What's the best Multi-Region Playing DVD Software for Mac?

[maccaneer]

iDVD fascistly prevents me from watching DVDs from any region in the world by limiting the number of times I can set a new region code for the player to 5.

I watch dozens of movies from legally purchased and imported movies from everywhere in the world. My Apex home DVD player lets me watch all of them.

So what software can I get for my laptop that doesn't limit my legal rights and freedom?

I have a new Mac G4 desktop plus a G4 Powerbook I'd like to equip.

Freeware would be nice.

[pants]

first off if you haven't done so, turn off launch dvd player upon dvd isnertion from prefs. then use vlc to view dvd's and i think you'll be fine.

the only other work around i have found that works 80% of the time is too just rip the dvd to the harddrive and then watch it.

[maccaneer]

What is vlc?

[pants]

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/14738

[galactica]

alternatively you can learn/read more about it at the developer site

www.videolan.org

basically its a region free/ multi use media player for OSX
its an essential part of most of our lives

small download and its free!

[temj]

You could patch the firmware of your dvd drive to allow unlimited region switching. Do so at your own discretion as it can render your drive useless.

Info here...
http://www.wormintheapple.gr/macdvd/

I patched my powerbook drive and it works perfectly.

[galactica]

that, while an option, is high risk. VLC is 100% risk free.

but again, the drive patch is an option

[WiseWeasel]

VLC isn't the best DVD playing software out there. I just rip my DVDs region-free and then enjoy them on any player capable of playing that color format (PAL or NTSC). You can't use the DVDBackup app for this, as it requires you to play the DVD with DVD Player first, which makes you switch regions. OSEx seems to be able to do it, though I'm not quite sure how. There is another solution for DVD ripping due Real Soon Now™ that promises to make this a whole lot easier, with no dependency on DVD Player or VLC, and a very simple interface. Stay tuned!

[maccaneer]

OK I've tried a million times but I can't get VLC to play any DVDs.

I have OS 10.2.8. This is what happens when I try to play:


access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
avi: cannot peek()
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
ts_dvbpsi: cannot peek()
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
ts: cannot peek()
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
dtssys: cannot peek()
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
flac: cannot peek()
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)

Or else:

access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
mpgv: cannot peek
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
livedotcom: cannot peek
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
access_file: read failed (Input/output error)
ps: cannot peek()
main: no suitable demux module for `/:///Volumes/WHALE_RIDER/VIDEO_TS/VTS_06_1.VOB'

A) Can anybody tell me what I'm doing wrong?

B) If not, can anybody recommend different All-region-playing DVD software I can download, preferably free?

[WiseWeasel]

There are no other ones. You either have to: a) make your drive region-free by installing RPC1 firmware on it (if available), b) get an external FireWire DVD drive and patch that with RPC1 firmware (region-free), or c) rip those DVDs using MacTheRipper 1.5 (due out soon ), YadeX or OSEx, making them region-free, and burn them to DVD-R (or play them from your hard drive to prolong battery life on trips), and then enjoy on any player you want, including your internal laptop drive (or play them from your hard drive to prolong battery life on trips).