Upgrading to Region Free
 

OK

I know this may be a stupid quesiton and I did a search but couldn't find any information on it. Is there a chip or something that I can add to my existing player to make it region free? There are a bunch of discs that I'd like to get but don't feel the need to buy another player. I just got the one I have now and also don't have the money to spend on another player. Any suggestions? I've heard about a chip that can be inserted and whatknot but not sure if this is just b.s. or not. How much does it cost?

Thanks!

It depends on your player. Some need a software mod, some a hardware mod, some can be modded via remote and some players can't be modded at all.

I have a Toshiba dual-tray model and I know it's not an Apex or one that can be modified by the software inside. I'm assuming it's going to need a hardware upgrade. I live in NYC and I assume it wouldn't be too difficult to get it done, i'm just not sure of where to look.

Earthstations.com had a chip at one time that you could use to get the old Toshiba 2109 to be region free - and I imagine it works on the one you have too. It was 35 bucks and I had a local VCR repair shop install it for 10 bucks. Then I found out later about PAL vs NTSC and such so all was a waste basically.

If there's a bunch of discs you want - just get the Malata. It's a Progressive Scan player and it does MP3 and CD-R and VCD which your player doesn't do. It will also convert PAL to NTSC for you. If you're looking at DVDs from France, Germany or England, you're looking at Region 2 PAL discs that won't play on your TV without an expensive converter or a Malata. The only other Region 2 DVDs are in Japan and they are mostly NTSC. If all you're interested in is Anime, then perhaps chipping your player isn't such a bad idea - You could always sell your machine and try to find a Samsung 709 which can be made region free with a few keypresses on the remote.

Last alternative is to make your PC's DVD player region free with software patch/hack and either port the video to your TV or watch it on your PC monitor.

You probably have the SD2200; I have the same model. Up until now I haven't found a solution to make it region free so if anyone knows one I would be extremely grateful!

Here's a chip solution...

http://www.shoyle.f9.co.uk/dvdchipsuk/tosh2109user.htm

Found on this site: http://www.dvdchips.co.uk/


Also try <a href="http://dvd.box.sk">DVD.Box.sk</a> as there is a section which lists Home DVD Hacks and you can simply find your player model. Also lists whether or not your player has a remote hack available (it doesn't).

Thanks for the URL's, any experiences with dvdchipsuk?

Nope - I was drawn to them because at one time they were renting out a VCD or DVD that could program my Panasonic Player to be Region Free and cook breakfast and wash my car, but I ended up selling the player and getting a Sony and a Malata. If it helps - I've heard good things. :)

earthstations and a couple of other places sell chips as mentioned above. But personally I doubt if it's worth it, as opposed to just buying a new player. You would most likely have to be very handy with schematics and a soldering iron.

I'm amazed that Trigger found someone who was willing to do it for him for only $10, unless it didn't involve soldering and simply popping out and replacing the chip, which most likely is not the case. He's not like some relative of yours Trigger, is he?

Not a relative... the guy was used to soldering chips on old Playstations back in the day and he offered to do it for 10 bucks. I think most places would because it only takes 5 minutes to do if you have the right equipment and know what you're doing. I hate Earthstations because they told me the chip was easy to install and they didn't include instructions - it wasn't easy to install, you need to have a degree in soldering or something and you need to have the right equipment - my soldering gun wasn't going to cut it. Also - they told me I'd be able to watch PAL and NTSC and all this other stuff - they lied to me.

Where online can I buy a Malata player?

<b>Giles</b>: <A HREF="http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=142879" target="_blank">Which Malata DVD Player Do I Order - and from where? [Merged]</a>

And for other info check out: <A HREF="http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=145074" target="_blank">Taking the plunge: which are the best Region Free DVD </a>

If anyone thinks <b>this</b> one has anywhere new to go please email me and I'll consider re-opening it.


Benedict
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Moderator, International DVD & Movie Forum