Changing regions for a DVD recorder/player

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Gradine

77 posts

Master Geek

#140680 17-Feb-2014 14:10

I have a Panasonic DVD recorder/player - DMR-XW380. i have had it since May 2012.

My wife bought a DVD disc (with film on it) but when inserted in DVD unit it would not play as the "device does not support the" region. My DVD device is able to play discs that have a sticker for "4" and "All". The disc my wife bought has no sticker - but I suspect it is a region "1" disc, given the movie is made in the USA.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how/whether I can edit my DVD device so as to play the disc my wife purchased
- whether that be by changes in the device or by some sort of "hack" to the disk (via my PC)?

All help (legal) gratefully received.

trig42

5816 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#988912 17-Feb-2014 14:25

Yes it can.

Panasonic used to 'region-free' their players (for no charge) if you took it into one of their service centers. Give Panasonic a call (09 2720100). It needs a special remote, so you probably wont be able to do it at home.

Oblivian

7304 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#988917 17-Feb-2014 14:35

The region change for free from the service centre is usually only valid for the first few months.

Or the retailer has a pre-programed multi remote at the store (HN carry about 3)

I did my own, using my harmony remote 525. Created a 2nd account, loaded it with a bunch of actions. You program each IR code string into a new device. And then add an action to press the button on those devices 1 after the other. Boom done.

Similar to this

http://www.avforums.com/threads/multi-region-dvd-hack-using-harmony-and-pronto-codes.1519325/

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=74847

Gradine

77 posts

Master Geek

#989469 18-Feb-2014 09:43

Think I am barking up wrong tree on this issue.
I suspect that the disc is my problem - not the Panasonic recorder/player. My device will play "All regions" per the operating manual. So, it should play the disc - the absence of any region sticker on the disc (or box) should not matter.
So, on the basis that the disc is faulty, I have sent it back to Amazon (that has a good returns system and policy).
Thanks for the suggestions tho.

Oblivian

7304 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#989508 18-Feb-2014 10:26

Not so.

What it means by saying it can play An "All Region" Disc, is one that has a label on the back of it that states it has been coded for region 1,2,3,4. Similar to BRs that are A,B,C off the shelf.

In DVD manufacuring there is generally no such thing as regionless (0) stamping (well there is, but its only gaining popularity now with BR discs). Which is what the region code becomes when you unlock the device.

In general NZ sold units are all locked to Region 4 unless as we point out, they are post-manufacture unlocked. (Import requirement, but not a sales requirement)

Fox is renound for locking all their distributed movies to 1 region. The others play nice and often make them dual. IE NZ and UK share Region 4. And also BD region B (which is normal) or add the other regions also to make them 'all region'