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Can I unlock the DVD region lock?

Friday, 19 February, 2010

OLDER QUESTION

I wish to set up an Imation DVD +/- RW burner model # IMWDVRW81 (EIDE Interface) to play DVD's from any zone in the world.

Can this be done with firmware? Or is there some other way to set it to Zone 0 ( I assume that setting it to Zone 0 , would mean it can play DVD's from any zone).

The operating manual says that the burner's region code can be changed up to 5 times only.

For instance, there's a Lite-On LDW-811S DVD burner and if it was made by same manufacturer I could try to flash it's new firmware.

(Orioginally posted March 2005)

L Enderby, Sarina, QLD


The regional-locking system is one of the less pleasant aspects of DVD's. They have been frowned on as a restraint of trade by the ACCC, for example.

"Australian consumers are forced to pay higher prices for films with fewer features and a lesser range of film titles."

So we feel your pain. The software that lets you change your setting up to five times is not going to help, once you reach your fifth change.

The usual approach is to make a specific point of avoiding DVD drives that come with zone-locking, known as RPC-2.

However if you are stuck with one, it may be possible to "flash" the firmware on many (but not all) drives to make them region free. There are also an increasing set of tools such as DriveInfo and DVD Genie available on the net that claim to assist.

Be aware though, that the drive could be made unusable if the downloaded firmware is defective, or if there is a problem while "flashing" the drive.

If you want to pursue this and the issues of firmware changes, Check this site for more background and tips.

John Hilvert


Reader solutions



Mads LykkePosted: 30/06/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
you could rip dvd to you computer then no such issue at all.
How to burn MOV to DVD
maryPosted: 19/06/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I cant like unlock my DVD****************************************************************************************************************************************************************:(
vikas singhPosted: 18/05/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I'm facing problem of check regional code problem. When i insert a DVD & played - it is not playing and displays CHECK REGIONAL CODE. Please give me the solution !

(Each piece of equipment has a different solution, if there is one. Google the model number along with the word "unlock". -PZ)

BrianPosted: 24/04/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Hi,
Trying to unlock Pioneer DVD Recorder Model DVD-540H-S

(Google the words
unlock Pioneer DVD-540H-S

edmonPosted: 22/04/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
5 chaplin cr quakers hill n.s.w 2763

Please

nishantPosted: 25/02/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
how i unlock my optical drive plz suggest me one thing that i before have not known to my advantage in this matter of wonder and mystery sir
nishantPosted: 25/02/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
so plz help me nishantshah1990@gmail.com
Matt CheeversPosted: 19/02/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Hi Guys,

If you're interested, check the following site for an awesome database of DVD codes. It's got a few machines that other sites don't feature, so I'm giving it the two thumbs up.

It seems a good place to go for those rarer machines by the looks of things. It even cracked my old Denon!

Anyway, here's a link to the free dvd codes page. Hope it helps:

www.dvdexploder.com/multihacks

(Thanks Matt. -PZ)

ChrisPosted: 07/02/2010

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I need unlocked a DVD classic 54S in multizone, how can i? Thank every buddy.

(WHat is that? -PZ)

Tony BrownPosted: 19/11/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I just couldn't be bothered watching dvd's on my pc. I set them up on my home theater system with a 125cm screen and sucking on a few beers I just enjoy them,
Ploef EverPosted: 17/11/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
There is only one site to use if you want to make your DVD player region free. I've unlocked many DVD codes and unlocks from www.dvdexploder.com
Their staff are courteous, professional and will deal with all your multi-region needs. WHY DON'T MANUFACTURERS MAKR THEIR PLAYERS REGION FREE? They are trying to control our movie habits!
SPAZPosted: 13/08/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Try this, has most models

http://www.dvdexploder.com/multihacks.htm

no ideaPosted: 18/07/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
i changed my region code 5 times now it's locked ASUS DRW-1814BLT ATA dvd burner any way to unlock it? please

(Google for help. Use the model number and the words unlopck and region. -PZ)

AussiePosted: 19/05/2009

DVD Home threatre System-Sony
Is there any way to unlock the zone restrictions on a DVD player, so I can play all zones?

