Hi, I need help. Are there any dvd players that can be hacked that can be bought at Sears? Say, a JVC or a Panasonic? I need to hack it through the service menu to play Region 2 (Japan) etc.

Thanks!

I've been looking into this topic a bit as I've just bought a couple of HKL discs. From what I understand, Sears probably has a bunch of players that can be hacked to be region free, but it's not likely that they'll be able to play R2 discs because most (all?) R2 are PAL format. Players sold at a Sears would probably only output NTSC.

However, I'm no expert, just someone who has read a lot of posts on this and other dvd-related boards.

"...most (all?) R2 are PAL format..."

...yes and no... Japan is the 'other' Region 2 area, and Japanese DVDs are NTSC discs...

http://www.laserrot.com/info/lrinfo/dvdmap.html

. . . . . .

So, Hendrik...

Here's the deal, I have a Sears charge card. I can afford a mid-range dvd player. Are there any models of Panasonic, JVC or (other) players sold at Sears that have a hackable service menu, to view all regions?

I realize I won't be able to watch any discs from Europe/U.K. But I will be able to view any other region that's NTSC.

So, are there any players you can recommend that are sold there?

Thanks

Only a suggestion...
You might try VCDhelp.com. They have compiled a list of dvd players and hacks. You can then look/compare specific models.

Cheers,
Gabe

Apparently there is a secret menu to make Daewood 5700 DVD players region-free via the remote control - no need to upgrade via firmware:

http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/viewfo...?forum=13&2242

http://www.dvd-wizards.com/darrenk/D...-5700patch.htm

Firmware is required, however, to make the player macrovision-disabled.

Considering that it's hard to find the Daewoo 5700's to purchase, and if you do find one at Sam's (and have to buy a membership), the cost will be close to what you have to pay for a unit at one of the ebay auctions, might as well buy one at ebay. Those that are region-free and macrovision-disabled, that is.

On a side note: quite by accident I found that my cheap little Apex AD-1000 plays PAL DVDs. In anticipation of getting one of these ebay Daewoo 5700's, I ordered a copy of The Victim from the U.K. It is Region 0, PAL format. Out of curiousity, I tried it in my Toshiba SD-1700. That didn't work. Then tried it in the Apex. Voila! How wonderful to see this great movie with the Cantonese language track and English subtitles - unlike that lousy Tai Seng DVD.

Based on this finding, I ordered (from Poker Industries) Hong Kong Legend's version of the Eastern Condors DVD, which is one of their few Region 0 offerings.


ebay offerings

Well-regarded seller has Dutch auction at $139 each:

<small>Live ebay auction link removed</small>

The responses to my email inquiries to ebay buyers of these modified Daewoo 5700's are starting to come in:

> yes, it tapes "beautifully"

> yes, it plays Region 2 PAL format DVDs

I ordered one of these DVD players, and it is supposed to be delivered within the week, therefore, I'll be able to personally attest (I hope!) to it's advertised functionality.

Sherry
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A moderator notes: great post Sherry, but I did have to snip the ebay auction link, as the forum rules prohibit links to live (serious) auctions.