News and Reviews....

Understanding DVD Regional Codes.....    February  2002

All international-region DVD players are not too popular in North America, but they're in demand in other parts of the world where fans can't wait for the latest American releases.

Few North Americans need machines that have been altered to crack the movie studio's regional codes and play discs from other parts of the world because North Americans get their product before release to other parts of the world.

It is a different story overseas where consumers clamor for altered DVD players or modification chips that render their players capable of playing all discs, including the ones intended for the United States and Canada.

DVD release patterns from the studios are now being changed to over come the need for the altered machines.

Last year the maker Apex caused a stir when it came to light that the hidden menu, intended for programmers, was easily accessible to consumers. Apex has cooperated fully with the DVDCCA (DVD Copy Control Association) and has since made the menu more difficult to access. Needless to say that machine was snapped up as fast as it hit the shelves, once the word was out.

Listed below are the DVD Regions by Code.

• 1 - United States and its territories, and Canada
• 2 - Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and Japan
• 3 - Southeast and East Asia
• 4 - Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands
• 5 - Eastern Europe, Indian subcontinent, Africa, North Korea and Mongolia
• 6 - China
• 7 - Reserved
• 8 - International venues such as airplanes and cruise ships