(Most DVD players have some way to unlock them. Googl;e for a solution or ask Sony nicely. -PZ)

joe baffoePosted: 17/03/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I live at 17 cavendish, croydon, uk
Don't be badPosted: 06/03/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
For all of you bads who clearly know not that much just use a program called anydvd. It will remove the Region code on the DVD you are attempting to play allowing you to view it /sigh
Jenny DowPosted: 13/01/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I have an LG player and want to unlock the regional code please?

(Google the model number and a word such as "unlock". -PZ)

gordon vollerPosted: 12/01/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
i wish to copy region 1 DVD's on my PC via DVD Shrink so that i can play them on my Pioneer DVD 7000 player
rosePosted: 04/01/2009

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
What about playing pc games(DVD-rom) bought in other countries? My laptop's dvd player is set to region 1 but the game is region 2 and won't play. Is the region code the problem or could it be something else?
Thanks

(I'm not aware of region coding on data DVD's. But I'm ready to be corrected. -PZ)

christopher taytingPosted: 19/12/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
my laptop model is sony VGN-NS140E
blu-ray dvd ,,, please help me to unlock or to make it region free... thanks a lot

(It may not be possible. All you can do is keep Googling the model number and words such as "unlock" or "region free". Good luck. -PZ)

shahramPosted: 18/12/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Hello :
I want region code DVD LG Recorder RH2252 .
Thanks

(Google it. -PZ)

RegionaterPosted: 15/12/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Download DVD43. It's simple; it's free; it works. Need I say more?
Posted: 01/12/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
can u tell me how 2 unlock the region lock on the samsung dvdr150. better still should i google for it?

(Yes. -PZ)

EllisPosted: 10/09/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Unfortunately for my DVD library, I have TWO DVD players, (Sony region 1 and Pioneer Region 4) and I still cannot buy DVD's in Europe (Region 2). What they have done is criminally limit my purchase. I find many many DVD's that I would LIKE to buy, but I can't see them on TWO different players. I don't understand WHY they shackle their customers.
scottPosted: 06/08/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
wats the code for a lg dvd recorder to unlock it plz help

(Google it. Otherwise ask the dealer for help. -PZ)

Ray Posted: 14/07/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
hi
can i unlock my dvd region code for a car dvd player?

(Quite possibly. Ask an installer for help. -PZ)

gavinPosted: 23/06/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
iv used my dvd region codes 5 times on my computer and now its locked on region 1, is there any way to fix it!! plz help!!

(You'd need to Google for help on the particular model. It's usually possible. -PZ)

Jack YehPosted: 17/06/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I have A Sansui San31195 CTV/DVD Combo multiregion I just want to know How can I change from region 4 to other regions please help me Thank You

(If it's a multiregion unit doesn't it already play DVD's from all regions? -PZ)

RobertPosted: 15/04/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
There is a small program that is called DVD43 it is a free download.
It's main use is to enable you to by-pass all DVD and CD copy protection, but it also by-passes ALL region locks so you will be able to play any region DVD on your computer dvd player. Google DVD43, download it and once installed on your hard drive it operates automatically in the background, nothing else to do. It really is that simple and I highly recommend this software.
junzhartonoPosted: 29/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I bought samsung microsistem MM-Dt8,but it canot see the dvd movie from US...it;s said " different code " could you tell me please what the number code region is?
regards,
junzhartono

(Take it to one of the many shops in Sim Lim Square or similar places in Simgapore where you live. They'll show you what can be done. -PZ)

CarinaPosted: 20/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I need the multizone unlock code for model: Sansui dv-x3010
Posted: 12/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
does this werk for pron

