Bluray player - dvd region free

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RobDickinson

1524 posts

Uber Geek

#64235 11-Jul-2010 18:00

Heyup.

Looking for a bluray player but I need on thats hackable for multi region DVD playback.

Looks like the Samsung BD-P1600 can be hacked with the remote..

Also does anyone know if the DSE AMTC BD-5108 can be made MR?

It looks like its a rebranded Limit dvd player which can be hacked ?

Cheers!

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#350006 11-Jul-2010 19:31

You can buy a Panasonic BluRay and take it to an approved dealer - where they zap it with a 'dealer remote'. This not only multi-regions the DVD player, it also costs you nothing if you've got your original invoice.
I 'think' you have to do it within the first year of ownership.

RobDickinson

1524 posts

Uber Geek

#350108 12-Jul-2010 09:51

Ah but the low end panasonic seems to lack a fair few features, 6 ch audio out, bd profile 2.0 etc.

Nety

2584 posts

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Retired Mod

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Lifetime subscriber

#350117 12-Jul-2010 10:10

How about a Kogan Blueray player?

They are not the best quality players out there but they do support region free DVD and Blueray playback.

http://www.kogan.com.au/shop/category/blu-ray-players/

Note: Check that the Blueray is region free. I friend of mine brought one and it is region free for both (confirmed with Kogan first) but on the site it only mentions DVD so worth confirming before ordering.

The friend also has a PS3 and he says the picture quality is noticeably better on the PS3.

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gumdigger

429 posts

Ultimate Geek

#350131 12-Jul-2010 10:21

Any Pioneer Bluray should be region free dvd.

RobDickinson

1524 posts

Uber Geek

#350132 12-Jul-2010 10:23

I think the DSE AMTC is the same as the kogan $189 one under the hood? Sounds like the same build/chipset being rebranded round the world.

PS3 would bea funky option but I need this to play MR dvd.

Wonder if DSE are going to get the wifi one in?

Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#350274 12-Jul-2010 14:39

PS3 IS multi region.
I play US blurays and NZ ones on mine without a hitch. Is a NZ new Fat console

EDIT: Sorry, I see we are talking DVD, not Bluray. My apologies

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RobDickinson

1524 posts

Uber Geek

#350276 12-Jul-2010 14:44

Are you sure? A fair few bluray disks are marked as specific region but not locked to them.

Try playing a non region 4 dvd.

I've never heard the PS3 being unlocked for either DVD or BR region playback.

Anyhow I bought the AMTC one I can take it back anytime in 14 days so if the hacks wont work it goes back.

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Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#350312 12-Jul-2010 16:05

I had a quick check - my BR from US are all multi region, hence why I have no playback issues. Sorry I can't help any further.

70mm

80 posts

Master Geek

#350479 13-Jul-2010 07:43

Oppo BDP-80 and BDP83 is region free for DVD and zone free for Blu-ray

RobDickinson

1524 posts

Uber Geek

#350486 13-Jul-2010 08:14

Cheers, $799 is a bit steep though!

The AMTC one seems to play every region DVD I've thrown at it, I only have unlocked and reg B bluray disks so cant test that for now.

The oppo does play dvd-a and SACD which the player the amtc one is replacing does too, but I have so few disks and dont use them so I'm not bothered.

Thanks again for the replies.

cb1

336 posts

Ultimate Geek

#350488 13-Jul-2010 08:23

Dunnersfella: You can buy a Panasonic BluRay and take it to an approved dealer - where they zap it with a 'dealer remote'. This not only multi-regions the DVD player, it also costs you nothing if you've got your original invoice.
I 'think' you have to do it within the first year of ownership.

Panasonic region free instructions are at -
http://www.dcevolution.net/panasonic/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=54

Latest firmware is available at -
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/bd/download/bw850/nz.html

old3eyes

9120 posts

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Subscriber

#350617 13-Jul-2010 13:00

I asked Panasonic this question last year. This was their answer

"Blu-ray DVD Players in NZ can be multizoned for standard DVD playback.
(Zones 1 ~ 6) They are not able to be multizoned for the Blu-ray type of discs. These will remain Zone B, NZ only, due to International copyright requirements.
All you need to do, is take the unit along to a local Authorised Service Centre, with a copy of your receipt.
The multi zoning of the DVD side will be done free of charge for you."

"International copyright requirements".??? Sounds more like International price gouging to me..

Regards,

Old3eyes

RobDickinson

1524 posts

Uber Geek

#350624 13-Jul-2010 13:07

Aye its protectionism for sure, thats why Australia outlawed it right?

Shame panasonic didnt offer anything like what I wanted for decent monies.

Usualy I'm in quick on new gear but with bluray etc things are moving way too fast to be an early adopter or spend a lot on it, $200 I can cope with if it does what I want now, even if its obsolete tomorrow.

The AMTC player does feel very cheaply built and noisy loading disks but seems to go well.