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- Most DVDs encoded for play in specific regions
- Some computer DVD software allows limited changes to DVD regional settings
- Some regional DVDs have different special features than other regions
- Pricing can vary from region to region
- Controversial DVDs may only be available in certain regions
- DVD hacks allow users access to factory settings
- Open source software can bypass the need for regional code settings
- Regional codes are set in firmware, not hardware specific
- Does not change the languages available on the disk
- Does not change the video format of the disk
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DVD hacks allow users to play movies that were produced in other countries on their DVD players. Changing the allowable region code will not change the type of video however. Videos encoded with NTSC will still need to be played on NTSC (North American market) enabled players, and PAL (European market) with PAL players.
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DVD Region Codes
- United States, Canada, U.S. Territories and Bermuda
- Western Europe and Asia, Egypt, Iran, Israel,Japan, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom
- Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan
- Central and South America, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand
- South and Central Asia, Africa, Belarus, Mongolia, North Korea, Russia, Ukraine
- China
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Background
DVD regional codes came about as a result of the push for Digital Rights Management (DRM). With the concept of regional codes, movie production and distribution companies could now control when and where a movie would be released, rather than having a DVD hit the entire world market all at once. In addition, differing versions of DVDs could be produced for each region, with the features reflecting the value of pricing for each specific region. Opponents of DRM claim that regional codes area violation of international trade laws, but no legal case has been presented to challenge the idea.DVD Explorer: Can I make my DVD player a multi-region? -
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