DVD drive region switcher

[PhAtfiSh]

Hello,

I have a PC DVD drive that is set to Region 1, i want to switch it to Region 2. I remember a util ages ago that did just that, no fancy region free stuff. Just let you use one of the allowed changes to switch the region on the drive its self.

I cant find a util that does that now. Does anyone have one, or know of a simple way to change the drive region. I only have WMP installed on the computer and not powerdvd etc. which i think also do a "hardware" region switch for you.

Thanks

[blutach]

Go to device manager, double click the drive and go to DVD Region. Note - you have 5 changes. Better to make your drive RPC 1.

Regards

[PhAtfiSh]

Wow so easy. Thank you blutach.

[Wombler]

Blutach is right.

You'd be far better making your drive region free if possible.

Region free firmware is available for the majority of drives and in some cases (eg Liteon) can be made region free via software.

Have a look for RPC-1 firmware for your specific model.


Wombler

[blutach]

For example - TDB.

http://tdb.rpc1.org/

Regards

[Arky]

Since someone's already started this thread, I'll take the opportunity to ask a question I've been meaning to find an answer to for the past 4 years, but never got around to doing so!

I have a Mac 1.0ghz G4 Powerbook (2004). I'm on my last region switch, so I can no longer switch in the conventional manner. Do any of you know if an OSX-compatible region free util exists? I'd rather not flash the drive because it's internal and if the flash goes bad, the notebook will be useless for mobile DVD playback. An intermediate piece of code, that injects itself between the software DVD player and the hardware DVD drive would be the kind of thing I'm after. Sorry it's a Mac question, but can any of you offer me any advice about this? (NOT including buying a new notebook!! :P )

Many thanks.

Arky.

[Tuesday]

AnyDVD:

http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvd.html

Does just want you want, and more.

It is sadly not free, but a very good investment.

(Edit: Ooops, i didnt see the Mac thing, sorry)

[smiller667]

I don't know of any such tool for MacOSX - this thread seems to offer a few hints to play DVDs irrespective of regional coding on non-Intel machines: http://creativebits.org/toolbox/how_to_play_different_region_dvds_on_your_mac . Not being a Mac user, I can't say if it works or not ...
Cheers,
Steve

[Wombler]

Since someone's already started this thread, I'll take the opportunity to ask a question I've been meaning to find an answer to for the past 4 years, but never got around to doing so!

I have a Mac 1.0ghz G4 Powerbook (2004). I'm on my last region switch, so I can no longer switch in the conventional manner. Do any of you know if an OSX-compatible region free util exists? I'd rather not flash the drive because it's internal and if the flash goes bad, the notebook will be useless for mobile DVD playback. An intermediate piece of code, that injects itself between the software DVD player and the hardware DVD drive would be the kind of thing I'm after. Sorry it's a Mac question, but can any of you offer me any advice about this? (NOT including buying a new notebook!! :P )

Many thanks.

Arky.

I've no familiarity at all with Macs but this (http://lowendmac.com/fishkin/06/0623.html) would appear to sum up your options.

If you do end up going down the flashing route you might find this (http://www.powerbook-fr.com/dossiers/dvd_region_free_en_article30.html) useful.

It also details how to recover the drive if a flash goes wrong.


Wombler

[blutach]

I know you don't wanna flash Arky, but what drive do you have? Most can be reflashed if things go awry. And defintely having it RPC 1 is the way to go. You can also check out this section (http://forum.rpc1.org/viewforum.php?f=30&sid=008181a46c53715e331ab352bd54728d) on Macs at rpc1. org

Regards

[Arky]

Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions, I appreciate you taking the time to offer help.

Les, I took a look (with some trepidation!) at rpc1. org, and...well...I decided that I'd risk taking the plunge, since a good few users there report success, and my drive has been around long enough now for (hopefully) most of the firmware hacks to be ironed out of any of their glitches. As it happens, I got redirected to one of the pages Wombler mentioned (http://www.powerbook-fr.com/dossiers/dvd_region_free_en_article30.html).

I'm pleased to announce that my drive does now appear to be successfully flashed region-free, though I haven't yet had time to put it through its paces.

Much obliged, all! :)


Arky.

[blutach]

Very :cool:

Regards

[Wombler]

Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions, I appreciate you taking the time to offer help.

I'm pleased to announce that my drive does now appear to be successfully flashed region-free, though I haven't yet had time to put it through its paces.


Glad to hear you're sorted Arky.

I know you were reluctant to flash but it's a far better solution in the long run.


Wombler

[FlimsyFeet]

Did I once read that Windows Vista does not support RPC1 drives? Or is that just a rumour?