REPRESENTING WHAT REGION YOU WANT (NOTE: PRESS 0 FOR ALL REGIONS)
5. PRESS ENTER ON REMOTE
6. PRESS PAUSE BUTTON TO EXIT
7. YOU DVD PLAYER IS NOW REGION FREE!
Just bought the player seeing this hack on line in advance when I tried it on the above JVC player it dd not work!!
BEWARE this guy probably works for JVC!! Needs to increase SALES!!
Player is good, but it wont change region!
Those instructions worked like a dream.. thank you so much!
I have just made my jvc xv-n370b purchaced from makro 31/12/08 multi region
i used the hack for the xv-n652
open tray press 0 three times
this brings up a menu
press 0 for multi region
press enter
press pause to exit
I have a JVC XV-N370B that the above hack is not working on. I power it on, open the tray, and press zero on the remote 3 times, but no menu appears. I've tried powering off and back on again, I've tried it after it failed to read a region 2 disc. No dice. Any suggestions?
Does anyone know directions to make this model into a universal (multi region) dvd player? Thanks so much.
I was successful in unlocking my Toshiba SD-K850SU using the following sequence (I think it will work for almost all toshibas):
1. Press the Open button on your remote control to open the drive tray
2. Press the 2 button on your remote control
3. Press the 4 button on your remote control
4. Press the 0 button on your remote control
5. Press the 3 button on your remote control
6. Press the 9 button on your remote control
7. Press the 6 button on your remote control
8. Press the 0 button on your remote control
9. Press the Enter button on your remote control to change the region to 1 for region 1, 2 for region 2, and so on, or 9 for multi-region playback
10. Press the Open button on your remote control to close the drive tray
11. Power off the DVD player
12. Power on the DVD player
Hello!
I tried this with my Toshiba SD-37VESE (combo VHS and DVD player) but it didn't work.
Anybody have the unlock code for this machine??
Thanks!
I can't seem to get to the place where you change the code?
was just wondering if someone can help with the unlock code for this machine please? Thanks.
Seeking multi region code for the subject DVD player. Thanks.
Glad I found a forum that isn't 2 years old.
I moved to Chile (Region 4), and brought all my USA bought movies(Region 1), with me. So I bought an inexpensive DVD player, but now only some of the movies can be played. The player is by Global home, yet I can not find ANY webpage or information on this brand. It is not listed on other websites that offer the codes, and I'm just really frustrated at this point. Not even the manual has any manufacturer info. This DVD player has a USB port, which I figured would be great so that I can watch the movies in my laptop, yet I cant even get it to open them. The most information I can provide by looking at the actual player is; Model: DVD-0081, Serial No.: KW-06-08A002367, Made in China.
Any help and suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks...
Solly
Hi Solly, just checking if you ever managed to figure out how to fix this dvd player. My situation is virtually identical to yours... I've had no problem with the USB port though, and the .avi files i have on dvds and cds have worked fine... it's just this weird picking and choosing of which Region 1 discs it will read that is the only headache.
Maybe we shouldn't buy cheap electronics at supermarkets anymore. Hope you've had some luck, if i find anything, i'll post.
can anyone help me to set the insignisa ns-fs dvd region free
can not find anything on the web. thanks for the help
Guest M G
hi all, just wondering does anyone know how to unlock a
sony dav dz260 many thx x x x
Does anyone know how to change the region on this English DVD. We are wanting to play DVD's from Australia, Region 4.
Thanks
______________________
Editor's note (3/4/09) - This is an anonymous tip we received about this DVD player today. Use at your own risk.
* Press the Open button on the front of the player
* Press the Setup button on your remote control
* Using the Left button on your remote control, change the display to the Preference Page
* Press the Down button on your remote control to highlight the Set TV Standard option
* Using your remote control, press the buttons 4, 9, 5, 4 and 0, in order, one at a time
NB : You may need to perform this step quicker if this doesn't work as expected
* The onscreen display will display the currently selected region
* Using the Up and Down buttons on your remote control, change the region to 1 for region 1, 2 for region 2, and so on, or 0 for multi-region playback
* Press the Setup button on your remote control
* Power Off your player
* Power On your player
can any one tell me how to unlock an apex adv 3800??? this is a vcr and dvd player...Please!!!! Thank you!!
Can someone help to unlock Sony DVP-NS775V? Seems lke no onewas successful with it. PLEASE HELP!!!
Im trying to make my DVD player region free and not having any luck
i have a Samsung V6700S DVD/VCR combi
can anyone please help me
Enyone knows how can i unlock my dvd toshiba SD-580EKE to region free?
Hi, I have a Clarion VRX746VD and bought it in the middle east a couple of years ago and is region 3.
I am from Australia and now in Spain and want to play DVD'd for the kids on road trips, but region setting makes it hard.
Are you guys able to help me?
Regards Wayde
hi
Ibought this last week from Argos and have tried everything. Does anybody know how to unlock it>
hi, how do i make my L.G. `DR 175` dvd recorder region free ?
thanks
Cha.
