DVD Region Code

Problem:
Most of my DVDs have the Hong Kong region code (whatever it is) and my macbook will not play those dvds only the north american region coded ones. Is there some kind of codec to let me play these other DVDs which make up 95% of my DVD collection?
Thanks

Hi Alex
I'm afraid the answer is most likely to be no. But this depends on which model of DVD drive you have. If you have a Matshita drive then you probably haven't got a chance. Other drives may play other region DVDs using VLC media player . The only other option is to flash the firmware in your DVD drive, which I understand is at least potentially illegal. Googling the web will return information on this, and make sure you are aware of the risks of any action you might want to take.
Matthew Whiting

Similar Messages

How do I set the DVD region code via ARD?

We recently deployed around 200 MacBooks in a k12 environment and manage them via ARD & WGM. We forgot to set the DVD region when creating our master image and as a result, every single MacBook prompts for an admin password when attempting to use the DVD Player to view a DVD for the first time.
Instead of attending to each of the 200+ MacBooks personally and putting a DVD in and setting the region code one by one, is there a way I could do this via ARD? Unix command? Managed preference via WGM? Thanks, I appreciate any input.

I've been working on this very topic for about a year. Here's what you need to know.
1) setting the region code on your master image would result in the same behavior. Setting the region code triggers an update to the DVD drive firmware itself - it's not something that's stored in software. Obviously this is something that needs to be set on each machine individually. Setting it on the image won't affect the imaged-machines.
2) Apple seems to have gone to great lengths to hide the app that triggers this action. If they had provided a simple CLI interface to trigger this on a client machine we'd be able to use ARD to trigger the action on all of our client machines. Alas, this app is buried somewhere I can't find and seems to only rear its head when a DVD with a region code is inserted into the drive. There is one idea that popped into my head while at Macworld that I want to try to see if I can find this app but I have my doubts.
3) Failing my last ditch effort to find this app, I think our fallback will be to give users explicit rights to set the initial DVD region code on thier machines. This is something that can be done using WGM. There is a rule in /etc/authorication specifically allowing users/groups to set the region code for the first time. According to the notes, giving this access will NOT allow users to change the region code - which is a good thing - but only give them rights to do so the initial time. This way, we can empower our users to help themselves while also protecting them from resetting the region code accidentally.
In conclusion, I haven't found any way to script/push this command to a client machine. I'll definitely file this with Bug Reporter and hope Apple will give us a CLI or an ARD command to trigger this action after imaging.
G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
G4
G4

DVD Regional Codes can only be changed 5 times? Why?

I recently purchased a MacBook Pro in the U.S. and brought it to Japan where I currently reside. I have DVD's from the states that I want to watch along with DVD's that can be rented here in Japan. When I inserted a DVD into the drive from Japan with a regional code of 2, I was informed that the regional codes can only be changed 5 times and on the 5th time, that code becomes permanent. What is up with that? And is there any way to switch back and forth between various regions without a limit? I don't understand.

This is to stop people circumventing the region code system by simply changing the region code of their DVD player. In my opinion, this is an "anti-piracy" measure that does more to annoy people than it does to stop piracy.
With all other computer drives, you can actually change them 25 times; after every fifth time though, you have to take it to a dealer to have it reset. Apple don't allow this and limit you to five times. After the fifth time, they will not reset it, and you are stuck with it. I would only change it if I moved somewhere with a different region code.
VLC can function as a multi-region DVD player on some drives, allowing you to play disks from any region, regardless of the region coding of your player. It works on my iMac, so I would imagine that there is a good chance it will function as such on your MacBook Pro.

Qosmio G20: DVD Region Code???

Hi,
I am on the point to buy a Qosmio G20 wasn't it that I just learned today that they will only be available mid 2005 in Belgium.
However in preparation I have a few questions :
Since the Qosmio has a DVD play mode without booting Windows, it means the Region will probably be set somewhere in the Bios to a given Region.
Laptop users travel and my partner is American so we have Region 1 and 2 DVDs.
Is there any evolution in the WinDVD software when it runs on Qosmio to not have it lock in a region code after X play. I never understood that Laptops (mobile systems) have the same restrictions as Home Entertainment DVD Players (whow by the way everybody bypasses!)
So how can we play both regions on the Qosmio G20 or whatever will be available for Belgium.
Thanks,
Danny
Message was edited by: Danny

The Regioncode can be changed 5 times.
After that the last choosen Region Code will be logged into the DVD Player.
But by the way,there are many (Freeware-)Programs that help you making life easier and bypass this Limitation.
The only thing you can do by way of precaution is to google a little bit around.
bye

Dvd region code, prefs?

Hello. We have 500 or so computers in our company, and our "final image" does not have the region code set in DVD Player. Can I use Remote Desktop and blast out the DVD prefs? I ask this because a lot of people are going to use their laptops with DVD's. Do I need another pref? Thanks!