TerminalVeloCDPosted: 10/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
The Imation DVD-RW is a LiteON-based drive. Use LtnRPC to make the drive region-free.
andrew peter collinsPosted: 06/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Wow. Has it really been 3 years since i posted my last message? I tried using DVD Free and unless you're very careful, you can actually cause more problems than you solve. Twelve years ago, computers and sound systems were totally separate entities. However, In this day and age, the two mediums are virtualy running parallel with each other. The combinations available now are only limited by your imagination and your cash flow. If i had the cash, would i combine the whole lot in an anechoic, comfortable environment? You bet i would. Regional zones were designed for a purpose but as we found out, it just didn't work. My Zone 1 DVD collection is proof of that. What the major film companies did not understand was that only a relatively few people (us tech heads for example) would and could want to buy imported copies of movies. The average aussie couldn't care less. The reason i mention this is because if the Zones never existed, there wouldn't be people trying to push the envelope by buying an American version of Aliens for example which brings us to the question at hand here. If you try to format your optical drive in your pc tower to play all zones and you don't know what you're doing, you could make the drive useless. If you own a Multizone DVD Player and lets face it, a lot do, if you try to play an imported disc and it wont play for some reason, nothing ventured etc. However in a computer tower, the software could cause a conflict and screw up your registry, something we all try to avoid. Unless you want to use your tower to play an entire movie while you're seated, is it really worth the effort? I know my back would give out after the first ten minutes!! This is something to think about before you try it. My pc plays Region 4 discs only and i only use that function for diagnostics in case i buy a faulty Zone 4 DVD and i wanna check it on my pc before i return it. Just be careful in what you do. Cheers Andy :) :) :)
RoccoPosted: 04/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
There is a free program you can download called "DVD Region Free"
do a google search to download it.. once installed it starts everytime you start playing a dvd with power dvd and lets you play any region , (i assume you are talking about computer DVD players / recorders?)

(Thanks Rocco. -PZ)

sandyPosted: 04/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
i did and it was simple. i cant rember hopw butm i found it on the webs. google him
markPosted: 02/03/2008

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
my teac dv-p388g is on region 4 need to change it HELP!

(You have a few choices, depending on how adventurous you are. 1: Google for a specific solution for that model. 2: Take it to an electronics repairer and ask if they can do it cheaply. 3: Replace it with a model that isn't region-locked. The final one if my suggestion. -PZ)

kanePosted: 10/11/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
onkyo dv-sp405 kane@9000ft.co.nz
ShannonPosted: 11/10/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Hey Chatters,
Best solution is to by a multizone DVD drive, they are very cheap to purchase.
Cheers,
Shannon
AfricanerPosted: 03/08/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
THERE ARE A FEW FILMS THAT IM TRYING TO PLAY ON MY DVD AND THERE IS UREGOIN CODES.HOW CAN I UNLOCK MY DVD PLAYER MODEL LF-K5931

(That appears to be an LG model. If you phone the local LG service agent and ask nicely, you may be told the secret method. It's worth a try. -PZ)

PetePosted: 08/05/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Try DVD43.com - its a great (free) program that loads directly into yhe background & runs whenever you load a DVD
santoshPosted: 10/04/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
hi I want to see a movie from the us it does not play on my onkyo australian dvd player ...advice how to unlock ...sandy

(I take it that's a stand-alone DVD player? Unfortunately that's probably a job for a little man in a back alley with a set of tools. However, you should do some Googling with the model number and the words "unlock" and see what help you can find. You could even ring Onkyo because you might find they have a simple answer. -PZ)

malongue richardPosted: 12/02/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVDRW region lock?
URGENT ! hello,
how Can I unlock my DVDRW region locked after 5 uses?
thanks, malongue richard

(Yes, you should be able to. Use Google to find the information. You'll need the model number. Good luck. -PZ)

patrick borgPosted: 24/01/2007

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Dear Sir/Madam

Can you help me to fix the region code 1 to region code 2, On my computer DVD recorder
pioneer dvd-rw DVR-110D (Use a search engine such as Google and you should find specific information Patrick. -Paul Zucker)

alonPosted: 31/10/2006

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
my LG dvd is on zone 1 . how can i change it to multizone?


