How to Make Your DVD Player Region Free

Manufacturers of DVDs and DVD players install codes that only allow us to play DVDs that are manufactured for our region. (For example, the U.S. and Canada are region 1, while China is region 6.) To make your DVD player region-free, you'll need to find the unlock codes that will allow it to play DVDs from all over the world. Below are some steps to help make your DVD player region-free.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Remote control
• Imported DVD disc

1. Purchase or borrow an imported DVD. The only real reason to make your DVD player region-free is if you plan on watching imported DVDs.

2. Locate your DVD player's brand name and model number. These can usually be found on the box the DVD player came in, or on a sticker close to the video inputs or on the bottom of the DVD player.

3. Have your remote handy. You will need your remote to enter the input codes into your DVD player.

4. Locate a Web site that can help you with the codes you need for your particular DVD player, since all DVD players have different codes. Try DVD Exploder or Video Help (see Resources below). Both have an extensive list of codes for almost every kind of DVD player manufactured.

5. Enter your brand name and model number when prompted to do so on the Web site. If your particular model number is not available, try searching under the brand name. Sometimes you will be able to find a model number that is close to your DVD player's model number.

6. Enter the codes into your DVD player with your remote. Be sure the DVD player's door is open-almost all codes require the door to be open.

7. Test your imported DVD to see if it works, once you have entered your code into the DVD player.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to enter the code sequence exactly as it is written.
• If the code requires you to do anything with the Firmware of your DVD player, do not mess with it unless your feel comfortable with what you are doing.

[ExpatGuy]

on 4/20/2008 This procedure does not work on most dvd players. There are other ways to go about this such as purchasing a player that is chipped. I have seen that these codes normally work on no name players, but on name brand players they don't work. Many players are sold as code free or region free direct from the company selling them and these companies give you a warranty. Although if the code thing works, it's probably the cheapest way to go. Good Luck!

[WeeSandy]

on 5/28/2007 I tried this with my Hitachi DV-P323U, but nothing happened. The code is 9,9,9,9 then 0 for multi-region. However, nothing happens at all when I do this - nothing shows up on my TV screen or anything.

Any ideas why? Do I have to have it disconnected from my TV? Or do I have to have a newer TV? Mine is a JVC RM-C205. I've tried inputting the code at different speeds...nothing at all. No sign that the codes are even going into the DVD player, although I can tell that the remote is working because I turn the DVD player on and open the tray with it.

???? Any helpful tips? It is very frustrating!