Once a DVD is created there is nothing you can do to actually change its content (except RW and RAM disks). Most DVD burning software include the ability to specify region code if you desire it. These articles should help you understand how it is set. If you have a specific burning software question other than iDVD about setting the region code, you might want to take it up with that software's tech support.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302970
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60183
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=31304
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60788

Qosmio G20: How to change the DVD region code?

My DVD is locked into region 1 is there anyway to fix this because I need it to be on region 2.
I have been using it on the correct region which is 2 but for some unknown reason it has locked onto region 1 not allowing me to make any changes.

Jeffrey speaks well.
However, you must to right click My Computer -> property -> hardware -> device manager ->
dvd/cdrom drivers -> double/click your drive -> dvd region/tab and if you have some
remained possibilities, you can choose region 2.
Bye

Region code

Hello.
I have a PB since last June.
Never had problem so far.
I have one now.
I watched the Lord of the Rings of a friend of mine.
The CD was coming from USA and to watch it the DVD player asked me to change the region code.
I did and watched the movie.
The problem is that now I cannot see anymore the old movies I purchased in UK.
The DVD player is asking to change the region code but then a message appears saying that there was a problem changing the drive region code.
Error -70001
and the DVD is spit out
PLEASE HELP!!!
How can I go back and watch DVD in UK?

Hi Hagrid --
Take a look at this Kbase article that explains all about DVD Region Codes. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60183
After five changes, the DVD player is locked and will only play the last region code to which it was set. If you need it to be changed once it is locked, I don't know for sure, but I would imagine that only an Apple tech or and AASP can unlock the DVD player and allow the region code to be reset. It doesn't appear to me to be something that an individual user can do on his/her own. I think you best bet is to contact Apple of a local AASP and ask them if the foregoing is possible.
-- Good luck.
-- JDee

About changing the dvd region

sir, despite my every effort i am unable to change the dvd region of my lenovo 3000 N 100. what i do?

DVD region codes can be changed for only five times after that it cannot be changed.
The DVD Writer will not be able to play a disc with any region code other than the last one it is set. You can check the region code that you have set by using the following steps.
Right-click “My Computer” and select “Properties”. On the “Hardware” tab, click “Device Manager”. Now double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives and click on the DVD region tab.
Regards,
Sameer
Did someone help you today? Press the star on the left to thank them with a Kudo!
If you find a post helpful and it answers your question, please mark it as an "Accepted Solution".! This will help the rest of the Community with similar issues identify the verified solution and benefit from it.
Follow @LenovoForums on Twitter!

My DVD Player hangs when trying to change the regional code the first time

Hello,
I am new to this forum and I couldn't find one for the DVD Player specific so I chose this one. Please direct me to a different one if my eyes were misleading me.
I have a new Macbook. Just over three month now and I attempted to watch a movie with the DVD Player last night the first time. When inserting the DVD, the DVD player comes up with a Screen asking me to change the Regional Code from 6 to 1. I don't understand this in the first place since I purchased my Mac within the US. But anyway, When I unlock it with my password and then click the "Set Regional Code" Button (Regional Code preset to one at this time), it turns blue and then the rainbow wheel for being busy shows up. Unfortunately it never leaves and going to the activity monitor it says (Not responding). That causes bad Windows Memories .
Tried multiple ways, let it run for 10 hours and it never returns to the world. Very frustrating, since this is the first time I tried to use this feature.
Is there any advice on how to set this to Regional Code 1. I only have to set it once, but I think there must be an option.
And yes, I know of VLC, but I still would prefer to use this regular DVD player. I think this should work somehow.
Computer out of the box, nothing other then iWorks and MS Office 2008 installed.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks a lot
The Dark Lord
Bernd

Does the account you are using have admin rights? I found this :
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2397
+In Mac OS X 10.3 Panther and later, users with administrative privileges aren't prompted to change the region the very first time a DVD-Video disc of a single region is inserted. Instead, the region of the DVD drive is automatically set to the region of the DVD disc that was inserted. Accounts that don't have administrative privileges must authenticate with an administrator account name and password, because changing the drive's region code requires administrative privileges.+
Sounds like it might be worth a try from an admin account first.

DVD Player Hasn't set the REGION code

I just got a new MacBookPro (a replacement for one that had failed). Well, I restored all my data and am working fine... BUT...
I think all my settings think that I've already set the Region Code of the DVD drive. But, using a tool, I was able to verify that the region code has NOT been set.
How can I force DVD Player to set the region code of the DVD Drive? Right now, I can't play anything.
Thanks!

