JOE29

I'm thinking about getting one because there is a few movies that aren't available on my region 1 player that I have now. Can you get them anywhere? Do they cost more because they're region free?

GHackmann

Many inexpensive players can be made region-free with a few button presses on the remote.

I have a Philips DVP-642, which seems to be pretty popular for people who want region-free on a budget ($60-$70). It took about 15 seconds to make it region-free. There are some complaints about the PAL/NTSC conversion compared to more-expensive players, so keep that in mind.

mbs

First check to see if your current player can be modified (remote hack) to region free. Go here and check: http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks

If not, I'd get a Philips DVP-642. I have one and as far as a "cheap" player, I love it. It's a R1 player, but a simple remote hack (typing in a couple buttons with the tray open) will set it to R0 (region free). Cost me about $65 or so. Plays everything I have thrown at it (DVD-R, DVD+R). Also plays DiVX discs, though I have only done that once.

warswift

does it play vcd?

meritocracy

Yes, it does.

Slowpc

Only if the SD-4900 is still around.... I love mine here, and worth searching for. Region Free with just a cd-r and works great for everything I have tossed at it.

warswift

where can i get on? site?

also can you watch region free stuff on a ps2?

GHackmann

Pretty much any electronics store will carry it. Amazon.com has it for a little under $60 if you prefer to shop online.

There are mod chips and swap discs to make it region-free. I don't know if it's OK to discuss them on the DVD Talk board, since they're almost always used for piracy.

I'm not sure whether or not a modded PS2 will convert PAL video to NTSC.

warswift

thanks

warswift

theres some bad reviews on Philips DVP-642 on amazon.

Slowpc

The Action Replay / Gameshark devices are available to play other region dvds via the playstation 2. The action replay MAX has a lot of features, and one is the "Turn your PS2 into a multi-region DVD player and watch movies from other countries" feature. Quality is prob. not too good... but might be good to hold you over.

Best thing is... it is legal and available in many shops around.

warswift

you guys think this is a good price and good all region dvd player?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...onics&v=glance

X

I liked it better a month ago when it was $18 after rebate with free shipping. That was a good price and just about right for that player.

I don't think I'd pay much more than that though. I had to go through 3 of them to finally get one that worked right. They're even junkier than they were last year.

warswift

which one is the best for a all region dvd player then.

i want one that can play forever!

Josh Z

This really depends on your needs and your other equipment. What is your budget? Do you have an HDTV?

This is my region-free player:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/004343.html

warswift

mostly region 2 3 and etc. also vcd

my budget is around 100.

mbs

On videohelp.com the 642 has an 8.1 rating and the Cyberhome has a 6.2.

I wasn't aware of such failure rates of the 642 (as reported on amazon). Mine gets A LOT of use and I've had no issue for as long as I've had it (about a year or so, I believe). Based on the reviews at both sites, both players seem to have a good number of lemons being produced, so you may want to buy it in-store. Much easier taking it back if you happen to get a bad unit.

Like I said earlier, I love my 642.

bboisvert

If you're looking to spend less than $100, you're not going to see a ton of difference in overall quality. I'd go with the Cyberhome player on Amazon w/rebate...

warswift

Philips DVP642

i should just get this.

asianxcore

are there any region free players that upconvert 480p to 720?

nemein

There's several... one of the favorites seems to be http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/004343.html

mbs

Yeah, I think the Oppo is considered the best for this purpose. It was recently discussed here: http://dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=443684 and there is a DVDTalk review here: http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/004343.html.

I'm going to order one in the next couple days.

warswift

i think i might get this then

http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/004343.html

because everyone is talking about it.

Josh Z

Are my posts invisible in this forum?


Warswift, the Oppo is a great region-free player if you're watching on an HDTV. If you have a standard-defintion TV, the Philips is half the price and you won't see much difference in quality. The Oppo is designed primarily for HDTV owners. You really need to have a DVI or HDMI input on your TV to get the full benefits of the Oppo player.

warswift

i bidded on a Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD Player
and won for 55.96 is that good?