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Got a question about what Multiregion is, and what it will do to your player? Well heres where to look:) If you have any more questions, then drop us an email we`ll only be too happy to help!
Multiregion refers to a modification made to a DVD product. Let us explain. When the DVD format was introduced, the world was "split"
into 6 different regions. This was mainly due to the film companies, as Movies are usually launched first in the united States, then
stagered launches worldwide a few months later.
This means that when a film is released onto DVD in America a couple of months or so after a movie had shown at the cinemas there, that the
DVD movie would not play on a dvd player from another "region" in the world, where the same movie would have just opened at the cinema.
This way the Movie companies are able to continue to stagger box office releases arround the world.
Region Codes:
As mentioned in the introduction above, Region codes prevent the import of movies from one "region" to another. The USA & Canada are Region 1, and ourselves (UK and europe) are region 2.
This means that although we can buy a movie on DVD from the USA usually before it is at the cinema here, we cannot watch the movie! That is where "multiregion" comes in, as any DVD product modified for multiregion,
will play any movie from any region! The map and table below show how the world is split into different regions:
Why Do I Want Multiregion?
You can quite often buy a Region DVD movie before the same movie is at the Cinema in the UK! The discs usually work out much cheaper
(espcially for special editions), with more features on a disc, and a larger choice then on Region 2. Almost all discs are available with DTS soundtracks as standard.
All DVD players purchased in the UK are Region 2. Therefore, you need to modify a Region 2 machine to "multiregion" - this will then play
any original DVD movie, from any region in the world. Thats where we come in, if you don`t already have a modified machine, we can help!
Most modern machines can be modified by a software update, although we can supply chips for older machines. We can also modify machines from other regions, please ask before ordering if you do NOT have a region 2 model!
I have an NTSC only model. Can I make it multiregion?
If you have an NTSC only model, then in most cases it can be modified for multiregion playback. However, this does NOT mean you can play non NTSC discs!
Region 2 discs are available in PAL (europe) and NTSC (Japan) format. An NTSC Panasonic DVD-LA95 (for example) will only be able to play Region 2 NTSC
discs (Not PAL) once modified for multiregion.
You can check if your player supports PAL by checking the user manual, or burn a PAL test disc
by following the instuctions HERE.
Our website indicates if the chosen model can be modified if originally NTSC or not before purchase.
Will a Multiregion upgrade let me play my copies?
Basically, if your DVD player does not currently read copies before, then no!
A Multiregion modification does not change your machines hardware, the simple answer is you`ll need to buy a machine thats advertised
as playing the disc format you want to play.
Why can`t I find a code on the internet for my model?
It is true that there are many, many machines out there where you can download codes from the internet and enter them via your handset for free,
but this usually applies only to unknown cheap brands such as those sold at supermarkets. Basically, if you have a machine such as those advertised
as having upgrades on this website, you`ll need to perform some sort of modification to make them multiregion.
Can I upgrade my machine myself?
That all depends on the model you own! Most modern machines can be modified with little experiance, these are simple DIY upgrades where you buy or rent the upgrade. On other machines, the
upgrade is more complex, and requires special tools therefore these machines can only be moddified by ourselves. Older machines manufacturered before 2001
usually need opening up and some sort of modchip to be fitted, we can still supply these upgrades upon request! Basically our website shows which machines
you can upgrade on a DIY basis, and which we perform an upgrade only service. If in doubt, please ask!
DO I need anything else to watch multiregion discs?
You need to make sure that your TV is NTSC (3.58) compatible if you want to watch Region 1 DVDs. Unlike the UK, which uses the PAL video format, America uses the NTSC (3.58) video format.
Most modern TVs support this via scart or component with no problem. If in doubt, check your TVs instruction manual, the dealer you purchased the set from, or the manufacturers helpline.
My TV is not NTSC compatible, what can I do to watch Region 1 DVDs?
Some DVD players, DVD Systems and recorders will convert the NTSC signal to something your TV can understand. These are mainly Pioneer and Panasonic models.
You can also set your DVD Player / Recorder / Systems scart output to RGB (see your players instruction manual), connect this to your TVs RGB enabled scart (usually AV1, check your TV user manual)
with a fully wired scart lead. This will usually solve your problem and give you better picture quality!
I already have a Multiregion Machine, but Region 1s are in Black and white?
This isn`t actually a problem with your DVD player, but a compatiblity issue with your TV. Unlike Region 2 DVDs, which are PAL, Region 1 DVDs are in the american NTSC format.
Most modern Tvs manufactured since 1989 are able to display this signal, please refer to your TV user manual. For more help with this topic please see ourr technical support section.
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