Hi Jack and welcome!
Until I read the last sentence my answer would have been: insert a commercial DVD intended for your region code (unhelpfully you don't say where you are!), i.e. NTSC for the US or PAL for Europe, and it will ask you set the region code for that DVD.
Remember: you can only ever do this five times, so best not to play DVDs from other regions.
But then you spoilt it all by saying "Right now, I can't play anything"!
What did you try to play?
Did you repair permissions?

Region code change on DVD Player ...

hI
please help ,I have changed the drive region code 5 more times,so now it doesnt plays any dvds, how can i reset it,or what i can do?
thanks

This is right from the Terms of Use: Do not submit software or descriptions of processes that break or otherwise ‘work around’ digital rights management software or hardware. This includes conversations about ‘ripping’ DVDs or working around FairPlay software used on the iTunes Store.
DVD region coding is a form of DRM, and as such, we can't discuss "working around" it here.
Again I say: Google is your friend. A very good friend.

Switching the DVD drive region code - Is there a workaround?

Hi - would appreciate a confirmation or helpful hints how to circumvent the regional settings.
I understand from the Apple doc, http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60183, that the regional coding is set in the firmware of the drive and not linked to the player (as I had apparently incorrectly surmised). If this is the case, then installing an additional player such as the VLC media player for Mac OS X (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html) to use for say Region 1 discs, and maintaining Apple's DVD Player set for Region 2 discs would not prevent the drive from freezing the 5th time a different region coded disc is slid into the drive.
Right?
If so, the only work around would be to install an external DVD drive to set to an alternative region, right? Or does somebody know a cute way to disable the firmware coding and set the drive to multiple regions. This must be possible because DVD players are available commercially which have been set to region code 0.
I have 2 changes left ... before the big freeze. Thanks

To Apple Discussions!
It has been reported that VLC overrides the 5 region code option. You will need to read their documention on their website. Otherwise................
You can change the computers region "only 5 times". Then it's locked in the 5th version/region (until you erase your HD & start all over.).

Set my DVD player to Region Code 0?

I have a Region 2 DVD I purchased and playing it forced me to change my DVD player settings from Region 1 so that I could view it on my iMac. I have 3 more changes left and would like to set my DVD player to Region Code 0 so that I can view all the DVDs in my collection without having to worry about this. Is there a fix for this or some 3rd party player I can install?
Thanks.

Hi Kort,
Using VLC you have to use option "Open Disc..." then you select the image that fairmount generated (I'm at work so I don't have my mac to check the exact name of the menu option).
This way you could see a DVD from other region without having to change the DVD player region, because fairmount has created a replica of the DVD without the zones protection.
Hope it helps.

DVD Drive Region Code.... help?

On my dad's iBook G4 almost every dvd I get from the store comes up with the error message "*The DVD-Video disc region code does not match the drive region code.* (You cannot change the region code for your drive)"
I remember a while ago one of our relatives visited from England and probably played a dvd or two from England so I'm assuming that's how this happened. Is there any way to change the drive's region code? I'm guessing re-installing the OS might do it, but that would be last resort if my dad even considers it. I've tried VLC and others, but the OS seems to make the rules.... any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks:)

As per the conditions imposed on the rest of the world by the MPAA mafia, a DVD drive can be set to play DVDs from one of the 9 regions ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVDregioncode ) for a maximum of 5 times by the end-user. As a backup, there is a 'service reset' that can be used up to 4 times to reset that count, which means that a DVD drive's region can be changed an absolute maximum of 20 times.
The 'service reset' is used by service centers, etc., knowing that the unilluminated users will usually exhaust their 5-count accidentally, like in this case. I'd like to think that a Genius in an Apple Store o an Apple Service Center should be able to carry such a reset out. There are also utilities in the wild that allow you to do this, so you might want to Google your way around and see if you can find one for your specific Mac and DVD drive model. Note that this service reset is perfectly legal, does not invalidate any warranty or incur in the wrath of any law enforcement agency.
Reflashing the firmware on the drive with microcode hacked to be region-free also solves the problem. However, from the technical point of view, this is risky as any failure in the process will result in dead drive with no warranty and, from the legal point of view, breaks scads of different national laws making you liable for prosecution (if caught).

Help with dvd drive - region code error

Hi, I really need to change the drive region code on my Ibook G4 (OS X 10.4.10) back to Region 2. I'm allowed to change it one last time.
But the trouble is, when I try and change it and click 'set drive region' it just comes up with an error message -70001, 'There was a problem changing the drive region code.'
I've reset the PMU and PRAM/NVRAM but it still does it.
Can anybody help me at all? It's driving me mad, I was banking on being able to change it back to my Region one last time...

Insert a DVD which is set to play in only one region; if you try using up your last change with a DVD that can play in some but not all regions, that error message will appear. Many DVDs which are set to play in region 2 will also play in region 4.
(23521)

DVD Region Code

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for