FAQ
DVD Compatibility
1. Where can I purchase a Multi-Region DVD player?
If you love movies, the only real solution is to buy a Multi-Region DVD Player that plays DVDs from all the regions and outputs in the format (PAL or NTSC) that suits your display. Their price ranges are between $30 and $45. We do not sell Multi-Region DVD Players, but you can purchase them at the following locations:
Future Shop or Best Buy:
Max DVD Player (Model Number: DVP-6100, DVP-6160, or DV-DX6305)
Lux Electronic (3994 Fraser St. @ E.24th Ave., Tel: 604.879.6399 ):
G-Tech DVD Player (Model Number: DVP-5300) or Max DVD Player (Model Number: DV-DX6305).
The other option would be to unlock the DVD players you already have, so it can play DVD from all regions. For more information, please visit Videohelp.
2. Where can I download a free Multi-Region Media Player on my computer?
You can download a free Multi-Region Media Player on your desktop at VideoLan (VLC Media Player). It supports both Windows and Mac Platform.
You can also purchase a Multi-Region DVD player at SlySoft (AnyDVD), but it only supports Windows platform.
3. What is Region Code?
Many DVDs are manufactured for sale within a specific country or territory. And for the purposes of DVDs, various territories of the world were divided up into "Regions" (see list below). The following is a breakdown of how the Regions are distributed:
REGION 0: Also called "all-region", no region limitations!
REGION 1: U.S., Canada, U.S. Territories
REGION 2: Japan, Europe, South Africa, and Middle East (including Egypt)
REGION 3: Southeast Asia and East Asia (including Hong Kong)
REGION 4: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean
REGION 5: Eastern Europe (Former Soviet Union), Indian subcontinent, Africa, North Korea, and Mongolia
REGION 6: China
Consequently, normal North America DVD players are built only to play Region 1 DVDs, and will not play DVDs from other Regions. Your best solution is to purchase a Multi-Region DVD Player (See Question 1 and 2) that can play DVDs from any Region.
4. What is PAL/NTSC Formatting?
In addition to Region Coding, you need to be aware of whether a DVD is PAL format or NTSC format. For example, the standard format in the North America is NTSC, and the standard format in Europe is PAL. In North America most TVs and DVD players cannot display a PAL signal properly. Consequently, your best solution is again to purchase a Multi-Region DVD Player (See Question 1 and 2) that can convert the PAL signal to NTSC before outputting it to your TV.
Note that modern TV displays often can display a PAL signal. If you know that your display is capable of displaying a PAL signal, you still need to make sure that your DVD player can play PAL formatted DVDs. Multi-Region DVD Player that can either 1) output a PAL Format signal to your PAL-compatible display, or 2) convert the PAL signal to NTSC before outputting it to your display. Select the one that's right for you.
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