DVD-ROM drive or Hardware/software DVD player) is said to be region-locked, then it means that you can no longer change the region settings for this device.

Hardware/software DVD player) without decreasing the Region Counter (see above), and hence, have the ability to change the region settings of your DVD device for an unlimited number of times. Region-free can also mean that you have the ability to change the region settings of your DVD device (eg. Note that this is different to 'automatic region detect', some standalone DVD players use - the region setting is not checked at all with these kind of region-free devices. DVD-ROM drive) will not check for the region settings of your DVD movie, and will infact playback any movie from any region. Region Free - Region-free can mean that your DVD device (eg. Counter usually starts at 4, and when it reaches 0, you'll no longer be able to change the region settings. Everytime you change the region settings, the counter will decrease. Region Counter - A counter in hardware or software that stores the number of region changes still available. A DVD-ROM drive) to control certain functions. Jumper - A jumper is a small plastic plug that is place over the pins on your hardware (eg. For more information on this, and other PC-DVD related issues, please consult The PC-DVD Guide A software DVD player, on the other hand, depends on your available hardware (eg. A hardware DVD player will usually be a PCI card, and has outputs on the back of the card/your computer for connection to your TV/external sound system. a hardware decoder card, like the Creative DXR-3 or RealMagic Hollywood+) and a software DVD player (eg. Hardware/Software DVD player - You should know the difference between a hardware DVD player (ie.

This firmware can be usually updated through software to fix any bugs or problems that may arise.

Version 2.0 - 3 July 2001 - Completely re-wrote the guide and added more region-free information.īefore you proceed with this guide, there are some frequently used technical terms you should familiarise yourself with :įirmware - This refers to a small piece of software that is embedded in your hardware (eg.

The aim of this guide is quite simple - it is here to help you make your PC-DVD system region-free, so you will be able to playback DVDs you have legally purchsed from anywhere around the world.

All region dvd players for computers