DVD AREA CONVERSION

[newyork2000]

Hi everybody.
I'm very new to this.

I want to buy a DVD-R hardware for my computer, and start copying some of my movies or putting other files on dvd, like my cam-films.
My question is this: Let's suppose I have a region 1 dvd. Is it possible to rip it and then copy it onto another dvd support thus removing the region lock?
I'm looking for this fuction because I live in Europe but I buy most of my dvds in america and I'm forced to watch'em on my computer, while I would like to put the dvd in my standard player.

Thanx
Giuseppe

[hech54]

Most DVD Copying software automatically removes the region code from the DVD without even mentioning it....however depending on where in Europe you are....that may not be the only thing stopping you from watching them on your TV.
Region codes are half of the battle....the other half is the NTSC/PAL color systems.

[jimmalenko]

No need to post the same question twice

What hech54 said re: regions and formats.

[Baldrick]

please don't cross post.

[lordsmurf]

Umm.... both got locked? Fixed.

[newyork2000]

Most DVD Copying software automatically removes the region code from the DVD without even mentioning it....however depending on where in Europe you are....that may not be the only thing stopping you from watching them on your TV.
Region codes are half of the battle....the other half is the NTSC/PAL color systems.

I live in Italy... the heart of Region 2 coding.

As for the color system problem, I was actually wondering whether I could move/copy my Region 1-NTSC dvd on my hard disk and then work it to turn into a Region 2-PAL one, copying the final outcome on a new dvd support.

What DVD copying software is actually the best at removing region code?

Thank you again...
Giuseppe
Roma, Italia

[midnightsun]

I would first try just removing the region code leaving the discs untouched (i.e. NTSC) and testing on a dvd-wr to see if your standalone player+tvset handle the disc just fine. If they do, you have no reason to do a whole format conversion NTSC->PAL, which is rather tricky and also involves changing the menus and all. Converting and reauthoring a whole commercial disc is no easy task!

[hech54]

DVDShrink's "default" settings remove the region code from the disc (along with the copy protection of course).
Removing the Region is the EASIEST thing for copy software to do.
Converting from one color system to another(PAL<>NTSC) is a royal pain in the butt. I would go out and buy a cheap DVD player to watch NTSC on my TV if I were you. Just take your NTSC DVD with you to the store and tell them what you want to do.
They will know exactly what you are talking about.
Do some internet research on your make and model number on your television as well.

[tim6661234]

In my experience in the UK I can play all US DVD's as long as I make sure my dvd player is multi region or has a hack to change the regions. Check out you player in the the lists on the left hand nav bar of this site. In terms of the PAL v NTSC all the players I've had let me output in either, doing the conversion on the fly as I watch. You'll get better quality outputting as NTSC as long as your TV supports it. Check out your DVD players menu and manual, NTSC to PAL is a time consuming conversion.

[newyork2000]

I would first try just removing the region code leaving the discs untouched

How can I operate such a task?
What's the procedure and the software I need to use?

Giuseppe
Roma, Italia

[tim6661234]

Listed above already. DVDShrink. Its very simple to use but if you need help check out the guides to left of this page.

But first I'd check out the your DVD in the DVD Player list to see if there is a region free hack. This may be all you need.