Watching other region DVDs on computer - how?

DB_SamX

DB_SamX

DB_SamX

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First, it's fine to import other region DVDs, isn't it?

If so, how can I watch them on my laptop? I can only assume my Power Cinema 4.7 is set on Region 2. Would installing another similar software - assuming they don't conflict - and setting it on Region 1 (for example) work?
 
To get computers to be region free you normally need to overcome two sets of region restrictions, one in the hardware (drive), and the other in the software.

Drive restrictions can be overcome by getting an RPC1 firmware for your drive (if available), or if you have a lite-on drive they have a little utility that will turn it's region counter off (effectively making it RPC1, as RPC drives have 5 changes allowed).

You also need to make the software region free - this can be done by things like DVD Genie (my prefered method).


However if your drive does not have RPC1 firmware available, or you do not wish to flash it (or indeed are using Vista*), you can use specific software to do the same job (iirc the most popular version costs about $40).



*From what i've heard Vista simply won't allow a region free DVD drive to work properly :/
 
Cheers, esp. Werewolf. That is what I wanted to know. I'll look into these software. There'll prob be a point where buying a dedicated multiregion DVD player for cheap becomes easier/cheaper.

/edit: Having had a quick look at AnyDVD - is it legit, as it also seems to remove copyright protection!?
 
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DB_SamX said:
Cheers, esp. Werewolf. That is what I wanted to know. I'll look into these software. There'll prob be a point where buying a dedicated multiregion DVD player for cheap becomes easier/cheaper.
?
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I've had all my DVD drives region free (normally one of the first things I do with them, and one of the major requirements), but I rarely watch DVD's on the PC, the standalone player is much more convenient.
If you do end up getting a standalone player, don't get the cheapest :) (my 6 year old Toshiba 220E has outlasted 5 or 6 players my brother has bought, and he doesn't use them as much as me).
 
Well, some quick research shows that my OptiArc drive does not have the RPC1 firmware so AnyDVD is unlikely to work. But DVD Region+CSS removes the need for firmware. I'll try the trial version.
 
DB_SamX said:
But DVD Region+CSS removes the need for firmware. I'll try the trial version.
Click to expand...

I bought this ages ago and it works a treat. The lite version does everything you want for £15 meaning you can watch any DVD of any region. Worth the money I think, especially seeing as most DVDs I watch are region 3.
 
Lysander said:
I bought this ages ago and it works a treat. The lite version does everything you want for £15 meaning you can watch any DVD of any region. Worth the money I think, especially seeing as most DVDs I watch are region 3.
Click to expand...

Does it work with Vista?
 
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