10x

B .FPosted: 21/10/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Iam sick and tied of all the changes that happening to the D.V.D land which was able to watch all region on my computer now can only play region 4 it is not fair who is doing all this i would like to know.
hillbillyPosted: 07/05/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
To Mr Collins. I also have an expensive Home theatre system but sometimes one needs to view a DVD on a PC, perhaps a DVD that has been copied (perish the thought) to check its Ok
Or perhaps like my son who lives in a multi person flat and uses his PC to watch his DVDs in his room in peace or at times when the DVD player in the lounge is not available. Not everyone is King of his Castle unfortunately
hillbillyPosted: 07/05/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I have found DVD Region free +CSS to be the best. It runs in the background and works perfectly.
However I always flash my drives to give the latest firmware available and have never had any problems. The best firmware page is here
http://forum.rpc1.org/portal.php
linPosted: 28/03/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
As has been said a few times, AnyDVD is one of the best solutions for a few reasons.

1. It has RPC-2 simulation which lets you defeat Region 1 RCE
2. Look at the changelog and the development of AnyDVD. The authors are continually developing AnyDVD to defeat copy protection systems. Last time I checked they just refined AnyDVD to beat the latest iteration of the Sony Arccos copy protection mechanism.
3. AnyDVD allows you to skip parts of the DVD where you previously could not skip (eg the FBI warning message). Also it disables the automatic software installation script (for the DVD extras) that some DVDs try.
4. No need for hardware mods (like flashing the firmware).
5. AnyDVD descrambles the CSS copy protection system. That means if you want to 'back up' your DVDs you don't need to use DVDShrink. You can use Nero or any of the more 'commercial' packages rather than having to look for opensource solutions. (Not saying one is better than the other, but some people prefer commercial software)

JohnPosted: 28/03/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
I have used dvd roms and burners for some time and as far as Ive seen Ive never had any problems with different region discs. I use programs such as anyDVD (as per last post) to overcome region codes as well as copyrighting problems on a disc. The other way i know of (assume you are not getting disc from every but only 1 other region) is simply use a different DVD ROM drive for reading (use a different one for each region disc) and then when you burn them, burn as a disc with no region.
RichardPosted: 28/03/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Or you could do what I do, when I travel O/s with my Toshiba laptop and its region locked dvd I only ever buy pirated dvd's as they are always multiregion. You have to wonder at the intelligence of the halfwits who come up with these ideas
Ian N.Posted: 27/03/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
Try a little program called AnyDVD from http://www.slysoft.com/en/ runs in the background. RPC-2 simulation included, without a need to flash the drives bios.
andrew peter collinsPosted: 27/03/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
hi L. while i understand how annoying this is, be thankfull that you can still watch any DVD on a multi-zone player. if you keep it real why would you want to watch a zone 1 disc on any pc? my pc is set to region 4 which i did on purpose as i cannot see the point of watching any movie on my computer. as i type this response, many major company's are trying to introduce even tougher ways to stop multi-zoning...a fruitless exercise as I.T. friends will simply decode the new barriers and we are back to square one. i say...let them spend millions trying to encode their discs another way. as soon as i have one i want from any part of the world, it will act as a template to undo what ever they spent millions on trying to stop me from watching it in the first place. i have spent over $20,000 on my home theatre system. do you think i'm gonna give in to the major company's crap? I DON'T THINK SO! cheers A
BillPosted: 26/03/2005

re: Can I unlock the DVD region lock?
There are a few programs that allow you to play DVD's on your computer that are from other regions. Try "anydvd" or go to this site.
http://www.videohelp.com/tools?s=25#25

Please don't flash your drive, it's not neccessary.

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