I found the 314159 solution above works for more than one LG version.
Even one with no display - just go through the steps in sequential order.
- Switch off ac mains
- Switch on ac mains
- Use remote control
- Press power key (unit will come on)
- Wait untill no disc appears
- Press sequentially : Pause, 3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9,
- "code" will appear (or FF)
- Press 0 (multizone)
- Press sequentially Pause, Power
- Unit will turn off (standby)
- If you do not succeed first attempt, disconnect unit, and repreat steps
Hi. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me with the region code change on a Sony. It’s very frustrating and I can’t watch any DVD’s
I can't see the movie which has a region code "3"
How to make a region free?
Your help will be appreciated.
Thank you!
CAN ANYONE SUPPLY ME WITH THE REGION FREE CODE FOR A STAND ALONE DVD PLAYER ASDA # DVD1072UK
HEARS HOPING THANK YOU
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Hi. Recently found out and used the code to change my dvd from region 4 to region 9 allowing me to play several dvds sent by family from overseas for the first time. However, now I find I am unable to play any region 4 (new or old) whether on region 9 and I can't change the code back to 4. I have been following the instructions to the letter. A friend said I may have to change the dvd player back to factory defaults and start again, however, samsung cannot help me with this. Can anyone suggest anything?
Don't want to have to replave the dvd player and start over again.
Cheers.
I followed the instructions to turn into free region and worked with regular DVD's
In the other hand, I noticed this DVD is unable to read several formats: I have a chinese Cyberhome CH-DVD-300 also, and it can read burned dvd's easily; but if I try to watch the same burned dvd in the sony it says it can`t.
I assume this is not a problem of region, but video standards.
Hello my friend,
could you give me the instructions to make my DVD Sony %NS508P free zone? Thanks in advance.
Hi guys ! just wondering if anyone knows a code to make my Sony Dav DZ660 multi region ? I can't seem to find a code anywhere !! Thanks
I am also looking as well, does any one know the code
This is a DVD/Blue Ray player. It Did play all regions until i did a firmwre upgrade.
Pl;ease help with code to make it region free, thank-you
I have spent most the evening now and the better half of yesterday trying to find the procedure for the Samsung DVD-VR375. My was born 2008.04, and I've used all the tips and ways that I think are out there, for this region 1 unit (29334). Some say open open DVD door, some don't mention it, some have you enter another code before your region code, others do not. Either way I cannot get it to work, some say you will see a flash of the code, but once I hit that menu button, that's all I see, and nothing else appears when I follow through with adding or pressing any more buttons. Please, I'm hoping someone does have the procedure, because I'm getting near to the procedure of the "sledge hammer and the check book"! Thanks in advance! MoksaMan
I am trying to find the procedure to unblock the Samsung DVD-VR375. Like you, I´m hoping that someone does have it.
anyone have a hack to make this region free can't find any codes for it anywhere.
I Have a Duraband DVD900 player, Can anybody tell me, is there an unlock code to open up this machine??
Thank you
There are a few free sites out there, but if you want to get the job done, send a quick e-mail to the team at www.dvdexploder.com - they'll sort you out in a flash.
People were telling me 'you can't unlock your Panasonic DMP' - well guess what? It's now region free thanks to these guys. I tapped in a simple handset sequence and I'm now watching cheap imported discs.
I don't like being told when and where I buy my films, so problem solved. Thought I'd throw in my two cents. Down with region zoning!
I have a Panasonic DMPBD65 and I am in Canada and it won't let me watch Canadian Netflix . Says only Us .
How it can I change this ?
hi there i have a LG DVD/VCR Combi Receiver MODEL: LH-CX247 and i want to change it to all region plz help thanks
Does anyone have any idea how to hack the DVD players in a MacBook? Or should I just take it into the Genius Bar for some help? I'm starting to get annoyed with the fact that I bought an expensive computer and can't even watch movies on it.
I have a Spectra PC700D dvd player.Can someone help me unlock it. I have been through all the blogs, forums, and websites- no one has any codes that work.
Can someone help?????
If you do not want to change the region code on your Mac according to different region DVD, the best choice would be having an external driver. So your copy software must support external driver.
As I know, Mac DVD Copy Pro support external driver.
Does anyone know how to hack a Toshiba sd 37-VESE?
If you do please write to me:
matwinger@gmail.com
Much thanks,
M.D. Wingell
how about LG HT554TM? how do you unlock its regional code?
Where to find the unlock code of the Philips PET 831, dvd player?
Cheers
allwinn
How can I make my Teac TV/DVD combo model RC-6182 play all regions and also my Pioneer XV-DV252?
Does anyone have the region hack for an RCA RTD217? I've looked everywhere and done multiple searches.. I haven't found anything yet. Any help would be very much appreciated!
Does anyone know how to set this for Region 0 for All?
Hello! My region-free DVD Player just broke, and so my family got a new one, a Sony DVP-NS710H. Could someone tell me the codes for the Sony DVP-NS710H?